tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.archive2015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Self Employed WriterChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comBloggertag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.layout2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Template: Self Employed Writer<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html b:version='2' class='v2' expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml' xmlns:b='http://www.google.com/2005/gml/b' xmlns:data='http://www.google.com/2005/gml/data' xmlns:expr='http://www.google.com/2005/gml/expr'>
<head>
<b:if cond='data:blog.isMobile'>
<meta content='width=device-width,initial-scale=1.0,minimum-scale=1.0,maximum-scale=1.0' name='viewport'/>
<b:else/>
<meta content='width=1100' name='viewport'/>
</b:if>
<b:include data='blog' name='all-head-content'/>
<title><data:blog.pageTitle/></title>
<b:skin><![CDATA[/*
-----------------------------------------------
Blogger Template Style
Name: Simple
Designer: Josh Peterson
URL: www.noaesthetic.com
----------------------------------------------- */
/* Variable definitions
====================
<Variable name="keycolor" description="Main Color" type="color" default="#66bbdd" value="#ffffff"/>
<Group description="Page Text" selector="body">
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<Group description="Backgrounds" selector=".body-fauxcolumns-outer">
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<Variable name="header.background.color" description="Header Background" type="color" default="transparent" value="#f3f3f3"/>
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<Group description="Links" selector=".main-outer">
<Variable name="link.color" description="Link Color" type="color" default="#2288bb" value="#3c00bb"/>
<Variable name="link.visited.color" description="Visited Color" type="color" default="#888888" value="#5321bb"/>
<Variable name="link.hover.color" description="Hover Color" type="color" default="#33aaff" value="#bb007d"/>
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<Group description="Blog Description" selector=".header .description">
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<Group description="Date Header" selector=".date-header">
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<Variable name="post.footer.background.color" description="Background Color" type="color"
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<Variable name="post.footer.border.color" description="Shadow Color" type="color" default="#eeeeee" value="#eeeeee"/>
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<Variable name="tabs.border.color" description="Tabs Border Color" type="color" default="$(body.rule.color)" value="#dddddd"/>
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<Variable name="body.background" description="Body Background" type="background"
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<Variable name="content.shadow.spread.webkit" description="Content Shadow Spread (WebKit)" type="length" default="5px" value="0"/>
<Variable name="content.shadow.spread.ie" description="Content Shadow Spread (IE)" type="length" default="10px" value="0"/>
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<Variable name="header.border.size" description="Header Border Size" type="length" default="1px" value="1px"/>
<Variable name="header.bottom.border.size" description="Header Bottom Border Size" type="length" default="$(header.border.size)" value="0"/>
<Variable name="header.border.horizontalsize" description="Header Horizontal Border Size" type="length" default="0" value="1px"/>
<Variable name="description.text.size" description="Description Text Size" type="string" default="140%" value="18px"/>
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<Variable name="tabs.bevel.border.width" description="Tabs Bevel Border Width" type="length" default="1px" value="1px"/>
<Variable name="date.header.padding" description="Date Header Padding" type="string" default="inherit" value="0.4em"/>
<Variable name="date.header.letterspacing" description="Date Header Letter Spacing" type="string" default="inherit" value="3px"/>
<Variable name="date.header.margin" description="Date Header Margin" type="string" default="inherit" value="inherit"/>
<Variable name="post.margin.bottom" description="Post Bottom Margin" type="length" default="25px" value="45px"/>
<Variable name="image.border.small.size" description="Image Border Small Size" type="length" default="2px" value="2px"/>
<Variable name="image.border.large.size" description="Image Border Large Size" type="length" default="5px" value="5px"/>
<Variable name="page.width.selector" description="Page Width Selector" type="string" default=".region-inner" value=".region-inner"/>
<Variable name="page.width" description="Page Width" type="string" default="auto" value="auto"/>
<Variable name="main.section.margin" description="Main Section Margin" type="length" default="15px" value="1em"/>
<Variable name="main.padding" description="Main Padding" type="length" default="15px" value="0"/>
<Variable name="main.padding.top" description="Main Padding Top" type="length" default="30px" value="35px"/>
<Variable name="main.padding.bottom" description="Main Padding Bottom" type="length" default="30px" value="65px"/>
<Variable name="paging.background"
color="$(content.background.color)"
description="Background of blog paging area" type="background"
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<Variable name="footer.bevel" description="Bevel border length of footer" type="length" default="0" value="1px"/>
<Variable name="mobile.background.overlay" description="Mobile Background Overlay" type="string"
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<Variable name="mobile.background.size" description="Mobile Background Size" type="string" default="auto" value="auto"/>
<Variable name="mobile.button.color" description="Mobile Button Color" type="color" default="#ffffff" value="#999999"/>
<Variable name="startSide" description="Side where text starts in blog language" type="automatic" default="left" value="left"/>
<Variable name="endSide" description="Side where text ends in blog language" type="automatic" default="right" value="right"/>
*/
/* Content
----------------------------------------------- */
body {
font: $(body.font);
color: $(body.text.color);
background: $(body.background);
padding: 0 $(content.shadow.spread) $(content.shadow.spread) $(content.shadow.spread);
$(body.background.override)
}
html body $(page.width.selector) {
min-width: 0;
max-width: 100%;
width: $(page.width);
}
a:link {
text-decoration:none;
color: $(link.color);
}
a:visited {
text-decoration:none;
color: $(link.visited.color);
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a:hover {
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color: $(link.hover.color);
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.body-fauxcolumn-outer .fauxcolumn-inner {
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.body-fauxcolumn-outer .cap-top {
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z-index: 1;
height: 400px;
width: 100%;
background: $(body.background);
$(body.background.override)
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.body-fauxcolumn-outer .cap-top .cap-left {
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background: transparent $(body.background.gradient.cap) repeat-x scroll top left;
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-webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 $(content.shadow.spread.webkit) rgba(0, 0, 0, .15);
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box-shadow: 0 0 $(content.shadow.spread) rgba(0, 0, 0, .15);
margin-bottom: 1px;
}
.content-inner {
padding: $(content.padding) $(content.padding.horizontal);
}
$(content.background.color.selector) {
background-color: $(content.background.color);
}
/* Header
----------------------------------------------- */
.header-outer {
background: $(header.background.color) $(header.background.gradient) repeat-x scroll 0 -400px;
_background-image: none;
}
.Header h1 {
font: $(header.font);
color: $(header.text.color);
text-shadow: $(header.shadow.offset.left) $(header.shadow.offset.top) $(header.shadow.spread) rgba(0, 0, 0, .2);
}
.Header h1 a {
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}
.Header .description {
font-size: $(description.text.size);
color: $(description.text.color);
}
.header-inner .Header .titlewrapper {
padding: 22px $(header.padding);
}
.header-inner .Header .descriptionwrapper {
padding: 0 $(header.padding);
}
/* Tabs
----------------------------------------------- */
.tabs-inner .section:first-child {
border-top: $(header.bottom.border.size) solid $(tabs.border.color);
}
.tabs-inner .section:first-child ul {
margin-top: -$(header.border.size);
border-top: $(header.border.size) solid $(tabs.border.color);
border-left: $(header.border.horizontalsize) solid $(tabs.border.color);
border-right: $(header.border.horizontalsize) solid $(tabs.border.color);
}
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border-bottom: $(tabs.border.width) solid $(tabs.border.color);
margin-top: $(tabs.margin.top);
margin-left: -$(tabs.margin.side);
margin-right: -$(tabs.margin.side);
}
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padding: .6em 1em;
font: $(tabs.font);
color: $(tabs.text.color);
border-$startSide: $(tabs.border.width) solid $(content.background.color);
border-$endSide: $(tabs.bevel.border.width) solid $(tabs.border.color);
}
.tabs-inner .widget li:first-child a {
border-$startSide: none;
}
.tabs-inner .widget li.selected a, .tabs-inner .widget li a:hover {
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background-color: $(tabs.selected.background.color);
text-decoration: none;
}
/* Columns
----------------------------------------------- */
.main-outer {
border-top: $(main.border.width) solid $(body.rule.color);
}
.fauxcolumn-left-outer .fauxcolumn-inner {
border-right: 1px solid $(body.rule.color);
}
.fauxcolumn-right-outer .fauxcolumn-inner {
border-left: 1px solid $(body.rule.color);
}
/* Headings
----------------------------------------------- */
h2 {
margin: 0 0 1em 0;
font: $(widget.title.font);
color: $(widget.title.text.color);
}
/* Widgets
----------------------------------------------- */
.widget .zippy {
color: $(widget.alternate.text.color);
text-shadow: 2px 2px 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, .1);
}
.widget .popular-posts ul {
list-style: none;
}
/* Posts
----------------------------------------------- */
.date-header span {
background-color: $(date.header.background.color);
color: $(date.header.color);
padding: $(date.header.padding);
letter-spacing: $(date.header.letterspacing);
margin: $(date.header.margin);
}
.main-inner {
padding-top: $(main.padding.top);
padding-bottom: $(main.padding.bottom);
}
.main-inner .column-center-inner {
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.main-inner .column-center-inner .section {
margin: 0 $(main.section.margin);
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.post {
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h3.post-title, .comments h4 {
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margin: .75em 0 0;
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.post-body {
font-size: 110%;
line-height: 1.4;
position: relative;
}
.post-body img, .post-body .tr-caption-container, .Profile img, .Image img,
.BlogList .item-thumbnail img {
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background: $(image.background.color);
border: 1px solid $(image.border.color);
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background: transparent;
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box-shadow: 0 0 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, .1);
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.post-header {
margin: 0 0 1.5em;
line-height: 1.6;
font-size: 90%;
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.post-footer {
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padding: 5px 10px;
color: $(post.footer.text.color);
background-color: $(post.footer.background.color);
border-bottom: 1px solid $(post.footer.border.color);
line-height: 1.6;
font-size: 90%;
}
#comments .comment-author {
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border-top: 1px solid $(body.rule.color);
background-position: 0 1.5em;
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#comments .comment-author:first-child {
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border-top: none;
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.avatar-image-container {
margin: .2em 0 0;
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#comments .avatar-image-container img {
border: 1px solid $(image.border.color);
}
/* Comments
----------------------------------------------- */
.comments .comments-content .icon.blog-author {
background-repeat: no-repeat;
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.comments .comments-content .loadmore a {
border-top: 1px solid $(widget.alternate.text.color);
border-bottom: 1px solid $(widget.alternate.text.color);
}
.comments .comment-thread.inline-thread {
background-color: $(post.footer.background.color);
}
.comments .continue {
border-top: 2px solid $(widget.alternate.text.color);
}
/* Accents
---------------------------------------------- */
.section-columns td.columns-cell {
border-$startSide: 1px solid $(body.rule.color);
}
.blog-pager {
background: $(paging.background);
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.blog-pager-older-link, .home-link,
.blog-pager-newer-link {
background-color: $(content.background.color);
padding: 5px;
}
.footer-outer {
border-top: $(footer.bevel) dashed #bbbbbb;
}
/* Mobile
----------------------------------------------- */
body.mobile {
background-size: $(mobile.background.size);
}
.mobile .body-fauxcolumn-outer {
background: $(mobile.background.overlay);
}
.mobile .body-fauxcolumn-outer .cap-top {
background-size: 100% auto;
}
.mobile .content-outer {
-webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, .15);
box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, .15);
}
body.mobile .AdSense {
margin: 0 -$(content.shadow.spread);
}
.mobile .tabs-inner .widget ul {
margin-left: 0;
margin-right: 0;
}
.mobile .post {
margin: 0;
}
.mobile .main-inner .column-center-inner .section {
margin: 0;
}
.mobile .date-header span {
padding: 0.1em 10px;
margin: 0 -10px;
}
.mobile h3.post-title {
margin: 0;
}
.mobile .blog-pager {
background: transparent none no-repeat scroll top center;
}
.mobile .footer-outer {
border-top: none;
}
.mobile .main-inner, .mobile .footer-inner {
background-color: $(content.background.color);
}
.mobile-index-contents {
color: $(body.text.color);
}
.mobile-link-button {
background-color: $(link.color);
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.mobile-link-button a:link, .mobile-link-button a:visited {
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}
.mobile .tabs-inner .section:first-child {
border-top: none;
}
.mobile .tabs-inner .PageList .widget-content {
background-color: $(tabs.selected.background.color);
color: $(tabs.selected.text.color);
border-top: $(tabs.border.width) solid $(tabs.border.color);
border-bottom: $(tabs.border.width) solid $(tabs.border.color);
}
.mobile .tabs-inner .PageList .widget-content .pagelist-arrow {
border-$startSide: 1px solid $(tabs.border.color);
}
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<b:variable default='310px' name='main.column.right.width' type='length' value='360px'/>
<![CDATA[
body {
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.content-outer, .content-fauxcolumn-outer, .region-inner {
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max-width: $(content.width);
_width: $(content.width);
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.main-inner .columns {
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padding-right: $(main.column.right.width);
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.main-inner .fauxcolumn-center-outer {
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right: $(main.column.right.width);
/* IE6 does not respect left and right together */
_width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth -
parseInt("$(main.column.left.width)") -
parseInt("$(main.column.right.width)") + 'px');
}
.main-inner .fauxcolumn-left-outer {
width: $(main.column.left.width);
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.main-inner .fauxcolumn-right-outer {
width: $(main.column.right.width);
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.main-inner .column-left-outer {
width: $(main.column.left.width);
right: 100%;
margin-left: -$(main.column.left.width);
}
.main-inner .column-right-outer {
width: $(main.column.right.width);
margin-right: -$(main.column.right.width);
}
#layout {
min-width: 0;
}
#layout .content-outer {
min-width: 0;
width: 800px;
}
#layout .region-inner {
min-width: 0;
width: auto;
}
]]>
</b:template-skin>
<b:include data='blog' name='google-analytics'/>
<script src='http://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js' type='text/javascript'> {lang: 'en-US'} </script>
</head>
<body expr:class='"loading" + data:blog.mobileClass'>
<b:section class='navbar' id='navbar' maxwidgets='1' showaddelement='no'>
<b:widget id='Navbar1' locked='true' title='Navbar' type='Navbar'>
<b:includable id='main'><script type="text/javascript">
function setAttributeOnload(object, attribute, val) {
if(window.addEventListener) {
window.addEventListener('load',
function(){ object[attribute] = val; }, false);
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<div id="navbar-iframe-container"></div>
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript">
gapi.load("gapi.iframes:gapi.iframes.style.bubble", function() {
if (gapi.iframes && gapi.iframes.getContext) {
gapi.iframes.getContext().openChild({
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where: document.getElementById("navbar-iframe-container"),
id: "navbar-iframe"
});
}
});
</script><script type="text/javascript">
(function() {
var script = document.createElement('script');
script.type = 'text/javascript';
script.src = '//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/google_top_exp.js';
var head = document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];
if (head) {
head.appendChild(script);
}})();
</script>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "index"'>
<div itemscope='itemscope' itemtype='http://schema.org/Blog' style='display: none;'>
<meta expr:content='data:blog.title' itemprop='name'/>
<b:if cond='data:blog.metaDescription'>
<meta expr:content='data:blog.metaDescription' itemprop='description'/>
</b:if>
</div>
</b:if>
<div class='body-fauxcolumns'>
<div class='fauxcolumn-outer body-fauxcolumn-outer'>
<div class='cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='fauxcolumn-inner'>
</div>
</div>
<div class='cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='content'>
<div class='content-fauxcolumns'>
<div class='fauxcolumn-outer content-fauxcolumn-outer'>
<div class='cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='fauxcolumn-inner'>
</div>
</div>
<div class='cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class='content-outer'>
<div class='content-cap-top cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left content-fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right content-fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='content-inner'>
<header>
<div class='header-outer'>
<div class='header-cap-top cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left header-fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right header-fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='region-inner header-inner'>
<b:section class='header' id='header' maxwidgets='1' showaddelement='no'>
<b:widget id='Header1' locked='true' title='Self Employed Writer (Header)' type='Header'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:useImage'>
<b:if cond='data:imagePlacement == "BEHIND"'>
<!--
Show image as background to text. You can't really calculate the width
reliably in JS because margins are not taken into account by any of
clientWidth, offsetWidth or scrollWidth, so we don't force a minimum
width if the user is using shrink to fit.
This results in a margin-width's worth of pixels being cropped. If the
user is not using shrink to fit then we expand the header.
-->
<b:if cond='data:mobile'>
<div id='header-inner'>
<div class='titlewrapper' style='background: transparent'>
<h1 class='title' style='background: transparent; border-width: 0px'>
<b:include name='title'/>
</h1>
</div>
<b:include name='description'/>
</div>
<b:else/>
<div expr:style='"background-image: url(\"" + data:sourceUrl + "\"); " + "background-position: " + data:backgroundPositionStyleStr + "; " + data:widthStyleStr + "min-height: " + data:height + "_height: " + data:height + "background-repeat: no-repeat; "' id='header-inner'>
<div class='titlewrapper' style='background: transparent'>
<h1 class='title' style='background: transparent; border-width: 0px'>
<b:include name='title'/>
</h1>
</div>
<b:include name='description'/>
</div>
</b:if>
<b:else/>
<!--Show the image only-->
<div id='header-inner'>
<a expr:href='data:blog.homepageUrl' style='display: block'>
<img expr:alt='data:title' expr:height='data:height' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_headerimg"' expr:src='data:sourceUrl' expr:width='data:width' style='display: block'/>
</a>
<!--Show the description-->
<b:if cond='data:imagePlacement == "BEFORE_DESCRIPTION"'>
<b:include name='description'/>
</b:if>
</div>
</b:if>
<b:else/>
<!--No header image -->
<div id='header-inner'>
<div class='titlewrapper'>
<h1 class='title'>
<b:include name='title'/>
</h1>
</div>
<b:include name='description'/>
</div>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='description'>
<div class='descriptionwrapper'>
<p class='description'><span><data:description/></span></p>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='title'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:blog.homepageUrl'>
<data:title/>
<b:else/>
<a expr:href='data:blog.homepageUrl'><data:title/></a>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section>
</div>
</div>
<div class='header-cap-bottom cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
</header>
<div class='tabs-outer'>
<div class='tabs-cap-top cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left tabs-fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right tabs-fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='region-inner tabs-inner'>
<b:section class='tabs' id='crosscol' maxwidgets='1' showaddelement='yes'>
<b:widget id='PageList1' locked='false' title='Pages' type='PageList'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title'><h2><data:title/></h2></b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<b:if cond='data:mobile'>
<select expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_select"'>
<b:loop values='data:links' var='link'>
<b:if cond='data:link.isCurrentPage'>
<option expr:value='data:link.href' selected='selected'><data:link.title/></option>
<b:else/>
<option expr:value='data:link.href'><data:link.title/></option>
</b:if>
</b:loop>
</select>
<span class='pagelist-arrow'>&#9660;</span>
<b:else/>
<ul>
<b:loop values='data:links' var='link'>
<b:if cond='data:link.isCurrentPage'>
<li class='selected'><a expr:href='data:link.href'><data:link.title/></a></li>
<b:else/>
<li><a expr:href='data:link.href'><data:link.title/></a></li>
</b:if>
</b:loop>
</ul>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section>
<b:section class='tabs' id='crosscol-overflow' showaddelement='no'>
<b:widget id='HTML4' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section>
</div>
</div>
<div class='tabs-cap-bottom cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
<div class='main-outer'>
<div class='main-cap-top cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left main-fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right main-fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='region-inner main-inner'>
<div class='columns fauxcolumns'>
<div class='fauxcolumn-outer fauxcolumn-center-outer'>
<div class='cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='fauxcolumn-inner'>
</div>
</div>
<div class='cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
<div class='fauxcolumn-outer fauxcolumn-left-outer'>
<div class='cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='fauxcolumn-inner'>
</div>
</div>
<div class='cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
<div class='fauxcolumn-outer fauxcolumn-right-outer'>
<div class='cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='fauxcolumn-inner'>
</div>
</div>
<div class='cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
<!-- corrects IE6 width calculation -->
<div class='columns-inner'>
<div class='column-center-outer'>
<div class='column-center-inner'>
<b:section class='main' id='main' showaddelement='no'>
<b:widget id='Blog1' locked='true' title='Blog Posts' type='Blog'>
<b:includable id='main' var='top'>
<b:if cond='data:mobile == "false"'>
<!-- posts -->
<div class='blog-posts hfeed'>
<b:include data='top' name='status-message'/>
<data:defaultAdStart/>
<b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'>
<b:if cond='data:post.isDateStart'>
<b:if cond='data:post.isFirstPost == "false"'>
</div></div>
</b:if>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:post.isDateStart'>
<div class="date-outer">
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:post.dateHeader'>
<h2 class='date-header'><span><data:post.dateHeader/></span></h2>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:post.isDateStart'>
<div class="date-posts">
</b:if>
<div class='post-outer'>
<b:include data='post' name='post'/>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "static_page"'>
<b:include data='post' name='comment_picker'/>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "item"'>
<b:include data='post' name='comment_picker'/>
</b:if>
</div>
<b:if cond='data:post.includeAd'>
<b:if cond='data:post.isFirstPost'>
<data:defaultAdEnd/>
<b:else/>
<data:adEnd/>
</b:if>
<div class='inline-ad'>
<data:adCode/>
</div>
<data:adStart/>
</b:if>
</b:loop>
<b:if cond='data:numPosts != 0'>
</div></div>
</b:if>
<data:adEnd/>
</div>
<!-- navigation -->
<b:include name='nextprev'/>
<!-- feed links -->
<b:include name='feedLinks'/>
<b:else/>
<b:include name='mobile-main'/>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:top.showDummy'>
<data:top.dummyBootstrap/>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='backlinkDeleteIcon' var='backlink'>
<span expr:class='"item-control " + data:backlink.adminClass'>
<a expr:href='data:backlink.deleteUrl' expr:title='data:top.deleteBacklinkMsg'>
<img src='//www.blogger.com/img/icon_delete13.gif'/>
</a>
</span>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='backlinks' var='post'>
<a name='links'/><h4><data:post.backlinksLabel/></h4>
<b:if cond='data:post.numBacklinks != 0'>
<dl class='comments-block' id='comments-block'>
<b:loop values='data:post.backlinks' var='backlink'>
<div class='collapsed-backlink backlink-control'>
<dt class='comment-title'>
<span class='backlink-toggle-zippy'> </span>
<a expr:href='data:backlink.url' rel='nofollow'><data:backlink.title/></a>
<b:include data='backlink' name='backlinkDeleteIcon'/>
</dt>
<dd class='comment-body collapseable'>
<data:backlink.snippet/>
</dd>
<dd class='comment-footer collapseable'>
<span class='comment-author'><data:post.authorLabel/> <data:backlink.author/></span>
<span class='comment-timestamp'><data:post.timestampLabel/> <data:backlink.timestamp/></span>
</dd>
</div>
</b:loop>
</dl>
</b:if>
<p class='comment-footer'>
<a class='comment-link' expr:href='data:post.createLinkUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_backlinks-create-link"' target='_blank'><data:post.createLinkLabel/></a>
</p>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='comment-form' var='post'>
<div class='comment-form'>
<a name='comment-form'/>
<b:if cond='data:mobile'>
<h4 id='comment-post-message'>
<a expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_comment-editor-toggle-link"' href='javascript:void(0)'><data:postCommentMsg/></a></h4>
<p><data:blogCommentMessage/></p>
<data:blogTeamBlogMessage/>
<a expr:href='data:post.commentFormIframeSrc' id='comment-editor-src'/>
<iframe allowtransparency='true' class='blogger-iframe-colorize blogger-comment-from-post' frameborder='0' height='410' id='comment-editor' name='comment-editor' src='' style='display: none' width='100%'/>
<b:else/>
<h4 id='comment-post-message'><data:postCommentMsg/></h4>
<p><data:blogCommentMessage/></p>
<data:blogTeamBlogMessage/>
<a expr:href='data:post.commentFormIframeSrc' id='comment-editor-src'/>
<iframe allowtransparency='true' class='blogger-iframe-colorize blogger-comment-from-post' frameborder='0' height='410' id='comment-editor' name='comment-editor' src='' width='100%'/>
</b:if>
<data:post.friendConnectJs/>
<data:post.cmtfpIframe/>
<script type='text/javascript'>
BLOG_CMT_createIframe('<data:post.appRpcRelayPath/>');
</script>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='commentDeleteIcon' var='comment'>
<span expr:class='"item-control " + data:comment.adminClass'>
<b:if cond='data:showCmtPopup'>
<div class='goog-toggle-button'>
<div class='goog-inline-block comment-action-icon'/>
</div>
<b:else/>
<a class='comment-delete' expr:href='data:comment.deleteUrl' expr:title='data:top.deleteCommentMsg'>
<img src='//www.blogger.com/img/icon_delete13.gif'/>
</a>
</b:if>
</span>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='comment_count_picker' var='post'>
<b:if cond='data:post.commentSource == 1'>
<span class='cmt_count_iframe_holder' expr:data-count='data:post.numComments' expr:data-onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick' expr:data-post-url='data:post.url' expr:data-url='data:post.canonicalUrl'>
</span>
<b:else/>
<a class='comment-link' expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'>
<data:post.commentLabelFull/>:
</a>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='comment_picker' var='post'>
<b:if cond='data:post.commentSource == 1'>
<b:include data='post' name='iframe_comments'/>
<b:else/>
<b:if cond='data:post.showThreadedComments'>
<b:include data='post' name='threaded_comments'/>
<b:else/>
<b:include data='post' name='comments'/>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='comments' var='post'>
<div class='comments' id='comments'>
<a name='comments'/>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'>
<h4><data:post.commentLabelFull/>:</h4>
<b:if cond='data:post.commentPagingRequired'>
<span class='paging-control-container'>
<b:if cond='data:post.hasOlderLinks'>
<a expr:class='data:post.oldLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.oldestLinkUrl'><data:post.oldestLinkText/></a>
 
<a expr:class='data:post.oldLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.olderLinkUrl'><data:post.olderLinkText/></a>
 
</b:if>
<data:post.commentRangeText/>
<b:if cond='data:post.hasNewerLinks'>
 
<a expr:class='data:post.newLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.newerLinkUrl'><data:post.newerLinkText/></a>
 
<a expr:class='data:post.newLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.newestLinkUrl'><data:post.newestLinkText/></a>
</b:if>
</span>
</b:if>
<div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_comments-block-wrapper"'>
<dl expr:class='data:post.avatarIndentClass' id='comments-block'>
<b:loop values='data:post.comments' var='comment'>
<dt expr:class='"comment-author " + data:comment.authorClass' expr:id='data:comment.anchorName'>
<b:if cond='data:comment.favicon'>
<img expr:src='data:comment.favicon' height='16px' style='margin-bottom:-2px;' width='16px'/>
</b:if>
<a expr:name='data:comment.anchorName'/>
<b:if cond='data:blog.enabledCommentProfileImages'>
<data:comment.authorAvatarImage/>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:comment.authorUrl'>
<a expr:href='data:comment.authorUrl' rel='nofollow'><data:comment.author/></a>
<b:else/>
<data:comment.author/>
</b:if>
<data:commentPostedByMsg/>
</dt>
<dd class='comment-body' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + data:comment.cmtBodyIdPostfix'>
<b:if cond='data:comment.isDeleted'>
<span class='deleted-comment'><data:comment.body/></span>
<b:else/>
<p>
<data:comment.body/>
</p>
</b:if>
</dd>
<dd class='comment-footer'>
<span class='comment-timestamp'>
<a expr:href='data:comment.url' title='comment permalink'>
<data:comment.timestamp/>
</a>
<b:include data='comment' name='commentDeleteIcon'/>
</span>
</dd>
</b:loop>
</dl>
</div>
<b:if cond='data:post.commentPagingRequired'>
<span class='paging-control-container'>
<a expr:class='data:post.oldLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.oldestLinkUrl'>
<data:post.oldestLinkText/>
</a>
<a expr:class='data:post.oldLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.olderLinkUrl'>
<data:post.olderLinkText/>
</a>
 
<data:post.commentRangeText/>
 
<a expr:class='data:post.newLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.newerLinkUrl'>
<data:post.newerLinkText/>
</a>
<a expr:class='data:post.newLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.newestLinkUrl'>
<data:post.newestLinkText/>
</a>
</span>
</b:if>
<p class='comment-footer'>
<b:if cond='data:post.embedCommentForm'>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowNewComments'>
<b:include data='post' name='comment-form'/>
<b:else/>
<data:post.noNewCommentsText/>
</b:if>
<b:else/>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'>
<a expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'><data:postCommentMsg/></a>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</p>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showCmtPopup'>
<div id='comment-popup'>
<iframe allowtransparency='true' frameborder='0' id='comment-actions' name='comment-actions' scrolling='no'>
</iframe>
</div>
</b:if>
<div id='backlinks-container'>
<div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_backlinks-container"'>
<b:if cond='data:post.showBacklinks'>
<b:include data='post' name='backlinks'/>
</b:if>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='feedLinks'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "item"'> <!-- Blog feed links -->
<b:if cond='data:feedLinks'>
<div class='blog-feeds'>
<b:include data='feedLinks' name='feedLinksBody'/>
</div>
</b:if>
<b:else/> <!--Post feed links -->
<div class='post-feeds'>
<b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'>
<b:if cond='data:post.feedLinks'>
<b:include data='post.feedLinks' name='feedLinksBody'/>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</b:loop>
</div>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='feedLinksBody' var='links'>
<div class='feed-links'>
<data:feedLinksMsg/>
<b:loop values='data:links' var='f'>
<a class='feed-link' expr:href='data:f.url' expr:type='data:f.mimeType' target='_blank'><data:f.name/> (<data:f.feedType/>)</a>
</b:loop>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='iframe_comments' var='post'>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowIframeComments'>
<script expr:src='data:post.iframeCommentSrc' type='text/javascript'/>
<div class='cmt_iframe_holder' expr:data-href='data:post.canonicalUrl' expr:data-viewtype='data:post.viewType'/>
<b:if cond='data:post.embedCommentForm == "false"'>
<a expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'><data:postCommentMsg/></a>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='mobile-index-post' var='post'>
<div class='mobile-date-outer date-outer'>
<b:if cond='data:post.dateHeader'>
<div class='date-header'>
<span><data:post.dateHeader/></span>
</div>
</b:if>
<div class='mobile-post-outer'>
<a expr:href='data:post.url'>
<h3 class='mobile-index-title entry-title' itemprop='name'>
<data:post.title/>
</h3>
<div class='mobile-index-arrow'>&rsaquo;</div>
<div class='mobile-index-contents'>
<b:if cond='data:post.thumbnailUrl'>
<div class='mobile-index-thumbnail'>
<div class='Image'>
<img expr:src='data:post.thumbnailUrl'/>
</div>
</div>
</b:if>
<div class='post-body'>
<b:if cond='data:post.snippet'><data:post.snippet/></b:if>
</div>
</div>
<div style='clear: both;'/>
</a>
<div class='mobile-index-comment'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "static_page"'>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'>
<b:if cond='data:post.numComments != 0'>
<b:include data='post' name='comment_count_picker'/>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='mobile-main' var='top'>
<!-- posts -->
<div class='blog-posts hfeed'>
<b:include data='top' name='status-message'/>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "index"'>
<b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'>
<b:include data='post' name='mobile-index-post'/>
</b:loop>
<b:else/>
<b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'>
<b:include data='post' name='mobile-post'/>
</b:loop>
</b:if>
</div>
<b:include name='mobile-nextprev'/>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='mobile-nextprev'>
<div class='blog-pager' id='blog-pager'>
<b:if cond='data:newerPageUrl'>
<div class='mobile-link-button' id='blog-pager-newer-link'>
<a class='blog-pager-newer-link' expr:href='data:newerPageUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_blog-pager-newer-link"' expr:title='data:newerPageTitle'>&lsaquo;</a>
</div>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:olderPageUrl'>
<div class='mobile-link-button' id='blog-pager-older-link'>
<a class='blog-pager-older-link' expr:href='data:olderPageUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_blog-pager-older-link"' expr:title='data:olderPageTitle'>&rsaquo;</a>
</div>
</b:if>
<div class='mobile-link-button' id='blog-pager-home-link'>
<a class='home-link' expr:href='data:blog.homepageUrl'><data:homeMsg/></a>
</div>
<div class='mobile-desktop-link'>
<a class='home-link' expr:href='data:desktopLinkUrl'><data:desktopLinkMsg/></a>
</div>
</div>
<div class='clear'/>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='mobile-post' var='post'>
<div class='date-outer'>
<b:if cond='data:post.dateHeader'>
<h2 class='date-header'><span><data:post.dateHeader/></span></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='date-posts'>
<div class='post-outer'>
<div class='post hentry uncustomized-post-template' itemscope='itemscope' itemtype='http://schema.org/BlogPosting'>
<b:if cond='data:post.thumbnailUrl'>
<meta expr:content='data:post.thumbnailUrl' itemprop='image_url'/>
</b:if>
<meta expr:content='data:blog.blogId' itemprop='blogId'/>
<meta expr:content='data:post.id' itemprop='postId'/>
<a expr:name='data:post.id'/>
<b:if cond='data:post.title'>
<h3 class='post-title entry-title' itemprop='name'>
<b:if cond='data:post.link'>
<a expr:href='data:post.link'><data:post.title/></a>
<b:else/>
<b:if cond='data:post.url'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url != data:post.url'>
<a expr:href='data:post.url'><data:post.title/></a>
<b:else/>
<data:post.title/>
</b:if>
<b:else/>
<data:post.title/>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</h3>
</b:if>
<div class='post-header'>
<div class='post-header-line-1'/>
</div>
<div class='post-body entry-content' expr:id='"post-body-" + data:post.id' itemprop='articleBody'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "item"'>
<table border='0'>
<tr>
<td><div style='margin-right:5px;'>
<g:plusone expr:href='data:post.url' size='medium'/>
</div>
</td>
<td><div style='padding-top:6px;'>
<script type='text/javascript'>
tweetmeme_style = "compact";
</script>
<script src='http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js' type='text/javascript'/>
</div></td>
<td><div style='margin-right:25px;'>
<script expr:src='"http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1&r=" + data:post.url'/></div>
</td>
<td><div style='margin-right:25px;'>
<div id='fb-root'/><script src='http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1'/><fb:like font='' href='' layout='button_count' send='true' show_faces='false' width='40px'/>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
<div class='addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style '>
<a class='addthis_counter addthis_pill_style'/>
</div>
<script src='http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js' type='text/javascript'/>
<!-- AddThis Button END -->
</td>
</tr>
</table> </b:if><br/>
<data:post.body/>
<div style='clear: both;'/> <!-- clear for photos floats -->
</div>
<div class='post-footer'>
<div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-1'>
<span class='post-author vcard'>
<b:if cond='data:top.showAuthor'>
<b:if cond='data:post.authorProfileUrl'>
<span class='fn' itemprop='author' itemscope='itemscope' itemtype='http://schema.org/Person'>
<meta expr:content='data:post.authorProfileUrl' itemprop='url'/>
<a expr:href='data:post.authorProfileUrl' rel='author' title='author profile'>
<span itemprop='name'><data:post.author/></span>
</a>
</span>
<b:else/>
<span class='fn' itemprop='author' itemscope='itemscope' itemtype='http://schema.org/Person'>
<span itemprop='name'><data:post.author/></span>
</span>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</span>
<span class='post-timestamp'>
<b:if cond='data:top.showTimestamp'>
<data:top.timestampLabel/>
<b:if cond='data:post.url'>
<meta expr:content='data:post.canonicalUrl' itemprop='url'/>
<a class='timestamp-link' expr:href='data:post.url' rel='bookmark' title='permanent link'><abbr class='published' expr:title='data:post.timestampISO8601' itemprop='datePublished'><data:post.timestamp/></abbr></a>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</span>
<span class='post-comment-link'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "item"'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "static_page"'>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'>
<b:include data='post' name='comment_count_picker'/>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</span>
</div>
<div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-2'>
<b:if cond='data:top.showMobileShare'>
<div class='mobile-link-button goog-inline-block' id='mobile-share-button'>
<a href='javascript:void(0);'><data:shareMsg/></a>
</div>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:top.showDummy'>
<div class='goog-inline-block dummy-container'><data:post.dummyTag/></div>
</b:if>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "static_page"'>
<b:include data='post' name='comment_picker'/>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "item"'>
<b:include data='post' name='comment_picker'/>
</b:if>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='nextprev'>
<div class='blog-pager' id='blog-pager'>
<b:if cond='data:newerPageUrl'>
<span id='blog-pager-newer-link'>
<a class='blog-pager-newer-link' expr:href='data:newerPageUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_blog-pager-newer-link"' expr:title='data:newerPageTitle'><data:newerPageTitle/></a>
</span>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:olderPageUrl'>
<span id='blog-pager-older-link'>
<a class='blog-pager-older-link' expr:href='data:olderPageUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_blog-pager-older-link"' expr:title='data:olderPageTitle'><data:olderPageTitle/></a>
</span>
</b:if>
<a class='home-link' expr:href='data:blog.homepageUrl'><data:homeMsg/></a>
<b:if cond='data:mobileLinkUrl'>
<div class='blog-mobile-link'>
<a expr:href='data:mobileLinkUrl'><data:mobileLinkMsg/></a>
</div>
</b:if>
</div>
<div class='clear'/>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='post' var='post'>
<div class='post hentry' itemprop='blogPost' itemscope='itemscope' itemtype='http://schema.org/BlogPosting'>
<b:if cond='data:post.firstImageUrl'>
<meta expr:content='data:post.firstImageUrl' itemprop='image_url'/>
</b:if>
<meta expr:content='data:blog.blogId' itemprop='blogId'/>
<meta expr:content='data:post.id' itemprop='postId'/>
<a expr:name='data:post.id'/>
<b:if cond='data:post.title'>
<h3 class='post-title entry-title' itemprop='name'>
<b:if cond='data:post.link'>
<a expr:href='data:post.link'><data:post.title/></a>
<b:else/>
<b:if cond='data:post.url'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url != data:post.url'>
<a expr:href='data:post.url'><data:post.title/></a>
<b:else/>
<data:post.title/>
</b:if>
<b:else/>
<data:post.title/>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</h3>
</b:if>
<div class='post-header'>
<div class='post-header-line-1'/>
</div>
<b:if cond='data:blog.metaDescription == ""'>
<!-- Then use the post body as the schema.org description,
for good G+/FB snippeting. -->
<div class='post-body entry-content' expr:id='"post-body-" + data:post.id' itemprop='description articleBody'>
<data:post.body/>
<div style='clear: both;'/> <!-- clear for photos floats -->
</div>
<b:else/>
<div class='post-body entry-content' expr:id='"post-body-" + data:post.id' itemprop='articleBody'>
<data:post.body/>
<div style='clear: both;'/> <!-- clear for photos floats -->
</div>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:post.hasJumpLink'>
<div class='jump-link'>
<a expr:href='data:post.url + "#more"' expr:title='data:post.title'><data:post.jumpText/></a>
</div>
</b:if>
<div class='post-footer'>
<div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-1'><span class='post-author vcard'>
<b:if cond='data:top.showAuthor'>
<data:top.authorLabel/>
<b:if cond='data:post.authorProfileUrl'>
<span class='fn' itemprop='author' itemscope='itemscope' itemtype='http://schema.org/Person'>
<meta expr:content='data:post.authorProfileUrl' itemprop='url'/>
<a class='g-profile' expr:href='data:post.authorProfileUrl' rel='author' title='author profile'>
<span itemprop='name'><data:post.author/></span>
</a>
</span>
<b:else/>
<span class='fn' itemprop='author' itemscope='itemscope' itemtype='http://schema.org/Person'>
<span itemprop='name'><data:post.author/></span>
</span>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</span> <span class='post-comment-link'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "item"'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "static_page"'>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'>
<b:include data='post' name='comment_count_picker'/>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</span> <span class='post-icons'>
<!-- email post links -->
<b:if cond='data:post.emailPostUrl'>
<span class='item-action'>
<a expr:href='data:post.emailPostUrl' expr:title='data:top.emailPostMsg'>
<img alt='' class='icon-action' height='13' src='http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_email.gif' width='18'/>
</a>
</span>
</b:if>
<!-- quickedit pencil -->
<b:include data='post' name='postQuickEdit'/>
</span> <span class='post-backlinks post-comment-link'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "item"'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "static_page"'>
<b:if cond='data:post.showBacklinks'>
<a class='comment-link' expr:href='data:post.url + "#links"'><data:top.backlinkLabel/></a>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</span> </div>
<div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-2'/>
<div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-3'/>
<b:if cond='data:post.authorAboutMe'>
<div class='author-profile' itemprop='author' itemscope='itemscope' itemtype='http://schema.org/Person'>
<b:if cond='data:post.authorPhoto.url'>
<img expr:src='data:post.authorPhoto.url' itemprop='image' width='50px'/>
</b:if>
<div>
<a class='g-profile' expr:href='data:post.authorProfileUrl' itemprop='url' rel='author' title='author profile'>
<span itemprop='name'><data:post.author/></span>
</a>
</div>
<span itemprop='description'><data:post.authorAboutMe/></span>
</div>
</b:if>
</div>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='postQuickEdit' var='post'>
<b:if cond='data:post.editUrl'>
<span expr:class='"item-control " + data:post.adminClass'>
<a expr:href='data:post.editUrl' expr:title='data:top.editPostMsg'>
<img alt='' class='icon-action' height='18' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif' width='18'/>
</a>
</span>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='shareButtons' var='post'>
<b:if cond='data:top.showEmailButton'><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-email' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + "&target=email"' expr:title='data:top.emailThisMsg' target='_blank'><span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.emailThisMsg/></span></a></b:if><b:if cond='data:top.showBlogThisButton'><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-blog' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + "&target=blog"' expr:onclick='"window.open(this.href, \"_blank\", \"height=270,width=475\"); return false;"' expr:title='data:top.blogThisMsg' target='_blank'><span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.blogThisMsg/></span></a></b:if><b:if cond='data:top.showTwitterButton'><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-twitter' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + "&target=twitter"' expr:title='data:top.shareToTwitterMsg' target='_blank'><span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.shareToTwitterMsg/></span></a></b:if><b:if cond='data:top.showFacebookButton'><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-facebook' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + "&target=facebook"' expr:onclick='"window.open(this.href, \"_blank\", \"height=430,width=640\"); return false;"' expr:title='data:top.shareToFacebookMsg' target='_blank'><span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.shareToFacebookMsg/></span></a></b:if><b:if cond='data:top.showPinterestButton'><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-pinterest' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + "&target=pinterest"' expr:title='data:top.shareToPinterestMsg' target='_blank'><span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.shareToPinterestMsg/></span></a></b:if><b:if cond='data:top.showDummy'><div class='goog-inline-block dummy-container'><data:post.dummyTag/></div></b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='status-message'>
<b:if cond='data:navMessage'>
<div class='status-msg-wrap'>
<div class='status-msg-body'>
<data:navMessage/>
</div>
<div class='status-msg-border'>
<div class='status-msg-bg'>
<div class='status-msg-hidden'><data:navMessage/></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style='clear: both;'/>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='threaded-comment-form' var='post'>
<div class='comment-form'>
<a name='comment-form'/>
<b:if cond='data:mobile'>
<p><data:blogCommentMessage/></p>
<data:blogTeamBlogMessage/>
<a expr:href='data:post.commentFormIframeSrc' id='comment-editor-src'/>
<iframe allowtransparency='true' class='blogger-iframe-colorize blogger-comment-from-post' frameborder='0' height='410' id='comment-editor' name='comment-editor' src='' style='display: none' width='100%'/>
<b:else/>
<p><data:blogCommentMessage/></p>
<data:blogTeamBlogMessage/>
<a expr:href='data:post.commentFormIframeSrc' id='comment-editor-src'/>
<iframe allowtransparency='true' class='blogger-iframe-colorize blogger-comment-from-post' frameborder='0' height='410' id='comment-editor' name='comment-editor' src='' width='100%'/>
</b:if>
<data:post.friendConnectJs/>
<data:post.cmtfpIframe/>
<script type='text/javascript'>
BLOG_CMT_createIframe('<data:post.appRpcRelayPath/>');
</script>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='threaded_comment_js' var='post'>
<script async='async' expr:src='data:post.commentSrc' type='text/javascript'/>
<script type='text/javascript'>
(function() {
var items = <data:post.commentJso/>;
var msgs = <data:post.commentMsgs/>;
var config = <data:post.commentConfig/>;
// <![CDATA[
var cursor = null;
if (items && items.length > 0) {
cursor = parseInt(items[items.length - 1].timestamp) + 1;
}
var bodyFromEntry = function(entry) {
if (entry.gd$extendedProperty) {
for (var k in entry.gd$extendedProperty) {
if (entry.gd$extendedProperty[k].name == 'blogger.contentRemoved') {
return '<span class="deleted-comment">' + entry.content.$t + '</span>';
}
}
}
return entry.content.$t;
}
var parse = function(data) {
cursor = null;
var comments = [];
if (data && data.feed && data.feed.entry) {
for (var i = 0, entry; entry = data.feed.entry[i]; i++) {
var comment = {};
// comment ID, parsed out of the original id format
var id = /blog-(\d+).post-(\d+)/.exec(entry.id.$t);
comment.id = id ? id[2] : null;
comment.body = bodyFromEntry(entry);
comment.timestamp = Date.parse(entry.published.$t) + '';
if (entry.author && entry.author.constructor === Array) {
var auth = entry.author[0];
if (auth) {
comment.author = {
name: (auth.name ? auth.name.$t : undefined),
profileUrl: (auth.uri ? auth.uri.$t : undefined),
avatarUrl: (auth.gd$image ? auth.gd$image.src : undefined)
};
}
}
if (entry.link) {
if (entry.link[2]) {
comment.link = comment.permalink = entry.link[2].href;
}
if (entry.link[3]) {
var pid = /.*comments\/default\/(\d+)\?.*/.exec(entry.link[3].href);
if (pid && pid[1]) {
comment.parentId = pid[1];
}
}
}
comment.deleteclass = 'item-control blog-admin';
if (entry.gd$extendedProperty) {
for (var k in entry.gd$extendedProperty) {
if (entry.gd$extendedProperty[k].name == 'blogger.itemClass') {
comment.deleteclass += ' ' + entry.gd$extendedProperty[k].value;
} else if (entry.gd$extendedProperty[k].name == 'blogger.displayTime') {
comment.displayTime = entry.gd$extendedProperty[k].value;
}
}
}
comments.push(comment);
}
}
return comments;
};
var paginator = function(callback) {
if (hasMore()) {
var url = config.feed + '?alt=json&v=2&orderby=published&reverse=false&max-results=50';
if (cursor) {
url += '&published-min=' + new Date(cursor).toISOString();
}
window.bloggercomments = function(data) {
var parsed = parse(data);
cursor = parsed.length < 50 ? null
: parseInt(parsed[parsed.length - 1].timestamp) + 1
callback(parsed);
window.bloggercomments = null;
}
url += '&callback=bloggercomments';
var script = document.createElement('script');
script.type = 'text/javascript';
script.src = url;
document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(script);
}
};
var hasMore = function() {
return !!cursor;
};
var getMeta = function(key, comment) {
if ('iswriter' == key) {
var matches = !!comment.author
&& comment.author.name == config.authorName
&& comment.author.profileUrl == config.authorUrl;
return matches ? 'true' : '';
} else if ('deletelink' == key) {
return config.baseUri + '/delete-comment.g?blogID='
+ config.blogId + '&postID=' + comment.id;
} else if ('deleteclass' == key) {
return comment.deleteclass;
}
return '';
};
var replybox = null;
var replyUrlParts = null;
var replyParent = undefined;
var onReply = function(commentId, domId) {
if (replybox == null) {
// lazily cache replybox, and adjust to suit this style:
replybox = document.getElementById('comment-editor');
if (replybox != null) {
replybox.height = '250px';
replybox.style.display = 'block';
replyUrlParts = replybox.src.split('#');
}
}
if (replybox && (commentId !== replyParent)) {
document.getElementById(domId).insertBefore(replybox, null);
replybox.src = replyUrlParts[0]
+ (commentId ? '&parentID=' + commentId : '')
+ '#' + replyUrlParts[1];
replyParent = commentId;
}
};
var hash = (window.location.hash || '#').substring(1);
var startThread, targetComment;
if (/^comment-form_/.test(hash)) {
startThread = hash.substring('comment-form_'.length);
} else if (/^c[0-9]+$/.test(hash)) {
targetComment = hash.substring(1);
}
// Configure commenting API:
var configJso = {
'maxDepth': config.maxThreadDepth
};
var provider = {
'id': config.postId,
'data': items,
'loadNext': paginator,
'hasMore': hasMore,
'getMeta': getMeta,
'onReply': onReply,
'rendered': true,
'initComment': targetComment,
'initReplyThread': startThread,
'config': configJso,
'messages': msgs
};
var render = function() {
if (window.goog && window.goog.comments) {
var holder = document.getElementById('comment-holder');
window.goog.comments.render(holder, provider);
}
};
// render now, or queue to render when library loads:
if (window.goog && window.goog.comments) {
render();
} else {
window.goog = window.goog || {};
window.goog.comments = window.goog.comments || {};
window.goog.comments.loadQueue = window.goog.comments.loadQueue || [];
window.goog.comments.loadQueue.push(render);
}
})();
// ]]>
</script>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='threaded_comments' var='post'>
<div class='comments' id='comments'>
<a name='comments'/>
<h4><data:post.commentLabelFull/>:</h4>
<div class='comments-content'>
<b:if cond='data:post.embedCommentForm'>
<b:include data='post' name='threaded_comment_js'/>
</b:if>
<div id='comment-holder'>
<data:post.commentHtml/>
</div>
</div>
<p class='comment-footer'>
<b:if cond='data:post.allowNewComments'>
<b:include data='post' name='threaded-comment-form'/>
<b:else/>
<data:post.noNewCommentsText/>
</b:if>
</p>
<b:if cond='data:showCmtPopup'>
<div id='comment-popup'>
<iframe allowtransparency='true' frameborder='0' id='comment-actions' name='comment-actions' scrolling='no'>
</iframe>
</div>
</b:if>
<div id='backlinks-container'>
<div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_backlinks-container"'>
<b:if cond='data:post.showBacklinks'>
<b:include data='post' name='backlinks'/>
</b:if>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section>
</div>
</div>
<div class='column-left-outer'>
<div class='column-left-inner'>
<aside>
<macro:include id='main-column-left-sections' name='sections'>
<macro:param default='0' name='num' value='0'/>
<macro:param default='sidebar-left' name='idPrefix'/>
<macro:param default='sidebar' name='class'/>
<macro:param default='true' name='includeBottom'/>
</macro:include>
</aside>
</div>
</div>
<div class='column-right-outer'>
<div class='column-right-inner'>
<aside>
<macro:include id='main-column-right-sections' name='sections'>
<macro:param default='2' name='num' value='2'/>
<macro:param default='sidebar-right' name='idPrefix'/>
<macro:param default='sidebar' name='class'/>
<macro:param default='true' name='includeBottom'/>
</macro:include>
</aside>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style='clear: both'/>
<!-- columns -->
</div>
<!-- main -->
</div>
</div>
<div class='main-cap-bottom cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
<footer>
<div class='footer-outer'>
<div class='footer-cap-top cap-top'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
<div class='fauxborder-left footer-fauxborder-left'>
<div class='fauxborder-right footer-fauxborder-right'/>
<div class='region-inner footer-inner'>
<macro:include id='footer-sections' name='sections'>
<macro:param default='2' name='num'/>
<macro:param default='footer' name='idPrefix'/>
<macro:param default='foot' name='class'/>
<macro:param default='false' name='includeBottom'/>
</macro:include>
<!-- outside of the include in order to lock Attribution widget -->
<b:section class='foot' id='footer-3' showaddelement='no'>
<b:widget id='Attribution1' locked='true' title='' type='Attribution'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:feedbackSurveyLink'>
<div class='mobile-survey-link' style='text-align: center;'>
<data:feedbackSurveyLink/>
</div>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content' style='text-align: center;'>
<b:if cond='data:attribution != ""'>
<data:attribution/>
</b:if>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='HTML6' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section>
</div>
</div>
<div class='footer-cap-bottom cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
</footer>
<!-- content -->
</div>
</div>
<div class='content-cap-bottom cap-bottom'>
<div class='cap-left'/>
<div class='cap-right'/>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<script type='text/javascript'>
window.setTimeout(function() {
document.body.className = document.body.className.replace('loading', '');
}, 10);
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<script>
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// Visit http://www.bloggersentral.com/2012/11/pinterest-pin-it-button-on-image-hover.html for details.
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</body>
<macro:includable id='sections' var='col'>
<macro:if cond='data:col.num == 0'>
<macro:else/>
<b:section mexpr:class='data:col.class' mexpr:id='data:col.idPrefix + "-1"' preferred='yes' showaddelement='yes'/>
<macro:if cond='data:col.num >= 2'>
<table border='0' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' mexpr:class='"section-columns columns-" + data:col.num'>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class='first columns-cell'>
<b:section mexpr:class='data:col.class' mexpr:id='data:col.idPrefix + "-2-1"'/>
</td>
<td class='columns-cell'>
<b:section mexpr:class='data:col.class' mexpr:id='data:col.idPrefix + "-2-2"'/>
</td>
<macro:if cond='data:col.num >= 3'>
<td class='columns-cell'>
<b:section mexpr:class='data:col.class' mexpr:id='data:col.idPrefix + "-2-3"'/>
</td>
</macro:if>
<macro:if cond='data:col.num >= 4'>
<td class='columns-cell'>
<b:section mexpr:class='data:col.class' mexpr:id='data:col.idPrefix + "-2-4"'/>
</td>
</macro:if>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<macro:if cond='data:col.includeBottom'>
<b:section mexpr:class='data:col.class' mexpr:id='data:col.idPrefix + "-3"' showaddelement='no'/>
</macro:if>
</macro:if>
</macro:if>
</macro:includable>
<b:section-contents id='sidebar-right-1'>
<b:widget id='HTML2' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='HTML10' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='CustomSearch1' locked='false' title='Search This Blog' type='CustomSearch'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_form"'>
<span class='cse-status'><data:loadingMsg/></span>
</div>
</div>
<!-- override gsearch.css -->
<style type='text/css'>
#uds-searchControl .gs-result .gs-title,
#uds-searchControl .gs-result .gs-title *,
#uds-searchControl .gsc-results .gsc-trailing-more-results,
#uds-searchControl .gsc-results .gsc-trailing-more-results * {
color:<data:linkColor/>;
}
#uds-searchControl .gs-result .gs-title a:visited,
#uds-searchControl .gs-result .gs-title a:visited * {
color:<data:visitedLinkColor/>;
}
#uds-searchControl .gs-relativePublishedDate,
#uds-searchControl .gs-publishedDate {
color: <data:dateColor/>;
}
#uds-searchControl .gs-result a.gs-visibleUrl,
#uds-searchControl .gs-result .gs-visibleUrl {
color: <data:urlColor/>;
}
#uds-searchControl .gsc-results {
border-color: <data:borderColor/>;
background-color: <data:backgroundColor/>;
}
#uds-searchControl .gsc-tabhActive {
border-color: <data:borderColor/>;
border-top-color: <data:activeBorderColor/>;
background-color: <data:backgroundColor/>;
color: <data:textColor/>;
}
#uds-searchControl .gsc-tabhInactive {
border-color: <data:borderColor/>;
background-color: transparent;
color: <data:linkColor/>;
}
#uds-searchClearResults {
border-color: <data:borderColor/>;
}
#uds-searchClearResults:hover {
border-color: <data:activeBorderColor/>;
}
#uds-searchControl .gsc-cursor-page {
color: <data:linkColor/>;
}
#uds-searchControl .gsc-cursor-current-page {
color: <data:textColor/>;
}
</style>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Profile1' locked='false' title='About Me' type='Profile'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<b:if cond='data:team == "true"'> <!-- team blog profile -->
<ul>
<b:loop values='data:authors' var='i'>
<li><a class='profile-name-link g-profile' expr:href='data:i.userUrl' expr:style='"background-image: url(" + data:i.profileLogo + ");"'><data:i.display-name/></a></li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
<b:else/> <!-- normal blog profile -->
<b:if cond='data:photo.url != ""'>
<a expr:href='data:userUrl'><img class='profile-img' expr:alt='data:photo.alt' expr:height='data:photo.height' expr:src='data:photo.url' expr:width='data:photo.width'/></a>
</b:if>
<dl class='profile-datablock'>
<dt class='profile-data'>
<a class='profile-name-link g-profile' expr:href='data:userUrl' expr:style='"background-image: url(" + data:profileLogo + ");"' rel='author'>
<data:displayname/>
</a>
<b:if cond='data:hasgoogleprofile'>
<br/>
<div class='g-follow' data-annotation='bubble' data-height='20' expr:data-href='data:userUrl'/>
</b:if>
</dt>
<b:if cond='data:showlocation == "true"'>
<dd class='profile-data'><data:location/></dd>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:aboutme != ""'><dd class='profile-textblock'><data:aboutme/></dd></b:if>
</dl>
<a class='profile-link' expr:href='data:userUrl' rel='author'><data:viewProfileMsg/></a>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='HTML12' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='HTML3' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Text3' locked='false' title='' type='Text'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Gadget1' locked='false' title='Keep in Touch' type='Gadget'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:renderingUrl != ""'>
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:gadgetSnippet != ""'>
<data:gadgetSnippet/>
<b:else/>
<div class='widget-content'>
<b:if cond='data:nonSocialFragment != ""'>
<data:nonSocialFragment/>
</b:if>
</div>
</b:if>
<b:else/>
<data:errorMessage/>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='HTML5' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section-contents><b:section-contents id='sidebar-right-2-1'>
<b:widget id='AdSense1' locked='false' title='' type='AdSense'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<div class='widget-content'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.disableAdSenseWidget != "true"'>
<data:adCode/>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='BlogArchive1' locked='false' title='Blog Archive' type='BlogArchive'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title'>
<h2><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<div id='ArchiveList'>
<div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_ArchiveList"'>
<b:if cond='data:style == "HIERARCHY"'>
<b:include data='data' name='interval'/>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:style == "FLAT"'>
<b:include data='data' name='flat'/>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:style == "MENU"'>
<b:include data='data' name='menu'/>
</b:if>
</div>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='flat' var='data'>
<ul class='flat'>
<b:loop values='data:data' var='i'>
<li class='archivedate'>
<a expr:href='data:i.url'><data:i.name/></a> (<data:i.post-count/>)
</li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='interval' var='intervalData'>
<b:loop values='data:intervalData' var='i'>
<ul class='hierarchy'>
<li expr:class='"archivedate " + data:i.expclass'>
<b:include data='i' name='toggle'/>
<a class='post-count-link' expr:href='data:i.url'><data:i.name/></a>
<span class='post-count' dir='ltr'>(<data:i.post-count/>)</span>
<b:if cond='data:i.data'>
<b:include data='i.data' name='interval'/>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:i.posts'>
<b:include data='i.posts' name='posts'/>
</b:if>
</li>
</ul>
</b:loop>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='menu' var='data'>
<select expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_ArchiveMenu"'>
<option value=''><data:title/></option>
<b:loop values='data:data' var='i'>
<option expr:value='data:i.url'><data:i.name/> (<data:i.post-count/>)</option>
</b:loop>
</select>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='posts' var='posts'>
<ul class='posts'>
<b:loop values='data:posts' var='i'>
<li><a expr:href='data:i.url'><data:i.title/></a></li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
</b:includable>
<b:includable id='toggle' var='interval'>
<b:if cond='data:interval.toggleId'>
<b:if cond='data:interval.expclass == "expanded"'>
<a class='toggle' href='javascript:void(0)'>
<span class='zippy toggle-open'>▼ </span>
</a>
<b:else/>
<a class='toggle' href='javascript:void(0)'>
<span class='zippy'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.languageDirection == "rtl"'>
◄ 
<b:else/>
► 
</b:if>
</span>
</a>
</b:if>
</b:if>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Label4' locked='false' title='It's Personal' type='Label'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title'>
<h2><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div expr:class='"widget-content " + data:display + "-label-widget-content"'>
<b:if cond='data:display == "list"'>
<ul>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<li>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
<b:else/>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<span expr:class='"label-size label-size-" + data:label.cssSize'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span class='label-count' dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</span>
</b:loop>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Label5' locked='false' title='It's Past' type='Label'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title'>
<h2><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div expr:class='"widget-content " + data:display + "-label-widget-content"'>
<b:if cond='data:display == "list"'>
<ul>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<li>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
<b:else/>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<span expr:class='"label-size label-size-" + data:label.cssSize'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span class='label-count' dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</span>
</b:loop>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section-contents><b:section-contents id='sidebar-right-2-2'>
<b:widget id='HTML8' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Label2' locked='false' title='Professional Freelancer' type='Label'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title'>
<h2><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div expr:class='"widget-content " + data:display + "-label-widget-content"'>
<b:if cond='data:display == "list"'>
<ul>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<li>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
<b:else/>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<span expr:class='"label-size label-size-" + data:label.cssSize'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span class='label-count' dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</span>
</b:loop>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Label1' locked='false' title='Creative Writing' type='Label'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title'>
<h2><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div expr:class='"widget-content " + data:display + "-label-widget-content"'>
<b:if cond='data:display == "list"'>
<ul>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<li>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
<b:else/>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<span expr:class='"label-size label-size-" + data:label.cssSize'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span class='label-count' dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</span>
</b:loop>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Label3' locked='false' title='Beauty and Wellness' type='Label'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title'>
<h2><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div expr:class='"widget-content " + data:display + "-label-widget-content"'>
<b:if cond='data:display == "list"'>
<ul>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<li>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
<b:else/>
<b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'>
<span expr:class='"label-size label-size-" + data:label.cssSize'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'>
<span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span>
<b:else/>
<a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a>
</b:if>
<b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'>
<span class='label-count' dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span>
</b:if>
</span>
</b:loop>
</b:if>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='LinkList2' locked='false' title='My News Outlets' type='LinkList'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<b:if cond='data:title'><h2><data:title/></h2></b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<ul>
<b:loop values='data:links' var='link'>
<li><a expr:href='data:link.target'><data:link.name/></a></li>
</b:loop>
</ul>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</div>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='Feed1' locked='false' title='PSD Templates' type='Feed'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<h2><data:title/></h2>
<div class='widget-content' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + "_feedItemListDisplay"'>
<span style='filter: alpha(25); opacity: 0.25;'>
<a expr:href='data:feedUrl'><data:loadingMsg/></a>
</span>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
</b:section-contents><b:section-contents id='sidebar-right-3'/><b:section-contents id='footer-1'>
<b:widget id='HTML11' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
</b:if>
<div class='widget-content'>
<data:content/>
</div>
<b:include name='quickedit'/>
</b:includable>
</b:widget>
<b:widget id='HTML1' locked='false' title='Recommended' type='HTML'>
<b:includable id='main'>
<!-- only display title if it's non-empty -->
<b:if cond='data:title != ""'>
<h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2>
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</b:section-contents></html>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_PUBLISHING_MODE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The type of publishing done for this blog.PUBLISH_MODE_HOSTEDChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ADMIN_PERMISSION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The list of administrators' emails for the blog.theokirishchik@gmail.comChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ADULT_CONTENT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether this blog contains adult contentfalseChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ALTERNATE_JSRENDER_ALLOWED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether alternate JS renderings are allowedtrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ANALYTICS_ACCOUNT_NUMBER2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Blog's Google Analytics account numberUA-8338608-10Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ARCHIVE_DATE_FORMAT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The number of the archive index date format9Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ARCHIVE_FREQUENCY2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00How frequently this blog should be archivedMONTHLYChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_AUTHOR_PERMISSION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The list of authors' emails who have permission to publish.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_BACKLINKS_ALLOWED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to show comment backlinks on the blogtrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_BY_POST_ARCHIVING2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to provide an archive page for each posttrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_ACCESS2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Who can commentREGISTEREDChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_CAPTCHA2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to require commenters to complete a CaptchafalseChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_EMAIL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00List of e-mail addresses to send notifications of new comments totheokirishchik@gmail.comChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_FEED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The type of feed to provide for blog commentsFULLChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_FORM_LOCATION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Blog comment form locationEMBEDDED_IFRAMEChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_MESSAGE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Blog comment messageWrite your thoughts. I love to read and reply to them.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_MODERATION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to enable comment moderationENABLEDChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_MODERATION_DELAY2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Number of days after which new comments are subject to moderation14Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_MODERATION_EMAIL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Email address to send notifications of new comments needing moderation toChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_PROFILE_IMAGES2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to show profile images in commentstrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENTS_ALLOWED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to show commentstrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENTS_TIME_STAMP_FORMAT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Comment time stamp format number29Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_CONVERT_LINE_BREAKS2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to convert line breaks into <br /> tags in post editortrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_CUSTOM_PAGE_NOT_FOUND2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The content served when the requested post or page is not found.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_CUSTOM_ROBOTS_TXT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The custom robots.txt content of the blog served to search engines.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_CUSTOM_ROBOTS_TXT_ENABLED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether this blog serves custom robots.txt content to search engines.falseChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_DATE_FORMAT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The number of the date header format26Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_DEFAULT_BACKLINKS_MODE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Default backlinks mode for postsDEFAULT_HAVE_BACKLINKSChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_DEFAULT_COMMENTS_MODE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Default comment mode for postsDEFAULT_HAVE_COMMENTSChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_DESCRIPTION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00A description of the blogChrystal Mahan : Self Employed WriterChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_EMAIL_POST_LINKS2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to show a link for users to e-mail poststrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_FEED_REDIRECT_URL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00URL to redirect post feed requests tohttp://feeds.feedburner.com/TheSelfEmployedWriterChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_FLOAT_ALIGNMENT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether float alignment is enabled for the blogtrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_LOCALE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Language for this blogenChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_M2B_WHITELIST_EMAIL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00List of email addresses that can post to the blog via email.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_MAX_NUM2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Maximum number of things to show on the main page"7Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_MAX_UNIT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Unit of things to show on the main pagePOSTSChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_META_DESCRIPTION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The meta description of the blog served to search engines.The lifestyle blog of a self-employed freelance writer, professional blogger and published author.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_META_DESCRIPTION_ENABLED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether this blog is served with meta descriptions.trueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_NAME2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The name of the blogSelf Employed WriterChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_PER_POST_FEED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The type of feed to provide for per-post commentsFULLChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_POST_FEED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The type of feed to provide for blog postsFULLChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_POST_FEED_FOOTER2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Footer to append to the end of each entry in the post feedChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_POST_TEMPLATE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The template for blog postsChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_PROMOTED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether this blog can be promoted on BloggertrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_QUICK_EDITING2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether Quick Editing is enabledtrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_READ_ACCESS_MODE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The access type for the readers of the blog.PUBLICChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_READER_PERMISSION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The list of emails for users who have permission to read the blog.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_SEARCHABLE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether this blog should be indexed by search enginestrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_SEND_EMAIL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Comma separated list of emails to send new blog posts toblogaholics-anonymous@googlegroups.comChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_SHOW_TITLE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to show the title fieldtrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_SHOW_URL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to show a related link box in the post composerfalseChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_TIME_STAMP_FORMAT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The number of the time stamp format27Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_TIME_ZONE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00The time zone for this blogAmerica/New_YorkChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_USE_LIGHTBOX2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002015-02-17T04:04:14.422-05:00Whether to show images in the Lightbox when clickedtrueChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33973437102663982612015-04-01T17:22:00.000-04:002014-07-31T17:24:29.817-04:00Finding the Right Tax Filing Status <b> Single</b><br /><br />The taxpayer is considered single if they are unmarried or separated from their spouse either through divorce or a legal separation. They are considered single if they were single, divorced, or separated by December 31. If one is a widow(er) whose spouse died before the end of the year is single unless he or she meets the qualifying widow(er) tests.<br />Married Filing Jointly<br /><br />Taxpayers may file jointly if on the last day of the year (or any day before) they are married and living together, married and do not live together but are not legally separated or divorced, they are separated under a divorce decree that is not final, or living together as a common law marriage (only if common law marriage is recognized in the state the taxpayers reside).<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />If one spouse dies before the year’s end, the survivor can still file jointly if the couple met one of the above mentioned situations on the date of the death and the survivor did not remarry the same year.<br /><br />Same-sex couples cannot file a married filing joint return. Same sex couples cannot be considered married for federal tax purposes even if the state in which they reside sanctions such marriages [Mueller (87 AFTR 2d 2001-2052, 7th Cir.20010]. The Defense of Marriage Act (Pub. L.104-199) states that the word “marriage” is a legal union between one man and one woman.<br /><br /><b>Married Filing Separately</b><br /><b><br /></b>Any taxpayers who are married and the end of the year do not have to file jointly. Married persons have the option of filing separate.<br /><br /><u>Reasons to File Separately:</u><br />No joint liability. When a spouse signs their own separate return is responsible for the accuracy of their return along with payment of tax if any is due. A separate filing spouse is not responsible for the reporting and accuracy of the other spouse.<br /><br />Some couples may pay less tax when filing separately. Tax brackets and the standard deduction for MFS is exactly half of those for married filing jointly (MFJ). Spouses who have equal income usually owed the same tax under either status of MFJ or MFS. The only difference in this situation would be if one spouse has medical expenses, casualty losses, or employee business expense that is subject to a percentage limitation based on adjusted gross income (AGI). Basically, anything that goes on Schedule A Itemized Deductions.<br /><br />A couple in this situation could pay less tax if they file separately because these expenses are limited by the AGO of one spouse. If one spouse has a higher income than the other, the couple could pay less tax filing jointly.<br /><br /><u>Standard Deduction</u><br />The married taxpayer who files a separate return may not be allowed to use the standard deduction if the other spouse itemizes. A taxpayer who qualifies as unmarried under the head of household (OH) status rule can claim the standard deduction even if the other spouse itemizes their deductions.<br /><br /><u>Disadvantages of Married Filing Separately</u><br />Lost Credits:<br />Earned Income Credit<br />Credit for the elderly or disabled (unless spouses lived apart the whole year)<br />Child care credit (unless spouses lived apart the last 6 months)<br />Adoption expense credit (unless spouses lived apart the last 6 months)<br />Lost Education Credits:<br />Hope scholarship credit<br />Lifetime learning credit<br />Savings bonds interest exclusion<br />Student loan interest deduction<br />Other Disadvantages:<br />Taxable Social Security – 85% of Social Security benefits are taxable (unless spouses lived apart whole year).<br />Capital Losses – deduction for net capital losses is limited to $1500 per spouse.<br />Sale of Home – exclusion gain is limited $250,000 per spouse<br /><br /><b>Head of Household</b><br /><b><br /></b>A taxpayer must meet ALL of the head of household tests to file with this status. The taxpayer cannot be married (unless they meet the “unmarried” requirements for legal purposes). The taxpayer must have paid more than half the cost of keeping up the home. The home had to have been the main home for more than half the year. Dependents must meet the dependent test requirements.<br /><br /><b>Qualifying Widow(er)</b><br /><b><br /></b>A taxpayer must meet all of the following tests:<br />The tax payers spouse had to have died in this tax year, or the previous. The taxpayer was entitled to file a joint return in the year the spouse died. The taxpayer did not remarry during the tax year of filing. The taxpayer had to pay more than half the cost of keeping up with the home. The taxpayer’s home has to be the main home for over half of the year (and dependents).<br /><br /> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69148965213556844322015-03-17T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-26T12:26:21.759-04:00The History of St. Patricks Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3q2WUqwfDU/VCMf3Bq1y6I/AAAAAAAAUPI/loQTVdhUaTU/s1600/beingirish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3q2WUqwfDU/VCMf3Bq1y6I/AAAAAAAAUPI/loQTVdhUaTU/s1600/beingirish.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div><b>Overview</b><br /><br />Every year on March 17 many worldwide celebrate the wearing of the green for St. Patrick's Day and those that don't get the ill-fated pinch. March 17 honors the death of St. Patrick (387-461 AD) of Ireland. The Irish have observed this day for thousands of years.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>History</b><br /><br />St. Patrick was born in Britain (Maewyn Succat in Banna Venta Berniae, Britain, now known as Wales to be exact) but was taken to Ireland by raiders at the young age of 16 and held captive for six years. During this time he turned to religion and many believed he first started to think about converting the Irish to Christianity at this time. St. Patrick escaped Ireland and went back to Britain. He began to study religion and fifteen years later he returned to Ireland to try to convert Pagans to Christianity, this task he did for thirty years.<br /><br /><b>Significance</b><br /><br />The Irish flag is three stripes, orange, white and green. The orange was significant to Northern Ireland and the Protestants. The green was significant to the Republic of Ireland and the Catholics. And the white stood for hope of peace between them. Green is also the color of the unofficial nationalist Irish flag baring the harp. In the beginning all three colors were worn by the Irish. As time went on and times evolved, green became the dominant color.<br /><br /><b>Misconceptions</b><br /><br />The common myth about St. Patrick is that he banished all the snakes out of Ireland. Ireland did not have at snakes at this time, so this was untrue. Scholars believe the interpretation comes from the pagan serpent.<br /><br /><b>Geography</b><br /><br />St. Patrick's Day started in Ireland, but the first parade was not in Ireland, but rather the United States, in New York City, 1762. Over the years it has spread to Australia, UK, Europe, and Canada. It is an celebrated holiday, but not an official holiday. It is a national holiday in Ireland, a bank holiday in Northern Ireland and a public holiday in The Republic of Ireland.<br /><br /><b>Fun Fact</b><br /><br />In 2007 41.5 Billion pound of Beef and 2.6 Billion pounds of cabbage were sold in honor of St. Patrick's Day, the traditional Irish feast. In Gaelic, St. Patrick's Day is spoken as L 'le Pdraig or L Fhile Pdraig<br /><br /><b>Fun Fact About Me</b><br /><b><br /></b>My family hails from County Claire and County Cork<br /><br /><b>References</b><br /><br />St. Patrick's Day<br /><br /><a href="http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/holidays/st_patricks_day.htm">http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/holidays/st_patricks_day.htm</a><br /><br />History of St. Patrick's Day<br /><br /><a href="http://www.history.com/content/stpatricksday">http://www.history.com/content/stpatricksday</a><br /><br />St. Patrick's Day Facts<br /><br /><a href="http://www.history.com/content/stpatricksday/st.-patrick-s-day-facts">http://www.history.com/content/stpatricksday/st.-patrick-s-day-facts</a><br /><br />Irish Flag<br /><br /><a href="http://www.infoplease.com/spot/irishflag1.html">http://www.infoplease.com/spot/irishflag1.html</a><br /><br />St. Patrick Revealed<br /><br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2213884/">http://www.slate.com/id/2213884/</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16991340577651998612015-02-16T17:57:00.001-05:002015-02-16T17:57:22.993-05:00yesRebrand or RetireI've considered rebranding for this website multiple times and things just never worked out. I don't really know how to rebrand the title Self Employed Writer.<br /><br />This blogspot address (the one you can't see) has been here for many years. The original1irishchik.blogspot.com started in 2006 as a place for me to come and vent my frustrations about the rules over on Yahoo!360 (they would delete people without reason or warning) and the lack of tools on MySpace blogs. This later became my dumping ground for those sites when they finally shut down.<br /><a name='more'></a>If you dig around enough you'll see every topic under the sun here. This website was an actual blog, talking about my day-to-day life.<br /><br />OkIrishChik was my username on pretty much every social site back then. My first MySpace was hacked so I had to create another, which was named Original Irish Chik, so that is where the blogspot address came from.<br /><br />By 2009 I was freelance writing and I realized I needed a brandable website and an online portfolio. While all my friends were buying domains that had "work from home" or "work at home" in them, I decided to brand myself as a writer. So, Self Employed Writer was born.<br /><br />After some time I decided to change my blogspot address to match the domain.<br /><br />And, it worked. It gave me a place to talk about self-publishing, starting a blog/website, freelance writing and writing for online publications.<br /><br />While my friends started to monetize their websites, I kept plugging along on my freelance writing.<br /><br />I never took this site for anything more than what it was - a place for me to talk about writing.<br /><br />Other subjects appeared as I slowly starting to see that one could make money blogging, but the name really didn't fit with any blog niche I was getting products and payments in. Other blogs were born, but I never used them.<br /><br />Now that I have YUMeating and have finally settled on Nevermore Lane after dumping Everyday Living with Chrys (using the domain, chrystalmahan.com; which is one that has gone through it's own brandings) & Work at Home Living (wahliving.com) and my semi popular More to Life than Chocolate (one I still kick myself for not renewing) I feel like I have come to a standstill with SEW.<br /><br />I don't think there is another rebranding idea out there that I can make work.<br /><br />It's been hard for me to let go of this website. There is so much here. It's been moved, deleted, reposted so many times over the years I've lost count.<br /><br />But, I think it's time for me to let it go.<br /><br />The older posts will be hard. Saying goodbye to friends that have passed away through those years all over again as I delete them, one-by-one. Other posts are going into my book. I have a story to tell and I think it's time for me to finish it up and write the ending chapter so that I can start a new one.<br /><br />As for the other stuff, well, I guess if I feel it's worthy enough maybe I'll dust it off and rewrite it for my other site.<br /><br />The sexual abuse survivor, mental health and depression stuff - I do think that needs a home. I get messages all the time about people who have found my words. I think my poetry needs a home too.<br /><br />Maybe I'll just put together another book of poetry.<br /><br />Oh, its so hard to decide.<br /><br />I'll be 40 in a few months. I think it's ok to let my 30s go.<br /><br />I don't know when I'll shut Self Employed Writer down. I'm not in too much of a hurry. It's up for renewal, but I have a few months. I hate to say goodbye to SEW, but the name just doesn't really seem to fit me anymore. Sure, I still write and technically I am self employed, but I am not doing much of the writing I used to do.<br /><br />I've grown as a writer. Grown as a person. I just don't know if this site really is 'me' anymore.<br /><br />Maybe it's time to practice the art of letting go and retire Self Employed Writer.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68718074404869440752015-02-08T18:25:00.002-05:002015-02-08T18:25:15.613-05:00yesIt Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27458507956311212562015-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:002015-01-27T09:00:03.789-05:0048 Creative Ideas for Valentine's Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xxNCj31Iaw/VMUsDsFaleI/AAAAAAAAWtw/3Mc7YCJXKOY/s1600/40%2Bcreative%2Bideas%2Bfor%2Bvalentines%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xxNCj31Iaw/VMUsDsFaleI/AAAAAAAAWtw/3Mc7YCJXKOY/s1600/40%2Bcreative%2Bideas%2Bfor%2Bvalentines%2Bday.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br />As a writer sometimes I get plagued with writer's block. Most writers hate it. I don't blame them. Sometimes I don't mind it because that is just my brains way of screaming, "I need a break!" I'll go read or find something else to do. In time, my thoughts come back without much of a fight.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it might be a challenge for some folks to sit down and compose a post. Perhaps you are single and the big day just makes you want to spew vomit. Perhaps you are similar to me and feel that you should be shown love all the time, not just once a year. Or, perhaps it's a bit too Hallmarky these days for you.<br /><br />Whatever the problem (or not,) sometimes it is just hard to come up with a topic for Valentine's Day without sounding so mushy gushy that you push readers away instead of bringing them around.<br /><br />If you are writing about food - well, people will come anyway. ;)<br /><br />Here are <a href="http://yumeating.com/5-skinny-valentines-day-recipes/" target="_blank">5 Skinny Valentine's Day Recipe</a>s that your readers (or your Valentine) is sure to love.<br /><br />Along with that I have <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/25-valentine-s-day-healthy-food-alternatives-to-chocolate" target="_blank">25 Valentine's Day healthy food alternatives to chocolate</a>.<br /><br />If you are not writing about food or in need of creating something homemade for your Valentine, here are <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/valentine-s-day-creative-writing-prompts-bring-love-forward" target="_blank">10 Valentine's Day Creative writing prompts; bring love forward</a>. These are great for a blog post or a homemade card for someone special.<br /><br />How about 8 more <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/valentine-s-day-writing-prompts" target="_blank">Valentine's Day writing prompts</a> to help you out?<br /><br />I hope as you make your way through the links (all my content, by the way) that you will find something useful to use this year!<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59315158725428406722015-01-20T16:28:00.001-05:002015-01-20T16:28:16.135-05:00A Thing of Beauty by Lisa Samson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1llIaC503o/VL7B3ArAkrI/AAAAAAAAWpY/wjzjYwoIyzY/s1600/_240_360_Book.1453.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1llIaC503o/VL7B3ArAkrI/AAAAAAAAWpY/wjzjYwoIyzY/s1600/_240_360_Book.1453.cover.jpg" height="640" width="417" /></a></div><br />I am on a roll with reading lately. Whoo hooo look at me ok. Sorry, sorry. I just can't contain my excitement. "<a href="http://bit.ly/athingofbeauty" target="_blank">A Thing of Beauty</a>" by Lisa Samson spoke to me when it came time for me to decide which book to review next. I was just coming down from finishing "The Accident" by Chris Pavone and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2015/01/the-accident-by-chris-pavone.html" target="_blank">writing up that review.</a> <br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I was so happy that I found a book that I was really enjoying and when it ended I felt a little sad. Then I remembered I had "A Thing of Beauty." This story attracted my attention because as I was reading the description I became intrigued by the story of a former child star who left the movie business with the hopes of building a simple life for herself.<br /><br />In the 10 years that passed, Fiona Hume collected a lot of junk, which she stores in her home. Almost broke and in need of some money, she brings in a boarder.<br /><br />What she didn't expect was a friend, a rekindling romance, and the presence of her father over the course of the next few months.<br /><br />The story is a bit heartbreaking. This child actor turned adult, alone and almost broke. Battling the past as it continues to haunt her future.<br /><br />There was a part of me that visioned Fiona to be somewhat like Amanda Bynes. Their stories similar, but not.<br /><br />I started reading this story the other morning and I couldn't get away. I kept reading as if my life depended on it. 4 hours later I came up for air.<br /><br />I simply adored this story.<br /><br />If you are looking for a feel good story to show you that their is still a lot of good in this world, that broken hearts can mend, that relationships can still flourish and that you can always turn your life around, than "<a href="http://bit.ly/athingofbeauty" target="_blank">A Thing of Beauty</a>" is for you.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure: </b>I received this book for free from a book review company in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6584356360548466962015-01-20T16:17:00.003-05:002015-01-20T16:17:53.758-05:00The Accident by Chris Pavone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEAPv-3AVr8/VL7DAUO2yBI/AAAAAAAAWpk/BZ7tLmnIcU8/s1600/The-Accident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEAPv-3AVr8/VL7DAUO2yBI/AAAAAAAAWpk/BZ7tLmnIcU8/s1600/The-Accident.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"<a href="http://bit.ly/theaccidentchrispavone" target="_blank">The Accident</a>" by Chris Pavone is sure to be a movie blockbuster. It didn't take me long to realize that this book MUST be made into a movie. It just has to. I need to see this story take shape in real life. Plus, it will just be a bad ass movie.</div><a name='more'></a>Sometimes books take me a while to get in to. Rarely does a book captivate me on the very first page.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"The Accident" did. I'm thankful that the publishing house dropped in my lap thinking I might like to read it. Like isn't strong enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This movie was centered around the publishing houses in New York City. No wonder I was hooked, right? Well, it also includes lawyers and the folks from the CIA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's one of those stories where they keep you guessing, you think you know, and then they completely change the game while you are still standing there scratching your head wondering where you went wrong. So, you flip back a few pages thinking you missed something. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Nope. </b>They just change the game for you. You blinked, that's all you did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you read "Gone Girl" or see the movie? Ok. The ending is like that. Only not. Meaning, the ending isn't going to be what you expect either. And, it will either make you think the author is stupid and the book sucked, or its going to piss you off because you DO get it, but you still hate it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, there is the option that you just feel like that didn't clear things up at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm gonna go with a guess and say that perhaps this book is going to be part of a series. Maybe. I am not really familiar with Chris's work so I don't know if that is how he operates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But let me tell you, I picked this book up before bed and read a few chapters. I was hooked on the first page but just couldn't read any more. I couldn't stop thinking about it. The next day I pushed off writing and editing to finish this book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully, I read somewhat quick. Once I was done, I was just sitting there in awe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>It's just that good. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Isabel Reed is the best literary agent in NYC. When an anonymous manuscript lands on her desk giving all the dirty secrets of some of the worlds most powerful people, Reed figures out quickly that she should run and hide. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Page after page... you'll realize just how much certain people are at risk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just can't tell you enough how good "<a href="http://bit.ly/theaccidentchrispavone" target="_blank">The Accident</a>" by Chris Pavone was. I do hope that you'll add this to your reading list and give it a chance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Disclosure: </b>The publishing house sent me the book for free to review as part of their review program. I was not required to even write a review. But, here I am. 100% all me. </div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49966592402975557432015-01-15T11:02:00.000-05:002015-01-15T11:49:07.604-05:00The Importance of Writer Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stx5-jjjDbo/VLfkCiJRYZI/AAAAAAAAWjM/Pa6P8Orrz_I/s1600/writer%2Bresolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stx5-jjjDbo/VLfkCiJRYZI/AAAAAAAAWjM/Pa6P8Orrz_I/s1600/writer%2Bresolutions.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Earlier in the year I had decided I would not do resolutions. I haven't done any for the last few years and I didn't see a reason to start up again. Then, I started to see a lot of folks doing something a little different by picking their word for the year. While I did not officially choose one, it would seem that this year is all about Wellness. So, if I were to pick a word, it would be that.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/12/the-100-real-face-of-depression.html" target="_blank">I fell down</a> and I fell hard. It took me hitting rock bottom to dig myself out and see that <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/12/collecting-myself.html" target="_blank">sometimes I just need help</a>. While there are people out there who are strong and can face life challenges head on, I am not one of them. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/12/finding-beauty-in-me.html" target="_blank">I have to come to terms with that</a>.<br /><br />The last month has been a battle. But I am surviving. That I know. I am and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">always will be a survivor.</a><br /><br />During this time, I had also thought about the direction for this blog because for some reason I felt like it needed a direction. I started Self Employed Writer as a place to talk about my freelance writing career. I used it to talk about the various places I freelance as well as discussed my self-publishing path. If someone were to dig deep enough they might be able to figure out my pen name. But, the truth is, I don't really care. I picked a pen name because the genre I write in, my name was not marketable. I tried. So I leave my name for the poetry and non-fiction goodies. Or the fiction that doesn't fit with the pen name.<br /><br />Over the years this site also became the place I merged all my old sites from Yahoo!360 to the old MySpace. There is quite a bit of personal mumbo jumbo here. But, that is what blogging is all about, isn't it? Write what you want and the rest will follow? Sort of like, if you build it, they will come.<br /><br />In the last few years I tried tossing around a few topics to add here; things like <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Beauty" target="_blank">beauty</a>, travel and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/style" target="_blank">fashion</a>. Fashion and beauty aren't really my things and travel seemed best suited for <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating </a>since I always eat out when I travel.<br /><br />I just kept thinking that this site needed something. Anything. I just didn't know what it was. Did I need a new name? I blog. I write. I am self-employed. Sure, it made sense to me, but did it make sense to anyone else? Should I go back to the WAH website I had? Should I buy a new domain with blogging or blog in the title and rebrand?<br /><br />Then, I came across an article from the SITS Girls website called "<a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/inspiration/writing-resolutions/" target="_blank">Writing Resolution for the New Year and Beyond.</a>" by Roxanne Piskel. There was so much in this article that grabbed my attention. While I had no intention of writing resolutions, after reading this, I felt I should write out a few for this site and my career because it just seemed to be perfect.<br /><br />First, Roxanne made the resolution that she would call herself a writer. So, here is mine:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko0vpdWEQjc/VLfVf400OlI/AAAAAAAAWi8/yhuxHYdLuSk/s1600/10689850_10155032277470201_406843683786998007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko0vpdWEQjc/VLfVf400OlI/AAAAAAAAWi8/yhuxHYdLuSk/s1600/10689850_10155032277470201_406843683786998007_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />1. <b>From here on out I WILL call myself a writer.</b> I can say I am a professional blogger or let people know I blog, but first and foremost I am a writer. "A writer is someone who lives for the art of writing." (Piskel) And that is me to a T. I am published. It might be self-published, but it is still published and I still make money from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chrystal-Mahan/e/B0081950W0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1421336634&sr=8-1" target="_blank">those titles - my name</a> and pen name.<br /><br />Second, Roxanne made the resolution that she will stop thinking about her writing and blogging as two separate things.<br /><br />2. <b>From here on out blogging IS writing.</b> "Not all writing is blogging, but all blogging is writing." (Piskel) Amen.<br /><br />Third, Roxanne made the resolution that she was going to stop being hard on herself.<br /><br />3. <b>From here on out I will WORK ON being kinder to myself.</b> I am my own worst enemy. If I have a day where a blog doesn't get published, a day where I don't work on my next piece to be published, or a day where I don't even take time to journal - I become a critic. I need to stop doing that.<br /><br />Fourth, Roxanne said she would read more.<br /><br />4. <b>From here on out I will take time for myself and read.</b> I used to read a lot. And by a lot I mean come home after work and sit down with a book. I would read for hours. I didn't watch television. Then, a few years ago I decided to go back to school to turn my AA into a BA and the go for an MBA. The only reading I had time for was textbooks. No fun. I have been done with school since June 2013. I spent 2014 trying to read, but most of my reading was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Book%20Review" target="_blank">for book reviews</a>. This year, not only will I continue on my book review path, I would also like to spend more time reading for myself. I set the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/3082-2015-reading-challenge" target="_blank">Good Reads challenge</a> at 50 books this year.<br /><br />Reading is the best form of learning for a writer.<br /><br />And lastly, Roxanne made the resolution to be more active in writing communities.<br /><br />5.<b> I WILL join forces with other writers.</b> Again. I used to be very active in writing communities. But, I found I was spending more time there chatting away about the ins and outs of writing and not enough time on my 'work' writing. So, this writing resolution is two-part. <b>I WILL find balance between writing and the social writing communities. </b><br /><br />So there you have it readers and writers.<br /><br />At this point I have no intention of changing the name of this site. I do have a few ideas for a new header and switching up my "About Me" over there in the sidebar.<br /><br /><b>What is the most important resolution you made this year?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30893874716055666642015-01-05T18:07:00.000-05:002015-01-05T18:07:00.069-05:00What Is Considered Taxable Income?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRrVKRB7hGI/VGJ1N4HC0kI/AAAAAAAAVb0/N48t1FxH0J0/s1600/taxable%2Bincome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRrVKRB7hGI/VGJ1N4HC0kI/AAAAAAAAVb0/N48t1FxH0J0/s320/taxable%2Bincome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Happy New Year!<br /><br />Time to get serious about those tax rules and get your taxes in order.<br /><br /><br />Sometimes it can be confusing trying to determine what types of income are taxable and what would be considered nontaxable income. In Part 1 we discuss Canceled debt, sick pay and disability, welfare and public assistance, life insurance proceeds, gambling winnings, prizes & awards, and employer payments. If you need help keeping track of your income and expenses, there are many programs available to you; many are low cost and free.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>Bartering</b><br />If you received the fair market value of property or services that were obtained as a result of barter, that income is taxable. This money is generally reported on a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/home-office-expenses-and-schedule-c_16.html">Schedule C: Profit and Loss from a Business.</a><br /><br />It is not reported on a Schedule C unless the income given to the taxpayer through the barter would legally need to be reported on another schedule.<br /><br />Free or reduced rent for the taxpayer in return for taking care of an individual , or as a perk to being an apartment/building manager as part of the employment is nontaxable income.<br /><br /><b>Foster care payments</b><br />If all foster care payments are taxable if the care is not done in the taxpayer's main home. Foster care payments are taxable if the taxpayer provides care for more than five individuals that are age 19 or older. The income is also taxable if the taxpayer provides care for more than 10 younger individuals. Foster care payments are nontaxable income if the taxpayer receives payment from a state, political subdivision, or qualified foster care placement agency, so long as the taxpayer does not care for more than five persons over the age of 19, or 10 younger persona.<br /><br /><b>Recoveries</b><br />If the taxpayer received an amount that was deducted in a previous year and the taxpayer received a benefit from the deduction, its taxable income. Examples include insurance reimbursement of medical expense, real estate tax refunds, and refunds of overpaid mortgages. If the amount is returned in the same year it is paid, the itemized deduction is reduced by the reimbursement and therefore nontaxable income.<br /><br /><b>Child support</b><br />For income tax purposes, <a href="http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/child-support-taxes-30263.html" target="_blank">child support is not considered taxable income</a>. Even though there is a place for the child support payer to report what they pay and for the receiver to report what they get, neither get any tax credits, pay tax due, or get a benefit for it. It is a personal responsibility. Child support can be used for income purposes when trying to obtain credit cards or loans.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51463535635447726292015-01-01T18:33:00.000-05:002015-01-01T18:33:39.621-05:00yesReflections on 2014 <div><div style="text-align: center;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/02/reflections-of-2006.html">of 2006</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/reflections-on-2007.html">of 2007</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/12/reflections-2008.html">of 2008</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/12/reflections-2009.html">of 2009</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reflections of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/reflections-of-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reflections of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/reflections-of-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I guess I decided 2012 and 2013 were not worth reflecting on. *shrugs* So, I am kinda late to the whole reflection on 2014 game. But, I never really was a rule follower to begin with ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see, for many years I have been doing this reflection thingy. It was a tradition I started with my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/beautiful%20Elonna" target="_blank">BFF Elonna</a>. I continue the process in her honor. She lost her battle with cancer in 2007, shortly after I had moved from OK to MI. I feel so awful at times for leaving her behind when she needed me most. It doesn't matter that she told me multiple times I needed to go. <a name='more'></a></div><div><br /></div><b>1) Was 2014 a good year for you?</b><br /><br />No, it really wasn't. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/05/closing-this-chapter-in-life.html" target="_blank">My father passed away</a> and that has been really hard for me to come to terms with. One would think that would be the final chapter with my abuse issues, but instead it seems like it opened the floodgates. I also found out that <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Your%20Story%20Told" target="_blank">quite a few people weren't who I had thought they were</a> which resulted in a close friend who had lied to me for 8 or so years. And while that was hurtful, I am also trying to come to terms with that and move forward. <br /><br /><b>2) What was your favorite moment of the year?</b><br /><br />My favorite moment of the year was when my husband graduated with his associates in Respiratory Therapy. He worked very hard for 2 years to move up from a tech to a full fledged therapist. It was a good investment on his future as it pretty much doubled his hourly wage.<br /><br />If I would have done this last year, my favorite moment of 2013 would have been when I graduated from grad school with my masters. ;)<br /><br /><br /><b>3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?</b><br /><br />Not too long ago I made a good-bye video. I kept it on my phone just in case I could not do life any longer. Someone would find it and understand what was going on. Nothing happened, I am still here. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/12/the-100-real-face-of-depression.html" target="_blank">Instead I posted that video online </a>and have been making baby steps to get better. Posting that was extremely hard.<br /><br /><b>4) Where were you when 2014 began?</b><br /><br />My husband and I were out to a fancy New Years Eve party. We got all dressed up and everything.<br /><br /><br /><b>5) Who were you with?</b><br /><br />My husband. Didn't they already ask me that?<br /><br /><b>6) Where will you be when 2014 ends?</b><br /><br />The husband I went out to eat and then we came home. To a big giant mess. Casey and Tink had somehow managed to get a cabinet door open. Guess what they ate? Half a bag of my fancy organic baking sugar. Doh. So, go to bed. Up few hours later to take Casey out. In. Out. Up pretty much through the night. Finally fall asleep. About 6am Tink barfs up one of Ziggys furry play toys (small yarn ball) Lawd have mercy. So, happy new year to me! How was yours?<br /><br /><b>7) Who will you be with when 2014 ends?</b><br /><br />See #6<br /><br /><br /><b>8) Did you keep your new year’s resolution of 2014?</b><br /><br />I didn’t make any. I know I won’t keep them, so I didn't bother.<br /><br /><br /><b>9) Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2014?</b><br /><br />I don't really want to make any, but if I had to pick I would really like to just keeping these small changes that I have been making these last few days. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/12/collecting-myself.html" target="_blank">Now that I am back on my meds</a> I know that soon things will come into focus better for me. I have been trying to watch what I am eating, getting back on the treadmill and just moving forward.<br /><br /><b>10) Did you fall in love in 2014?</b><br /><br />Married.<br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>11) If yes, with whom?</b><br /><br />The husband.<br /><br />Ok, if you have read this far I must tell you - this is an old MySpace bulletin. So, some of these questions just seem pointless these days.<br /><br /><b>12) If yes, do they know?</b><br /><br />He did sign the marriage license. LOL <--- 2011.="" am="" answer="" i="" in="" it.="" keeping="" p="" the="" this="" was=""><br /><br /><b>13) Are you still in love with them?</b><br /><br />I will always have love for him.<br /><br /><br /><b>14) Do you regret it?</b><br /><br />Every time we fight.<br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>15) Did you break up with anyone in 2014?</b><br /><br />Actually yes. I had a huge ordeal surrounding the death of my father. There were a few toxic people I just had to let go of.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>16) Did you make any new friends in 2014?</b><br /><br />In real life? Not really.<br /><br />Online? Yes! I have lots of new blogging and writing buddies!<br /><br /><br /><b>17) Who are your favorite new friends?</b><br /><br />I can't pick a favorite.<br /><br /><br /><b>18) What was your favorite month of 2014?</b><br /><br />Didn’t have one.<br /><br /><b>19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2014?</b><br /><br />No :( <a href="http://yumeating.com/yum-taking-vacation/" target="_blank">But I did in 2013! </a><br /><br /><br /><b>20) How many different places did you travel to in 2014?</b><br /><br />I know I went somewhere. Why is it I can't remember where I went? I know we went to the lake. But we didn't really get to take a small getaway trip like we usually do.<br /><br /><b>21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2014?</b><br /><b><br /></b>Friendships. I wouldn't say my dad and I were close.<br /><br /><b>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?</b><br /><br />I miss all of my friends back home in Oklahoma.<br /><br /><b>23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2014?</b><br /><b><br /></b>Oh gosh, we saw so many that I really enjoyed. I thought Big Here 6 was pretty awesome. Guardians of the Galaxy was so much fun. It's so hard to decide.<br /><br /><b>24) What was your favorite song from 2014?</b><br /><br />Shinedown. All of them. I listen to them - old and new(ish)<br /><br /><b>25) What was your favorite album from 2014?</b><br /><br />U2. Yeah. You know, that free one all Apple users got? LOL<br /><br /><b>26) How many concerts did you see in 2014?</b><br /><br />I don't think we went to any this year. How sad.<br /><br /><b>27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2014?</b><br /><br />Oh, wait. We went to the Great Lakes Celtic Gathering at the end of summer and that was a lot of fun. Tons of Irish bands.<br /><br /><b>28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2014?</b><br /><br />Guinness. Wine. Bloody Mary. Here and there.<br /><br /><b>29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2014?</b><br /><br />Apparently not enough since I went "crazy" a few days ago.<br /><br /><b>30) How many people did you sleep with in 2014?</b><br /><br />None. He snores. We don’t sleep in the same room. ;) Pretty sad, eh?<br /><br /><b>31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?</b><br /><br />Gaining so much weight.<br /><br /><b>32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2014?</b><br /><br />That I don’t love him anymore.<br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2011?<br /><br />That they don’t lie.<br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2011?<br />Not that I am aware.<br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2011?<br />Someone all the time.<br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2011?<br />You have to have money to spend it.<br /><br />What happened to 37??<br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2011?<br /><br />Don’t really have a moment.<br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2011 and change it, what would it be?<br /><br /><br /><br />I would have waited even longer to get married.<br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2012?<br />Drop weight.<br /><br />Make back stronger.<br /><br />Avoid back surgery.<br /><br />Avoid weight loss surgery.<br /><br />Sell more books.<br /><br />Finish my memoir.<br /><br />Go to OK to see my friends.<br /><br /><br /><br />41) What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?<br />Saw Jeremy Camp live.<br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?<br />Close to me? No. But a few people I know did.<br /><br /><br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?<br />More time to write.<br />44) What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br /><br /><br /><br />November 7 - the day I got married and decided to change my name.<br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br />Graduating college with my BA and starting my MBA.<br /><br />Publishing 2 books.<br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?<br />Still not being able to control my panic attacks, nightmares, depression, anxiety, anger, and PSTD.<br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought?<br /><br />No big purchases this year.<br /><br />48) Whose behavior merited celebration?<br /><br />N/A<br /><br />49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br />His mom. She seriously stresses me out.<br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br />Graduation<br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder? sadder<br />ii. thinner or fatter? fatter<br /><br />iii. richer or poorer? richer in education, poorer money wise<br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?<br />Exercised<br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?<br />Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think, and letting my mother-in-law and his ex get to me.<br />54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br />I wanted to spend it home alone. Did not happen that way.<br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?<br />0<br /><br />56) What was your favorite TV program?<br />Sons of Anarchy, Fringe, Nurse Jackie, Vampire Diaries, Secret Circle<br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br />No. It’s all the same.<br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?<br />I write book reviews. I have read way too many this year!<br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?<br />Francesca Bastatelli<br /><br />60) What did you want and get?<br />Nook Tablet<br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?<br />Cain to be well.<br /><br />Better paying clients.<br /><br />Stress free environment.<br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br />I turned 36.<br />63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br />Finishing my vampire novel.<br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?<br />I don’t have one. I dress for comfort these days.<br /><br />65) What kept you sane?<br />Nothing. That’s why I feel the way I do.<br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br /><br />Gerard Butler<br /><em>Brent Smith of Shinedown.</em><br /><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most?<br />Meh….<br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.<br />I must not eat to feel better.<br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric.<br /><br />This is what I had for 2007 and it seems fitting today:<br /><br />Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.<br />And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.<br />You cannot save me.<br /><br />Well, it's not the time to breakdown.<br />It's not the time to breakdown.<br />It's not the time to break up this love,<br />Keep it together now.<br />It's not the time to break.<br /><br />Read it all, no need for separating here.<br />You see what you want and try to justify.<br />All your little lines,<br />Convictions and your lies.<br />What right do you have to point at me?<br /><br />70) Favorite discovered quote.<br /><br />This is what I had in 2007 and its still my fave even if not new. "I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me."<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"></a></div></--->Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82697380965257234412014-12-30T15:21:00.001-05:002014-12-30T15:21:23.395-05:00Collecting Myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdR8cQqhQIk/VKMGUNtwScI/AAAAAAAAWUo/Wz0KG9PAfJw/s1600/color%2Brun%2Bphoto%2Bpersonal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdR8cQqhQIk/VKMGUNtwScI/AAAAAAAAWUo/Wz0KG9PAfJw/s1600/color%2Brun%2Bphoto%2Bpersonal.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div><br />This is a follow-up post to my<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/12/the-100-real-face-of-depression.html" target="_blank"> face of real depression</a>.<br /><br />It was a cry out for help. At the time of that video I felt so down and out. While I wasn't suicidal, I had reached a point in my depression where if I did not wake up the next morning I'd just be better off. I felt that everyone else would be too.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It's not the first time I have felt like that. It may not be the last. But I knew if it reached a point where I had a 'goodbye' style video on my phone for people to find that it was time for me to suck it up, realize I can't do this alone and I needed to go back on my meds.<br /><br />Calling to make my Dr. appointment was the hardest thing I have had to do in a long time.<br /><br />That photo up there is my husband and me, last year at the Color Vibe. We had kiddo with us. It was not my first 5k, but it was our first as a family. Since that photo I have put on at least 40 pounds. We didn't run much. A few sprints here and there, mostly to be silly. I miss running. I miss walking.<br /><br />I am ready to find my way back.<br /><br />Yesterday (Monday) was my appointment. I almost bailed. I am still battling some funky stomach crap and just wasn't feeling up to it. But, I decided to just try. I went grocery shopping and bought good foods that I can make some healthy meals out of. I am desperate to get back on my "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/80%20to%20Goal" target="_blank">80 to Goal</a>" program. I'm still on my quest to find <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/12/finding-beauty-in-me.html" target="_blank">beauty in me</a>, but I have to do things one step at a time.<br /><br />My Dr. was very helpful. She listened with an open mind and agreed that I should get back on my meds. I had to come to terms with the fact that I might have to be on PTDS/depression/anxiety meds for the rest of my life. It is not my fault. But I have an illness that can't be managed on my own.<br /><br />I started back on my depression meds today. The anxiety meds and pain meds I am to take as needed. I am also to start making small changes.<br /><br />I made a few small steps today, which I documented on my personal Facebook this morning.<br /><br /><br /><i><b>Step 1: </b>Equipped with anti depressants and anti anxiety meds along with pain helpers I am ready to get my life back on track. I am no longer afraid to admit I need their help and most likely will for the rest of my life. I will no longer use lack of finances as an excuse or that I think I can do it on my own. Because, I can't. My issues stem over 30 years. It's ok to need help. I have come to terms with it.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><i><b>Step 2: </b>Take a walk. Even if it's inside and even if you can only do 5 minutes. Well I am now on minute 15. It's slow and it's painful. But here I am.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I ended up walking for 25 minutes. It was slow and it wasn't a whole lot of fun, but hey - I watched Netflix as I walked. </div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>I wrote this on MyFitnessPal:</b> Today's movement not focused on burning calories right now. Just focused on moving. Many battles to face with chronic pain and PTSD/depression. I don't want to be a victim anymore.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><i><b>Another step for today: </b>Get dressed. Working from home causes me to be a bum. I figure no one is going to see me, why bother getting out of my tshirts and yoga pants. They are comfy and they fit. Today, I put on some jeans and a tad nicer tshirt. I am hoping it will help me be more productive and feel like I am "at work."</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I know the meds aren't going to work overnight. I know I am not going to change in a week. But, I am going to try and keep trying until I get it right. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to thank each and every one of you who commented on that depression post as well as those who reached out to me through other means. Without all of your kind thoughts and wishes I may have never made that phone call. So thank you. You do matter. </div><div><br /></div><div>~Chrystal </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23100283503787685062014-12-28T15:59:00.000-05:002014-12-30T11:30:36.750-05:00Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401689736/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401689736&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20&linkId=YEYW6ADOIL2SL36B" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGQv-xImuoE/VKBp3PWz-uI/AAAAAAAAWSI/e8l1ZTKo6BM/s1600/_240_360_Book.1428.cover.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></div><br />I'm loving "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401689736/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401689736&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20&linkId=YEYW6ADOIL2SL36B" target="_blank">Lizzy & Jane</a>" by Katherine Reay. Apparently I've been missing out on this author as she's the writer behind the critically acclaimed novel, "<a href="http://bit.ly/DearMrKnightly" target="_blank">Dear Mr. Knightley</a>." I have since put that book on my "To Read" list on Good Reads.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Elizabeth 'Lizzy' is a "once vibrant and flawless" NYC chef who loses her mo-jo along the way. When her boss brings in another chef, one much more tech savvy, Lizzy started to worry that her job is on the line. When her father calls to ask her to come back to Seattle to help take care of her sister who has been battling cancer, Lizzy jumps at the chance despite the fact the sisters haven't spoken to each other since they lost their mother to cancer a few years prior.<br /><br />Lizzy sees it as a chance to clear her mind and find her mo-jo. She wasn't prepared for everything else she would find, or learn about herself.<br /><br />I LOVED this story. For the first few chapters I had to read bits and pieces as time permits. Over Christmas I got a terrible stomach bug and couldn't do much else besides sleep. I read a little more. I couldn't put it down.<br /><br />What I really enjoyed about this tale was, not only is Lizzy a chef, but the sisters inherited a love of Jane Austen from their mother; hence their names Elizabeth and Jane. The book has a lot of classics sprinkled throughout. I read on Good Reads that some folks felt this was not real life and it felt really forced. I guess they have never met a classics book lover before because, yes indeed there are really folks out there who incorporate their favorite authors and novels into their everyday life.<br /><br />As I find myself outgrowing Self Employed Writer and growing into <a href="http://nevermorelane.com/" target="_blank">Nevermore Lane</a> (Edgar Allan Poe inspired) I can see where Katherine Reay is coming from with her personal love of Austen.<br /><br />For the record, I'm not getting rid of this website. ;) But there are things that I won't be writing about here anymore. I want this site to go back to it's roots. My writing. My reading. My words.<br /><br />If you are looking for a really fun read, enjoy the classics sprinkled into currents and enjoy foodie books; this is awesome.<br /><br />A lot of books I review I don't keep. I pass on to others. But this one is going to be on my bookshelf, right next to my other foodie favorite from this year, <a href="http://yumeating.com/table-window/" target="_blank">A Table by the Window</a>.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure:</b> I received the book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38570265105050696952014-12-23T12:43:00.001-05:002014-12-23T14:32:40.060-05:00Finding Beauty in Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ahOpI0_M1M/U8bbqFq06BI/AAAAAAAARdw/W-d6dA0GRbU/s1600/my+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ahOpI0_M1M/U8bbqFq06BI/AAAAAAAARdw/W-d6dA0GRbU/s1600/my+5.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Over the summer a friend of mine tagged me in some Facebook thing where you had to post 5 photos of yourself that made you feel beautiful. While most of my friends had photos of their weddings and the day they gave birth to their children, these are mine.<br /><a name='more'></a>If you look closely you'll notice a pattern with the photos; but we'll get to that.<br /><br />Many of you reached out to me after my "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/12/the-100-real-face-of-depression.html" target="_blank">Face of Depression</a>" post and I thank you for that. Few figured out that was my version of a 'goodbye world' video. I was down and out. I felt as if I had reached the bottom of my hell hole , dark abyss that I had visited so many times before. Only, this time I have been battling it for years and saw no way out.<br /><br />While a lot of those feelings are still lingering, I am trying to get through each day. It is hard and it is a battle. I don't know what 2015 has in store for me but all I know is I can no longer exist. I have to find my way back to me and start living again.<br /><br />These photos represent a time in my life where I felt alive.<br /><br /><b>The bottom left</b> - I was bored. I just divorced and moved 1600 miles away from the only life I had ever known. I was hopeful that life was going to get better. I had been back in Michigan for a few months and I was ready to start dating. I actually took this series of photos to add to my MySpace to that everyone could see I was getting a long just fine in my new world.<br /><br /><b>The bottom middle</b> - that is my favorite tshirt. It says Shamrocks. I love my smile here. I love that I was 60 pounds thinner. I thought I was chunky then. If I could go back to that day 6 years ago I would tell myself how gorgeous I am.<br /><br /><b>The bottom right</b> - This is another of my favorite photos. I have my nose ring in. My hair finally curled just right. That is all natural by-the-way. I used this photos on my Facebook in 2006-2007 and it was also my dating profile pic for the longest time. It also served as my MySpace profile pic. I felt awesome here. I was slowly coming to terms with me.<br /><br />Now I look at these photos and wonder if I will ever smile like that again. My teeth aren't so pretty. They've shifted. They've had some damage. One of them is silver now. I got a crown last year and the porcelain part of it for it to be a pretty white fell off. I wasn't about to go through the torture of having it redone.<br /><br /><b>The top right </b>- That's me in all my glory - September 2013. The weight is there. I see it. And even though I hate this photo, there is a happiness about me that I can't quite explain. I am pretty sure being on a road trip to Niagara Falls had something to do with it. Sadly I have put on another 30lb since this photo - all of it this year.<br /><br /><b>The top left </b>- There is a glimmer of happiness here. On that same trip to Niagara Falls. I am not one for tourist stuff, but I love water and feel at peace around it. Seeing the falls opened my heart and made me feel good.<br /><br />My marriage has been a struggle since the day we met. Relationships are far away (Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana) and few between here in MI.<br /><br />I just don't know how to get back there. I don't know how to find me.<br /><br />The road has been a long one for me. Right now I am at a dead end and I am not sure if I should go left or right.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25815196333383715882014-12-22T14:21:00.001-05:002014-12-22T14:21:39.771-05:00Destined for Doon By Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3XsMgD8eQk/VJhrxqRVGzI/AAAAAAAAWKk/t5o1kq1waeA/s1600/_240_360_Book.1321.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3XsMgD8eQk/VJhrxqRVGzI/AAAAAAAAWKk/t5o1kq1waeA/s1600/_240_360_Book.1321.cover.jpg" height="640" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh this book......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"<a href="http://amzn.to/1sR1clv" target="_blank">Destined for Doon</a>" by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon is part two in the Doon series. You can read my review of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/doon-by-carey-corp-and-lorie-langdon.html" target="_blank">Doon right here on SEW</a>. I loved part one. I read each page and let it all absorb. I was thrilled to read a story with a twist on the Scottish musical "Brigadoon." I am drawn to all things Celtic due to my Irish background. </div><a name='more'></a><br />The book is a bit strange and two authors write the book. Each other writes the point of view from the two main characters and each chapter goes back and forth. It book one it was a minor annoyance because the writing styles and voices were a bit different. It made things interesting and the story itself was good enough to keep the pages turning.<br /><br />The end of book one ends with a bang. And you should read it before diving in to book two or there are many things that will not make sense as things pick up where they were left off. As with the first book, the life outside of Doon is very modern while Doon life is very historical.<br /><br />Book one was an enjoyable read and I was really looking forward to seeing how things eneded up for the girls in book two. When book two became available I jumped at the chance to review it. I could not wait to dive in.<br /><br />Unlike book one, I was not able to read "Destined for Doon" all in one night. I just did not find it that interesting. I found my mine wandering and I would scan and skip ahead. I was a little disappointed as I was really excited for book two to come out. It just did not seem to flow the way book one had. It felt choppy and rushed.<br /><br />Veronica and Mackenna find themselves trying to save the people of Doon again. Mackenna left Doon behind to follow her Broadway dream, leaving Veronica to help the people Doon. Mackenna pushed her feelings for Duncan aside; but it reaches a point where she can't forget those feelings. Especially after Duncan shows up to take her back to Doon to help with the ancient threat that could overtake Doon if Mackenna doesn't come back to help.<br /><br />Will Veronica and Mackenna save Doon and have their happily ever after? You'll have to read to find out.<br /><br />While it did take me a bit of time to get through "<a href="http://amzn.to/1sR1clv" target="_blank">Destinted for Doon</a>" it was still fun to see the mess the girls get in (and out) of.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78276007449920857792014-12-18T11:18:00.004-05:002014-12-18T15:44:56.740-05:00The 100% Real Face of Depression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrKi2QJzbcI/VJL2kqeY52I/AAAAAAAAWF0/F8bhzSWqPRE/s1600/the%2Bface%2Bof%2Breal%2Bdepression.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrKi2QJzbcI/VJL2kqeY52I/AAAAAAAAWF0/F8bhzSWqPRE/s1600/the%2Bface%2Bof%2Breal%2Bdepression.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>On Monday I made a video. </b><br /><b><br /></b>I needed someone to talk to, so I talked to myself. Normally I journal. I had to make a video instead.<br /><b><br /></b>I had no intention of ever sharing the video.<br /><br />At that particular moment in time I was overwhelmed with sadness and felt I had no one to talk to. Of the handful of people I know, they were either at work or just didn't want to hear any more of my sob stories.<br /><br /><b>So, why am I posting this here?</b><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Because Self Employed Writer has been and always will be my 'blog.' This is where I can be me with no niche, no worries of whether it fits the topic at hand (<a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> I'm looking at you LOL.)<br /><br />Here I can write about life. Here I always have. Here I can share a video of me, talking, crying, and being extremely raw and real without pressure.<br /><br />As bloggers we often give the illusion on our blogs and social media that life is all sunshine and rainbows. There are some who discuss their day-to-day stories and some even touch on their own mental illness topics. A few posts later, it's back to the niche of their site.<br /><br />This is not a topic I want to put on YUMeating. I guess that is why I have hung on to SEW all these years. This is where I have talked about these topics and this is where I prefer to keep it, even if SEW doesn't get much traffic.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Gklf1n8bfDI" width="420"></iframe> <br />YUMeating is my happy place and I prefer to keep it that way.<br /><br />Many of you are familiar with my past - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Mental%20Health" target="_blank">my depression</a> and PTSD as a result of the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">childhood sexual abuse </a>along with a few other events in life. For many years I have used my voice here on SEW to reach out to others. I have had many emails where people have found my blog and thanked me for speaking out. It made them feel a little less alone. I guess that is why I keep trucking along with some of these topics. I've also been working on a memoir/self help book for quite some time. Even if I can just help one more person, it makes every tear I shed seem worth it somehow.<br /><br />I know a lot will wonder why I don't received help. I did once. For many years. I was in remission and my life was completely controlled by medication. When I divorced and move 1600 from Oklahoma to Michigan, I lost my insurance and my medication.<br /><br />These last 7 years have been a battle. I've struggled with work, relationships, my health, my weight, finances, and even a back and forth battle with the abusive father until <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/05/closing-this-chapter-in-life.html" target="_blank">his life ended earlier this year</a>.<br /><br />I have a lot of regrets.<br /><br /><b>I've relapsed.</b><br /><br />I feel suffocated. I feel like I am merely existing in life, trying to get through each day. While I am not suicidal, I do feel that if I didn't wake up the following morning, perhaps it would be a blessing in disguise. I feel in the way. I feel like I am a burden.<br /><br />I don't want to just exist anymore. <b> I don't really know how to get from point A to point B.</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gofundme.com/gajo14" target="_blank">My husband tried setting up a GoFundMe</a> with the hopes that one of my issues could be resolved; which would cause a domino effect with the others. But, many looked at it and shrugged their shoulders. I'm sure I know why. As if it wasn't hard enough to have my personal issues out there like that.<br /><br />Now it's gotten to the point where he doesn't want to come home because I'm so gloomy. I try to talk to others, but they talk over me or don't really listen.<br /><br /> It's hard to make friends because there is nothing for me to talk about. I am home 24/7 and its rare I leave the house. I have no where to go and no money to spend even if I did. Gas around here is re-donk-u-lous.<br /><br /> Is this what the rest of my life is going to be like?<br /><br /><b>I certainly hope not because I would not wish this life on anyone. </b><br /><br />I feel like it's just been getting progressively worse for the last few years. It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel because I don't even see an end.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>I'm struggling here. This is my real life.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>UPDATE: </b>3:43pm - I just wanted to let you guys know I was able to get in touch with my Drs office assistant. I have an appt on the 29th. Hopefully she will be able to help me get my pain meds and anti depressants managed again. It's not going to happen overnight; I know this. I have walked this path before. But, it will help me to get moving so I can get back to therapy, walking, and eating right again. </div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33193153836553831592014-12-11T15:40:00.001-05:002014-12-11T15:40:09.874-05:00yes5 Sequels I Would Rather See Made than 'Frozen'UP - So what happens to the old man and kid now. Does he pass away? Does the kid grow up to have a family of his own and tell this great tale or have an adventure of his own?<br /><br />Beauty and the Beast - sure, we had the Christmas special, but how are Belle and the Beast getting along now that he's in human form? I'd love to know.<br /><br /><br /><br />Frozen fans. I am sorry. I was a fan too. That damn Elsa though, she's everywhere. Pinterest and blogland had thrown up Frozen. I am going to gouge my eyes out if I have to see one more thing! As if that was not bad enough, Once Upon a Time, which was a favorite show of mine, rewrote their script just to include an entire season based on Frozen.<br /><br />No.<br /><br />No, I don't want to build a snowman.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30779024060966708212014-12-08T14:18:00.000-05:002014-12-08T14:21:38.802-05:00A True Story of Love and Rescue: Susie's Hope <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35gy9w96J70/VIXwEZGLiyI/AAAAAAAAV7M/4bBXcD07Mzg/s1600/susie%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35gy9w96J70/VIXwEZGLiyI/AAAAAAAAV7M/4bBXcD07Mzg/s1600/susie%2Bbook.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'll tell you, I did not waste any time replying to this review with a big, bold YES! Animal rescue is something that is very dear to my heart. I feel like their is a special place in this world for animal abusers and I will use my voice to speak with those who are unable to speak for themselves. My 9 year-old boxer, Casey, is a rescue. I adopted her when she was 6 months old. Someone had dumped her and left her to die in the 100+ degree Oklahoma summer with no where to go.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: start;">Someone spotted her in their field, and animal control was called to the scene. She was skin and bones. She had fly strikes all over her body. If you look closely you can still see some of those scars. She was dehydrated and starving. Animal control and the humane society shared the same building. One on each side. They knew that I had a boxer (Cain, who passed away 2 years ago) and since I had volunteered there, they knew that I would take another boxer in a heartbeat. I got the call at work and after I went to get her. I didn't even bother telling my then husband. Although she is now lonely without her big brother, she's happy and healthy and has fun with her little sister Tink. </span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jiuUJb_eDLw/VIXxnNl1kPI/AAAAAAAAV7Y/kjKxPjyGYqU/s1600/100_1288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jiuUJb_eDLw/VIXxnNl1kPI/AAAAAAAAV7Y/kjKxPjyGYqU/s1600/100_1288.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cain and Casey 2011<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koq75X-ynSQ/VIXxzeRlxUI/AAAAAAAAV7g/L20iE83CisM/s1600/526893_10151906011200915_1336765663_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koq75X-ynSQ/VIXxzeRlxUI/AAAAAAAAV7g/L20iE83CisM/s1600/526893_10151906011200915_1336765663_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casey and Tink 2013</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Susie's Hope isn't just a message about animal rescue, but a message of love, hope and forgiveness. In this DVD we are introduced to Donna Lawrence and her true story of her life of forgiveness. You see, Donna rescued a pit bull from a neighbor who moved and was unable to take the dog. In the DVD the movie sends the message that the dog was left behind.<br /><div><br /></div><div>But one day, as she went to tend to food and water, something spooked the pit bull and it charged causing Donna mental and physical injuries. Donna had sustained multiple injuries between her leg and her hand.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The movie is heart breaking. It was such a tale to be told. The only thing I didn't like was that the dog involved was a pit bull. There is already enough negative myths and media outcries over pit bulls that I felt adding a movie like this to the pot was just going to stir the fire even more. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, I kept watching. And as I did, my mind slowly started to change. If Donna's mind can change and she was attacked (though honestly, no real fault of the dogs) than so could the mind of so many others. But, they have to be willing and open to the change. </div><div><br /></div><div>The story continues (DVD) when Donna and her friend are out walking the dog, less than a year later, when the friend discovered a dead puppy. She tells Donna she should not come look, but Donna does anyway and when she does, she notices the dog twitch. Hesitant to save the dog due to her fear of being attacked again, she knew she could not leave the dog there to suffer. They rush the dog to the vet only to find out that even if she could be saved, the amount of money it would cost for her care and treatments could be enough to buy a new car. The real story is a bit different, as Donna met Susie through a friend who was fostering Susie to help with her recovery. </div><div><br /></div><div>Donna didn't care. And so the tale begins of Susie. And it will leave you wondering, who really rescued who?</div><div><br /></div><div>So, while Susie's is doing much better these days, her beginning was off to a bad start. You see, someone set fire to her while she was still alive and as alarming as that may seem, you'd be surprised at how often this happens. As if that wasn't bad enough, Susie was beaten and left out to die for 2 weeks before someone found her. Susie was one of the lucky ones, she was only 8 weeks old at the time. The man who did this to her was found and arrested. His excuse was that the dog had licked his baby in the face. That sent him into a rage where he dragged the dog outside, beat her up, poured lighter fluid on her, and set her on fire. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a hard story to watch. I was also given a little booklet with the real story of Donna and Susie. While the DVD has a little variance, it still amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Want to help? Susie now has her own non profit organization called Susie's Hope. Susie is now a registered therapy dog. Susie, with the help of her mom, write <a href="http://www.susieshope.com/merch" target="_blank">children's stories,</a> help speak up for those who need their voice, petition for stronger animal abuse punishments, and help other animals who need care. You can <a href="http://www.susieshope.com/" target="_blank">donate right on the website.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's hard for me to not get teary eyed when I think about Donna and Susie's story. I am just thankful they are both ok and that they are trying to make a difference in this world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I have made you guys a little sad, I am going to make you happy by hosting a giveaway for your very own Susie's Hope prize pack. One lucky winner will win their very one copy of Susie's Hope DVD. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div></div><a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d3da19/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="6fe0d3da19" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_kuo5fgox">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53561638632571449842014-12-06T09:00:00.000-05:002014-12-06T12:51:32.623-05:00Enough with Elf on the Shelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_w2ujNmD0c/VIM7f65YqvI/AAAAAAAAV4U/2brhBjUx_YE/s1600/elmer%2Bthe%2Belf%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bshelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_w2ujNmD0c/VIM7f65YqvI/AAAAAAAAV4U/2brhBjUx_YE/s1600/elmer%2Bthe%2Belf%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bshelf.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>I'm going to go on a bit of a rant today.<br /><br />Just because I can.<br /><br />When you're a blogger you see a lot of great things floating around the blogosphere, but you also see a lot of not-so-good.<br /><br />Today I want to talk about Elf on the Shelf. Maybe touch on Kindness Elves and/or the Kindness Mouse.<br /><a name='more'></a>Raise your hand if you do Elf on the Shelf. *raise*<br /><br />We've been doing Elf on the Shelf for a few years now. For those who haven't picked up on my notes between this site and <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>, kiddo is my step daughter. I met her when she was 3 and she's almost 10. So, I have been in her life for majority of her life.<br /><br />I don't really post a lot about being a step parent or talk about her mother because that's not what my sites are about.<br /><br />But today I am going to step on a pedestal because I feel like I should put myself there after reading a few things this past week.<br /><br />It would appear that there is this whole blogging group that has decided to stand up on their own pedestals and tell the world that they should stop 'playing with' Elf on the Shelf.<br /><br /><b>Why?</b><br /><br />Some say he's creepy. Ok. I can get that. He is a little weird looking. Other's say he promotes behavior issues. And a whole other group <a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/elf-shelf-not-gonna-happen/" target="_blank">admit they are just too lazy.</a> If you don't know the story of Elf on the Shelf, your Elf (which you go to the store to buy, and let me remind you, most kids have seen them in the store) was sent to your home by Santa to watch your kids and make sure they behave. If they misbehave, they'll tell Santa your child has been naughty. (sounds a lot like some Christmas carols I know.) Your child is not allowed to touch the Elf and if they do, he becomes inactive until you magically reactivate him. There are a ton of Pinterest tutorials on activation.<br /><br /><b>I get it. You think the Elf is bribing your child. </b><br /><br />Well, if that is all you take from this, perhaps their is something else going on in the home in the first place. Is your child bad? Do they need bribed? Think about it.<br /><br />There are plenty of complaints about the amount of Elf pins on Pinterest. Let me tell you something about those pins for those of you who have not figured it out yet. Pinterest pins that look that good are made to look that good for a reason. If you click those photos, over 75% of them are bloggers who know how to stage things and use a good camera to make them pretty. They share these posts on their websites. Their websites are monetized.<br /><br /><b>But not everyone is like that. </b><br /><b><br /></b>Sure, I don't think the Elf is the most attractive 'doll' but he isn't the worst.<br /><br />Not everyone is using the Elf to bribe their children to behave.<br /><br />Not everyone cares if their Elf stages are worthy of a photo much less Pinterest worthy.<br /><br /><b>We are all different.</b><br /><b><br /></b>Kiddo has an older brother and an old sister. (they were born before my hubs met his ex.) They are at that age where they don't believe in Santa and constantly try to get kiddo and their little sister (not hubs either) to come to the Santa free zone. She refuses.<br /><br />Since kiddo was younger I have been reading her traditional Celtic stories (I'm Irish, my mother is Irish, and my step mother-in-law is Irish) along with family about faeries. Kiddo is still a little girl and even though shes right on that cusp where shes unsure of what she should believe, she still wants to believe faeries are real and they'll keep her family safe. We have a fairy garden in our home. It's magical and it's a lot of fun to share this with her as I went through the same thing when I was a little girl.<br /><br />So, why shouldn't we have an Elf to hang out with our fairies during Christmas? I've done some staging, but I don't write posts about it or take a lot of photos. I have taken some in the past and shared them on my Instagram so it goes to Facebook where I have a lot of family connected. I also put the first year I did it <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cmahan/sets/72157632349941520/" target="_blank">on my Flickr</a>. I have a Pinterest board where I collect ideas from others. But I certainly don't feel like I have to be up to their standards.<br /><br />We have fun with it. We are silly with it. But I'm certainly not using it to keep kiddo from behaving badly. For her, its a bit of Christmas magic. How cool that Santa sends an Elf to *my* house!<br /><br />Do I always want to do it? No. I suffer from chronic migraines, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease. Half the time I don't even want to get out of bed. But you know what? That 5 minutes it takes out of my day to see her light up with joy is worth every minute.<br /><br />You see, when you see pictures of us with kiddo you would never know that she battles things in life. You'd never know her struggles with her mother. You'd never know her struggles in school due to those struggles in life. You have no idea about our life with kiddo and how her little world in constantly being turned upside down. You don't know about her fears and nightmares.<br /><br />And why should you? I have never felt that any of that information is relevant to my blogs. I tell you now only to prove a point.<br /><br /><b>If you don't know my story, I doubt you know theirs.</b><br /><br />When you see people on Pinterest or on their blogs posting about Elf on the Self and you feel this sudden urge to judge them because you can't possibly fathom the idea of doing Elf on the Shelf for your kids, think about the things you can't see.<br /><br /><b>For my family its about bringing some fun ,magic and smiles to a little girl who sure could use a few extras in her life. </b><br /><br />The truth is, you don't have to follow the rules set forth by the Elf on the Shelf brand. We don't have a real Elf. I purchased ours from <a href="http://www.bronners.com/" target="_blank">Bronners</a> for a few bucks. He was with the regular ornaments. You could follow the <a href="http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/11/alternative-elf-on-shelf-tradition-kindness-elf-kindness-elves.html" target="_blank">Kindness Elves</a> or <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-christmas-mouse-elf-on-shelf.html" target="_blank">Kindness Mouse</a>. Both are super cute and just as creative.<br /><br />Either way, <b>the message your children received is 100% up to you</b> and not what the manufacturers box says.<br /><br />As if that wasn't enough, there is a ton of backlash over the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/04/living/parents-canceled-christmas/" target="_blank">parents who decide to skip Christmas</a> this year.<br /><br />Note: Quick <a href="https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=parents+take+away+christmas" target="_blank">Google search</a> shows they aren't the only ones. 229 million results!<br /><br />The Internet brings so much good, but it also makes people more aware and extremely hypersensitive to others.<br /><br />Really, why does it matter so much what other people do? It is their life, not yours. If you don't agree, fine. But move on. Not everyone in this world is going to agree with each other. Personally, if my kid acted like a brat and felt entitled, I wouldn't think twice about taking away Christmas presents and making them volunteer. Everyone should have some service in their life. And, oddly enough, I bet you these children will feel like this was their best Christmas ever once its all said and done.<br /><br /><b>Material things; we don't need them. </b><br /><b><br /></b><b>At the end of the day, its their life. Not yours. Don't like it? Move on. </b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36128663052218171142014-12-01T16:40:00.000-05:002014-12-01T16:42:23.728-05:00#awakenlove THE SONG: Awaken Love Couple’s Devotional by Kyle and Desirae Idleman <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlcNt-ZW9HE/VHzaIyTeoAI/AAAAAAAAVzQ/cU5JqViOOac/s1600/the%2Bsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlcNt-ZW9HE/VHzaIyTeoAI/AAAAAAAAVzQ/cU5JqViOOac/s1600/the%2Bsong.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The movie "The Song" is a love story centered around music. It's the story of a singer-songwriter who marries the love of his life, but when his career takes off thanks to a hit song he wrote for his wife, his life and marriage starts to suffer. </div><a name='more'></a><br />The story contains adultery, reconciliation and redemption. It's a beautiful, but hard love story. Having been through relationships where a partner is not faithful, these types of stories often pull at my heartstrings.<br /><br />Kyle and Desirae Idleman wrote a 6-week devotional book for couples to help awaken their love and strengthen their marital bond. The movie was released about a month ago and although I have not seen it (it does look pretty amazing) I did not find it difficult at all to read through the book. The book, Awaken Love: The Song is beautiful, thoughtful, well put together, and all you need is The Book of Solomon.<br /><br />Well, you'll need your spouse or partner too.<br /><br /><h2><b>So, first, check out this movie trailer.</b></h2><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/paSZ5y7iCgc" width="560"></iframe> <br />Doesn't it look like a really cute love story? (Ok, you can call it a chick flick..;) )<br /><br /><h2><b>Now, check out some more information about the book:</b></h2><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br />The Song Couple’s Devotional is a 6-week book for couples that can help awaken love in their marriage. With daily relationship insights and prayer points drawn from the Song of Solomon, this devotional will help couples grow in their relationship with God and one another.<br /> <br /><br />Inspired by the Song of Solomon, The Song is both a full-length movie and resource for churches to explore God’s plan for relationships, love and marriage.</blockquote><br /><h2><b>Now, let me introduce you to the author:</b></h2><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />About the author:<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=190b052cab&view=fimg&th=1498741f1c1474e9&attid=0.2&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ8qJzTuiXZhxvPF1faF7sqkrfkZt4vm08ZR2bwGBkKuJDaZbgSY5L906y-LKa3N7EZAkQKY39cRUUUdUBUGbc6xrvFDR_bIGeMj4F_8Qrz6zgFVDDDYs_SSd2A&sz=w334-h334&ats=1417468373838&rm=1498741f1c1474e9&zw&atsh=1" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth-largest church in America. Author of the award-winning and bestselling book, not a fan., and presenter of eight of City on a Hill’s curriculum series, he regularly speaks at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife DesiRae have four children.</blockquote>Sound great, yes? Hubs and I are still going through the six weeks. It's been a real eye opener and I'm enjoying every minute of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even if your relationship is not based on faith - their is still benefit to the book. Love, honor and respect should be forefront in relationships no matter what you believe. </div><div><br /></div><h2><b>Ok. Let's get this contest started, shall we?</b></h2><div><br /></div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="6fe0d3da18" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d3da18/" id="rcwidget_1adsbypc" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script> <br /><div><br /></div><h2><b>Lastly, all that boring stuff:</b></h2><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.<br /><br /> Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”</blockquote>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49756655339519819152014-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:002014-12-03T11:26:35.528-05:0010 + Free Places to Find Christmas Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkRmlQku3FM/VCMiPC47ndI/AAAAAAAAUPQ/dFFgh5lrpqY/s1600/christmas%2Bmusic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkRmlQku3FM/VCMiPC47ndI/AAAAAAAAUPQ/dFFgh5lrpqY/s1600/christmas%2Bmusic.jpg" /></a></div><b>Best Music to Accompany Festivities</b><br /><br />Christmas is a wonderful time of year. All the presents to buy, food to prepare, families to visit, and the long wait for Santa. What is Christmas without the sound of music? Christmas just isn't the same without the wonderful bells jingling and the singing of merry tides.<br /><br />Finding free Christmas music does not have to be a chore, especially if you have a computer and internet connection. With a few simple key strokes you will be on your way to jolly good tidings and cheer.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Many older traditional songs do not have the same type of copy write as songs that are written today. Back then there would be many artists singing Silent Night and all you had to do was pick your favorite genre and artist. Perhaps you like Judy Garland, or maybe Frank Sinatra. Maybe the ever popular Bing Crosby. These days, artists are writing their own Christmas carols and forgetting about the traditional tunes that made Christmas past so wonderful.<br /><br />If you are like me and making cakes or cookies have you humming to the beat of Little Drummer Boy and blending eggnog has you whistling Do You Hear What I Hear? then follow along with me as I show you some wonderful places that will allow you to download all your favorite traditional Christmas tunes, free of charge with no worries on copy write infringements.<br /><br />Gather your wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and tape. Don't forget the hot apple cider and your scissors. Once you are done at the computer, you will be ready to take on that wrapping task.<br /><br /><strong>Website</strong> : <a href="http://freemusicforchristmas.com/" target="_blank">Feels Like Christmas</a> : Free and legal holiday music downloads<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information:</span> This website hosts many Christmas songs and carols free for download in MP3 format. To the right are the categories for vocal and instrumental choosing between contemporary and traditional.<br /><br /><strong>Website :</strong> <a href="http://www.christmasgifts.com/music.html" target="_blank">Christmas Gifts</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information: </span>This website hosts Christmas songs as well as popular e-books. The songs are available in MP3 format as well as MIDI files. Most songs are traditional with a small section of humorous songs.<br /><br /><strong>Website :</strong> <a href="http://www.mp3forkidz.com/xmas/" target="_blank">Uncle Dave's Free Christmas Music</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information:</span> Noted as a website for kids, this site hosts MIDI files free for download centered on the kid's side of traditional Christmas songs. Dave also offers some MP3 songs that appear to have been arranged himself. Definitely worth a look and a listen.<br /><br /><b>Website :</b> <a href="http://yuleplay.com/" target="_blank">YulePlay</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information: </span>Online streaming Christmas playlists. Something for everyone.<br /><br /><b>Website :</b> <a href="http://xmasfun.com/ListenOnline.aspx" target="_blank">Xmas Fun</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information:</span> A fun Christmas website which features Christmas video playlists.<br /><br /><b>Website : </b><a href="http://sh.st/ixeJE" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information:</span> Download free (and paid) Christmas music from Amazon. Listen live via their player or download to your computer.<br /><br /><b>Website : </b> <a href="http://www.hermann-uwe.de/blog/10-100-creative-commons-christmas-songs" target="_blank">Uwe Hermann</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information: </span>256 songs free for download via the creative common license.<br /><br /><b>Website :</b> <a href="http://christmasmpfree.com/" target="_blank">ChristmasMPfree</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information: </span>Another website fore free and legal traditional and original Christmas MP3s, music scores and MIDIs.<br /><br /><b>Website :</b> <a href="http://songsofpraise.org/christmas.htm" target="_blank">New Christmas Music</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information:</span> Just like the title suggests, there are a ton of new tunes, traditional carols, plays and CDs and even a lengthy list of Christmas links.<br /><br /><b>Website :</b> <a href="http://www.nubeat.org/ABListCH.html" target="_blank">Nubeat</a><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Information: </span>Nubeat offers full Christmas album downloads.<br /><br /><br />If you own an iPhone, there is a free app called <a href="http://sh.st/ixrEV" target="_blank">Christmas Music</a> which contains 10,000 + Christmas songs.<br /><div><br /></div><br />If downloads aren't your thing you can listen to Christmas stations on <a href="http://www.live365.com/genres/christmas" target="_blank">Live365</a>, create a Pandora or Christmas channel or listen to some of the <a href="http://www.pandora.com/music/holiday/christmas" target="_blank">premade stations</a>.<br /><br />You can even create your own playlist on <a href="http://spotify.com/" target="_blank">Spotify</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.accuradio.com/accuholidays/" target="_blank">Accuradio</a> is another option for channel creation or listening to premade Christmas channels right along with <a href="http://8tracks.com/explore/christmas" target="_blank">8Tracks</a>.<br /><br /><b>I hope you find something within this list you enjoy! </b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76931126370341985702014-11-28T09:30:00.003-05:002014-11-28T09:30:36.068-05:00The Adventures of Ralph Ribbit by Louise T. Constantinople<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ikvIHrp6QU/VHh_gg9MjmI/AAAAAAAAVuU/519NCB4V2Fk/s1600/ralphribbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ikvIHrp6QU/VHh_gg9MjmI/AAAAAAAAVuU/519NCB4V2Fk/s1600/ralphribbit.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Guys, I'm a sucker for a good kids book. I still read teen/young adult novels from time to time. I think because I was reading authors like Stephen King at the age kiddo is now (almost 10) I sort of skipped over the a lot of other books. I did real a lot of Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, and RL Stine. I had a hard time with the Babysitters Club series though. Funny, I cringe at the thought of kiddo reading <i>Carrie</i> at her age. I was also reading Edgar Allen Poe and JR Tolkien as well. I am not sure she could even figure those out. When it comes to reading, I was a little more advanced. My mother went to college for English Literature until I was born. Books were the normal was of life for me and our house was packed with them. </div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's not too often I get a chance to review kids books. I don't normally request them because it's so difficult to get kiddo to start a new book. Not that she doesn't like to read, but she's only here a few days a week and usually has reading homework from school which tends to be a library book. She does have quite a few books here, but there just isn't a lot of reading downtime. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1vsEy7u" target="_blank">The Adventures of Ralph Ribbit</a></i> swung by from <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; line-height: 19px;"> </span>Louise T. Constantinople and Outskirts Press, I knew was going to enjoy it. I am a sucker for good artwork and when I flipped through the pages I felt the artist really conveyed the characters the way Louise intended for them to be. Sometimes, even with the best authors and artists, it can be difficult to zero in on small details that make the characters feel whole. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was able to get kiddo to read a few chapters. She though the story was "fun" and "really cute." She liked "talking frogs." The next night though she couldn't sleep and was reading her little tween girl books. Kiddo is almost 10 and even though this book is suitable, I think she's going through that stage where she wants to read about little girls and their life. Things she can relate to on a more personal level. I am not sure if that is an age thing or because of some recent turn of events in her life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I decided to give <i>The Adventures of Ralph Ribbit</i> a once over for myself. We're introduced to Ralph Ribbit and his family within the first few pages. Ralph is frantic, looking through his house for the map that will lead him to Leaps and Bounds to get the shirts for his team. The story is fast action and keeps on going as Ralph faces many challenges. I felt the story was very well thought out. There are quite a few little lessons as well as the overall plot of the story. It's a really fun read, especially is your child is into talking animals (its cute!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm hoping when kiddo is done with her pre teen series she'll pick this book back up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is some more information <a href="http://amzn.to/1vsEy7u" target="_blank">from Amazon</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 22.4000015258789px;">Time is running out for Ralph Ribbit Ralph Ribbit is in a panic. He's about to leave his lily pad home to travel far upstream to Leaps and Bounds, a sports store, to pick up shirts for the Muddyville Middle School track team. Ralph's son Reggie and the other frogs on the team are counting on him to get back with the shirts in time for the championship meet on Saturday. But the map to the sports store has suddenly gone missing, and Ralph doesn't know how to get there without it. Follow Ralph on his frantic race against time as he confronts obstacles that threaten to keep him from completing his mission. Will he make it, or will he let down not only his son but the entire team as well?</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection</b>: I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79237623439624165092014-11-25T15:39:00.000-05:002014-11-25T15:39:20.235-05:00yesHow to Make a Custom Banner for Blogger<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The blog market is booming and many blog owners will provide ad space for other blog owners. It is not just bloggers that are doing this, but many website businesses as well.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">How do you make a website banner? Do you think you have to know or learn a lot of coding in order to make a banner to link with other websites?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Well, you’re wrong. You don’t have to take a coding class or spent countless hours reading over “How-to” tutorials trying to figure it out.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">All you need is this list to help get your name out into the internet world. When more people see your business, your revenue grows. And that’s what we all want, right?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Once you create your perfect banner, maybe you will host the next banner exchange and watch your profits skyrocket!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Banners really are free advertising and they can be custom made to identify your business any way you see fit. Most bloggers make them 125x125p and call them 'buttons.'</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">You do not need to purchase expensive software. There is no need to download freeware. With these listed websites you can easily create custom banners for your blog or website without the hassle of a download.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.bannersketch.com/" href="http://www.bannersketch.com/">Banner Sketch </a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">With Banner Sketch users can create free web banners with the online easy banner generator. No need to know any sort of coding or web design. Banner Sketch has plenty of templates to use with texts to create a one of a kind banner for your website. If you don’t like one of their 1300 banners, Sketch allows you to upload their own images to use on banners.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.123-banner.com/" href="http://www.123-banner.com/">123 Banner</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">123 Banner allows its users to create fancy flash banners. Flash Banners are great for catching their eye's attention. For free users can take sixty seconds of their time and create a work of art to promote their business name and website. With 123 Balance users can choose their colors and backgrounds to suit their professional needs.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.bannerfans.com/banner_maker.php" href="http://www.bannerfans.com/banner_maker.php">Banner Fans </a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Banner Fans clean interface gives users the ability to upload a photo and create a masterpiece. The website is simple, allowing for easy access and manipulation of beautiful, free banners. With Banner Fan you can use a photo or have the banner filled in. Pick your font, text and border and set the format. In a few seconds you are well on your way to having your one of a kind banner for your website.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2586394905109578512014-11-25T15:38:00.000-05:002014-11-25T15:38:08.648-05:00yesPlaces to Find Free HTML Tutorials<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Building your own website does not have to be a daunting task, actually it can be quite painless and fun. All you need to know are a few basic HTML codes to get you started, once you learn the basics, you will be surprised at how quickly you will pick up the more advanced codes.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">A website does not have to be boring with one font and one color. You want a website that is going to stand out from the crowd. Businesses want a website that is going to say “hey look at me” and one that is going to make your clients want to come back for more that one visit.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.htmlcodetutorial.com/" href="http://www.htmlcodetutorial.com/">HTML Code Tutorial</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Here you will find tutorials for every project and a forum for reference and help from other users. The website itself has a very clean look and feel to it, making navigation a breeze.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.w3schools.com" href="http://www.w3schools.com/">W3 Schools</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">W3 Schools gives its users many options. This site brags it is the largest web developer site on the net, all for free. The site included HTML, XML, and browser scripting. There are examples for each, certification, and a place to try it out for yourself, providing you with some hands on training.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.quackit.com/html/tutorial/" href="http://www.quackit.com/html/tutorial/">Quack It </a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Quack It is a very simple site aimed at beginners in the HTML field. This particular site will show you how to build your website from the ground up, giving you all the basics fundamentals for easily learning the HTML coding.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/HTML/1" href="http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/HTML/1">Tutoralized </a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Tutoralized is a great site for those looking for a minimal amount of codes, only for the basics and does not want to be bothered with anything else.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.htmlgoodies.com/" href="http://www.htmlgoodies.com/">HTML Goodies</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">HTML Goodies gives its users just what the name implies. This website gives its users a supply of website goodies that are easily coded through HTML.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">With a little time, practice and patience one can be building websites with the best of them in no time. You do not have to go to college for a four year degree, or even a technical college to learn how to do HTML. With these free web resources you can get he foundation to build on for a lifetime of web building fun. You should not be scared of the internet, or building web pages. Your computer is your friend. HTML is not just for building web pages. You can also use the codes from popular photo hosting sites to link your favorite photo. Many <a data-mce-href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik" href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik">MySpace</a> users use this option with <a data-mce-href="http://www.photobucket.com" href="http://www.photobucket.com/">Photobucke</a>t to share their photos on their friends comments.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2822076583500859182014-11-25T15:34:00.000-05:002014-11-25T15:34:06.387-05:00yesMoney Saving Vacation Tips<div class="MsoNormal">Money Saving Vacation Tips</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vacations rentals are a wonderful way to relax, get away, take time off from work, take time off from the normal hustle and bustle of life, and they are a way to rekindle a relationships. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Vacations are always a way to spend some quality time with your family. What vacations do not have to be are bank drainers. With a little planning, you can have the vacation you have always wanted without the hefty price tag.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">A vacation rental is a piece of property that is fully furnished, such as a condo, apartment, or vacation home that the owner rents out for those seeking a nice vacation. Sometimes, the owner lives in the area permanently and is away on an extended business trip or a vacation of their own and does not wish for their property to sit empty.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The cost of a vacation rental is comparable to that of a local hotel. Generally vacation rentals are offered on a weekly basis. Although the price can be the same as a hotel, it will offer its visitors much more for their money. A vacation rental can offer a comfortable, spacious, home away from home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some other money saving tips are:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">1. Travel in the off season. Rates are drastically reduced in the cooler month to lure in potential vacationers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">2. Check in and out on weekdays. Weekends are generally the busiest, and therefore the highest rates. This works not only for vacation rentals but hotels, bed and breakfasts, and many attractions as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">3. Where ever you stay, make sure there is a kitchen! Using a vacation rental will actually save you money since it has a full kitchen provided, this will keep you from eating out so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">4. Check with the local community organization, chamber of commerce, or the countries arts center and inquire about free events during your time of travel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">5. For those staying in larger cities, check the area around the outskirts of townfor eating, shopping, and other events. Generally those are cheaper than those centered right in town.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">6. To save money on airfares, use the internet to search for comparison prices. Checking more than one company can save you hundreds.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">7. Be flexible. If you are flexible with your travel time there are often deep discounts, especially when hotels, vacations homes, and even events are looking to fill their spaces.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">8. Travel off the beaten path. Skip a few of the local, popular tourist attractions if you can. Go another direction and seek out something different, you will be amazed at what you will find, not to mention the money you will save.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">9. Pack light. Backpacking anyone?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The internet is a great place to research travel savings. Many places offer discount cards, coupons, and ideas. You can also search for vacation travel rentals, look at photos, and find your perfect vacation destination.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 12.1pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32561574900293350062014-11-25T15:33:00.001-05:002014-11-25T15:33:13.585-05:00yesAlternatives to Gift Baskets<div class="MsoNormal">Alternatives To Gift Baskets</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes it can be hard searching for that perfect gift for the special women in your life. There is often a whole lot of pressure to buy the perfect gift simply because you really don’t want to disappoint the special lady. Sadly, there are many times when one doesn’t know what to buy. You are not alone. Everyone has those experiences. Some people will get the gift buying done as quickly as possible; others will take their time. People might be inclined to buy a gift basket because they think buying a regular gift is too difficult. While baskets can be good gifts for many reasons, they are not personable.</div><a name='more'></a> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A gift buyer might think the birthday girl would like to get a ton of small gifts in a decorative basket; and while those girls do exist, most would rather receive a gift that shows a lot of thought went into it making it personal. Asking the person what they want isn’t always a good thing. The person may think you haven’t been paying attention to that and that you really don’t know them. No one wants that feeling. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are a few ideas you can check out to be used and an alternative to give baskets:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Board Games</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you know the woman really well and know for a fact they don’t like board games; skip this section. Board games are usually something that plenty of people will enjoy. There is the option to buy an old fashioned board game, one that has been relaunched with a new twist, or buying one of the new latest games on the market. There are plenty of choices and can be a lot of fun. Board games can make a great, personal, alternative to gift baskets. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gift Cards</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Even though gift cards are essentially a trade of cash, buying gift cards for your friends and family can be a unique thing to do. Of course this requires knowing exactly where the recipient likes to shop, but these are the perfect alternative to a gift basket. Instead of putting your money into one large basket that may contain a bunch of things that your friends and family dislike, placing all of the money that you'd be spending on the individual on a store gift card is a great idea! Of course, you may just want to include a little bit more money on the gift card than you would have actually spent, but buying a gift cards is a great present for someone whom you don't know what to buy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Of course, there are plenty of other perfect gifts that are great ideas and alternatives to gift baskets. Oftentimes gift baskets come in big, bulky packages anyway so buying something that is less cumbersome is a good idea!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46213373693399150782014-11-24T14:31:00.000-05:002014-11-24T14:34:33.272-05:00WalMart Fall Beauty Box Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi0Tw3RJ6Pg/VHOEm2zpicI/AAAAAAAAVqs/p2k_Y_-mAu4/s1600/walmart%2Bbeauty%2Bbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi0Tw3RJ6Pg/VHOEm2zpicI/AAAAAAAAVqs/p2k_Y_-mAu4/s1600/walmart%2Bbeauty%2Bbox.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>You may not know this, but I did<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLakXIER6LdvUFdSkyIy_uPbkh-jDqFpP-" target="_blank"> some reviews for Ipsy</a>. I didn't write about it or really do a lot of videos because it was just too hard to keep up with. Every month I received a cute little bag with an assortment of products. A lot of it was strange makeup I would never use. I work from home so I don't put on makeup daily so there was another group of products I would never get to.<br /><a name='more'></a>The bags were cute and for $10 a month, I have nothing bad to say. A lot of the products were samples which were one use or a handful of uses. Once in a while a lipstick, gloss, eyeliner or mascara would come through providing a little longer use. I think if you wear makeup and want to try some new products and you don't mind a collection of small makeup bags, Ipsy is a great program.<br /><br />When I saw a few bloggers posting about the WalMart beauty box I was excited. Here was a store that I could easily get to, full of products I could easily find and get my hands on. With Ipsy there are a lot of products that were not available around me. I don't want to fall in love with a product I have to hunt down.<br /><br /><br />The best part about the WalMart beauty box is that it is free. Yes, free. You do have to pay a small $5 shipping and handling fee which is covered by the value of the items in the box. Trust me. I received full size products! And, I will pretty much use everything in this box.<br />Here is a video of my unpacking! <br><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qIR1VB3y7Lc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />1. <b>Coture by Juicy Coture.</b> Smells good. I don't wear perfume because it all seems to make my nose stuffy. Will make a great stocking stuffer. This is just a small vial for a sample.<br /><br />2. Clear shampoo and conditioner. <b>Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy is Damage & Color Repair</b>. I like to pack these when I travel. Especially when we just go for 2 days 1 night. So much easier to pack. So, I haven't tried this one yet. I have seen other reviewers rave about how clean it makes their hair feel.<br /><br />3. <b>Olay Regenerist</b> - As far as I can tell this is a full size product. I use regular Olay facial cream so I was excited to try this. I have been using it for a few weeks and can't see too much of a difference. That is either because I was already using Olay, I haven't been using it long enough, or I just don't have much of a problem with my skin. It does seem to be a lot softer and less fine lines. This is a micro sculpting cream moisturizer. Says visible wrinkle results start day one.<br /><br />4. <b>Secret Clinical Strength </b>- I haven't tried this yet, but my mom loves it. ;0 This is a clear gel. I'll either try it when I am out of my others or toss it in moms stocking.<br /><br />5. <b>L'Oreal Revitalift</b> - I haven't tried this yet as I am still using the Olay. I am not sure I will get to this. I am afraid to try new things because most tend to make my skin breakout. This might be a good stocking stuffer for one of my mothers. It just states it is a triple power moisturizer.<br /><br />6. <b>Cover Girl Continuous Color </b>- This is a full tube of lipstick and the shade is #030 It's Your Mauve. It is a really pretty color. I haven't tried it yet. I have used this brand and product in a different color so I know its great. I love that I got a full size instead of one of those little Avon size samples.<br /><br />All in all I would say the $5 for shipping was more than worth the great stuff I received.<br /><br />You can sign up for your own box at walmart.com/walmartbeauty.<br /><br />This post is completely 100% affiliate free!<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44636191881166542442014-11-21T14:40:00.002-05:002014-11-21T14:40:38.926-05:00My Brothers Keeper by NLB Horton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/brotherskeepers" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjSfbj2a1oQ/VG-UgjE_KCI/AAAAAAAAVnk/PqZGKu1uxF4/s1600/The-Brothers-Keepers-PK-e1415815992504.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div><br /><br />First things first. Check out my side bar over there --------------------------------------------------><br /><br />There is a cute little button with information regarding a killer contest. Who doesn't need a Kindle Fire to keep or give away for Christmas!?!?! Remember this information because you'll need to decide what to do by the time you get to the bottom of this post ;)<br /><br />On to my review. This is my first time reading a piece of work from NLB Horton. I was a little worried because when it was time to decide whether I wanted to review <a href="http://bit.ly/brotherskeepers" target="_blank">The Brothers' Keepers</a> or not I was not aware that this was part two in a series.<br /><a name='more'></a>Normally I don't like to read series out of order because don't want to miss an important part of the story that I could be missing out on. When the book arrived though and I started to skim through some of it and was instantly attached to some of the passages I read.<br /><br />One of the things that really caught my attention was the location of the story; Brussels. While most of my international fascination revolved around Ireland, I am also quite fond of a few less talked about locations and Brussels happens to be one of them.<br /><br />The story begins with Grace Madison, PhD. in Brussels. It doesn't take long for the story to leap into action. First, Grace can't get in touch with her daughter after a frantic phone call from her son. Things are a whirlwind and everyone rushes to meet and a disclosed location. It doesn't take long to get wrapped into the story when the soon-to-be daughter-in-law goes missing as well.<br /><br />It was during the first few chapters I really felt that not reading book one was putting me at a disadvantage. I was struggling a bit, but the story was still interesting enough to keep me going. I wanted to know why the girls were missing and why did an archaeologist have something to do with it?<br /><br />This book does have enough of a story to keep readers entertained without book one, however, if you are keen on useful information and facts, then you are like me and want to read book one first. I feel there are some important details lingering in book one that carries over to story two.<br /><br />Despite that, <a href="http://bit.ly/brotherskeepers" target="_blank">this book</a> is really a true work of art. The way NLB Horton describes characters and pays close attention to even the smallest details; its as if we are traveling along with her. Her moods and emotions and eloquently described. This is a Christan based novel. It not full of scriptures, although there are mentions here and there.<br /><br />I'd give this book 4 out of five starts and that is just because I need part one!<br /><br /><br /><h2>More book and contest information:</h2><br /><br /><strong>Don't miss NLB Horton's <em><a href="http://nlbhorton.com/" target="_blank">The Brothers' Keepers</a>—</em>international suspense at its best.</strong> While cataloguing looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison discovers her daughter has vanished in France, and her son's bride has been attacked in Switzerland. After the Madison family unearths a relic whose taproot pierces the Ancient Near East, they realize before they can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend . . . <em>if he'll let them.</em><br /><strong><br /></strong><strong>Learn more about book one in the series, <a href="http://nlbhorton.com/adventures/not-a-drop-to-drink/" target="_blank"><em>When Camels Fly</em></a>, and enter to win a Kindle Fire.</strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://prmo.me/n3fmGO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="brotherskeepers-400" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13824" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/brotherskeepers-400.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>One grand prize winner will receive:</strong><br /><ul><li>A Kindle Fire</li><li><em>When Camels Fly</em> and <em>The Brothers' Keepers</em> by NLB Horton</li></ul><strong>Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 7th.</strong> Winner will be announced December 8th on <a href="http://nlbhorton.com/blog/" target="_blank">NLB's blog</a>. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://prmo.me/n3fmGO" target="_blank"><img alt="brotherskeepers-enterbanner" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13826" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/brotherskeepers-enterbanner.jpg" height="100" width="400" /></a></center><center>{NOT ON FACEBOOK? <a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/6083" target="_blank"><strong>ENTER HERE</strong></a>.}</center>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8291853707806035492014-11-18T09:00:00.000-05:002014-11-18T09:00:01.979-05:004 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start Blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-658blZgLC8I/VGJ4qxrLZBI/AAAAAAAAVcI/HFbBZfEmZrU/s1600/lightstock_159598_medium_chrystal_4questions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-658blZgLC8I/VGJ4qxrLZBI/AAAAAAAAVcI/HFbBZfEmZrU/s640/lightstock_159598_medium_chrystal_4questions.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><br /><br />Freelance writing might seem like the easiest job around. How hard can it be sitting at the computer pounding out words with a keyboard? It might seem easy, if you know proper grammar and can adapt to various writing styles. The schedule might be a little grueling and you'll need to be able to provide yourself with a good atmosphere in which to work from. There are a few questions you should ask yourself before you embark on the freelance writing journey. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><b>1. How much time can I devote?</b><br /><br />How much time you have to devote during the day/week will determine whether you can keep up with deadlines at content providers, with private clients or with sponsors. You should take the time to make yourself a time schedule to see how many hours you are available. Timing is everything in the writing department. You need to be able to test, research and write quickly. <div><br /><br /><b>2. Do I like writing?</b><br /><br />If you do not like writing but want to just do it for the money, you might want to look for something else to do when trying to work from home. I have been a member of various writing and work from home forums for years. Statistics are not if your favor if you don't enjoy writing. Many experience burnout easy, and quickly. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>3. Is writing long-term or short-term?</b><br /><br />If you are taking up some writing gigs because you want to get your foot in the door with freelance writing and you plan on sticking around for a while, getting set up on some revenue sharing sites for passive income might be ideal for you. If you're a non-writer just looking to make a few dollars writing on the Internet, you'll need to find a place that has a quick turnaround for pay. If you are a writer in it for the long haul, these sites can also provide you with a benefit. I have a writing channel on Examiner that is a spin of this website. I also have a healthy food channel to spin <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>. These types of sites are just one more outlet to get your name out there, especially if you are trying to start your own blog.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>4. Can I handle criticism?</b><br /><br />If you are someone with thick skin, Internet writing (blogging, content sites) will work out fine for you. Remember everyone has an opinion and they will comment on your piece if comments are open. You will also have editors speaking their minds. If you are overly sensitive, a freelance writing or blogging career may not be for you. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>What are some other things you should ask yourself before starting a blog?</b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49937167347286980622014-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:002014-11-17T09:00:01.890-05:00Poetry in Motion : Within A Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvAv9yx57j8/VGJ3Awt6EpI/AAAAAAAAVb8/ZqWe1XFETp8/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion-within%2Ba%2Bdream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvAv9yx57j8/VGJ3Awt6EpI/AAAAAAAAVb8/ZqWe1XFETp8/s400/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion-within%2Ba%2Bdream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Life is nothing more<br />but a dream with in a dream.<br />It is nothing more,<br />it would seem.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Oh!<br />To be more than just a dream.<br />Forever more it seems.<br />To live this way or that.<br />It life is more than just a dream,<br />so much more than it would seem,<br />won't you tell me<br />which way to go,<br />so that something more than dreams I know.<br /><div><br /></div><div>10/31/2014</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91050330306011393652014-11-10T14:16:00.001-05:002014-11-10T14:18:38.785-05:00Kirk Cameron is Saving Christmas { #Giveaway }<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZm3HgVe9yk/VGEBqZklsGI/AAAAAAAAVZg/LJ8zIO_4F4c/s1600/young%2Bkc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZm3HgVe9yk/VGEBqZklsGI/AAAAAAAAVZg/LJ8zIO_4F4c/s1600/young%2Bkc.jpg" height="368" width="400" /></a></div><br />How many of you remember that adorable face right there? *raise hands*<br /><br />Me! I was a HUGE fan of "Growing Pains" and sat down with my family after dinner week after week to see what the Seaver's were up to. More importantly, what sort of laughs Mike was going to bring us. As I got older my pre teen crush on Kirk Cameron started to steer away from Hollywood heartthrobs as I entered teendom. But I'll never forget "show me your smile again."<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Thinking about Kirk Cameron brings back a lot of happy memories. My room was plastered with photos of the Corey's (Haim and Feldman,) River Phoenix, Kirk Cameron and many other Teen Beat and Tiger Beat cover models. So, imagine me jumping up and down like a teenage lunatic when the offer came through for Kirk Cameron's "<a href="http://www.savingchristmas.com/" target="_blank">Saving Christmas: Put Christ Back in Christmas.</a>"<br /><br />I do believe I replied with "Yes! YES!"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U25ggArFO34/VGEDAfogkdI/AAAAAAAAVZo/7pap0rWdQdY/s1600/kc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U25ggArFO34/VGEDAfogkdI/AAAAAAAAVZo/7pap0rWdQdY/s1600/kc.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kirk Cameron is still pretty adorable, although I am sure he would prefer the word 'handsome' ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, here's a little bit of information about the movie.</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br /><br />"Join me, and my family, and together let’s put Christ back into Christmas. We’ll dive head first into all of the joy, the dancing, the celebration, the feasting, the imagination and traditions that glorify the true reason for the season.” - Kirk Cameron<br /><br />“Saving Christmas is a wonderful defense of Christmas traditions and is quite educational. Candy and I also enjoyed some good laughs. I pray that God will use it to His glory.”</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">This Christmas, have your family join with Kirk Cameron’s family and dive headfirst into all the joy, dancing, celebration, feasting, imagination, and traditions that glorify the true “reason for the season.” KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS is an engaging story that provides a biblical basis for our time-honored traditions and celebrations, and the inspiration to stand strongly against a culture that wants to trivialize and eliminate the faith elements of this holy season. So take in the splendor; take in the majesty; take in the story. Take it all in… and let’s put Christ back in Christmas! KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS is in theaters for a limited engagement beginning November 14 for two weeks only! </blockquote>I was given a chance to watch the entire movie in exchange for this post. Now, I am going to tell you, just like so many others, I struggle with my place in this world. I don't consider myself a true believer because I wasn't introduced to the word of Jesus until a few years ago. But in that time I served, was baptized and found a wonderful church family. I moved 1600 miles and found another. Despite my struggles, there is one thing I am sure of, Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. And I for one can't stand how Hallmark-y a lot of holidays have gotten. I've also been pretty disgusted with how out of control Christmas gets for some people. For me it will never be about gifts and the money being spent.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwombpgoESY/VGEHZQDXnrI/AAAAAAAAVZ4/6-udRFOFocg/s1600/saving%2Bchristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwombpgoESY/VGEHZQDXnrI/AAAAAAAAVZ4/6-udRFOFocg/s1600/saving%2Bchristmas.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div><br /><br />So, the movie. I really enjoyed watching "Saving Christmas." I felt their was a lot of humor in it that made it enjoyable to watch. The story is narrated by Kirk who is trying to help his brother-in-law see the reason for Christmas. Kirk is trying to reopen his eyes and see why the large family gathering, the food, and the presents are all important. His brother-in-law has questions, Cameron has answers.<br /><br />I had a lot of the same questions. There was a few years where my ex-husband and I skipped Christmas because things were so out of control. We wanted to just keep things simple. I read "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham and it changed my whole outlook.<br /><br />I'm now in a world where Christmas is out of control. I come from a long line of less is more and those items should be special whereas my husband feels its all about the amount of money you spend. It would seem, we need to meet in the middle. I'm going to force him to watch this movie. I firmly believe he can benefit from it.<br /><br />Honestly, whether one is a believer or not, they can still benefit from this movie. Christmas just isn't about elves and Santa or snowmen and reindeer<br /><br />"Saving Christmas" is released this Friday in select theaters. It will only run for 2 weeks. To see if it is coming to your area, <a href="http://www.savingchristmas.com/" target="_blank">check the website</a>. You should also follow along on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kirkcameron" target="_blank">the Facebook page</a>. Lot's of great stuff happening there. You can also view the trailer <a href="http://youtu.be/AOSiZIgZ2JQ" target="_blank">on YouTube</a>.<br /><br />Now you can score some swag, too. While I can't give you access to the movie (trust me, it's well worth heading to the theater to check out) I can give you some some fun Kirk-y goodies. ONE winner will receive a "Saving Christmas" prize pack which will include a signed by Kirk Cameron "Saving Christmas" poster, the movie CD soundtrack to the film and a car freshener (smells like Christmas trees.) The soundtrack contains songs from artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, and Jason Crabb.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxcU-7i-V9c/VGEMDvroV8I/AAAAAAAAVaE/pkFcwz2fdXY/s1600/winnings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxcU-7i-V9c/VGEMDvroV8I/AAAAAAAAVaE/pkFcwz2fdXY/s1600/winnings.jpg" height="400" width="387" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rafflecopter has been loading a little slowly. If you do not see it, refresh the page and allow to load. If you still can't see it, check your ad blocker.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a id="rc-6fe0d3da17" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d3da17/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received viewing access to this movie for free as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62652850965603247192014-11-10T13:18:00.000-05:002014-11-10T13:18:28.857-05:00yesTrying to Move Forward in LifeIn case you missed it,<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/08/someone-called-me-fat-yesterday.html" target="_blank"> someone called me fat the other day</a>. This isn't really new to me as I grew up the fat kid that everyone teased and made fun of. Even members of my own family teased me about my weight. I often wonder if they knew about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">the sexual abuse</a> then if things would have been different. Doesn't matter, can't go back and change it now.<br /><br />For those who have been readers of this website or any of the ones that no longer exist, you know how much of a battle my weight has been. You watched me try (and fail) various programs. Some due to my own accord, others due to finances.<br /><br />Weight Watchers<br />Nutrisystem<br />Slim Fast<br />Ideal Shape<br />Le-vel Thrive<br />Saba ACE<br />Beachbody / Shakeology<br />DDP<br /><br />just to name a few.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm trying to make things better. My <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/80%20to%20Goal" target="_blank">80 to goal</a> has slowly crept up to 100, but I refuse to change it.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24363300792272561292014-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:002014-11-11T14:19:49.842-05:00Beating Holiday Depression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6B-9E2sCU8Q/U9vshWGsyII/AAAAAAAASNk/O6rW-2fqdBE/s1600/beating+holiday+depression.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6B-9E2sCU8Q/U9vshWGsyII/AAAAAAAASNk/O6rW-2fqdBE/s1600/beating+holiday+depression.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>As the holidays approach stress and depression rates rise. It is easy to get caught in the whirlwind of activities, saying yes to so many demands; shopping, hosting, baking, and cleaning. With a little bit of planning one can ease the symptoms and cope. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2" target="_blank">The Mayo Clinic</a> offers some great tips and ideas for coping with the holidays.<br /><br />1. <b>Acknowledge your feelings.</b> It is OK to feel sad.<br /><br />2. <b>Reach out.</b> Find help in others.<br /><br />3. <b>Be realistic.</b> It is human nature to want to help others and give all that we can. Sometimes this is just not physically possible as well as humanly possible. If you feel stretched, just say no thank you. Help the person to find someone else to do it.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />4. <b>Set aside difference.</b> Fighting during the holidays only makes things worse.<br /><br />5. <b>Plan ahead.</b> <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/09/getting-organized-blog-organization.html" target="_blank">Keep a planner</a> and write down everything; bake sales, shopping trips, appointments, parties as well as professional related items. No surprises and less stress.<br /><br />6. <b>Seek professional help if you need it.</b> Now is not a time to ignore feelings. Feelings left untreated often get worse. It is best to get help the moment you start to<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Mental%20Health" target="_blank"> feel depressed</a>.<br /><br /><br /><u>Some other tips include:</u><br /><br />1. <b>Pace yourself.</b> Do not say "yes" to anything you can not handle.<br /><br />2. If you are spending the holidays alone, spend your time <b>volunteering</b> to those who are also alone and less fortunate.<br /><br />3. <b>Relax.</b> Take a few minutes out of every day to breathe. Spend an hour taking care of yourself-do something you love!<br /><br />4. <b>Don't think about the past.</b> Live for the future. Make the best of today.<br /><br />5. <b>Keep track of holiday spending</b> so there are no surprises.<br /><br />6. <b>Exercise!</b> It reduces the feelings of depression.<br /><br />7. <b>Try something different. </b>Start a new tradition.<br /><br />8. Surround yourself with <b>cheerful people</b> and stay away from the Scrooges.<br /><br />9. <b>Enjoy a hot cup of tea while addressing Christmas cards</b>. It provides a calming atmosphere and provides the body with antioxidants.<br /><br />10. <b>Think about one positive thing every day</b> or think about something you are thankful for. If you use Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or any other social networking site, post your thanks in your status message for others to see and comment.<br /><br />11. <b>Try light therapy.</b> If the sun is not shining, chances are you are not shining either. It is a good investment, try a few minutes every day.<br /><br />12. <b><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Book%20Review" target="_blank">Read a book.</a> </b>Escaping to another world can help relieve the stress along with easing depression symptoms.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74440174944461715112014-11-04T11:44:00.002-05:002014-11-04T11:44:33.874-05:0019 Tips and Trick to Get You Through NaNoWriMo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y42a8AYqx1M/VFjqY9-p1RI/AAAAAAAAVRc/gqw53CG4598/s1600/Participant-2014-Web-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y42a8AYqx1M/VFjqY9-p1RI/AAAAAAAAVRc/gqw53CG4598/s1600/Participant-2014-Web-Banner.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div><br />Fall is in the air. Leaves are crinkling under my feet everywhere I walk. Not only does it signal winter is on it's way, it also signals the start of <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a>. For those who are not familiar, NaNo is National Novel Writing Month. For the entire month of November participants are pushed to churn out a 50,000 word novel. Translation = tired fingers, overworked coffeepots, sleepless nights and hair-pulling stress levels.<br /><a name='more'></a>This is my 5th year participating. My first few were not wildly successful. I have completed a couple. I haven't published anything I have completed. I'm also not off to a good start this year, but I am not going to stress about it. I'll catch up ;)<br /><br />In the meantime, I thought I would put together a few of my old posts from previous NaNo's that might help you out in your journey. You can also <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/participants/irishchik" target="_blank">add me as your writing buddy</a>.<br /><br />Even thought the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/11/the-night-before-nano-c-dubois.html" target="_blank">Night Before NaNo</a> is a little late, it's still a very good and humorous read. Will also give you a general insight to what NaNo does to a writer.<br /><br />Even if you are not interested in the blood, sweat and tears of NaNo, there is an alternative. You can still <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/national-book-writing-month-alternative-how-to-write-a-book-30-days" target="_blank">write a book in 30 days or less</a> believe it or not.<br /><br />If fiction is not your thing, November is also home to <a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art178460.asp" target="_blank">National Memoir Writing Month</a> and <a href="http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/november-is-academic-writing-month/43608" target="_blank">National Academic Writing Month</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIA_POPgWQk/VFkCYfQn_6I/AAAAAAAAVRs/26WjjXizdSA/s1600/19%2Btips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIA_POPgWQk/VFkCYfQn_6I/AAAAAAAAVRs/26WjjXizdSA/s1600/19%2Btips.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><h3><b><br /></b><b>TIPS:</b></h3><div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/preparing-for-nanowrimo" target="_blank">Preparing for NaNoWriMo</a></div><div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/gearing-up-for-nanowrimo-mind-mapping" target="_blank">Gearing Up for NaNo: Mind Mapping</a></div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/5-things-not-to-do-when-writing-a-novel" target="_blank">5 Things not to do when writing a novel</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/getting-back-into-the-writing-zone-after-a-break" target="_blank">Getting Back into the Writing Zone After a Break</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/tips-for-getting-over-writer-s-block" target="_blank">Tips for Getting Over Writer's Block</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/the-busy-writers-self-editing-toolbox-by-marg-mcalister" target="_blank">The Busy Writers 'Self Editing Toolbox'</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-5-marketing-skills-every-writer-needs" target="_blank">Top 5 Marketing Skills Every Writer Needs</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-successful-writer" target="_blank">What Does it Take to Be a Successful Writer?</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/7-books-every-writer-should-have-on-their-shelf" target="_blank">7 Books Every Writer Should Have on their Shelf</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/free-creative-writing-tools-for-writers" target="_blank">Free Creative Writing Tools for Writers</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/free-writing-software-for-writers" target="_blank">Free Writing Software for Writers</a><br /><h3><b>Writing Prompts:</b></h3><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-zombie-writing-prompts" target="_blank">Top 10 Zombie Writing Prompts</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-thanksgiving" target="_blank">5 Writing Prompts for Thanksgiving</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-about-fall-colors" target="_blank">Top 10 Writing Prompts About Fall Colors</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-creative-writing-prompts-for-winter" target="_blank">Top 10 Creative Writing Prompts for Winter</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-christmas" target="_blank">Top 10 Writing Prompts for Christmas</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-new-years" target="_blank">Top 10 Writing Prompts for New Years</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-5-writing-prompts-for-january-keeps-you-warm-and-cozy" target="_blank">Top 10 Writing Prompts for January</a><br /><br /><b>Do you really want to be a writer?</b><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-downsides-to-being-a-writer" target="_blank">The Downside to Being a Writer</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32371319387174331502014-11-03T07:00:00.000-05:002014-11-17T15:26:21.027-05:00Conscious Box Reveal {Giveaway}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yrNxWMhMicM/VFZjemyBJiI/AAAAAAAAVO8/f5u6--M68QQ/s1600/conscious%2Bbox%2Breveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yrNxWMhMicM/VFZjemyBJiI/AAAAAAAAVO8/f5u6--M68QQ/s1600/conscious%2Bbox%2Breveal.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I adore <a href="http://consciousbox.go2cloud.org/SH10" target="_blank">Conscious Box</a>. Last year I did a review for their Classic box. I wrote a post <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/04/conscious-box-loves-you-april-giveaway.html" target="_blank">all about their company</a> and how they give 1% back for the greater good. My box contained so many wonderful things that it took me two very long posts to get through it all. You can find part one<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/my-conscious-box-arrived-let-review.html" target="_blank"> here</a> and part two <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/06/my-conscious-box-arrived-let-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>. As you can see, I am a fan of all the wonderful goodies Conscious Box contains so when they contacted me and asked me if I would like to try another box and check out their new look, I was all for it. This time I picked a vegan box.<br /><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVu8ZvxG1mc/VGpZ3za2g4I/AAAAAAAAViw/OHfDhCDtW8c/s1600/conscious%2Bbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVu8ZvxG1mc/VGpZ3za2g4I/AAAAAAAAViw/OHfDhCDtW8c/s1600/conscious%2Bbox.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Here is a video of my big <a href="http://consciousbox.go2cloud.org/SH10" target="_blank">Conscious Box</a> reveal.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dx8Ed-DU2yQ" width="560"></iframe> <br /> While I haven't made my way through every little thing in the box, let's face it, there is a lot there; I have tried a few items so I'll go ahead and tell you about those.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KTpuUPJbYQ/VFZxQGQcDSI/AAAAAAAAVPg/zAh8vrwrCG0/s1600/ground-base_-_superfood_-_protein_smoothie_-_fullsize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KTpuUPJbYQ/VFZxQGQcDSI/AAAAAAAAVPg/zAh8vrwrCG0/s1600/ground-base_-_superfood_-_protein_smoothie_-_fullsize.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Superfood Protein Smoothie.</b> Anyone who knows me knows I am a smoothie junkie. I even wrote my own<a href="http://amzn.to/1c1JBRc" target="_blank"> little recipe book</a> for them! I was really excited to try this super smoothie. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/03/i-didn-mean-to-quit.html" target="_blank">After my disaster with Shakeology</a> (not to mention the expense of it) I have been seeking a similar product that isn't MLM based and won't force me to recruit people just to get a discount. This smoothie powder is plant-based and vegan friendly. It contains NO soy, dairy or whey. Their are no artificial colors, flavors or dye. I did however make it non vegan as I as out of almond milk so I just used regular skim milk. This powder packet has 17g of protein per serving and also contains super greens. High fiber and all natural. It's everything I have been seeking in a good protein powder. Oh, and it comes in milk chocolate flavor.<br /><br />So here's the rundown - I didn't put it in a blender like I do my other smoothies. So there was a little bit of a grain/grit because I just used a shaker cup. This didn't bother me too much because it still tasted pretty amazing. If you've had Shakeology and didn't blend it in a blender and couldn't choke it down, well this is your answer. This product can be mixed with water. A 14-serving pack will run you <a href="http://amzn.to/1xOYCPE" target="_blank">about $40</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bG3E6bQuElQ/VFZzJbInaGI/AAAAAAAAVPs/wKd9CsyC5Xo/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bG3E6bQuElQ/VFZzJbInaGI/AAAAAAAAVPs/wKd9CsyC5Xo/s1600/th.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Zevia.</b> I am not much of a pop drinker and when I do, its usually diet because I don't want to drink my calories. I love Diet Dr. Pepper. I have seen Zevia and heard about it. I know a lot of folks praise it because it has no calories and no artificial sweeteners. There is no sugar other than the natural sugars that might be found in the ingredients. It is made with Stevia. I was given Cream Soda to try. I was really excited about the cream soda because that is one of my all time favorite treats from Faygo.<br /><br />I didn't hate it. But, I didn't love it either. It had a really weird taste. I am not sure if I would buy this particular flavor again.<br /><br /><br />My only complaint is that my box card stated that I was to get a sample of Zen Blend organic coffee but that was not in my box, which made me a little sad.<br /><br />On that note, I'll come back and update the post as I make my way through the rest of my goodies!<br /><br /><br />Now, here comes the best part! <a href="http://consciousbox.go2cloud.org/SH10" target="_blank">Conscious Box</a> is giving on lucky Self Employed Writer reader a 3 months subscription to a box of their choice! You can pick from Gluten Free,Vegan or the Classic box.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure:</b> I was given a box free for review. I was only required to be honest about my reviews. All opinions are 100% my own. Some links are affiliate links. If you click them I might make enough for a small cup of coffee ;)<br /><br /> <a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d3da16/" id="rc-6fe0d3da16" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47496295311585291132014-10-31T12:40:00.000-04:002014-11-03T12:09:04.022-05:00I Created Perfect Looking Brows that Lasted All Day! <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.brandbacker.com/bob_cl_tk.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">var search_me = '159_27590'; var scriptElems = document.getElementsByTagName('script'), i=scriptElems.length - 1, curLoc; for (; i; --i) { curLoc = scriptElems[i]; if ('innerText' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.innerText.indexOf(search_me)) break; }else if ('textContent' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.textContent.indexOf(search_me)) break; }} addImpression(159,27590);var clkHndlr = function(event) { addListenersForClickAround(159,27590, curLoc); };addEvent(window, 'load', clkHndlr);</script><input id="bob_camp_id_159" name="bob_camp_id" value="159" type="hidden"/><input name="bob_camp_mem_id" value="27590" type="hidden"/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbgtIkfzJdA/VFO7OuxU3GI/AAAAAAAAVMw/AFfxckSqIHU/s1600/2-for-1-brows_MED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbgtIkfzJdA/VFO7OuxU3GI/AAAAAAAAVMw/AFfxckSqIHU/s1600/2-for-1-brows_MED.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I've noticed as I age my brows just grow the way they used to. I have been wanting to try filling them in but when I stood in the isle in the makeup section I had no clue where to even begin. Folks, there is a reason I never became a beauty blogger through my blogging career. I wear the basic and stick to minimum application. Base, powder, eye liner, mascara, blush and some lip gloss are all this girl needs. No funky colors either. I have tried eye shadow a few times in my life and it was a disaster. I don't feel comfortable - at all.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />That hasn't stopped my thinning eyebrows. Well, my brows are not thin, exactly but I do have a few spaces where constant plucking over the years has caused a few empty spaces. I basically let it go. No way in he-ll did I want the Sharpie brow.<br /><br />Oh come on. Don't act like you've never witnessed the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=sharpie%20eyebrows%20funny&rs=ac&len=12&term_meta%5B%5D=sharpie%7Cautocomplete%7C1&term_meta%5B%5D=eyebrows%7Cautocomplete%7C1&term_meta%5B%5D=funny%7Cautocomplete%7C1" target="_blank">Sharpie look</a>. Please, click the link. Seriously. You will want to see it.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Yeah. That. </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrnqoyV_aHU/VFOwQYiIyVI/AAAAAAAAVMA/tS145QIaYc8/s1600/49b5b8982af9d061351da4e3e051c6d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrnqoyV_aHU/VFOwQYiIyVI/AAAAAAAAVMA/tS145QIaYc8/s1600/49b5b8982af9d061351da4e3e051c6d9.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />So that is how I don't want to look. So when <a href="http://www.pauladorf.com/" target="_blank">Paula Dorf </a>reached out to me to try their <a href="http://www.pauladorf.com/makeup/eyes/2-1-for-brows" target="_blank">2 + 1 For Brows</a> I was intrigued because the kit comes with 2 colors to use together or separate to create the perfect color for fills. The kit also comes with a clear wax for all day hold and the perfect brow brush for application.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKie54tkaxs/VFO6rzJuglI/AAAAAAAAVMg/iSlBXYoiD3k/s1600/2%2B1%2Beyebrow%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKie54tkaxs/VFO6rzJuglI/AAAAAAAAVMg/iSlBXYoiD3k/s1600/2%2B1%2Beyebrow%2Bbefore.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />I picked the brunette pallet. I wasn't really sure what to do as this was my first time checking it out. So I started with the lighter shade of brown and a little wax to fill in the the spots. Ease of application was a breeze. When I went a little too high I just used a cotton swap to wipe it off. It didn't leave behind any smudges.<br /><br />The colors seemed to match fairly well. It did last all day, even when I wiped my eyes and had my hands all over my face after a disastrous Dr. visit. I love the application brush. The bristles were firm and angled just right for filling in small eyebrow spaces.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qF2s1XXOZ2I/VFO7H-Jr-gI/AAAAAAAAVMo/kJLIHGfW2Pk/s1600/2%2B1%2Beyebrows%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qF2s1XXOZ2I/VFO7H-Jr-gI/AAAAAAAAVMo/kJLIHGfW2Pk/s1600/2%2B1%2Beyebrows%2Bafter.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />I noticed with application that the wax was light and had some staying power. I did put a little over both eyebrows to help with those strays that didn't want to stay put. This was an added bonus for me. I have seen products in stores for this purpose but never bought any.<br /><br />The package is small, like a eye shadow pod and the brush comes in its own case. Since you don't use a lot, I can see this product lasting a while. For $26 I feel it's a great buy. It comes in 4 different color pallets so you are sure to find one to match your eyebrows.<br /><br />On those days when I paint my face for public viewing this will be a product I will go to for those eyebrow fixes.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure:</b> I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own. I received no compensation for this post.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38134931745197565672014-10-19T14:20:00.000-04:002014-10-19T14:20:44.082-04:00yesMake Money with Shop Your Wayhttp://www.thesuburbanmom.com/2012/09/20/shop-your-way-rewards-personal-shopper-program-qa/Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78784934064209573762014-10-19T12:29:00.000-04:002014-10-19T12:29:40.801-04:00yesDestined for Doon By Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LamCwgtbYKw/VEPTQAOjQvI/AAAAAAAAU7Y/q-FzQU636D4/s1600/_240_360_Book.1321.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LamCwgtbYKw/VEPTQAOjQvI/AAAAAAAAU7Y/q-FzQU636D4/s1600/_240_360_Book.1321.cover.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a></div><br />I am SO excited for this book review. Back in February I read (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/doon-by-carey-corp-and-lorie-langdon.html" target="_blank">and reviewed</a>) a new book entitled, "Doon" by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon. I loved every bit of that book and despite my eagerness to read though each page, there was also a sadness as that meant I was getting closer to the end. I knew there would be another in the series. Some day. But I had no idea "Destined for Doon" would be released in the SAME year.<br /><a name='more'></a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87925538633479452942014-10-19T11:02:00.002-04:002014-10-19T11:02:36.197-04:00Hit by Lorie Ann Grover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5BchXEvG8k/VEPNpo_C9GI/AAAAAAAAU7I/ZV3I0dWrihk/s1600/_240_360_Book.1361.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5BchXEvG8k/VEPNpo_C9GI/AAAAAAAAU7I/ZV3I0dWrihk/s1600/_240_360_Book.1361.cover.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></div><br /><br />When it comes to books there is a part of me that will never grow up. The book lover in me will read pretty much anything. You know that girl that takes too long in the shower because she's reading the backs of the bottles and jars? Yeah. That's me.<br /><br />I was pretty interested in "<a href="http://amzn.to/1rlCqbc" target="_blank">Hit</a>," a teen fiction novel by Lorie Ann Grover after reading the synopsis.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br /><br />After receiving a full-ride scholarship to Mills College for Girls, it appears Sarah's future is all laid out before her … that is until she walks into a poetry class led by Mr. Haddings, a student teacher from the nearby University of Washington. Suddenly, life on the UW campus seems very appealing, and Sarah finds herself using her poetry journal to subtly declare her feelings for Haddings. Convinced Mr. Haddings is flirting back, she sets off for school in the rain with a poem in her back pocket—one that will declare her feelings once and for all.</blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Mr. Haddings has noticed Sarah's attention; the fallout from any perceived relationship with a student is too great a risk, and he has decided to end all speculation that morning.<br /><br /><br />But everything changes when Mr. Haddings feels a thud on his front bumper when he glances away from the road, and finds Sarah in the street with blood pooling beneath her.</blockquote>Sounds interesting, doesn't it?<br /><br />I snuggled up with a fresh cup of coffee and a warm blanket Sunday morning. This book was a quick read. I started some time after 8am and was done by 10. I won't push it as a gripping page-turner but it did have just enough page turning factor to keep me going.<br /><br />I've read a lot of teen fiction / young adult novels in my life. Many of them, take Harry Potter and Twilight for example, are written in a fashion that anyone can read them. Parents can read Harry Potter to their children, teens can enjoy them and even adults with or without children.Twilight was enjoyed by many age groups. I felt that wasn't the case with "Hit." It's ok that this isn't a book meant to be read to the younger age group or that it wasn't really meant to be read by an adult.<br /><br />The story is adult enough to keep an adult interested, however the writing style is that of a teenager. I've never head of <a href="http://www.lorieanngrover.com/" target="_blank">Lorrie Ann Grover</a>, so I did a quick Google check to find out her age. Grover has quite a lengthy list of published fiction and some of it sounds really entertaining and most are illustrated children's books. While I couldn't find an exact age, judging from the information I was able to find Lorie Ann could be in her 40s. Nothing wrong with that. What I am trying to say here is that it feels like a teenager is writing it. Which, could be the point.<br /><br />The book switches back and forth between Sarah's point of view and her teacher, Mr. Haddings. It's a quick change and easy to follow. Considering the age group meant to read this book, it flows perfectly. However, I found that once I was 2/3 through the book, things were wrapping up way to quickly. It was stated that this was based on a true story, and it left me with a lot of unanswered questions. It made me feel like the author was rushed and really didn't finish the story. It starts off all heavy. You get involved in the situation and with the characters. It has a heavy build-up of story and emotions. Then, it's over.<br /><br />Maybe, just maybe this will be part of a series? I couldn't find any information on that.<br /><br />If you are looking for a quick read, "<a href="http://amzn.to/1rlCqbc" target="_blank">Hit</a>" is interesting and entertaining enough. If you are looking for a different take on a love story for your teen daughter, this might fit the bill as well. Don't say I didn't warn you if you feel like there was something missing from the last portion of the book.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1594588010394779972014-10-18T18:45:00.004-04:002014-10-18T18:50:37.731-04:00Glen Campbell "I'll Be Me" Movie Review {Giveaway}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeQZ6cc7p-8/VELrglWAEcI/AAAAAAAAU6w/fxbOiEGr2wM/s1600/glen%2Bcampbell.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeQZ6cc7p-8/VELrglWAEcI/AAAAAAAAU6w/fxbOiEGr2wM/s1600/glen%2Bcampbell.png" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>Hey y'all. I don't usually do two reviews back-to-back or two contest for that matter, but this one hit close to home and something that is dear to my heart so I knew I just had to get in on it.<br /><br />I literally just finished watching "I'll Be Me" and cried pretty much all the way through it. As a young girl growing up in the south, Glen Campbell is a prominent figure. As I got older, I did not listen to him much, but he is always there. So many artists today are influenced by Glen, from all genres.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />In 2011, Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Not wanting to let the news defeat him, he joined forces with his wife and family to fight the biggest battle of his life. Glen and his wife Kim made music history by going public with his news. This was the first time any celebrity would share their experience battling Alzheimer's with the world.<br /><br />Glen wanted to give fans a "Goodbye Tour" to say his hellos and final goodbyes. It was also to promote his final album dedicated to his wife Kim. I sat here with my tissues wiping away my tears. What I see is an undying bond between Campbell and his wife Kim, along with his children. This film follows Glen along on his three week tour through 151 shows.<br /><br />The film starts off fun and witty. Glen Campbell as the world knows him still peaks out. As the film comes to a close an hour and forty-five minutes later we see the anxious Campbell unable to get around this crippling disease.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nafCCofiwtU" width="560"></iframe> <br />This film rings close to home. A <a href="http://yumeating.com/yuck-stops-27-stoptheyuck/" target="_blank">few weeks ago the husband and I had to say goodbye to his beloved grandmother</a> who spent her entire 80 plus years in this town. She was baptized as an infant at the same exact church we held her funeral. His grandmother was well-loved and well- known.<br /><br />When I first met her six years ago she was still living in her home, with caretakers there around the clock. She had no idea who I was the first time we met, but still knew her firstborn grandchild and called him by his childhood nickname. I thought this was cute and smiled. When she asked me about "the baby" hubs had to tell her that I was no kiddos mom. Her reply was "Well, she should be. Both so beautiful." And with that she proceeded to pet my hair. Something she did every time I saw her after that.<br /><br />In the beginning of our relationship we spent holidays over grandma's house. It was awkward for me as I am sure if was for those involved. But, it was accepted. She was always kind and warm and would rattle on with any story she could remember. She was perfectly healthy in any way, except that her brain wasn't working like the rest of her.<br /><br />A few years ago grandma was put in a nursing home were hubs step mom worked. She was in a special wing just for patients just like her. She flourished there. She partied and danced. She laughed and had her hair done. But, these last few months were not kind to her. As her Alzheimer's progressed, she began to lose all function.<br /><br />While it was hard to say goodbye, many loved ones were relieved. She had gone on to a better place to be with her husband. Pain free and full of loving memories.<br /><br />It takes great strength and character to watch your loved ones go through this terrible disease and yet continue on yourself. I admire the Campbell family, especially his wife Kim. I fear that someday hubs will fall victim to this terrible disease. I only hope I can be as brave and strong as Kim Campbell.<br /><br /><a href="http://glencampbellmovie.com/faith/" target="_blank">"I'll Be Me"</a> the story of The Rhinestone Cowboy is set to <a href="http://glencampbellmovie.com/events/category/theatrical-release/" target="_blank">release in stages starting October 24</a>. It's a beautiful story of love and companionship. I was tickled when an appearance by The Edge from U2 was made, along with Bill Clinton, Bruce Springsteen, Sir Paul McCartney and many more. What was sad is here is Paul McCartney telling him how he's rocking out to his song and poor Glen, you can see he truly has no idea who McCartney is.<br /><br /><b>It doesn't matter if you are a fan of Glen's music or not, watching this movie will show you that no matter what the darkness is, there is light.</b><br /><b><br /></b>How would you like to win a 5 song EP from the soundtrack which features Glen Campbell, his daughter Ashley Campbell and The Band Perry.<br /><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d3da15/" id="rc-6fe0d3da15" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this movie for free as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76884842835936340202014-10-18T16:03:00.000-04:002014-10-18T20:24:23.674-04:00Movie Night : VeggieTales Beauty and the Beet {Giveaway}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksHZ5fhrFps/VEK8az87tRI/AAAAAAAAU50/XMcA8pE7l8Q/s1600/veggie%2Btales%2Bbeauty%2Band%2Bthe%2Bbeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksHZ5fhrFps/VEK8az87tRI/AAAAAAAAU50/XMcA8pE7l8Q/s1600/veggie%2Btales%2Bbeauty%2Band%2Bthe%2Bbeet.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>Deck the Halls with.....<br /><br />Wait.<br /><br />It's not Christmas yet! But, it sure feels like it. I'm so excited to share with you that the Veggie Tales have another wonderful movie release (October 14) just in time for the holidays. Back in August I reviewed the then <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/08/movie-night-veggietales-celery-night.html" target="_blank">latest release, Celery Night Fever</a>, and it sure did not disappoint.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Neither did Beauty and the Beet.<br /><br />Veggie Tales Beauty and the Beet stars American Idol alum, Kellie Pickler singing 8 brand-new songs, including Deck the Halls. Pickler is also the voice of Mirabelle. The story is a tale of unconditional love and includes 7 bonus scenes and downloadable activities.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHdlM8puSzI/VELDH4cGCaI/AAAAAAAAU6I/nh2QAzhwhUg/s1600/Kellie%2BPickler%2B%26%2BMirabelle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHdlM8puSzI/VELDH4cGCaI/AAAAAAAAU6I/nh2QAzhwhUg/s1600/Kellie%2BPickler%2B%26%2BMirabelle.png" height="320" width="272" /></a></div><br />The DVD also includes Mac and Cheese, a new "Silly Songs with Larry" tune which Larry the Cucumber reveals his families untold history of his families unexpected contribution toe Italian food.<br /><br />I was sent this cute Veggie Tales goodie bag with along with a fancy canvas bag with the Veggie Tales newest family photo (adorbs) which is perfect for the grocery store or farmers market, and a a flash drive of Larry the cucumber which holds all sorts of fun activities to learn all about the Veggie Tales.<br /><br />For example, there are loads of activity card pdf's, lyric sheets to the songs featured in the movie and even recipes!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgNegrUEgGU/VELG572GV5I/AAAAAAAAU6Y/y9r6qhHs1fM/s1600/mirabelle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgNegrUEgGU/VELG572GV5I/AAAAAAAAU6Y/y9r6qhHs1fM/s1600/mirabelle.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Isn't this cute?? I hid the bag and flash drive from kiddo so I could use them for a Christmas gift. For the last few years we have gotten her a Veggie Tale book. This year I am thinking of doing the same and making a little gift pack for her. I had fun with the flash drive. So cute!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3VLXurnIds/VEK_92HiN7I/AAAAAAAAU58/KdS4x2Czp5I/s1600/veggie%2Btales%2Bgoodie%2Bbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3VLXurnIds/VEK_92HiN7I/AAAAAAAAU58/KdS4x2Czp5I/s1600/veggie%2Btales%2Bgoodie%2Bbag.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />Beauty and the Beet is just the beginning of all the fun factors because the Veggie Tale gang will star in a brand new Netflix original series Veggie Tales in the House, which premiers exclusively on Netflix Thanksgiving weekend. We love our Netflix right along with our Veggie Tales. Kiddo and her dad are really excited for this. They've been watching VeggieTales together since she was a baby! Awwwwwwww <br /><br />Seeeeeee!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuMQY-31HOY/VELGXtO349I/AAAAAAAAU6Q/nNMoOPm2O60/s1600/yah%2Bfor%2Bveggie%2Btales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuMQY-31HOY/VELGXtO349I/AAAAAAAAU6Q/nNMoOPm2O60/s1600/yah%2Bfor%2Bveggie%2Btales.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Beauty and the Beast is my all-time favorite Disney cartoon so this Veggie Tale feature is quickly becoming my favorite Veggie Tale movie!<br /><br />Enter to win. You won't be disappointed, I promise. And if you don't win, I encourage you to pick the film up for your Veggie Tale fan. They are sure to squeal with delight just like we did!<br /><br />Be sure to visit the <a href="http://veggietales.com/vtmain/" target="_blank">Veggie Tales website</a> for more information and check out more films.<br /><br />If you like Glen Campbell, I have a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/10/glen-campbell-ill-be-me-movie-review.html" target="_blank">very special giveaway going on here.</a><br /><br />You can <b>win a DVD copy</b> of Beauty and the Beat. Awesomesauce, right??<br /><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d3da13/" id="rc-6fe0d3da13" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br /><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection:</strong> I received this DVD for free as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40321881168251913532014-10-14T18:58:00.003-04:002014-10-14T18:58:21.553-04:00yesNot Citing Sources is Stealing<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">A lot people think they are slick. They float around the internet looking for popular works of art and decide to "copy paste" or "save as" to use elsewhere. Many of these people I am seeing right here on </span><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/pulses/14-bubblews" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; text-decoration: none;">+Bubblews</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"> and it makes me sad and angry all at the same time. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">As a published author and freelance writer, I know what is it like to have my words stolen. As a photojournalist I know what it is like to have my photos stolen. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">When you search for photos through </span><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/pulses/174-google" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; text-decoration: none;">+Google</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"> and download them for blog posts and use them, you are stealing them. That photo does not belong to you. There are plenty of Creative Common sites out there that will allow you to use photos, for free. Most of them do require attribution. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">One should always give a photographer credit when credit is due. They are hard working individuals just like you and I.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Copy and pasting words off the internet is stealing too. Everyone should know this as plagiarism. If you are copying someones work, you need to ask permission. You also need to make sure you are giving links, names, and attribution to any source of work you use in your material, even if you do not copy it word for word. ALL writers work hard for their money, you should work hard for yours too. Give credit where credit is due. It really is as simple as that. </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13239625422081500312014-10-14T18:58:00.000-04:002014-10-14T18:58:04.468-04:00yesI Have a Dream<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">I have always wanted to open my own restaurant. Or bakery. Which I find odd because I am not much of a baker. I do enjoy making a cake, pie, cobbler or even a batch of cookies but it's never really anything fancy. I've always wanted to have my own cookbook. These are things I never pursued. I always felt that business and accounting were my path and so that is the course I always stayed on in life. I loved writing and that was my passion. It was another dream, but it was more of a hobby. I never felt it was going to lead me to anything. When I needed a job after a divorce and moving 1000 miles away to a land with the highest unemployment rate, I began writing about businesses and accounting. Before I knew it, I was getting into marketing and providing content for businesses who wanted more of a web presence all while working on my fiction. I finally finished my Master's degree and now I am going through the "what now?" part of my life. I have had a few freelance clients start to fizzle - which is the name of the game.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">I am questioning a lot of things. I have had many opportunities in my life quickly leave because certain people around me do not respect "working from home" as a "real" job. I've given up so many things, even bits and pieces, parts of me, to make things work - and yet I feel I am no better off for it. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Relationships are about compromise - but it only works if the other person does it too. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">I've found a way to combine my love of writing and my love of food. I've found a way to use my business , accounting and marketing skills to build a business for myself. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Having been pushed aside for so many years, I am fearful that this dream of mine is going to get ruined before it even gets started. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">I have a dream and it matters, too.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11910466776118987072014-10-14T18:45:00.000-04:002014-10-14T18:45:38.189-04:00yesAll About AdSense: What Is It?<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">If you are writing for residual income at places like HubPages or on your personal blog, then you are sure to have heard of Google AdSense. For some, you may have heard of it but are not quite sure what it is. Don’t feel bad, once upon a time I had no idea what it was either. I am sure there are plenty of others out there like us.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">So what is AdSense? For starters it is the web’s most popular (some might say best) way to make money passively. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Now you ask, what is passive income?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Passive income is income that you get without having to work for it.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">This is not a get rich scheme and it is for real.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Did you know that income from rentals of real estate is passive income?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">The thing to keep in mind is that passive (or as others call it residual, or revenue sharing) income does NOT happen overnight. If it did, don’t you think the whole world would be millionaires by now?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Think about the rental property; let’s assume it an apartment building. It took time for someone to find, buy and become owner of that building. That took some upfront money, and then the owner had to take the time to set it up as an S corporation, fix it up, find someone to manage it, and find a maintenance person. Once the large chuck of the initial work is done, money starts to come in with no effort from the owner.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Google Adsense is the same way. The only difference is, this is all done online. You will have to invest in some time every day to learn about Adsense and the internet world. Take the time to see how it works. Learn about the program. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Once you have the basic understanding and knowledge of Adsense the next project is to figure out where you want to put it. Perhaps you don’t mind sharing your earnings with a company that is already established such as HubPages. Or, you would like to set up your own website like I did. Setting up your own website gives you total control, but there is also a lot of risk there. If you do decide to go to your own website, pick a niche and stick to it. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">AdSense is simply an advertising program where ads are placed on your website, or the website you are writing for. Companies pay Google for advertising and Google pays you for allowing placement of those ads.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">So there you have the beginners information guide to AdSense.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Be sure to connect with me for more AdSense articles coming soon!</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Want to know the pros and cons to Google Adsense? Check out my website Self Employed Writer for more information.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/google-adsense-pros-and-cons_17.html" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/google-adsense-pros-and-cons_17.html</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85557875368209576762014-10-14T18:40:00.001-04:002014-10-14T18:40:53.520-04:00yesTiny House Nation: 172 Sq Ft Dream Castle<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">Have you caught on to the tiny house movement yet?</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">Most people have been living tiny for years in apartments, trailers, mobile homes and cabins.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">I have a severe obsession with tiny living.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">You can read about that on my website: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/tiny-dream-links.html" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/tiny-dream-links.html</a></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">And here is a long list of links about tiny living that I have collected over the years:<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/tiny-dream-links.html" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/tiny-dream-links.html</a></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">Recently one of the pioneers of the tiny house movement published a book. I am sure more will follow. That review is also on my website so you can click one of the links above to find it.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">I recently watched Tiny. It was available on Netflix. I have watched it twice. I found the documentary to be a bit off, but there are some things to be learned from it.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">When I found out there was going to be a weekly television show I nearly died.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">So, here are my thoughts about Tiny House Nation - Episode 1 - 172 Sq Ft Dream Castle</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">In the 172 Sq Ft Dream Castle episode we are introduced to Jeff, Chelsea and their 2 year-old daughter who live in Maryville, TN.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">I have seen this house before. This one was a little different in that they put a sliding glass door in the kitchen/living area. The main wall around it is all windows. While I felt it was great to give it an open feel, I felt that it took away from having very usable space. This home, while really cute, had no real space for living. At one end of the tiny home is a bathroom and a small sleeping area for Lilly Grace the daughter. She also has a play loft above her sleeping area that was made into a princess play place. While super cute, it leave me to question - what are they planning to do when Lilly grows? She is going to get taller and her space just is not adequate for her growth. Not for sleeping or the place she plays.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">This is one home that does not have a loft. I felt there should have been a loft put in. I can understand wanting to keep the bedrooms on the lower level due to the age of the child. However, a loft should have been placed for a living area. Because the slider glass door was put in, there was no living space in between the sleeping areas. Just a kitchen. There was a drop down which gave them a table to eat at.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">What are they going to do in the winter when they can't be outside on their giant porch?</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">I have to say, while cute and there were a few things that I liked about this home, over all, I don't feel it's the most functional tiny house I have seen. There is also no room for growth of the child.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">I would be interested to get an update show on this family in a few years. I have a feeling this house is going to need major updates - if they are still living it.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57794274353635857492014-10-14T18:39:00.004-04:002014-10-14T18:39:45.821-04:00yesWorking from Home (still) Isn't Awesome<br /><br />Working from home isn't awesome. Honestly, it sucks and I have no idea why anyone would quit their job to try to work from home.<br /><br />I have been working from home off and on for about 15 years now. I started in direct sales, then I did freelance accounting and tax work before I began writing about accounting and tax. Those jobs led to some copywriting and now I write for myself (my own websites) some news columns on various topics and I write +Erotic +fiction.<br /><br />I would NOT trade my career for anything. I love what I do, but I hate working from home. It really is not all it's cracked up to be. I know a lot of people out there +Dream of working from home because they have these general ideas of how they think the home and work life will be. Well, I am here to tell you, your home and work like will suddenly become one and the same.<br /><br />First, people will look at you like you don't have a real job. Sure, I can sit at home in my PJ's all day and never once have to put on an ounce of make-up. Yeah, I can take lunch and breaks when I want - IF I was able to take any.<br /><br />Second, people will give you a list of things to do since you are home. I mean, if you are just going to be home anyway, why not do the dishes, sweep the floor, start the laundry, cook breakfast/lunch/dinner.<br /><br />Third, your phone will never stop ringing. Include instant messaging from any program including Facebook and text messages. You are home, you can't possibly we working.<br /><br />Working from home is full of distractions. No one is around to monitor what you are doing. Sure, it might sound like a good idea to search for some inspiration on +Pinterest, but when no one is around to monitor your time, the next thing you know 4 hours have passed and your <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/pulses/1966-word">+Word</a> program is still nothing more than a blinking cursor.<br /><br />You will have to fight with your housemates for peace and quiet at any moment in time.<br /><br />Working from home is a giant headache.<br /><br />These might seem minimal to some, but they happen more often than not in my life and it makes me want to rip my head out. I make a good living <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/pulses/432-writing">+Writing</a> and I wish people would understand that it is a real job, despite working from home.<br /><br />Do you work from home? How do people around you handle it?Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70579329096462327962014-10-13T20:05:00.000-04:002014-10-13T20:05:30.684-04:00Beauty Review : eSalon.com {videos}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PEKTD-LOqTc/VDxV-jlr7-I/AAAAAAAAUyk/BC9HAiUUEHw/s1600/esalon%2Breview%2Bsew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PEKTD-LOqTc/VDxV-jlr7-I/AAAAAAAAUyk/BC9HAiUUEHw/s1600/esalon%2Breview%2Bsew.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Over the summer I discovered a great hair color delivery service called Madison Reed. Shortly <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/07/madison-reed-hair-color-review-photos.html" target="_blank">after that review went live</a>, I was contacted by Bzz Agent to do a review on a rival service called eSalon.<br /><br />I was excited to try eSalon because I had seen a few others try them and have good results. My box came and it was so cute. The packaging is amazing and having all the extras like the brush was fun. I did not know that you would get these with your first kit. I don't recall seeing it in the product description so I had ordered a few of these.<br /><a name='more'></a>As you will see in the videos, I had a great time with the packaging. Then, there was an issue with the brush and me having to do my roots first.<br /><br />I never do roots first.<br /><br />Ever.<br /><br />So this was a real pain for me and so was using the brush.<br /><br />After that video I did not bother doing any more updates. There is a reason for that.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/T-30TVSWnw0" width="560"></iframe> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RuJT2wdRwyk" width="560"></iframe> <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0nDepxfG_d8" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><br /> I wanted to love this product. But, I have to be honest. It smelled horrible. I tried this product towards the end of August, first of September. I wanted to give Madison Reed's products a chance to wear out a little. As you can see in the video, I had some grey to cover. I would not allow this to reflect on <a href="http://bit.ly/1o9KDiE" target="_blank">Madison Reed</a> and how long their color lasts as I wash my hair every day.<br /><br />When I washed my hair it had that really weird feeling like it was super dry. I did order hair oil from them but I wanted to give that a test run of it's own since it was more for upkeep of color than anything. So, I put some of my own hair oil in my hair, BioSilk. The next morning I washed my hair as normal and my hair had that stringy feeling. I was not thrilled. But, determined to hope for the best, I continued on my path with doing my hair as normal and went back to routine. After a few days I tried their hair oil. I'd say it took a couple of weeks for my hair to feel like it was back to normal.<br /><br />I wasn't thrilled with my overall experience with this product and as far as delivery services go, <a href="http://bit.ly/1o9KDiE" target="_blank">Madison Reed</a> is my favorite, hands down. Disclosure: I received this product for free from BuzzAgent. I was not required to write a blog post and/or review. I was not compensated for my time. All opinions are 100% my own. Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9284977606356057732014-10-10T15:32:00.001-04:002014-10-10T15:37:29.374-04:00Take Your Art to the Next Dimension <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zihkor5M90/VDgz1U_dyzI/AAAAAAAAUsw/Mvy49w5b4Tc/s1600/take%2Byour%2Bart%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bnext%2Bdimension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zihkor5M90/VDgz1U_dyzI/AAAAAAAAUsw/Mvy49w5b4Tc/s1600/take%2Byour%2Bart%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bnext%2Bdimension.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Disclosure:</b> I was compensated for my time. The opinions are 100% mine.<br /><div><br /><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>Admit it. You're just like me with your doodle habits. It start's out with something <span style="background-color: white; font-family: calibri;">s</span>omething small, casually tossed in the margin of your to-do list. But somehow this creative graphic element took over and before you knew it, it became the decorative theme to everything in your world.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Unfortunately all those minute details that you added make it virtually impossible to transform it into the third dimension. <b>Not true.</b> <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=655441&u=465182&m=51766&urllink=&afftrack=">If you can print it, you can cut it with the Cricut Explore machine.</a> Are a million ideas running through your head now? I know they are for me!<br /><br />Now with <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=655440&u=465182&m=51766&urllink=&afftrack=">the newest feature of the Cricut Explore machine</a>, you can choose your image (either your own or one of 50,000+ in the Cricut Design Lab), flatten the image and then click 'Go'. Once printed, the Cricut Explore machine works its magic to bring your 2-dimensional idea into the 3rd dimension.<br /><br />How freaking cool is that??????<br /><br />Take a look at this super short, super fun instructional video (less than 4 minutes) and see just how easy it can be. (Trust me, you are going to want to watch this!)<br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8RBM1TUNzuY" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Right now you can get your very own Cricut with FREE shipping.<br /><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=225200&m=51766&u=465182&afftrack=" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: calibri;" target="_blank">Free shipping on orders $31+ with code HALLOWEEN31</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: calibri;"> </span><br /><b><br /></b><b>Now tell me, what are you going to go craft now??? </b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Previous Cricut Articles:</b><br /><b><br /></b><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/08/crafting-with-cricut-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Crafting with Cricut</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24102684590113980662014-10-10T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-10T09:00:05.839-04:00High Seas Darkness: A Brick Morgan Novel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7XdzBJyJFQ/VDb2Ulc36QI/AAAAAAAAUrU/e6i8A-RTwH0/s1600/high%2Bseas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7XdzBJyJFQ/VDb2Ulc36QI/AAAAAAAAUrU/e6i8A-RTwH0/s1600/high%2Bseas.jpg" height="400" width="251" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1rjIgcN" target="_blank">High Seas Darkness by Burr B. Anderson</a> is a Brick Morgan novel. I'm thrilled to report that this book was quite enjoyable. These days it seems I don't get much time to myself to read, but I sure kept trying. This book locked me in; hook, line and sinker. I didn't want to put it down, but slumber kept calling my name. I wanted to read it during the day, but work called. This IS one of those books that you really want to keep reading all night. It's a real page turner. It's the insomniacs dream.<br /><a name='more'></a><a href="http://amzn.to/1rjIgcN" target="_blank">From Amazon</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">A vicious sex crime on a luxury cruise liner brings private maritime investigator Brick Morgan face-to-face with an old flame-and a deadly terrorist plot that threatens an entire fleet of cruise ships. Morgan must stop the radical fundamentalists, but his attempts to alert the FBI and Homeland Security run up against a political battle brewing between American loyalists and an American president whose weak stance on terror opened the door for this series of chemical attacks by radical religious insurgents. The United States government readies to sink the Matisse to protect the populace from the attack and bury the truth about the severity of the ongoing War on Terror. Meanwhile, Morgan and his specialized team-a seductive female security chief with her eye on Morgan, a belligerent ex-Gurkha looking to sabotage the investigation, and a mysterious and exotic computer hacker-are in a race against the clock to track the radical fundamentalists and break down the clues left by a perverted Peeping Tom crew member, an Islamic zealot seeking revenge, and the machinations of Washington DC politicos. Political intrigue, forensic clues, and Brick Morgan's personal and professional histories collide in a bullet-ridden climax, forcing him to choose between the life of the woman he loves or the lives of thousands...</blockquote><br /> I have to say, I was more involved in the sex crime than the storyline of the war on terror. Since 9/11 it seems more and more authors are popping up jumping on the terrorist bandwagon in order to catch another stream of readers interested in war crimes. I buzzed through most of it.<br /><br />No complaints though, it still kept me reading. I kept turning pages thanks to the "who-done-it" scenario. I have a feeling, you'll keep reading too. Another keypoint about this novel, the story takes place on a cruise line. As that cruise ship travels to international waters, rules and regulations change. This isn't something I am greatly familiar with, so it was interesting to read and learn about. I feel that added to the "need to keep reading."<br /><br />Two thumbs up from me. I'll be keeping an eye out for the next installment in the Brick Morgan series.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62157246704435692162014-10-04T15:15:00.002-04:002014-10-04T15:15:04.600-04:00yesJamberry Nail Reviewuse sampleChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90906856194602798962014-10-03T21:57:00.002-04:002014-10-03T21:57:31.576-04:00yesWhy I Decided Not to Reorder Le-vel at this Time2 new pics<br />link 4 posts<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72364796102029088292014-10-03T21:53:00.000-04:002014-10-07T11:25:05.914-04:00My Overall Experience with Le-VelPhoto after the break...<br /><br />Well it's been over a month since I started using Le-Vel. I have only a few packets of powder left. I finished my supplements a week or so ago. Husband has a few packets left. I have half my package of the patch left. I'm so glad I <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/04/team-ignite-sample-days-1-3.html" target="_blank">received a sample</a> to try before purchasing products for us.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XC01HYPbZNw/VC9Sx8kcIcI/AAAAAAAAUkM/_blYceK9VtA/s1600/level%2Bdft%2Bpatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XC01HYPbZNw/VC9Sx8kcIcI/AAAAAAAAUkM/_blYceK9VtA/s1600/level%2Bdft%2Bpatch.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><b>Patch</b> - left a rash. A ring right where the patch was placed. At first I thought it was product, which seems to take a day or two to wash off my skin. But, I feel the adhesive is causing me a slight allergic reaction. I am going to have to try another area of my body.<br /><br /><b>Powder </b>- I love the powder. As I stated in another post, I LOVE the nice creamy taste. You can mix this with water and then add any of your favorite ingredients.<br /><br /><b>Supplements </b>- husband and I both felt that the supplements helped our joints, energy and overall general discomforts. I found that after the first 7-10 days I no longer had that same feel. This seems to be a problem for me. Supplements work well at first then start to fade.<br /><br /><b>Balance</b> - the first few nights I took 1 pill then upped to 2. I went right back to one. Basically, these are nothing short of being a fiber laxative, only with more herbal based ingredients.<br /><br /><b>NOTE:</b> I am working on another update post. I have more information about my experience with Le-Vel. I just want to say that I really like their products. I am just concerned about the rash I developed with their DFT patch. I have more pictures from when I moved it to another area of my body. Stay tuned for that! Also, when I asked around, no one really seems to know anyone who had a problem like me. This post will also have more information regarding my experience with the company.<br /><br />If you are interested in checking out Le-Vel for yourself you can do that on my <a href="http://teamignite.le-vel.com/" target="_blank">Le-Vel Team Ignite</a> page. These days I am merely a brand promoter. You can sign up for FREE to do that, too. All information is on the page.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10217031501319305002014-10-03T20:55:00.001-04:002014-10-03T20:55:21.356-04:00yesSlice the PieOne of my favorite things to do is listen to music. When I need a break from client work, fiction or just want something fun to do, I log into my <a href="http://www.slicethepie.com/?wyd=469391" target="_blank">Slice the Pie </a>account and give it a go.<br /><br />I have another Slice of the Pie article on Self Employed Writer.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76870876901670715612014-10-02T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-02T07:00:09.689-04:00Poetry in Motion : Another Ending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1JhRrbn85Q/VA9v2ZYh1cI/AAAAAAAAT3I/rzb36z_vunc/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Banother%2Bending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1JhRrbn85Q/VA9v2ZYh1cI/AAAAAAAAT3I/rzb36z_vunc/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Banother%2Bending.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>You and Yours<br />You said you loved me<br />You said you would die for me<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I was your heart<br />I was your soul<br />Your Baby Girl<br />Your Baby Doll<br />Take me<br />Take me away<br />To end it<br />End it all<br />I don't hear you anymore<br />Don't want to hear<br />This is the end<br />The end for me.<br /><br />C.M. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Published on Helium</a> 6/4/2009. Written year(s) prior to that.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64147231297334532462014-10-01T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T07:00:12.905-04:00How to Create a Library Database<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRjfxXIHJD4/VA9xM6dZO0I/AAAAAAAAT3Q/yixTu1oxhLY/s1600/library%2Bdatabase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRjfxXIHJD4/VA9xM6dZO0I/AAAAAAAAT3Q/yixTu1oxhLY/s1600/library%2Bdatabase.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>With the growing popularity of eBooks, sometimes our computers hard drives can get messy and out of control. Despite the eBook popularity, many readers still love the look and feel of printed bound matter.<br /><br />One of the easiest ways to create a library database system is to purchase fancy software that does everything for you. All the user has to do is enter the book title, author, published date and ISBN. If you have a lot of books, this could be time consuming, but worth it in the end when all you have to do is search for a name instead of going through boxes or bookcases full of books. With a library database you have the title and author of every book at your fingertips.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Sometimes, we don't all have the money for fancy software. We don't have to let that stop us. Instead, we can use software that is already available to us. Most computers come with Microsoft Office preinstalled. For those that don't, or for those users who prefer to use another product, OpenOffice.org offers users a free Office Suite program which includes a database program. <br /><br />For this "How To" we will be using Microsoft Access. <br /><br />Just like other Microsoft Office programs, before making a table or other objects you should first open the program and save a filename for your database. <br /><br />Click Start Menu >> Programs >> Microsoft Office >> Microsoft Access <br />Type the filename of the database you saved in the file space dialog box that will pop up, then click create. <br /><br />Be sure to open this same database every time you add a new book to the library collection. This way, your library database will stay current and together instead of breaking down different databases and files. <br /><br />You can customize your database tables to include the information you want. <br /><br />The standard tables are book title, book author, edition, publisher, published year, and ISBN. <br />Once you have entered all of your books from your book shelves, it is a good idea to also add any eBooks to your library database. You can then make a table where you can write paperback, hardcover, Y/N dust jacket, and eBook. This will remind you which format your book is in. <br /><br />It is also a good idea to add other media to your database. You can make a separate file or add them in the library database. Keep a back-up copy in a fireproof safe or a safety despot's box. If your home was ever to burn down or perish as a result of another natural disaster, you will be able to print a copy of your data base for insurance purposes. Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62676727066992563342014-09-30T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-30T07:00:05.115-04:00Poetry in Motion : Why Me<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVtlnuBrr_o/VA9u2ClG_hI/AAAAAAAAT3A/egwSHXFRyp4/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bwhy%2Bme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVtlnuBrr_o/VA9u2ClG_hI/AAAAAAAAT3A/egwSHXFRyp4/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bwhy%2Bme.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>WHY?<br /> Why me?<br /> Why did it have to end up this way?<br /><a name='more'></a><br /> This is not how it was suppose to be.<br /> I changed for you, not for me.<br /> I can't go back to the way things used to be,<br /> can't go back to the beginning of you and me.<br />Don't want to return to what we once were,<br /> only to relive it all over again.<br />The damage is done.<br /> I have no where to run,<br /> no where to turn.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Published on Helium </a>5/14/2009. Written prior to that.<br /> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83539497743060607612014-09-29T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-29T07:00:02.507-04:00Poetry in Motion : Thankful <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKW-OFigZX4/VA9sYmScm2I/AAAAAAAAT24/LmpCRlDLvGM/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bthankful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKW-OFigZX4/VA9sYmScm2I/AAAAAAAAT24/LmpCRlDLvGM/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bthankful.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Should be thankful<br />for what I have<br />my mind tells me<br />everyday.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Something is missing<br />I don't feel complete.<br />My heart is locked<br />someone has the key.<br />Could you help me find it?<br />Please?<br /><br />C.M. 3/2/2006<br /><br />Published on Helium 6/30/2009. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Removed due to site closing.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57474164716065967432014-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-27T14:02:48.995-04:00Poetry in Motion : Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqUoJ1kr1kc/VA9q2ak_5_I/AAAAAAAAT2w/2b5L6ziz0GY/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqUoJ1kr1kc/VA9q2ak_5_I/AAAAAAAAT2w/2b5L6ziz0GY/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bstars.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I worked so hard to gain you star<br />There you were<br />Flashing bright<br />Neon yellow and blue light<br /><a name='more'></a>Now you are gone<br />Taken away<br />All that hard work<br />Gone today<br /><br />I looked all over<br />High and low<br />Where oh where<br />Did you go?<br /><br />My helium star<br />Won't you come home<br />I will give you love<br />And freedom to roam<br /><br />Together<br />We can search<br />This topic or that<br />Perhaps<br />Even start one from scratch<br /><br />I will leave the door open<br />With hopes you'll find your way<br />And there on my page<br />Your shine will stay.<br /><br />(c) C.M.<br /><br />This poem was a contest on Helium regarding our first star earned on the site.<br /><br />Poem was published on Helium 7/7/2009. Sadly <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">that site is in the process of closing down</a> so I have been moving my old posts here.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55525092335005864272014-09-25T11:58:00.000-04:002014-09-25T11:58:27.322-04:00yesBloggers Should Love One Anotherhttp://www.remakingjunecleaver.com/blogger-alienated-entire-industry-leaders/<br /><br />https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20140922194855-25048725-how-the-blogger-killed-herself-off?_mSplash=1Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19655139782215430672014-09-25T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-25T07:00:05.375-04:00Poetry in Motion: Like Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCx9ROVl6rg/VA9l-N5hP2I/AAAAAAAAT2k/BAZWVDnIXRk/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Blike%2Broses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCx9ROVl6rg/VA9l-N5hP2I/AAAAAAAAT2k/BAZWVDnIXRk/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Blike%2Broses.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>What am I doing?<br />Why do I do this -<br />Push myself<br />Hurt myself<br />Crush myself<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I let you control me<br />All of me<br />That should not be<br />Only I<br />Should be in control of me.<br />I want to keep you<br />In my life<br />Your words and actions<br />Tear at my heart<br />Stabbing me like a knife.<br />You once told me<br />Our relationship was like -<br />A long stem rose.<br />We would walk down the path<br />Hit many thorns<br />But together<br />We would make it through.<br />On those petals<br />Our love would bloom.<br />I trusted that.<br />I trusted you.<br />It seems we have hit a thorn<br />On that path to the perfect rose petal.<br /><br />Published on Helium 6/4/2009 but was written prior to that. Helium is closing.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10348795125905535452014-09-24T16:18:00.000-04:002014-09-24T16:18:00.209-04:00Poetry In Motion : Goodbye Kisses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJiyyJNIa6M/U_ZT4odu5rI/AAAAAAAATN4/GIeTiQMU78k/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bgoodbye%2Bkisses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJiyyJNIa6M/U_ZT4odu5rI/AAAAAAAATN4/GIeTiQMU78k/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bgoodbye%2Bkisses.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I never asked for anything from you<br />All I wanted was for you to love me<br />I want you to feel loved<br />I want you to feel missed<br />But most of all<br />I wanted you to feel these kisses<br />Upon my lips.<br /><br />(C) C.M.2005<br />Originally published on Helium, 5/21/2009, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">which is in the process of closing.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60613499599873906092014-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-23T09:00:04.471-04:00Poetry in Motion : Empty Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COFCTV9SIRo/U-5-lU6QdFI/AAAAAAAAS90/ta4Uuo-Q23c/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bempty%2Bsoul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COFCTV9SIRo/U-5-lU6QdFI/AAAAAAAAS90/ta4Uuo-Q23c/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bempty%2Bsoul.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Here you are again,<br />caught up in my mind.<br />You're like my secret addiction I can not break free from.<br />I have tried,<br />and tried.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />But I just fail.<br />You're not true.<br />You can't be real.<br />It was all just a dream.<br />All it can be.<br />My whole world is changing<br />day by day.<br />I am scared.<br />What will happen to me?<br />I have so many things to look at in life,<br />things to work out.<br />This is not helping me,<br />but I can't turn away.<br /><br />(c) 5/14/2009<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61800386770457407612014-09-22T17:09:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:09:00.194-04:00Poetry in Motion : Crying <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOmsJ5IMkR8/U-54ZAtqjxI/AAAAAAAAS9s/fcBjCawDdug/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bcrying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOmsJ5IMkR8/U-54ZAtqjxI/AAAAAAAAS9s/fcBjCawDdug/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bcrying.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I miss you<br />My heart<br />My soul<br />My love<br />My best friend<br /><br />What ever it is you're going through<br />I am here<br />Until the end<br />Your friend<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I am crying out to you<br />Please don't leave me<br />Alone<br />Cold<br />Blue<br />Crying<br />Tell me<br />This isn't<br />The end<br /><br />Where are you<br />Can you hear me<br />Calling your name<br />Into the night<br /><br />I am worried about you<br />Wondering<br />Crying<br />Hoping<br />Praying<br />Dying<br />Inside<br />Wondering<br />If you're safe<br />And will meet me<br />Back at our special place<br /><br />I am mad<br />I am still hurt<br />I can not forget<br />But my heart<br />In time<br />Can forgive<br /><br />You let me live<br />As me<br />And with you<br />Is where<br />I want to be<br /><br />Then<br />Now<br />Forever<br /><br />Never<br />Again<br />Will I listen to others<br />Who prey on hurting hearts<br />Those the put thoughts<br />In others heads<br /><br />Nothing has changed<br />My dearest friend<br />Its you I want<br />Through thick and thin<br />Together for us<br />Until the end.<br /><br /><br />Published on Helium 6/30/2009<br />The site has since closed.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49284228051634607502014-09-19T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-19T09:00:08.362-04:00No Way to Reach Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIyNDiCvtoE/Tb67ChtpF6I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/GjWM9Hemb1I/s1600/drowning____by_mikemacbean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIyNDiCvtoE/Tb67ChtpF6I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/GjWM9Hemb1I/s1600/drowning____by_mikemacbean.jpg" /></a></div>Here I sit. Blank page staring at me. So many thoughts rambling around in my head but I don't even know where to start. Even if I started, I wonder can I even put the words together right?<br /><br />My mind wanders around in search of a complete thought. I'm so numb I can't feel a damn thing. I am so far gone I don't think anyone can find me.<br /><br />And why would anyone want to? I would be useless to them.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I know I am lost. I can feel it. I see it. The way I am pulling away from all those around me. Secluding myself back into my own little world. This time, I didn't leave myself a trail to find my way back. I don't want to come back. Coming back from the world I am in means I am forced to feel. I don't want to feel. I felt enough in the beginning of this. Now, it literally is killing me. I numb it. I numb it to live.<br /><br />There really is no way to reach me.<br /><br />Maybe I don't want to find my way back. Maybe I deserve nothing more then to be here, alone to rot. No one will find me. My body long decayed. No one will even notice I am gone.<br /><br />The mask is back and I have no choice. I know I can't be down. I know I can't let the depression kick back it. I tried to push it away. I tried to stay positive and seek out what makes me happy and hold on to it. It's not working. I guess I really don't deserve to be happy. Every time I am happy, it get kicked down. Why even bother. May as well just stay down. Simple. Easy. Less drama.<br /><br />Never mind that Halloween was a great day, a day for caring and raising money for the United Way at work, with our costumes, never mind that I got a promotion, a real job title and raise. It doesn't matter.<br /><br />Deep inside the darkness pulls me. I feel myself caving in. Falling into my hole. My deep, dark, cold and lonely hole. No one is there but me. Alone with my thoughts.<br /><br />These thoughts consume me. Haunt me. I awake with these thoughts that follow me around all day. I sleep, these thoughts invade my dreams. I can't escape them. It's just me and these thoughts. Day after day after day.<br /><br />The one thing I want in this world. Gone. Out of my reach. The one thing I need is this world. Gone. I lost my strength. I want to hold on. Hard to hold on to something that seems so out of reach. Hard to hold on to something that possibly doesn't want to be held on to.<br /><br />I'll keep my mask on and go about my life. Still Chrys to those who see my outside. Everything else will be kept behind it so that no one will see the demons I hide.<br /><br />I'm Gone. And there really is no way to reach me...<br /><br />(c)C.M. 2006<br /><br />Published on Helium (now closed) 7/7/2009Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89642991014686347602014-09-18T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-18T14:33:44.828-04:00Sit Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XufCUQau2TA/VBsldV4RdkI/AAAAAAAAUI8/_riQimSrVY8/s1600/sit%2Balone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XufCUQau2TA/VBsldV4RdkI/AAAAAAAAUI8/_riQimSrVY8/s1600/sit%2Balone.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>As I sit here all alone.............I wonder how did I end up this way?<br /><br />Did I take the wrong path in life?...............Or maybe just a wrong turn.<br /><br />Whichever. I wonder if I will ever find my way back. Is there a way back?<br /><br />You see this smile on my face. You see I am bright and full of life, your sunshine. Makes me look as if everything is ok. The truth is...its fake!<br /><br />I am not happy, here in this place that I am.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I have tried to sort it out. Lord, how I have tried. But all I got accomplished was an even bigger mess in my head. Will the answer become clear? What is it that I am supposed to do? I don't know what to do or say, to make my pain go away.<br /><br />I am so confused, so torn. In this case, I don't think the truth will set me free. Just let me be. Let me be me.<br /><br />Every day it's the same old story. I have to get out of this situation that I am in. I just keep digging, and pushing myself deeper...deep within.<br /><br />Why does this have to be real? Could this not be something I only imagined? Why can't it be just a dream?<br /><br />Why not then, all those years ago? Why now?<br /><br />I hate that it seems you are in control. Hate. It drives me mad. Mad. Mad. Mad. I hate that I have this need for you. This want. This desire. For my soul.<br /><br />I hate the way life throws you a curve ball and then leaves you standing left on the plate. You stare out into the open field wondering should you run for home plate or stay where you are. Which is the best option? Will I be pushed out or will I stand solid?<br /><br />These thoughts they rattle around in my head like marbles in a jar. I here them clanking against my skull, clank..clank..clank..like the marbles hitting the glass. Can others here this jumbled cornucopia or am I all alone here?<br /><br />The dust has not settled yet...I am still standing here.<br /><br />Waiting...hoping...as no one wants to hate. Hate is such a strong word with minimal meaning to so many. Why does one even bother hating? Do you not feel it is a waste of time? So why are we even programmed with that emotion?<br /><br />All these questions rattle around in my head like marbles in a glass jar. I wish one of those marbles could speak. Show me the way to smiles. More smiles I say. Less hatred and anger. Maybe a marble will fall out and I can throw it towards home plate. Give me some direction. Marbles could be the new tea leaf. Someone, read my leaves, tell me my future. Don't keep me going like this.<br /><br />(written 2006, revised June 30, 2009 published on Helium, and then removed since they are closing)Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55406142060237231102014-09-17T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-17T09:00:04.798-04:00Poetry in Motion : My Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfUHAdgf-7k/U-1QKEAYMdI/AAAAAAAAS6Q/r3Zxtpx3n-I/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bmy%2Beverything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfUHAdgf-7k/U-1QKEAYMdI/AAAAAAAAS6Q/r3Zxtpx3n-I/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bmy%2Beverything.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I want to be, your everything<br />to be your dreams<br />to be in your thoughts<br />to be your wish<br />to be your only desire<br />to be your secret fantasy<br />I want to be, your everything.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I want to be there to hold you<br />to touch you<br />as you walk past.<br />a kiss<br />when you least expect it.<br />Perhaps, just a gentle pat.<br />I want to be there to listen<br />whenever you need an ear<br />never to scold you<br />just be there.<br />Maybe, just to hold you.<br />I want to be there to lean on<br />when times get tough<br />just talk to me baby<br />it will always be enough.<br />I want to be there for you<br />when your times are rough<br />I want to take away your hurt<br />whenever you feel pain.<br />I want to be your sunshine<br />when you need a brighter day.<br />I love you just the way you are.<br />never try to change<br />never to explain.<br />Just be true<br />only be real<br />hold on forever<br />leave me never.<br />We belong together.<br />When your g0ne<br />a part of me goes too.<br />U and I.<br />Me and U.<br />(c)C.M. 2006<br /><br />Published on Helium (now closed) on 7/7/2009Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81913952994116749882014-09-16T14:15:00.000-04:002014-09-24T16:23:56.796-04:00Getting Organized: Blog Organization<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPmMMS1WzWE/VCMoTjHU8wI/AAAAAAAAUPo/0HswQFsYaX4/s1600/blog%2Borganized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPmMMS1WzWE/VCMoTjHU8wI/AAAAAAAAUPo/0HswQFsYaX4/s1600/blog%2Borganized.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br />One of my biggest issues with running my websites are organization. This humors me a bit because I am one of those people who are generally so organized I can tell you exactly where everything is. In my freelance career I was always done before the clients due date. But since graduating last June and starting YUMeating, I have been all over the place. Now that I have other websites to manage, I need to find a way to better organize and manage my time.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I use a small planner and some printables that I would use in my <a href="http://www.meadorganizher.com/" target="_blank">Mead Organizher</a>, but lately that hasn't been working out for me. I tried going back to the school planner my husband purchased from his college and there just was not enough space.<br /><br />I *wish* I could find some planner pages that were just like the pages that came with the Organizer planner. I purchased it a few years ago and haven't ever found refills for it. Been using printables found on Pinterest ever since.<br /><br />While I like the large pages, I wanted something a little smaller that I could pop into my purse if I wanted.<br /><br />I first stared at the thrift stores looking for one I could purchase and then print the pages myself.<br /><br />Then, my color printer stopped working for me. Husband claimed it and moved it out to his man cave.<br /><br />I don't have a Staples of Office Depot so taking the files there to be printed wasn't going to be an option. Truth : We do have them here. It's just 30 min drive for me. Not very motivating.<br /><br />Then I found this Daily book from Mead. It reminds me more of a journal than a planner.<br /><br />It gives me each day on 1 page and then I purchased some new color pens. I'm now using the Organizher planner as more of a budget planner for the family.<br /><br />I am hoping this will get me back on track.<br /><br /><strong>What do you use / do to keep your blogging / work schedule in order?</strong><br /><br />If you've got a planner printable or any sort of post that would help with planner organization feel free to share it with me in the comment section. I'd love to see it!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29567525436921948812014-09-15T18:45:00.000-04:002014-10-01T16:53:30.394-04:00One Directions Makeup Release in Full Force : Concert Giveaway <script src="http://www.brandbacker.com/bob_cl_tk.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">var search_me = '136_21451'; var scriptElems = document.getElementsByTagName('script'), i=scriptElems.length - 1, curLoc; for (; i; --i) { curLoc = scriptElems[i]; if ('innerText' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.innerText.indexOf(search_me)) break; }else if ('textContent' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.textContent.indexOf(search_me)) break; }} addImpression(136,21451);var clkHndlr = function(event) { addListenersForClickAround(136,21451, curLoc); };addEvent(window, 'load', clkHndlr);</script><input id="bob_camp_id_136" name="bob_camp_id" type="hidden" value="136" /><input name="bob_camp_mem_id" type="hidden" value="21451" /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.brandbacker.com/bob_cl_tk.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">var search_me = '130_21453'; var scriptElems = document.getElementsByTagName('script'), i=scriptElems.length - 1, curLoc; for (; i; --i) { curLoc = scriptElems[i]; if ('innerText' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.innerText.indexOf(search_me)) break; }else if ('textContent' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.textContent.indexOf(search_me)) break; }} addImpression(130,21453);var clkHndlr = function(event) { addListenersForClickAround(130,21453, curLoc); };addEvent(window, 'load', clkHndlr);</script><input id="bob_camp_id_130" name="bob_camp_id" value="130" type="hidden"/><input name="bob_camp_mem_id" value="21453" type="hidden"/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tekZ2uWkixc/VBdkU6y7qpI/AAAAAAAAUDY/biObxO8ATy0/s1600/HXZIQGU2SoK8IpvLUapL_1D%2BTour.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tekZ2uWkixc/VBdkU6y7qpI/AAAAAAAAUDY/biObxO8ATy0/s1600/HXZIQGU2SoK8IpvLUapL_1D%2BTour.jpeg" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>Confession: Once upon a time I actually enjoyed One Direction. Now, they make my skin crawl. It was cute when they were on television trying to win their singing contract. Kiddo was singing along right with them. As time went on, radio and the internet killed that star. That tends to be the way boy bands are handled these days. Run them until they can't run any more. Then, they part ways and do their own things when their contract is up, which is the big rumor with 1D now.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Despite my not wanting to hear them sing these days, I am still interesting in checking out this new makeup line they are offering. I might be a little older than the 1D crowd, but I still like fun makeup colors for those days when I am not working at home and actually have to step outside of my office. ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcPI8V5Q5MI/VBdl59_ODTI/AAAAAAAAUDk/mCh0ePpouiI/s1600/Kw51hAFiSF2wpR4IFkyD_MM%2BCollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcPI8V5Q5MI/VBdl59_ODTI/AAAAAAAAUDk/mCh0ePpouiI/s1600/Kw51hAFiSF2wpR4IFkyD_MM%2BCollection.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look at how fun these are! All these great, trendy colors come in a reusable tin. Also great for gift-giving. With Christmas right around the corner, this should be at the top of the list for the older 1D fan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HE29OjNDk40/VBdmNFwnYLI/AAAAAAAAUDs/tkJN4-PY6RA/s1600/tSHTz7zjTwOZWb8tNMvN_UAN%2BCanister%2BOpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HE29OjNDk40/VBdmNFwnYLI/AAAAAAAAUDs/tkJN4-PY6RA/s1600/tSHTz7zjTwOZWb8tNMvN_UAN%2BCanister%2BOpen.jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The inside of the tin has these great little tutorials that remind me so much of old school graffiti. Over all, it's a really great, thought out product. Even at my age I can have fun with a kit like this. Especially on a date-night with the hubs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These kits are great. You don't have to be a die-hard One Direction fan to enjoy them. The colors are crisp and perfect for summer or fall. You have 3 kits to choose from. Everything you need for day or night look. I felt the colors lasted just as long as drugstore brands and didn't feel overly heavy like some make-ups can make your face feel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Honestly, I would not buy these for myself just because of the band branding. But, having been able to sample them, I have to say they are a great product. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="leftsubheader" style="background-color: white; color: #bc2325; float: left; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: -15px; width: 627px;">About the Product</div><div class="leftsubtext" style="background-color: white; float: left; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 5px; width: 627px;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1DMakeupLooksCollection" target="_blank">Make-up by ONE DIRECTION:</a><br /><br />A range of makeup and cosmetic products celebrating youth, style, and the uninhibited lifestyle of a new generation. Celebrating life with bold shades, unique formulae and infused with limited edition collectable packaging, Makeup from One Direction is fun, bold, often irreverent, with a touch of cheeky mischievousness. Offered at prices that every girl and woman can afford.<br /><br />Now Available at the following stores:<br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/1DMacys" target="_blank">Macy's</a><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/1Dmakeupdillards" target="_blank">Dillard's</a><br />Stage<br /><br />Also, check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyOneDirection">Make-Up By One Direction Facebook page</a>. <br /><br /><h2><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Prize</span></h2><br />The prize Winner will receive:<br /><br />1) 2 Field Level Tickets to One Direction Final Concert Tour Date in Miami on <b>Sunday 10/5/14.</b><br /><br />2) 2 R/T economy tickets (within continental United States ONLY) to Miami.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u43j54yGHBE/VBdqRWSb-ZI/AAAAAAAAUEE/F9gOlBdRATQ/s1600/4UAvRuGQuy8RXwza2Xag_miatb_main01_r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u43j54yGHBE/VBdqRWSb-ZI/AAAAAAAAUEE/F9gOlBdRATQ/s1600/4UAvRuGQuy8RXwza2Xag_miatb_main01_r.jpg" height="146" width="320" /></a></div><div class="leftsubtext" style="background-color: white; float: left; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 5px; width: 627px;"><br /><br />3) Room Accommodations (1 Room) <a href="http://www.turnberryislemiami.com/" target="_blank">at the Turnberry-Isle Miami Hotel</a><br /><br />4) Ground transportation (to/from Airport and to/from Concert)<br /><br />5) $300 AMEX Card for incidental expenses<br /><br />6) 2 Autographed Make-up by ONE DIRECTION limited-edition collections of beauty essentials, housed in a collectible keepsake tin. Inside is everything you need to rock all your beauty looks on or off the stage. The 2 makeup tins will be randomly selected from the 3 available collections (Midnight Memories, Take Me Home, or Up all Night).</div><div class="leftsubtext" style="background-color: white; float: left; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 5px; width: 627px;"><br /></div><h2 style="background-color: white; float: left; font-family: helvetica, arial; margin-top: 5px; width: 627px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">To Enter </span></h2><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><a class="promosimple" data-campaign="5645" href="https://promosimple.com/ps/5645"></a><script src="https://promosimple.com/api/1.0/campaign/5645/iframe-loader" type="text/javascript"></script></div>; Disclosure: I received the 1D make-up kit for free in return for my honest review. Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50547120884076419582014-09-15T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-15T09:00:00.329-04:00Poetry in Motion : Missing You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w417sXoatRM/U-1O6xb2TOI/AAAAAAAAS6I/Unf0TC8VohU/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bmissing%2Byou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w417sXoatRM/U-1O6xb2TOI/AAAAAAAAS6I/Unf0TC8VohU/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bmissing%2Byou.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Missing You<br /><br />All this pain that you bring<br /><br />Missing You<br /><br />All these lies you told me<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Missing You<br /><br />The truth you concealed<br /><br />Missing You<br /><br />The times you left me to be<br /><br />Missing You<br /><br />After all these things<br /><br />Why Am I Still Missing You?<br /><br />C.M.2005<br /><br />Originally published on Helium on 5/21/2009.<br />Helium has closed.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9398373592160416382014-09-13T03:00:00.000-04:002014-09-24T17:49:17.292-04:00Autumn Hair - 5 Tips to Go Darker for Fall<em><a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/madison-reed-hair-color-light.jpg"><img alt="madison reed hair color light" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5276" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/madison-reed-hair-color-light.jpg" height="466" width="650" /></a>Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.</em><br /><br />Fall is officially here in Michigan! I am certainly feeling the crisp in the air today. My arthritis pain is in full force. But, I am not going to let that stop me from have beautiful hair. I keep my hair fairly dark these days, but in the fall I love to give it a bit of a red hue. I guess that's the Irish in me ;)<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/07/the-results-are-in-madison-reed-hair.html" target="_blank">I'm still loving my Madison Reed haircolor</a> </span>and believe it's about time for me to do some touchups. I think this time I am going to opt for a more red tone instead of the burgundy tone. I'll have to consult with my personal colorist on the website and see what they have to say. That might require me to lighten a bit before I go dark red.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So what do you do when you already have light hair from the summer sun and are ready to go a bit darker for the fall season?<br /><br />Since fall is just around the corner, that means good things are coming; autumn leaves, crisp refreshing air, pumpkin lattes… A new rich, deep hue for you! Here are some tips from <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=534951&u=465182&m=49995&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Madison Reed</a></span> for when you are getting ready to go darker.<br /><h3>1. Put Your Pigment Back</h3><br />When going lighter for summer, pigments are stripped from the hair. This could be done purposely by lightening, highlights, or bleach, or it could be something natural that happens from sun exposure or from taking a dip in the pool. So, if pigments were taken out, we need to put them back in to go darker. This would be a great time to be a red head before eventually settling on a brunette shade to wow! I'm pretty partial to red tones and think everyone should try being a shade of red at some point in there life, whether strawberry, red tones in brown or burgundy reds.<br /><h3>2. Keep Your Skin Tone in Mind</h3><br />Adding tones to your locks is a lovely way to make your color rich and vibrant. But are you a cool or a warm skin tone? Generally people with cooler undertone like to wear silver jewelry and look great in cool colors like blue and white. Tones like mahogany, ash, and violet will look awesome on you! People with warmer undertones find that gold looks best on them and can wear yellows and cream colors with ease. Reds, golds and copper look great on warm tones. If you are unsure what your tones are, Madison Reed has a complete questionnaire to help you discover the right shade.<br /><h3>3. Go One Shade Lighter to Start</h3><br />It is much easier to go darker than it is to go lighter. Choose a shade in the tonal family that you want and go one shade lighter. You just may end up loving the results, if not it’s a quick fix to go a bit darker on the next round. I know when I used to lighten my hair it was easy because my hair was light to begin with. Now that it is dark, trying to go any other shade means I have to lighten it first, especially since I color it shades of black.<br /><h3>4. Keep Your Ends in Mind</h3><br />The summer tends to put a little bit of wear and tear on our hair with all the sun, swimming and fun. Not to mention clips and rubber bands cause breakage. This makes our ends more porous, which means it wants to drink that color up. When coloring your hair darker it is important to keep this in mind. Application is key! Start darkening hair at the root and leave in for optimal gray coverage, once this has had time to process start combing color down to your mid-lengths and ends to finish the process. If you are like me and go a bit in-between colors, you may have to extend the "roots" a little longer.<br /><br />The ends don’t need as much time. A few people think that using a brush works best for home color, I recently tested that theory and failed miserably.<br /><h3> 5. Use Color-Safe Shampoo</h3><br />It is important to take care of your color even after the process. Don’t wash that beautiful color down the drain. Color-safe shampoo’s are made to be gentle, have extra moisturizer, and keep your color vibrant. Try Madison Reed's <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=555083&u=465182&m=49995&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Madison Reed nourishing, color enhancing shampoo and conditioner set</a></span>–it even has natural UV protection to keep the sun’s rays from dulling down your color.<br /><br />Right now get <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=219658&m=49995&u=465182&afftrack=" target="_blank">50% off your first purchase at Madison-Reed.com</a></span> with the code FALLHAIRCOLOR.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74717684635242486832014-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-12T09:00:10.118-04:00Poetry in Motion : Long Distance Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBL5zpwt0Zc/U-1N2qDaIlI/AAAAAAAAS6A/vza52ugLffU/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Blong%2Bdistance%2Blove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBL5zpwt0Zc/U-1N2qDaIlI/AAAAAAAAS6A/vza52ugLffU/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Blong%2Bdistance%2Blove.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Miles separate us<br />oceans between<br />millions of miles,<br />hopes and dreams.<br /><br />Despite all of that<br />there you were<br />giving me smiles<br />each and every day.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />You make everything<br />I think about<br />all the wishes and desires<br />feel within my reach.<br /><br />Sometimes when things<br />don't seem so clear<br />there you are<br />to lend your shoulder<br />and your ear.<br /><br />When I am sad,<br />shedding a tear<br />you've never walked away<br />always been there.<br /><br />When I walked away,<br />tried to run<br />there you were<br />meeting me head on.<br />Telling me to stay<br />not to go away<br />that together<br />we can make this last<br />forever<br /><br />(c)C.M. 2007-2008<br /><br />Published on Helium 7/7/2009. It has been removed and placed here due to the site closing.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79861627318995346472014-09-10T08:30:00.000-04:002014-09-10T08:30:02.008-04:00Poetry in Motion: Pure Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEa8dqcQ4KE/VA9if2RMJLI/AAAAAAAAT2Y/A488qDa3qeM/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bpure%2Blove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEa8dqcQ4KE/VA9if2RMJLI/AAAAAAAAT2Y/A488qDa3qeM/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bpure%2Blove.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>My love is pure<br />So much to endure<br />I can't imagine living<br />Without you in my life<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Perfect for each other<br />Too bad I am married<br />And you have a wife<br />To each their own life.<br />With that<br />There is nothing more to say.<br />To each just go their own way.<br />(C)C.M.2005<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22616300882826330862014-09-09T17:12:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.281-04:00yesWarning Signs of a Heart AttackHeart attacks are nothing to take lightly. Although sometimes heart attacks cannot be prevented, you can know the warning signs. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack can save precious minutes in case one strikes.<br/><br/>If you suspect any warning signs of a heart attack call 911 for help immediately. No one should risk waiting; it's always better to be safe than sorry.<br/><br/>Some of the warning signs of a<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/symptoms-heart-attack"> heart attack</a> are:<br/><br/><strong>Chest Discomfort</strong><br/><br/>One of the most obvious warning signs of a heart attack is chest discomfort that is persistent. The pain will usually begin in the center of the chest and work its way around. The pain can feel like an extremely uncomfortable pressure, fullness, sharp pains or squeezing. If you feel any chest pain you should seek medical attention, whether it is from an impending heart attack or not.<br/><br/><strong>Shortness of Breath</strong><br/><br/>We know that shortness of breath can happen for many different reasons. But it if it's random, it could indicate poor heart health. If there is any chest or upper body discomfort during periods of shortness of breath, contact 911. A random moment of shortness of breath could be an early warning sign of a heart attack.<br/><br/><strong>Upper Body Discomfort</strong><br/><br/>Pay attention to other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, , neck, back, stomach, and even the jaw. You may experience pain or discomfort in these areas as well. Pain can be localized and even widespread, depending on your personal heart health. If these areas are feeling discomfort, it could be an early warning sign of a heart attack.<br/><br/><strong>Other Signs</strong><br/><br/>Some other warning signs of a heart attack include nausea, breaking out in a cold sweat, or light-headedness. These other heart attack signs may or may not appear with the signs listed above. These other signs could also indicate other health problems.<br/><br/>Do not take health, or even life, lightly. If you.or someone you know, feel any of these signs and symptoms, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately. Not all of these warning signs have to occur to be a heart attack. Some are temporary and some are not. The length of duration will vary as well. If the pain has decreased or gone away completely does not mean anyone is out of the woods.<br/><br/>Everyone’s heart health is different; any variation of warning signs is possible. Contact a health care professional or 911 your experience any warning signs (pain or discomfort of any degree) of a heart attack or have any reasons to question your cardiac health. Your body will thank you for it.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80911397957191221152014-09-09T17:11:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.271-04:00yesBenefits of TylenolTylenol is the brand name for the drug acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a popular drug used to treat mild pains such as headaches, backaches, sprains, and other mild aches and pains. As with any other drug there are side effects and consequences if not taken properly.<br/><br/><strong>History</strong><br/><br/>Tylenol is owned by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals and is the most popular acetaminophen on the market today.<a name='more'></a><br/><br/><strong>Benefits of Tylenol</strong><br/><br/>The ingredient in Tylenol, Acetaminophen is less likely to cause interaction with other medications, which is why it is so popular and widely recommended by doctors. Taken as directed it can provide safe, fast, effective relief for minor aches and pains.<br/><br/><strong>Risks of Tylenol</strong><br/><br/>Over 450 million deaths occur from liver failure due to accidental overdose. That is over 50% of deaths due to liver failure. Taking too much Tylenol poisons the liver and can cause it to fail. It has been said that many seeking relief of pain take the Tylenol in high doses over the course of a few days. Many of these victims were taking other medications and were simply unaware of the consequences. Often those who are suicidal turn to the bottle, however the death rate is minimal as many are found before any damage occurred.<br/><br/><strong>Types of Tylenol</strong><br/><br/>Tylenol comes in a variety of types or formulas. Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels are formulized to provide relief fast. Regular Strength provides relief without upsetting your stomach. The 8 hour formula provides long lasting relief to muscle pains. Tylenol carries an arthritis line, cold and flu formula, allergy formulas, sinus formulas, cough and congestion formulas, as well as a full line of pain relievers for infants and children. Tylenol also makes a pain reliever with a sleep enhancer to help fight pain and help you fall asleep. For major aches and pain there is Tylenol 3, available only with a prescription.<br/><br/><strong>Tylenol Death Scare</strong><br/><br/>In 1982 seven people in Chicago died after a worker tampered with the bottles and mixed Extra Strength Tylenol capsules with potassium cyanide. This forced the company to come forward with the tamper resistant caps and bottles. The culprit has never been caught, but is stated to have been an isolated incident since no other bottles were found coming from other areas.<br/><br/><strong>Quote</strong><br/><br/>"An article, by Barry H. Rumack, M.D. of Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center at the University of Colorado, says that therapeutic doses of the drug do not place patients at risk, even when factors such as fasting and alcohol consumption are considered. He suggests that most acetaminophen-related injuries and deaths may be due to intentional overdose."<br/><br/>Always use your best judgment when using over the counter medication. When you have doubts double check with the pharmacist or your doctor.<br/><br/><strong>Resources (for more information)</strong><br/><br/>The debate over acetaminophen and acute liver failure<br/><br/><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/11017.php">http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/11017.php</a><br/><br/>Acetaminophen benefits from concerns surrounding safety<br/><br/><a href="http://www.marketresearchworld.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=751">http://www.marketresearchworld.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=751</a><br/><br/>1982 Chicago Tylenol Murders<br/><br/><a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art43366.asp">http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art43366.asp</a><br/><br/>Tylenol<br/><br/><a href="http://www.tylenol.com/">http://www.tylenol.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10711453030707007492014-09-09T16:23:00.001-04:002014-09-09T16:24:12.464-04:00Poetry In Motion: Hate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iO-VhncGsc/VA9h1RYjOyI/AAAAAAAAT2Q/1s6wS2GXM1M/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bhate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iO-VhncGsc/VA9h1RYjOyI/AAAAAAAAT2Q/1s6wS2GXM1M/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bhate.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I hate you<br />This anger consumes me<br />I hate you<br />Want to be rid of you<br />I hate you<br /><a name='more'></a><br />GO!<br />Go away!<br />I hate you<br />It was you that went astray<br />I hate you<br />HATE!<br />But, despite all that<br />Deep down<br />I still love you.<br /><br /><br />Published on Helium 5/21/2009. Helium has closed.<br />Poem was written prior to 2009.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10543873839968607762014-09-08T16:16:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.207-04:00yesAvoiding Unemployment : How Not to Waste your TalentTimes are tough and the stories here are real. Unemployment rate is high, especially in the state of Michigan, where I reside. Michigan’s unemployment rate stands at 14.1% as of November 2009. Many are underemployed, either they had to take a pay cut, were laid off, are working part time, or they are working two part time jobs just to make ends meet. The underemployed are also a category of folks who are not employing their skills. The underemployed often hold Bachelors, Masters, and even Doctorate degrees but are unable to make the money they were making. These worker's are thankful they even have a job in these hard times, even if they are working at the local fast food establishment or the trendy shop in the mall. With so many out of work, there is a lot to be thankful for.<br/><br/>I should know, I am one of those people. In July 2007 I had to make some changes in life. After the loss of both grandparents, I went through a divorce and moved across the country, from Oklahoma to Michigan. If it were not for family, I would have not picked one of the highest unemployed states in the nation. I started applying for jobs online before I even crossed the Oklahoma border. I was hoping I would have something to look forward to. Little did I know the adventure that was waiting for me.<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>For six months I sent out resumes to every possible job in my field, and even those closely related. I applied online through every possible outlet I could get my fingers on. Applying for work literally became my job. In October I was asked to come back to West at Home. A work from home call center I had worked for about three years back. They were in need of Christmas help, I accepted, making minimum wage.<br/><br/>In January of 2008, my West line ended, and I was able to get on at H&R Block. I had worked for the company in the past and was able to do a transfer. Only problem was, I would not be preparing taxes. Instead, I would be greeting the customers, scheduling the appointments, and taking payments. Just like so many others, I was thankful to even have a job, even if I was taking a pay cut of half of what I had made before. A third of what I was making at the job I had left in Oklahoma.<br/><br/>January also brought on some other changes. I decided to go back to school. I hold an Associates in Accounting from the State University as well as Diploma of Accounting from a technical school. Also, there are the many years of experience, along with job training certifications I have taken. I am years beyond entry level positions. I am currently working on a double major in Accounting and Psychology. However, I have my doubts as to whether it will help me with the norm of the world these days. It does give me peace of mind knowing that at least I am trying to better myself by furthering my education.<br/><br/>Once H&R Block ended I landed a Payroll Clerk position for a local staffing company. I had done payroll before, even though I was qualified to do more. I took the position and with a 1/3 pay cut compared to my job in Oklahoma. The job was shorted lived (downsizing) and once again I was unemployed. Between April 2008 and November 2008 I felt like I had applied to every place in the state of Michigan. I was applying at mall stores, fast food restaurants, bowling alleys, and anything else that would pay me to do something. My phone only rang one time for a company a friend worked at doing IT work. Nothing I am qualified for but they were willing to train the right person. I had two interviews and did not pass. In November I was asked by the staffing agency if I wanted to try an office job at a manufacturing plant that makes paper tubing. I know nothing about tubing, much less manufacturing plants. Desperate times call for desperate measures and I accepted. I stayed a month. What little I was getting paid was not worth being the office lackey and dealing with criticism on a daily basis because I did not have the background experience.<br/><br/>Once again, off to the unemployment line. By March 2009 I had received notice from West they had a new temporary line, again at minimum wage. Shortly after came another work from home, Alpine Access. The pay was just above minimum wage, but once I got through training I knew the job was not what they presented it to be, less like accounting and more like collections. A field I had no desire to go into when I know times are tough for so many people.<br/><br/>I started searching for other work from home jobs and began to apply. I landed a few text chat jobs that were short lived. I could not make a living on ten cents a text. I started to look at things I was good at and enjoyed, writing. I had no idea I could really make a living writing even if I was not a New York Times National Best Seller.<br/><br/>By July of 2009 I was a full time freelance writer and loving every minute of it. I have my own website; I manage my own clients, as well as contract with other companies like Helium, Text Broker, London Broker, Demand Studios, Seed, Private Clients, and more.<br/><br/>The path has been long, and it has been hard. I still do not make the sort of money I made at my old job in Oklahoma. However, I no longer have a commute so that alleviates that expense. So long as the internet keeps growing and businesses need writers, I have job security. I am allowed to use all my college and job training, writing expert articles in that field as well as owning my own business.<br/><br/>I am just like many of the other underemployed; I am blessed to even have a job in these hard times. I might be underemployed compared to my previous jobs and education, but at least I am employed doing something that I love. To me, that is not a waste of my skills or talent, but rather opening doors to those I already had.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8155688009426152532014-09-05T12:43:00.000-04:002014-11-14T13:31:23.538-05:00All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzItUlHj7ak/VAnmZfidfjI/AAAAAAAATro/-sk94wqdddA/s1600/love%2Bcupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzItUlHj7ak/VAnmZfidfjI/AAAAAAAATro/-sk94wqdddA/s1600/love%2Bcupcake.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></div>Guys, I love this book!<br /><br />Ok, so sure, as a <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">food blogger </a>I was drawn to the title. But, who wouldn't be? Look at how cute that cover is. <a href="http://amzn.to/1tyUntb" target="_blank">All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant</a> was a pure joy to read. First, I have to say that this is listed as a Fiction/ Christain Romance. But it was written in such a great way that it's perfect for everyone to read whether you are a believer or not. There really isn't a lot of a religious aspect to it. Just that the main character, Kat Varland is a believer and has been questioning what life has to offer her.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>Kat works in a small town bakery with her aunt, who owns the place. Her aunt is very old fashioned and only makes 3 types of cupcakes, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Kat has moved passed all that and created her own fancy cupcakes with all types of ingredients and fillings. She has big dreams of city life and her own shop.<br /><br />When her best friend Lucas signs her up for a cupcake competition the two of them find themselves dealing with much more than the pressure of backing for television!<br /><br />It's such a cute and charming story.<br /><br />What I really liked is that you think the story is predictable in certain parts. Oh, you've read/seen this before. But, there is quite a bit that actually surprised me. Ready Betsy St. Amant is a new breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed this book.<br /><br /><br /><strike>Check out yesterday's post about the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/09/love-cupcakes-kindle-giveaway-and.html" target="_blank">All's Fair Kindle giveaway</a>.</strike> Contest is closed!<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66049721726700033992014-09-05T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-05T09:00:03.491-04:00Poetry In Motion : In Bondage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zjjcHGRiIY/U-pSLO_W58I/AAAAAAAASyc/rFqjWdcQkU0/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bin%2Bbondage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zjjcHGRiIY/U-pSLO_W58I/AAAAAAAASyc/rFqjWdcQkU0/s1600/poetry%2Bin%2Bmotion%2B-%2Bin%2Bbondage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Hurt me<br /><br /><br />Whip me<br /><br /><br />Spank me<br /><br /><br />Abuse me<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Just don't</b><br /><br /><br />Use me.<br /><br /><br />Love me<br /><br /><br />Need me<br /><br /><br />Want me<br /><br /><br />Adore me<br /><br /><br /><b>Just don't</b><br /><br /><br />Ignore me.<br /><br /><br />Tease me<br /><br /><br />Please me<br /><br /><br /><b>Just don't</b><br /><br /><br />Leave me.<br /><br /><br />(c) 2006 C.M.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-759151342628772182014-09-04T16:17:00.004-04:002014-09-04T16:17:49.454-04:00“Love & Cupcakes” Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party from @BetsyStAmant!<strong>Don't miss Betsy St. Amant's latest fiction release, <em>All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes</em></strong>. A "sweet" tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible "sure thing," St. Amant's novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://prmo.me/dqAArW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="cupcakes-400-click" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12730" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cupcakes-400-click.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><strong>Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party!</strong><strong>One winner will receive:</strong><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><ul><li>A brand new Kindle</li><li><em>All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes </em>by Betsy St. Amant</li></ul><strong>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th.</strong> Winner will be announced at the<em> </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/935332586482620/" target="_blank">"</a><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/935332586482620/" target="_blank">Love & Cupcakes" Author Chat Party</a> on 9/18.</strong> Betsy will be hosting a "sweet" book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project! <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong><br /></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>So grab your copy of </strong></em><strong>All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes</strong><em><strong> and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)</strong></em></div><center><a href="http://prmo.me/qMbC8B" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/enterbutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://prmo.me/dqAArW" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/facebookbutton.png" /></a></center><h3 style="text-align: center;">Don't miss a moment of the fun; <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/935332586482620/" target="_blank">RSVP today</a>. </strong>Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or <strong>TWITTER</strong> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!</h3>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82558267657649861582014-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-03T09:00:03.917-04:00Poetry in Motion: Divorce <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-z3QbuTSzg/U9gGEhwLyCI/AAAAAAAASDo/DtIX0BYG7l8/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+divorce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-z3QbuTSzg/U9gGEhwLyCI/AAAAAAAASDo/DtIX0BYG7l8/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+divorce.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Please note that this was originally published on Helium 6/30/2009 and was originally written in 3/9/2006 during my relationship <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/ch-ch-ch-changes-aka-divorce.html" target="_blank">with ex-husban</a>d and is no reflection on my current relationship status. However, these feelings are still very real the second time around.<br /><br />D-I-V-O-R-C-E<br />let me tell you<br />what that means to me<br />or perhaps I should tell you<br />what I see.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Divorce.<br />I do believe<br />that's what is in store for me.<br />I see.<br />I tell you, just between you and me.<br />Why?<br />Because I am a bad, damaged, broken soul<br />I don't deserve him<br />and he deserves much better<br />shouldn't have to put up with me<br />worthless<br />pointless<br />no future<br />no good<br />no life<br />and just no good at being a wife.<br />C.M.3/9/2006<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34852572781638640382014-09-02T10:13:00.000-04:002014-09-24T16:35:37.502-04:0010 Things Every Woman Should Have With Them<a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10-things-a-woman-should-always-keep-close-by-collage.jpg"><img alt="10 things a woman should always keep close by-collage" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5257" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10-things-a-woman-should-always-keep-close-by-collage.jpg" height="363" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="postpresso-article" data-article-id="1770"><br /><br />Never leave your home without preparing for the worst. If you keep these products close-by, then you'll be able to get yourself out of almost any situation. Don't be caught without these 10 essentials items:<br /><a name='more'></a>Coach - Phoebe Shoulder Bag Purse<br /><div class="product-wrapper"><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12922"><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-center-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1465755722&mt=1~1~318.00~318.00~318.00~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664001&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=1beedddf5b823ba0b70fdccd3e270490&ret=1409664001&k=136a68779beb8b50f3296e414fdd73a3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Coach - Phoebe Shoulder Bag Purse" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12922/1465755722_260.jpg?1409665532" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />This Coach bag is at the top of my list because it discretely stores all of your essentials in convenient compartments similar to Felix the Cat's bag. Plus, its sleek and stylish.<br /><br />So I know we can't all afford a Coach bag. I am lucky I have a Outlet store close by. My next suggestion is to just have a tote style purse to accommodate the necessities.<br /><br /><a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1465755722&mt=1~1~318.00~318.00~318.00~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664001&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=1beedddf5b823ba0b70fdccd3e270490&ret=1409664001&k=136a68779beb8b50f3296e414fdd73a3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coach House - MADISON SMALL PHOEBE SHOULDER BAG PURSE LEATHER SCARLET RED 26224</a> - $279.95, Free shipping - Available at <a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1465755722&mt=1~1~318.00~318.00~318.00~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664001&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=1beedddf5b823ba0b70fdccd3e270490&ret=1409664001&k=136a68779beb8b50f3296e414fdd73a3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fullfillment By Amazon</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12918"><br /><h4>Levi's - 525 Perfect Waist Straight Leg Jean</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-center-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=402&z=20001&m=1637441218&mt=1~1~44.99~44.99~44.99~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664948&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=9181b36513d42b955a42f412c56a33fe&ret=1409664948&k=3522a25e70374798f79585afffedb44d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Levi's - 525 Perfect Waist Straight Leg Jean" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12918/1637441218_260.jpg?1409665531" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />Since I was a little girl I have always been told that you never know when you might need a quick change. Keep a dry pair of Levis in your bag. Levi's are my fist choice because they truly are the most long-lasting jeans in history. I keep a rolled up pair in my trunk.<br /><br /><a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=402&z=20001&m=1637441218&mt=1~1~44.99~44.99~44.99~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664948&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=9181b36513d42b955a42f412c56a33fe&ret=1409664948&k=3522a25e70374798f79585afffedb44d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Levi's - Women's 525 Perfect Waist Straight Leg Jean, Golden Coast, 6P-M</a> - $44.99, Free shipping - Available at <a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=402&z=20001&m=1637441218&mt=1~1~44.99~44.99~44.99~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664948&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=9181b36513d42b955a42f412c56a33fe&ret=1409664948&k=3522a25e70374798f79585afffedb44d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12920"><br /><h4>Nike - Women's Free OG</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-center-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1607192530&mt=1~1~110.00~110.00~110.00~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409663488&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=fa23a0494ec3d1ffa6d2e66b61fe63bc&ret=1409663488&k=d9bd58cb50c9adb111ee787defd71670" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Nike - Women's Free OG" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12920/1607192530_260.jpg?1409665532" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />Strap on these running shoes before entering a dark alley late at night. Or, just wear as your everyday sneaker. You are sure to be seen.<br /><br /><a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1607192530&mt=1~1~110.00~110.00~110.00~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409663488&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=fa23a0494ec3d1ffa6d2e66b61fe63bc&ret=1409663488&k=d9bd58cb50c9adb111ee787defd71670" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nike - Nike Women's Free OG '14 Br Vlt/Mtllc Slvr/Brght Grp/Cl Gr Running Shoe 8 Women US</a> - $110.00, See Site shipping - Available at <a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1607192530&mt=1~1~110.00~110.00~110.00~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409663488&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=fa23a0494ec3d1ffa6d2e66b61fe63bc&ret=1409663488&k=d9bd58cb50c9adb111ee787defd71670" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fullfillment By Amazon</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12919"><br /><h4>Mota Performance - Smartwatch G2 Pro</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-center-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1595&m=1612875626&mt=2~2~89.99~89.27~89.63~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409662276&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=72c18c7d8c7e366251c5617307918a58&ret=1409662276&k=6e7a968b08a322a8b1f62d81e666e075" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Mota Performance - Smartwatch G2 Pro" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12919/1612875626_260.jpg?1409665532" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />The trendiest and smartest watch to ever touch your skin. Send all your important notifications directly to your wrist.<br /><br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1595&m=1612875626&mt=2~2~89.99~89.27~89.63~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409662276&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=72c18c7d8c7e366251c5617307918a58&ret=1409662276&k=6e7a968b08a322a8b1f62d81e666e075" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mota Performance - Smartwatch G2 Pro Black Regular Bluetooth NFC Voice Activation</a> - $79.59, Free shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1595&m=1612875626&mt=2~2~89.99~89.27~89.63~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409662276&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=72c18c7d8c7e366251c5617307918a58&ret=1409662276&k=6e7a968b08a322a8b1f62d81e666e075" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12923"><br /><h4>Ultrafire - Zoomable 5 Mode Flashlight</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-center-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1199433050&mt=1~1~10.98~10.98~10.98~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664053&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b07b195717c292755faca333fbe2dfb2&ret=1409664053&k=442e6e70de76c50b53c677bb2b4c2aff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Ultrafire - Zoomable 5 Mode Flashlight" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12923/1199433050_260.jpg?1409665533" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />Helps you find all of the items on this list. Buy a few. Keep on in your first aid survival kit, one in your purse and a few extras within your car and home. They truly do come in handy.<br /><br /><a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1199433050&mt=1~1~10.98~10.98~10.98~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664053&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b07b195717c292755faca333fbe2dfb2&ret=1409664053&k=442e6e70de76c50b53c677bb2b4c2aff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultrafire - 1600lm Cree XML T6 LED Zoomable 5 Mode Flashlight Torch Lamp Zoom</a> - $10.98, 5.14 shipping - Available at <a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=1199433050&mt=1~1~10.98~10.98~10.98~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664053&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b07b195717c292755faca333fbe2dfb2&ret=1409664053&k=442e6e70de76c50b53c677bb2b4c2aff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com Marketplace</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12917"><br /><h4>Red Cross - Be Ready First Aid Kit</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-center-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=6898&z=20001&m=783345014&mt=1~2~23.26~21.56~22.41~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664697&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d5db8764bdad658784567538e314b917&ret=1409664697&k=12a3d17a1540d6a7f207d01a3902f9ce" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Red Cross - Be Ready First Aid Kit" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12917/783345014_260.jpg?1409665531" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />A basic kit of survival tools in case you wake up on a desert island with only your purse. In all seriousness, these are perfect for home or car.<br /><br /><a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=6898&z=20001&m=783345014&mt=1~2~23.26~21.56~22.41~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664697&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d5db8764bdad658784567538e314b917&ret=1409664697&k=12a3d17a1540d6a7f207d01a3902f9ce" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Red Cross - Be Ready First Aid Kit - 9165-RC</a> - $23.26, 4.99 shipping - Available at <a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=6898&z=20001&m=783345014&mt=1~2~23.26~21.56~22.41~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664697&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d5db8764bdad658784567538e314b917&ret=1409664697&k=12a3d17a1540d6a7f207d01a3902f9ce" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Hayneedle.com</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12921"><br /><h4>Tylenol - Extra Strength Acetaminophen</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-center-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=872356425&mt=1~1~22.38~22.38~22.38~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665336&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=7b706a95b7c8fd23e2728a65be4c618a&ret=1409665336&k=31baddbd0cf22157a8b002f41b8668f1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Tylenol - Extra Strength Acetaminophen" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12921/872356425_260.jpg?1409665532" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />There's nothing like a good pain killer to help you forget your troubles -- or injuries. I keep some in my first aid kit(s), purse, and glove box. <a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=872356425&mt=1~1~22.38~22.38~22.38~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665336&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=7b706a95b7c8fd23e2728a65be4c618a&ret=1409665336&k=31baddbd0cf22157a8b002f41b8668f1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Tylenol - Extra Strength Acetaminophen 500 Mg (325ct)</a> - $22.38, 5.70 shipping - Available at <a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&z=20001&m=872356425&mt=1~1~22.38~22.38~22.38~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665336&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=7b706a95b7c8fd23e2728a65be4c618a&ret=1409665336&k=31baddbd0cf22157a8b002f41b8668f1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Fullfillment By Amazon</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12924"><br /><h4>Purell - Hand Sanitizer Wipe</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-center-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=23009&z=20001&m=74524949&mt=1~1~34.58~34.58~34.58~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664180&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=22c4baf54f1485818a067b0ad2cd45b7&ret=1409664180&k=327a8f91a5236d0c31913b3d56f58e9e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Purell - Hand Sanitizer Wipe" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12924/74524949_260.jpg?1409665533" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />Wipe away all of those germs you touched today. With these handy single packs you don't have to worry about bottle leakage and they fit even in the smallest of places.<br /><br /><a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=23009&z=20001&m=74524949&mt=1~1~34.58~34.58~34.58~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664180&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=22c4baf54f1485818a067b0ad2cd45b7&ret=1409664180&k=327a8f91a5236d0c31913b3d56f58e9e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purell - Hand Sanitizer Wipe Purell 1000 Count Bulk Packed Shipper 62% Ethyl Alcohol CS/1000</a> - $34.58, Free shipping - Available at <a href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=23009&z=20001&m=74524949&mt=1~1~34.58~34.58~34.58~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw-io_8yzDA~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409664180&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=22c4baf54f1485818a067b0ad2cd45b7&ret=1409664180&k=327a8f91a5236d0c31913b3d56f58e9e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zoro</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12925"><br /><h4>Wet - Ones Antibacterial Wipes Fresh Scent Singles 24ct</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&m=2647633&mt=3~3~6.99~2.49~4.16~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665595&search=wet+wips&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=80d4ee3420d983aec636b83a83b56211&ret=1409665595&k=9f868fc194d300588eed751df52cea26" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Wet - Ones Antibacterial Wipes Fresh Scent Singles 24ct" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12925/2647633_260.jpg?1409665604" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />You never know when a mess will strike. Keep these single packs in your first aid kit, purse, or glove box.<br /><br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&m=2647633&mt=3~3~6.99~2.49~4.16~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665595&search=wet+wips&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=80d4ee3420d983aec636b83a83b56211&ret=1409665595&k=9f868fc194d300588eed751df52cea26" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wet - Ones Antibacterial Wipes Fresh Scent Singles 24ct</a> - $6.99, See Site shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=2379&m=2647633&mt=3~3~6.99~2.49~4.16~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665595&search=wet+wips&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=80d4ee3420d983aec636b83a83b56211&ret=1409665595&k=9f868fc194d300588eed751df52cea26" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fullfillment By Amazon</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="12926"><br /><h4>Smile lanna - Colgate Total Size 25m Mint Dental Floss 1pc</h4><br /><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&m=1397033472&mt=1~1~1.01~1.01~1.01~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665654&search=dental+floss&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=be95a1157f88ab8d80dd3ce1820858ed&ret=1409665654&k=d95353261d5e271b838694d6c2aa54bc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Smile lanna - Colgate Total Size 25m Mint Dental Floss 1pc" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/12926/1397033472_260.jpg?1409665663" /></a></div><br /><div class="product-descript"><br /><br />Dental floss is a must have item for any simple preparedness kit. Not only will it keep your teeth clean and fresh, it has multiple uses.<br /><br />Dental floss can be used as a replacement for sewing thread, ten loops of dental floss can be used to tie down a trunk (so imagine what else you could tie up or down,) use to clean between small equipment parts, use as a clothesline, cut food into thin slices, attach to a stick for a homemade fishing rod, emergency shoe lace, and in an extreme accident the floss can be used to tie off areas to stop the bleeding.<br /><br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&m=1397033472&mt=1~1~1.01~1.01~1.01~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665654&search=dental+floss&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=be95a1157f88ab8d80dd3ce1820858ed&ret=1409665654&k=d95353261d5e271b838694d6c2aa54bc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smile lanna - Colgate Total Size 25m Mint Dental Floss 1pc</a> - $1.01, Free shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&m=1397033472&mt=1~1~1.01~1.01~1.01~~~salesbump_-ezWVBgxg5AqhfBGf7Xdiw~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1409665654&search=dental+floss&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=be95a1157f88ab8d80dd3ce1820858ed&ret=1409665654&k=d95353261d5e271b838694d6c2aa54bc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com Marketplace</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /><strong>Disclosure:</strong> This post contains affiliate links provided by <a href="http://www.postpresso.com/">Postpresso</a>. If you click links I will make a few cents. If you make a purchase I might earn a few more. Regardless, these picks and opinions are 100 % mine.<br /><br /></div><br /><pre style="display: none; visibility: hidden;"><script src="http://write.postpresso.com/js"></script></pre>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30084391318285570612014-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-01T09:00:05.652-04:00Poetry in Motion : Letting Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOAGWiWAwVg/U9wFm3sk4xI/AAAAAAAASOc/kscYltTNb_g/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+letting+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOAGWiWAwVg/U9wFm3sk4xI/AAAAAAAASOc/kscYltTNb_g/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+letting+go.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I have to let you go<br />It's what I have to do<br />Not for you<br />But for me<br />I have to let you go.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Save my own insanity<br />I can't do this to myself<br />Him, you, or me<br />I have to let you go<br />Please, just go!<br />Its messing with my head<br />These words that you said<br />I can't believe you<br />Believe they are so<br />I have to let you go.<br />You said you loved me<br />How can that be?<br />Those little words<br />Exchanged from you to me<br />I have to let you go.<br />Its better this way<br />You'll see<br />Better for you<br />Better for me<br />I have to let you go.<br />I have to tell myself<br />It was all just a lie<br />Please just go away<br />So I can be alone to cry.<br />I have to let you go.<br /><br />(C)C.M. 2005<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">This piece was originally published </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Helium" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">on Helium.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> 5/21/2009. Since </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Helium has closed</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">, this piece has found a new home here.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41234013792675213002014-08-31T12:13:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.254-04:00yesThe Rustic Life<span style="color: #000000;"> </span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #135fab;" href="http://www.therusticshop.com/?store=TherusticOutlet" target="_blank">http://www.therusticshop.com/?store=TherusticOutlet</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24088053050003234112014-08-30T11:43:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.246-04:00yesX Things to Do in Michiganhttp://www.giftbasketsfrommichigan.com/blog/michigan-travel/50-fun-things-to-do-in-michigan-this-summer/Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43038974034625054842014-08-27T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-27T09:00:01.667-04:00Poetry in Motion : Love You Forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBUVz_vaGWQ/U9wazaGsO5I/AAAAAAAASO0/jzyQcfwUiR4/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+love+you+forever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBUVz_vaGWQ/U9wazaGsO5I/AAAAAAAASO0/jzyQcfwUiR4/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+love+you+forever.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I'll love you forever<br />No, I'll never stop<br />I made a promise to you<br />the Lord above as our witness<br />on that day I did declare,<br />forever to love you so.<br /><br /><br /><br />(c) C.M. 3/3/2006<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">This piece was originally published </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Helium" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">on Helium.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> 6/30/2009. Since </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Helium has closed</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">, this piece has found a new home here.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26764496488234066752014-08-26T15:36:00.000-04:002014-10-02T11:18:31.740-04:00Homemade Migraine Remedy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTGYeCNKZIg/VCNE2EIC8yI/AAAAAAAAUQ8/vpi3t88eSCs/s1600/diy%2Bmigraine%2Bremedy-sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTGYeCNKZIg/VCNE2EIC8yI/AAAAAAAAUQ8/vpi3t88eSCs/s1600/diy%2Bmigraine%2Bremedy-sew.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div><br />I've been <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Migraines" target="_blank">suffering from migraines</a> since I was about 9 years old. I have tried every OTC medication and prescription I could try. OTC can sometimes provide some relief, but I found out a few years ago taking these pain relievers was wrecking my kidneys and liver. I knew I had to find some alternatives because prescription medications never settle well with me and often the side effects were worse than dealing with the actual migraine. I remember there were some herbal/holistic treatments I had tried in the past so I decided to get back to basics.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I am no stranger to essential oils. I first discovered them about 10 years ago when I was trying to clean up my diet and my life. I knew I needed to get my hands on those again. Because I live in a rural area with limited resources I started researching different brands and so much of what I kept stumbling on was MLM companies and all the controversies surrounding them. While I am sure they are good products, getting myself into another MLM / Direct Sales company was not something I wanted to get involved it. For what it's worth, I have a very dear friend who knows of my painful struggles. She was so kind to send me a sample of Young Living Peppermint oils. I used it to make my initial migraine remedy but did not want to pay the high price or the cost to start the business in order to get a lower price. I know people who are successful with EO sales companies but it just was not something I was interested in.<br /><br /><br />During my search I landed on a familiar sight. If you are not a fan of Jillee you should be. Her blog, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/category/essential-oils-bright-idea" target="_blank">One Good Thing </a></span>is where I discovered a company called <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1pdZE7N" target="_blank">Spark Naturals</a></span>. I poured through all of her essential oil posts and took quite a few notes. I spent some time going through all my old sources for essential oil references and started to read up. I joined a few Facebook groups with the hopes of connecting with others going through similar situations. Not convinced I should spend money at Spark Naturals I began researching some other companies. I found that cheaper is not always better. If I can't find information and reviews about a company I am not likely going to use it. So, I decided to try the essential 4-pack starter kit that Spark Naturals offered.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mIeG_iOCW0/VCb8dcoetAI/AAAAAAAAUXY/oMq-do0QpXg/s1600/Essential4packBNR%2B300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mIeG_iOCW0/VCb8dcoetAI/AAAAAAAAUXY/oMq-do0QpXg/s1600/Essential4packBNR%2B300.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The basic 4-pack comes with the ingredients I need to get me started on my natural remedy for migraine relief and it also gave me an opportunity to try a few others that were in various recipes I wanted to try. The best part was I had a coupon and Spark Naturals was offering a free bottle of Citronella oil free with purchase. This is something they often do. If you are interested in a coupon, please keep reading!<br /><br /><br />For the past few weeks I have been using my recipe for migraine relief exclusively. I minute I start to feel it in my neck, back of head or behind my eye I know its time to slather some on. I stop whatever I am doing and lay down in a cool, dark, quiet room and just breathe.<br /><br /><br />The results have been amazing and I am sure my liver and kidneys appreciate it.<br /><br /><br />Using a small tin or container you can put a lid on, mix some coconut oil, 2-3 drops peppermint oil and 1-2 drops of lavender oil. Mix well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oW9wUGjPl5g/VCNFir41WiI/AAAAAAAAURI/KGaASjVirRg/s1600/sew-making%2Bheadache%2Bremedy%2Bessential%2Boils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oW9wUGjPl5g/VCNFir41WiI/AAAAAAAAURI/KGaASjVirRg/s1600/sew-making%2Bheadache%2Bremedy%2Bessential%2Boils.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />When you feel the pain coming pull out your homemade migraine remedy. It works on stress and standard headaches too! Because the coconut oil gets hard in cooler temperatures and melts, I keep mine in the fridge. When I am ready to use it, I scoop a little into my palm and rub my hands together to warm the oils. I then slather it on my neck, chest, behind my hears, back of my neck/head and my temples. I have a headache mask that is chilled and ready for me when I need it. So I use that and lay down to cool myself off. I just breath it all in and relax. I have used it when I had already broke into a migraine and was nausea and very ill from it. The peppermint kicked its butt. The lavender helps to relax me because I get very angry when I get a migraine. For 30 years they have been ruining my life.<br /><br /><br />I am thrilled that this is so much better for my body and I am able to get some relief.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_LG4aMOrZs/VCNGB57ahkI/AAAAAAAAURc/TeOiV5ymA9c/s1600/sew-homemade%2Bdiy%2Bmigraine%2Brelief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_LG4aMOrZs/VCNGB57ahkI/AAAAAAAAURc/TeOiV5ymA9c/s1600/sew-homemade%2Bdiy%2Bmigraine%2Brelief.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="easyrecipe" data-rating="#rating#"><link href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/diy-migraine-remedy.jpg" itemprop="image"></link><br /><div class="item ERName"><b>Homemade Migraine Remedy</b></div><br /><div class="ERClear"></div><br /><div class="ERHead"><span class="xlate">Recipe Type</span>: <span class="type">DIY</span></div><br /><div class="ERHead">Author: <span class="author">Chrystal Mahan</span></div><br /><div class="ERHead">Prep time: <time datetime="PT5M" itemprop="prepTime">5 mins</time></div><br /><div class="ERHead">Total time: <time datetime="PT5M" itemprop="totalTime">5 mins</time></div><br /><div class="ERSummary summary">Simple remedy for all types of head pain.</div><br /><div class="ERIngredients"><br /><div class="ERIngredientsHeader">Ingredients</div><br /><ul class="ingredients"><br /><li class="ingredient">1 empty tin</li><br /><li class="ingredient">1 tbsp coconut oil</li><br /><li class="ingredient">2-3 drops peppermint essential oil</li><br /><li class="ingredient">1-2 drops lavender essential oil</li></ul><br /></div><br /><div class="ERInstructions"><br /><div class="ERInstructionsHeader">Instructions</div><br /><div class="instructions"><br /><ol><br /><li class="instruction">Make sure your tin is clean if you are re-purposing.</li><br /><li class="instruction">In your tin (or jar) add the coconut oil and then the essential oils.</li><br /><li class="instruction">Blend well.</li><br /><li class="instruction">Keep in a cool dry place.</li></ol><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="ERNutrition"></div><br /><div class="endeasyrecipe" style="display: none;">3.2.1311</div><br /></div><br /><br /><br />If you are interested in <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1pdZE7N" target="_blank">Spark Naturals</a></span> I am offering you a 10% coupon.<strong> Just enter CHRYSTAL at checkout.</strong>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80209976392298875802014-08-25T12:07:00.001-04:002014-08-25T12:07:35.163-04:00Restaurant Success by the Numbers by Roger Fields, CPA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCumuRBWSTk/U_tb1uAgaEI/AAAAAAAATVA/l5v92pAwseE/s1600/Restaurant%2BSuccess%2Bby%2Bthe%2BNumbers%2BA%2BMoney%2BGuy%2Bs%2BGuide%2Bto%2BOpening%2Bthe%2B....png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCumuRBWSTk/U_tb1uAgaEI/AAAAAAAATVA/l5v92pAwseE/s1600/Restaurant%2BSuccess%2Bby%2Bthe%2BNumbers%2BA%2BMoney%2BGuy%2Bs%2BGuide%2Bto%2BOpening%2Bthe%2B....png" height="320" width="216" /></a></div><br />When I first decided to read "<a href="http://amzn.to/1wsj4K6" target="_blank">Restaurant Success by the Numbers</a>" I was not expecting much since it was written by a CPA. Sure, a CPA does the books, might know a thing or two, but unless they have actually opened a restaurant, how are they going to know it's true successes and failures? As an accountant myself, there is only so much the numbers tell you.<br /><a name='more'></a>Since starting <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> I have become much more interested in all things food and restaurant related. Before starting the site, my family and I used to always talk about maybe some day opening our own restaurant. Every time we would see a vacant building we would discuss how neat it would be if we could open up shop there. Restaurants are expensive businesses to start. It never seemed like something that was possible for us.<br /><br />Over the summer we discussed opening a food truck and traveling around the area to events and festivals. My mother has a neighbor who does this and he makes great money just working a few days a week. We started looking into some costs for consideration. Not sure if this is something we will ever do, but its not to think about for a family business.<br /><br />When "<a href="http://amzn.to/1wsj4K6" target="_blank">Restaurant Success by the Numbers</a>" came up for review, I knew I have to give it a go. I was curious to see just how the numbers stacked up.<br /><br />The biggest myth in the industry is that 90% of all restaurants fail and that simply is not the case. Roger Fields breaks down all the myths and truths any person thinking about opening their own restaurant could have. He then breaks down the numbers. I also learned when the book was delivered was that Fields is also a restaurant owner and consultant!<br /><br />What I also liked about the book is that he also discuses things like location, the concept of how the inside should look, staff and how to keep your place open the first year. It also discusses food trucks and how to use social media and discount sites to your advantage.<br /><br />This book is realistic. No fluff. For some, it might be a bit technical of a read but it should be at the top of your list if you are thinking about a restaurant or food truck.<br /><br />The fact that it is a rather meaty book full of real life information some folks might find it boring. In the same breath, if that is you, perhaps opening a restaurant really isn't what you should in life.<br /><br />Great reference and a great how-to. Definitely I book I'll keep around.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49427148088365614322014-08-25T09:00:00.001-04:002014-08-25T09:00:04.856-04:00Poetry in Motion : Lost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhgcQrIqPQw/U9wZK_XhwVI/AAAAAAAASOs/ijaG4aBd4Xg/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+lost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhgcQrIqPQw/U9wZK_XhwVI/AAAAAAAASOs/ijaG4aBd4Xg/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+lost.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Lost<br />I am so LOST<br />Cannot find my way<br />Can you help me<br />HELP ME PLEASE<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I need out<br />~OUT~<br />out from these grips<br />controlling grips<br />grips you have on me<br /><br />Can you just not see<br />Just won't leave<br />Leave me<br />Let me out<br /><br />(c)C.M.2005<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">This piece was originally published </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Helium" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">on Helium.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> 5/21/2009. Since </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Helium has closed</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">, this piece has found a new home here.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7134315463619828652014-08-25T07:00:00.000-04:002015-02-16T16:57:52.808-05:00Someone Called Me Fat Yesterday<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/117023290287147276/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJemnI_HY5Y/U_t0Mu6hezI/AAAAAAAATVY/RIyJKWA7LbA/s1600/3ddc37fdf7203eeea4a1701dc173b8e3.jpg" height="400" width="352" /></a></div>Someone called me fat yesterday.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Someone told me that fat people shouldn't have tattoos because it draws attention to themselves. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">This is my reality. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I have tried to tell <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/heart%20Matt" target="_blank">my husband </a>over the years that people stare and me and make comments. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">One time while on a weekend getaway we were sitting in the hot tub with another couple. The girl kept staring at my chest. Yeah, I get that a lot. Not because my boobs are awesome (which they are, btw) but because my entire chest is covered with one giant tattoo. There's a story behind it and you can find it at "<a data-mce-href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/A-Band-or-Artist-Who-Has-Gotten-You-Through-Some-Hard-A-Days" href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/A-Band-or-Artist-Who-Has-Gotten-You-Through-Some-Hard-A-Days" target="_blank">Thanks to Shinedown I have Made it Through</a>." After enough staring and elbowing her significant other so they could laugh, I finally asked her if she had something to say. I guess she never thought I would speak up, but I did. She gulped and said "No." I asked her to please stop staring then but if she wanted to talk about my tattoo I would be more than happy to do so. Let's just say they didn't stay much longer in the hot tub after that.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">A few weeks ago I was running to the bathroom in a large chain store. As I rounded the corner, a very large and wide lady came around at the same time...on a personal scooter. She had to have a personal scooter made as it had extra wide seats. She was very nicely put together. Hair done. Make up. Nails. Even a pretty dress. You could see it on her face though. Shame. Guilt. Someone had just called her fat and she was trying to get away. People were staring. I moved over and smiled at her. You know what she did? She smiled back and said thank you. It was a real smile. A smile that meant, thanks for caring. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>I am no stranger to fat comments.</b> As a child I was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">sexually abused</a> for many years and turned to food as my drug. A bad habit that carried with me all through life. Things were so bad that even my own family would make comments about my weight. These are thing to this day I think about. In school the kids teased me. I was the fat kid that was bullied by everyone. I kept quite for fear the other secret would come to light. I continued to eat.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">When I was in High School my mother took me to Nutrisystem. I begged her to take me. I lost about 80 pounds. I kept 90% of that weight off for many years. Then, I got my first desk job. Shortly after getting that desk job I joined Weight Watchers and make Lifetime. 10 years later I have gained all of that weight back and then some.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Due to all of the stress in my life lately, I have<b> gained 30 pounds this year alone.</b> I wanted to start a new topic here, "80 to Goal" but I can't seem to get it going. I have tried and failed many lifestyle changes. I am struggling a lot lately. I cannot accept my body as-is. I don't want to leave my house. Anxiety is worse. Self-esteem is non existent.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/03/facing-my-demons-facing-my-reality.html" target="_blank">Two years ago I had to face my demons and stare reality in the face</a>. That was before the 40ish pound weight gain.<br /><br />I blame part of it on the PCOS which causes the weight loss to slow or stall and I blame the migraines, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc for making exercise so hard. But, most of all I blame myself for allowing my body to get to this point. The extra weight just makes things worse. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Food is my drug and my choices can be seen on a daily basis.</b> I don't leave my house because my clothes no longer fit. Battling depression doesn't help. It takes so long to get ready and by the time I am done I am so emotionally drained I don't want to go where I am supposed to be going. My life needs to change and I know that.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/262194009526476913/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQNJdwPiheU/U_t0hPd07uI/AAAAAAAATVg/k2XKBg8KjjI/s1600/1f52b2632cf35490447f1392f471a02b.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>What I don't need are people telling me I am fat.</b> What people don't see is the battle scars. They don't see the pain. They don't see the tears. They have no idea the journey I am on. All they see is someone who is overweight and they feel the need to call me out on it. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />Why? Are you so perfect in every way that you feel someone who is overweight doesn't know it and needs to be pointed at, laughed at and teased? What exactly makes you that perfect? Cause, seriously, I would love to know. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We left that place and I went home and cried myself to sleep. All those old memories came rushing back. All the comments made by family. All the words kids said to me growing up. Mean. Hurtful. Disgusting things. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We live in an electronic world. It's doesn't take but a click of a button to see the fat shaming world. I didn't ask to be a part of it, but I am. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The next time you see someone you consider fat, just remember that you have no idea what battle they are facing. What demons they are fighting. Instead of making your rude and lude comments to point out of the obvious, how about you smile at them instead. Your smile could literally make the difference between life and death. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Body shaming. It sucks.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/238198267764617108/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxKPHA9iZq4/U_tzzeso0DI/AAAAAAAATVQ/fAo3HwlgieM/s1600/a1680b8167f1ec5652b58c244b0a3d86.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37334079375581377112014-08-22T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-22T09:00:01.913-04:00Poetry in Motion : Hello Goodbye<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cwr8ksBkdII/U9vqmmdZXkI/AAAAAAAASNc/Gvs7wxq79ZU/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+hello+goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cwr8ksBkdII/U9vqmmdZXkI/AAAAAAAASNc/Gvs7wxq79ZU/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+hello+goodbye.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />What am I doing?<br />I must be an idiot for listening to you,<br />for believing in you.<br />You're not any different then all the rest of them.<br />How could I have been so blind to see that?<br />I would have thought I learned my lesson long ago.<br />A chance meeting that changed my entire world<br />the blink of an eye.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />But then,<br />you were gone.<br />I lived.<br />I loved.<br />I moved on,<br />never looking back.<br />But one day out of the blue,<br />there you were again.<br />I welcomed your friendship<br />back into my world with open arms.<br />Maybe that was not the best choice<br />I have made in my life.<br />I cherished our friendship,<br />it was a beautiful thing.<br />But,<br />without a word,<br />you were gone again.<br />No more Hello's<br />and no more Good-Bye's.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(c)C.M. 2005 The poem was originally posted on MySpace, moved to an old poetry website, published in my book of poetry "<a href="http://amzn.to/11817yt" target="_blank">Darkness Falls</a>" and published on<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank"> Helium, which has since closed. </a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53127161806499141532014-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:002014-08-21T16:14:57.514-04:00Squidoo to Merge with Hubpages; AllVoices Makes Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium%2BBusiness%2BCards%2B%2B%2BEnter%2Byour%2BText.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium%2BBusiness%2BCards%2B%2B%2BEnter%2Byour%2BText.png" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>I'm to the point where I think, with the exception of a few places like Examiner, revenue share is dead. All the big names <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">are closing, like Helium </a>and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Yahoo%20Voices" target="_blank">Yahoo! Voice</a>/Contributors Network. eHow stopped taking new content ages ago. Places like ePinions shut their doors. Now, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Squidoo" target="_blank">Squidoo </a>has decided to merge with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/HubPages" target="_blank">HubPages</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/AllVoices" target="_blank">AllVoices</a> has changed their payment program along with moving to a new site.<br /><a name='more'></a>I removed my content from Squidoo many moons ago. I have a handful of articles on HubPages. I'm still sorting through all the content I had to remove from Helium and Yahoo. Now, I'm doing the same with AllVoices. In time I think I will remove the last bit from HubPages as well.<br /><br />Let me just say, trying to find a new home for 100s of articles is a real pain in the ass. I have had a few people reach out to me and tell me how much I should try this great new site they found.<br /><br /><b>No, thank you. </b>While I appreciate that, if I doesn't fit on my websites, Examiner or Bubblews then I am going to just leave it be. I'll continue to earn what I can from those who have a new home but I am in no mood to try the next best thing. Instead, I am going to continue to work on making my other websites my own "next best thing."<br /><br /><b>No hard feelings.</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76749568127057442522014-08-20T15:21:00.000-04:002014-08-20T15:21:00.014-04:00Poetry in Motion : Haunted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfZAd7pL0Ts/U9vo3I2YVnI/AAAAAAAASNQ/5UsbGm_H85w/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+haunted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfZAd7pL0Ts/U9vo3I2YVnI/AAAAAAAASNQ/5UsbGm_H85w/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+haunted.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Those words<br />they keep playing<br />over and over<br />in my mind.<br />I must have played that song<br />a thousand times.<br />Words so powerful<br />yet somehow<br />so chilling.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />"I want to be haunted by the ghost..<br />your precious ghost..<br />the precious ghost of you."<br />I close my eyes to sleep<br />I see you in my dreams.<br />When I am awake<br />I catch a glimpse of you<br />in the corner of my eye.<br />I turn, to take a look<br />knowing, you are really not there.<br />I feel you.<br />I always feel you with me.<br />Your presence is strong,<br />powerful and great.<br />Your thoughts<br />they haunt my mind.<br />I am truly haunted by the ghost of you.<br />When I smell, that familiar smell<br />at that moment,<br />I know<br />you are there<br />thinking of me too.<br /><br />(c)C.M. 2006 The poem was originally posted on MySpace, moved to an old poetry website, published in my book of poetry "<a href="http://amzn.to/11817yt" target="_blank">Darkness Falls</a>" and published on<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank"> Helium, which has since closed. </a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61662602140635383322014-08-20T14:43:00.000-04:002014-10-06T22:36:17.156-04:00Miracle Marathon to Support Beaumont Children's Hospital, Detroit<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fI1rJthKkak/VDNRTHrhgwI/AAAAAAAAUno/3uXA6SA9_M4/s1600/10609713_10152685517545915_8696755315117992785_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fI1rJthKkak/VDNRTHrhgwI/AAAAAAAAUno/3uXA6SA9_M4/s1600/10609713_10152685517545915_8696755315117992785_n.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining the 27.2 Miracle Marathon which helps the Children's Miracle Network hospitals. My hospital of choice is Beaumont Children's Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. Great hospital, great cause, great to be a part of. I'm on a mission to get back on the exercise track while saving kids' lives. Since a traditional marathon is 26.2 miles, Miracle Marathon is adding 1 extra mile "for the kids."<br /><br />So, I laced up my sneakers and logged Day 1 of the C25k program. This is my 3rd or 4th time starting C25k. The furthest I got was week 3 or 4 and then I quit. Osteoarthritis and degenerative disc are only half the running battle. The good part about this marathon is that I don't do it all at once. You do a mile a day. So, over the course of 27 days participants can walk, run, dance, skip or any other movement to reach the goal.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q8Yogm44rk/VDNRmkj7JRI/AAAAAAAAUnw/8fXwDhWD6IY/s1600/10665742_10152675196875915_7955670306756007505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q8Yogm44rk/VDNRmkj7JRI/AAAAAAAAUnw/8fXwDhWD6IY/s1600/10665742_10152675196875915_7955670306756007505_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong>Doesn't that sound like fun?? </strong><br /><br />I'm on fellow MI blogger, Detroit Metro Mommy<span style="color: black;"> team if <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.miraclemarathon.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5357" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;">you would like to join us!</span></a></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>Check out her post on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://metrodetroitmommy.blogspot.com/2014/08/miracle-marathon-to-support-beaumont.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;">her website</span></a></span> as she has a valuable coupon code. Please note that you can sign up as a free person without the swag, but those spaces are limited.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">Don't want to participate, but still want to help?</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.miraclemarathon.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=3003" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #ffcc00; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;">P</span><span style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;">lease consider donating to help me reach my goal</span></span><span style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;">.</span></span></a></span><br /><br />I'll be posting my progress here on Self Employed Writer, so I do hope you will follow along!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70428687796210370212014-08-19T13:10:00.001-04:002014-08-19T15:31:19.619-04:00Malice Intended by Edward Sanchez <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8Sl6GAwAjY/U_OT0aXvyeI/AAAAAAAATIc/KjySjfGdDW4/s1600/malice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8Sl6GAwAjY/U_OT0aXvyeI/AAAAAAAATIc/KjySjfGdDW4/s1600/malice.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div><br /><b>Synopsis: </b><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><a href="http://amzn.to/1yWhMCN" target="_blank">The book</a> is based on a true story about an eight year old boy witnessing a horrifying crime against his mother and how he had to overcome adversities to become the person that he is today. The book goes into sexual and intimate details on how he lost his virginity at age 15, had an affair with an older woman at age 16, and joined the U.S. NAVY at age 17. The names have been changed to protect the identity of the characters and to avoid any offensive issues. The sexual encounters are written with specific details and may seem offensive to some readers. Parental Guidance is required for minor readers.</blockquote><b>My thoughts:</b><br /><a name='more'></a>Lately I seem to be running into a problem with books landing in my lap that don't really interest me. Maybe they are not my normal genre and they push me to think outside my comfort zone. Or maybe, I just find them really bad.<br /><br />"<a href="http://amzn.to/1yWhMCN" target="_blank">Malice Intended</a>" starts off with the author, Edward Sanchez, telling the story of how he witnessed his mother being stabbed. From there is goes on in chronological order detailing events in his life. The story is heartbreaking. I am a sucker for a good memoir/autobiography so I welcomed this book with open arms. While the ordeal Mr. Sanchez went through is horrible and enough to make any child turn the other way in life, it seems it made him much stronger. Edward pushed through life taking as many opportunities as he could. A large part of the book was a tale about his consistent affairs with older women, but that isn't as odd as most would think. Even at a young age.<br /><br />What I did not like about the book is that it is poorly written. While the grammar errors are limited, it lacked substance. It had a great framework, but a lot of the walls and furnishing were missing. It was a very basic book with limited emotions, thoughts and feelings. Some chapters were merely a page and a half long. There was so much there in the foundation, Mr. Sanchez should have provided so many more details for more story. It lacked feeling.<br /><br />The language was simple. Almost too simple. I felt at times like I was reading an old fashioned telegram.<br /><br />Hello mom. Stop.<br />Must come to see you today. Stop.<br />I will tell you why later. Stop.<br />I hope you are not mad. Stop.<br /><br />Very basic and simple. Lacked the use of a thesaurus and substance.<br /><br />On the other hand, if you like very simple stories and personal details of someone else's life, you will like this tale. While I did enjoy the book and can greatly sympathize with what the author went through, I just with the book had more meat on it's bones.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30112738828993120572014-08-18T15:10:00.000-04:002014-08-18T15:10:00.443-04:00Poetry in Motion : Grandpa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4_fScRSzug/U9vlZIGL6HI/AAAAAAAASNI/-e-V5lZ6Xfk/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+grandpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4_fScRSzug/U9vlZIGL6HI/AAAAAAAASNI/-e-V5lZ6Xfk/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+grandpa.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />It wasn't your time to go<br />why did he have to take you away<br />such a good life<br />but so much pain<br />in the end<br />selfish, I know<br />you always said<br />I was spoiled<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Its just, grandpa,<br />I miss you.<br />Your time has come<br />To leave us<br />Leave this place<br />When I close my eyes<br />I can still see your face.<br />Your smile<br />Your frown<br />All those things<br />That got you angry<br />And turned you upside down<br />Those things<br />They don't matter anymore<br />Now you<br />Have walked through<br />Heavens door<br />In my dreams I see you<br />Still throwing that fast pitch like no<br />Other<br />Still teaching all us grandkids to fish<br />And making us gut it<br />Taking us to the bar with you, as little grandbabies<br />how Proud you were<br />Getting angry when we changed your tv<br />Playing poker with your lost family<br />And friends.<br />But, the best thing I see<br />You and duke dog<br />Our favorite boxer<br />Waiting for me<br />Cain<br />And casey<br />My own boxer babies<br />Sitting under<br />Our favorite<br />Willow tree<br />I miss you grandpa!<br />2006<br /><br />(c) C.M. 2006 This poem, along with many others are published in my book of poetry called "<a href="http://amzn.to/11817yt" target="_blank">Darkness Falls.</a>" It was also published on the Poetry channel and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Helium" target="_blank">Helium.com, which has since closed.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26196538983001703982014-08-15T17:53:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.216-04:00yesHow to Get Late Fees WaivedSometimes life gets in the way and we honestly forget to pay that credit card bill. We know when it is due, we write it on our calendars, we make a post- it note to stick to our computers, and we even put it in our PDA. No matter how many times we try to remind ourselves, we just happen to forget it. It happens and it has happened to everyone.<br/><br/>Another problem is online billing and statements. No matter how many times we allow mail from this sender it still manages to get sorted and spam and go directly to our junk mail. Is it really then our fault if the statement does not make it to our mail box and we do not see it as a reminder?<br/><br/>Credit card companies are not known for their customer service. Imagine being on the other end of the line hearing the same story day in and day out. How can you tell who is telling you the truth and who is not? Honestly, you can't. The customer service representative can only look through billing history to determine whether a waiver is warranted.<br/><br/>If a card holder has a history of paying late, chances are they are not going to get the late fee waived. If they have a history of charging excessively causing them to go over the limit, then the representative is not going to waive the over limit fee. If your history is free and clear and this is a minor mistake, be friendly to the representative on the other line. It is not their fault your account was charged a fee. Taking your anger out on them is not going to get you anyplace and is likely going to make the rest of the day miserable for you both.<br/><br/>You can get those fees waived and it does not have to be a painful process. First, locate the customer service line for your credit card company. Often, these numbers are printed on the back of the card. Then, take a deep breath as you dial. A positive attitude and a little patience will go a long way. Once the credit card representative asks how he or she may help you, calmly explain the circumstances. Let the representative know that you have not been late in X amount of months, if ever, and that you regularly pay your bill on time. If you pay more then the minimum it is best to point this out as well. While you are speaking the representative is already looking up your account information. Request the fee be removed this time and that you will be on time next month, and every month thereafter. Being honest, respectable and killing them with kindness will pay off. The last thing a customer service rep wants to hear is yet another person yelling at THEM because THEY forgot to pay their bill on time or tried to charge to much on their account.<br/><br/>Sometimes the representative will reject you. Hear them out. Listen with an open mind to what they have to say. We have all heard that line the customer is always right, but listen to be sure. Did you ask for a waiver last month? Two months ago? Then perhaps you are just not going to get it waived this month. If you are bound and determined to get that fee waived, asked to speak to a supervisor. Remain calm and explain the situation again. If there are circumstances as to why you are late (unemployment deposits are only issued on certain days that overlap with payment days) let them know that and that you are doing your best to stay on top of things during these hard time.<br/><br/>If the due date in unmanageable for you, now would be a good time to suggest you be moved to a different billing period if possible to avoid this situation in the future.<br/><br/>Generally this will be good enough to have the fee waived and taken off your account. If these tactics do not work, the last resort is to threaten to take your business elsewhere. With these difficult times they are likely to remove those fees then risk losing you as a customer.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40176288716049616612014-08-15T17:50:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.198-04:00yesIs it Better to Have a Small Group of Friends or Many Acquaintances?I personally think it is better to have a smaller group of friends. I am perfectly understanding to those that would rather have a large group of friends and it is really is a matter of personal preference. Being a good friend does take a lot of time and effort from both parties. When you are in a group faced with a large amount of friends, this can become difficult as you will not only sell yourself short, but your friend as well. In smaller groups you are able to spend time with each person more, either as the entire group or individually. I feel small groups are better because they become closer and more knitted together. When groups are larger they tend to stray with an outside friend more often because that close knit contact just is not there for either party involved.<br/><br/>I want good solid friendships. I look forward to hanging out with people who share many common interests, but have our differences as well. Sharing things that make us different opens us up to a whole new world of things with otherwise would not try or know about. The possibilities are endless. Friendships should not be a popularity contest and oftentimes when faced with a large group of friends this is what happens. Competition grows among the people. Feelings end up getting hurt. Drama, gossip, and back stabbing are some of the other common issues with larger groups. Someone is always trying to outdo another to look better to the rest of the group. That does not happen so much in smaller groups because that closeness is there and you are able to share everything with each other.<br/><br/>I have been a part of a large group. The popularity contest does not stop. When people hang out, someone always gets mad. For whatever reason they are not able to hang out and so that person begins to feel left out of the circle. So they have to go out of their way to show up the group and plan something extreme. Larger groups don't feel like family, where smaller groups tend to feel like such. Maybe because smaller groups tend to become your true friends, where larger groups tend to be just acquaintances; people you have contact with and hang out with once in a while, but do not share many details of your life with. And who really wants that?<br/><br/>A large group of people can be fun and can be beneficial when you are trying to network, but you will not ever get that close feeling that you get with a smaller group of friends. Not only that, larger groups tend to have smaller groups or "clicks" intermingled inside anyway.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69911316321160179012014-08-15T17:47:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.990-04:00yesHow to Save Money on Expensive Computer SoftwareIt is very easy to save money on computer software if you just know what you want and where to look for it. Just about every popular brand name software program has a freeware equivalent program. It may not be brand name, but it looks the same, works the same, but it sure does not cost the same.<br/><br/>We all want it, and we want it for free. We want everything we can get to make our computer the easiest to use, fastest to move, and the greatest resource for production. Everyone thinks you have to spend a lot of money to get your computer up and running with great programs, but you don’t. Today we will show you some of the best places online to find great running software for your computer.<br/><br/>Make a list of what you need the most. If you desperately need a product like Microsoft Office program, write that down. Then, label it with a generic name, such as office software or word processing programs. Something simple and easy to search for. You will use these terms to search Google or these popular download sites.<br/><br/>1.<a href="http://www.download.com"> Download.com</a><br/><br/>Download.com is the powerhouse of all the download sites, and also the most popular. Users can search for Windows and Mac, as well as completely free, free to try, and paid programs. Search by type, or you can even search for key words. All programs are scanned and certified to be free of viruses.<br/><br/>2. <a href="http://www.freewarefiles.com/">Freeware Files</a><br/><br/>Free Ware Files does not have all of the bells and whistles that Download has, however the free treasures do await. Right on the homepage is a category listing, great for browsing. You can search the site as well. All software downloads are free of charge.<br/><br/>3. <a href="http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/">Give Away of the Day</a><br/><br/>Facebook users will love Give Away of the Day; there you will find a application to let you know what is new today. Not everything on this site is free of charge, only the day’s free daily download. One day only they will give you the chance to download some of best software, which can cost upwards of $100, for free. Twenty-four hours is all you got, and there is a new download every day.<br/><br/>4. <a href="http://www.tucows.com/">TuCows</a><br/><br/>TuCows is another popular download site that has been around a while. A lot has changed over the years. Often, users can find software that is not available on other sites such as Download. TuCows will let you search through categories or you can do a word search through the site. Users can also post reviews, as well as read them before you test out the software. The site gives you easy, front page access to the newest as well as the featured softwareChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30431413504555159212014-08-15T17:45:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.979-04:00yesHow is Your Intimacy Level?We all need it, but yet we don't all get it. I am not talking just about sexual intercourse either. I am talking about touching; hugging, kissing, looking, glancing, snuggling, holding, etc. all of those things a person needs to bring them closer to their partner. It may be different from one person to the next. One person might not care so much about how their partner looks at them, but another might. Just as another might like a certain way their partner touches them. Whatever it is, those things bring us closer together.<br/><br/>Being intimate is a familiar feeling. That is why we constantly crave more of it. You want to feel close to this person; you want to feel "together". It is a feeling that bonds you. It is not something that automatically happens, it is something that is natural and just falls into place. It will vary from person to person.<br/><br/>Relationships do need intimacy to survive. It can be physical or emotional, or both. Without it, the relationship will turn bitter between both parties, and potentially end. Intimacy is the foundation of any relationship. You partner will always want to know, as well as yourself, that everyone is loved and intimacy is a way to show that love. Not just once in a while, but all the time.<br/><br/>Communication plays a role in intimacy. You need to communicate with your partner through out the relationship. What do they like? Pay attention to their body language when you are talking to them. Find out their dislikes. Do your eyes meet when you speak? Does their body shift? How do they feel when you kiss them, hug them, and touch them in a certain way? Pay close attention to these. The way their body reacts to the things you do is the key to finding out what they like. What they like will get their endorphins going and they will crave more. These are intimate things you and your partner will share as a couple.<br/><br/>When you and your partner are sitting next to each other, place your hand on their leg. When they walk past you, give them a hug. When you see them from across the room, give them a wink. All these things can be considered a form of intimacy, as well as holding hands.<br/><br/>It does not take much to show intimacy towards your partner, and doing so can provide you with the foundation to build a strong, lasting relationship.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62006381408835590752014-08-15T17:44:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.968-04:00yesWould You Ever Go Raw?Overview<br/><br/>Eating a raw vegan diet is nothing new. Our ancestors were doing it before the world as we know it even existed. Before there was fire and cooking, there was raw. People who begin a raw vegan diet plan notice a natural weight loss due to lower calorie consumption. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing to go raw it is also the best benefit. Keeping your weight down is healthy. And keeping your body healthy benefits you in every way of life!<br/><br/>Common Ingredients in a Raw Vegan Diet<br/><br/>Going raw does not have to be a headache. Invest in these top items and you will be well on your way to a raw vegan diet. Stock your kitchen with these items: Avocados, apples, bananas, broccoli, celery, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, coconuts, green beans, grapefruits, lemons, onions, any fruits that are in season, any vegetables that are in season, fresh herbs, garlic, and raw nuts. Nuts are invaluable because they provide the diet with nut milk, a tasty alternative to animal's milk.<br/><br/>The Raw Kitchen<br/><br/>Keeping your kitchen stocked with fresh, raw produce will make the transition to a raw vegan diet much easier. Other items that you need to help your weight loss on a raw vegan diet is a scale to weigh yourself on for progress, a food scale for weights, a blender to make smoothies and a good set of knifes for slicing and dicing. Other optional items include things such as a vegetable peeler, melon baller, nut milk bag, produce brush, apple corer and separator, heavy duty wood cutting board, salad spinner, mason jars, kitchen timer, glass measuring cups , measuring spoons, colander and a strainer. Just some handy kitchen items that aid in the preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables that could potentially be valuable to your weight loss efforts. Another must have item to have on hand are raw food diet cookbooks and recipes. Without them natural foods can look boring and bland if you have no idea what exactly to do with them.<br/><br/>Beginner Basics<br/><br/>Some work best completely going cold turkey with their regular food intake. Others prefer taking things one step at a time by eliminating meat first to go vegan, introducing substitutes and then making the transition to all raw. The pace is yours to set. With a raw vegan diet one must understand their will be a lot of trial and error. This being the differences in taste in regards to one fruit of vegetable over another. As time goes on you will adjust and find what tastes work best for you. One should always wash produce before eating and be sure to always buy fresh and never frozen. There is one thing every beginner must do and that is research. Many variations exist in the raw food world and what works for one may not work for another.<br/><br/>Resources for Going Raw<br/><br/>Do It Yourself Natural Weight Loss<br/><br/>www.soystache.com/naturalweightlossdiet.htm<br/><br/>Starting a Raw Food Diet<br/><br/><a href="http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/">http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/</a><br/><br/>Raw Food Diet Basics<br/><br/><a href="http://www.rawschool.com/basics.htm">http://www.rawschool.com/basics.htm</a><br/><br/>Raw Food Diet Shopping List<br/><br/><a href="http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/support-files/raw-food-diet-shopping-list.pdf">http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/support-files/raw-food-diet-shopping-list.pdf</a><br/><br/>From Sad to Raw: Kitchen List<br/><br/><a href="http://www.fromsadtoraw.com/TheRawKitchen.htm">http://www.fromsadtoraw.com/TheRawKitchen.htm</a><br/><br/>Alissa Cohen: The Raw Food Diet<br/><br/><a href="http://www.alissacohen.com/">http://www.alissacohen.com/</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10775724958469496422014-08-15T17:07:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.958-04:00yesShould Plus Size Fashion Companies Be Forced to Use Plus Size Models ?Quite simply, yes. And of course I am going to tell you why. But first I want to address those that have stated no. Not only stated No, but say so because they do not want to see fat models. Someone even mentioned that a size 12 is fat and gross. Are you kidding me? Typical stores now go up to a size 14 or 16. Some even go up to a 20 before you even see the lovely W at the end of the number, the dead giveaway for plus size. Some stores stop at 14 or 16 and then the plus size starts at 18 and there are W sizes. Every designer is different. Some designers consider 12 plus size but that in minimal percent. The average plus size model is a 14 and that's what designers showcase for plus size shows.<br/><br/>I am a size 18 and yes I have some meat on my bones and yes I have a belly, but I am by no means fat. Nor am I obese. Overweight, yes. But I am not gross and I can not believe anyone would say something like that. I am powerful and I am strong. Oh, wait, yes I can, they must be a size 2 and have never had a problem with their weight. Typical responses for people like you and if you are going to generalize about people my size then I fully have the right to do the same. Your attitude makes you ugly. Funny thing, I can lose the weight, but you can't take away ugly.<br/><br/>I can't begin to tell you the type of responses my mother has gotten her whole life. My mom, who happens to be into her 50's and has been the same size my whole life. She can place her self in to larger size kid's clothes and shoes. She might weight about 105 pounds. And every day someone always asks her how she stays so skinny and doesn't she ever eat. Those types of comments are just as rude and inconsiderate as those who speak ill of plus size people. What I get a lot is "is that your mom?" I stand a full 4 inches taller then my mom. But if you look at my grandmother and my aunt, you will see I am the spitting image. Big girls run in my family.<br/><br/>Even when I was a size 8 I was still large framed and I look sick and anorexic for my size.<br/><br/>OK, so let's get back to the topic at hand. Because I am a size 18 I want to see what these clothes are supposed to look like on me. I do not want to see them modeled on someone half my size because that shows me nothing. Plus size clothes are made differently. They are made to fit my curvaceous body and not twiggy. It is pointless.<br/><br/>I am not going to buy anything that I see on someone that small when I am this size. I can not see how it is suppose to look on me. If I see someone with a similar body style and size on mine then I can visualize how it would look on me. That will be the deciding factor for my purchase.<br/><br/>I get a shopping catalog every month that claims to be plus size. All the clothing offered is 1X and above for tops and 12W and above for bottoms. Funny thing is, the girls who model the clothes they are a size small. I can not visualize what that is going to look like on me, therefore every month that catalog goes directly in the trash despite my repeated attempts to tell them to stop sending them.<br/><br/>Lane Bryant uses plus size models to showcase their clothes. Anyone ever hear of Mia Tyler? She is a plus size supermodel who happens to be Liv's sister and Steven Tyler's daughter. I wonder how many people in this world call her fat and gross. What about Queen Latifia? No one ever called her fat.<br/><br/>I happen to think they are beautiful and all plus size women should take a stand about making sure we get what we want.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8214334757851019822014-08-15T17:04:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.931-04:00yesTips for Dealing with Pet StainsAccidents happen, even with the best trained animals. When dealing with pets, often there is just no way to prevent them. Removing these pet stains does not have to mean you banish your dog outside forever, or a cat in their own room! Plenty of common household items can battle those stains. The most awful smell can be neutralized.<br/><br/>To clean urine stains and smells use vinegar. This mixture also works well if your pet has suddenly lost its meal. Mix a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Blot the urine with a paper towel, picking up as much as you can. Spray the soiled area then blot some more until the color and odor have vanished. Let dry thoroughly.<br/><br/>Another way to remove pet stains is with baking soda. Baking soda absorbs the odor; mix it with a few drops of Hydrogen Peroxide to form a paste. Place the paste on the stain and allow it to dry completely. Once the mixture has dried completely, just vacuum it up and presto! No more stain or smell!<br/><br/>The Humane Society suggests if you can smell it, but you can not see it, then purchase a black light. Amazon has a wide variety to suit any budget. Using the black light will help you see old and new urine stains once the white lights go off.<br/><br/>Disguise the accident area from your pet. This is extremely useful for repeat offenders. Cover the area with furniture, plants or even a rug. For cats, make their potty area beautiful and keep it clean. To hinder smells purchase a litter box that is not only attractive, but smell resistant as well. <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/23/pet-product-review-modkat-litter-box/">The ModKat</a> does just that. Not only does it look like a piece of art, it practically cleans itself. Well worth the $180 price tag.<br/><br/>If an item can be washed, do so now! Using detergent and a box of baking soda to the wash will immediately lift the smell, and the stains. You want to be sure a pet can never smell their previous stain or they will continue to soil the same area.<br/><br/>One thing you will want to avoid is using a steam cleaner as the heat will make the stain set permanently. Also, avoid using chemical cleaners as many of these do not completely get rid of the odor and will simply just add to it.<br/><br/>The best thing you can do for a smell free home is to retrain your pet. Not only will your nose thank you, but your pet will too. No pet likes to hear a stern voice, or the word “no.” Helping your pet will help you. Be consistent. Give rewards and praise. For animals that potty outside, keep them on a daily schedule and take them to the same are so they have a “potty zone.”<br/><br/>As a word of caution, if you try to remedy the situation and there are still problems, it might be best for you to call your veterinarian as there could be something more serious wrong with you pet than just an occasional accident. It is always better to be safe than sorry.<br/><br/> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42554569231186386762014-08-15T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T09:00:05.025-04:00Poetry in Motion: The End <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSsjoaNrEXA/U9gXXH0lOYI/AAAAAAAASEg/8W2aQid7Afc/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+the+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSsjoaNrEXA/U9gXXH0lOYI/AAAAAAAASEg/8W2aQid7Afc/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+the+end.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>The End<br />The end is near<br />Its time to go<br />Go my dear<br />Take my love<br />When you go<br />You have to<br />Don't you know<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I can't keep it<br />Keep it here<br />Then end is near<br />I live in fear<br />Here it comes<br />Please don't run<br />Don't be afraid<br />Its time to go<br />Go my dear<br />For the end is near<br />Near <br />Dear<br />Too Close<br />I FEAR!<br />C.M.2005 This piece was published on Helium 6/4/2009. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">The site is closed/closing. </a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88618737714980407852014-08-14T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-14T09:00:02.982-04:00Marriage of Honor : Make Your Marriage Stronger and More Fulfilling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DS_wZ02ox_w/U-faNtv2ahI/AAAAAAAAStU/1N4tK5D6c0E/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DS_wZ02ox_w/U-faNtv2ahI/AAAAAAAAStU/1N4tK5D6c0E/s1600/download.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>Everyone struggles in their marriage. If anyone tells you they have never had a problem is lying to you. Everyone goes through battles and everyone handles them differently. But no one is perfect.<br /><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1mAsd9x" target="_blank">Marriage of Honor</a> was a little hit or miss with me. It reminded me a lot of the <a href="http://amzn.to/Varbd0" target="_blank">5 Love Languages</a>. Before we can really understand our husbands (or wives) we must first understand what it is they want/expect from us because how we view the world is different. For example, my love language is that I want to see. You can tell me a million times a day that you love me, but for me to know you love me I have to see it. It's not about gifts, but I would like for you to do the things I ask you to do. My husband on the other hand, his love language is touch. He feels love when hes touched. He's very huggy.<br /><a name='more'></a>In Marriage of Honor the intended meaning is there, but I felt it was very old fashioned. While I like the book, I really felt as if I was transported to the June and Ward Cleaver era. I am not sure if that was the authors intention, but I felt it was good to compare it to the 5 Love Languages because they are both trying to get to the same point, but in a very different manner.<br /><br />I understand that Christians are taught to love, honor and obey. But times are very different. There is also a difference between asking for help and barking orders. I don't take orders too well but I will gladly help if my spouse asks.<br /><br />There is a lot of talk about supporting the husband in his career and his hobbies outside of the home. There isn't much of that for women. It gives the impression that the wife is to sit at home and twiddle her thumbs while her husband goes to work and goes out with friends. Again, I doubt this is the authors intention, but that is how it could be interpreted.<br /><br />"Full House" Candace Cameron was under fire earlier this year because she discussed how <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/06/candance-cameron-bure-submissive_n_4550818.html" target="_blank">she was submissive to her husband</a> . I feel like that is the way this book is going.<br /><br />I feel differently. I don't think we should be like the Cleavers. While I respect my husband and allow him to do what he wants outside of the home within reason, we discuss things. I feel communication is the key to a good marriage and not the wife submitting to her husband. There are far too many of us out there who are strong willed and want to have a life of our own.<br /><br />That does not make our marriage terrible nor does it make us any less of a Christian. It only means we are strong enough to stand on our own. We can stand beside each other and lift each other up.<br /><br />While this book wasn't for me, that doesn't mean its not perfect for someone else.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37496604270254373712014-08-13T10:56:00.001-04:002014-08-13T10:56:30.830-04:00yesWhy I Picked Blogger over WordPressThis website is old.<br />It's also been moved and it was not a good experience.<br /><br />I know there are die hard self hosted Word Press fans out there. I get. There are a few things Word Press can do that Blogger can't. But for many of the things people want Blogger to do, there is a code, hack or some tool that Blogger users can use in order to get a lot more customization than just the standard blog and widgets.<br /><br />I have a love hate with both self hosted WP. I do have a couple of sites that are self hosted. My food site for example. I started it there and want it to stay there. I made the choice to not start it on Blogger because I have such high hopes for it that I didn't want to go through the process of moving it later on down the road.<br /><br />I hate the down time.<br />It's not easy.<br />I hate having multiple logins for my WordPress sites.<br /><br />One thing that people complain about with Blogger is that there is no tool to allow them to check for broken links like the broken link plugin available on WP.<br /><br />Well guess what, yes, you can check your links.<br /><br />http://www.brokenlinkcheck.com/broken-links.php#status<br /><br />http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/113664/blogging/7_reasons_why_blogger_is_better_than_wordpress.html#.U-FiP2JiDKw.google_plusone_shareChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5914824606672477572014-08-13T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-13T09:00:03.404-04:00Poetry in Motion : Dreams <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGdjvZDiCkk/U9gTlXxEphI/AAAAAAAASEQ/ZI0gJ2dJN_Q/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGdjvZDiCkk/U9gTlXxEphI/AAAAAAAASEQ/ZI0gJ2dJN_Q/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+dreams.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Dreams<br />Powerful dreams<br /><br />Flood my mind<br />When I sleep<br />When I wake<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Dreams<br />Are they true<br />Are they real<br /><br />Dreams<br />Secret windows<br />Into my soul<br />Deep within<br /><br />Dreams<br />Is it a sin<br />For me<br />To dream of you<br /><br />If they are not true<br />If they are not real<br /><br />Dream<br />Just my imagination<br />Tell me<br />Am I doomed<br />To burn in hell<br />Eternal damnation<br /><br />(C) C.H.2006 . This piece was published on Helium 7/7/2009. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">The site is closing/closed.</a><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69879854461436229582014-08-12T16:21:00.000-04:002014-10-06T22:37:15.746-04:00Crafting with Cricut <strong>Disclosure:</strong> I was compensated for my time. The opinions are 100% mine.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcxen8YhXGY/VCMs9CGs2WI/AAAAAAAAUPw/4ixfWgKOIu8/s1600/win-me-cricut-explore-sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcxen8YhXGY/VCMs9CGs2WI/AAAAAAAAUPw/4ixfWgKOIu8/s1600/win-me-cricut-explore-sew.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Cricut, cricut, cricut.<br /><br />Everywhere I go people are talking about this thing.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://bit.ly/Y1IS04" target="_blank">Cricut.</a></span><br />There. I said it again.<br />For the longest time I had no idea what this handy-dandy gadget was. But then, we met.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My world has changed.<br /><br />I would say, for the better. Although that would depend on who you are asking.<br /><br />I've been dreaming about owning a Cricut for months now. Yes, I said months. I am a little behind in the times. But do you know what this thing can do??? Have you ever started a project and told yourself, "If only I did not have to cut up all this paper/vinyl/cardstock/leather/fabric/aluminum by hand?" Then you need a Cricut, just like me. :)<br /><br />Well, in case you have been living under a rock like I have, Cricut is a personal electronic cutting machine. It makes it so much easier to do many DIY projects - not just paper crafts. I'm hoping Santa will bring me one for Christmas. The reason I am bringing this to your attention is because I have just learned that Cricut is having a giveaway for their Cricut Explore and I wanted to share it with all my new readers!<br /><br />Cricut has even shared a coupon for folks who are ready to shop now. Enter code FREESHIP35 for any orders of $35, you'll get free ship. So go head, order those mats, blades, packs of vinyl, pens and tapes. You know you want to.<br /><br />Ready for the contest? All you have to do is sign up for the Cricut newsletter by August 19th and you will be automatically entered to win the Cricut Explore (I did!) You can use your email or login with Facebook and you will automatically sign up for the Cricut newsletter and be entered to win the giveaway. Easy peasy. I know what you are thinking, "not another email newsletter." I promise, if you are a DIY person, this is one newsletter you will enjoy.<br /><br /><strong>Don't forget, if you already own a Cricut, or know someone who does, don't forget the free ship offer.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Do you have a Cricut? What is your favorite thing to make? If you don't, what's the first thing you will make if you win?</strong><br /><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1045e471/" id="rc-b1045e471" rel="nofollow">Enter to Win a Free Cricut Explore!</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28179242067898110502014-08-12T13:25:00.000-04:002014-08-12T13:25:02.730-04:00yesDear Robin Williams,Earlier today I posted a note to myself entitled '<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/08/dear-self.html" target="_blank">Dear Self</a>.' As I read through those words I can't help but still push through the tears regarding the death of beloved actor, Robin Williams. Many of you who have followed my stories over the years will understand my attachment. I talk a lot here about my mental health as well as the battles I have with the depression, anxiety and PTSD.<br /><br />I have known for many years that Robin Williams battled depression and alcoholism as a result of that depression. I know what it's like to battle through suicidal thoughts and not know where to turn or what to do. I can only imagine what it is like for someone in the public eye.<br /><br />I follow someone on Facebook who put in a few sentences what I had been thinking all morning.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">It breaks my heart to hear that the man I trusted to make me feel better about the rough patches of life would die in such a dark place by his own hand. Robin, you did your best to lift our spirits for so many years but we failed to return the favor. You will be deeply missed.</blockquote>I became a fan of Robin Williams at a very young age. I can remember my parents watching Mork and Mindy. In those days we only had one television and we all had to watch the same thing. If I wasn't interested, I could go play in my room. I giggled at this silly man who came from an egg. <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"> </blockquote>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12523364969836425592014-08-12T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-12T09:00:02.810-04:00Dear Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGSwXhizF7Y/U9_jBuQ0tUI/AAAAAAAASbA/ndFye2wAyH8/s1600/dear+self.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGSwXhizF7Y/U9_jBuQ0tUI/AAAAAAAASbA/ndFye2wAyH8/s1600/dear+self.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dear Self,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I love that you are smart.</b> There are many things in this world that people don’t know. But you do. You took the time in life to get an education and push yourself forward. This is something I will never take for granted and will always love about you.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Self, you are a hard worker. </b>Not just a hard worker but a determined spirit. When you want something, you go for it. I have watched you more than once hold nothing back. There may be a chance of failure, but that does not stop you. You have always been the one to think things through, come up with a plan, and at least try.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>You have a kind soul and loving heart.</b> I know it is hard to trust people and let them in, but when you do it is amazing to watch a friendship bloom and flourish. You are so kind to others. Always offering a smile to strangers and give someone your last dollar if you have to. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are times when you have had gift cards or coupons that you could not use and you selfishly leave it with the cashier to give to someone, or give it to the person in line with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>You want to give.</b> And I love that you wish you had more to give. If only others could be as selfless as you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love that when we lived in Oklahoma, every time a devastating tornado came through and it was declared a disaster zone, not once, but at least eight times you clean out your house giving everything you could to people who had nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You shop in thrift and resale shops to save money, knowing that extra money will go to others and not yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One day, <u>something good is going to happen to you</u> for all the joy and love have given someone else in need.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Your turn will come.</b> I love that it does not matter to you; it makes you feel good to help others.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love that you are using your voice for something good, taking a stand, and being brave so that maybe someone out there will be saved and not have to go through the things you did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You are strong. You are beautiful. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">You are a survivor. </a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I love that about you, Self.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49541234656822707652014-08-11T12:07:00.000-04:002014-09-24T17:43:21.659-04:00Why I Won't Continue with Jewelry In Candles<a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o1.jpg"><img alt="1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o" class="aligncenter wp-image-131 size-medium" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o1-300x140.jpg" height="140" width="300" /></a><br /><br />It has come to my attention that Jewelry In Candles has decided to implement a monthly quota for their direct sales representatives. This comes after they decided to charge reps for signing up to their direct sales program. As it is worded, free sign up still exists but one must purchase the rep start-up kit for $38. That is a minimal investment compared to some direct sales companies. In the time that I have been with Jewelry In Candles I have seen the company go through <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/01/my-update-with-jewelry-in-candles.html" target="_blank">a lot of growing pains and were not always so professional with the way they handled things. </a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />This monthly quota, stated as "$150 in 90" days is nothing more than $50 a month. For a handful this will be relatively easy. But, one visit to the Facebook Rep Groups and one will see that it is not so easy for the majority. If someone does not meet that quota in 90 days their store will go inactive and then deleted.<br /><br />I know from a business perspective that it's good marketing for a company to allow free sign-ups. They get tons of people wanting to do direct sales and/or work from home and many of them really work their asses off to create an income for themselves. That's a win-win for the company. They don't have to pay the hefty fees to try to get their products in a retail store and make money off their representatives and the rep gets to make money by selling a fun product. And for a lot of people, it just works.<br /><br /><b>I'm not a pushy salesperson. </b>I have a hard time name dropping and telling people in person about this 'great new product' I am selling. Seems silly after obtaining an MBA. I find it pretty easy to share the products online. But I don't overload my Facebook feed with stuff. I'm also not a home party person. I don't make a lot from selling these candles even though they smell amazing. But I doubt I will meet their quota. If I can't build a business at my own speed then I guess it's just not for me.<br /><br />My problem with Jewelry in Candles relies more on their 'too big for our britches' standpoint. While there are still hundreds of customer service problems, there are hundreds of reps out there making millions for this company. Many of these free sign-up reps helped this company get to where they are now. I feel like those reps that signed up then should be grandfathered now.<br /><br />Just call me old-fashioned I guess. But where I come from you acknowledge the little people who helped make you big.<br /><br /><b>It's just a matter of time before my store is phased out.</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com76tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43070011838758924432014-08-11T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-11T09:00:04.420-04:00Poetry In Motion: Love Lost<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvLJQZR90wQ/U9gSPUymoAI/AAAAAAAASEA/zweIE4XW9Ys/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+love+lost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvLJQZR90wQ/U9gSPUymoAI/AAAAAAAASEA/zweIE4XW9Ys/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+love+lost.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Don't say<br />you own me<br />It's not<br />gotten that far.<br />Once was love<br />now is gone.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Love,<br />sent from above<br />to bad,<br />now it's done.<br />Don't say<br />you love me<br />I no longer<br />believe it to be true.<br />From this day forward<br />I am learning<br />to get over you.<br /><br /><br />(c) C.M. 2006<br /> This piece was published on Helium 7/7/2009. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">The site is closing.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28501752968421310982014-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-10T11:56:28.851-04:00Poetry in Motion : Done. Through. Gone.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72Y3ZAntvGo/U9gQYzVtr1I/AAAAAAAASD4/JSZ4M3iavmE/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+done+and+gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72Y3ZAntvGo/U9gQYzVtr1I/AAAAAAAASD4/JSZ4M3iavmE/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+done+and+gone.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I'm sorry<br />I let you down.<br />I don't know<br />What happened<br />With you and I.<br />What started out<br />As something<br />wonderful<br />loving<br />ever lasting<br />strong<br />and powerful<br /><a name='more'></a><br />fell apart<br />without a sound<br />no warning<br />it just faded away<br />it left me<br />alone<br />broken<br />cold<br />uncertain<br />hollow<br />down<br /><br />down<br /><br />down<br /><br />used<br />abused<br />scared<br />lifeless<br />useless<br />blue<br />With you...I am through.<br /><br />(c)C.M. 7/7/2007 This was originally published on Helium in 2009. The site is in the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">process of closing. </a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49993889959089778282014-08-07T17:47:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.781-04:00yesWhy Your Blog Sucks<a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/10547693_837467799605545_4877847749444149990_n.png"><img src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/10547693_837467799605545_4877847749444149990_n.png" alt="10547693_837467799605545_4877847749444149990_n" width="600" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5162" /></a>I have been seeing a lot of posts lately about how bloggers are getting frustrated because they are not getting any traffic. Now, I am sure you are wondering who I am to be making such a list like this. Well, you can find me at YUMeating and at Self Employed Writer. I have been blogging since late 97. I've been around for a while. I started my first blog on Blogger around 2004. It went through a few name changes and then I finally deleted it. I have been freelance writing and blogging a long time.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>I have followed bloggers who share their income. You tend to notice a pattern on what makes them a good blog.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Your blog is your business. Your readers are your clients/customers. You want to make the experience as easy on them as possible even if that means you have to do more work on your end.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>1. You link and run to link parties.<br/><br/>Party pooper.<br/><br/>2. You dont have a party page or party buttons in your side bar.<br/><br/>3. You dont return blogging favors<br/><br/>4. You dont respond to comments.<br/><br/>5. You have a dry personality in your writing.<br/><br/>6. Captcha.<br/><br/>7. No way to share.<br/><br/>8. Blogger folks, you have the old style of comments where it gives you a pop up and then you have to go to the bottom to say your two cents.<br/><br/>9. Disque<br/><br/>10. I can't read your blog. Either design or you fonts are too small, cursive or just not user friendly.<br/><br/> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20630017377288691982014-08-07T15:26:00.000-04:002014-10-18T15:06:32.451-04:00Movie Night : VeggieTales Celery Night Fever <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiPjhsILR38/VEK1mH-ZFRI/AAAAAAAAU5c/lyEFCZPp5NU/s1600/veggie%2Btales%2Bcelery%2Bnight%2Bfever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiPjhsILR38/VEK1mH-ZFRI/AAAAAAAAU5c/lyEFCZPp5NU/s1600/veggie%2Btales%2Bcelery%2Bnight%2Bfever.jpg" height="400" width="277" /></a></div><br />Ok, confession time.<br /><br />Hello my name is Chrystal, I am 39 years old and I am addicted to <a href="http://www.veggietales.com/" target="_blank">Veggie Tales</a>.<br /><br />In all fairness I am not the only one in this house who loves their Veggie Tales. Husband and kiddo love them, too. At 9, kids are often caught in that middle where they feel some cartoons are too babyish for them and yet some of the shows on ABC Family are still a little too adult. Especially when they have older brothers or sisters. Kiddo has both. And, she has a younger sister. So, she still tends to watch a lot of cartoons when she's at her moms during the week.<br /><a name='more'></a>We love our weekend time. Every weekend we have family movie night and we were so excited to have a new Veggie Tale movie to watch. The family was very excited to know we would be watching this brand new movie that just came out August 5!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-vCMmbO8w8/VEK3L_dihZI/AAAAAAAAU5k/4XYaRwRk-kU/s1600/maddy%2Bmovie%2Bnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-vCMmbO8w8/VEK3L_dihZI/AAAAAAAAU5k/4XYaRwRk-kU/s1600/maddy%2Bmovie%2Bnight.jpg" height="400" width="218" /></a></div><br /><br />I had no idea that <strong>Veggie Tales</strong> had been around since 1993! That's the year I graduated highschool. What a blessing Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki have been to many households. Whether you are a Jesus freak or not, the Veggie Tale line of movies still provide wholesome entertainment for children while teaching them important lessons in life.<br /><br /><strong>Veggie Tales</strong> : <em>Celery Night Fever</em> is a brand new movie set to the theme of "Saturday Night Fever." The movie is a little before my time, but I have done my fair share of flipping through channels when I had cable and seeing bits and pieces. I don't think I have ever watched it from beginning to end. <em>Celery Night Fever</em> is all about forgiveness. Something I know each member of my family needs to practice.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Old band mates from The Groovy Brothers, who have simmered in their own juices over a decades-old falling out rediscover, their friendship. The nefarious Bruce Onion peels back the layers of his bitterness toward the band and learns to be sweet. And Laura Carrot, after cutting her best pal Junior Asparagus out of her life over a mistake he makes, decides everything is better when they’re like two peas in a pod.</blockquote><br />I was super-duper excited to see that actor Terry Crews was included in the cast as the voice of Bruce Onion. My days of Terry go way back to his role as Damon in the "Friday" franchise, "Friday After Next." I've always thought he was funny but it's great to see that he's doing some different types of roles these days.<br /><br />This <strong>Veggie Tales</strong> movie did not disappoint. We laughed. We hugged. And we discussed the importance of forgiving others who have wronged us. Sometimes it is hard to forgive others. But, what happens to you when yo hold in all that anger? You become sad and stressed, right? Isn't it better to just say you are sorry and move forward? We thought so, too.<br /><br />To find out more about <strong>VeggieTales</strong> and <em>Celery Night Fever</em>, the all-new musical adventure featuring the veggie crew, visit <a href="http://www.veggietales.com/" target="_blank">the Veggie Tales website.</a><br /><br /><strong>Guess what?</strong><br /><br />You can win your very own copy of "Veggie Tales : Celery Night Fever" just by entering the drawing below. US and Canada Resident only please.<br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d3da12/" id="rc-6fe0d3da12" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br /><br /><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection:</strong> I received this DVD for free as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24100558298470735962014-08-05T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-06T16:12:00.498-04:00The Fear in Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVEuS7KrSNI/U9_hnxdKxYI/AAAAAAAASa0/uZJmvmVHUM0/s1600/fear+in+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVEuS7KrSNI/U9_hnxdKxYI/AAAAAAAASa0/uZJmvmVHUM0/s1600/fear+in+me.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Someday I hope to change one thing about myself and that is the fear that lives inside of me.<br /><br />This fear has total control over my life.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been no secret that I have had some traumatic events (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">like this one</a>) happen to me in the past. Because of that past I developed a host of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Mental%20Health" target="_blank">mental disorders</a> that have followed me through life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe it is my own fear that makes the panic and anxiety worse. The depression, the post traumatic stress and the past eating disorders are a direct result of the things I have been through in life. Fear is not going to make them worse, nor is taking that fear away going to make them better.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many nights I have laid awake wonder what it is I am so afraid of. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The future?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It does not matter what I try to plan now, the future never turns out the way you want it to. I could plan for this, or for that, but you can’t fight fate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It can’t be the past because it has already happened.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tend to be afraid of situations I have no control over.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing the who, what, where, when and why is a must need for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">People scare me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Events scare me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The things that scare me put so much fear inside my head that I feel safe just staying at home, behind the four walls that block the fear out. This is my comfort zone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Take me out of my comfort zone and I freak out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I scream. I pace. I fall down and huddle into a corner.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I lay on the floor in the fetal position.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I cry. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I cry some more.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes I sob uncontrollably, and then I can’t breathe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Overwhelmed with fear, it causes anxiety to come on full force. Soon to follow is a panic attack.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The panic attack leads to a migraine and often that leaves me in my bed, painful, and wanting to once again hide from the outside world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Few places I feel safe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Few people I feel safe around.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fear stresses me out, ruins my life, and cripples what little bit of well being I have left inside of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fear causes me to disassociate my mind from the rest of me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fear keeps me a prisoner.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fear is the enemy here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fear is the one thing I want to change.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Fear keeps me trapped inside my house.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Someday I am going to kick fear in the ass and prevail. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52980446457582174152014-08-04T15:06:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.900-04:00yesEssential Oils for Back to School<span style="color: #141823;">With back-to-school season rolling around, this time of year can start to feel a bit hectic. </span><br style="color: #141823;" /><br style="color: #141823;" /><span style="color: #141823;">Try these diffuser blends to keep your day calm, balanced, and naturally alert:</span><br style="color: #141823;" /><br style="color: #141823;" /><span style="color: #141823;">Awake and Alert Diffuser Blend:</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823;"><br/>-2 drops SN Eucalyptus EO<br/>-2 drop SN Peppermint EO<br/>-1 drop SN Basil EO<br/><br/>Calm and Collected Diffuser Blend:<br/>-1 drop SN Vetiver EO<br/>-2 drops SN Roman Chamomile EO<br/>-3 drops SN Lavender EO<br/><br/>Breath of Fresh Air Diffuser Blend:<br/>-2 drops SN Lime EO<br/>-2 drops SN Lavender EO<br/>-2 drops SN White Fir EO<br/><br/>Citrus Zen Diffuser Blend:<br/>-3 drops SN Zen EO<br/>-2 drops SN Bergamot EO<br/><br/>Happy Place Spicy Diffuser Blend:<br/>-2 drops SN Frankincense EO<br/>-2 drops SN Wild Orange EO<br/>-1 drop SN Patchouli EO<br/>-1 drop SN Clove EO</span><br/><br/> <br/><br/>Spark Naturals<br/><br/>Coupon Codes<br/><br/> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61078448169310653842014-08-04T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-04T15:20:20.238-04:00Dealing with Death and Loss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cddPygAK48g/U9f6HJCgwhI/AAAAAAAASDE/fyvfv5Zo5dI/s1600/dealing+with+death+and+loss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cddPygAK48g/U9f6HJCgwhI/AAAAAAAASDE/fyvfv5Zo5dI/s1600/dealing+with+death+and+loss.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>How often do you think about death? Not really your own death, but the death of those that you have lost in your life. I think about it every day. Not my own death or how I am going to die, mind you, but rather those that have passed in my life.<br /><br />I was not always this way. But in the last couple of years I have lost some of the most important people in my life. Does that make me obsessed about death or just missing those that have passed? Either way it is starting to become a problem in my life.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Maybe this is the way I deal with death. I lost both of my grandparents to cancer within 16 months of each other (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">January 2006</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007_07_01_archive.html" target="_blank">July 2007</a>), later in 2006 after my grandfather I lost a wonderful friend who was murdered accidentally by another friend (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">December 2006</a>). In the fall of 2007, I l<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">ost my best girl friend to cancer</a>. Early spring of 2008 someone close to my heart was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/10/terrys-fate-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">brutally murdered.</a><br /><br />From 2011 to 2014<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Your%20Story%20Told" target="_blank"> I found out more about that death</a> than I ever wanted to.<br /><br />In 2012 I lost <a href="http://www.cainstails.blogspot.com/2012/02/sorry-to-have-to-say-good-bye.html" target="_blank">my precious Cain</a> to cancer. I don't think I have yet to recover from that day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/05/closing-this-chapter-in-life.html" target="_blank">In May I lost my father.</a><br /><br /><b>How else are you supposed to deal with death?</b> When doing a little research on how other's deal with death, this is what I came up with.<br /><br /><u>It is natural to feel shocked or have total disbelief.</u> When thinking about those that I have lost, this is something I can relate to. When my grandparents died a year and a half apart from cancer I was not shocked. They were ill and I think we all knew it was only a matter of time. But when a friend was murdered by the hands of another friend, we were all shocked. I went through denial for a long time, did not want to believe it happened. Denial is also a natural feeling regarding death. Blame. There was also some blame as I blamed myself.<br /><br />And the same held true for another friend close to my heart that was brutally murdered. When my best girl friend died of cancer I was in total disbelief for a very long time. I felt sure she was going to beat it just as many of our mutual friends had. She was young, vibrant and full of so much love. But that was not enough for this disease.<br /><br /><u>I spent many countless hours being angry.</u> It is natural to feel angry and upset. Of course that does not make things any easier to deal with. Fact remains; it is part of the healing process. Hate is another feeling I went through. I cursed many things and many people. <b>Trying to figure out if I was to blame for some of these deaths. Thinking I could have saved my friends if only I had done something different.</b> I was angry with myself and angry with the world for taking them away from me. In time those feelings started to fade.<br /><br /><b>They say depression can occur when a death happens.</b> I was already clinically diagnosed as depressed for the first three of the deaths, and off my medication by the time the last two had occurred. I felt the same with all of the deaths. <u>In ways I felt responsible some how for my friends and the situations surrounding the deaths.</u> So it made me feel as I was depressed more so then I already was.<br /><br />I think I am still in the adjustment and acceptance phase. This has been a long phase for me and I realize that everyone out there is different. <b>I have done pretty good adjusting to life without these people, but it has been hard for me to accept it.</b> I think that is why I still think about them as often as I do. How I still question so many details and have so many "what ifs?"<br /><br />I think for me personally, it is just going to take time, especially since the death of my father is still so new. So if you are faced with death, and have lost someone close to you, just remember <u>you are not alone</u>. And it is best to just take life one day at a time at your own pace because we all heal differently<br /><br /><b>It's going to take (me) time to handle the loss and the death. All I ask is for some respect as I continue my journey. </b><br /><br /><br />(C)C.M. 7/3/2009 - This article was originally published <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">on Helium, which is closing.</a> It was updated in 2014 to reflect recent events and situations.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19443813166588722852014-08-01T09:00:00.000-04:002014-08-01T09:00:08.682-04:00Poetry in Motion : Day and Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FGqCM1caXk/U9f35N2qjKI/AAAAAAAASC8/BdtH3-xM_uw/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+day+and+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FGqCM1caXk/U9f35N2qjKI/AAAAAAAASC8/BdtH3-xM_uw/s1600/poetry+in+motion+-+day+and+night.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />When I close my eyes<br /> - I think of you<br /> My mind tells me<br /> - this isn't right<br /> thinking about you<br /> - day and night.<br /> But yet here you are<br /> - still so much a part of life<br /><br />(c) 3/9/2006<br /><br />Poem was originally published on Helium, which is now in <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">the closing process.</a><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85040063795540899482014-07-31T17:32:00.000-04:002014-07-31T17:32:00.480-04:00yesFree Faxes and Voicemail Services for Your Home OfficeHome businesses need the basic essentials that a regular brick and mortar office would need. It does not have to cost a fortune to have the things you need to help run your home office!<br /><br />Need a fax sent to you? eFax.com does offer a free fax service for incoming faxes. There is no cost to you, however the free fax numbers generally are not local numbers and might cost your clients. Generally if you have clients out of state, this would not pose a problem anyway, and most of them have a long distance package. The service will send the fax is sent to your email and you will open it with the eFax software, which is free to download. Other packages are available at cost, including local fax numbers.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />If you need to send a fax to someone else, faxzero.com offers its users a free alternative. You can send a fax to anyone, anywhere. For a free fax the cover page will show an advertisement to the receiver, and you are able to fax one file which can not be any more than three pages. You are allowed to send two faxes per day. To send a fax with no ad on the cover page, or if you should have more than three pages, for $1.99 you can send an ad free fax, up to fifteen pages. Now we know that is not free, but for $1.99 it is well worth the price if you do not send a lot of faxes, or cannot justify purchasing expensive equipment.<br /><br />Another option is Got Free Fax which is similar to Fax Zero, however it offers users the option to have a 10 page fax sent for 98 cents, 20 pages for $1.98 and 30 pages for $2.98. Their free service is ad-free, three pages, limited to two a day.<br /><br />Some cellular services charge extra for voicemail, online companies can be pricey as well as the local telephone companies, and answering machines are just an inconvenience. With Google Voice you can use your existing cell phone number and get a quality service for free! With Google Voice you get voicemail like email, voicemail transcription to read what your voicemail says, custom greeting, low cost international calling, call routing, notifications, and the ability to share voicemail. Did we mention it was FREE? If you decide to obtain a Google number, many more options are available.<br /><br />Laser Voice Mail offers users free sign up for free anonymous voicemail. Sign up is a simple three step process. The company will give you a free number for you to give to your callers, from there you can listen, keep, delete, and replay just as you would with any voicemail service.<br />With Smartphones readily available one can check their phone app store for document faxing. Oh, yes, there is an app for that!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76018408779451962912014-07-31T14:01:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.892-04:00yesIncome ReportJust like YUM eating, I would like to start doing income reports here. I know there are so many bloggers out there who are curious as to whether or not they can make money from blogging. The answer is yes. However, it does take some patience. Just like any business it needs time to be built and for people to find you.<br/><br/>And the end of July my states were as follow:<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Alexia - US 72, 688 Internation - 777,651 Sites linking in - 19Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75017172939688955862014-07-30T15:17:00.000-04:002014-08-01T10:17:47.481-04:00Alone in the Darkness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yW32KThn9yc/U9ajW5jcSKI/AAAAAAAAR9w/T0R1Ngo68oQ/s1600/poetry+in+motion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yW32KThn9yc/U9ajW5jcSKI/AAAAAAAAR9w/T0R1Ngo68oQ/s1600/poetry+in+motion.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Poetry In Motion: Alone in the Darkness<br /><br />Alone.<br />Dreaming.<br />Silence.<br />Thoughts of him.<br />Heart beating.<br />Beats fast.<br />Pounding.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Thud-thump, thud-thump.<br />Faster.<br />Harder.<br />Consumes me.<br />Weight on my chest.<br />Heavy.<br />Can't breath.<br />Restricting.<br />The pressure.<br />Muffled cries.<br />Can you hear me?<br />Is anyone there?<br />Darkness.<br />Surrounds me.<br />Scared.<br />Alone.<br /><br />(c)C.M. 2006<br /><br />This piece was originally published <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Helium" target="_blank">on Helium.com</a> 6/20/2009. Since <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Helium has closed</a>, this piece has found a new home here.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50510772139042705902014-07-30T09:00:00.000-04:002014-07-30T09:00:02.256-04:00Stop Childhood Sexual Abuse NOW! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHlcY-ufRNc/U9fuU1CpW7I/AAAAAAAASCo/FFy-s0shxlA/s1600/stop+sexual+abuse+now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHlcY-ufRNc/U9fuU1CpW7I/AAAAAAAASCo/FFy-s0shxlA/s1600/stop+sexual+abuse+now.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Every time you turn around, it seems there is more <a href="http://www.google.com/webhp?nord=1#nord=1&q=sexual+abuse&tbm=nws" target="_blank">scandal in the headlines about sexual abuse</a> and children. What is causing this trend? And why is it STILL in the headlines?<br /><br />We know from listening to the television that many adults are coming out with their stories. As children they were abused. But no one ever talks about the person who did the abuse. We just all assume that person is bad and dirty. But, has one ever stopped to think that maybe there is <u>something within this person</u> that caused him or her to do that. What if they did not do it simply because they wanted to, or it made them feel good, but because they did it because they felt they had to?<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Childhood Sexual Abuse is defined as any sexual activity with a child by an adult, teen or even another child, anyone with more power. When an adult abuses a child sexually, that is Sexual Abuse. This heinous act is illegal in all fifty states. At least 1 in 5 girls and 1 of 10-20 boys are abused, and 88% of the abuse is never reported. People who sexually abuse (molest) are more likely to be people we know, like, trust and care about. In 70-90% of the reported cases, the child knows the abuser (Finkelhor). Most definitions tend to ignore the social and cultural context of any given episode of sexual abuse. But without taking into account the context, it is very difficult for individuals, communities, or systems to truly define, much less respond appropriately to, the sexual abuse of children (NYC Alliance).<br /><br />So then who would want to harm a child in such a way? Well, there are a number of reasons. It is likely that the abuser was also abused as a child and is acting out against that. If that is the case, they may never have learned that sexual abuse was wrong. But, let's clarify that not all sexually abused children abuse as adults (Gordon, S.). It could also be they abuse due to the feelings, the rush they get at that chance to increase their power and pleasure. These people become "hooked" on using children for sexual arousal the way a drug addict depends on its drugs for that euphoric feeling. Abusers may seek children to abuse because they have a long history of sexual attraction to kids or because they took advantage of an opportunity to abuse a child in their trust (stopitnow.com).<br /><br />We can not put the abusers into one and the same category. Just as not all people are the same, not all abusers are the same. As with any other group there are different behaviors and a wide variety of people who abuse. We have been able to identify some common risk factors in the abuser. Physical neglect and cruelty to animals seem to be the top two (Gordon, S.) The statistics show that child sexual abuse crosses boundaries of race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. There is no one kind of community where child sexual abuse happens, no one type of person it happens to (NYC Alliance).<br /><br />With treatment and accountability many abusers can change and never strike again. It helps that the public is notified of known sex offenders and the offender must register with the local law office. With specialized treatment for abusers, and if the sex offender takes full accountability for the crime, then they can learn to control the abusive behavior. Without treatment, 17% will strike again (stopitnow.com). Even with treatment, and abuser still runs a very high risk of striking again and should never be left alone with children or placed in those types of situations. Although these numbers are low, you probably would not want that person to be your babysitter (Gordon, S.)<br /><br /><b>Children can heal from sexual abuse.</b> The lives of these children will forever be changed. There are many children who live a caring and productive life. For others, it is hard to feel like they fit into society. Due to this, there are a variety of studies that show how the abused see themselves. The abused feel helpless, hopeless, guilty, have trust issues, sexual difficulties, self-blame and have very low self-esteem. Research and clinical observations have long suggested that Childhood Sexual Abuse is associated with both initial and long term alterations in social functioning (Gordon, C.). 25% of the abused will suffer from these psychological problems. The immediate effects of sexual abuse include sleeping and eating disturbances, anger, withdrawal and guilt. The children typically appear to be frightened or anxious. What seems to happen is the socialization process toward propriety goes awry in these kids (Kohn).<br /><br />In children, anger is frequently expressed in behavioral problems, with abused children and adolescents' displaying significantly more difficulties in this area than what is found typically in the general population. There is no single, universal or uniform impact of sexual abuse, and no certainty that any given person will develop any post traumatic stresses as a response to sexual abuse. Because Childhood Sexual Abuse stirs up such strong emotions, denial, minimization, and rationalization have always played a central roll in the societal response to Childhood Sexual Abuse (Gordon, C.).<br /><br />Mandatory reporting laws have greatly assisted our society in identifying and responding to Childhood Sexual Abuse. Much attention has been focused on the process of reporting, investigating and studying. Sometimes there may be an excessive number of reports made based on weak suspicions that can not be investigated fully. All of the observed increase in reporting could be explained simply by increased awareness and willingness to detect and disclose.<br /><br />Sexual abuse is not a crime that is exclusive to the Catholic Church (Hector). Sensational newspaper headlines about day-care center scandals seem to appear almost daily and, together with feminist protests against sexist exploitation's, these reports have greatly increased public awareness of what we know is a widespread problem (Kohn). The backlash is characterized by extreme positions, lack of supporting research data and near total rejection on the knowledge and experiences of Childhood Sexual Abuse. The number of reported cases of sexual abuse has risen faster in the recent years then the number of reported cases of other forms of child abuse (Horton, C.). The only thing we can do to stop this epidemic is to educate and make children and adults aware that this is a real problem.<br /><br />For those that are unaware, I am an <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse.</a> My abuse lasted many years.<br /><b><br /></b><b>The time is now for us to take a stand. We must educate our children and become aware. </b><br /><br /><b>Bibliography</b><br />Alliance Against Sexual Assault. (2005) <a href="http://www.nycagainstrape.org/survivors_factsheet_85.html" target="_blank">Childhood sexual abuse: defining the problem</a>. Retrieved October 28, 2005<br /><br />Gordon, Clay. (2005) <a href="https://www.blogger.com/href=%22http://www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/sexualabuse.html%22%3Ehttp://www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/sexualabuse.html" target="_blank">Sexual abuse.</a><br /><br />Gordon, Serena. (2003) "<a href="http://www.hon.ch/News/HSN/511653.html%22%3Ehttp://www.hon.ch/News/HSN/511653.html" target="_blank">Sexually Abused Kid's Don't All Become Adult Abusers: British Researchers Find Only 12% Become Pedophiles</a>" Health Scout News<br /><br />Hector, Audrey. (2005) <a href="http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/childsexualabuse.html" target="_blank">Sexual abuse isn't a crime exclusive to the Catholic Church</a>.<br /><br />Kohn, Alfie. (1987, February) Shattered innocence .Psychology Today, 54-58 .Through the Eyes of Social Science, 460-466 .New York City<br /><br /><a href="http://www.stopitnow.com/" target="_blank">Stop It Now!</a><br /><br /><br />(C)C.M. - This article was originally published on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Helium, which has closed.</a> Article is no longer published online and has now found its new home here.<br /><br />This was also a rewritten excerpt from a college paper I had written.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58996103266975852112014-07-29T17:39:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.881-04:00yesTop Places to Visit in Dublin, IrelandWith its pleasant year round temperatures and luscious green land it is no wonder many want to visit the land of the Emerald Isle. With its breathtaking costal views, trendy cafes, trendsetting pubs, designer shops, and something historical at every corner it sure to please the hardest to please travelers. And spring is the best time as the fields are luscious and green as well as flowers in full bloom. But most of all, visiting Ireland means you are being welcomed by some of the warmest and friendliest people, the Irish. I should know, I am Irish.<br/><br/>The city of Dublin is divided by the Liffey River separating the South and the North. Town Centre is where most of the action is, including the popular Temple Bar District. Everything in this area is accessible by foot and is well worth the adventure. One can visit St. Stephens Greens, Grafton Street and Old City. Around every corner you will find historical statues, unique shops, outdoor cafes and pubs on rooftops. There is something there to please every taste bud. And if you are craving the comforts of home, no worries! Dublin offers an American favorite- McDonald's.<br/><br/>St. Stephens Green is a rectangular inner-city park open to the public. On the North West corner is a special section dedicated to the blind. All of the signs are posted in Braille and the flowers are highly scented. On the most northern end lies O'Connell Bridge and lakes fed from The Grand Canal. These lakes are home to many ducks and other water fowl.<br/><br/>While on Grafton Street visit many of the wonderful shops, spend your money and bring home a piece of Eire. While taking a stroll you are sure to pass the statue of Molly Malone. Molly Malone is a female character in the song by the same name which has become Dublin's unofficial anthem. While on Grafton Street visit Trinity College for the Book of Kells to see the beautiful work of ancestors past.<br/><br/>Other attractions include the Guinness Brewery, where admission includes a free pint. O'Connell Street is a historical insight to Irish leaders as monuments are lined in rows. Dublin Castle, Dublin Post Office, St. Patrick's Cathedral, City Hall, Aras an Uachtarain (The Irish White House), and the Casino Marino are all highly recommended. A trip to Dublin is worth every penny with all these things to see and do.<br/><br/>Molly Malone:<br/><br/>In Dublin's fair city,<br/>where the girls are so pretty,<br/>I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone,<br/>As she wheeled her wheel-barrow,<br/>Through streets broad and narrow,<br/>Crying, "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockle_%28bivalve%29">Cockles</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mussel">mussels</a>, alive, alive, oh!"<br/><br/>"Alive, alive, oh,<br/>Alive, alive, oh",<br/>Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh".<br/><br/>She was a fishmonger,<br/>And sure 'twas no wonder,<br/>For so were her father and mother before,<br/>And they each wheeled their barrow,<br/>Through streets broad and narrow,<br/>Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"<br/><br/>(chorus)<br/><br/>She died of a fever,<br/>And no one could save her,<br/>And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone.<br/>Now her ghost wheels her barrow,<br/>Through streets broad and narrow,<br/>Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13925995184344028392014-07-29T15:32:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.869-04:00yesRelationship Health : Do You Compromise?<a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/a-pair-of-pears-morguefile-compromise.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5047 aligncenter" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/a-pair-of-pears-morguefile-compromise.jpg" alt="a-pair-of-pears-morguefile-compromise" width="600" height="586" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>In order to be healthy internally you also need to be healthy externally. To start this, you need healthy relationships. To get your relationship in a healthy place one must learn to compromise to combat stress.<br/><br/>What is a relationship without compromise?<br/><br/>There can be no good solid relationship without communication and compromise. Compromise is where both parties can agree on something mutually. It is not where one persona makes their own rules and follows them accordingly and leaves the other person left behind.<br/><br/>As we get older, compromising gets harder. The years pass us by and we become set in our ways. We become much less open to change, and even more less willing to want to compromise. We see relationships come and go hoping to find that one who will match us on all levels. But the truth is that person does not exist. Their will always be something that is not agreed upon and a compromise will have to be reached.<br/><br/>Looking around your day to day life you will notice that all relationships face situations where a compromise will have to be met. It could be work related or even family related. Compromising does not mean you are giving up. It does not mean you are making changes in yourself as an individual. Compromising means you are willing to give just an inch or two and work out a mutual agreement to make both parties happy.<br/><br/>Making compromises does not have to be a mundane task but you should respect all parties involved. You should be open and willing to communicate about any compromise being discussed. Shutting one down immediately will only hurt the other person involved in the decision. Always be honest. If you do not like the compromise, then say so. But don't be crass about it. The last thing you want are hurt feelings that could possibly lead to a fight or hurt feelings. When trying to make a good compromise make sure good intentions are involved in every idea you recommend. If anything is one-sided or two much like the original topic, the compromise will have to change again.<br/><br/>Relationships must have two partners who are willing to compromise with each other. There are too many events and situations that could arise where no two people are going to agree upon all the time. When starting a new relationship it is a good idea to talk about the rules for compromising. The rules usually include things like: it is unacceptable to agree on a compromise where one person will lose, or to agree upon a compromise that will harm another in any way, and you must agree that a compromise will always remain a win/win situation.<br/><br/>Putting your relation ship first and willing to be open to all things that come your way will not only make your relationship stronger, but make you a better person in everyone's eyes.<br/><br/><strong> Do you compromise in your relationship? Tell us about it so that we can learn from each other.</strong><br/><br/> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39744946895742468372014-07-29T09:00:00.000-04:002014-07-29T09:00:02.971-04:00Adult Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_WMP96JtbI/U9aXRe-E0wI/AAAAAAAAR9E/lfupS1XFmAA/s1600/something+personal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_WMP96JtbI/U9aXRe-E0wI/AAAAAAAAR9E/lfupS1XFmAA/s1600/something+personal.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Memoirs: Loss of Innocence<br /><br /><br />From the time I was a small child, until I was 12 years old I was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">molested by my father</a>. I did not tell my mother until I was 16. As bad as this may sound, to this day I wish I never told her. Maybe they would still be married, maybe they would have been able to work things out. I told my mother out of anger. I was pissed off at my father for following me and my boyfriend to a party where we were drinking. I shouldn't have told her like that.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My parents and I went to therapy. And for years everything seemed perfect. We were working through our issues. Or, so I thought. When I was 18 and graduated high school my parents moved to Michigan to be closer to their family. I decided to stay in OK and live with my high school boyfriend. We were together all through high school. It was not a good relationship.<br /><br />In my heart, despite his cheating, lies, mental, emotional, verbal and physical abuse, I thought he was the one. I felt like I was damaged because of what my father did; I felt that no one else would want me. That lasted 3 months. He pushed me down the stairs and caused significant damage to my ankle. I was off work with no pay. He was nowhere to be found.<br /><br />My mother had enough. Her and my father rented a u-haul and drove down and then moved my ass to MI. I stayed a year. I found out way too much about my fathers family. Seems sexual abuse was a common occurrence. Uncles, cousins, mothers, brothers....I wanted to get as far away from that as possible.<br /><br /><br />One thing, I did become really close to my cousin. Sadly, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/07/the-ending-chapter.html" target="_blank">due to recent events</a>, we are no longer close.<br /><br />I missed my friends and my life back in Oklahoma. When I told my mom I was going to move back, she told me she wanted to come too. To this day, I do not know the reason she left my dad, and I am sure I never will. Although, looking back I am sure it was because drugs were his only true love.<br /><br />We got back to Oklahoma, I was 19 and my parents divorced. My mother and I ended up in Stillwater about a year later for a job with the company we worked for. I also ended up in college.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">College was the BEST time of my life. I admit I partied. I partied and drank A LOT. I slept around a lot. I am not ashamed of it. I will NEVER trade those experiences. I learned a lot about myself and my sexuality. At the same time I was battling my Demons. Demons that would later come back to haunt me. I was an aggressive girl, dealing with a lot of anger.</blockquote><br />I wrote the above passage in 2005. I was in therapy for my past, diagnosed with Depression, Eating Disorder (an addiction to laxatives), PTST, Panic Attacks, and Anxiety Disorders.<br /><br />In 2006 I stopped going because I was declared "in remission."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/the-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">2007 I left my husband</a>, a man I had been with for 10 years and moved 1000 + miles away.<br /><br /><b>Remission is over and I have relapsed. </b><br /><br /><b>Don't be like me.</b> If someone you know, or even yourself needs help, seek it immediately<br /><br />(C) C.M. This article was originally <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Helium" target="_blank">published on Helium</a>. Since <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Helium has closed</a>, this article has found it's new home here, along with the rest of my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">sexual abuse survivor pieces</a>.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36024506286165754702014-07-28T18:47:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.859-04:00yesTips on Changing and Cleaning a Cat LitterboxFeline companions deserve the very best because they love you unconditionally. Although cats are pretty self-sufficient, they do require some human help. One of the things required to keep your feline friend happy is to make sure its littler box is in top condition. Daily cleaning is ideal to keep your cat content.<br/><br/> <br/><h3>Things you'll need:</h3><br/><ul><br/> <li>Litter box</li><br/> <li>Cat litter (clumping recommended)</li><br/> <li>Litter scooper</li><br/> <li>Small garbage bag (grocery bag work great!)</li><br/> <li>Baking soda or litter box deodorizer</li><br/> <li>Litter pan liners (optional)</li><br/> <li>Dishcloth</li><br/> <li>Soap</li><br/> <li>Water</li><br/></ul><br/> <br/><h3><strong>Changing a Litter Box with Liners</strong></h3><br/><strong>Step One:</strong> Lift up all four corners of the pan liner carefully. Pan liners have a pull handle just like a trash bag, pull those tight and lift out of the box. Tie the handles securely.<br/><br/><strong>Step Two:</strong> Discard of the liner bag into an outside trash can.<br/><br/><strong>Step Three:</strong> Scrape the bottom of the box with the scooper for any litter or waste that may have been left behind.<br/><br/><strong>Step Four:</strong> Wash out the litter box with a dishcloth and some soapy water. It is always best to start with a fresh and clean litter pan.<br/><br/><strong>Step Five:</strong> Get a new pan liner and unfold it, place it in the litter box and fold the edges and corners over all the way around the litter box.<br/><br/><strong>Step Six:</strong> Sprinkle some baking soda or litter box deodorizer along the bottom of the liner.<br/><br/><strong>Step Seven:</strong> Pour the kitty litter into the pan directly on top of the baking soda or deodorizer. Pour in a couple of inches to make sure all the corners are filled around the liner.<br/><br/> <br/><h3><strong>Changing a Litter Box with No Liners:</strong></h3><br/><strong>Step One:</strong> Tip the litter box to one corner and slowly pour the litter and its contents into the small trash bag.<br/><br/><strong>Step Two:</strong> Discard the trash bag of litter into an outside trash can.<br/><br/><strong>Step Three:</strong> Wash out the litter box with a dishcloth and some soapy water. It is always best to start with a fresh and clean litter pan.<br/><br/><strong>Step Four:</strong> Sprinkle some baking soda or litter box deodorizer along the bottom of the litter box.<br/><br/><strong>Step Five:</strong> Pour the kitty litter into the pan directly on top of the baking soda or deodorizer. Pour in a couple of inches, or as desired by you and your cat.<br/><br/> <br/><h3><strong>Tips:</strong></h3><br/>Use the scooper to scoop out any waste material daily. This will help to keep the litter box fresher. Clumping litter is recommended because you can scoop out the urine as well, making litter changes less frequent.It is recommended that you change the litter box at least twice a week. But this will vary with the size of the litter box and how many cats you have.Some cats may prefer less litter, especially those that have long fur. Watch your cats behavior. Other cats may need more litter. When using clumping litter, after a daily cleaning pour in a cup of new litter to replace what has been removed.<br/><h3><strong>Warnings:</strong></h3><br/>Do not touch waste with bare hands.<br/><br/>If your cat suddenly stops going the bathroom, contact your vet.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>This article was originally published on Helium, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html">which has closed</a>. Article is no longer published online and has now found its new home here.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89989024260230327422014-07-28T14:42:00.004-04:002014-07-28T14:42:42.163-04:00The Ending Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_WMP96JtbI/U9aXRe-E0wI/AAAAAAAAR9A/ZqlM5PBWjao/s1600/something+personal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_WMP96JtbI/U9aXRe-E0wI/AAAAAAAAR9A/ZqlM5PBWjao/s1600/something+personal.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Most of you know I am a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">survivor of childhood sexual abuse</a>. I began writing my story in 1997 on an old IBM shoved in my tiny little closet. I still have that original document which is also saved to the original floppy. In 2005 I went live with my story and<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html" target="_blank"> shared it for the first time online</a>. <br /><br />I've never really explained to anyone the details of the events. I didn't ever feel that was necessary.<br /><br />I've talked to counselors, therapists and even psychiatrists. I've been on various anti-depressants and anxiety medications. I've done everything I was supposed to do and here I sit, 39 years-old and I am no better.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I still have flashbacks, I still have nightmares, I still have issues with the general public in certain situations.<br /><br />I was molested for a long time. I <b>can't</b> tell you when it started, but I <b>can</b> tell you I was 12 when it ended. I remembered the day I made it stop <u>like it was yesterday</u>. My mother was not told until I was 16. They divorced when I was 19. When I was 26 I found out I was adopted by this man. This man who basically ruined my existence and chance at a normal childhood was not my biological father. I did find that man, only for him to tell me 6 months later he could not tell his family about me and that I should never contact him again.<br /><br />You know what the best part about that is? <b>I have a brother and sister.</b> Well, half. But still, I have them. And they all live about 30min from me now.<br /><br /><br />I have mental health disorders. All because one person, one person who I was supposed to be able to trust with my life, <u>put his hands on me</u>.<br /><br />I did not develop emotionally and mentally like normal children.<br /><br />I can't handle emotions nor do I know how to process them. I spent my life disassociating myself from events.<br /><br />Somewhere in there I turned to food which would result in a lifetime of food disorders and eating disorders.<br /><br />Oddly enough, I have a <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">food blog</a>.<br /><br />My life has not been easy. It's been full of mental health issues. I've done my best to make things work. I've done my best to make a good life for myself.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/the-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">I left my first marriage</a> because my mental health really started to chip away at me. I thought if I could find a way out, things would be better. I latched on to things I should not have and I was successful in destroying my marriage so that I would have an excuse to walk away, knowing he deserved better than all of my mental health issues. Maybe he did. But he did not deserve me treating him like crap.<br /><br />Through the years I have done everything I could to build a new relationship with my father, even after I found out he was not my biological father. I watched him destroy his life, little by little, picking drugs over me. His life was spent in and out of prison. Moving from one state to the next. When everyone else in his life left him, I was there. Hoping he would change. Hoping this event or that would be the one to wake him up enough to see how he was destroying his life.<br /><br /><b>Nothing worked.</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/05/closing-this-chapter-in-life.html" target="_blank">And then he died.</a><br /><br />I made the choice to not grant a dying man his last wish. I did not go visit and say goodbye. I wasn't even made aware of his death or his funeral. I found out quite by accident. You see, my husband graduated on Friday night. That same night my cousin started to text me about how I need to go see my father and say goodbye. She started to relate my feelings to how she feels about all her own regrets after her husband died unexpectedly last year.<br /><br /><b>Not the same.</b><br /><br />When I told her I could not talk, that I was in graduation and that my husband was literally about to take the stage, she told me she was thinking about killing herself and that I should just basically go fuck myself. So, I texted her sister. You see, this is like the boy who cried wolf. Since the passing of her husband she has been in and out of rehab. Her sister has custody of her toddler. Most times, its the booze talking and the current boyfriend just sits and watches it all happen. Her sister went to check on her.<br /><br />My husband and I took off the following morning for a weekend getaway.<br /><br />I found out my father passed while I was gone after I returned. I found out about his funeral the day of the funeral, but after it already happened.<br /><br />The cousin is no longer in my life. I have basically shut myself off from everyone related to my father.<br /><br /><b>I also haven't been to my fathers grave</b> even though its across the street from my mothers house. He's just a few steps away from where my beloved grandparents are buried.<br /><br />I tell you this, not to feel pity or sorry. But perhaps to help those in a similar situation.<br /><br />It also helps when I write.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68267745572908197242014-07-28T14:20:00.000-04:002014-07-28T14:20:24.756-04:00yesTiny: A Story About Living Small<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ee2sHa7ptlk/U9VyZeNl--I/AAAAAAAAR6k/aMF-hWiJRjk/s1600/tiny_flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ee2sHa7ptlk/U9VyZeNl--I/AAAAAAAAR6k/aMF-hWiJRjk/s1600/tiny_flat.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>http://amzn.to/1nLUEXi<br /><br />http://tiny-themovie.com/Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84503561420150888302014-07-26T17:33:00.000-04:002014-07-26T17:33:01.486-04:00The VB6 Cookbook by Mark Bittman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1rnDMEh" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJjbgQMXNK0/U9QdAOcS53I/AAAAAAAAR20/NRotl5moUEE/s1600/vb6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I just have to say, I <b>love</b> this cookbook. <a href="http://amzn.to/1rnDMEh" target="_blank">The VB6 Cookbook</a> is an extension of the original healthy living book. You don't need to own that book to figure out the 'vegan before 6' formula.<br /><br />If you are new here, may I suggest you pop over to my foodie website, <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> because I have a feeling some of these recipes are going to start showing up there.<br /><a name='more'></a>From Amazon:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Following up on his bestselling diet plan, VB6, the incomparable Mark Bittman delivers a full cookbook of recipes designed to help you eat vegan every day before 6:00 p.m.--and deliciously all of the time.</i></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Whether you call it felxitarian, part-time veganism, or vegetable-centric, the plant-based, real-food approach to eating introduced in Bittman's New York Times bestselling book VB6 has helped countless people regain their good health, control their weight, and forge a smarter, more ethical relationship with food. VB6 does away with the hard and fast rules, the calorie-counting, and the portion control of conventional diets; it's a regimen that is designed to be easy toa dopt and stick to for a lifetime.<br /> <br />When Bittman committed to a vegan before 6:00 pm diet, he quickly realized that everything about it became easier if he cooked his own meals at home. In The VB6 Cookbook he makes this proposition more convenient than you could imagine. Drawing on a varied and enticing pantry of vegan staples strategically punctuated with "treat" foods (including meat and other animal products), he has created a versatile repertoire of recipes that makes following his plan simple, satisfying, and sustainable.<br /> <br />Breakfasts, the most challenging meal of the day for some vegans, are well represented here, with a full range of hot cereals, whirl-and-go-dairy free smoothies, toast toppers, and brunch-worthy entrees. Lunches include hearty soupls, sandwiches, beans, grains, and pastas to pack along wherever the day takes you, and more than a dozen snack recipes provide the perfect afternoon pick-me-up to banish the vending-machine cravings that can undo a day of eating well. Dinners are flexitarian, focusing on vegetable-forward meals that are augmented by a range of animal products for fullest flavor, satisfaction, and nutrient density. A chapter devoted entirely to "building blocks"--make-ahead components you mix and match--ensures that a flavorful and healthy meal is never more than a few minutes away.<br />If you've thought of trying a vegan diet but worry it's too monotonous or unfamiliar, or simply don't want to give up foods you love to eat, Bittman's vegan and flexitarian recipes will help you cook your way to a new, varied and quite simply better way of eating you can really commit to...for life.</i></blockquote><br />I just have to say, these recipes are amazing. I find eating vegetarian for most of the day so I have a feeling this is a great way to go. If I don't want to eat meat for dinner I don't have to. I can simply find another vegetarian recipe and go about my meal. If I decide to have meat, this flexitarian plan allows for that.<br /><br />There are tons of photos to keep you drooling. Bittman does an phenomenally job of writing and capturing readers attention. Thats hard to come by in books like this. <br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16865959842531237442014-07-25T10:35:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.849-04:00yesDollar Tree Organization HaulI was inspired by<br/><br/>http://iheartplanners.com/2014/07/24/container-store-and-dollar-tree-organizing-haul/Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61738471608409799312014-07-24T14:41:00.000-04:002014-07-24T14:41:03.328-04:00yesPeople Are Not Who They Appear to BeIn 2004 I was introduced to<br /><br />Now, I am sorting through these last 10 yearsChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91014595254581278012014-07-23T13:23:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.821-04:00yesMake Your Own Air Freshenerhttp://www.frugalfroggie.com/Resources.php?id=d1f63287512291e8021855fb1fc17d93&search_type=CODEChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57055786772835888022014-07-21T14:45:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.800-04:00yesStep Parenting 101For those who have not been following along on any of my other websites or for those who have never noticed, kiddo is my step daughter.<br/><br/>I met her father when she was 3.<br/><br/>Her parents separated when she was 2 because her mother had an affair that resulted in another child. My husband has 2 step children from that marriage as kiddo has an older brother and sister. When he met his ex those children were very little. So he was a part of their life for quite some time. Once divorced the ex married the baby daddy and my husband began dating me.<br/><br/>Since kiddo was so young, she doesn't really remember life being any other way than the way it is now. Things she does remember are memories that others have told her.<br/><br/>Kiddo is now 9 (going on 16, I tell you) and there are a lot of things I have learned about being a step parent over the course of the last 6 years.<br/><br/>I've also seen a lot of communities (mostly online) where step mothers are 99.9% always hated by the mother.<br/><br/>For no reason other than they cant stand to see their child love someone else or they cant stand to see their ex with someone else.<br/><br/>I have yet to meet a dad who feels this way towards a step dad.<br/><br/>Women seem to just be vile mean creatures.<br/><br/>It is very rare that the step parent deserves the hatredChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10514475862179692562014-07-19T11:16:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.757-04:00yesMaking Friends Later in Lifemeetup<br/><br/>circle girl friendsChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87782435990046995262014-07-17T20:29:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.748-04:00yesAll Day Long I Dream About Tiny HousesChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88844631620545604782014-07-17T19:00:00.000-04:002014-09-24T18:18:08.414-04:00What Happened to Everyday with Chrys ?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uhaingnFuY/VCNCeDGdN9I/AAAAAAAAUQ0/9emeK4M6k8s/s1600/under%2Bconstruction-sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uhaingnFuY/VCNCeDGdN9I/AAAAAAAAUQ0/9emeK4M6k8s/s1600/under%2Bconstruction-sew.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Years ago I purchased the domain of my name. I used it for an author site, a personal site, back to an author site. Then, I had this great idea that I should turn it into a lifestyle site because I had so much that did not fit on YUM and I felt SEW had so much cleaning up to be done....Well, <a href="http://yumeating.com/yums-brick-wall/" target="_blank">then I hit a brick wall.</a> I was overloaded. Overwhelmed. And despite having a ton of photos for recipes, I hit a giant wall of writer's block. </div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think I am over creating websites. I have a few domains I am letting go. I don't think I can ever get rid of SEW. Or YUM of course. My name domain will serve it's purpose as it always has. I blame my personality. I get a lot of good ideas, but I don't follow through. I just want to write fiction, too and I can't do it all. So, I had to merge projects and do away with others. So, that's why Everyday Living with Chrys went bye-bye. Good idea, just not a good time in life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Original Post:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/under-construction.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="under construction" class="aligncenter wp-image-4995 size-full" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/under-construction.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />If you have found your way here, welcome. I am so glad you found me.<br /><br />For a lot of you, this domain will come as no surprise. I have had it for <strong>four</strong> years (yes, four!) And never really did anything with it. I first purchased it when I realized that as I started to publish I really needed something to build my name instead of using <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank">Self Employed Writer,</a> which was more about my freelance writing.<br /><br />After some time I stopped writing on the site and ended up turning Chrystal Mahan into a business card website. Meaning, it just was a one page site with a bit about me and where to find me.<br /><br />Over the years I have started and stopped many sites. I've been at this blogging thing a long time (like 1997!) and if things don't work the way I want them to, I scrap the idea. Often I will buy a domain or start a blog on Blogger thinking I can really get with the name, and then after a while it just doesn't really catch what I want it to.<br /><br /><br />Don't judge. I like to write ;)<br /><br />Not all of my websites are monetized. Self Employed Writer has always had a few Adsense ads here and there. I never really took the time to monetize it because it was used more as a portfolio and sounding board for me to discuss the day-to-day life of a freelance writer. I sort of just write whatever I want there. My big thing seems to be <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Book%20Review" target="_blank">book reviews,</a> which I love doing. It has also become my catch-all of all my old blogs that either the company closed down (Yahoo 360, MySpace) or I took them down.<br /><br />Over the course of the last (almost) 7 years I have been freelancing and working from home. During that time I also put myself through a BA, taking 6 weeks off, and then completing an MBA (last year.) After that I really bounced around wondering what to do with my life. After spending the summer hashing ideas, <a href="http://yumeating.com/about-yum/" target="_blank">I realized what I needed to do next and that is how YUM was born.</a><br /><br />YUM eating is my baby. I'm still learning how to use my dslr and Photoshop, but I get better as the days go on. But, I knew I needed more. SEW is still useful, but there are so many old posts that need revived, imported posts that I work on as time permits, and, well, I just am not sure what else to do with it other than continue using it as my freelance blabber spot.<br /><br />I had some other websites; eBooks Nook, Erin Go Braugh was an Irish site, More to Life than Chocolate was a health site I was working on with a friend. Eventually she moved on and I just felt like the site no longer fit me. I had These Words, My Life, Poetry in Motion, The Original Irish Chik (which was my first site on Blogger) and then there was the erotic site. I took that site down to turn them all into ebooks when people stopped reading the site and moved on to digital reading. I now have all of that under a pen name.<br /><br />I had Ignite your Motivation which I never bothered with a domain, again on Blogger. So many more that I can't even begin to remember them all.<br /><br />Then, I purchased Work at Home Living thinking that was something I could really get into. As time went on, I put it on the back burner. I was spending a lot of time on YUM. Now, the domain is up for renewal and I don't really want to. Not only that, I am more than just someone who works from home and I wanted a site that everyone could enjoy.<br /><br />But, I wanted a website where I could write all of the stuff that did not fit on YUM eating or Self Employed Writer. I brainstormed some ideas and nothing was really working for me.<br /><br />I kept seeing a lot of folks who use their name as their domain and it really worked for them. I told myself, given everything I learned on YUM, I could really make something work here.<br /><br />That is, if I could come up with some sort of tagline and get things moving. I started moving the stuff off WAHL. So, I dusted off my trusty copy of <a href="http://bit.ly/1g5GTPH" target="_blank">31 Days to Build a Better Blog</a> by Darren Rowse and dove in.<br /><br />It took some time, but eventually I came up with the tagline of 'Everyday Living with Chrys' and 'A Everyday Living Lifestyle Blog.' This allows me to pretty much discuss everything I want to discuss without being tied to just work at home related things or health related things.<br /><br />And that my friends is how this blog came to be. So, I hope you will come back for a visit. I have a lot to work on around here - themes, header, buttons, sidebar goodies, adding plugins and just overall blog stuff like getting Adsense here, visiting Google Webmaster Tools and Bing. Hanging out on Google Analytics.<br /><br />So, 'Everyday Living with Chrys' is a work in process.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58651608691227494252014-07-16T08:15:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.730-04:00yesHomemade Peppermint Foot Creamhttp://www.littlehouseliving.com/peppermint-foot-cream.htmlChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42400235066128612272014-07-16T07:53:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.720-04:00yesDIY Aromatherapy Pillowhttp://www.almostsupermom.com/2014/06/10-minute-aromatherapy-pillow-diy-relax-dawn-destinations.htmlChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33059239341892861572014-07-16T07:45:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.711-04:00yesMake Your Own Liquid Hand Soaphttp://www.lifewithgarnish.com/homemade-liquid-handbath-soapChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15287893719023927012014-07-11T11:13:00.000-04:002014-07-11T11:13:08.733-04:00The Big Tiny by Dee Williams <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bRzZHeokdQ/U7_9XYtbUII/AAAAAAAARMw/TJJWHlOFg4k/s1600/cover42977-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Big Tiny - Self Employed Writer" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bRzZHeokdQ/U7_9XYtbUII/AAAAAAAARMw/TJJWHlOFg4k/s1600/cover42977-medium.png" height="320" title="The Big Tiny - Self Employed Writer" width="213" /></a></div>If you have spent any time around here or some of my other websites in the past, you are no stranger to the fact <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/tiny-dream-links.html" target="_blank">I LOVE tiny houses</a>. I am even more intrigued by the tiny homes on wheels. When I saw this book by Dee Williams, "The Big Tiny," I knew I wanted to review it.<br /><br />The book is a simple, quick read but it's packed full of hidden treasures. At first glance it might seem like its just a memoir about some lady who became ill and had to sell everything she had in order to have a stress-free simpler life.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />While that is a good chunk of it, there is also hidden within the pages a tiny house handbook. Seems a bit stranger and I am sure the author wasn't really intending for this to be a 'how-to' guide, but that is exactly what happened.<br /><br />As a person dives in to the book, Williams is clear - this was not an easy decision and it's not a lifestyle for everyone. But as we go through her process we learn more about her illness and the need for change. We also learn what to do and what not to do when building a tiny home.<br /><br />I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it for anyone interested in the tiny house movement.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91716680628742230962014-07-11T06:04:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.700-04:00yesEssential Oils : Reusing and Refilling a Wallflower from Bath and Body
WorksI'm loving working with Essential Oils again. It's something I have greatly missed. I've had these two Wallflowers from Bath and Body Works for quite some time. I am pretty sure they made the trek from Oklahoma to Michigan in 2007. They are the frosted glass and the stamp on them say The White Barn Candle Co. I haven't seen this lable on Bath and Body Works products for a long time.<br/><br/>A few weeks ago BBW had a huge sale on my favorite scents so I decided to stock up. I also love those little lip glosses. They had some Wallflowers on clearence - in lemon! So, I decided to try one. The new ones do not have the stamp on them and they are not frosted. It smelled really good at first but I was a little disappointed that the smell went away rather quickly. Maybe I got used to it. Maybe it was old stock. Maybe I was just using it in too big of a room.<br/><br/>Either way, I now have 3 bulbs and 2 plugins. Instead of spending money on buying more refills I am going to show you how you can refill these and make your own using your essential oils.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15918927905191488342014-07-11T05:29:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.690-04:00yesEseential Oils : Repurposing a Reed DefuserRaise your hand if you have an old reed defusing hanging around in the corner of one of you rooms?<br/><br/>Anyone?<br/><br/>No?<br/><br/>Just me? *ahem*<br/><br/>Alright then. Yes, I have this old reed refuser I received as a Christmas present. It's been hanging around the corner where the kitty box is. Lately I have noticed just how dusty it as gotten. Now that I am experimenting more with Esential Oils and brining them back into my life, I really wondered if I could make use of this again. There is still a little bit of the original oil in the bottom of the container, but there really is no longer a smell.<br/><br/>First, I dumped out all the oil. I washed and cleaned the vase that looks more like an ink well. Anyone know what I am to call this? I also lightly rinsed the reeds. They were pretty dusty. I let everything dry completely.<br/><br/>Right now Lemon is high on my list. I'm loving everything about lemon right now.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77360984628586474192014-07-10T11:39:00.000-04:002014-09-24T17:46:53.485-04:00The Results are In : Madison Reed Hair Color Review<a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/madison-reed-review-.jpg"><img alt="madison reed review" class="wp-image-2203 size-medium aligncenter" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/madison-reed-review--300x300.jpg" height="300" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Last week I did a review <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/07/madison-reed-hair-color-review-photos.html" target="_blank">on Self Employed Writer</a> regarding this amazing hair color brand, Madison Reed. I wanted to give another review and a bit of an update; mostly because I can't stop bragging about this awesome product! My hair is naturally a medium to dark brown. In the summer time when I lived in the South it would lighten up quite a bit. Of course, I helped it a little for a while. These days I tend to <span class="hiddenSpellError">dye</span> it a super dark brown or soft black. I wanted to try something different to see how it would turn out so I tried <a href="http://bit.ly/1o9KDiE" target="_blank">Palermo Black - <span class="hiddenSpellError">3NVV</span></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Palermo Black is a rich dark brown with hints of aubergine. It is absolutely beautiful.<br /><br />It's now been about a week since my previous review.<br /><br /><a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pdp.jpg"><img alt="pdp" class="size-full wp-image-2206 aligncenter" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pdp.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Only my hair didn't turn out looking that pretty :(<br /><br />Because I had been dying my hair dark for so long, the older hair towards the bottom did not hold the color as well. That is by no means the fault of Madison Reed. I should have consulted their free "Talk to a Colorist" using the option available right on their website. They would've told me that only the new hair at the roots would take on the pretty burgundy tone. But, I should have known that too from previous hair color experience. All is not lost though, my hair still looks and feels amazing. There is no loss of color or any dryness.<br /><br />The beautiful box comes packaged with everything you could need and then some.<br /><br /><a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/madison-reed.jpg"><img alt="madison reed" class="wp-image-2205 aligncenter" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/madison-reed.jpg" height="600" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />There was a generous portion of developer. Sometimes with drug store brands I have to buy two, even when my hair is a bit shorter just cause it's thick and curly. With Madison Reed, I had some leftover. For those who have extra long hair they do have an add-on you can purchase for a low fee. The box contains two pair of gloves. One for application and one for rinsing.<br /><br />Two pair of gloves folks!<br /><br />Two!<br /><br /><b>My hands didn't get stained AT ALL!</b><br /><br />Also in the box was barrier cream. This stuff was nice and thick. I put it on my ears, neck and forehead. The rest I rubbed into my hands, just in case. Plus it was so thick and creamy. I wanted it as lotion. Amazing stuff, no stains anywhere. I do tend to get messy with my application. This was no different, but I was able to clean it all up with the enclosed <span class="hiddenSpellError">towelette</span>. There was a plastic cap to place over my hair. This was awesome. I was able to walk on the treadmill while it developed without worrying about drips. The <span class="hiddenSpellError">towellete</span> left my face smelling a bit like nail polish remover, but small price to pay for no dark spots on my hair-line or ears!<br /><br />The actual hair color had ZERO chemical smell. I did not have any sort of irritation either. It's ammonia free and <span class="hiddenSpellError">Rescorcinol</span> free. The hair color does contain <span class="hiddenSpellError">Argan</span> for conditioning, Keratin for repairing and Ginseng to strengthen. It was thick and creaming. Application was a breeze and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the nice tools Madison Reed provided.<br /><br />When it came time to rinse, I had a small container of shampoo and conditioner. I was surprised that I was allowed to wash my hair. Drugstore brands want you to rinse, apply conditioner and then rinse again. Madison Reed wants you to wash. The soap was not runny and had a nice chemical free smell. The conditioner was just creamy enough. I was able to get 2 more washing out of these containers later in the week.<br /><br />Best part about my shower? There was no ring around my tub or lingering hair color stain on the shower walls.<br /><br />I am very pleased with Madison Reed hair color. It was very nice to feel like I was have a nice experience from a boxed hair color. These small gestures make all the difference to me in whether or not I feel its worth it to pay extra for something.<br /><br />I LOVE how soft and amazing my hair still feels.<br /><br />Each <a href="http://bit.ly/1o9KDiE" target="_blank">Madison Reed</a> hair color kit is $24.95 for the continuous hair color plan which can be set as low as once every 3 weeks or as high as 10. If you prefer to try it once, the kit is only $29.95. They offer the option to buy an extra bottle for $10 if your hair is really long or super thick. They have this great Q&A to help you pick a color and a colorist is available for live chat. Please take advantage of the live chat if you have any questions or concerns.<br /><h2>Right now you can try your very own box for 20% with the coupon code : SUMMERFUN</h2><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>The box and all of the materials are 100% recyclable.</strong><br /><br />If you are still unsure you are welcome to check out my review video.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/juKxk9prqK4" width="560"></iframe>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74949328449226064152014-07-06T10:05:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.678-04:00yesX Free BookkeepingResources <br/>Free Bookkeeping for Your Business<br/><br/> <br/><br/>You do not have to be a CPA, an Accountant, or even a Professional Bookkeeper to take care of the business tasks required to keep things running smoothly. Today's blog will provide you with, simple, and free tools that are easy. Not only are they easy, there is no need to pay for and learn expensive and complicated accounting software.<br/><br/> <br/><br/></p> <p><br /><a href=" http://www.outright.com">Outright</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Outright is a free bookkeeping service that will track your business income and expenses. Outright gives you the ability to track from credit cards, PayPal, Shoeboxed account, invoices, merchant accounts, and receipts. The pages look similar to a checkbook register so it is very easy on the eyes. Outright also provides its users with graphs and charts so you can see where your money goes! This website makes preparing for tax time a breeze.<br/><br/> <br/><br/></p> <p><br /><a href="http://www.shoeboxed.com">ShoeBoxed</a><br />ShoeBoxed is a simple site that allows its users to sign up for a free account. It is known as a document imaging site where you mail in all your receipts and business cards to the company, their staff will scan them in and shred them. You never have to keep the receipt in your possession and you will never losing your business contacts. This mail in service is an option for those who do not have the time to enter receipts and business cards into the free account. It is a wonderful tool to organize your receipts online, they never get lost. Best of all you can sync it with your Outright account.<br/><br/> <br/><br/></p> <p><br /><a href="http://www.dwmbeancounter.com/tutorial/Tutorial.html">So you want to learn bookkeeping?</a><br />For those of you who prefer the old fashioned, by hand, paper method (or to set up your own sheets on excel) here is a great website full of useful information, in layman&rsquo;s terms!&nbsp;<br/><br/> <br/><br/></p> <p><br /><a href="http://download.cnet.com/QuickBooks-Simple-Start-Free-Edition/3000-2066_4-10608523.html?tag=mncol">QuickBooks Simple Start Free Edition 201</a>0 &nbsp;<br />Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks is offering first time QuickBooks users (you can not import from other QuickBook editions) a free version of its accounting software. The Simple Start Edition is free and offers its users a simple way to estimate, take payments, send invoices, and stay organized.&nbsp;</p><br/><br/>Free Bookkeeping and Accounting Templates and Resources - http://www.sumbookkeeper.com/templates/<br/><br/>If doing your own accounting scares you, <a href="https://www.elance.com/?rid=21F7" target="_blank">eLance offers</a> a great alternative to hire others who also work from home. I've worked many years in the accounting world along side my masters degree. I'm also available for freelance work. Your welcome to check out my <a href="https://www.odesk.com/users/~011f55d3567ccc7fa1" target="_blank">oDesk</a> and <a href="https://www.elance.com/s/cmahan/?rid=21F7" target="_blank">eLance</a> profiles. There is also <a href="www.linkedin.com/in/chrystalmahan/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> if that is more to your liking.<br/><br/><strong>I've written 4 accounting at tax books:</strong><br/><ul><br/> <li>Easy Accounting for the Self Employed</li><br/> <li>Easy Accounting for the Self Employed 2nd Ed.</li><br/> <li>Blogging for Dollars: Bloggers Tax Guide</li><br/> <li>Food Bloggers Tax Guide</li><br/></ul><br/> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24779455898274970382014-07-06T06:59:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.666-04:00yesMy Latest ThredUp FindChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74230956593302967012014-07-06T06:44:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.656-04:00yes50 + Tiny Living ResourcesChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-934960382684465952014-07-06T06:43:00.001-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.646-04:00yesTop X Shedworking OfficesChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30559056144282127292014-07-06T06:43:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.635-04:00yesMy Personal History with Herbs and Essential OilsMany years ago in my early 20s I was uber healthy after a 50 plus pound weight loss. I walked all the time and ate lean and clean.<br/><br/>My essential oil use started when I started to have some health issues that I did not want to take prescriptions for any longer. The natural health store in town housed some wonderful products and great employees. I had a book club membership to<a href="http://www.onespirit.com/" target="_blank"> One Spirit</a> and would read as many books about natural health and healing as I could.<br/><br/>Things happen, as they often do and I found myself jobless and 1000 miles away from everything.<br/><br/>I am back to square one health wise.<br/><br/>I have lots of friends who are into doTerra and Young Living. While I can see benefits from both groups, becoming a part of another direct sales company scared me as I have never been very good at it no matter how hard I try. I did go out on a limb and sign up for Young Living because I really felt like a friend I had know for quite some time through LifeChurch would be more than happy to help me on my journey. Sadly, I was not able to complete the transaction because someone was trying to use our social security numbers. I had to put that on hold.<br/><br/>Since then, we've been scraping by as husband graduated and looked for work.<br/><br/>I found Rose Mountain Herbs some time ago. I did a little research on the EO and while their prices are amazing, they clearly state they are not intended to be taken internally. This worried me a little. I know first hand the benefits of being able to take EO internally when diluted and with knowledge of how to do that.<br/><br/>My EO books were left behind in the move so I tried to get my hands on some ebooks. I've been slow to make my way through them.<br/><br/>I also spent time looking through Pinterest and that is when I saw Spark Naturals through Jillee's site. If you do not follow her, you should!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47687525167767921062014-07-06T06:42:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.737-04:00yesGetting Started with Essential OilsEssential oils are nothing new to me.<br/><br/>I made a realativley long personal post about my own personal history with essential oils.<br/><br/>My journey began about 19 years ago when I was 20-something.<br/><br/> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22554745033676516992014-07-05T17:03:00.000-04:002014-07-05T17:03:31.069-04:00Murder Simply Brewed By Vannetta Chapman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1xxFRB3" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmXML2TMJXk/U7hkr0zZQ2I/AAAAAAAAQ84/r0eAO8y-9tw/s1600/_240_360_Book.1152.cover.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>I am not doing good when it comes to reading enjoyment. I was not happy with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/07/critical-condition-by-richard-mabry.html" target="_blank">Critical Condition</a> and now I am sad to say I wasn't thrilled with <a href="http://amzn.to/1xxFRB3" target="_blank">Murder Simply Brewed</a> either.<br /><br />I LOVE Amish stories. I love reading about their simple ways and traditions. Most Amish writing authors have done extensive research and know just how the novels should be written. It is obvious Vannetta Chapman has done some homework. So, the Amish storytelling is not the real problem here.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The story starts off really fun and interesting. Two mystery solvers, one English and one Amish join together to solve the odd string of crimes that have been happening in the Amish Artisan Village. Clue's don't add up and people close to them are ending up dead.<br /><br />The plot moves at a pretty rapid pace. You are given a glimpse in to the shops, especially the coffee shop, Simply Brewed. The story a simple one. And because of that is moves quickly but putters out around the middle of the book. Most of the time I will keep reading. Books like these can be a fun, relaxing read. But I found the pace to be so slow that I was wanting to just walk away from it.<br /><br />One lesson learned here, you might find it to be a great read. I have to read a lot of books to review, I also love to read in general. I have a certain set of rules when it comes to reading and if those authors don't fall within my rules than I have no choice but to walk away from the book.<br /><br />I am sorry to say I had to do that here.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81931795993188212592014-07-05T16:44:00.000-04:002014-07-05T16:46:41.143-04:00Critical Condition By Richard Mabry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1ja01hI" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms-LLvcH3po/U7hgpu6MScI/AAAAAAAAQ8s/Ca4faJfe8-0/s1600/_240_360_Book.1168.cover.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div><a href="http://amzn.to/1ja01hI" target="_blank">Critical Condition </a>is a story about Dr. Shannon Frasier who gets tangled in a web, along with her sister. Frasier hosts a simple dinner party only to have it end with a gunshot victim fighting for her life in her front lawn. The girl, her sister, her sisters awful boyfriend are all connected, but how? And let's not forget the anonymous caller constantly wanting to know what someone said before 'he' died.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The story sounded like a good murder mystery. However, the reader gets tangled in the web easily and find difficulty making their way out of it. The character change is abrupt and often leaves the reader wondering "where did that person come from?"<br /><br />While I really wanted to like this book, the fact is, I couldn't finish it. I feel the writer is all over the place and making the storytelling extremely complicated. I do believe there is a good rough draft here and the author should take the time to clean it up a bit.<br /><br />I was not the only <a href="http://readingwithteddyg.blogspot.com/2014/06/critical-condition-richard-l-mabry-md.html" target="_blank">reviewer who felt this way</a>. And <a href="http://www.jeffrandleman.com/critical-condition-by-richard-mabry/" target="_blank">this blogger</a> felt the same, too.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79758917675231695372014-07-05T15:26:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:26:44.254-04:00Madison Reed Hair Color Review {Photos and Video!}<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLTzlvDMd6w/U7Ry6oCvcRI/AAAAAAAAQzs/j7bHuKEu8M0/s1600/madison+reed+review+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLTzlvDMd6w/U7Ry6oCvcRI/AAAAAAAAQzs/j7bHuKEu8M0/s1600/madison+reed+review+.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>I am not a salon person.</b> I used to be. I had a great friend who did my hair for my 20s and he taught me a lot of interesting facts and tricks about my hair. I was also a huge DIY and he knew that. He taught me many tricks so that I could beauty supply store products. Since he taught at a beauty academy for quite some time I was able to get those services at a discount and when he finally went off on his own - I tried so hard to be faithful.<br /><br />I am cheap. Frugal. Thrifty. I had a lot going on in my life and it did not call for hair care. :(<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Over the years I have tried many different products and then later I moved to an area that did not have a beauty supply remotely close.<br /><br />I also became extremely poor.<br /><br />I also got to the point that I just did not care about getting my hair and nails done.<br /><br />It wasn't until about a year or so ago where my temples became much more grey. Before coloring my hair was something I did for fun. Lighter brown. Almost blonde. Red. Highlights. Fuchsia a few years ago. But for the most part, my 30s have had me hanging around with dark brown or black hair.<br /><br />Yes. I buy drugstore hair color.<br /><br /><b>Yes, I actually like it.</b> It's affordable and it serves its purpose. I also feel like I have a pretty good handle on it and know what I am doing.<br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/1o9KDiE" target="_blank">Madison Reed</a> came into my life and changed my thought process on store bought. While I can't afford salon visits, Madison Reed is a happy medium. It provides a lot extra goodies and I love that they pay attention to detail.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1o9KDiE" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KkTjhHpOqQ/U7RuzdqtrnI/AAAAAAAAQzc/YgplBG0dof4/s1600/small.jpg" /></a><span id="goog_1271140439"></span><span id="goog_1271140440"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div><br />I tried Palermo Black. A rich dark brown with slight hints of burgundy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9KMqBFBehc/U7Rx4re5wKI/AAAAAAAAQzk/k-JSgvzwhwg/s1600/madison+reed+SEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9KMqBFBehc/U7Rx4re5wKI/AAAAAAAAQzk/k-JSgvzwhwg/s1600/madison+reed+SEW.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>The box is beautiful. There is a generous amount of developer. I was able to do my hair and still have some leftover. With some store brands I have to buy 2 bottles, especially when my hair is longer. At the length it is now I barely scrape buy with one bottle. There are also 2 pairs of gloves. One for application and one for rinsing. Genius. My hands did not get stained. The box contained a barrier cream. It was nice and thick with a great smell. I applied that on my face near my hair line, tops of my ears, back of my neck and massaged the rest of it in my hands. When the hair color was applied, there was a nice cap waiting for me. A cap?? What drugstore brand has all these extras?<br /><br />So as I sat in my cap I used the enclosed towelette to wipe off anything that had accumulated on my face, ears, neck and hands. It was like magic as it all wipes up. Smelled a lot like nail polish remover.<br /><br />I was amazed that the hair color had <u>no chemical smells</u>. It's ammonia free and Rescorcinol free. The hair color does contain Argan for conditioning, Keratin for repairing and Ginseng to strengthen. It was thick and creaming. Application was a breeze and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the nice tools they provided.<br /><br />As my timer dinged I headed to the bathroom with the extra gloves, small bottle of shampoo and conditioner.<br /><br />Amazing. I am so tickled that after rinsing I actually get to wash my hair instead of just rinsing and applying a conditioner. After I washed it with this amazing chemical free shampoo I had a nice creamy thick conditioner to apply. I left it on for a few minutes as I continued my shower.<br /><br />There was no ring around my tub. No stains on my shower walls.<br /><br />I am pleased as punch with Madison Reed and feel it is a nice treat. For me, these small gestures held inside the pretty box make all the difference.<br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=620169&u=465182&m=49995&urllink=&afftrack="><img src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/49995/LOVEyourHair_3a_300x250_0609.jpg" border="0"></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Each <a href="http://bit.ly/1o9KDiE" target="_blank">Madison Reed </a>hair color kit is $24.95 for the continuous hair color plan. You can set it for every 3 to 10 weeks. The choice is yours. If you prefer to try it once, the kit is $29.95. They offer the option to buy an extra bottle for $10 if your hair is really long or super thick. They have this great Q&A to help you pick a color and a colorist is available for live chat.<br /><br />The box and all of the materials are 100% recyclable.<br /><br />If you are looking for a drugstore alternative but can't afford the salon price tag I highly recommend Madison Reed. They are also running a program where you will get $15 off your Madison Reed purchase if you <a href="http://f.mdsnrd.com/2BqD" target="_blank">follow this</a> link. If you follow that particular link and not the other links in this email, I'll get $15, too.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/juKxk9prqK4" width="420"></iframe> <b>Disclosure: </b>I was given the product for free to write a review from Madison Reed. I am being compensated for my time. However, these opinions are 100% honest and my own. Links are affiliate links. That means I will make some $$ if you should happen to follow them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28926583840774461342014-07-03T18:09:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:26:44.025-04:00The Results Are In!~Skinny Jane - Skinny Burn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iml4gV2ldPE/U7XD2dsUGbI/AAAAAAAAQ2U/m61YE2ZOotQ/s1600/sjLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iml4gV2ldPE/U7XD2dsUGbI/AAAAAAAAQ2U/m61YE2ZOotQ/s1600/sjLogo.png" height="176" width="320" /></a></div>I have to say, I love the <a href="http://www.skinnyjane.com/" target="_blank">Skinny Jane</a> line of products. I have been fortunate to work with the company in the past for their mini <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/my-skinny-jane-7-day-challenge-review.html" target="_blank">Skinny Challenge</a>.<br /><br />Since completing my MBA, I find myself paying close attention to details. I believe in this day and age businesses need to take time to stand out from the crowd by packaging and marketing themselves by thinking outside the box.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.skinnyjane.com/meet-the-founder/" target="_blank">Steve Pickering </a>launched Skinny Jane after many successful years working in the health and fitness industry. He's helped hundreds of women shed the weight, become lead and healthy. Not to mention, he' simply just a great guy.<br /><br />Skinny Jane has cute marketing. The colors of the website are appealing to women and the logo, the super cute redheaded girl, is also appealing. I did the fonts. And the packaging. I just love how cute it all is. I can appreciate stuff like that. You can tell Steve and his team put a lot of thought into those small things.<br /><br />While you can buy various wellness products individually, like the shake and supplements, but the company also offers one of my favorite things, I like to call it "skinny in a box." They call it "<a href="http://www.skinnyjane.com/weight-loss-in-a-box-8-week-plan/" target="_blank">Weight Loss in a Box</a>." For $199.99 you get an 8 week program which consists of a T-Shirt, your choice of flavor for the meal replacement shake, program guide, meal plans, lots of motivational tools, smoothie recipes, fast food guide, tracker cards, success and goal cards, Skinny Cleanse supplements, Skinny Burn supplements, and a shaker bottle. The materials come boxed in this great plastic container for portability. You can also get a 28 day challenge kit for $129.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti4fWLo_M4s/U7XRUsEpMBI/AAAAAAAAQ2g/WW-jzntSCMw/s1600/skinny_burn__95368.1373913602.1280.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti4fWLo_M4s/U7XRUsEpMBI/AAAAAAAAQ2g/WW-jzntSCMw/s1600/skinny_burn__95368.1373913602.1280.1280.jpg" height="320" width="170" /></a></div><br /><br />I could talk about how cute I think it is forever. But I am here to discuss my experience with <a href="http://www.skinnyjane.com/skinny-burn-1/" target="_blank">Skinny Burn</a>.<br /><br />Skinny Burn was a product I had sampled during my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/my-skinny-jane-7-day-challenge-review.html" target="_blank">7-Day Challenge with Skinny Jane</a>.<br /><br />First, let me explain that I have PCOS. For those who are new to my site. I am also overweight. Hence the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/80%20to%20Goal" target="_blank">80 to Goal</a> I have set for myself and my new tag here at Self Employed Writer. I decided to do away with my Ignite your Motivation website. It was just too much for me to keep up with so many sites.<br /><br />Weight loss is difficult for me. That's no secret. I also suffer from <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Doctor%20Visits" target="_blank">osteoarthritis</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Degenerative%20Disc%20Disease" target="_blank">degenerative disk</a>. This makes exercise hard. The PCOS causes me to be insulin resistance. Hence the difficulty with weight loss. I also think it gives me issues with supplements. Or, maybe that is my lack of gallbladder and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Intestinal%20Issues" target="_blank">all the intestinal issues I have</a>.<br /><br /><b>Wow. I am a mess, aren't I?</b><br /><br />So, now that I have all of that out of the way, lets actually talk about Skinny Burn.<br /><br />Here is a photo of the ingredients.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEP0Seagpv4/U7XRczdsyqI/AAAAAAAAQ2o/oRUcZQrjsxE/s1600/supplement_facts_2__38464.1373913825.1280.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEP0Seagpv4/U7XRczdsyqI/AAAAAAAAQ2o/oRUcZQrjsxE/s1600/supplement_facts_2__38464.1373913825.1280.1280.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></div><br /><br />All the good stuff that you hear about. Even though there is green tea and caffeine, I found that it did not give me jitters. I'm a big girl, it takes a lot to suppress my appetite, but I followed the directions. For breakfast I enjoyed my smoothies. Lunch was a salad and then I would have a light dinner. Typical in my house. Their is a "Quick Slim" 10-Day Challenge meal plan that came with my Skinny Burn but I did not follow it.<br /><br />I know, terrible me. I did try it the last time I did a review for Skinny Jane and I was just afraid of going through the hunger and dizzies again. This supplement should help speed sluggish metabolisms, help you reduce body fat, reduce cravings and give you energy.<br /><br />The first 2 weeks I did a check in and had lost 3 pounds. That is a big deal for me. Between February, around the time of my 21-Day Fix and getting sick and April I put on a significant amount of weight. This is also the time we lost our insurance because Big M's externship had ended. So. There is that.<br /><br />Since finishing my bottle of Skinny Burn I have not lost any more weight. Instead, my weight keeps fluctuating up and down.<br /><br />I know a visit to the Dr. is in order.<br /><br />On a good note, we were able to join the YMCA on a low income program. They have water fitness. Good for me and my mobility issues. I am also itching to get back on the treadmill.<br /><br />As for Skinny Burn, I honestly feel like this product would work under better circumstances - followed meal plan, exercised, and no sickness. Please do not let my experience keep you from trying it. There are plenty of positive product reviews on <a href="http://www.skinnyjane.com/skinny-burn-1/" target="_blank">the website</a>! I'm also loving everyone's <a href="http://www.skinnyjane.com/success-stories/" target="_blank">success stories</a>!<br /><br />So, here is the part where I have to give you a disclosure. I was given the product for free to try in return for my honest opinion. This is not a paid review. All opinions are 100% my own.<br /><br />I will however encourage you to pop over to <a href="http://www.skinnyjane.com/" target="_blank">Skinny Jane</a> and check out their line of products. I think you will find it might just be the answer you are looking for!<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58420299405063251462014-07-03T17:53:00.002-04:002014-07-03T17:53:46.633-04:00yesWhy I Am Quitting Bubblews<div 0="" 200px="" auto="" class="”The-YUCK-Stops-Here-button”" margin:=""><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30591771299582529962014-07-01T10:42:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.622-04:00yesGetting Started with EtsyI went there.<br/><br/>I never thought I would, but I did.<br/><br/>From 1997 to 2007 I had a successful side business selling on Ebay. I left my stock behind when I made the long move from OK to MI after my divorce. I was sharing the UHaul with some of my mothers belongings and there wasn't room for my 1000s of books and soon-to-to-be upcycled DIY project I was going to work on. There was plans to open a design shop with a friend from previous employment. Her, the interior designer, me the accountant, business, DIYer.<br/><br/>When I moved to MI it took some time to figure out what to do with life and in January 2008 I went back to school to turn my AA into a BA. I finished in 2011. I then took 6 weeks off and went right for my MBA. I finished that June 2013. I launched YUMeating shortly after.<br/><br/>I miss the art. I miss the creation. So, I am opening Mitten Girl Designs (website and Etsy store). Made in Michigan , hand-crafted gifts. I will eventually have various items up there. Sewing, crochet, plastic canvas, cross stitch, handmade jewelry, my own art (pencil, charcoal, water colors and so on,) along with other things like homemade soaps, salves, teas and more. I am really excited to open my arts and crafts store and I hope it provides me with many years of joy. It has been stuffed away for too long.<br/><br/>There are a ton of photos I am digging up of old projects that I would like for others to see.<br/><br/>Right now I am working on taking the other side of the office and turning it into a craft room now that I have the entire room to myself.<br/><br/>I am excited. Eager to get back to the parts of me I miss so dearly.<br/><br/>While researching Etsy I found a few great articles to help me in my journey. I hope they will help you too.<br/><br/>http://www.handmadeology.com/10-real-tips-for-successfully-selling-on-etsy/Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11467195095224226472014-06-26T14:34:00.000-04:002014-10-03T21:47:07.518-04:00yesFixing My Crooked Shouldershttp://www.wikihow.com/Align-Your-Shoulders<br />http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=6239111<br />http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/6-imbalances-cause-painand-how-fix-them<br />http://www.livestrong.com/article/302066-exercises-to-correct-one-shoulder-higher-than-the-other/#page=1Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77091154952323977372014-06-25T15:47:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:26:44.244-04:00Coppertone Clearly Sheer Sunscreen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlUhkotA9v8/U6sl_vYbwUI/AAAAAAAAQhA/0Fsg0KF19fM/s1600/3862338196_41299904536425300256.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlUhkotA9v8/U6sl_vYbwUI/AAAAAAAAQhA/0Fsg0KF19fM/s1600/3862338196_41299904536425300256.png" height="196" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />It's summertime and you know what that means, right?<br />Ugh. Yeap.<br />Sunscreen.<br />Ewww.<br />No matter what brand I try, I can't get on the sunscreen bandwagon. I am, because I have to. But, it's all so gross.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I received a box of Coppertone Clearly Sheer sunscreen lotions and sprays. The box contained 2 travel size sprays, 2 travel size lotions and one regular size lotion. The lotions were all part of the Clearly Shear Line. The 2 sprays were not. I think they were supposed to be, but they were just regular Coppertone sunscreen.<br /><br />I liked that the lotion is for every day daily wear. It's not heavy or sticky and didn't give me that film like there was plastic wrap on my skin. The smell was pleasant enough.<br /><br />I did a video review for the spray.<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zxaexZu0T8g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /> Disclosure: I received the product for free from BuzzAgent. I am not required to write a review. All opinions are 100% my own.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51149570934667267212014-06-22T16:38:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.612-04:00yesDo I Have to Incorporate with Amazon FBA?<p style="color: #000000;">No.</p><br/><p style="color: #000000;"></p><br/><p style="color: #000000;"></p><br/><p style="color: #000000;"></p><br/><p style="color: #000000;">For someone new, I suggest getting a Tax ID from the IRS (this is NOT the same as incorporating) over the phone, buying a “Doing Business As” from your State (usually about $10-$25 and also available online) and then ordering a sales tax certificate from your state. You can use the tax ID and DBA to set up your Amazon accounts, and your business bank account. You will use the sales tax ID to buy merchandise without paying sales tax.</p><br/><p style="color: #000000;"></p><br/><p style="color: #000000;">Later, when you are more comfortable with the business, revisit the idea of incorporating. There are many tax advantages to incorporation that may appeal to you. The book that was most useful to me in explaining the benefits of incorporation: <em>Incorporate and Grow Rich!</em> By C.W. Allen. It is written in clear language with helpful examples. It is selling for around $5 on Amazon.com (see link).</p><br/><p style="color: #000000;"></p><br/><p style="color: #000000;">It shows the difference between someone incorporated and someone who is not incorporated in a variety of examples and it made a believer out of me. The book shows the true meaning of the saying “A penny saved is a penny earned.” (Thank you Ben Franklin!).</p><br/><p style="color: #000000;"></p><br/><p style="color: #000000;">By the way, speaking of taxes, be sure to get set up for quarterly reporting for your sales tax. You won’t have enough tax to pay monthly for some time and it’s a hassle to file monthly. Amazon gives us great reports that make it a snap to fill out my form. Starting in 2012, they will be gathering my Texas taxes for me. This is a new program so stay tuned.</p><br/><p style="color: #000000;"></p><br/><p style="color: #000000;">- See more at: http://www.fbastepbystep.com/can-i-start-my-business-without-incorporating/#sthash.e4oJHKeA.dpuf</p>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78165838607005325052014-06-09T16:51:00.002-04:002014-06-09T16:51:33.474-04:00NO! I Don't Want to Build a Snowman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJWN0yFuMEI/U5YcOZqgGuI/AAAAAAAAP2A/8MoJ1OsDzcA/s1600/over+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJWN0yFuMEI/U5YcOZqgGuI/AAAAAAAAP2A/8MoJ1OsDzcA/s1600/over+it.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>I love Frozen.<br /><br />Let me rephrase that. I loved Frozen.<br /><br />The Internet has ruined a perfectly good movie.<br /><br />I admit, I counted down the hours until the movie release. I am Disney girl by heart. With each pop of that plastic white clam case, the rewind buzzing in the background and I patiently waited for the movie to start.<br /><a name='more'></a>Let's be honest, I know I am not the only one who did not rewind their movies. ;)<br /><br />I sat through Frozen with kiddo and the husband. I absorbed it. Clapped my hands, became angry, laughed, smiled and maybe even cried along with everyone else in the theater.<br /><br />Since the movie released I have watched the movie 3 more times.<br /><br />But you know what? The Internet has ruined it for me.<br /><br />I had to stop listening to Pandora and switch to Spotify because no matter how many channels I made and how many times I told Pandora I was 'sick of this song' she kept asking me if I wanted to build a snowman and repeatedly telling me I should let it go.<br /><br />No.<br /><br />I don't want to.<br /><br />Social media is ruining this movie even more. Every. Single. Blogger. At least it seems like with all the thousands of bloggers I follow between my various social media account my news feed is clogged with Frozen inspired ideas. Cakes, cupcakes, printables, party themes, movie inspired posts, how the movie made kids misbehave, how the movie turned kids into brats (oh, it does exist), recipes inspired by Frozen and more.<br /><br />Maybe it would be a little more acceptable if things were different and original. But, they aren't. Everyone is just regurgitating someone else's posts. So many inspired and adapted.<br /><br />Ugh.<br /><br />I love Frozen. Olaf, well who wouldn't want to squish him?<br /><br />But I am tired of seeing it.<br /><br />Just like video killed the radio star, the Internet is killing Frozen.<br /><br />Just a tip bloggers, move on to something else. We're all done building snowmans, thanks.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48419146628250177642014-06-03T19:45:00.001-04:002014-06-03T19:48:41.083-04:00Helium.com is Closing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AY04KG2urZw/U4eVNwEB6qI/AAAAAAAAPak/aljzjpA5tRg/s1600/Content+Solutions++Online+Publisher++Writers+Network+++Helium+Inc..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AY04KG2urZw/U4eVNwEB6qI/AAAAAAAAPak/aljzjpA5tRg/s1600/Content+Solutions++Online+Publisher++Writers+Network+++Helium+Inc..png" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In case you <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/writing-site-helium-closes-its-doors?no_cache=1401838621" target="_blank">haven't heard</a>, Helium.com is closing down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been a member of the Helium Network since 2009. In that time I produced 100s of articles and built up quite a library of content that brought me a nice check from residual income. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year when Google started its shakedown and all their Penguin and Panda updates that rattled the Internet, Helium decided to make some changes. Instead of using subdomains, Helium decided it was best to put each niche on its own domain.</div><a name='more'></a>In theory it may have seemed like a good idea.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In actuality it bombed. The interface was difficult to navigate. Writers had a hard time finding their stuff. Many just gave up and walked away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was one of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Helium had an iron clad contract in place though and writers were not allowed to remove their work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Writer's can download and remove their content between now and December. No more new content can be added. No more earnings. If you don't have enough to cash out, tough. Say goodbye to what little you made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The only good thing coming from this is that I do get to download my work and remove it all from their network. It makes me sad to have to do so. Helium was good to me once upon a time. Now, I'll take 5 years of work and build it up someplace else. Not sure where I will put it. Most likely rewrite some of it and polish it up to put on <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">Hubpages</a> as that's really my only active revenue sharing account besides <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubblews</a>. Nothing is news related so I am not sure if it will work on Examiner or <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/users/cmahan" target="_blank">Allvoices</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not sure I want to put this stuff there. Just depends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right now I am still in the process of removing everything off of Helium. I'll wait for Google to clear it out of their googly stuff. Once it passes copyscape that the content doesn't exist, I'll put it up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As time goes on, more and more content writing places are shutting down. There are many reasons for this. All of which, make me sad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91634496255607092962014-05-29T10:22:00.000-04:002014-05-29T10:22:05.202-04:00yesMy Very First Ipsy Bag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bpPXahm7NA/U4dCFmU8LeI/AAAAAAAAPYc/Iz-Qf3KDr8Y/s1600/ipsy+makeup++banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bpPXahm7NA/U4dCFmU8LeI/AAAAAAAAPYc/Iz-Qf3KDr8Y/s1600/ipsy+makeup++banner.png" height="90" width="320" /></a></div>This is my very first Ipsy bag!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64ZaBIawvWY/U4dCMknry9I/AAAAAAAAPYk/cH7EDaDzX7M/s1600/Subscribe+to+the+Glam+Bag+++ipsy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64ZaBIawvWY/U4dCMknry9I/AAAAAAAAPYk/cH7EDaDzX7M/s1600/Subscribe+to+the+Glam+Bag+++ipsy.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdNnUcLAkQQ/U4dChXAnDUI/AAAAAAAAPYw/mnm7UfeCkko/s1600/comments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdNnUcLAkQQ/U4dChXAnDUI/AAAAAAAAPYw/mnm7UfeCkko/s1600/comments.jpg" /></a></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68447300157588732692014-05-29T09:04:00.001-04:002014-05-29T09:16:49.076-04:005 Food Gifts Dad Will Love<style type="text/css">.postpresso-article{color:#333;font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif}.postpresso-article .clearfix:after{content:" ";visibility:hidden;display:block;height:0;clear:both}.postpresso-article .postpresso-collage{margin-bottom:35px}.postpresso-article .product-wrapper{margin-top:25px}.postpresso-article .product-widget{margin-bottom:30px}.postpresso-article h2{margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:20px;font-size:24px;font-weight:700}.postpresso-article h4{line-height:140%;margin-bottom:20px;font-weight:700}.postpresso-article p{font-size:14px;line-height:150%}.postpresso-article p a{color:#0F7ED6;text-decoration:none}.postpresso-article p a:hover{background:none;text-decoration:underline}.postpresso-article .image-caption-display{margin-top:10px;display:inline-block;color:#666}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper{text-align:center}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper a{display:block}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper.image-left-align{float:left;margin-right:25px}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper.image-center-align{margin-bottom:20px;width:100% !important}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper.image-right-align{float:right;margin-left:25px} </style> <br /><div class="postpresso-article" data-article-id="535"><h2><br /></h2><div class="postpresso-collage"><img alt="Collage_wlkhh2cegik944ktq3i7tg20140529-2-u3zdivjpg?1401367618" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/collages/535/collage_wLkHh2CEgik944kTQ3I7tg20140529-2-u3zdivjpg?1401367618" height="366" width="640" />Last week on YUMeating I shared<a href="http://yumeating.com/grill-time-readysetribs/" target="_blank"> 8 fun gifts for a foodie father</a>. I thought I would share a post here with my readers because I know a lot of you have food fathers who also love to read. These gift baskets are perfect alone or paired with their favorite book.</div><br />Has your dad become a food snob? Has he developed and refined his taste buds? Does he like fine cheese, wine, even health food? Pick the perfect foodie basket from this list. He will find it fun, yummy and unique.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="product-wrapper"><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3095"><h4>Gourmet Food Gift</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=1436477012&mt=1~1~24.99~24.99~24.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367263&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=c6648494799450605a740e5356452519&ret=1401367263&k=c5b52e448f31eea083e23d5d19906d61" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="1436477012_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3095/1436477012_260.jpg?1401367263" /></a></div>Your dad will be defenseless against this gift. Artfully arranged gourmet treats, such as crisp all-natural cookies, plump golden pretzels, and premium Virginia peanuts.<br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=1436477012&mt=1~1~24.99~24.99~24.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367263&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=c6648494799450605a740e5356452519&ret=1401367263&k=c5b52e448f31eea083e23d5d19906d61" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Gourmet Food Gift</a> - $24.99, 10.49 shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=1436477012&mt=1~1~24.99~24.99~24.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367263&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=c6648494799450605a740e5356452519&ret=1401367263&k=c5b52e448f31eea083e23d5d19906d61" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">GourmetGiftBaskets.com</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3096"><h4>Healthy Food Basket</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=1436477016&mt=1~1~24.99~24.99~24.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367264&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d894b87793b3ed5f881ea8032c805053&ret=1401367264&k=0f73479db88cab8caf560a682c74e6e8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="1436477016_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3096/1436477016_260.jpg?1401367264" /></a></div>Health food that actually tastes good. In this gorgeous willow branch basket, we’ve collected an assortment of delightful gourmet treats that aren’t just tasty…but good for you too! Complete with honey-infused dipping pretzels, sweet almond biscuits, and filling trail mix.<br /><ul><li>Banana Chips by GourmetGiftBaskets.com - 4 oz.</li><li>Gourmet Twisted Honey Wheat Dipping Pretzels by East Shore Specialty Foods - 5 oz.</li><li>White Birch Pinkhams Nosh Trail Mix - 4 oz.</li><li>Original Almondina Biscuits - .7 oz.</li><li>Metropolitan Trail Mix by GourmetGiftBaskets.com - 4 oz.</li></ul><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=1436477016&mt=1~1~24.99~24.99~24.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367264&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d894b87793b3ed5f881ea8032c805053&ret=1401367264&k=0f73479db88cab8caf560a682c74e6e8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Healthy Food Basket</a> - $24.99, 10.49 shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=1436477016&mt=1~1~24.99~24.99~24.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367264&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d894b87793b3ed5f881ea8032c805053&ret=1401367264&k=0f73479db88cab8caf560a682c74e6e8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GourmetGiftBaskets.com</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3097"><h4>Red Wine Gift Basket</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-right-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=751590341&mt=1~1~69.99~69.99~69.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367265&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b0bd46c67cf355c27344cc15ad3692a0&ret=1401367265&k=acc2e468680238bc885d534773378ce3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="751590341_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3097/751590341_260.jpg?1401367265" /></a></div>A beautiful combination of red wine and gourmet food. It contains the wonderful Ravenswood Cabernet, Cabernet wine biscuits, Hickory & Maple smoked cheese, a delicious summer sausage, tomato bruschetta, and amazing olive oil & sea salt crackers.<br /><br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=751590341&mt=1~1~69.99~69.99~69.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367265&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b0bd46c67cf355c27344cc15ad3692a0&ret=1401367265&k=acc2e468680238bc885d534773378ce3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Wine Gift Basket</a> - $69.99, 10.49 shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=10503&z=20001&m=751590341&mt=1~1~69.99~69.99~69.99~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367265&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b0bd46c67cf355c27344cc15ad3692a0&ret=1401367265&k=acc2e468680238bc885d534773378ce3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GourmetGiftBaskets.com</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3099"><h4>Wine Gift Basket - Around the World</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1029&z=20001&m=63107711&mt=1~1~129.95~129.95~129.95~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367266&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=85e6df82a31d20d346d961f9680c16b0&ret=1401367266&k=c87b91b4a30c8325583808627353df2d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="63107711_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3099/63107711_260.jpg?1401367266" /></a></div>A bestseller for five years running and drawing rave reviews year after year, this impressive gift features two fine international wines, extraordinary food from around the world and an unforgettable keepsake trunk.<br />Two acclaimed international appellations - Italy's Tormaresca Red Blend and France's Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Gamay - are accompanied by a rich gourmet spread including Chianti Wine Salami, Auberge Brie Cheese, Spanish Manzanilla Olives, Mt. Vikos Red Pepper & Feta Spread, Saraivanov Smoked Salmon, Cary's Toffee Fingers, and more.<br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1029&z=20001&m=63107711&mt=1~1~129.95~129.95~129.95~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367266&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=85e6df82a31d20d346d961f9680c16b0&ret=1401367266&k=c87b91b4a30c8325583808627353df2d" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Wine Gift Basket - Around the World</a> - $129.95, See Site shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1029&z=20001&m=63107711&mt=1~1~129.95~129.95~129.95~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367266&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=85e6df82a31d20d346d961f9680c16b0&ret=1401367266&k=c87b91b4a30c8325583808627353df2d" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">GiftTree.com</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3098"><h4>Wine Gift Basket - California Signature</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1029&z=20001&m=30381013&mt=1~1~174.95~174.95~174.95~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367266&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d71f23750ef33c833f4f585b265cfe93&ret=1401367266&k=c3ad5e3b3547e48093fd5288676c1d47" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="30381013_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3098/30381013_260.jpg?1401367265" /></a></div>This gift contains three notable wines from each of California's most famous wine growing regions are featured in a maroon leather tote with secure lid and sturdy metal buckle.<br />Nestled snugly with the wines they'll find a treasure trove of gourmet delicacies for pairing such as Signature Smoked Salmon, Busetto Dry Salami con Vino, Gourmet Stoneground Mustard, Fancy Baked Pretzels, Dolcetto Chocolate Wafer Rolls, Snickerdoodle Cookies and eight other specialty foods.<br /><br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1029&z=20001&m=30381013&mt=1~1~174.95~174.95~174.95~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367266&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d71f23750ef33c833f4f585b265cfe93&ret=1401367266&k=c3ad5e3b3547e48093fd5288676c1d47" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wine Gift Basket - California Signature</a> - $149.95, See Site shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1029&z=20001&m=30381013&mt=1~1~174.95~174.95~174.95~~~salesbump_nXn-Ry7iCKK7gaf5qv_WpQ~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401367266&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=d71f23750ef33c833f4f585b265cfe93&ret=1401367266&k=c3ad5e3b3547e48093fd5288676c1d47" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GiftTree.com</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div></div>Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for <a href="http://www.postpresso.com/">Postpresso</a>.</div><pre style="display: none; visibility: hidden;"><script src="http://write.postpresso.com/js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /></pre>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89466832027184014602014-05-29T08:40:00.000-04:002014-05-29T08:40:27.089-04:00Lipsticks for Pale Complexions {like me!}<style type="text/css">.postpresso-article{color:#333;font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif}.postpresso-article .clearfix:after{content:" ";visibility:hidden;display:block;height:0;clear:both}.postpresso-article .postpresso-collage{margin-bottom:35px}.postpresso-article .product-wrapper{margin-top:25px}.postpresso-article .product-widget{margin-bottom:30px}.postpresso-article h2{margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:20px;font-size:24px;font-weight:700}.postpresso-article h4{line-height:140%;margin-bottom:20px;font-weight:700}.postpresso-article p{font-size:14px;line-height:150%}.postpresso-article p a{color:#0F7ED6;text-decoration:none}.postpresso-article p a:hover{background:none;text-decoration:underline}.postpresso-article .image-caption-display{margin-top:10px;display:inline-block;color:#666}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper{text-align:center}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper a{display:block}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper.image-left-align{float:left;margin-right:25px}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper.image-center-align{margin-bottom:20px;width:100% !important}.postpresso-article .image-wrapper.image-right-align{float:right;margin-left:25px} </style> <br /><div class="postpresso-article" data-article-id="534"><h2><br /></h2><div class="postpresso-collage"><img alt="Collage_axmjoaqvlgdtggrtxzgbkg20140529-2-1utfj38jpg?1401367000" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/collages/534/collage_axMjOAQVlGDtgGRtxZgbkg20140529-2-1utfj38jpg?1401367000" height="366" width="640" /></div>The best lipstick colors for pale complexions are those that are fresh rather than overpowering. Deep, bold lipstick colors can be suitable when drama is required or a sharp image is needed for a photography shoot. Softer shades however, can be the most flattering for everyday wear.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="product-wrapper"><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3087"><h4>Incognito Lipstick Vibe Pink - Grrl Toyz</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1405028603&mt=1~1~11.99~11.99~11.99~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366921&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=c3aa26293b9a54c6cb79bd81c32a23e8&ret=1401366921&k=a0843bd5021443f3f2b9e04c9f10b8d4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="1405028603_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3087/1405028603_260.jpg?1401366920" /></a></div>Pink colored lipstick can help women with a pale complexion look healthy and vibrant. Care needs to be taken so that the pink color chosen doesn’t have a white undertone, unless a 1960s look is required. The best pink shades to choose range from those that are slightly darker in contrast to skin tone to those that are far warmer.<br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1405028603&mt=1~1~11.99~11.99~11.99~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366921&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=c3aa26293b9a54c6cb79bd81c32a23e8&ret=1401366921&k=a0843bd5021443f3f2b9e04c9f10b8d4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Incognito Lipstick Vibe Pink - Grrl Toyz</a> - $11.99, Free shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1405028603&mt=1~1~11.99~11.99~11.99~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366921&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=c3aa26293b9a54c6cb79bd81c32a23e8&ret=1401366921&k=a0843bd5021443f3f2b9e04c9f10b8d4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com Marketplace</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3093"><h4>Color Lip Last Sephora 05 Rose Bouquet - Reddish Pink</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1397087862&mt=1~1~27.90~27.90~27.90~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366925&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b89de66fed3d5457e8d634ae60150b82&ret=1401366925&k=c12459c712edaaca6b6383df18850075" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="1397087862_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3093/1397087862_260.jpg?1401366925" /></a></div>Rose pink can be especially flattering on women with very pale skin, and tends to look great on individuals with delicate features and blond to mid brown hair. Women with darker hair may find they need to define their lips a little more, and a dusky rose or deeper plum color lipstick will do the trick.<br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1397087862&mt=1~1~27.90~27.90~27.90~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366925&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b89de66fed3d5457e8d634ae60150b82&ret=1401366925&k=c12459c712edaaca6b6383df18850075" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Color Lip Last Sephora 05 Rose Bouquet - Reddish Pink</a> - $36.00, 4.49 shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1397087862&mt=1~1~27.90~27.90~27.90~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366925&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=b89de66fed3d5457e8d634ae60150b82&ret=1401366925&k=c12459c712edaaca6b6383df18850075" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com Marketplace</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3092"><h4>Mac Lipstick- Relentlessly Red From Retro Matte Fall 2013 Collection</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1687&z=20001&m=1270631865&mt=1~1~16.00~16.00~16.00~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366925&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=f0b38c354d1333a67e99a443b2272b47&ret=1401366925&k=98de30a7707e79387e97115292daaff4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="1270631865_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3092/1270631865_260.jpg?1401366924" /></a></div>Red colored lipstick can be daring next to a pale skin tone. Therefore, unless this is the wearer’s aim, subtle reds that have an orange, rather than blue-based undertone tend to achieve the most appealing result.<br />A great method for applying red lipstick to achieve a natural looking effect is to use a fingertip to spread color over lips. This results in lips appearing flushed rather than heavily made-up.<br /><br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1687&z=20001&m=1270631865&mt=1~1~16.00~16.00~16.00~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366925&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=f0b38c354d1333a67e99a443b2272b47&ret=1401366925&k=98de30a7707e79387e97115292daaff4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mac Lipstick- Relentlessly Red From Retro Matte Fall 2013 Collection</a> - $16.00, Free shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=1687&z=20001&m=1270631865&mt=1~1~16.00~16.00~16.00~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366925&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=f0b38c354d1333a67e99a443b2272b47&ret=1401366925&k=98de30a7707e79387e97115292daaff4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nordstrom</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3094"><h4>Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor Magnificent Mauve</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=885&z=20001&m=1015054505&mt=1~1~5.59~5.59~5.59~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366926&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=e27c8542eae1c73478ed231dc3595e47&ret=1401366926&k=89bb2b11efe1cf69ed5572e624cadae4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="1015054505_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3094/1015054505_260.jpg?1401366926" /></a></div>Women with pale skin need to be wary of using purple-based lipstick colors. Subtlety is the key to achieving the best result. Gentle plum-toned mauve colors, rather than blue-based purple tones, are the most flattering.<br /><br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=885&z=20001&m=1015054505&mt=1~1~5.59~5.59~5.59~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366926&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=e27c8542eae1c73478ed231dc3595e47&ret=1401366926&k=89bb2b11efe1cf69ed5572e624cadae4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor Magnificent Mauve</a> - $5.59, 5.02 shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=885&z=20001&m=1015054505&mt=1~1~5.59~5.59~5.59~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366926&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=e27c8542eae1c73478ed231dc3595e47&ret=1401366926&k=89bb2b11efe1cf69ed5572e624cadae4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Target.com</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3088"><h4>Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolor, Coral, .09 oz</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=944473472&mt=1~1~10.99~10.99~10.99~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366921&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=16d9204ed8992c8a7f4382e2c96e28e8&ret=1401366921&k=85f735d0e3f73c73c6e1aff41df87c53" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="944473472_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3088/944473472_260.jpg?1401366921" /></a></div>Just like white-based pink tones, orange lipstick colors can appear old fashioned and stale. Warm, pink-based orange lipstick colors can be flattering.<br /><br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=944473472&mt=1~1~10.99~10.99~10.99~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366921&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=16d9204ed8992c8a7f4382e2c96e28e8&ret=1401366921&k=85f735d0e3f73c73c6e1aff41df87c53" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolor, Coral, .09 oz</a> - $10.70, Free shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=944473472&mt=1~1~10.99~10.99~10.99~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366921&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=16d9204ed8992c8a7f4382e2c96e28e8&ret=1401366921&k=85f735d0e3f73c73c6e1aff41df87c53" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com Marketplace</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3090"><h4>New York Colorsensational Lipstick, Mochachino 310, 0.15 oz (4.2 g) Browns 0.15 oz (4.2 g)&&</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=402&z=20001&m=922252327&mt=1~1~5.49~5.49~5.49~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366923&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=956ed9969946f447b0785ee353c33478&ret=1401366923&k=6642e54a0c6642f00bd2626f2b4de40b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="922252327_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3090/922252327_260.jpg?1401366922" /></a></div>Brown lipstick colors are not generally attractive next to pale-toned skin. Colors that appear muddy provide an unflattering result. Women who love brown-based lipstick can benefit from adopting a warm, plum-based brown that is light in tone, or mixing subtle brown lipstick with pink.<br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=402&z=20001&m=922252327&mt=1~1~5.49~5.49~5.49~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366923&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=956ed9969946f447b0785ee353c33478&ret=1401366923&k=6642e54a0c6642f00bd2626f2b4de40b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York Colorsensational Lipstick, Mochachino 310, 0.15 oz (4.2 g) Browns 0.15 oz (4.2 g)&&</a> - $5.49, 5.48 shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~10&r=402&z=20001&m=922252327&mt=1~1~5.49~5.49~5.49~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~y~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366923&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=956ed9969946f447b0785ee353c33478&ret=1401366923&k=6642e54a0c6642f00bd2626f2b4de40b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3089"><h4>Colour Riche Lipstick, Raisin Rapture (Plum Burgundy) 892 0.13 oz</h4><div class="image-wrapper image-left-align" style="width: 260px;"><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1483251573&mt=1~1~79.49~79.49~79.49~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366922&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=65caeef11ffbdd48614bc37f30f66a24&ret=1401366922&k=993bf36b9853c3f36dedeb66e18dec69" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="1483251573_260" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/postpresso_images_prod/3089/1483251573_260.jpg?1401366922" /></a></div>Burgundy lipstick can achieve a completely different result to subtle pink. Burgundy is a warm color, although not as severe as red. Used sparingly, it can add color and depth so that lips are more noticeable without makeup looking too obvious.<br /><a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1483251573&mt=1~1~79.49~79.49~79.49~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366922&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=65caeef11ffbdd48614bc37f30f66a24&ret=1401366922&k=993bf36b9853c3f36dedeb66e18dec69" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colour Riche Lipstick, Raisin Rapture (Plum Burgundy) 892 0.13 oz</a> - $79.49, 4.49 shipping - Available at <a data-postpresso-clickable="true" href="http://salesbump.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=~~9&r=5316&z=20001&m=1483251573&mt=1~1~79.49~79.49~79.49~~~salesbump__pNrPLsE6qssVHuDoWWq1A~n~~~~~&q=n&rdgt=1401366922&dl=1&source=xmlapi&request_id=65caeef11ffbdd48614bc37f30f66a24&ret=1401366922&k=993bf36b9853c3f36dedeb66e18dec69" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com Marketplace</a><br /><br clear="all" /></div><div class="product-widget clearfix" data-product-widget-id="3091">Women with a pale complexion have plenty of colors to choose from, depending on their mood and choice of venue. By avoiding brash colors and favoring subtle, fresh tones, women can achieve a great appearance with lipstick.<br /><br clear="all" /></div></div>Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for <a href="http://www.postpresso.com/">Postpresso</a>.</div><pre style="display: none; visibility: hidden;"><script src="http://write.postpresso.com/js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /></pre>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88699329277619220202014-05-19T19:24:00.000-04:002014-10-03T21:46:03.901-04:00The Beginning of Team Ignite and Thrive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkBvecEJk7Y/U30xhhefNMI/AAAAAAAAPGk/i_bdlGF6UEw/s1600/10170827_669616439766192_2270769962488690016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkBvecEJk7Y/U30xhhefNMI/AAAAAAAAPGk/i_bdlGF6UEw/s1600/10170827_669616439766192_2270769962488690016_n.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div><br /><br />Everyone talks about eating right, portion control and working out.<br /><br />Easier said than done for some people. <br /><br /><div>Some people need the tools that these companies or, hey, even going to GNC can offer. <br /><br />Sometimes you need to control your appetite.<br /><br />Sometimes you need some energy.<br /><br />Sometimes you need something like glucosamine to get past the pain to even move.<a name='more'></a><br />Sometimes people face illnesses, disease and general health conditions which makes losing weight a lot harder than just eating right and working out.<br /><br />I see a lot of people being judges about a person's journey.<br /><br />That we DONT need.<br /><br />I suffer from PCOS. It causes me to be insulin resistance.<br /><br />I suffer from degenerative disc disease. Once upon a time I was thinner and a runner. That all stopped when the pain set in. <br /><br />Now, my body is all of whack.<br /><br />Couple of years ago I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hips.<br /><br />Now, I am crooked. My right shoulder has dropped and my body has sort of a C shape to it. <br /><br />I could lose weight if I could get the PCOS under control. I could lose weight if the pain would go away. The pain would reduce if I could lose weight.<br /><b><br />You see my circle?</b><br /><br />I have tried everything. Nutristystem at the age of 15 when you had to go into the centers. It worked. But, I got a desk job after receiving my Associates and the weight came back. I joined Weight Watchers, started running, lost the weight, made Lifetime. Then, pain set in. Then the PCOS whacked out my body. Then all the other problems. Now, here I am, almost 39 and heavier than I have ever been.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tried Nutrisystem a few more times. Was even part of their <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem">Bloggers Nation</a>. Tried Weight Watchers again, TOPS, Green Smoothies, meal replacement, ACE/Saba, Advocare (I was selling this stuff back in the day when there were only about 300 people signed up!) Shaklee, Herbalife, Metabolife, Hydroxy Cut, SlimQuick, Shakeology/Beachbody.... I've done store brand shakes, GNC stuff, and everything in between. I either hated the food, got the jitters, couldn't sleep, or thought their powder tasted like crap. <br /><br />PCOS is my worst nightmare.<br /><br />Then someone sent me a sample of Le-vel Thrive. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/04/team-ignite-sample-days-1-3.html">I tried it for 3 days</a> and think I cried when I ran out. <br /></div><div>Their shake mix is the best tasting shake mix I have ever tried. I did not get the jitters. The glucosamine in the supplements was the best idea ever! I have a good feeling that the longer I stick with these supplements, the better I will feel. Just like so many others who have gone before me.<br /><br /><br />Today, I decide to extend my customer membership into brand promoter and I can't wait for my stuff to arrive.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66291690902933805472014-05-15T07:00:00.000-04:002014-05-15T07:00:09.359-04:00From Sex Appeal to Self Appeal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lW9788Sr6dc/U3O8adgEA2I/AAAAAAAAOz8/E9WlBuHReFA/s1600/From+Sex+Appeal+to+Self+Appeal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lW9788Sr6dc/U3O8adgEA2I/AAAAAAAAOz8/E9WlBuHReFA/s1600/From+Sex+Appeal+to+Self+Appeal.png" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1jgsHEM" target="_blank">From Sex Appeal to Self Appeal</a> by Susan Bremer O'Neill landed on my desk by Outskirts Press. When it sailed in, I had no idea what to expect. There are a few companies and publishing houses where I am given a list and I can pick which book I would like to review. In this case, a friend of mine contacted me who works for OP and had a few authors seeking reviewers. It was a bit more of a mystery as to what was going to be brought to the table.<br /><br />I've read a lot of biographies and memoirs in my time. There's just something about peeking into the life of someone else. Sometimes it's because they've gone through a similar situation in life. Sometimes its just because their tale looks interesting. I've also read my share of celebrity stories. I like to be "in-the-know." ;)<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>This story felt different somehow.<br /><br />From Sex Appeal to Self Appeal is more than just a personal memoir. It's an awakening. It's self-help, even if not realized at first.<br /><br />Susan is the product of a military family who moved from one end of the globe to the next. The beginning chapters share the details of the military life, how the moves changed her. Rather than learn to deal with her emotions, she was taught to push them aside and pour out happiness, despite all circumstances.<br /><br />O'Neill found it hard to make friends, knowing she would soon leave them. It was easier to turn to drugs to numb the pain and become promiscuous to dull her senses.<br /><br />What comes next is a story that comes full circle.<br /><br />Despite the chaos around her, Susan was rather smart and went on to become a scientist. But, after 12 years, she realized there had to be a way for her to break out of the life she had created for herself.<br /><br />At the age of 34, Susan broke free of the drugs and alcohol that bound her. She quit her smarty pants job and became an exotic dancer, embracing the sensual and sexual person that lived within.<br />Breaking free from her chains, O'Neill was able to discover and handle her true emotions. With every opportunity that presented itself, it became a learning experience.<br /><br />From that, the professional speaker and self-relationship coach was born. The phrase "you've come a long way baby" works well here. Check out <a href="http://www.selfappeal.com/" target="_blank">Susan's website</a> for more information about Self Appeal and how you can find yours. Check out the book <a href="http://amzn.to/1jgsHEM" target="_blank">on Amazon</a>.<br /><br />I actually took a lot from this book. I enjoyed that Susan was so descriptive and brutally honest about her life. Often I'll read true stories where the author will sugar coat or leave out important facts. I know many of them do this for fear of being judged or perhaps they are too afraid to put it all out there. Susan's not. Her words are tough and often thought provoking as you are left wondering what you would do if you were in her shoes. There's no judgement, but often, wonder.<br /><br /><b>Despite your past, despite your today, despite your tomorrow, you are good enough. For anything you want to do or need in life.</b><br /><br />After I embraced the final page and closed the book I knew there was something I needed to do.<br /><br />In 1997, I sat down and began my own memoir. While I have looked at it a few times over the years, the original still lurks on an old floppy disc. Waiting for me to retrieve it. I've started my story more times that I can count and I've made plans to gather my journals from my mother's home more often than not. After <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/05/closing-this-chapter-in-life.html" target="_blank">my father's passing,</a> I felt that chapter could finally be closed. Perhaps, I now have an ending to<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank"> my own story </a>after all. Although, I'll often wonder about my biological father, half brother and half sister, I believe my story should be shared. If I can help just one more person, it's all worth it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48597330789782092132014-05-14T13:10:00.000-04:002014-05-14T13:20:52.100-04:00And Life Comes Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YUPLSWmeO0/U3OfpZTf75I/AAAAAAAAOzM/sJBDcFloA5o/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YUPLSWmeO0/U3OfpZTf75I/AAAAAAAAOzM/sJBDcFloA5o/s1600/download.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>I've been sitting on this book review for <a href="http://amzn.to/QJte5p" target="_blank">And Live Comes Back by Tricia Lott Williford</a>, for a while. Not too long though, maybe a few weeks. When I decided to review it, judging from the synopsis, it was something that I felt I could benefit from reading.<br /><br />I'm not sure why I kept putting off reading it. I know that sometimes it's hard for me to find time to sit down with a good book and really have some peace and quiet to enjoy it. This week, I found time.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I started reading a few chapters on Monday night. Tuesday morning I wrapped it up while walking on the treadmill.<br /><br />It was the perfect time to be reading it.<br /><br />I've known for quite some time that my estranged <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/04/atozchallenge-u-is-for-unique.html" target="_blank">father was ill</a>. I also knew when he was facing his last days. I still haven't been told by anyone of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/05/closing-this-chapter-in-life.html" target="_blank">his passing</a>, and I doubt anyone will reach out to me.<br /><br />This book, I thought, would help me with that in some way. What I read was a whole different story.<br /><br />You see, the cousin that caused me so much drama has her own story to tell. After many years of trying for children, they lost their first. They were able to conceive shortly after, and now have a wonderful son. Sadly, last year, the husband unexpectedly lost his life. Unable to cope, the son has gone on to live with her sister. She hasn't been able to get control of her life. Somewhere along the way all her regrets started to eat at her and she kept on me about how I am going to regret not saying goodbye to my father.<br /><br />Again, I stated, what happened to me did not happen to you. And that was the start of the downfall.<br /><br />As I read this book, I cried. I cried for the cousin that is choosing to let life get her down. I read a story of a woman who lost her husband unexpectedly and was left alone to care for their two young boys. The story, such a mirror image.<br /><br />Tricia Lott Williford's story is a tale to be told. For anyone who has lost a loved one close, or maybe not close, to them. Tricia grieved for the loss of her husband. But she never once gave up being a mom. Williford did everything she had to do and found her peace in God. Her story is sad, but beautiful. It's heartbreaking, but heart warming.<br /><br />Tricia shows us that life goes on after death. She shows us that old things take on new beauty. It's ok to cry, its ok to laugh, and its ok to someday, love again.<br /><br />I wish I could get it in my cousins' hands somehow.<br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9658296875961859452014-05-13T18:58:00.000-04:002014-10-03T21:46:45.658-04:00Hello Treadmill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA4Atcpl9kc/U30v32XWhMI/AAAAAAAAPGc/vVNVvh42CWw/s1600/10247339_795751227109197_6772261989222419756_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA4Atcpl9kc/U30v32XWhMI/AAAAAAAAPGc/vVNVvh42CWw/s1600/10247339_795751227109197_6772261989222419756_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>I don't really have much to say today.<br /><br />Just wanted to share my photo. That's me. Super slow walk.<br /><br />60 minutes. 571 calories burned.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82547057298845576972014-05-12T15:05:00.001-04:002014-05-12T15:05:18.989-04:00Closing This Chapter in Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mb1mKkJrJp8/U3ETZQrCDoI/AAAAAAAAOts/5UrHfPYLOyU/s1600/1e2748760ed3a8845987bd40212c8e3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mb1mKkJrJp8/U3ETZQrCDoI/AAAAAAAAOts/5UrHfPYLOyU/s1600/1e2748760ed3a8845987bd40212c8e3c.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>For those of you who were reading along in the A to Z Challenge, you caught a glimpse of my life in dealing with the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/04/atozchallenge-u-is-for-unique.html" target="_blank">aftermath of sexual abuse</a>. In those words, you learned of my own personal challenge I was facing in regards to my dying father.<br /><br />It was a struggle for me. But in the end I felt it was best for me to not open the door and see him. I know there are those out there who might find that heartless, and it is easy to judge when you don't know the whole story or when you have not been through what I went through.<br /><br /><b>What happened to me did not happen to you. </b><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />No one told me about my fathers death. The cousin I was once close too is no longer. She did not love or respect me enough to value my decision. That's fine. I'll mourn her as well. This is not the first time she has left me, but it will be the last. I will not allow her back in. Every time she comes back she brings me bad news and somehow manages to hurt me and throw stones in the paths of my life.<br /><br />I found out Thursday that my father had passed. But I had no idea what day. I had assumed it was Wednesday. On Friday morning, I had found the obit. Day of passing was Sunday May 4. The last day I spoke to that cousin was on Saturday May 3. I spoke with her sister Monday or Tuesday. No one told me of his passing.<br /><br /><b>Not that I really expected them to. </b><br /><b><br /></b>I missed the funeral. Not that I am sure I would have went. But, no one gave me that choice.<br /><br />This was my Facebook post last week:<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">I've been thinking all day about some words to say. I have nothing. Maybe, I just have too many thoughts to process. I just found this a few hours ago. I put this here, to thank those of you who have been my shoulder these last few weeks. H</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">is time has passed. I do not cry for his death. I cry for the man I so desperately wanted him and needed him to be. I cry for the man who made drugs a priority. As a result of his actions, I paid the price. I cry for the husband my mother should have had. Now, I can only pray that he sought forgiveness in his time of need and found peace in God. I choose to believe he is now in heaven, free from the shackles of the drugs that bound him. Free from the lies that consumed him. Free from the cancer that killed him. </span><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #4f4733; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td><span class="heading" style="color: #e8dec3; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="obitname" style="font-family: CartoGothicStdBook, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal;"><strong>Larry R. Schramm</strong></span></span><br /><span class="content" style="color: #e8dec3; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="obitlink" style="color: white; font-family: CartoGothicStdBook, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">(August 19, 1956 - May 4, 2014)</span> </span><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="5" src="http://kendallfuneralhome.net/images/spacer.gif" width="1" /><br /><a class="flowerlink" href="http://www.ftd.com/bv10597/?enc_str=KlkcEQR8RFNVa1Y6KzoxUBkLQBocTyNBNiUoUWQUIyItXBhTWCoTUl5rUTAuZWlLNgNGEVhPPFs2%0APChREQ0iIHEXBR1WIBJeRSlVOCw5NQAwVxQMAAUjQTYlKFE%3D%0A" style="background-color: #2a281b; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; color: white; font-family: CartoGothicStdBook, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1px; padding: 1px 5px; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: rgb(102, 102, 102) 0px 0px 1px;" target="_blank">Send Flowers</a> <a class="flowerlink" href="http://kendallfuneralhome.net/fh/vendor_redirect.cfm?nav_id=47&tv_id=5&url=https://www.expressionsofsympathycards.com/?bccstring=RCwcNi9YSzUxNTAwMiZmaF9pZD0xMDU5NyZmYV9mbmFtZT0mZmFfbG5hbWU9JmZhX21uYW1lPSZmYV9hZGRyZXNzPSZmYV9jaXR5PSZmYV9zdGF0ZT0mZmFfemlwPSZmYV9kZWNlYXNlZF9uYW1lPUxhcnJ5IFIuIFNjaHJhbW0mbG9jX2FkZHJlc3MxPTMxNiBXLiBCZWxsZSBBdmUuJmxvY19hZGRyZXNzMj0mbG9jX2NpdHk9U3QuIENoYXJsZXMmbG9jX3N0YXRlPU1JJmxvY19wb3N0YWxfY29kZT00ODY1NSZsb2NfbmFtZT1LZW5kYWxsIEZ1bmVyYWwgSG9tZSwgSW5jLiZsb2NfaWQ9MjMwNiZhbGxvd19maD0wJg==" style="background-color: #2a281b; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; color: white; font-family: CartoGothicStdBook, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1px; padding: 1px 5px; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: rgb(102, 102, 102) 0px 0px 1px;" target="_blank">Send Sympathy Card</a><br />Guest Book <span class="obitlink" style="color: white; font-family: CartoGothicStdBook, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">| </span>Sign Guest Book <span class="obitlink" style="color: white; font-family: CartoGothicStdBook, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">| </span>Send Private Condolences<img align="right" alt="Larry R. Schramm" border="0" hspace="10" src="http://kendallfuneralhome.net/fh_live/10500/10597/images/obituaries/2515002.jpg" width="150" /><br /><div class="content" style="color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; padding-right: 10px;"><div align="justify"></div>Passed away Sunday, May 4, 2014 at home surrounded by family and loved ones. Age 57 years. Larry was born August 19, 1956 in Saginaw to Edward and Marian (Dingam) Schramm. He was a welder for 30 years and a truck driver.<br /><br />Surviving is a daughter, Chrystal (Matt) McConnell; three sisters, Fay (Eugene) Wright, Diana (Bill) McConnaughhy, Beverly (Jim) Eaton; two brothers, James (Shirley) Schramm and Charles (Mildred) Schramm and several nieces and nephews.<br /><br /><strong>The family would like to thank Cartwright Center and Covenant Visiting Nurses Association with a special thank you to Janet and all the Hospice staff.</strong><br /><br />Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Kendall Funeral Home, St. Charles. Rev. R. B. Ouellette will officiate with burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I honestly did not expect to be in the obit. We have not spoken in about 7 years and when my divorced was finalized I went to my mothers maiden name, not my previous name. </div><div><br /></div><div>My story is long and somewhat complicated. I've decided that now that that part of my life has come to an end, its much like the final chapter. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to someday complete my story. As over the years, I have had so many people reach out to me and tell me "thank you" for sharing my tale. That it has helped them somehow. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was Mother's Day and I spent the day with my mom. I know my mother carries the weight of the world on her shoulders when it comes to me. I know she is always going to carry that guilt of not knowing what was happening to me until it was too late. I know she carries the guilt of never telling me he wasn't my biological father (the cousin from above told me all on her own). But as we sat on her front porch last night, listening to the birds chirp and the chimes chime, we discussed the burial down the road. </div><div><br /></div><div>Within walking distance of my mother's home, (once my grandparents) is the cemetery where my beloved grandparents, family members and family friends are laid to rest. In another corner lays my other grandparents, and now next to them, their son. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7D9DQ_B0cU/U3EU2e3qEFI/AAAAAAAAOt4/jmqUQ2oy76U/s1600/10314019_1417773195161244_4391639962946443797_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7D9DQ_B0cU/U3EU2e3qEFI/AAAAAAAAOt4/jmqUQ2oy76U/s1600/10314019_1417773195161244_4391639962946443797_n.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I choose to remember the good that was inside of him. I will continue to pray that he is at peace and that someday, I'll find mine. I'm much better today than I was last week. And I know, I'll be better in time. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52441179927057783942014-05-08T19:58:00.002-04:002014-05-08T19:58:41.515-04:00yesTools for ProductivityWorking from home can be full of distractions and sometimes your productivity can be a bit off-balance.<br /><br />Pandora - it's free. I know many can listen to music while they work. Depending on the type of work you do this could be a great option. When I am working on photos for YUMeating I don't have a problem with music. But there are days when my words and thoughts are all over the place and listening to music makes it worse. I'll start signing in my head and typing that instead of the thoughts for my post.<br /><br />True story.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV9-Q_aKrDI/U2wZ7GiGi2I/AAAAAAAAOlM/i1LZfbKlfbg/s1600/Coffitivity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV9-Q_aKrDI/U2wZ7GiGi2I/AAAAAAAAOlM/i1LZfbKlfbg/s1600/Coffitivity.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Coffivity - <a href="http://coffitivity.com/">http://coffitivity.com/</a><br /><br />My favorite is the <a href="http://rainycafe.com/" target="_blank">Rainy Cafe </a>website. You have your choice of Rain or Cafe. The cafe sounds a bit more like a diner and a little less like a coffee shop. There is no smartphone app for this site though.<br /><br />White Noise - <a href="http://www.tmsoft.com/iphone-whitenoise.html">http://www.tmsoft.com/iphone-whitenoise.html</a><br /><br />Also the Chrome App -<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDDrXUQRz4M/U2waJPKO50I/AAAAAAAAOlU/yG5JWjY9Aww/s1600/Pandora.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDDrXUQRz4M/U2waJPKO50I/AAAAAAAAOlU/yG5JWjY9Aww/s1600/Pandora.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Then there is Pandora.<br />I just opened my Spotify account a few weeks ago. I haven't fully jumped on the bandwagon. I love my Pandora channels.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55090183358959347532014-05-07T16:29:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:26:44.118-04:00Having Some Make-Over Fun with GlamST <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0vIpPUnyGg/U2qU3je60II/AAAAAAAAOiQ/My19osth19U/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0vIpPUnyGg/U2qU3je60II/AAAAAAAAOiQ/My19osth19U/s1600/me.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div> This is a photo of me. It's a few years old as some of you may notice I do not have the chest tattoo. I was given a chance to test out a new beauty website called <a href="https://www.glamst.com/" target="_blank">GlamST</a>. I am a very awkward girl when it comes to make-up. I don't think I ever quite mastered the art of applying eyeshadow correctly and I am afraid to try new shades and brands.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>If that is you, GlamST is the perfect fit. I tried to upload a different photo, but for some reason it did not want to work. So, I used the sideways pose.<br /><br />No problems. The application will guide you through setting up points on your photo for their program.<br /><br />Now, the after photo.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPgXyQtPry8/U2qU6ZqSEiI/AAAAAAAAOiY/Wt-D5uJ14aA/s1600/effectstripes-969d5c1c-85e5-468c-8c8e-d988816ed250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPgXyQtPry8/U2qU6ZqSEiI/AAAAAAAAOiY/Wt-D5uJ14aA/s1600/effectstripes-969d5c1c-85e5-468c-8c8e-d988816ed250.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know it looks a bit strange because I could not get the points to line up exactly with the sideways pose. But, it was still a lot of fun, and extremely helpful for me to pick out some new shades and products. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">GlamST wants to create a positive community where women can feel comfortable with their choices and who they are. I love that about them as I am all for body positivity and body acceptance. We are not all the same and should be respected for who we are, not what we look like. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The website has a simple sign up using Facebook or Google login. You <a href="https://glamst.com/VirtualTester/Productos?type=3&category=9" target="_blank">upload your photo</a>, go through the guide of lining up points on your eyes, face, and lips. Then you are free to roam all the different makeup options available.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I settled on some black eyeliner, black mascara, some nude blush, plum chocolate lips and green eyeshadow. Oh, and light base. I have always wanted to see what green glitter eyeshadow would look like on me. Pretty exciting, even if I didn't line my eyes up correctly. Darn that sideways photo! hahaha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It only takes a few seconds to try on the looks. You can add and share your looks. Another great feature is that you can easily get smart recommendations of what looks are similar so you don't have to dig around. It makes it easy to complete your beauty look. Once you have completed your look you can tweet and publish on your Facebook and even Pinterest to share your new look with everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The awkward girl in me is having a great time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I would love to see some of yours! Head on over to <a href="https://www.glamst.com/" target="_blank">GlamST</a> and when you are complete, tweet me @ChrystalMahan</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can't wait to see them! You'll find me in the <a href="https://glamst.com/VirtualTester/Looks" target="_blank">Blog Testers!</a> Join in the fun, I'll be testing some more colors!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Powered by BrandBacker. <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.brandbacker.com/bob_cl_tk.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">var search_me = '118_16119'; var scriptElems = document.getElementsByTagName('script'), i=scriptElems.length - 1, curLoc; for (; i; --i) { curLoc = scriptElems[i]; if ('innerText' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.innerText.indexOf(search_me)) break; }else if ('textContent' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.textContent.indexOf(search_me)) break; }} addImpression(118,16119);var clkHndlr = function(event) { addListenersForClickAround(118,16119, curLoc); };addEvent(window, 'load', clkHndlr);</script><input id="bob_camp_id_118" name="bob_camp_id" value="118" type="hidden"/><input name="bob_camp_mem_id" value="16119" type="hidden"/>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13491169484592088832014-05-05T20:25:00.000-04:002014-05-05T20:25:36.308-04:00yesAn Open Letter to HerDrama.<br />Drama is a real queen.<br />Or, she would like you to believe she is.<br />You see, Drama walks around on two legs and thrives off of your feelings. She'll string you along, build you up and find a way to knock you down. While down, she'll make you feel like the most disgusting human being ever. Nevermind the fact that Drama doesn't have any other job to do but be right there next to you.<br /><br />Drama came into my life at a young age, but we rarely spoke. After high school graduation, Drama and I found ourselves joined a little more. At the time, I felt Drama was showing me the world. Drama has done some bad things, but no matter what she did, I stuck beside her. Hand in hand, friend to friend.<br /><br />Then, in the blink of an eye, Drama was gone. Drama was locked away, key hidden, for a few years.<br /><br />You see, things were running along smoothly in my life. I had a great boyfriend. Lot's of friends. Moving along in my career. Made peace with my past.<br /><br />When Drama realized I was living a good life, she had to return.<br /><br />Drama brought news that she shouldn't have told and opened Pandora's Box. Drama changed my world with just one sentence.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16870849591678871642014-04-30T20:57:00.001-04:002014-05-13T17:38:27.286-04:00Another Blog Challenge! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyQmFMwpX6I/U2GbbsgyTwI/AAAAAAAAOP0/i6LYBOmrgCU/s1600/Nourish_NaBloPoMo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyQmFMwpX6I/U2GbbsgyTwI/AAAAAAAAOP0/i6LYBOmrgCU/s1600/Nourish_NaBloPoMo.jpg" /></a></div>UPDATE:<br />I won't be able to write two different posts on this subject! But keep reading to follow along with the topics!<br /><br /><br />I am going to be working with <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating </a> for this one since the months topic is Nourish.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><b>Click the dates to read the post over on YUM!</b><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/nablopomo-may-nourish-1/" target="_blank">Thursday, May 1, 2014</a></span><br />Tell us how you eat: do you sit down to three meals, eat several small meals, or grab a granola bar on the run?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/nablopomo-may-nourish-2/" target="_blank">Friday, May 2, 2014</a></span><br />Tell us how you wish you ate if it's different from your day-to-day reality.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/nablopomo-may-nourish-3/" target="_blank">Monday, May 5, 2014</a></span><br />Would you ever want a personal chef, or do you enjoy cooking your own meals?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/nablopomo-may-nourish-4-creating-recipes/" target="_blank">Tuesday, May 6, 2014</a></span><br />Have you ever invented your own recipe? Tell us about it (or your favourite one).</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/nablopomo-may-nourish-5-following-recipes/" target="_blank">Wednesday, May 7, 2014</a></span><br />Do you follow recipes to a T, or do you play around with recipes, making adjustments?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/nablopomo-may-nourish-6-favorite-cookbook/" target="_blank">Thursday, May 8, 2014</a></span><br />Tell us about your favourite cookbook.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/share-a-dinner-wth-anyone/" target="_blank">Friday, May 9, 2014</a></span><br />If you could have dinner with one celebrity chef whom would it be?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/balancing-nutrition-food-blogging/" target="_blank">Monday, May 12, 2014</a></span><br />How do you balance good nutrition and good taste?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/bad-food-club/" target="_blank">Tuesday, May 13, 2014</a></span><br />How often do you eat foods that you know are bad for your body?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Wednesday, May 14, 2014</span><br />What makes you eat something unhealthy?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Thursday, May 15, 2014</span><br />How often do you eat a meal from a restaurant? How do you decide when to cook or when to eat out?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Friday, May 16, 2014</span><br />Tell us about your favourite restaurant.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Monday, May 19, 2014</span><br />What do you do to nourish yourself apart from food?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Tuesday, May 20, 2014</span><br />Have you ever tried yoga or meditation? Tell us about your experience.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Wednesday, May 21, 2014</span><br />Do you feel nourished or drained by the act of writing?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Thursday, May 22, 2014</span><br />What do you do to nourish your soul when you feel emotionally depleted?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Friday, May 23, 2014</span><br />Do you like attending religious services?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Monday, May 26, 2014</span><br />Tell us your favourite summer food.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Tuesday, May 27, 2014</span><br />Do you prefer eating outside or inside?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Wednesday, May 28, 2014</span><br />Which food makes you feel happy when you eat it?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Thursday, May 29, 2014</span><br />Which food do you eat but only endure and not enjoy?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: latobold;">Friday, May 30, 2014</span><br />Would you feel nervous or confident cooking dinner for a professional chef?</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55357784106134491332014-04-30T18:34:00.000-04:002014-10-03T21:42:59.220-04:00Team Ignite: Sample Days 1 - 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeU05hzCOrs/U30rNxyKXeI/AAAAAAAAPGM/GWaXSkpOnyU/s1600/thrive+creamy+dreamy+shake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeU05hzCOrs/U30rNxyKXeI/AAAAAAAAPGM/GWaXSkpOnyU/s1600/thrive+creamy+dreamy+shake.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I wanted to write a quick note about my 3-Day trial experience with Le-Vel Thrive.<br /><br />In following the instructions, upon waking up, the first thing I did was take the Thrive Womens capsules on an empty stomach. 20 minutes later I made up this creamy dreamy greenie smoothie using the Thrive powder.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />That was the BEST smoothie I have ever had. It was so creamy and wonderful. I was so excited just from that first sip. I thought to myself that maybe I had found a winner.<br /><br />While I sipped my shake, I quickly put on my Thrive DFT Patch. I went about my day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUm35q5dE1c/U30thQ1019I/AAAAAAAAPGU/sv5f5iPYE-o/s1600/thriver+patch+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUm35q5dE1c/U30thQ1019I/AAAAAAAAPGU/sv5f5iPYE-o/s1600/thriver+patch+day+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />For months now, I have been plagued with huge amounts of pain. My migraines have been back in full force. My hip, back and shoulder pain have been worse. Sadly, it's starting to spread to my fingers. My weight has gone up at an alarming rate. I'm sure, due in part to my lack of mobility. It's been ages since I've been able to work out. I've been slipping a lot in my clean eating lowish carb path, too.<br /><br />I wasn't expecting miracles so I went into this with a complete open mind. I read more testimonies on the Le-Vel site with so many users talking about taking the 8-Week Challenge and how all these wonderful things were happening to them. Mostly, the pain that many used to have was greatly reduced.<br /><br />On <b>Day 1</b> I noticed that I went a little longer before my fingers started to give out from typing on the keyboard. I didn't have my usual 2-3pm slump and there was no afternoon headache.<br /><br />I'm also someone, almost 39, who goes pee a million times in the night. I suffer from PTSD which often sticks me with insomnia. I never get enough sleep.<br /><br />I slept through the night with only 1 bathroom break.<br /><br />On <b>Day 2 </b>they suggest not taking the shake. It's an every other day type thing. I did notice today wasn't like Day 1. I did some more research on the ingredients and noticed something familiar, glucosamine.<br /><br />Yup, I need that.<br /><br /><b>Day 3</b> was much like Day 1. I greeted myself with a morning breakfast of green cream and went about my day. I had less aches and pains.<br /><br />With a three day sample, it is really hard for me to really give a thorough review. I know there are some people who experience this sudden burst of energy. That did not happen to me, but those sudden bursts of energy for me usually mean sleepless nights, so maybe I am thankful it did not happen to me.<br /><br />I'm still not sure if I will buy more, although I do like that is has glucosamine in it and the powder tasted wonderful!<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89272474010690084462014-04-30T16:36:00.005-04:002014-04-30T16:36:47.259-04:00yesFree Software for Freelance Writers<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_12417838" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.700000762939453px; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px;"><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12417838" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>As a freelance writer there is generally one piece of software that we all need.</strong> Freelance writers need a word processing program. Some freelance clients offer the ability to write directly within their website, but this is not advisable. Too often I have seen freelance writers use this method, only to have a system error and lose all of their work. Using a word processing program and saving a hard copy can eliminate that problem.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>Freelance writers like the freedom and flexibility of working from home</strong>. Sometimes writers have to cut corners in order to make their work at home business profitable. Cutting corners does not mean one has to go without word processing software making them forever stuck in the world of a plain text editor.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>It is no secret that Microsoft Office carries a hefty price tag</strong>. If you are lucky, you might have a copy of Microsoft Works installed on your computer. If so, take advantage of it. With the program is a handy-dandy word processor. Granted, it does not have all the bells and whistles that Office has, but it also does not have the price tag. If you do not have a free copy, download.com offers Works 8 for $49.95</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Of course, those just starting out working from home may not even want to purchase a package for $49.95, and that is Ok<strong>. Plenty of free programs exist you just need to know where to look.</strong> These other free word processors that are out there that can get the job done just as good. Some might argue, even better.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://wisedownloads.com/go/abiword/googlewdaw3?subid=microsoft%20works" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Abi Word</a><span style="font-size: 14px;"> is similar to Microsoft Word and gives users the ability to collaborate on projects. Abi Word also integrates with its own website giving you the ability to store your documents online.</span></div></div></div><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_12417896" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.700000762939453px; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px;"><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12417896" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px;">For those that do not want to download a program and install it on to their computers,</strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"> now you are in luck. Google offers users its online </span><a href="http://docs.google.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Google Documents</a><span style="font-size: 14px;"> where you can create, share and store your documents online.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://openoffice.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Open Office</a><span style="font-size: 14px;"> provides totally free, open source software that does exactly what office will do. Open Office is word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, presentations, databases, and offers multiple languages. It is compatible with Microsoft Office.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">yWriter</a><span style="font-size: 14px;"> is a free word processing program for book writers. yWriters gives users the ability to break novels into</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> chapters and scenes. yWriter is </span>great<span style="font-size: 14px;"> tool for helping you keep track of your work.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_12417897" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.700000762939453px; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; padding: 0px;">Non - Writing Office Needs</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12417897" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>Most offices need faxes sent in and out.</strong> Home offices are no different. eFax.com does offer a free fax service for incoming faxes. This service is free for you to use, however, the free fax numbers are not local numbers, passing the cost your clients. Since freelancers work from home, chances are the client is in another state. Many clients have unlimited long distance for the reason. Once the fax is sent, you sent you get an email with a link to open the fax. You will need to install eFax’s software to open. Upgrade options are available for those who need them.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>So, you have your incoming fax all set up. How do you send an outgoing fax from your home office?</strong> Faxzero.com offers its users a free way to do so. You can send a fax to anyone anywhere in the world. Yes, anywhere. For the free fax option, the cover page is an advertisement. Most business contacts are going to toss the cover page anyway. The only con is you are able to fax only one file which cannot be any more than three pages. You can only send two faxes per day. To send a fax with no ad on the cover page or more than three pages, for $1.99 you can send an ad free fax, up to fifteen pages. $1.99 is not free, but it sure is cheap enough when you have something important to send.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>Many freelance writers need a creative outlet</strong>. <a href="http://freemind.sourceforge.net/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">FreeMind</a> is free mind mapping software available in the Java platform. Get those creative juices flowing.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>PDF files are pretty consistent in the writing world</strong>. Many clients use them for guidelines and fellow freelance writers use them for eBooks. Adobe does offer us a free reader, but their program file is large and overly bloated. Foxit.com offers a smaller PDF reader with faster downloads. With Foxit reader you can view, print and even annotate and document, just like Adobe.</div></div></div><div class="module moduleFeedback color0" id="mod_new5" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #898989; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.700000762939453px; margin: 2em 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 520px;"><div class="muted" style="color: #999999; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54731238724121742852014-04-30T10:13:00.001-04:002014-04-30T10:13:29.802-04:00#atozchallenge Z is for Zen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQPQjN3GnX4/U2ECUWZPr9I/AAAAAAAAOOI/T0s-qSikJ4s/s1600/Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQPQjN3GnX4/U2ECUWZPr9I/AAAAAAAAOOI/T0s-qSikJ4s/s1600/Z.jpg" /></a></div>The last couple of weeks have been a real challenge for me.<br /><br />First, I have completed the A to Z Challenge, and there were quite a few days when I didn't want to bother or just had no idea what to write. Somehow, I managed to make that work.<br /><br />Second, I have been stepping out of my comfort zone of my home and office to try and get some sense of well being back. A lot of that is because of the struggles I have with trying to come to terms with my abusive father dying at any given moment, and the other just realizing that my life really needs to get back to the way it used to be.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I'm working on finding my zen. While I do spend time alone, I need to spend that alone time either working or meditating so that my zen can be found. I'd like to get back to doing yoga and just find my center again. In doing so I figure, my joints will feel better and once I am centered and grounded, the eating will become easier.<br /><br />Finding zen isn't always easy, but it's a challenge I'm willing to accept. I feel my life depends on it.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91730846709362766342014-04-30T10:08:00.001-04:002014-04-30T10:08:35.699-04:00#atozchallenge Y is for Yesterday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q2J1ZcY-LM/U1-5htCSvvI/AAAAAAAAOLw/sTD8evkVcss/s1600/Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q2J1ZcY-LM/U1-5htCSvvI/AAAAAAAAOLw/sTD8evkVcss/s1600/Y.jpg" /></a></div>Y is for Yesterday.<br /><br />Yesterday I started this post. Well, I had a title and had picked Yearning. I was plotting this big post about yearning and the feeling. I thought it was going to be good.<br /><br />Then, I put the post on hold because I had some projects that just had to be done. When I got to a stopping point I headed out to meet up with one of the girls from church and help her get the materials ready for Sunday morning child classes for the month of May.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>For me, it was a lot of exercise. Up and down the stairs, in and out of offices, back and forth across the stage to find materials. It was a nice work-out for me because I have gotten very sedentary these last few months. It was also welcomed conversation with someone other than my dogs, cat, and husband.<br /><br />When I returned home, husband had dinner ready for me. I sat down on the couch and was completely absorbed in its minimal comfort. My shoulder was hurting and I was so exhausted I was going to pass out. For someone who has so much anxiety and not a lot of social time, it wore me and my pain issues out.<br /><br />I realized I really need to get back in the habit of watching what I eat and exercising. When I got sick earlier this year I fell off the wagon and it's really starting to show.<br /><br />Yesterday. One step at a time out of my comfort zone.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24646641193764508502014-04-28T16:01:00.001-04:002014-04-28T16:01:15.436-04:00#atozchallenge X is for ..what?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36I8NNN2POc/U16tyoGvTfI/AAAAAAAAOJg/8Pa2h-SfPXs/s1600/X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36I8NNN2POc/U16tyoGvTfI/AAAAAAAAOJg/8Pa2h-SfPXs/s1600/X.jpg" /></a></div>X is for.....<br /><br />Really? I mean, is there really a word that starts with X that I can even begin to use today?<br /><br />X-ray? Well, maybe. I need them. But I can't write a whole post about them.<br /><br />Xerox. No, wait. That's a brand name.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I have no idea what to write about today. I even went and looked up a bunch of words that started with X. I'm showing my ignorance to letter X words today. Sorry about that.<br /><br />On a side note, this week, despite all that has been going on, was eventful. I did find out that my dying father is being moved to another cousins house. Now, I don't speak to anyone on that side of the family. It's not because I know now that they aren't my biological family. Our relationships were never close because I lived so far away for my whole life and we just never kept in touch. Family or not, I don't <i>know</i> them. So, maybe it's hard for me to call them family. At any rate, it's only a matter of time.<br /><br />I don't really know how to make my peace with it. My life has been spent letting things go and just keep moving forward. My life has been spent blocking this man out of my life. It's just too painful. I've listened to some very profound words this week. I've been to my church 3 times for various events. I 've had a long discussion with a wonderful friend. I even came clean and told my mother-in-law my real reasons for not having a relationship with my father.<br /><br />She told me something - I owe him nothing.<br /><br />This, coming from a very devout Catholic.<br /><br />She's right. He destroyed my life. Tortured me from within my entire life, even after the sexual abuse stopped. He broke up my family.<br /><br />I'm seeing things in a different light. I have a little hope that things will get better.<br /><br />Another friend had this to say :<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">What if I'm wrong? What if there is no God? What if Jesus didn't die for our sins? I had all of these doubts going through my head for years. It kept me from church, it kept me from a relationship with God, it kept me from having peace of mind. I finally got to the point where I said "Well what if I am wrong--what is the worst that could happen?" I decided that the worst that could happen is that I live a life filled with love and strength and positivity, belief in my own self-worth, knowing I am loved and given peace of mind. And once I let myself go back to church, let myself believe again, gave into my faith, God's existence is undeniable. If you have been waiting to go back because you have doubts--stop waiting. Come back now. God is waiting for you to return to Him.</blockquote><br />And you know what? She's right. I struggle with believing. I'll be honest. It all seems a little weird to me. But, so what. I mean, what is that harm in having some hope and faith in my life right now?<br /><br />X is for xylophones. Ding, ding, ding. Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12362271783279871052014-04-27T18:25:00.000-04:002014-10-03T21:56:25.368-04:00Team Ignite : Le-Vel Thrive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJPrIJls65E/U30lrRQ-4_I/AAAAAAAAPF8/2GaCAp9H4SE/s1600/my+3+day+sample+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJPrIJls65E/U30lrRQ-4_I/AAAAAAAAPF8/2GaCAp9H4SE/s1600/my+3+day+sample+pack.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I debated for quite some time about writing this post.<br /><br />I reached out to someone on <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/" target="_blank">Work Place Like Home</a>, a website I frequent for my writing side of life. It was there I found an ad that really caught my attention.<br /><br />This kind person sent me a 3-day sample of <a href="http://teamignite.le-vel.com/" target="_blank">Le-vel Thrive</a> to try for free.<br /><br />As you know, I have tried MANY weight loss and fitness programs.<br /><br />I've never been very good at direct sales so that part of a business never really mattered much to me. I just wanted a good quality product that would help me.<br /><a name='more'></a>I've been using Designer Whey, its about $20- $25 (depending on sales) for about 28 servings. In the past, I have tried <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Ideal%20Shape" target="_blank">Ideal Shape</a>, GNC Total Lean and even the super popular Shakeology. I just haven't really found that one that I feel is <b>awesome sauce</b>. I do like Designer Whey, but I feel like there is still something missing and I can't quite put my finger on it.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I didn't have much optimism when it came to Thrive. I wasn't really looking for a weight loss product after my failure with Saba / ACE and Shakeology. I was however, looking for a<b> pain management </b>tool and this seemed like something that a lot of people were able to use for managing their arthritis pain.<br /><br />I figured it was FREE to sign up on their website, so I did. And when I did I was sent the 3-day sample by the person whose link I followed on WPLH. I'm very grateful for this.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22458657699612211852014-04-26T14:01:00.001-04:002014-04-26T14:01:44.820-04:00#atozchallenge W is for ..........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHo8Xgsbxvw/U1vyCs__JzI/AAAAAAAAOEM/02RnXk_Fa_M/s1600/W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHo8Xgsbxvw/U1vyCs__JzI/AAAAAAAAOEM/02RnXk_Fa_M/s1600/W.jpg" /></a></div>Writing.<br />Waiting.<br />Wishing.<br />Working.<br /><br />Too many W's to list. That is what W is for today. :)<br /><br />Writing. Writing is my everyday life. I wish I could figure out what my motivational problem is. It has to be more than my environment and self-esteem. Right?<br /><br />Yesterday my father-in-law was here helping husband put pegboard up in the new bard so that he could organize his tools. That meant he was in the garage moving the storage bins and tool related junk out and taking it to the barn. Monday he told me he has plans to start on the basement and pack up all his tools and home renovation items that are still scattered from when we redid the bathroom a few years ago. (Yah, he's kinda lazy in that department.)<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Now, while I am fine with my FIL being here because he doesn't come inside and want to make small talk. He understands I am working and will quietly stay outside if that means he can spend time with his kid. However, it doesn't stop husband from coming in and out of the house and it doesn't stop the little dog, Tink, from barking non stop. She sees someone pulling into her yard, she barks. If she hears husband in the garage, she barks. If she hears voices out in the yard, she barks. Casey, the Boxer, could care less. She only barks at the mail lady when she pulls up at our mailbox across the street to drop our mail in. And, her bark is so deep and infrequent I often wonder if she even knows how to bark. But, Tink, on the other hand is a small dog and her bark is loud short bursts that will break your eardrums if you let it.<br /><br />Husband knows I want a quiet space of my own. I deserve it. I am the one who works from home. I don't understand how people can't understand that a writer reads. They read books, websites, and they read what they are writing. They focus. They concentrate. And for me, when that is broken, I have to go back and reread or redo whatever I was doing because my concentration and thought process is broken. It is time consuming and frustrating.<br /><br />After today, husband has no job as he finishes his last day of his externship and did not get the full time gig. So, it is up to me to kick it back into high gear and use my writing to make money. I've been down this path before, plenty of times in the past. But for whatever reason, that motivation has gone out the window because I know hes not going to let me have any peace.<br /><br />I was so hopeful he was going to work after graduation. I keep wishing.<br /><br />I have some waiting to do in the job market as I wait to hear back on some gigs. I just hope I can start working soon - with some peace and quiet. Other than revenue share. Because, I am pretty much over waiting for that to work for me anymore.<br /><br />On that note, I actually have some plans to work today since I have the house to myself for a few hours.<br /><br />Tomorrow... no blog post. Be back Monday for the final few days of the A to Z Challenge.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85643135628136475132014-04-25T16:50:00.002-04:002014-04-25T16:50:32.578-04:00#atozchallenge V is for Vacant <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z42i9GNLXuY/U1rKJOa-9GI/AAAAAAAAOC4/Lb3CZeVg6ZQ/s1600/V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z42i9GNLXuY/U1rKJOa-9GI/AAAAAAAAOC4/Lb3CZeVg6ZQ/s1600/V.jpg" /></a></div>V is for Vacant.<br /><br />As in empty.<br /><br />As in this post.<br /><br />After a very stressful and emotional week I just don't have it in me to write a thoughtful post.<br /><br />Maybe tomorrow.<br /><br />I'll have to figure out something for W.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66021965897508888322014-04-24T10:40:00.004-04:002014-04-24T10:40:55.146-04:00#atozchallenge U is for Unique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idhW0nbzKdI/U1kbfDO-x0I/AAAAAAAAN-8/UBYRT0TJvGY/s1600/U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idhW0nbzKdI/U1kbfDO-x0I/AAAAAAAAN-8/UBYRT0TJvGY/s1600/U.jpg" /></a></div>Today U is for Unique.<br /><br />For U, I wasn't sure where I was going to go. While I am well aware of an entire dictionary section full of words that start with the letter U, I had no idea how to write about any of them.<br /><br />If you may have read my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/04/atozchallenge-s-is-for-sad.html" target="_blank">S is for Sad</a> post, you are aware of the world around me right now. After I wrote that post I received some more sad news. My <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">abusive father</a> is dying of stomach cancer. I have known, that for some time and knew, I would be faced with the day when I have to choose between leaving things as they are, or going and making my peace along with saying goodbye.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I know many of you might perceive me as being heartless. How could someone not go say goodbye to their father? Well, this girl for starters. You see, this father caused me a lifetime of hurt and pain. I am a sexual abuse survivor. I have no idea when it started, but I know it happened when I was very young. I also know the exact day I made it stop at the age of 12. My father was a drug addict. He loved his drugs more than he loved my mother and me. When I was 16, I told my mother. When I was 19 they divorced. By the time I was 26, I learned that he was not my biological father. When I found that man, after 6 months, he begged me to never contact him again because he didn't have the guts to tell his family about me. I have a half brother and sister that to this day still have no idea I exist.<br /><br />In my 20s and early 30s, the father and I tried to work out some sort of a relationship. I was in and out of therapy. He, in and out of prison. It was not the best relationship, but I wanted to make it work. I did not want to be a statistic. I knew what happened to him, I knew his relationship with drugs.<br /><br />In 2007, he helped me leave my husband at the time by giving me money for a Uhaul to move me here to Michigan. He used his credit card to reserve the truck and mailed me a check. When I picked up the truck I was to pay them. Which, I did, with my debit card. They charged the wrong card. When I got to MI I went to my dads to give him a check. He threw the credit card statement in my face and told me I owed him for that. He did not understand that by me giving him his check back, that canceled out the check he gave me. It was about $800. But, he was trying to tell me that because of the credit card bill I owed him $1600. I knew it was the drugs talking. But for him to think I was trying to scam him after being the only person who stood by him despite everything he did to me was crazy.<br /><br />My mother, who lived around the corner, had dropped me off. I was living with her and she had circled around the block to pick me back up. She saw us arguing in the garage and tried to help. It only made things worse and they started to argue. Next thing I knew his girlfriend came out of the house and he told her to call the cops. I basically gave him the F word , got in the car and left. I never talked to him again.<br /><br />Over the years, he's made up stories to his family about me. There is one cousin I am very close with. She tells me everything. Now, she's telling me he wants to see me.<br /><br />Why should I? Why should I give him what he want's?<br /><br />I went to church again a few weeks ago after 6 months off. I am not a religious person, never have been. I did not grow up in the church and in high school we studied the Bible as a work of fiction. But, there is a peace I feel when I go to church. I have friends there and thoroughly enjoy my time with them. I fight my way through understanding and learning. I have a hard time with it.<br /><br />But I learned, that is ok.<br /><br />Maybe I'll find peace and guidance as I go through these turmoil in life.<br /><br />My story makes me Unique. It makes me the person I am today.<br /><br />Is my story Unique enough for you? That story isn't really where I was going with this word today. But we all have a story that is unique to us, and makes us who we are.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40055996149744838482014-04-24T10:07:00.000-04:002014-04-24T10:10:34.339-04:00#atozchallenge T is for Trash to Treasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQhYhFwNQwY/U1karAiVDXI/AAAAAAAAN-s/nCIwl1-cYnA/s1600/T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQhYhFwNQwY/U1karAiVDXI/AAAAAAAAN-s/nCIwl1-cYnA/s1600/T.jpg" /></a></div>T is for Trash to Treasure.<br /><br />I had a really bad day yesterday, given everything that is going on in the world around me. I spent some time away from the computer trying to make real world connections and talk to someone. T did not get posted yesterday.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />The <a href="http://yumeating.com/trash-treasure-garden/" target="_blank">Trash to Treasure</a> post was scheduled over on YUM. So, it posted without a glitch.<br /><br />Please enjoy my new garden project as I work on today's post for U.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71YfsF32MA8/U1kbU03-eyI/AAAAAAAAN-0/OjX5S7BvoJI/s1600/Trash+to+Treasure+Garden.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71YfsF32MA8/U1kbU03-eyI/AAAAAAAAN-0/OjX5S7BvoJI/s1600/Trash+to+Treasure+Garden.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39213636207620341132014-04-22T17:03:00.000-04:002014-04-22T17:03:26.099-04:00#atozchallenge S is for Sad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQXQodpypgk/U1bXDYYRuVI/AAAAAAAAN7U/ZNa3HEZqh5A/s1600/S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQXQodpypgk/U1bXDYYRuVI/AAAAAAAAN7U/ZNa3HEZqh5A/s1600/S.jpg" /></a></div>S is for Sad.<br /><br />When I thought about the S and what I wanted to write about this morning "Sad" wasn't it.<br /><br />I got side tracked with a few things and didn't get the post written this morning like I wanted.<br /><br />As I was going through my day, I received some horrible news.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>Now, I'm just super sad with a capital S.<br /><br />My husband left his job as a respiratory tech so he could go back to school. They allowed him to work part-time the first semester, but as he progressed to his clinical's he could not do both. He then worked as an extern at the hospital he was doing his clinical's at a few hours a week. These hours were just enough to cover our monthly insurance there. I kid you not, his paychecks were often 63 cents.<br /><br />Last week they had extensive interviews with the soon-to-graduate class. My husband included. They were to hire 3 students full-time. My husband always felt he was a shoe-in based on his past experience, vast knowledge, good grades and the fact that many of his teachers and the hospital staff pushed for him.<br /><br />Today he got the phone call that he did not get the job.<br /><br />I've been dealing with my own career issues since I graduated last year and I still have not recovered.<br /><br />Now this. No job for him, and in a few days we won't have any insurance.<br /><br />Life is often not fair.<br /><br />I am sadder now than I was this morning.<br /><br />I started applying for jobs outside the home, although I am not sure what good that will do if I have to call in all the time due to the pain issues. I've been applying for remote openings as well, but we all know that those are incredibly difficult to get.<br /><br />I no longer know what to do. But I sure could use a wish right now.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49663774597101269482014-04-21T11:39:00.000-04:002014-04-21T11:39:35.485-04:00#atozchallenge R is for Recipe Redux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V08dXpTCHHs/U1U7JAjjqaI/AAAAAAAAN2c/tc8SSoVj_EY/s1600/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V08dXpTCHHs/U1U7JAjjqaI/AAAAAAAAN2c/tc8SSoVj_EY/s1600/R.jpg" /></a></div>Today's fly-by post brought to you by YUM eating ;)<br /><br />I am cheating a little bit today because I have a lot of posts due this week for YUM as well as some other projects to take care of.<br /><br />Today on YUM is my Recipe Redux post for the month. We're making fresh green beans with homemade ham stock.<br /><br />It was a special celebrate-Easter-on-Saturday breakfast turned into dinner.<br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/fresh-green-beans-ham/" target="_blank">Check it out!</a> And sorry for such a quick post today!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84349442384330179352014-04-19T09:00:00.000-04:002014-04-19T09:00:00.037-04:00#atozchallenge Q is for Quality vs. Quantity <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUB6TBZHLuw/U1BQAQqF9mI/AAAAAAAANtg/bxfAQgkIz40/s1600/Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUB6TBZHLuw/U1BQAQqF9mI/AAAAAAAANtg/bxfAQgkIz40/s1600/Q.jpg" /></a></div>For today's challenge, I wanted to touch a bit on Quality vs. Quantity.<br /><br />I find this discussion a lot, especially in the blogging world.<br /><br />How much should I write and how often?<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a>The truth is to have a successful blog it is more about good quality posts rather than how many times a week you post. Believe it or not there are some successful blogs that post only once a week. The posts are generally long and full of information. The user will then spend the rest of the week promoting that post and answering questions within the comments.<br /><br />For others, their posting schedule is a few times a week.<br /><br />It's best to find a schedule that works for you, your life, and your readers. Create a schedule and stick to it. Readers are creatures of habits and if they are looking on your site every Monday because you generally post Sunday night or Monday morning, make sure you consistently stick to that schedule.<br /><br /><b>In the blogging world, quality will win over quantity every time. </b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90227005206230144192014-04-18T09:00:00.000-04:002014-04-18T09:00:11.800-04:00#atozchallenge P is for Poke Cake's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQFdzPfuEP0/U1BPCLSe3eI/AAAAAAAANtQ/iYDSLtNxQ-o/s1600/P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQFdzPfuEP0/U1BPCLSe3eI/AAAAAAAANtQ/iYDSLtNxQ-o/s1600/P.jpg" /></a></div>Today is for Poke Cake's.<br /><br />I am going to cheat a little bit today.<br /><br />The post over on YUM eating is about my <a href="http://yumeating.com/first-attempt-lime-poke-cake" target="_blank">first attempt at a poke cak</a>e and it's lime green for Easter and Spring celebrations.<br /><br />We had a lot of fun making it so I wanted to share it with as many people as possible despite how funky looking it turned out ;)<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akbcvwr5Axg/U1BPb5JTQII/AAAAAAAANtY/GeC1EYYcz5A/s1600/Poke+Cake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akbcvwr5Axg/U1BPb5JTQII/AAAAAAAANtY/GeC1EYYcz5A/s1600/Poke+Cake.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd love it if you stopped by and said hello.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Have you ever made a poke cake? Was it Pinterest worthy?</b></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55867722936990806972014-04-17T13:13:00.000-04:002014-04-17T13:13:10.461-04:00#atozchallenge O is for Opportunities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqH2O2kqfZM/U0_gSpJk1GI/AAAAAAAANrU/BgQ-XxKU32s/s1600/O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqH2O2kqfZM/U0_gSpJk1GI/AAAAAAAANrU/BgQ-XxKU32s/s1600/O.jpg" /></a></div>O is for Opportunities<br /><br />Opportunities. They are all around me. Some of them I try and take, others I leave alone feeling like they are not a good fit or I won't get them anyway.<br /><br />Being a contract worker is tough. You have to remain at the top of your game daily and seek out new opportunities before the current project ends. If you are lucky enough to land a long-term project, there are always more hours to fill in the day.<br /><br />One must never stop seeking opportunities in this business. It can be rewarding, but it's also very exhausting.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Recently I came in contact with an old friend. This old friend had asked me about the stories I used to write and whether or not I had ever done anything with them. I replied that I had indeed started to publish many stories under my pen name, but it had been over a year since I published anything new.<br /><br />When the friend asked why, I had no real answer.<br /><br />I have files, folders, and emails full of stories. There is no shortage of material.<br /><br />I tried to blame school, but that ended. I tried to blame writers block, but I have so much already written that even that isn't a viable excuse.<br /><br />There is no choice but to blame myself. There is an opportunity there for me. But for some reason I don't take it.<br /><br />Is it fear of failure? Maybe, but when I was actively publishing I was making money. Is it fear of people finding out what my pen name is? Not really. Anyone with a little bit of sleuthing skills could figure it out.<br /><br />I'm not sure why I am letting this opportunity pass me by. Or any other writing project for that matter.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53257093274459195222014-04-17T12:49:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:54:21.147-04:00Guess What I Did Today?? <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_pYvgeRvxI/U1AESLT7qvI/AAAAAAAANsI/GATvr5Pe-pY/s1600/leslie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_pYvgeRvxI/U1AESLT7qvI/AAAAAAAANsI/GATvr5Pe-pY/s1600/leslie.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie Sansone</td></tr></tbody></table>I've got something to tell you.<br /><br />After quite a lengthy hiatus, I finally got myself back on the exercise wagon.<br /><br />I've been struggling a lot lately with pain issues. It hasn't helped in the exercise department.<br /><br />All week I have been having talks with myself. I had to tell myself that it was OK that I did not complete the 21-Day Challenge. I had to tell myself it was OK that I got sick and could not keep up with it. I also had to tell myself that it is OK that I start with simpler exercises that do not cause me so much pain.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />After husband went to work I decided to dust off my <a href="http://amzn.to/16IEd4O" target="_blank">Walk Alway the Pounds</a> videos and at least try to get a 1-Mile Walk in. This is one of her older series with the weighted balls. Except, I have no idea where mine went, so I use 2lb weights.<br /><br />With my body being so out of whack and lack of movement lately, it was very hard for me to get through.<br /><br />I've been trying to work out some sort of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank">work at home</a> and exercise at home schedule.<br /><br /><b>But, I did. And now, I feel pretty good.</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55490889411010248772014-04-16T13:30:00.001-04:002014-04-16T13:30:24.885-04:00#atozchallenge N is for Normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1LQEaqsMj0/U066nSL1CBI/AAAAAAAANpI/ipwwGNYK1hA/s1600/N.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1LQEaqsMj0/U066nSL1CBI/AAAAAAAANpI/ipwwGNYK1hA/s1600/N.jpg" /></a></div><br />N is for Normal.<br /><br />What is normal? How do you define what is normal and what isn't? Are you someone who follows the leader when it comes to agreeing what is normal or are you an independent party?<br /><br />I struggle for normalcy in life.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I'm not one to let society define me, but I do uphold a set of standards on what I feel is a normal relationship or marriage.<br /><br />There is however, one thing I struggle with.<br /><br />Our sleeping arrangements.<br /><br />I've lived with my husband for six years now. During our first year or so we struggled to sleep through the night together. While some nights were successful, others left husband sleeping in kiddos bed during the week while she was gone and on the couch on the weekends.<br /><br />We tried everything. Snore spray, nasal strips, throat lozenges, and I sleep with earplugs nightly. Between the snoring and flopping around I, quickly felt as if we were never going to find a restful sleep together.<br /><br />When <a href="http://cainstails.blogspot.com/2012/02/sorry-to-have-to-say-good-bye.html">Cain died</a> things got worse. Cain and Casey used to sleep in the living room in their homes. When Cain passed away, that first night I went through my normal routine of putting Casey to bed. She wasn't having any of that. She cried and begged to be let out. Banging up against the sides of the cage. She didn't want to be alone and I don't blame her. Needing my own comfort, I allowed Casey to sleep in the bed with me. Of course, Ziggy has to visit.<br /><br />Now, we <a href="http://cainstails.blogspot.com/2012/11/meet-tink.html">have Tink</a>.<br /><br />For the longest time I struggled with the fact that my husband and I may never be able to sleep together. We try. We fail. We go weeks separate. We try again. I guess it is good we never stop trying, but its extremely exhausting.<br /><br />I let society tell me that it was wrong we were not sleeping together and making it work despite the fact that our ancestors slept in separate rooms. I let society tell me what was normal and what wasn't.<br /><br />Even though I know it might seem weird to some, there are groups of people out there who do sleep separate.<br /><br />And, its ok.<br /><br />I may not like it, but I also can't control it.<br /><br />I can't let society tell what is normal and what isn't.<br /><br /><br /><b>So tell me, what defines your normal?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54465828119277132092014-04-15T16:33:00.000-04:002014-04-15T16:33:10.584-04:00#atozchallenge M is for Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh_vd51MniI/U02V17uvN0I/AAAAAAAANm0/V-kHUtq9p6w/s1600/M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh_vd51MniI/U02V17uvN0I/AAAAAAAANm0/V-kHUtq9p6w/s1600/M.jpg" /></a></div>M is for Motivation.<br /><br />Today I have zero.<br /><br />I haven't had any writing motivation for a very long time. Lately I even find myself dragging over at YUM eating and that really makes me sad. I know the reason for that is I spent a lot of time over the last few months making sure I had new recipes to make every weekend. A lot of those recipes got backed up and plenty more got lost in the madness while I was working on March's Irish-American Heritage Month where I made traditional Irish recipes all month long.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Now, it's Spring and Easter celebrations and I literally want to barf at the thought of desserts and treats in a wide variety of pastels. Pastels just aren't my thing. Desserts really aren't my thing either.<br /><br />Bah humbug.<br /><br />Now, toss me some boiled eggs and we might be able to talk. But, how many times can someone change the way an egg is boiled or colored?<br /><br />That might be a question for all those Pinterest pinners that have an entire board devoted to Easter eggs.<br /><br />A lot of my writing sites have dried up. The ones that haven't are paying less with more rules. It's hard to get motivated. I've hit a roadblock with all of my fiction, self help/memoir, and non fiction. They are all neat and tidy in Scrivener collecting dust.<br /><br />I've had some job interviews for social media and web production. There are a lot of companies out there that want packaged deals. Not just writing, but the whole package of social media, SEO, web design and production and press releases. I have the experience, and it is sure better to break things up rather than just sit and write all day.<br /><br />For one of the jobs I had to take some tests. I didn't do as well as I would have liked on them yesterday. It ruined my whole day and I parked my butt in front of the television and caught up on some shows that I am supposed to be writing reviews for.<br /><br />Today, I finished the rest of the tests and I still don't feel good about them.<br /><br />If anyone finds my motivation, could they please send it back? It's been about a year now and I am wondering if it will return.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8939548826095191322014-04-14T11:42:00.003-04:002014-04-14T13:10:06.425-04:00#atozchallenge L is for Lazy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS_XauaPsf8/U0v42qIVmxI/AAAAAAAANhg/F2bPkUPq208/s1600/L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS_XauaPsf8/U0v42qIVmxI/AAAAAAAANhg/F2bPkUPq208/s1600/L.jpg" /></a></div><br />For today's challenge, L is for Lazy.<br /><br />Today I just want to be lazy. My fingers hurt and are not wanting to type. My body hurts and isn't wanting to sit. The weather out is chilly and damp. The wind is pushing through the nooks and crannies as the weather announces that our temps will drop 45 degrees and their is a high potential of snow over the next 24 hours.<br /><br />To say I am sick of snow is a understatement.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I pushed myself too far over the weekend. I work 7 days a week in some way, shape or form. I'm desperate for a lazy day.<br /><br />As I look over my 'to-do' list I know a lazy day is not possible. Especially on a Monday. I have photos that need sorted, cropped, and tagged. I have recipes that need creating and website posts that need written. I've also been given the opportunity to contract with a start-up company so I need to read over the training materials and take the accompanying quizzed.<br /><br />Staring across my office I see my two loves, Casey and Tink (the doggies) resting and taking their normal after lunch nap and I think to myself that it must be pretty awesome to be doggies in my house.<br /><br />One of these days I am going to have to unplug and unwind.<br /><br /><b>I deserve a lazy day. </b><br /><b><br /></b><b>PS - L is also for Loaf. As in the mint oreo kind and you can find that on <a href="http://yumeating.com/layered-mint-oreo-loaf/" target="_blank">YUMeating today.</a></b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14116907858451160902014-04-12T08:00:00.000-04:002014-04-13T15:09:38.448-04:00#atozchallenge K is for Kilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZryEEcEFEGQ/U0ge9kdjcFI/AAAAAAAANaQ/N2k7JCKYzoM/s1600/K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZryEEcEFEGQ/U0ge9kdjcFI/AAAAAAAANaQ/N2k7JCKYzoM/s1600/K.jpg" /></a></div>It seems a little cliche that I use K for Kilts coming from a Celtic background. I don't even know what to say about them other than I am a sucker for a man in a kilt.<br /><br />When my husband and I met and later became engaged I immediately felts a sheer sense of excitement over the fact that my husbands Scottish background made him the perfect candidate for wedding kilts. It helped that my father-in-law and my step-mother-in-law married 10 years ago in an Irish/Scottish ceremony, complete with kilts.<br /><br />Furthermore, my husband owns a kilt.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>First we started talking about a castle wedding with outfits from the Renaissance period. I purchased a green velvet dress and cloak along with some ghillie's for my feet. But, I wanted a fall wedding and his best friend was getting married that fall.<br /><br />In time we started talking about a church wedding so we could have it indoors instead of out. Getting married at the castle no longer seemed practical.<br /><br />Then, the wedding was postponed again.<br /><br />Maybe I should have taken that as a sign.<br /><br />We had some money saved up for our wedding from a freelance gig I had picked up. In time, I realized it was too good to be true and I was scammed out of $7k. Long story there. Our wedding would never happen. The odds just were not in our favor.<br /><br />Two dates. Two wedding dresses. Two sets of plans.<br /><br />Eventually we got married.<br /><br /><b>At the courthouse. </b><br /><br />Our relationship has been a struggle since day one. I often look back at these times and wonder about the choices I have made in life.<br /><br />One thing is always clear.<br /><br />I want a wedding.<br /><br /><b>Complete with a groom in a kilt.</b><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49934156774939649022014-04-11T12:56:00.002-04:002014-04-11T12:56:36.857-04:00#atozchallenge J is for Jobs <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7i58EJUs_s/U0gd9Xhz49I/AAAAAAAANaA/9qS2Dk9nvOs/s1600/J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7i58EJUs_s/U0gd9Xhz49I/AAAAAAAANaA/9qS2Dk9nvOs/s1600/J.jpg" /></a></div>I'm about to pull my hair out.<br /><br />I'm sick of job searching.<br /><br />Working from home is overrated and those of you who consider the idea should rethink it unless you already work for a reputable company that is willing to let you work from home.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>Working from home as a freelancer/ independent contractor is not all its cracked up to be. I often feel like a construction business owner who has to continually seek out and bid on jobs. The job market is already a rat race and the work from home sector is a dog eat dog world.<br /><br />It seems like I spend half my day seeking out new clients while working on those which are soon to be completed or long-term assignments.<br /><br />Honestly, I am sick of it. I haven't had a real vacation in 7 years and I just want to scream from the top of my lungs.<br /><br />I need a break from writing. I need a break from job hunting.<br /><br />I just need a break.<br /><br /><b>Before I break. </b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10498700915462637692014-04-10T12:33:00.003-04:002014-04-10T12:36:49.537-04:00#atozchallenge I is for Insecurities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_sYqlSLp1k/U0bCoiq-HQI/AAAAAAAANWg/huAwwVpBeik/s1600/I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_sYqlSLp1k/U0bCoiq-HQI/AAAAAAAANWg/huAwwVpBeik/s1600/I.jpg" /></a></div>Insecurities.<br /><br />Who has them? Raise your hand.<br /><br />I have more insecurities than I can count.<br /><br />Seriously. These issues cause problems in my whole life.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>My biggest insecurity is the way I look. My second biggest insecurity is my writing.<br /><br />Writing plays a huge part in my day-to-day life. Often, I wish it didn't.<br /><br />In 2007 I said goodbye to my then husband and my friends who had become like family to me in order to go through a divorce and move over 1000 miles across the U.S. I started life completely over. I took a few temp jobs in my field in order to network and learn my way around a new state. I took a job with a corporation I had worked with previously. I felt like life was looking up.<br /><br />But, those temp jobs were just that. Temporary. The connections I made never lasted. In 2008 I knew that in order to create the life I thought I wanted for myself I was going to have to go back to school. So, I enrolled in a local college to finish my BA. Because a lot of my college credits did not transfer I was basically taking a BA from scratch.<br /><br />Late 2008 I knew I was going to have to make some serious career moves. I had taken some at-home gigs to fill in the blanks between temp gigs and thats when the world of freelancing opened my eyes. Living in a state with one of the highest unemployment rates paired with my living in a rural area was a recipe for disaster from the start.<br /><br />Little by little I started to provide web content in topics I had experience with either through past work experience or education. A lot of those topics were accounting, tax or business related. Later I ventured into other topics for the sake of earning a living.<br /><br />2011 I graduated as an undergrad, took six weeks off and began my MBA program. I started to rely more on Examiner to fund my living expenses as I focused on grad school. Examiner was fun and it was easy. I didn't have to write about business when I was so busy studying it. It was a good fit for me at the time. (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/04/atozchallenge-e-is-for-why-examiner.html" target="_blank">I wrote about my lack of motivation with Examiner last week for E</a>.)<br /><br />After a while all this writing started to stress me out. I could not read because I was so focused on textbooks. I could not write for creativity and fun because freelance work was sucking every word out of me.<br /><br />June 2013 I graduated with my MBA. Now, here I almost a year later and I have done nothing. Sure, I launched <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>, but I haven't done much else. I've tried going back to some of the places I wrote before, but a lot of them have either closed or very little work exists. I bid on jobs through places like oDesk, only to be turned down for someone overseas who will do work for $2.<br /><br />I started writing under a pen name. As I sat and watched others in the same genre quickly earn $5k or more per month, I barely squeaked by. My own insecurities got the best of me and I haven't published anything new in a year.<br /><br />My insecurities about myself are feeding my depression. It's making it difficult to even sit at the computer every day and try to get a job. So, I stress eat. Not good.<br /><br />As for working outside the home? I have sent out some job aps. Problem is, I have serious driving anxiety as part of my mental health disorders. Since I live in a rural area, it makes it pretty difficult. Maybe that is just my excuse. I don't even know anymore. My other problem is that even though I am extremely experiences and pretty damn smart in my background - I am also full of tattoos in areas that can be a little hard to cover. Since my field is professional, if I'm not buttoned up and covered I am at risk for a non-hire. With freelancing that was something I never had to worry about.<br /><br />I've become extremely insecure about myself because I no longer feel successful and I have no idea where to go from here.<br /><br /><b>Insecurities. I have them.</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32664040041318095732014-04-09T12:11:00.000-04:002014-04-09T12:11:03.336-04:00#atozchallenge H is for Honeysuckle, Hibiscus, Honeydew and Hydrangea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLKj_jCr9Qw/U0Vm6lq5QdI/AAAAAAAANRo/Xe9paZ4LP2g/s1600/H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLKj_jCr9Qw/U0Vm6lq5QdI/AAAAAAAANRo/Xe9paZ4LP2g/s1600/H.jpg" /></a></div>Let's talk candles.<br /><br />Do you enjoy them? I know I do. I was thrilled last fall when a company called Jewelry In Candles announced <a href="http://yumeating.com/jewelry-candles-free-sign-limited-time/" target="_blank">their free sign-up promotion</a>. Great smelling discounts at cost? Yes, please. But, the company was not ready for what happened next.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Order overload. With so many reps signing up and selling their wonderful candles, the companies 5 year business plan quickly turned into their 6 month plan. Growth was quick and forceful. They packed up their tiny office and moved to a giant warehouse across town. Their staff could not accommodate the reps or all the orders so some hiring had to be done. It was a slow and painful process. During that time they lost reps and they lost customers. You can read the review of my order (<a href="http://yumeating.com/jewelry-candles-banana-nut-bread-reveal/" target="_blank">the reveal</a>) and of the business (<a href="http://yumeating.com/update-jewelry-candles/" target="_blank">the update</a>) on my YUMeating site. (The banana bread candle is to die for, and I still haven't melted it all!)<br /><br />The dust has since settled and operation is full-speed ahead. Seems as if they have changed a lot of the way they handle things. All for the best.<br /><br />With spring in the air, offices in need of some spring flair, what better time than to introduce you to some of the wonderful Jewelry In Candles scents. My favorite part about JIC is that they allow you to pick your own jewelry (earrings, necklace or ring) and with the rings you can pick a size. They even have a <a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/147:c:101/new-releases/the-gentleman-candle/" target="_blank">gentleman's candle</a>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wrLNT7FSiY/U0Vp4YyaDbI/AAAAAAAANR0/s29_ydTAMuo/s1600/hydrangea-candle-450x450.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wrLNT7FSiY/U0Vp4YyaDbI/AAAAAAAANR0/s29_ydTAMuo/s1600/hydrangea-candle-450x450.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/164:c:101/new-releases/hydrangea-scented-candle/" target="_blank">Hydrangea </a>is Jewelry In Candle's latest release for spring. Such a beautiful flower. The candle is sweet with just a tiny pinch of spice. It reminds me of a fresh bloomed garden right after a sprinkle of rain.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGBMet9nOME/U0Vr09Z-TfI/AAAAAAAANSA/-LcgIiLW4rg/s1600/honey-suckle-450x450.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGBMet9nOME/U0Vr09Z-TfI/AAAAAAAANSA/-LcgIiLW4rg/s1600/honey-suckle-450x450.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/124:c:98/seasonal-scents/honeysuckle-candle/" target="_blank">Honeysuckle</a> is one of my favorite scents. This is one I like to melt when I am writing because it brings back good childhood memories. The scent starts off as that strong floral and citrus smell combined with cassis and pear. After a little while it does start to have a creamy cotton candy small. It's pure summer in a bottle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C71vXWP37nQ/U0Vtaiy7V9I/AAAAAAAANSM/-ArjVFCzmcc/s1600/1402902_10202422817201777_1638057018_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C71vXWP37nQ/U0Vtaiy7V9I/AAAAAAAANSM/-ArjVFCzmcc/s1600/1402902_10202422817201777_1638057018_o.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/123:c:98/seasonal-scents/island-hibiscus-candle-/" target="_blank">Island Hibiscus</a> is one I gave to friends for Christmas. They haven't stopped raving about how it kept their senses in high spirits as they dealt with one of their worst winters.<br /><br />I think a lot of us had that problem.<br /><br />Island Hibiscus happens to be scent of the month - <a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/c/100/scent-of-the-month/" target="_blank">25% off!</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uuDKbOIOK0/U0VuehFH25I/AAAAAAAANSU/sPgAF9SYEe8/s1600/honedydewmeloncandle-450x450.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uuDKbOIOK0/U0VuehFH25I/AAAAAAAANSU/sPgAF9SYEe8/s1600/honedydewmeloncandle-450x450.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/78:c:96/fruit-scents/honeydew-melon-candle/" target="_blank">Honeydew Melon </a>is a candle I love warming in my kitchen. I have a tendency to not burn large candles with the wick because I think warming them makes them last longer. When I am done cooking I put the candle on top of my cooktop and let the residual heat warm the candle to produce a wonderful aroma. This is one of those smells I really enjoy in my kitchen.<br /><br />Currently in my kitchen is <a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/79:c:104/customer-favorites/pumpkin-souffle-candle/" target="_blank">pumpkin souffle</a>, which was a fall scent and <a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/50:c:96/fruit-scents/apple-harvest-candle/" target="_blank">apple harvest</a>. It makes my kitchen smell like its always baking season ;) Currently in my office is the<a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/76:c:104/customer-favorites/banana-nut-bread-candle/" target="_blank"> banana nut bread</a> and <a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal/p/60:c:95/relaxing-scents/vanilla-candle/" target="_blank">vanilla</a>. <br /><br />I know most folks are familiar with Yankee Candles and in my opinion these smell just as good and they have a special prize inside. Thought I would throw that out there with Mother's Day just around the corner ;)<br /><br /><b>Are you a candle fan and if so, what sort of scents are your favorites and why?</b><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8871547466562853082014-04-08T15:06:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:25:39.576-04:00‘The Diet Fix’ challenges all diets to prove why they fail<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtwDjH9XRZw/U0Q3haJSAdI/AAAAAAAANPE/tVlYuvvpvho/s1600/diet+fix.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtwDjH9XRZw/U0Q3haJSAdI/AAAAAAAANPE/tVlYuvvpvho/s1600/diet+fix.png" height="320" width="223" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Diet books, weight loss programs, fad diets, whatever you want to call them - chances are I've had my hand in the cookie jar. Slim Fast, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a>, Wonderslim, Atkins, Low Carb, Keto, Calorie Counting, and Weight Watchers; just to name a few. Been there, done that, and probably tried it again. While I still try to follow a lowish carb diet because it makes me feel better, I've been sort of on this kick lately where I am tired of being told what to eat. </span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Ever since I found out that a lot of my problems related to my PCOS, which went undiagnosed for most of my life, I have made it my mission to find out as much as I can about the proper nutrition that is going to work for me and my insulin </span><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px;">resistance</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> caused by the PCOS. That is how my discovery of low carb came to be. I was working with my dietician at the time and when I told her I really needed a plan to follow and not just some general guidelines, she told me to follow South Beach. Well, SB was not free. Sure, I could find the books for fairly </span><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px;">inexpensive</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, but the website was costly. That is how I ended up on the Atkins path. Let me tell you, I never felt better. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">A lot of the pain associated with the osteoarthritis and degenerative disc seemed much more manageable. So, I started reading more books. All things related to Paleo, Wheat Belly, Primal, more low carb books, stuff related to glycemic index, The Virgin Diet, all </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.545454025268555px;">variations</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> of Jorge Cruise and his no sugar, belly fat curing reading, and so many more. I've lost track of all the health related books I have read. Of course there are things like low carb high fat. Seriously, I've covered all the basics. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Problem is, trying to feed my family AND create my own meals is just too much for me. Half the stuff I was eating my family wouldn't touch. I tried. Trust me. Buying special products and what felt like extra groceries was costing more than we could afford. Something had to give. I started thinking Atkins would be the best option because I could just omit the items that were no good for me and causing me so much pain (</span><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px;">inflammation</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, stomach discomfort) and there would be no need for any extra specialty food items.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">By this time I had what is known as "information overload." I had read so many books, scoured so many websites that I had done more harm than good. Eat this. Don't eat that. The Standard American Diet is bad. The </span><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px;">government</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> is feeding you lies. Money talks. Diets don't work. It has to be a lifestyle change. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Then "<a href="http://amzn.to/1iqFxdK" target="_blank">The Diet Fix: Why Diets Fail and How to Make Yours Work</a>" by Dr. Yoni Freedhoff landed in my lap. Dr. Freedhoff believes that diets WILL work if you make them work for you. For someone like me who was trying to figure out the best plan of action for my ailments while trying to make it work for the whole family and ended up with information overload, I needed to detox from the dieting mentality and ditch everything I thought I new. Basically, I needed to start over with a clean slate. Pick something and follow the fix method for making it work for me. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">"The Diet Fix" touches on the different types of diets and how one should figure out the diet (turned lifestyle) challenge that could work for them. If something makes you miserable, you are not going to want to do it. If you are craving something, you are going to want to eat it. If that </span><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px;">exercise</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> bores you, you'll be skipping that class from now on. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">"The Diet Fix" is for folks who want to start over or get back to basics. People like me who want to start over with a clean slate. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">While I know I should not eat white rice, white bread, white potatoes, white pasta, processed foods and any other carbs that make me feel like crap, I don't want to be told I CANT eat them. The minute I am told I can't have them the more I want them. Once I started to tell myself that I could have them once in a while, I didn't obsess about them as much or feel like I really needed them. Of course, I know I am going to feel like crap when I do eat them, at least I am not depriving myself.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Another thing Dr. Yoni mentions is that one should get back to basics. This is one of the things mentioned in the 10-Day Reset portion of the book. Pick up a notebook and pen and write. Write what you eat, write how it makes you feel. Keep track of your hunger and your habits. You will start to notice a pattern and will see how to correct your behaviors. For example, I know that eating Special K, skim milk and some fruit for breakfast is only going to cause me serious hunger 2 hours later. If I have a piece of Canadian bacon and an egg, I'm good to go three times as long for roughly the same amount of calories. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.545454025268555px;">Processed foods and even good carbs just aren't my friends. So, I know when I am going to eat fruit I need to pair it with some heaving hitting protein. The cereal I shouldn't eat, but it might be better suited on top of some Greek yogurt instead of milk. Funny thing is, I just purchased some cereal after a very long time without it just to see how my body would react. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.545454025268555px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.545454025268555px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Personally I think "The Diet Fix" is perfect for anyone looking to un-diet their life. Nothing complicated. No false promised. Real food. Real life. No fluff. No empty promises. Whatever plan you follow(ed), there is a reset for you. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 11.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span><i><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26679707748874230442014-04-08T13:36:00.001-04:002014-04-08T13:36:13.705-04:00#atozchallenge G is for "The Goonies"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GebAayI-_y4/U0QmtBs6A7I/AAAAAAAANOI/WSO5pE9moYU/s1600/G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GebAayI-_y4/U0QmtBs6A7I/AAAAAAAANOI/WSO5pE9moYU/s1600/G.jpg" /></a></div>Heeeeey youuuuuu guuuuuuuuys.<br /><br />Best. Movie. Ever. Right?<br /><br />I grew up watching this movie a million times and having quite the crush on Sean Astin. I was THRILLED when he revived his career in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.<br /><br />2 weeks ago I introduced kiddo to the wonderful world of The Goonies. I'm very sad that she is 9 and has never ever watched it. Not my fault mind you, she's only with us on weekends. Kiddo is my step daughter, and she's been in my life since she was 3. I just assumed with an older brother, older sister, and younger sister (none of them belong to me or my husband. yeah, I know exactly what you are thinking ;) ) that at some point that movie had crossed their little eyes. But, according kiddo she had never seen it. And, judging from her reaction during and after the movie, I am pretty sure she was telling the truth and not just pretending to be excited for my sake.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It's pretty exciting to see how tickled she was by the movie and since her father is a fan, it was a good family movie night.<br /><br />Now, I am reading across the Internet that The Goonies will be revived for a sequel. WHAT????<br /><br />Well, you know what they say, "Goonies never say die."<br /><br />It will be interesting to see how they tie the two movies together and bring the characters back to life. It will also be interesting to see what sort of treasure the Goonies will be searching for and what types of mischief the kids will get into. Also, with all the technological advances in the movie world, the motion picture itself will be a huge change.<br /><br />Hmmmm....I hope they do the classic justice and don't try to take it over the top.<br /><br />Keep it simple. That works best.<br /><br /><b>What are your thoughts on The Goonies part two? Excited? Indifferent? </b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52124186599983266862014-04-07T07:00:00.000-04:002015-02-16T16:58:43.778-05:00#atozchallenge F is for Fat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" /></a></div>Oh, I can hear the grumbles now.<br /><br />I shouldn't use the word fat.<br /><br />I get it. But I am not fat shaming and I am all about body acceptance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifY7j_wW9Bs/T23trHs2TpI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Akf2LBam15w/s1600/tumblr_m0bmw9U9dE1r4lsigo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifY7j_wW9Bs/T23trHs2TpI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Akf2LBam15w/s1600/tumblr_m0bmw9U9dE1r4lsigo1_400.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">I found this photo on Pinterest through: </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/sarapins/" style="background-color: white; color: #6ea1bb; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SaraPins</a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">The original post is on Tumblr :</span><a href="http://thegingerpear.tumblr.com/post/18672849095/recent-blogpost-over-at-thegingerpeardrop" style="color: #6ea1bb; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Let the Venting Commence</a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"></span><b>However, I refuse to accept my own body.</b><br /><b></b><br /><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>I'm having a hard time looking at myself in the mirror. I am at my all-time heaviest weight. I tend to go in spurts with exercise and I was doing ok when I got sick last month. I got over that, now I am sick again.<br /><br /><b>Pretty much this entire year is filled with bad food choices.</b> I start over each day with a clean slate and try to eat healthy, but there is a big ball of stress that constantly derails me. Food issues are a huge problem for me that stem all the way back to the childhood sexual abuse. The weight is getting harder to lose because of the PCOS and, lets face it, I am not getting any younger.<br /><br /><b>Pain is a huge issue. </b>When you wake up every morning wanting to cry because you have to bend your fingers out and try to stretch your legs in order for your hips and back to align into some sort of normal way just to roll out of bed, the last think you are thinking about is exercising.<br /><br />My body is crooked, and it has gotten worse since this post - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/03/facing-my-demons-facing-my-reality.html" target="_blank">Facing My Demons</a> and I am guessing to be about 20 pounds more now.<br /><br />In the past I have always just pushed through. Right now, I am not able to push through.<br /><br />I have spoken with my Dr. a few times in the past about weight loss surgery. For the longest time I was extremely frightened of it. I have been to the hospital twice in my own life. Once when I was 9 to remove tonsils and around the age of 26 to remove my gallbladder. Hospitals terrify me. I have tried every weight loss plan and even worked with a dietitian. Between the pain and the PCOS I feel like I am doomed to be fat forever.<br /><br /><b>I also refuse to accept that.</b><br /><br />I am trying to get back on my '<a href="http://ignitemotivation.blogspot.com/search/label/Best%20by%2040" target="_blank">Best by 40</a>' mission. Only, I'm not sure how to get there.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66538730244428784422014-04-05T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-05T07:00:08.770-04:00#atozchallenge E is for Why Examiner Faded Over the Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVE9Uhs0ML4/Uz69XZL5UpI/AAAAAAAAM-4/PqgWTdlY-dc/s1600/E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVE9Uhs0ML4/Uz69XZL5UpI/AAAAAAAAM-4/PqgWTdlY-dc/s1600/E.jpg" /></a></div><br />Today is E for Examiner.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Examiner" target="_blank">Examiner is a place I have been freelancing at since 2009</a>. I started with a Depression and Frugal Living channel. After a few years constantly writing about Depression was making my own depression deeper. I scrapped those titles and eventually landed as the Detroit <a href="http://www.examiner.com/celebrity-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Celebrity</a> Examiner, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/tv-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Television</a> Examiner, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/healthy-food-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Healthy Food</a> Examiner, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/writing-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Writing</a> Examiner and <a href="http://www.examiner.com/top-news-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Top News</a> Examiner.<br /><br />While it is revenue sharing, I can make good money there when I apply myself. For a while it was my sole source of income as I worked on grad school. I paid my bills with Examiner. I went on vacations thanks to Examiner. I got to go to ComiCon thanks to Examiner.<br /><br /><b>I really enjoy writing for Examiner.</b><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" height="181" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My writing business card.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I know a lot of people look down on Examiner. Quite a few people write there and don't make a lot of money so they get angry, or quit. I learned long ago that the secret it to write newsworthy articles that will be sent to Google News for readership. I used to document my progress here on SEW, but after some mega changes I let Examiner fall to the wayside.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puA4sBwKEiE/UJA2C659TRI/AAAAAAAABoM/OQannCyjczU/s1600/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puA4sBwKEiE/UJA2C659TRI/AAAAAAAABoM/OQannCyjczU/s1600/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was often in the Top 5 with both titles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><b>While in school I have a schedule.</b> Assignments are due on X day and reading needs to be done prior to discussions and homework. I knew what I needed to do on a daily basis. So, I would write after school was done and that meant I could get 5 or more articles done a day depending on what I needed to do for school.<br /><br />Right about the time I graduated last year Google implemented changes with Panda and Penguin and Examiner got a slap on the wrists. Writers were forced to change titles if their was another title with the same name. If you were a blogger who cross-posted, the duplicate content had to be changed. While, those of us who know about SEO, these changes are good changes, it still took Examiner down a notch and pageviews started to drop. To make matters worse, they stopped paying for international pageviews. My earnings took a huge nosedive.<br /><br />While I knew this was not my fault, it depressed me none-the-less. I reached that point where I knew I needed to focus on my pen name novels and push myself with a new marketing plan because writing for others was started to damage my self-esteem and made me question my self-worth as a writer.<br /><br />I kept my channels open by writing the bare minimum to keep them active as I questioned what I wanted to do with my writing career. I have quite a few ideas I've been sitting on, but I question my value as a writer and wonder if I am good enough.<br /><br />That's when I decided I should write more for myself. Shortly after that, <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> was launched. While it does make me money now, it's certainly not enough to live off of. I still haven't published any fiction. As a matter of fact the only things I have published are <a href="http://amzn.to/15tc4zz" target="_blank">Food Bloggers Tax Guide</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/1gnDdGz" target="_blank">Blogging for Dollars: A Bloggers Tax Guide</a>, and <a href="http://amzn.to/1c1JBRc" target="_blank">Do Anything with Protein Powder</a> recipe book. No fiction. No 2nd book of poetry. A couple of my pen name stories are series and I left them hanging.<br /><br />All because I questioned me. I questioned my worth. I quested what to do with my life.<br /><br />Here we are, almost a year later and I am struggling to make money with my writing. I gave up on Examiner and I should not have, despite watching so many struggle. Many weathered the storm and are doing well. I've been trying to get my grove back, but unsuccessfully.<br /><br /><b>I need a schedule.</b> I need to figure out how to work for Examiner, continue with YUM and write my fiction and posts my blogs.<br /><br />Time management is not on my side. But I am <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/04/atozchallenge-d-is-for-determination.html" target="_blank">determined to keep trying</a>.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85522853403298699262014-04-04T10:07:00.000-04:002014-04-04T10:07:23.267-04:00#Atozchallenge D is for Determination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08dDEq7kOUA/Uz6prcBrPKI/AAAAAAAAM-c/KlNMU8iHlds/s1600/D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08dDEq7kOUA/Uz6prcBrPKI/AAAAAAAAM-c/KlNMU8iHlds/s1600/D.jpg" /></a></div>If there is one thing I have plenty of in life that is determination.<br /><br />As I sat here to pen this post this morning I was really thinking about writing about Dominance. Which I had planned to lead up to my pen name and maybe discussing my novels. But, as I started to write, I felt this overwhelming sensation to complete some other tasks that were lingering first.<br /><br />I'm also battling another cold or something just a few days after my last one finally left the building. That led me to the determination of getting the job done. I also sat here, thinking about life and realized that I am one determined person.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />This July I will turn 39 and I am not really happy about it. My life has been a series of knock-down drag-out fights with life that will leave a lot of people running for the hills. But despite all of the bad stuff that has happened to me in life, I keep living with this little bit of determination to keep trying to make it better. As I approach 40 I look back and life and see I have nothing to show for it. Most people have their careers, families, homes, and other things that make them feel like their life has been worth everything they've been through in life.<br /><br />I don't have that. What I have is serious of mental health issues as a result of the bad crap in my childhood which led me to make very bad decisions in life as an adult. I've been married twice. My second marriage is such a struggle and I question my happiness on a continual basis. In the last 5 years I did work through a BA and MBA, but now I am in school debt with no real job on the horizon because I really enjoy freelancing. Which, is to me, a real job, but doesn't seem to be taken seriously by those around me. For the longest time I was determined to prove them all wrong. Since graduation, I feel like I want so much more out of life. I deserve to have some peace and happiness after everything I have been through. I should not have to settle. I should not have to allow for someone else to make choices for me.<br /><br />Trying to deal with that, on top of the PCOS and realizing I will never be able to have kids was also a kick in the gut this last year. It makes me look back and question my choices in life.<br /><br />I've turned into someone I'm not. I've lost myself in this current marriage.<br /><br />I'm determined to change my life. Somehow. I'm determined to get better. Healthier. Better pain management. Find out what I need to make myself happy.<br /><br />Determined to be <a href="http://ignitemotivation.blogspot.com/search/label/Best%20by%2040" target="_blank">best by 40</a>. Determined to make something of my writing life.<br /><br />Determined to change. For the best.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65001981839406673132014-04-03T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-03T07:00:00.783-04:00#atozchallenge C is for Childhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MiOJcIhVIM/Uzxx_qRX0ZI/AAAAAAAAM6M/rg1pgnfOWY4/s1600/C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MiOJcIhVIM/Uzxx_qRX0ZI/AAAAAAAAM6M/rg1pgnfOWY4/s1600/C.jpg" /></a></div><br />C is for Childhood Sexual Abuse.<br /><br />I had so many things I thought I could write about for the letter C. I was going to drop a review about a writing site that started with C. Then I figured I would save that for a non-challenge post.<br /><br />Then, there was this silly idea I was going to write about me, Chrystal. Nah. That's too much after <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/04/atozchallenge-b-is-for-blogging.html" target="_blank">yesterdays blogging post.</a> I figured I would give my new readers a bit of a break.<br /><br />Compassion. Caring. Yes, I am those things. Again, more about me.<br /><br />Content. Oh, yes. I write content all day long for various clients.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Then I had to <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/duck-dynasty-lisa-robertson-reveals-abuse-new-book" target="_blank">write an article</a> for one of my news outlets. Actually, I picked the topic because it turns out the latest book release is about a topic close to my heart. I'm a childhood sexual abuse survivor. I have written about it a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">few times here on SEW</a>. I try not to make a big deal about it here because I don't want potential clients to get all judgy and feel like I am not capable of doing my work. But, then there came a point in my life where I just didn't care.<br /><br />Some time ago I had a more personal, darker blog where I would keep my poetry and creative writing. I would discuss the depression, PTSD, anxiety and insomnia I suffer as a result of that abuse. I connected with other bloggers and in time I had so many folks emailing me to tell me how I had helped them.<br /><br />As my freelance career started to bloom, I spent less time on that site. In time, I felt I needed to take my voice into other outlets. I had this brilliant idea that I would tell my story. Tell my story of sexual abuse and how I survived it.<br /><br />Only, I am not sure I really did survive. Even though I am living life day-to-day, I still have bad days. I feel like I just don't have that happy ending that everyone wants to read in stories like that.<br /><br />I'm still searching for my ending.<br /><br />Until then, I'll write about those who have found theirs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19718498254386933232014-04-02T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-02T07:00:02.301-04:00#atozchallenge B is for Blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_UWFXnaCfk/UzrPT-WGsVI/AAAAAAAAM0s/1pSoOArv_O8/s1600/B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_UWFXnaCfk/UzrPT-WGsVI/AAAAAAAAM0s/1pSoOArv_O8/s1600/B.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">B is for Blogging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today we're going to discuss the history of my blogging adventures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started blogging back in the late 90s/early 2000s. I believe my first blogs were hosted on Geocities and Tripod/Lycos. I didn't have a niche and I didn't have much of an audience. People were not too quick to post personal information on the Internet and blogs were more like an 'About Me' page to direct people to in online chat room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Late 2004 I was introduced to Blogger. I didn't do much with it. I set one up with the blogspot address having something to do with my username/handle of 'okirishchik.' Later that year I was also introduced to Yahoo!360 so my Blogger collected dust. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yahoo!360 was a social networking site that allowed users to create profiles, share photos, write blog and integrate it all with their Yahoo! Messenger. It, to me, was social networking at its finest. The site hit a peak with users in 2005. During that year I met so many wonderful people. I saw artists bloom. Writer's found their courage and their voice. Friends all across the country had meet-ups long before MeetUp.com became a thing. I saw users fall in love, move and get married. Sadly, I witness divorce too. I saw friends battle cancer. Some won. Some lost. Users came and went. As things grew, Yahoo! had a huge problem with spam and fake account, which led them to eventually closing the program.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many went to MySpace at the height of their growth in 2006/2007. MySpace was awesome in its own way. I loved being able to customize my own profile. I loved being able to blog. But, the best part for me was searching photography for that perfect graphic to leave on my friends pages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a time suck. It was an addition. But, I met people I would never have been able to cross paths with if not for the beauty of blogging on the Internet. I have friends all over the world and many of them I am still friends with to this date. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sadly, blogging like that is no longer. I know there are places like LiveJournal and Xanga that provide a similar blogging platform to the way these other sites used to provide. I have tried them, but things just aren't the same. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In 2009 while working on my bachelor's degree I got fed up with the non existent job market after a 1600 mile move and a divorce in 2007. I knew I was going to have to create my own job or this world was going to get the best of me. Because of my background and degree I started writing about taxes, accounting and entrepreneurship. I picked up a few bookkeeping clients through places like oDesk. I worked my way through a BA and an MBA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had many blogs/websites come and go, but Self Employed Writer is the longest running. What started as a way for me to showcase my writing (online portfolio) turned into a way for me to once again have a platform to share my voice. While I don't write on my day-to-day personal life like my old blogs used to, I still share quite a bit about me here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other sites I own:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YU3cFQ9eQPM/UzsTQ4aGfjI/AAAAAAAAM2Q/9jzpGgAu6Tk/s1600/yum-eating-blue-vertical-button125.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YU3cFQ9eQPM/UzsTQ4aGfjI/AAAAAAAAM2Q/9jzpGgAu6Tk/s1600/yum-eating-blue-vertical-button125.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating </a>is my baby. After I finished my MBA and reached a roadblock in my writing career I knew there was more I wanted to do. I've always had this desire to own my restaurant, bed & breakfast or pub. But, due to some chronic pain issues, I'm not sure that is something in my future. I'm ok with that. I kept writing and trucking along in my freelance career until I had this idea that I should put my food on a website. I know how to run websites. I can write. Take photos. It just seemed like a natural fit for me. I'm still freelancing, but YUM eating will become my main source of income. I've pushed myself and I am doing really well for a site that is only 8 months old!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://ignitemotivation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ignite Your Motivation</a> is my 'I write at sometimes' site. It used to be More to Life than Chocolate which was to be a combined effort between myself and some friends. Slowly we all outgrew the blog so I did not renew the domain and changed the blogger address. I do not know if I'll purchase a domain. Not really in a hurry to do so. The site is basically my health , wellness and fitness site. But, it's more about my battle with PCOS, chronic pain issues and mental health issues.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jISKgh1bhu0/TdPqD4i_ptI/AAAAAAAAAbw/lu49ebn0M50/s1600/IMG_0466%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jISKgh1bhu0/TdPqD4i_ptI/AAAAAAAAAbw/lu49ebn0M50/s1600/IMG_0466%255B1%255D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used to blog on <a href="http://caintails.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cains Tales</a>, but after Cain died and my push to try to keep it going, I decided it best if I moved the new pet posts over to YUM. </div><br />That's really about it for my active blogs. I have plenty that have been started and deleted. Sometimes things change and we just move on. And, that's ok. As long as we keep writing.<br /><br /><b>Tell me a little about your blogging life. I would love to hear about it.</b><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34747219827623349102014-04-01T17:41:00.000-04:002014-10-03T21:40:00.309-04:00Where Am I?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYiIm9lmBp8/T7_atolz50I/AAAAAAAABSg/c7Cmm9hcsa0/s1600/575115_335952336471371_167748223291784_859059_285770322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYiIm9lmBp8/T7_atolz50I/AAAAAAAABSg/c7Cmm9hcsa0/s1600/575115_335952336471371_167748223291784_859059_285770322_n.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>March really knocked me down. Picked me up, chewed me and spit me back out.<br /><br />I tried numerous times to sit down and write out a post only to find myself crawling back under the rock I have been hiding under.<br /><br />I don't even know what to say other than I've fallen off the wagon.<br /><br />I haven't been exercising.<br /><br />My food cravings are in full force and I seem to be giving in to them more often than not.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Schedule don't seem to be working. All I feel like doing is sleeping.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I don't have much energy to sit at the desk and work, much less try to get some exercise movement in.<br /><br />My back hurts, my hips hurt. I've been having migraine attacks way too much.<br /><br />To top it off, my hands having been hurting and I am fearful I have full-blown arthritis in them now.<br /><br />I am struggling and not sure where to even start to get back on track. At this rate I am certainly not going to be at my best by 40.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35118495825511804942014-04-01T07:30:00.000-04:002014-04-01T07:30:04.728-04:00A is for April Fool's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaLlyf-WBYU/Uzm_iTtLQeI/AAAAAAAAMy8/58fGSZyn8iE/s1600/A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaLlyf-WBYU/Uzm_iTtLQeI/AAAAAAAAMy8/58fGSZyn8iE/s1600/A.jpg" /></a></div>Today's A to Z Challenge is the letter A.<br /><br />Today just so happens to be April Fools.<br /><br />That was almost too easy.<br /><br />Almost.<br /><br />Where do you stand with the fool day? Do you participate in something spectacular that you have turned into a yearly tradition or does the day simply skip you by?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I've never been one to really 'celebrate' April Fool's. When I was younger the day always fell while I was in school and of course someone always tried to do something silly and lame. I wasn't one for pranks or practical jokes.<br /><br />As I got older, that didn't change. I never went out of my way to give someone an April Fools joke.<br /><br />Writing this post I am wondering if I should attempt to do a silly April Fool's joke on my husband. Maybe something to make him laugh. I'm just not very good at that sort of thing. Practical jokes and pranks that is.<br /><br /><b>Are you pranking today? Did you get fooled? Tell me about it.</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13365440484845560352014-03-21T06:00:00.000-04:002014-03-21T06:00:06.096-04:00#atozreveal So....This Happened<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxzYGumiLRs/UysKpo2CCQI/AAAAAAAAMNE/j9JzgS9zzJ8/s1600/A-to-Z-Challenge-theme-reveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A to Z Challenge: Reveal Day | SelfEmployedWriter.com" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxzYGumiLRs/UysKpo2CCQI/AAAAAAAAMNE/j9JzgS9zzJ8/s1600/A-to-Z-Challenge-theme-reveal.jpg" height="209" title="A to Z Challenge" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gorgeous badge by</strong><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;"> </span><a href="http://writerlysam.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border: 0px; color: #952610; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Samantha Redstreake Geary</strong></a></td></tr></tbody></table>So, look what I did.<br /><br />No, no. Not the pretty badge.<br /><br />I decided to join a blogging challenge. I can't remember the last time I joined a blogging challenge. Oh, wait. It was<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/11/passing-on-blogpo.html" target="_blank"> BlogPo back in November</a>. In all fairness, I wasn't able to continue because I was spending all of my time over at my <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> website.<br /><br />Self Employed Writer has been around a LONG time. It's gone through a lot of changes, but one thing always held true - I am always going to be a self-employed writer. Nothing will change that. Whether I am publishing cookbooks, books of poetry or novels under my pen name. It does not matter if I am ghostwriting or blogging, I am still a self-employed writer.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />There were times when keeping up with the name and the brand were hard. I wanted to quit. But every time I come back here and I see all these old posts I can work on bringing forward now that Pinterest makes it possible for old posts to be seen, how can I leave it all behind?<br /><br />For my new readers, I have no real theme on Self Employed Writer. It's been my home to discuss my writing life. It will continue to be that way.<br /><br />As I sit here trying to figure out a theme, I am not sure I can really figure out a niche. I mean, I just signed up for the challenge the day before the reveal day! Who does that?<br /><br />I thought about doing the challenge on the foodie site as I really want more traffic there. It's my main blogging bread and butter. But the only thing I could think about was trying to do a recipe that was based on each letter of the alphabet. With a limited food budget and how long it takes for photo editing and writing, I figured that would not be a good idea.<br /><br />I thought about doing it on my health site, but couldn't really see me writing every day there using the letters of the alphabet to guide me. I don't write there on the regular anyway.<br /><br />So, here I am. As I ponder the letters of the alphabet and what it means to my writing - well, I am still clueless.<br /><br />I joined the challenge to get motivated about writing again. I have been in a slump lately since it seems all I do is write about food. I have various publishing outlets that need tending and I have bills to pay. So, I am thinking that maybe I should use each letter to inspire me to write something, anything that can be published in one of my various outlets.<br /><br />Not only will this help me with motivation, it will help dust off the cobwebs for my paying markets.<br /><br />I think this will be a good challenge. And for the days when I feel creative, this blog will serve as its publishing purpose.<br /><br />My general theme for the challenge is "Just Write."<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37770096811617039302014-03-19T15:12:00.002-04:002014-03-19T15:12:41.985-04:00Distortion by Terri Blackstock <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1nEkLj1" target="_blank"><img alt="Review - Distortion by Terry Blackstock | SelfEmployedWriter.com" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehmSWltfofE/Uynn-nCuWsI/AAAAAAAAMK4/bVjp6RhPVXI/s1600/_240_360_Book.1140.cover.jpg" height="320" title="Distortion by Terry Blackstock" width="208" /></a></div><br />This is book 2 in the Moonlighters Series. I did not feel that I missed out on important information that kept me from enjoying this book, "<a href="http://amzn.to/1nEkLj1" target="_blank">Distortion</a>" by Terri Blackstock.<br /><br />Distortion is an alright read. It's not overly suspenseful or riveting like some of the more well known suspense writers, but it does have enough of a plot and story to keep you turning the page, if only to find out who did what and why.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>Julie Cole watches her husband get murdered in front of her very eyes. She has no idea why anyone would want to hurt her husband. When she returns home after hours of questioning to break the news to her sons, there is a terrible voicemail left behind for her husband. Julie then begins to question who her husband really was and whether this shooting was intentional.<br /><br />The family is in danger as she must meet the killers demands. As the clues start to unravel the reader gets sucked it.<br /><br />My biggest complaint about the book is that the ending - once you finally get there - has absolutely no closure. We all know this in routine in series, set forth to grab the reader and hook them so they'll by the next installment of the series.<br /><br />Well played.<br /><br />While I felt the story had a lot of good structure, there were parts that were nothing more than added filler. It's apparent throughout the book and I felt as if it was trying too hard to be a Christian novel by grasping for this relevant to a piece of scripture, which wasn't a whole lot.<br /><br />It's not awful, it's not great.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43316141922249103992014-03-19T14:50:00.000-04:002014-03-19T14:50:41.795-04:00I've Never Been to Vegas; But my Luggage Has<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1j4hLdY" target="_blank"><img alt="i've never been to vegas | selfemployedwriter.com" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M1sm1wPN0o/UynkErQLg5I/AAAAAAAAMKo/nZimcmuJ_Ow/s1600/_240_360_Book.1137.cover.jpg" height="320" title="i've never been to vegas" width="210" /></a></div>I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of reading time spent with "<a href="http://amzn.to/1j4hLdY" target="_blank">I've Never Been to Vegas: but My Luggage Has</a>" by Mandy Hale. Prior to reading this book I had no idea who Mandy Hale was. But I am certainly glad she has walked into my life because her story is very inspiring to a writer like myself.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>Mandy Hale is best known as The Single Woman and is someone who has "made a name for herself as the voice of empowerment and sassiness." She has over 1 million website readers and more social media followers than many of us could ever hope for.<br /><br />During the day Mandy went off to live her life. She dated the guy who didn't want to commit. The guy who went off to the military and wasn't sure what he wanted in life. She dated an ex. She lived with a man who was physically and mentally abusive. Through it all she didn't give up.<br /><br />Mandy actually started writing on Examiner. A site I am very familiar with and have several of my own channels there. So, for me to read a story about a woman who got her start there, branded herself, grew her social media following and then went on to write a couple of books really gives me a lot of hope.<br /><br />Hale is hilarious. She's got some sass and spunk that is refreshing to see. Her memoir was very open and I never once felt like she was trying to sugar coat things or make them somehow better or worse for the sake of entertainment book purposes.<br /><br />Whether you are an aspiring writer, website owner, Examiner, or social media expert, this book is a great memoir about a woman who despite all that life had to throw at her, she accomplished it all - while still holding down a day job!<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91758730658870217902014-03-12T13:35:00.000-04:002014-10-03T21:36:10.584-04:00Boing, Boing. Huh?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Izo6OzINf_Q/UyCTam8VB0I/AAAAAAAAL1A/dodxqg8Z88o/s1600/boing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Izo6OzINf_Q/UyCTam8VB0I/AAAAAAAAL1A/dodxqg8Z88o/s1600/boing.jpg" height="299" width="320" /></a></div>I'm a huge fan of herbal supplements. I know everyone has their own opinion of them, and this is mine. I have much better luck with supplements than I do pharmaceuticals. There are a ton of crappy brands out there so it is up to each person to do their own due diligence to find the best brand for their money.<br /><br />Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPf5884e9765c50418d185403f040c77fe" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a><br /><br />I was really excited to get a chance to test out a couple of supplements from BioTerra Herbs. I had also planned to do this review on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating,</a> but this is March. And that means - Irish. And since I've been sick and fell off the workout wagon I thought maybe these supplements would help wake me up and get me going again.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But geez, I mean, look at the bottles. I am also big on marketing and packaging. I want something that is going to draw my attention so lure me over. Any time a company can do that I have to give them a pat on the back. I know there are folks who don't understand the need for something so fancy, but this my friends is pure marketing genius.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />A energy supplement called Boing ??? or the mental focus supplement called HUH?? I mean, come on. Look at those bottles. Tell me if you saw that in the store that it would certainly grab your attention?!?!?<br /><br />That's what I thought.<br /><br />The huh? is actually <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGonCHMMvvo/UyCWhTpjKII/AAAAAAAAL1U/24eJjD_i6Hk/s1600/huh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGonCHMMvvo/UyCWhTpjKII/AAAAAAAAL1U/24eJjD_i6Hk/s1600/huh.png" height="258" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />while the boing is<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HlXE_rC4qhs/UyCWrGjxC8I/AAAAAAAAL1c/lNfAhLkj14o/s1600/boing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HlXE_rC4qhs/UyCWrGjxC8I/AAAAAAAAL1c/lNfAhLkj14o/s1600/boing.png" height="221" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been taking them both for about a week now. After being sick for over a week and really dragging, I feel like my energy is slowly creeping back up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To clarify, I have taken focus and energy supplements in the past. I can certainly tell a difference when I do and don't take them. The point for me isn't to debate on whether or not they work for you, but I can tell you they do appear to be working for me. I haven't had any focus or energy supplements in my system for about a month or two aside from B vitamins. I was dragging long before I became ill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I love about this company is that they're focused on non GMO, gluten free, vegan and clean supplements with a whole lot of a sense of humor. I adore that so much! I think these guys have a great product on their hands and I hope to see their product on more store shelves. For now, all their great products (and packaging) can be found in <a href="http://www.bioterraherbs.com/shop/" target="_blank">their shop online</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMf5884e9765c50418d185403f040c77fe" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58688620227808115362014-03-12T12:46:00.002-04:002014-03-12T12:46:21.503-04:00A Stillness of Chimes by Meg Moseley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1iB0A3e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1i-EKSCqnME/UyB7lpyaf_I/AAAAAAAALz4/vmiM6baUS1s/s1600/megmosely.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>Reading some good fiction was long overdue for me. I feel like I fell off the reading wagon while I was working on my MBA (and even my BA) and it was not a happy fall. (As if any fall is, right?)<br />My nose was stuck in so many textbooks that I just did not have time to read much of anything. I did a few <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Book%20Review" target="_blank">book reviews here and there</a> as my time allowed. Going back, one can see that the majority of them were self-help type books.<br /><br />I was excited to get my hands on a good work of fiction. <a href="http://amzn.to/1iB0A3e" target="_blank">A Stillness of Chimes by Meg Moseley </a>came up for review, I happily accepted. When reading review books I don't have super high expectations because many of them are authors I never heard of. For fear of disappointment, I begin each one with an open mind.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />With Meg Moseley I had no idea what to expect as I have not read her books nor have I heard of her. The description looked good.<br /><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1iB0A3e" target="_blank">A Stillness of Chimes</a> starts out 18 years ago when the main characters were a mere 12 years-old. During that one chapter it is important to pay attention to the small details. While everyone grew up and went their separate ways, most stayed in the small town of Prospect, GA. However, after the death of Laura's mom, she returns to Prospect to deal with the house, and the constant rumors that her father faked his own death.<br /><br />While I found quite a few of the pages to be predictable and quite a bit that slowed down a little too much, there was quite a few little turns and twists that is just enough to keep the reader pushing forward to find out the truth.<br /><br />Once the reader pushes through the flat layers and lackluster story lines, there is an ending that one might expect, but events leading up to it are almost heartbreaking.<br /><br />Moseley has the bones to a great story. However, there was an overflow of filler that wasn't quite strong enough for full entertainment. I spent a lot of time skimming pages because they just weren't filling enough for me.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66569615685284372682014-03-11T06:00:00.000-04:002014-03-11T06:00:05.861-04:00Never 'Fake It' When Working From Home<a href="http://mrg.bz/ahJ3dd"><img alt="file1921311113779" class="size-medium wp-image-394" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/file1921311113779-300x217.jpg" height="217" width="300" /></a><br />Source: MorgueFile<br /><br />Working from home is tough. The market is competitive. I'll never sugar coat it. I've been working from home off and on for over thirteen years and solely for the last six. If there is one thing that bugs me the most it is the degree of professionalism within the community. Not just with workers but with clients/employers as well. That is a topic for a whole other post. For this post we are going to touch on "Faking It."<br /><br />While reading through my Google Alerts email with the hopes of something catching my attention so I could whip up some fun articles I came across an article from Payscale "<a href="http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2013/12/3-tips-to-help-you-fake-working-from-home" target="_blank">3 Tips to Help You Fake Working From Home</a>," by Jen Hubly Luckwaldt which would appear to be an extension of a Slate article titled "<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/12/20/fake_it_don_t_make_it_how_to_pretend_to_work_remotely_while_home_for_the.html" target="_blank">How to Fake 'Working Remotely' While Home for the Holidays</a>."<span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: line-through;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><strong>Oh. You've got to be kidding me.</strong><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I've got an idea. Let's take everything so many of us worked so hard to strive for (there's that professionalism again) and toss it all out the window. The PayScale article has zero interaction. Reading the tone it is hard for me to tell whether she's trying to be serious or riding on Slate's tail. Joking or not, this stuff drives me crazy.<br /><br /><strong>It sends the wrong message.</strong><br /><br />Not everyone who works from home is tied to an office and a boss 85% of their work time. There are a lot of us who work 100% from home. Most are independent contractors with no bosses. When potential employers troll through the interwebs (trust me, they do) and land on articles like this they ponder. I kid you not when I tell you these people wholeheartedly believe that if they read it on the Internet it must be true. I mean, who doesn't, right?<br /><br />Luckwaldt first discusses that email, more importantly Gmail is going to be your savior. This is a trick she apparently learned from Amanda Hess who penned the Slate article. Gmail gives you the lovely green dot option of showing yourself as being online, therefore giving the illusion to employers that you are 'ready and available' for work. According to Hess, "Faking office work is all about crafting the illusion of a digital presence."<br /><br />Hess also goes on to tell her readers that one shouldn't be afraid to blame your lack of communication on rural America. Her other tips include scheduling emails to post during the day while you are actually out playing, use the mute button for conference calls, be mindful of your social media so you don't get caught and lastly she advises one to delegate their work.<br /><br />While I understand both Amanda and Jen offer a bit of sarcasm and these articles are based around those working from home who are based in an office 85% of the time. I get that.<br /><br />Again, my argument is with the fact that this bundles all work at home people together. Those of us who are our own bosses have to work harder and we are often breaking down doors and stereotypes in the process.<br /><br />No, we don't all sit around in our PJs all day. No, we aren't all lazy. Yes, we do actually work. And it's because of articles like these that we have to deal with the stereotypes in the first place.<br /><br /><strong>Ladies and gentlemen, please do not do these things when working from home. Give your clients, customers and employers the time and attention they deserve. </strong><br /><br />Feel free to let me (or them) know your thoughts on the article.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64649130270295730832014-03-08T16:54:00.000-05:002014-09-25T18:26:44.188-04:00The Passion Principles: Ignite the Passion at Home<a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/225_350_Book.1102.cover_.jpg"><img alt="_225_350_Book.1102.cover" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1162" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/225_350_Book.1102.cover_.jpg" height="338" width="225" /></a><br /><br />Working from home has many challenges, one of them being relationships. In my case, a marriage.<br /><br />Working from home can be tough because a person ends up staring at the same four walls day in and day out. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between work hours and life hours.<br /><br />While I never had a problem with my phone ringing at all hours of the night due to clients calling, I have fallen victim to the issue with never knowing when to leave my office.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Because freelance work comes from clients all over the world there would be times when I had to juggle deadlines. When I write about news I had to be available at certain times otherwise it was no longer considered 'newsworthy.' When you are trying to jug client schedules with life schedules sometimes parts of a marriage can suffer.<br /><br />In my case for a long time I had school for the first part of my day, then I would spend my late afternoons and evenings plugging away until I felt satisfied with the days work to walk away. Then my husband went back to school and it got to a point where we were juggling my schedule and his schedule which included school, work, and clinical's. On the weekends we have kiddo.<br /><br />It was too easy for us to fall into a rut. We lost our connection more than once. There wasn't a whole lot of touching or intimacy. Not just sexual, but all other forms of intimacy as well.<br /><br />I'm always on the lookout for books to help me in that department. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse I have to be careful not to let too much time pass or it becomes a whole mental issue that I don't want to deal with.<br /><br />When I was offered the chance to review "<a href="http://amzn.to/1beXn3V" target="_blank">The Passion Principles</a>" by Shannon Ethridge I was thrilled. I've browsed her books in the past and know quite a few people who have read her material and give high praises. "The Passion Principles" show you how to 'enjoy a vibrant sexual relationship without inhibition, awkwardness, fear, resentment, guilt or shame."<br /><br />What really drew me in was the book is full of problems that everyone can face in a marriage, not just Christians. Shannon really touches on everything. I was also happy to see a section on help with sexual abuse. I made sure to highlight this and send it to my husband. I really got the most out of the chapters about connecting and what husbands should be doing if they want sex from their wives.<br /><br />Let's face it ladies, we ARE programmed differently than men. What works for them isn't going to work for us.<br /><br />For those of us who work from home we really need to learn how to turn work off and leave it in the office.<br /><br />While Ethridge doesn't discuss working from home specifically, she does touch on things like working and chores and how rules and boundaries should be in place.<br /><br />This book is one of the best Christian marriage books I have read in a long time and I really found a lot of information that I can use and apply in my own marriage.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection:</strong> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6357783093222471582014-03-07T03:18:00.000-05:002014-03-07T03:18:00.280-05:005 Different Ways to Market Your Home Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zssRLOOvkGY/UxjGC4racDI/AAAAAAAALd8/wkb0Lx5Ea6E/s1600/5+ways+to+market+sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zssRLOOvkGY/UxjGC4racDI/AAAAAAAALd8/wkb0Lx5Ea6E/s1600/5+ways+to+market+sew.jpg" height="298" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">You've started your home-based business and now you need a marketing plan. It can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.</div><br />There is always social media, which is free, useful, and readily available. But it's also very time-consuming, unless you use applications like <a href="http://bufferapp.com/" target="_blank">Buffer</a> that help you schedule posts which can free up a lot of time. But, the internet isn't the only place you want to find customer (or readers if you are a blogger.)<br /><br />No matter what your home business one should think outside the box. And in this case, think outside your computer. While social media has its uses and an ready-made audience, there is still an entire world out there for you to tap in to.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />1. <strong>Sponsor a Contest</strong>. This is especially for bloggers who wish to gain readership, but it also works for home-based businesses. For bloggers hosting the giveaway is as simple as writing up a post and using a company like <a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/" target="_blank">Rafflecopter</a> to host your giveaway. For other home businesses one can do the giveaway on their website, their Facebook page or offline. To host a giveaway offline contact the local radio station or local business that would be willing to host your business giveaway. Make sure the giveaway is something great like free products or services. Encourage everyone to join. Once the contest is over you can reach out to those who did not win and offer your product or service at a deeply discounted price.<br /><br />2. <strong>Direct Mail</strong>. Direct mail isn't dead folks. It is still an extremely useful tool for businesses. Make sure your mail piece has a direct call to action with clear headlines and easy to read text. Places like <a href="http://vistaprint.tellapal.com/a/clk/5Xh67l" target="_blank">VistaPrint</a> offer free and cheap postcards making it affordable for a home business to purchase postcards to use as direct mail pieces. VistaPrint also offers a <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/email-marketing.aspx?xnav=LMAMSR_EMKT" target="_blank">marketing service</a>. This may mean setting up not just an email list, but an address list too. This can be accomplished with a website like <a href="https://www.postable.com/chrystalmahan" target="_blank">Postable.</a> Postable will allow you to collect mailing addresses while keeping user data secure. From Postable you can also create and mail cards to your best clients or customers. Be leery of purchasing mailing lists. Many companies out there are not legitimate sources of mailing lists and could do your business more harm than good.<br /><br />3. <strong>Branding</strong>. If you are a blogger you must brand yourself. For home business owners generally your product becomes your brand if you are in direct sales, but you likely have competition. You must brand yourself. A branding will distinguish you from others and is a very powerful marketing tool. To start your branding process make sure you have a motto. For bloggers this is your tagline. Connect with people and personalize everything you do with your brand.<br /><br />4. <strong>Build a Website</strong>. Home businesses need a website. It's well worth the time and investment to set one up. Having a website in place allows you another powerful marketing tool. A website can be branded and shared. It can be the starting point of your business and the selling point.<br /><br />5. <strong>Network</strong>. Social media has great networking capabilities. But don't limit yourself to LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. There are many apps available for your smartphone that give you the capability to network. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/friendthem/id422255598?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">FriendThem</a> is a location-based app that works with Facebook allowing users to send friend request to people they meet in the real world. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meetme!/id469250681?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">MeetMe</a> is designed to help people meet in the middle. How often have you met someone at a networking event only to find out they live further away than expected? This app will allow you to add the two users address and the app will compute the middle meeting place at suitable venues. This is handy for direct sales companies seeking to meet for trade shows.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46143528274652242902014-03-06T13:47:00.000-05:002014-11-02T12:44:34.433-05:00I Didn't Mean to Quit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWROos8RKLI/Uxi5VfopkdI/AAAAAAAALc8/CasJk2FBwcw/s1600/593c410a02a02d9bc175488475bd2da9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWROos8RKLI/Uxi5VfopkdI/AAAAAAAALc8/CasJk2FBwcw/s1600/593c410a02a02d9bc175488475bd2da9.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>I quit.<br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/day-1-and-day-2-of-21day-fix-completed.html" target="_blank">I didn't mean to.</a><br />But I did.<br />Shakology <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/my-2nd-day-on-shakeology.html" target="_blank">day one</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/todays-day-i-try-shakeolgy.html" target="_blank">day two</a>....<br /><br />In all fairness though, I have been sick since last Friday. Here it is Thursday and I am feeling somewhat normal and trying to return to the land of the living.<br /><br />It's really hard to focus on eating right when you can't breathe or think straight because your head hurts so bad. Every time I tried some medicine my migraines would flair. Every time I wanted to take a nap the husband, kiddo, dogs, or something else would need my attention. When I get sick, its always bad.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>I wasn't always that way. </b>But, I think since I started working from home and living in a colder climate, my immune system is shot. It doesn't help that kiddo brings home every virus from every little elementary school kid she comes in contact with and that husband brings home his fair share from the hospital. He was feeling sick for one day and then POOF he was so much better. ONE DAY. I get stuck with it for a WEEK.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />My hips and back have been killing me. No treadmill and no exercise makes for a crabby body. Even though I hurt on a day-to-day basis, being idle and sick only makes it hurt worse.<br /><br />I did eat some salad yesterday and I am trying to eat more vegetables today. I haven't been eating low carb and I 'heavy' and gross.<br /><br />I'm ready for some relief. Winter can leave now.<br /><br /><b>Have you been able to stay on track with exercise this winter? How have you won your battle?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81048041651217618402014-03-06T01:00:00.000-05:002014-03-06T13:55:22.659-05:008 Ways to Get Things Done when Working from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6OGRomt-UI/UxjEeHchCHI/AAAAAAAALdo/1BqrGf0Yomo/s1600/8+ways+to+get+sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6OGRomt-UI/UxjEeHchCHI/AAAAAAAALdo/1BqrGf0Yomo/s1600/8+ways+to+get+sew.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div><h3>1. For the first hour of every day do NOT check your email or get on Facebook (or any other social media outlet.)</h3><br />I will admit, I am guilty of this and it becomes a HUGE time suck. I always tell myself "just a minute won't hurt," but then 2 hours have gone by. When I think about all the time I could have spent writing up a post or promoting it I get frustrated! While I do understand most of us have to use these social media outlets for promoting our websites, not everyone working from home is a blogger/writer. Developing the '1st hour' rule seems to work well for everyone.<br /><br />Sip your coffee. Enjoy it. Let your brain wake-up and start your day.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><h3>2. Begin your day with the most important task.</h3><br />Whether it's a pending project or return phone calls to make, do this for the first hour of every morning. This will allow your productivity to flow.<br /><br /><br /><h3>3. Don't multi-task.</h3><br />I know it seems like you are getting more done when you try to tackle multiple projects at the same time, but take it from someone who has tried many times to do this and 9 times out of 10 I fail at it. By focusing on one task you will actually get more work done at a faster pace.<br /><h3>4. When working from home do not stop to do dishes, sweep floors, deal with laundry or any other household chore.</h3><br />Chores are nothing more than a distraction that mess with your day. Sure, it's easy to walk into the kitchen, see the dust bunnies and immediately want to sweep them up. But, more often than not, one chore leads to another. Schedule your chore times outside of work time.<br /><h3>5. Set office hours and stick to them.</h3><br />I highly suggest getting a white dry erase board and hanging it on your home office door. On it, write your hours of operation. That way family members will know not to disturb you and you know at a certain time it's time to shut it down and walk away. Once you close the door to your office leave work behind and focus on family.<br /><h3>6. Do not answer any personal text messages, instant messages, telephone calls or any other personal forms of communication while working.</h3><br />I feel this one is pretty self-explanatory. Once you open that door to allow personal calls and texts to enter your day you will have a hard time shutting them off. Sadly, the world out there doesn't understand working from home. Many feel it is an open door policy. You're home, you can talk. Nip this in the bud before it even has a chance to get out of control.<br /><br />It can be hard to shut off communication to certain people during the day. If you were to work outside of the home, would that place of business allow personal calls to filter through all day long? Mostly likely not. If they do allow personal calls they are extremely limited and should be kept to a minimum. It's best if you do the same if there are people you must speak with during the day.<br /><h3>7. Get dressed for work.</h3><br />After working from home for many years I am here to tell you, working in your PJs is overrated. Sure, it's warm and comfy, but if you actually get up and get ready for work just like if you were heading to work outside of the home this helps to define your work hours. Shoes are optional, but I find it does help me to have fun, colorful socks or a nice pair of slippers. It makes me feel like I am going somewhere.<br /><h3>8. Always schedule P.E.P.</h3><br />Working from home can cause long periods of isolation. It can also make it easy to fall into the trap of not exercising and eating right. Make sure you schedule time for yourself. P.E.P. is something I learned about when I started working from home full-time a few years back. Physical health, Escapes, and People. It is easy to get sucked into the home environment and become isolated. Our clients are online, our boss/employer, even our friends. Make sure you schedule time for wellness.<br /><br />Go outside, take a walk. Change the office scenery and head to the local coffee shop or library. Even sitting outside during the warmer months can help with health. You've got to have an escape. It can be as simple as leaving the office once a week, or picking up an extra client here and there to save for a family vacation.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.meetup.com/" target="_blank">MeetUp</a> is a great tool for finding folks with similar interest. When you start working from home you miss those office connections where friendships often form. Having other people around boosts our health and our creativity.<br /><br /><strong>What is a challenge you face when working from home and how do you 'get your things done?'</strong>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6871528683851058882014-02-27T14:43:00.001-05:002014-02-27T14:43:24.586-05:00Notes from a Blue Bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1dFotz4" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIYRYOD-dZE/Uw-LgcQ1H2I/AAAAAAAALEk/bXiYS1nJ_Ak/s1600/_240_360_Book.1099.cover.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>I had such high hopes when I made the choice to review "<a href="http://amzn.to/1dFotz4" target="_blank">Notes from a Blue Bike</a>." As part of this particular review program I get to pick the books I would like to review. The synopsis reeled me in with its notes of chaotic lives and how we have the freedom to use our creativity to change everything in our life. I sounded like something I could enjoy and greatly benefit from.<br /><br />Who wouldn't want to use their creativity to reduce the chaos in their life?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I unplugged and snuggled in for my read. I enjoyed the fact that the author, Tsh Oxenreider, is actually a blogger. She blogs over at the website <a href="http://theartofsimple.net/" target="_blank">The Art of Simple</a> (formally Simple Mom.) The Art of Simple is a pretty amazing website and I have been following Tsh on Pinterest and Twitter for some time. Her philosophy is pretty amazing.<br /><br />Sadly, I have a love hate relationship with the book. I love that it contains so many wonderful quotes that can be used to make your life much more simple in so many aspects, but I hate that it constantly jumps around so much.<br /><br />Tsh was quite the traveler with her family and she's lived through many life-changing events. Much of it documented in her book. Instead of starting at the beginning of life and working through a timeline, the book seems to start with the part of life that related to the specific simple topic. For me, that's not quite so simple to make my brain flip-flop back and forth.<br /><br />Ouch.<br /><br />I know there are those out there who don't mind books like this, but I have never been a fan of flip-flop books. It's one thing to do a back story here and there, but this entire book is filled with memoirs of life lessons.<br /><br />If you enjoy Tsh Oxenredier website and have grown to love her writing style and life lessons, than reading a memoir style about her is going to work for you. If you're looking for ways to really simplify your life, "<a href="http://amzn.to/1dFotz4" target="_blank">Notes from a Blue Bike</a>" isn't that sort of book. It's much deeper than that.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19318466106131941312014-02-27T13:59:00.000-05:002014-10-23T15:47:53.238-04:00Day 1 and Day 2 of #21Day Fix Completed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spzANh-hM74/Uw-IVe2cRUI/AAAAAAAALEM/CevXQSmjt24/s1600/1800359_10152256924160915_1860485541_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spzANh-hM74/Uw-IVe2cRUI/AAAAAAAALEM/CevXQSmjt24/s1600/1800359_10152256924160915_1860485541_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was me right after I did Day 1 of the 21 Day Fix. I tell you, it was hard. I am sure there are those out there who think it was pretty easy. But, I had to push through some pain issues and that was not a lot of fun. I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up. Somehow I managed to push through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I even managed to create a little video, or two.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And then I did another after I was done.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IDon5Zd_bjw" width="560"></iframe> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoUkrNX2mqU/Uw-IXZmh_0I/AAAAAAAALEU/8C4KVL-SsyA/s1600/1959581_10152258654335915_1859207189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoUkrNX2mqU/Uw-IXZmh_0I/AAAAAAAALEU/8C4KVL-SsyA/s1600/1959581_10152258654335915_1859207189_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Now it is the afternoon of day 2. I woke up this morning with a very stiff body. Some of that due to the arthritis flairing and the back issues. The other part due to all my muscles screaming at me for yesterday. <br /><br />So, I took this photo while I was down on the ground. What you don't see it my little dog, Tinkerbell, climbing all over me trying to "help." <br /><br />Then I made another video to show that I was pushing through after taking 3 hours this morning to convince myself that I can and that I should. <br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vXEqWqh-eYo" width="560"></iframe> It took everything I had to really get it done. I did the Upper Body Fix today and the whole body cardio yesterday. <br /><br />I did have a cheat meal for dinner last night. I had been craving some Applebees for a while and I really wanted some boneless wings. I know I just undid all my hard work, but if I don't have what I want every once in a while then I will end up eating the entire kitchen. Thankfully we just don't have the money to eat out very often, so when we do it is a treat and we treat it as such. Today I am back on plan of using the cute little colored 21 Day Fix container and I am still shocked at by how much food I can eat. I need to make a grocery list because we are getting low on a lot of things that I need. <br /><br />I am worried about the weekend coming up. Since we get kiddo on the weekend I am having a hard time trying to figure out how to get my exercise in. I know for some this might be easy and that I should just be allowed to lock myself away for 30 minutes to get it done. You would think. But, we always have so much going on since that is the only time we get to spend with her each week. It's also work time for me. As a freelance writer and food blogger I really don't get to take days off and the weekends are my big cooking and recipe creation time. I cram a lot in those two days. <br /><br />I don't want to break the program, but at the same time I don't want to stress myself out about it because that is only going to make me want to quit. I will try to do it, if I can't I want to at least get some sort of exercise in and then I will extend the days on to my 21 days. <br /><br /><b>All I can do is do my best, right? </b><br /><b><br /></b><b>What are some ways you work around the obstacles in your life?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4261452156177751482014-02-26T17:16:00.001-05:002014-02-26T17:22:21.861-05:00Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCx6raA29I4/Uw5lCjrS9OI/AAAAAAAALBI/C_idDhn2Sm8/s1600/_240_360_Book.1044.cover.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></div>I'm sure everyone's mother told them not to judge a book by its cover, but when it came to <a href="http://amzn.to/1hA2SuC" target="_blank">"Doon"</a> I couldn't help it. Of course, it did not help that the book was about two high school girls traveling to Scotland. I'm a sucker for anything that has to do with Scotland or Ireland. I blame my Irish background.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1hA2SuC" target="_blank">"Doon"</a> is a story about Veronica and Mackenna two high school students who travel away to Scotland for the summer to stay in Mackenna's family home.<br /><br />The story is a bit weird in that two writers pen this novel and each write from the perspective of the girl. It made it really hard to go back and forth with the different writing styles. It would have been fine to have the different point of view of the girls telling their tales from their perspectives but when you throw in authors with different writing styles it makes for a little harder read.<br /><br />If this is something you can get past, you will find yourself submersed in a magical tale for Mackenna's family has found the magical land of "Doon" and now it's Mackenna's turn to help save it. Although things don't always go as planned.<br /><br />While a lot of this novel is set in a historical period of Scotland, anything the girls went through or talked about was quite modern. After a while it became rather expected but it was also a jolt. Here we are in a Renaissance type time period in a castle with running water and toilet paper. Also, as an adult reading some of the younger slang, even though I consider myself pretty trendy it really made me wonder where they came up with these phrases.<br /><br />I kept reading but the story had so much promise. While these small things are just simple annoyances I actually really enjoyed the book and will happily scoop up book two to read when its published.<br /><br /><b>I encourage any age to read this because it really was quite fun and enjoyable. </b><br /><br />I read the entire novel in one night. I could not put it down. Even though you feel like its a typcical boy meets girl, girl falls in love story, its so much more than that.<br /><br />Another neat thing to point out is that "Doon" is based very lightly on the musical "Brigadoon" by Alan Jay Lerner. I really enjoyed how the authors played on the magical tale and turned into their own story.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42644535619228478822014-02-25T16:32:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:31:16.467-04:00Look What Came Today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9pF7mCO3VJ4/Uw0LsPIhXJI/AAAAAAAAK98/0QpbZ1pSCpk/s1600/21+day+fix+has+arrived.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9pF7mCO3VJ4/Uw0LsPIhXJI/AAAAAAAAK98/0QpbZ1pSCpk/s1600/21+day+fix+has+arrived.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></div>After waiting (what seemed like) weeks due to a backlog I am finally the proud owner of the 21 Day Fix. I can't wait to get going on my challenge.<br /><br />I'll be reading through the materials tonight and pop the DVDs in to give them a watch.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I'll need to create a grocery list, but hopefully I have enough goodies in the kitchen that I can get started ASAP!<br /><br />If you are interested in the 21 Day Fix you can read more about it on<strike> my Beachbody page.</strike><br /><br />Also, join me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ignite-Your-Motivation/214829081868084?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for much more tips, tricks, and just general inspiration and motivation!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91553200803665191882014-02-24T16:40:00.000-05:002014-09-25T18:26:44.273-04:00My Skinny Jane 7-Day Challenge Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vED_U7DIFVU/Uwu3KMpUtwI/AAAAAAAAK4g/L-Hf96LjRfw/s1600/c606d6d228b2f191865f65135ec54fc979352183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vED_U7DIFVU/Uwu3KMpUtwI/AAAAAAAAK4g/L-Hf96LjRfw/s1600/c606d6d228b2f191865f65135ec54fc979352183.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPff9ba5cdd48bf524d29f03595bfcff97" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a><br /><br />I took the weekend off from Shakeology because I had signed up as a tester for Skinny Jane some time ago. I did not make the first round of testers and wasn't sure whether I was going to get picked so I just <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/todays-day-i-try-shakeolgy.html" target="_blank">began my Shakehology journey.</a><br /><br />When I received work I was picked to try Skinny Blend, Skinny Burn and Skinny Cleanse I was pretty excited. The shipment overlapped and I did not want to do both drinks at the same time so I gave up my chocolate vegan shake for strawberry.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>First I have to tell you my heart sank a bit when I saw it was strawberry flavored. I could have sworn I was getting chocolate flavored. Mean, chocolate is the universal language of dieters, right? I shop a lot on Amazon, but I am always ordering the item I see. I don't do a lot with the selection process so I must have missed the "choose your flavor" part of the process. *doh* Silly me.<br /><br />Either way, I gave the company the benefit of the doubt, I mean after all Skinny Jane did send me a nice little 7-day kit free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Honestly, the strawberry wasn't too bad. I mixed it with skim milk and a banana. By the 2nd day though I had a hard time getting through that shake. I just can't do strawberry, sorry.<br /><br />The Skinny Burn seemed like it gave me a little bit of extra energy but I can't be 100% positive on whether or not that was the coffee in me. The Skinny Cleanse though is where my review ends after day 2 instead of continuing through the week.<br /><br />In the morning you take 2 Skinny Burn and 1 Skinny Cleanse. At night you take another Skinny Cleanse. Skinny Cleanse contains senna leaves, cascara sagrada, psyllium hulk, and some other ingredients to make you poop. And that is exactly what they did. Only for me, someone who has no gallbladder I have enough issues with the toilet. It's hard for me to know what supplements are going to do to me, so if you are someone who is sensitive to ingredients like this, then this product might just give you diarrhea. I drink a ton of water daily, so that is not the problem at all.<br /><br /><b>I also had terrible stomach cramps. </b><br /><br />Now then, I also had some problems with the meal plan. We have all discussed that I have PCOS. I'm also insulin resistance and pre diabetic because of it. I have to eat. If I do not eat enough I will get sick. I will also trigger a migraine.<br /><br />I had no idea what sort of meal plan they were going to send me.<br /><br />Like I mentioned earlier, first thing in the a.m. we were to drink 16oz of water with Skinny Burn and Skinny Cleanse. Then about an hour later breakfast was to be the Skinny Blend shake. They did not mention adding anything to it other than milk. This makes for a very low calorie breakfast. If I did not add a banana, I would be starving 20 minutes later. A few hours later there is a snack of some nuts or celery with peanut butter. Lunch was nuts, apple, string cheese and a cup of green tea. That's it! Followed by another snack of berries and light cool whip. Shortly after than there was to be more water and a Skinny Cleanse. Dinner was lean meat and steamed vegetables with some more green tea.<br /><br />I'm sorry but I would pass out from lack of food. So, I followed my own meal plan. Sorry. Had to. I was not expecting this type of a meal plan.<br /><br /><b>It might work for some, but I wonder about their long-term weight loss.</b><br /><br />So, I had a semi-bad experience. That's just me. Everyone else will have different results. Judging from the <a href="http://amzn.to/1dqsMOk" target="_blank">reviews on Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.skinnyjane.com/" target="_blank">their website</a>, there are a lot of people having success with this kit. I personally might have had better luck if I had chocolate to drink and maybe skipped the cleanse pills. But because I just can't choke down another strawberry shake that I don't like, I can't force myself to continue the next 5 days.<br /><br /><b>Sorry folks. </b><br /><br />I'm not one to bash any company. It's not the companies fault. Maybe there was excess Strawberry. I don't know. Like I said, everyone will have different results. Maybe the 7-day challenge is different from the other meals plans. I'm not sure.<br /><br />I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMff9ba5cdd48bf524d29f03595bfcff97" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91480228036166212492014-02-21T12:09:00.000-05:002014-07-03T17:07:41.988-04:00My 2nd Day on Shakeology<br />This morning I decided to use 1 cup of skim milk with a packet of Vegan Shakeology. I also added my last frozen banana. Husband is not a fan of banana, but he did enjoy the shake anyway. I think using milk instead of water made all the difference. I added a few ice cubes too. He just wasn't a fan of the banana. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/02/todays-day-i-try-shakeolgy.html" target="_blank">Here is my experience with day 1 on Shakeology</a>.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I'm doing a packet swap with one of the girls in my group. A vegan for a non. I am going to give that a go and see if we like it better. I have heard its not quite as earthy. If I can get him on board I am looking to sign him up as well. I love the concept of building a healthy family business.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Yesterday I got word that my 21-Day Fix challenge pack is on its way and I also got some Shakeology workout videos in the mail that I was not expecting.<br /><br />So, I drank my shake about 7-7:30am. Now, here it is 10am and my stomach is growling. I did not have this problem yesterday. I am fully convinced it's the fruit. Every time I eat fruit I am dealing with a growling stomach a few hours later.<br /><br />Another thing I am noticing is that I am going the bathroom a lot. I've read this is a common occurrence as Shakeology contains a lot of fiber and super foods that help to clean out our bowls.<br /><br /><b>Awesome sauce.</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63126932622801499152014-02-20T17:20:00.000-05:002014-07-03T17:04:38.678-04:00Today's the Day I Try Shakeolgy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDJendl4siU/UwZ8VPii0AI/AAAAAAAAKmM/TM4HVRIAvXI/s1600/shakeology+vegan+shake+packet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDJendl4siU/UwZ8VPii0AI/AAAAAAAAKmM/TM4HVRIAvXI/s1600/shakeology+vegan+shake+packet.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>OK, so I have been sitting on this post all day, debating on whether or not I should even write it. I'm redoing all of my blogs with the exception of my food site <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a>. I have some that I have grown out of and others like my pet site where the namesake passed away and it just seemed pointless to continue.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />This particular site is a revamp of my PCOS site, More to Life than Chocolate. I have outgrown it and felt it was time to do something different with it. I tossed around a few ideas and some of them started to surface. The website has a lot of work to be done, but I wanted to take time to discuss my very first ever Shakeology shake.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>I've tried a lot of meal replacement shakes in the past. Some were good and some were pretty gross. In high school my best friend and I would drink Slim Fast shakes instead of spending money on gross school lunches or going off campus. That was over 30 years ago. I guess I am somewhat of a smoothie queen.<br /><br />Shakeology has a giant list of goodies in their powder. This was something I was drawn to. I was also drawn to the fact they were soy free. I am finding it harder and harder to find things without soy. I did end up picking the Chocolate Vegan because I wanted to see if I liked powder without whey in it.<br /><br />I also purchased the new challenge kit, 21-Day Fix which comes with this super cool looking containers. While I know in order for me to battle the weight and PCOS I have to keep my calories in check but I am having an extremely difficult time doing so. I felt this product came in to my life at a moment when I needed it. I researched a lot of folks reviews on YouTube and blogs. I was able to watch some of the video and I was excited to see many modified poses and even someone no-so stick-thin. This is something I haven't been able to deal with on other Beachbody products like P90x(husband and I both tried), Insanity and even TurboFire.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cTilavvOwQ/UwZ9c_Rqd-I/AAAAAAAAKmg/_IRCNA98o3I/s1600/be0da5e887b4c8a627800ceb8b1a855e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cTilavvOwQ/UwZ9c_Rqd-I/AAAAAAAAKmg/_IRCNA98o3I/s1600/be0da5e887b4c8a627800ceb8b1a855e.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I decided to purchase this for myself because it was different.<br />Remember my war with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/my-war-with-calories-vs-points.html" target="_blank">Calories vs. Points</a>?? Well I think this might be the solution to my needs.<br /><br /><b>It's so popular it's on back order.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6luQVXILgfU/UwZ9ERz-FjI/AAAAAAAAKmY/ThgHl8M5mQI/s1600/shakeology+in+the+blender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6luQVXILgfU/UwZ9ERz-FjI/AAAAAAAAKmY/ThgHl8M5mQI/s1600/shakeology+in+the+blender.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div><br />So while I wait I decided to have my first Chocolate Vegan Shakeology shake. It does have a very earthy smell to it. I did not have any almond milk on hand and I was not interested in using skim so I blended it with some ice and a cup of water.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eX3KN7LjXDA/UwZ_Yl659aI/AAAAAAAAKms/Bg2CeSYb0-s/s1600/shakeology+day+1+with+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eX3KN7LjXDA/UwZ_Yl659aI/AAAAAAAAKms/Bg2CeSYb0-s/s1600/shakeology+day+1+with+water.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div><br /><br />I had a pretty good chocolate taste. My husband was not a fan. That was a bummer. Maybe he would like the regular chocolate as I've been told it has a different flavor. It did seem more like a milkshake, although, please don't expect an ice cream milkshake. I simply mean more in the blend of it. It does get pretty rich just for being water and powder so I am excited to see what new recipes I can create with it.<br /><br />Interested in learning more about Shakeology or the 21-Day Fix? Visit my <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/ChrystalM" target="_blank">Beachbody store.</a><br />Interested in great-tasting smoothie recipes for only 99 cents? Buy my book <a href="http://amzn.to/1c1JBRc" target="_blank">on Amazon</a>.<br /><br /><b>Here's a funny, too.</b><br />This made me LOL quite a bit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nRsH2N254I/UweUraDxZ6I/AAAAAAAAKoo/5djguS4p4gE/s1600/bootleggers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nRsH2N254I/UweUraDxZ6I/AAAAAAAAKoo/5djguS4p4gE/s1600/bootleggers.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36788039459751076042014-02-18T11:25:00.001-05:002014-08-01T14:06:00.981-04:00Blogging for Dollars: Bloggers Tax Guide<div style="margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0W6g9M6Y0Q/U9vW_h5TmeI/AAAAAAAASMY/1cGCca1PgXY/s1600/blogging_for_dollar_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0W6g9M6Y0Q/U9vW_h5TmeI/AAAAAAAASMY/1cGCca1PgXY/s1600/blogging_for_dollar_copy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Bloggers and writers have very confusing tax rules when it comes to expenses and deductions. Are you a legitimate business or merely a hobby? How do you know?<br /><br />Do you love blogging but have no idea what you should be keeping track of?<br /><br />And what about all that free stuff you get from sponsors or in exchange for a review? Are you confused about the home office deduction?<br /><div><a name='more'></a><br /><br />After writing “<a href="http://amzn.to/XkRWf2">Easy Accounting for the Self-Employed</a>” and “<a href="http://amzn.to/15tc4zz">Food Bloggers Tax Guide</a>” I realized there were limited resources available for bloggers.<br /><div><br />“<a href="http://amzn.to/1gnDdGz">Blogging for Dollars: Bloggers Tax Guide</a>” is a simple, easy to understand resource for all types of writers. In this guide will discuss the establishing yourself as a real writer, how to determine whether your blog or column is a hobby or a legitimate business, how to keep track of your records and what to keep track of. We’ll also discuss what writing/blogging related items are allowable business expenses.<br /><br />Running a blog is a lot of fun and quite rewarding, don’t let the hassle of record-keeping frustrate you. With this quick read you’ll be in bloggers tax paradise in no time and you can spend more time on blogging and photography and less time stressing about whether those giveaways deductible.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33336639959579285022014-02-13T11:26:00.000-05:002014-09-24T17:29:12.116-04:00Jewelry In Candles Banana Nut Bread Reveal<a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/banananutbreadcandle-2-450x450.png"><img alt="banananutbreadcandle-2-450x450" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1420" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/banananutbreadcandle-2-450x450.png" height="450" width="450" /></a><br /><br />Today is jewelry reveal day here at Everyday Living with Chrys. I was excited and I didn't want to keep it to myself, especially since my candle was Banana Nut Bread. I guess that also means I have a Jewelry In Candles update. For those of you who have been keeping up with my new site, I <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/01/my-update-with-jewelry-in-candles.html" target="_blank" title="My Update with Jewelry In Candles">posted an update back in January</a> about some issues the company was having and how that spread into its direct sales agents. I was one that got caught in the crossfire along with so many. After my original post I had to go back and update it.<br /><br />My Jewelry In Candles store is still active (at time of publication) and I have not asked to have my store closed. I really was upset but at the same time I know growth is hard. I was angry about the way they handled things and felt some of the practices were a little unprofessional.<br /><br />However, they did try to make good on my order and do you know they still sent me my rep kit even after I had canceled the order?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />For those wondering, yes I sent in a ticket and no I have not heard back.<br /><br />When the package arrived I thought honestly it was a package from some penpals. The return address said nothing about candles. So, I opened it and was pretty shocked. I let the package sit on my floor in the office for over a week before I decided to just take a look at the sampler scents for the reps. Each one was pleasantly delightful. While there are some scents I do not prefer, I can't say I hated any of them.<br /><br /><strong>Wow.</strong><br /><br />After smelling all the scents, I waited a few more days to deal with the candle. I am not sure what I was waiting for. I had smelled the Banana Nut Candle and was really excited to give it a go.<br /><br />I guess I was waiting for Jewelry In Candles to tell me I needed to send it back.<br /><br />As of today, that has yet to happen.<br /><br />Well, I got tired of waiting and I figured once they replied to my ticket they could recharge my account if they had to. For now, I wanted to accept my 'gift' and see what surprise was in store for me. I specifically picked a ring, size 7. So, at least I knew a ring would be waiting for me. My box also contained a free gift that many other reps received as well. A cute star necklace. I figure I'll save that for a gift or give it to kiddo. I'm not super big on jewelry so I don't see myself wearing it.<br /><br />I burned the candle for a few hours. It had a wonderful scent that did not go away after a few minutes of burning. I was getting impatient so I used a warmed to speed up the process.<br /><br /><a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/jic-reveal-cm.jpg"><img alt="jic-reveal-cm" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5153" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/jic-reveal-cm.jpg" height="692" width="600" /></a><br /><br />I received a very simple silver swirly ring. I did not see any sort of sterling silver stamp. It's cute. Plain and simple just the way I like things. I'm not sure I'll ever wear this and even though there are Jewelry In Candle jewelry swaps on Facebook, I don't think this is fancy enough for a trade.<br /><br /><strong>I'm still undecided about Jewelry In Candles.</strong> I really enjoy their products and feel their prices are some of the best on the market. I spent some time looking at a ton of other candle companies over the holidays when all the mess was going on and I could not find one that actually allowed you to pick your jewelry type and size.<br /><br />There are quite a few jewelry in your candle alternatives. I see a them popping up all over the place. One that stands out quite a bit is <a href="http://www.jewelscent.com/" target="_blank">Jewel Scent </a> because they actually sell more than just candles. Not only that, the candles seem to be priced quite a bit lower than most of the others. While they do have a requirement to buy a kit as part of their sign up, there are now 3 to choose from. When I first checked out their <a href="http://www.jewelscent.com/consultant" target="_blank">consultant section</a> there were only two options. They have since added the $25 option. I wonder if this is due to people leaving other companies and seeking out at alternative.<br /><br />Anyway, I am big on packaging. I guess from all those years in retail and all the marketing classes I had to deal with in college. I love the way Jewel Scent looks. I think their compensation plan is pretty good too. Might be worth a look if you are wanting to check out an alternative to Jewelry In Candles.<br /><br />They also have a $10 month website fee, which I know will turn a lot of people off. But think about this -- more product choice and cheaper prices means you are going to be able to sell to more customers. The website is beautiful and the products look pretty amazing. I am not a rep, nor have I signed up. I'm just stating that it looks like a great product and company compared to the others I have looked at.<br /><br />Now, here is my big reveal video!<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o1KfZUJIOps" width="420"></iframe>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90039346258235796502014-02-06T09:00:00.001-05:002014-02-06T10:09:44.397-05:00Did You Get a 1099-Misc and 1099-K? Don't Panic!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t31FMTBGYUk/UvOVVqtuFAI/AAAAAAAAJ88/3w_rbbGq5m4/s1600/1099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t31FMTBGYUk/UvOVVqtuFAI/AAAAAAAAJ88/3w_rbbGq5m4/s1600/1099.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>As a freelance writer I have been seeing a lot of complaints regarding "stupid accounting departments who don't know the tax laws" at certain content websites.<br /><br />I hate to break it to you, but accountants are much more well versed when it comes to the tax laws than consumer journalists, which is what most of these people are reading.<br /><br />I admit that the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank">IRS website</a> is a bit confusing and <a href="http://www.irs.gov/uac/Form-1099-K,-Merchant-Card-and-Third-Party-Network-Payments" target="_blank">doesn't really give a clear-cut answer</a> when it comes to getting both a 1099-MISC and 1099-K. Law always seems as if its left up to interpretation.<br /><br />After listening to people complain about it since 2012, I figured it was high time to do some digging.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />I used my school and accounting credentials to get access to the tax law library.<br /><br />I was also able to find a public viewing of these forms. <a href="http://www.1099fire.com/learning_center/6050w/TD_9496_Final_Regulations_Sec_6050W_08132010.pdf" target="_blank">TD9496 </a>Final Regulations and tax law <a href="http://www.1099fire.com/learning_center/6050w/Sec_6050W.pdf" target="_blank">IRC 6050W</a><br /><br />First, it DOES say on the 1099-MISC form and in the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1099msc.pdf" target="_blank">instruction booklets</a> that payments made by a third party processing center are an "exception" to reporting on a 1099-MISC and that "they are not subject to reporting" on the 1099-MICS and should be reported on the 1099-K.<br /><br /><b>So, why are companies still issuing 1099-MISC if they aren't supposed to?</b><br /><br />I dug through the issue with the 1099-K and was able to find something that might clear things up. It is <b>not</b> against the law for places like Examiner to send out a 1099-MISC if they use a 3rd party payment processor like PayPal. It also does not make their accounting department "stupid."<br /><br />This became a huge misconception by consumer journalists who had no real idea about the tax law and started writing all these website posts when the law was passed. When reading websites do your due diligence and make sure you are reading from a reputable source.<br /><br />In the tax law there a FAQ section and the question is asked if the 1099-K will replace the 1099-MISC and the answer is NO.<br /><br />It says the "1099-K is ADDITIONAL information return and does not change the existing 1099-MISC form. You do want to be careful at year end to insure you don't duplicate revenue that may be reported to you on both."<br /><br />So, there you have it. Examiner accountants do know the tax law as well as every other freelance company that pays through PayPal and is still sending a 1099-MISC. The IRS knows there is duplicate, that is not what they are concerned with.<br /><br />At least, not at this point.<br /><br />The point of the 1099-K is for people who make money on Ebay and other places and don't report that income/hobby.<br /><br />No need to panic if you get both. Just check your PayPal deposits for that company and make sure they match your MISC amount. If they don't, find the error and report it to the company.<br /><br /><i>Remember Examiner writers, you are on month off. Your December 2012 earnings show in 2013. So adjust your figures accordingly.</i><br /><br />We should also remember that places like Examiner do not have access to your PayPal. Therefor, they have no idea if you are going to meet the requirement for a 1099-K. You will only get a 1099-K if you received $20,000 and had 200 transactions.<br /><br />So, it is likely that places like Examiner are sending out 1099-MISC for writers records for one reason or another. Despite what tax documents say about 'not requiring' they still can send out documents. And, as we've seen year after year, they will.<br /><br />At the end of the day there really is no reason to panic. Do your taxes, keep all your documents and you'll be fine.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85600296542661973622014-02-03T16:15:00.002-05:002014-02-06T11:42:44.800-05:00Check Out the New Site at WAHLiving.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFIgiW39rjE/UoYkLTnq5ZI/AAAAAAAAGos/G3L0EyQnHOo/s1600/wahlivingheader2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFIgiW39rjE/UoYkLTnq5ZI/AAAAAAAAGos/G3L0EyQnHOo/s320/wahlivingheader2.jpg" height="94" width="640" /></a></div><br />I know I have been terrible about keeping up with my writing site. I think I have way too many sites to juggle and it's causing me to feel overwhelmed. I have been spending a lot of my time working on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a>, but I've also been working on getting <a href="http://wahliving.com/" target="_blank">Work at Home Living</a> up and running.<br /><br />All good websites take time to build. I'm going to be sharing a lot of old and hidden material here on SEW with my WAH readers. I think there is a lot of golden gems hidden in all my years here.<br /><br />I do hope you will pop over to the new websites and read all the new and fun material there, too!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83226397874026229372014-01-30T01:02:00.000-05:002014-09-25T18:26:44.260-04:00Love Shenanigans Irish T-Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnTHabYZMcE/UxjHV7G_0zI/AAAAAAAALeM/0AidM8yMPaQ/s1600/irish+shenanigans+sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnTHabYZMcE/UxjHV7G_0zI/AAAAAAAALeM/0AidM8yMPaQ/s1600/irish+shenanigans+sew.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm sad y'all.<br /><br />I was given this awesome I <3 Shenanigans St. Patrick's Day Shirt to review. <br />But, as my luck would have it, the Irish shenanigans t-shirt doesn't fit.<br /><br /><b>What a bummer and how embarrassing at the same time.</b><br /></3><br /><div><b></b><br /><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><br />Darn. Even more reason to get motivated with <a href="http://ignitemotivation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ignite Your Motivation</a>.<br /><br />I also have a confession. Remember that <a href="http://yumeating.com/tag/30-day-green-smoothie-challenge/" target="_blank" title="Survived Week 1 of the 30-Day Green Smoothie Challenge">Green Smoothie Challenge</a>?<br /><br />Yah, well, I didn't finish. I lasted about 2 weeks. It was too hard for me to go to the store every few days to keep up with produce and I was having problems with not being able to chew my food. It's ok for me to do once in a while, but I just can't do it every day.<br /><br /><br />I am bound and determined to fit in this shirt ASAP. <b>Maybe I'll get the wear it next year.</b><br /><br />Of course I don't need St. Patrick's Day to wear Irish clothing. Proud to be Irish and I support my heritage year-round.<br /><br />So, while this shirt says Women's XXL, its more like Juniors fit. This is not going to fit a women who wears an 18 and standard 2X top. Unless you have small shoulders and are flat chested. Neither category I fit in to. The Next Level brand t-shirt is that thinner cotton material you might find on some the the retro or distressed printed shirts. It's softer. The printing on this particular shirt is made to look faded and coming off for that retro look. I really like the look and feel of this shirt and its a perfect shade of green.<br /><br />Despite the fact that it doesn't fit (I knew I should have ordered a mens!) I still feel this is a good quality shirt for the price and I love that the entire site is devoted to St. Patrick's Day t-shirts.<br /><br />I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.<!--3--></div><!--3--><!--3-->Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1963980009109733532014-01-25T12:57:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.941-05:00yesCrowd Contenthttps://www.crowdcontent.com/author/sign-up.php?Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46027844514472430212014-01-23T16:36:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.919-05:00yesIs There Still Value in eZine Articles?I recently received an email from eZineArticles wowing me for my 3 year anniversary.<br/><br/>This is one of those places I often forget about because it's not a 'pay me' content site.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9133037481628055902014-01-22T17:33:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:30:16.187-04:00Review: Natural Factors Green Coffee Bean Extract<br />Back in December I did a little write-up and giveaway for Natural Factors Green Bean Extract. As part of that giveaway I was given a bottle of Natural Factors Green Coffee Bean Extract to try and review. I'm always excited to try new things, especially when it could result in a few pounds lost.<br /><br />First, I have to say that I know there are <strong>no</strong> miracle pills, because if there were, we would all be skinny. Second, I know one must change their diet and exercise. However, supplements <strong>can be</strong> used as <span style="text-decoration: underline;">tools</span> to help aid in weight loss.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The weight loss industry is not a 'one-size-fits-all' market. I don't care what anyone says. I have been battling my weight for most of my life. I have learned through trial and error what works for me and what doesn't. I have found that what works for someone else, doesn't always work for me and what might work for me isn't going to work for someone else.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><strong>We are all different. Our bodies are different. Our chemistry is different. </strong><br /><br />I started taking Natural Factors Green Coffee Bean Extract around January 11. The directions state 1 capsule (which are vegetarian, by the way) 30 minutes before a meal with a full glass of water. You are to only take one a day. I did this the first day and noticed no difference in my appetite. I tried again the next day and still no change. By the 3rd day I decided to try 2 a day. Again, no change. I upped to 2 capsules before breakfast and lunch as this usually seems to be the method that works for me with other supplements.<br /><br />Still nothing. 14 days on Natural Factors Green Coffee Bean Extract and there has been no noticeable change in my appetite or the amount of food I am eating.<br /><br /><strong>Kind of a bummer.</strong><br /><br />Here is a little bit of information about <a href="http://www.naturalfactors.com/products/detail/6187/green-coffee-bean-extract" target="_blank">Natural Factors Green Coffee Bean Extract</a>:<br /><blockquote>Natural Factors Green Coffee Bean supports healthy weight loss and acts as a fat burner. Made from scientifically proven Svetol® Green Coffee Bean Extract, it helps promote healthy weight loss by improving glucose metabolism and inhibiting the accumulation of fat. Contains less than 2% caffeine so it's virtually stimulant free. Provides 400mg of pure Svetol® per vegetarian capsule.<br /><br /></blockquote><br />The bottom line is, these just didn't work for me, but that doesn't mean they won't work for you. <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327134209.htm" target="_blank">Science Daily</a> shared a report regarding the study of Green Coffee Bean and its effect on weight loss.<br /><blockquote>"Based on our results, taking multiple capsules of green coffee extract a day -- while eating a low-fat, healthful diet and exercising regularly -- appears to be a safe, effective, inexpensive way to lose weight," Vinson said at the ACS meeting, being held in San Diego the week of March 26. He is with the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania.</blockquote><br />While Green Coffee Bean Extract supplements didn't work for me, it might be something worth checking out for yourself. You never know, it could be a very useful tool to aid you in your weight loss program.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89545821407914811222014-01-21T16:38:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.906-05:00yesFreelancing on oDesk<div id="mod_16402954"><br/><h2>The Sites</h2><br/><div id="txtd_16402954"><br/><br/>oDesk, Guru, vWorker, Freelancer, and eLance. What do these sites have in common? They are all filled with clients looking to hire contractors for their work. They also require that you bid on jobs. They all provide you with a means to work from home.<br/><br/></div><br/></div><br/><div id="mod_16402962"><br/><h2>The Question(s)</h2><br/><div id="txtd_16402962"><br/><br/>Recently I came across a fellow freelancer asking why oDesk was so bad. Not sure what they meant exactly by “bad” but I wanted to share my 2 cents. I guess people are upset because oDesk is requesting that people upload a utility bill to verify address. Seems fine to me. I would like to know who it is I am really contracting with and I am sure it makes them feel better. With so much fraud going on, it’s better to be safe than sorry.<br/><br/>Another complaint was the oDesk team manager that you download. It will video you working or do screen captures for those jobs that you are working an hourly pay for. This is to make sure you are working, which makes the client feel better and it helps you if there is a pay issue. I have no problem with this little program working in the background when I am logged in to an hourly gig.<br/><br/></div><br/></div><br/><div id="mod_16402970"><br/><h2>My Two Cents</h2><br/><div id="txtd_16402970"><br/><br/>I've had my oDesk for years and never “had” to upload anything. I did because it safeguards the client and me. Some say this is in violation of being a contractor vs. being an employee.<br/><br/>It’s not a requirement but that (being the utility bill) is an option to prove you are who you say you are and here's why:<br/><br/>If you have noticed, there are sometimes listings for people looking for eBay listers. This is only one of the scams running around job boards these days. But a person will list the items on eBay; use this person on the job board as a drop ship type wholesale person. Forwards the money, keeps their share, and then the supplier never ships the product. The person is then left with no money and no product and a bunch of angry eBay people.<br/><br/>There are also people who say they are Power Sellers and need other people to help list items for them. They are busy with other projects and do not want to put their eBay account on the back burner. The account is all set up. The person is hired and starts to list, answer emails and whatever. What they don't know is this so-called power seller has gone in and changed all their personal information to the information the contractor gave them in the non disclosure and W-9 that many ask for. So, when the scammer takes off with the money, that account is now stuck to the contractor, and he/she is left to take care of the mess.<br/><br/>Another scam, a LOT of foreign people are creating fake U.S. accounts because many U.S. people do not want to work with foreigners. By providing oDesk with proof, it really makes sense.<br/><br/>As for the download for the screen shots, again, not mandatory but some companies like to use it because they contract with a lot of people on oDesk and it groups them all together. People do not want to pay others who say "oh well it takes me 5 hours" when it really only took them 30 minutes and they are getting paid by the hour. It also keeps track when that particular client pays you by the hour rather than a per project basis. You are still an independent contractor (IC), and just because they want to safeguard themselves does not mean they are trying to treat you like an employee.<br/><br/>I don’t blame them for wanting to make sure people working from home are really working. Many people don't and it gives the good ones a bad name. Many people get work from home jobs thinking it's going to be easy work or they get in to it for the wrong reasons.<br/><br/>Too many internet scams going on. I have no problem with showing people who I really am to show them I am really working on their project X amount of hours. Most offline companies want proof as well, and they usually get to see you in person or talk to you on the telephone.<br/><br/>There are also private clients who expect you to be on Skype all the time so they can check in with you, see how things are going, talk to you about the project, and so on. What oDesk is doing is helping to keep everyone safe.<br/><br/>Most of these freelance job boards have some sort of safekeeping for clients and workers.<br/><br/>If you don't want to use these services, fine, but your risk of being scammed could increase as scammers get smarter and smarter.<br/><br/>Also, because oDesk does have money being transferred through their business they can legally ask you to prove your identity and address.<br/><br/>Having lived through my own scam problem which cost me $7000 and then some, the last thing I am going to complain about is a company trying to save me from being scammed again.<br/><br/><strong>If it bothers you that much, find work elsewhere.</strong><br/><br/>My profile is 100% filled and they can find everything they need to know about me. Most people on oDesk pay per project anyway and don’t need the screen shots or hourly time sheet. Most only need you to do the work in the required time and turn it in for payment.<br/><br/>Once I started to bid on all jobs I was qualified for and not just accounting or writing, I started to actually do quite well on oDesk. I have many people who contact me that found me on the site and we work offsite. You will also find a lot of people there want U.S. workers and will pay U.S. wages and would just like to touch base with you on Skype.<br/><br/>You have to have contact with people, just like you would if you had a job outside of your home office. You can't be a hermit with no outside contact other than a PC screen and really expect to make decent money.<br/><br/></div><br/></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19954744021802795452014-01-20T01:02:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:25:49.865-04:00Tracy Anderson's Metamorphosis System<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjkFR_FjIiY/VC9Mim-tKfI/AAAAAAAAUkA/kTudlmxQueY/s1600/Tracy%2BAnderson%2BMetamorphosis%2BBody%2BType%2BCalculator%2B%C2%BB%2BTracy%2BAnderson%2BOfficial%2BSite%2B%2B%2BMetamorphosis.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjkFR_FjIiY/VC9Mim-tKfI/AAAAAAAAUkA/kTudlmxQueY/s1600/Tracy%2BAnderson%2BMetamorphosis%2BBody%2BType%2BCalculator%2B%C2%BB%2BTracy%2BAnderson%2BOfficial%2BSite%2B%2B%2BMetamorphosis.png" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>In my honest effort to<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/01/get-up-and-get-moving.html" target="_blank"> get up and get moving and not get sucked in to my destructive sedentary lifestyle</a> I am looking at some programs which I can do from home. I recently came across the Metamorphosis System.<br /><br />When you do a search for "Tracy Anderson" you find a woman who's tall, blonde, and beautiful. There has to be more to Tracy Anderson than that, right? Let's dig a little deeper. Beyond Tracy Anderson's All-American good-looks lies a woman stronger than most men, mentally and physically. Tracy Anderson started dancing at a very young age. Later in life she put on a little weight that became difficult to remove, even with her active lifestyle.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>Tracey Anderson has been doing extensive research and training to come up with a method which incorporated her dancing into work-out programs. For over a decade, Tracy Anderson has been showing women how to train their bodies and get in control. No more thunder thighs, no more cottage cheese belly and no more back fat. Tracy Anderson's method is different by focusing on the smaller muscle groups which help to achieve a longer, leaner, more polished and toned look.<br /><br />Tracy Anderson is the creator of the Metamorphosis System, created to work every part of your body. Users can customize their workout to the type of body and problem areas they have. Tracy Anderson says if you are Omnicentric you gain weight all over. Your workouts, according to Tracy Anderson's method are going to give a "full body skin tuck" correcting any droopy spots.<br /><br />Those who are Hipcentric, are women who have a small waist, but their hips and thighs are larger. In this method Tracy Anderson has users pulling in the hips to remove the excess fat stored in those central areas. Abcentric are for those (are you seeing a pattern there with the names?) who have a larger midsection. These workouts will be centered on your middle. According to Tracy Anderson, this will create a flat stomach.<br /><br />Lastly, (but certainly not least) there is Glutecentric. Apparently this is you when your rear end is droopy and shapeless. To fix it, Tracey Anderson shows users how to tone down back fast, fight cellulite and lift up the butt.<br /><br /><strong>According to the<a href="http://tracyandersonmethod.com/body-type-calculator/?ref=main-menu" target="_blank"> online quiz</a>, I'm Abcentric.</strong><br /><br />The Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis program comes as a kit, complete with DVDs and an online community. On <a href="http://amzn.to/LfEFQs" target="_blank">Amazon the price varies</a> depending on what 'centric' you are, however you can get quite a few of them used which is great for those of us who work from home and are on a budget. If the Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis program doesn't interest you, Tracy Anderson has another program called "The Tracy Anderson Method." In the Tracy Anderson Method, Tracy offers a wide variety of DVDs as well as live classes.<br /><br />I was excited to see that brand new in 2013 Tracy released a beginners DVD, "<a href="http://amzn.to/1apHJiA" target="_blank">The Method for Beginners</a>" and it's super cheap and part of the Amazon Prime program. Free shipping and its only $5.96. I have a few Amazon gift cards on their way so I added this to my wish list. It has really good reviews.<br /><br />On <a href="http://tracyandersonmethod.com/" target="_blank">her website</a>, Tracy offers her favorite songs on a playlist. Being big into music (self-proclaimed music fanatic) and having plenty of DJ BFF's gives even the most "I don't wanna work out" people the beat and motivation to get up and move. These are updated weekly. With RSS, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, Tracey Anderson gives users all the top social networking links to keep an eye on her.<br /><br />For those of us with mad iPhone love, building a playlist through iTunes is pretty simple by using her ready-made lists. I found some great treadmill jamming tunes. I wonder if her friends Courtney Cox, Kelly Ripa, Kristin Davis, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow listen along, too.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49599722094687620182014-01-16T14:12:00.000-05:002014-03-06T14:09:55.242-05:00Lean Body Fat Wallet by Ellie Kay & Danna Demetre<a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/225_350_Book.1029.cover_.jpg"><img alt="_225_350_Book.1029.cover" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1098" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/225_350_Book.1029.cover_.jpg" height="343" width="225" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I had such high hopes for this book. I really thought these two authors had put something together that would really bring the healthy mind and body connection together. I mean, you stop buying crappy food you not only save money, but you lose weight. Right?<br /><br />Ellie Kay is the best-selling author of “Shop, Save, and Share,” while Danna Demetre is a fitness coach. According to the book, the pair are working together to share the knowledge that “the principles and habits that help balance your budget are the same ones that help you lose weight and keep it off.”<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Sounds intriguing. I wanted to learn how to get my finances and my weight in order. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/10/the-total-money-makeover-dave-ramsey.html" target="_blank">I’ve already read Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover</a>, so what else could these two possibly tell me?<br /><br />I started reading.<br /><br />It was a struggle. I enjoyed the personal aspect of their stories, but somewhere in the middle of it all it got to be a little too psychological. The book began to become based solely on the idea that the mind controls the body and the body controls the mind.<br /><br />Simple tasks became daunting. Reading became boring.<br /><br />It is full of polls and self-quizzes. It goes back and forth between weight and debt.<br /><br />Personally I think the authors looked too hard to find connections between the two and did not do a very good job of bringing them together.<br /><br />While the idea of battling both in one book seems interesting on the surface, it’s actually pretty dull and should be left to two separate books.<br /><br />Hats off to them for trying.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9080683166291292962014-01-16T01:05:00.000-05:002014-09-24T17:30:39.472-04:00Get Up Get Moving: Amazon Prime Now Has Jillian Michaels!<a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Amazon.com-Jillian-Michaels.png"><img alt="Amazon.com Jillian Michaels" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1081" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Amazon.com-Jillian-Michaels.png" height="260" width="599" /></a><br /><br />In my honest effort to<a href="http://ignitemotivation.blogspot.com/2014/01/get-up-and-get-moving.html" target="_blank"> get up and get moving </a>from my work at home sedentary lifestyle I decided to check into my Amazon account. I've had my Amazon Prime account for a few years now as I was able to receive it for half price under the student membership. Although it does have quite a few of the same movies and shows as Netflix and Hulu Plus, there are quite a bit from stations like A&E, Discovery and The Learning Channel that these other two subscription services don't have.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Netflix used to have quite a few exercise videos but over the years have not renewed their license. Hulu Plus has a few but many of them are clips and advertisements to get you to sign up for apps and services. Amazon Prime had a few and many of them were older and outdated.<br /><br />I was excited to see this morning some new videos added and FIVE of them are Jillian Michaels.<br /><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1iXjUnS" target="_blank">Amazon Instant Video</a> now has 5 FREE Jillian Michaels Workouts available on Amazon instant demand for instant streaming for Prime Members.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />If you are not a Prime member, you should be. Not only do you get 41,000 movies and TV episodes for free you also get a ton of workout videos. Prime also allows for free ebooks and free 2-day delivery on Amazon store orders. When we ditched our cable we went with Hulu Plus and Netflix. I already had my Prime account and used it quite a bit for shopping. Now it's a huge portion of my TV viewing with it's exclusive shows like Alpha House.<br /><br />Get your <a href="http://amzn.to/1iXjUnS" target="_blank">30-day FREE trial of Amazon Prime</a> where you can check out all the new television, movies, and exercise videos.<br /><br /><b>FREE Jillian Michaels Workouts you can score:</b><br /><ul><br /><li>Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown</li><br /><li>Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones</li><br /><li>Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack</li><br /><li>Jillian Michaels: Shred-It With Weight</li><br /><li>Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism</li></ul><br /><br /><br />One of the other exercise videos that caught my attention was the <a href="http://amzn.to/1apzFyk" target="_blank">Step It Up dance exercise</a>. Hey, maybe I can learn to dance like Channing Tatum!<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74651449889748550792014-01-14T01:54:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:12:18.609-04:00Get Up and Get Moving<br />I'm a perfect example of how working from home can greatly affect your health if you are not careful. For the last few years I've been working from home and attending college online. I finally graduated with my MBA in June 2013 after attending school for 5 years. During that time I also completed my BA, taking a mere 6 weeks off before starting my MBA. I've been tied to the desk and my home office for hours and hours reading, researching, and writing. Once school was done I would write more for client work.<br /><br />It looks good on the surface. But the damage to my body is something that should be addressed.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I suffer from degenerative disc disease, which I was diagnosed around 2006. A few years ago I found out I have osteoarthritis in my hips. The DDD caused severe sciatica pain and to overcome that pain while sitting for long periods of time I started to lean and shift. During this time I damaged my left clavicle and I am convinced that never healed correctly. I tried ergonomic chairs and all the tools of the trade for my desk but it did not seem to help. All of these battles eventually caused my body to shift.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />It's easy to hide in clothing. When I am standing people don't seem to notice too much. But I know it's there and I know the pain I feel when I do walk. A few years ago I wrote a post about it when I really started to notice it. There are pictures, so fair warning. (I'm in the process of merging my old health site with this one, so pardon the dust.)<br /><br />My right shoulder has dropped 4 inches (at last measure) most likely because of the way I started to shift and sit in order to keep the sciatica pain at pay. My right leg was already shorter to begin with because of the DDD that had developed and even worse as the osteoarthritis set in.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/71441709" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />While visiting my favorite work from home forum, <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/" target="_blank">Work Place Like Home</a>, I came across a post for "If Your Work or Home Life Involves Sitting, You Really Should Watch A 3-Minute Clip About... Well, Sitting!" from Upworthy. The short video is about the basics of good posture and the dangers of sitting.<br /><br />This was really an eye opener for me. Over the years I tried so many different things. Sitting on an exercise ball. Setting up an alarm system to take breaks and do little desk and office exercises. A $300 ergonomic chair with special lumbar support.<br /><br />For whatever reason (mostly the deadline for a research paper) would cause me to turn off the alerts and get rid of the ball.<br /><br />Now my body has formed this C shape because of the shoulder drop and slouch. I tried using a back brace but I think maybe I need to be fitted professionally because after a while it no longer seemed to fit right.<br /><br />My doctor and chiropractor have basically told me to lose weight and strengthen my core. I guess the crookedness will just work itself out. Right?<br /><br />I'm going to be 39 this year and I've become extremely depressed about how my body looks and wondering if my work at home lifestyle contributed to some of it. I've been battling it unsuccessfully for a few years now. I'm hoping that by opening up to the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle when battling PCOS, DDD, and osteoarthritis I will find others with the same battle or at the very least, help someone along the way.<br /><br />So follow me as embark on my journey to clean up my work from home lifestyle and be <strong>"best by 40."</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66061200799614241712014-01-08T13:48:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.895-05:00yesWorking from Home and My StrugglesThis is my FB and I am going to vent. If you do not like it when I vent or the topics I vent about you can see fit to remove yourself quickly and promptly. I'm over trying to please everyone. I am over trying to be 'nice' about certain situations. I am sick to death of never being taken seriously when it comes to my life and my career. Working from home is no picnic and it's not the fun you imagine it to be. I'd love for you to walk in my shoes and attempt to get anything done with the chaos that exists within these walls. Since day 1 it has been a never ending battle of stress, drama and headache. First there was the uninvited visitors that would just pop in whenever, then job loss that caused other members of the home to be home, then job changes and whatever else there was behind people needing to be here. I am a creature of habit.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41392506091423789102014-01-08T01:00:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:09:29.451-04:00Survived Week 1 of the 30-Day Green Smoothie ChallengeAs Self Employed Writer grows so will the categories. My foodie site, YUMeating is participating in a <a href="http://yumeating.com/tag/30-day-green-smoothie-challenge/" target="_blank">30-Day Green Smoothie Challenge</a> and I just finished week 1.<br /><br /> Because we are so new, not all of those topics and categories are in working order, but they'll get there. My hope is that Ignite Your Motivation will be that place you turn to for reading when you need motivation for your goals in life.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I battle some health issues, both mental and physical. The physical problems are a result of my working from home - at least some of them. The mental problems also pose a challenge and partially why I work from home.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I decided to do the <a href="http://yumeating.com/tag/30-day-green-smoothie-challenge/" target="_blank">30-Day Green Smoothie Challenge </a>because winter is always a hard time for me. It's been even harder when working from home. You would think drinking a green smoothie every day would be easy especially since I am here at home to make it. But, it proved to have some challenges.<br /><br />Weekends are spent with kiddo and it's when I do the bulk of my cooking for YUMeating. Meal time is family time and the last thing I wanted to do was try to get either of them to drink a smoothie. Instead of the usual breakfast smoothie like I had been doing during the week I made it for lunch. We tend to eat leftovers or soup for lunch so this worked out well. Now my challenge is to schedule exercise time on weekends. I've tried in the past but failed miserably.<br /><br />I was able to get some exercise in during the week so that was not a total loss. No weight was lost though, but that tends to be the story of my life thanks to the PCOS. I can't say that I feel any different since joining the smoothie challenge. Maybe it just takes longer for some people to notice the difference. I eat a lot of vegetables to begin with so maybe I won't notice a whole lot of difference.<br /><br />One way or another I am going to battle this working from home sedentary lifestyle and weight gain.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52530753908010502512014-01-07T01:00:00.000-05:002014-09-24T17:25:37.490-04:00My Update with Jewelry In Candles<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o.jpg"><img alt="1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o" class="aligncenter wp-image-131" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o.jpg" height="187" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>UPDATE: 1/10/2014</strong> - Like I mentioned in my post, I canceled my order and had decided to cut my losses. Imagine my surprise when the mail lady rang the doorbell and handed me a package. I did not recognize the return name and assumed it was a product for a sponsor post. Imagine now my confusion as I cut open the box only to find a notecard , a rep kit, and a special gift from Jewelry In Candles. I'm a big flabbergasted as I have been issued a refund for the rep kit, which occurred shortly after I canceled my order. Not sure what's going on here!</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">January 7</span>: Back in November <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/11/jewelry-in-candles-free-sign-up-for.html" target="_blank">I made a post regarding a new candle company</a> called Jewelry In Candles. I was pretty excited about this opportunity because at the time they were allowing free sign-ups. They had food scented candles that sounded simply amazing! It should have been a giant red flag, too. I did a little research on the company (at least judging from what little I could dig up) everything looked legit and with the amount of feedback in the Facebook groups it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to jump in on.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In theory, it seems like a great business. Candles and jewelry pretty much sell themselves. Toss that in with a free rep website and creative freedom and you are going to have a business explosion.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Problem is , Jewelry In Candles was not ready for that explosion. But rather than shut down free sign-ups the moment they realized they were in over their heads, they continued to leave the free sign-up open.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was locked out of my first account and had to reopen another because after leaving voice mails and trying to get through to someone on their company Facebook page there was no communication.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I joined I decided to go head and purchase the rep kit for $37. I had quite a few people contact me who wanted me to come over and let them smell the scents. I had no desire to do home parties but I knew these few opportunities for smelling parties might be a good idea in small doses.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A week later I put another order in for some candles and tarts. These were going to be Christmas presents. I ordered them in November, long before their Christmas deadline of December 2. As the days went by I was able to get 2 people to sign up under me, but I quickly realized the excitement of JIC was starting to fade.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">With each passing day new announcements were made regarding the 'thanks' for all new reps. During the free sign-up and quick growth of JIC they decided to pack their main office and move to a bigger warehouse to handle all the new reps and orders that were piling in. It was stated that they even hired more staff.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">JIC Facebook groups became nothing but a bunch of drama and gripe fests. The corporate Facebook page was full of angry reps and customer service reps trying to tell them to take their complaints off the corporate page.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It became apparent the damage was done and damage control wasn't able to keep up with the volume of complaints.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Orders were not being processed but yet new reps were signing up and creating more orders.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This folks in BAD BUSINESS PRACTICES.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And here is where I toot my own horn. *toot toot*</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I have a Master's in Business. I worked in retail for 10 years, I have been at a management level for 20. I've started and successfully ran my own business both online and off. I've had some direct sales businesses fail, of no fault but my own.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>But this was not my fault.</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When you can't keep up with orders - shut down free sign-ups.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">JIC did - eventually. But the damage was already done. Here we are in January and folks who ordered in November are just now getting their orders. There were promises of special gifts, but many are reporting that those special gifts were missing. There were a few reps who received an envelope with notice that they had won a price. Upon calling the number and receiving their gifts reps were reported at getting rings valued over $200.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know about you, but when you have 1000s of angry reps upset because Christmas deliveries did not arrive on time these types of things added only further insult to injury.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now JIC is taking a limited amount of orders (10,000) for a special edition Valentines candle. And many reps are complaining because they are still waiting on Christmas orders.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Who can blame them?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In my professional opinion on the surface it looks bad that JIC allowed for so many reps to register knowing they could not keep up with the volume. They wanted to grow, and they did. But I don't agree with how they did it. Once your business name has been tarnished it is hard to get a good grip on damage control. JIC should have closed sign-ups when they had to move to a new warehouse. That should have been a huge sign for them.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When it became apparent that none of my orders would arrive on time despite many empty promised I canceled them.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sure at some point Jewelry In Candles will catch-up. But I wonder how many people they are going to anger in the process.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Right now I simply can't promote this business. </strong></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85995372165871488582014-01-03T14:46:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.878-05:00yesFree Cell Phones for those in Need<a href="https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Public/NewHome.html">https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Public/NewHome.html</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88594365142421204792013-12-31T11:24:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.851-05:00yesTips for Working From Home (and actually work!)<a href="http://www.thepixelboutique.com/2013/09/14-tips-for-wahms-how-to-work-from-home-and-not-eat-bon-bons-all-day/">http://www.thepixelboutique.com/2013/09/14-tips-for-wahms-how-to-work-from-home-and-not-eat-bon-bons-all-day/</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88875002675584153172013-12-26T15:09:00.002-05:002013-12-26T15:09:23.825-05:00Food Photography and FiltersSo, <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> has been doing quite well and it's where I have been spending quite a bit of my time. I keep meaning to pop over here and do a little catch-up but I keep forgetting. I have a list of book reviews to catch up on as well.<br /><br />I recently published a review about the new Atkins book called "<a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-new-atkins-made-easy-just-released-for-healthy-low-carb-food-options?cid=db_articles" target="_blank">The New Atkins Made Easy</a>."<br /><br />I'm also learning quite a bit about food photography and lenses and even published an article about <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/16230464-nd-filters-in-photography" target="_blank">natural density filters</a>.<br /><br />Things on <a href="http://wahliving.com/" target="_blank">Work at Home Living</a> are picking up quite nicely and I do hope you've been following the process of my newest sites!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1376710074363024102013-12-23T18:31:00.000-05:002014-03-06T14:12:39.242-05:00How to Work at Home When You're Iced In and Powerless<br /><a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tree-in-front-of-moms.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-391" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tree-in-front-of-moms.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />Tree in front of moms house.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sorry I haven't been able to keep up with posting. I had all these great posts started that I was going to get going on yesterday and today only to be shut down by Mother Nature.</div><br /><strong>So how do you work at home when you're iced in and have no power?</strong><br /><br />You pack up your belongings and head to your closest relatives and pray you don't go off-roading.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />As winter weather would have it here in Michigan we were faced with not only a snow storm but an ice storm as well. It also happens without fail, the day I am lazy and do not take a shower – the next day we lose power. Go me.<br /><br />The husband and I were up wrapping presents Saturday night when it started to get bad again. During my years in Oklahoma I had gotten used to ice pellets hitting the window. More often than not we saw ice, not snow. I knew it was a bad sign. Sunday morning we were going to wake up to a nice frozen Tundra instead of pretty sparkly snow. Go us.<br /><br />The husband had to work his weekend shift at the hospital which meant getting up early and being one of the first on the road. He was not thrilled. Go him.<br /><br />I tried to wait out the loss of power. There's blog posts to be written. Photos to sort. Even more posts to schedule.<br /><br /><strong>Christmas is ...how many days away?????</strong><br /><br />I made it through the night hoping to wake up to power. No such luck. So this morning I grabbed some coffee from the local McD took my 2-day no showering butt , the laptop and my poochies over to my moms.<br /><br /><br />They are shipping generators to the stores from out-of-state because they are all sold out.<br /><br />Consumers Energy is bringing in 1000 workers from other states to continue to work around the clock with hopes of restoring all power sooner than expected. My power is stated to return sometime tomorrow. Some could be as early as next week.<br /><br /><strong>No matter the outcome, I thank those that are giving up their family time this holiday season. It is a selfless act of kindness. </strong>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9397133860488377742013-12-20T19:44:00.001-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.433-05:00yesBookminders<a href="http://www.bookminders.com/employment">http://www.bookminders.com/employment</a><br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://www.ratracerebellion.com/jobs-accounting.htm">http://www.ratracerebellion.com/jobs-accounting.htm</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3300336027290703822013-12-20T19:44:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.424-05:00yesBalance Your Books<a href="http://www.balanceyourbooks.com/jobs.shtml">http://www.balanceyourbooks.com/jobs.shtml</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26760977885513179142013-12-19T13:56:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:08:15.162-04:00Enter to Win a Years Supply of Natural Factors #giveaway<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPfOISxrOrE/VC9IdYqp7nI/AAAAAAAAUj4/F9yFPGMyluk/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPfOISxrOrE/VC9IdYqp7nI/AAAAAAAAUj4/F9yFPGMyluk/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I admit it. I am already thinking about my weight loss in the new year. But then again, I am always thinking about weight loss. I've got issues.<br /><br />I wanted to let you guys know that <a href="http://www.svetol.com/" target="_blank">Svetol </a>is giving away a YEAR supply of Natural Factors to help one grand prize winner achieve their fitness goals in 2014. You can enter daily between now and December 31, 2013.<br /><br />A year people, a whole year!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Svetol is so awesome they are even giving prizes away to 2nd (6 months supply), 3rd (3 month supply) 4th and 5th (1 bottle each). What other company does that??<br /><br />Just head over to <a href="http://woobox.com/ocuftq" target="_blank">Svetol's Facebook page</a> to enter and give them a 'Like.' I'll be rooting for you.<br /><br /><strong>Still not convinced? </strong><br /><blockquote>An innovative concept, an exclusive Beauty and Slimming formula.<br /><br />Unique and revolutionary, Svetol® is today's indispensable ally in redefining your figure.<br /><br />Thanks to its unique composition, Svetol® is the only plant extract of <strong>decaffeinated</strong> green coffee that helps you simultaneously lose weight and improve your figure.<br /><br />The slimming action of Svetol® narrows your silhouette, while its Beauty effect harmoniously redefines your contours.<br /><br />Scientifically proven, Svetol® is today's exclusive solution for weight loss and beauty.</blockquote><br />These fine folks are providing me with a sample and I will be reporting back to you guys. Not only that, I will be hosting a giveaway of my own in the new year. I encourage you to enter the contest. Maybe you'll win. We can compare the program together. Take notes. Share tips. :) C'mon. It will be fun.<br /><br />You can't win if you don't enter! Just head on over toe <a href="http://woobox.com/ocuftq" target="_blank">Svetol's Facebook page for easy entry</a>.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60418513603746858422013-12-12T10:31:00.000-05:002014-09-24T17:01:52.725-04:00Shop Frugally from Home with ThreadUp & $10<a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/thredUP-Referrals-Invitations.png"><img alt="thredUP Referrals Invitations" class="size-full wp-image-329 aligncenter" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/thredUP-Referrals-Invitations.png" height="303" width="954" /></a><br /><br /> Shop from the comfort of your own home with <a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/WARKLG" target="_blank">ThreadUp</a> and get $10.<br /><br />I LOVE ThreadUp. I have been shopping there for kiddo since the site launched. When it first launched it was similar to a thrift shop on the web. In recent months it has gone through a shift in what they accept and now they accept Juniors and Women's clothes, which is awesome! However, they stopped accepting store names like Kmart, Wal-Mart and Meijer and have stuck with top brand names like Gap, Tommy, and Justice. Which, is also awesome. The only difference now is that some of the $2 and $3 bargains are a little harder to find. But, that is ok because I still find a lot of great deals.<br /><br />They even have workout clothes!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />I know quite a few of you working from home love to budget and be frugal, others of you just love a good deal. By using<a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/WARKLG" target="_blank"> my link</a> ThreadUp will give you $10 to spend at their store. There are a lot of great bargains there. If you have young ones, you are sure to find something $10 and under. In return, they'll give me $10. It's a win-win for us both!<br /><br />With your purchase you will receive a bag which you can send in gently used clothing items for credit to spend in their store. They also accept donations.<br /><br />I sent in a bag of clothes a few weeks ago and with my store credit today I purchased a pair of Isotoner brown leather gloves that ended up being brand new, still in the package. Christmas gift score!<br /><br /><strong>Check it out and let me know what bargain(s) you find!</strong>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45432861482624217302013-12-11T12:01:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.388-05:00yesBlogger Blogs and No Reply<a href="http://www.flusterbuster.com/2013/02/are-you-no-reply-blogger.html">http://www.flusterbuster.com/2013/02/are-you-no-reply-blogger.html</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15755198334698450622013-12-03T10:47:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.375-05:00yesLiveOpsI've been working from home off and on for a good many years. Some people do it out of necessity. I started out of sheer curiosity and boredom.<br/><br/>Part time<br/><br/>West<br/><br/>2nd 3rd shift husband<br/><br/>Didnt like you were IC/1099 but still forced to work X hours<br/><br/>You were forced to start on X line peddling mens enhancement products<br/><br/>Tried LO 3 different times.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29535456307546121112013-12-03T10:45:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.363-05:00yesWest At HomeOne of the very first work from home companies I worked for was West. What I liked about West was that I could pick my own hours and it was seasonal. I needed seasonal work because I had a full-time B&M job. When I left that job to work tax in a tax office, West became more of a necessity.<br/><br/>I also had Live Ops.<br/><br/>At least that is how it was in the early 2000s. Back then I had a land line, so that wasn't an issue. I had one step up from dial-up, DSL. They were ok with that then. Cable wasn't the norm that it is now.<br/><br/>I worked on and off for West for about 8 years taking calls for floral companies, travel companies and various retailers. Many things changed over the years but I can honestly say I still recommend West.<br/><br/>The only complaint I have about West now is the stalking for hours for some lines.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40180332521300421392013-12-03T10:39:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.342-05:00yesText 121 Chat<a href="http://www.text121chat.com/">http://www.text121chat.com/</a><br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://textilicious.com/">http://textilicious.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4142688957973873852013-11-30T12:25:00.000-05:002014-09-24T17:23:57.830-04:00Results are In: #MeaningfulBeauty Restore by Cindy Crawford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="meaningful beauty" class="size-medium wp-image-147 aligncenter" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/meaningful-beauty1-300x300.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was excited to try this new Cindy Crawford product Meaningful Beauty <a href="http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com/products/products,default,pg.html" target="_blank">Restore Creme de Serum</a> compliments of Influenster. As I push closer to 40 (gasp) I realize that my fine lines are slowly starting to creep up on me. I haven't had much luck in the beauty treatment department.<br /><br />As a work from home writer I don't spend a lot of time worrying about my slowly appearing wrinkles, but now that they have been pointed out to me, maybe I should!<br /><br />Many beauty treatments leave my skin in rashes, burns or breakouts. I have oily teenage skin with some products and super sensitive skin with others.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I really liked the nice thick texture and the pump. The instructions stated I only needed one to two pumps and I feared that this time of year it would not be enough. This time of year my skin becomes very dry and parched. But two was all I needed to cover my face, underside of my chin and most of my neck. I applied to a clean, dry face and wore it all day.<br /><br />Sadly by the next day I had broke out in a bunch of tiny white heads. This mixture was a tad too thick for my poor skin and it had created some kind of barrier that over greased my skin. I continued to break out all through Thanksgiving. While they were not super large, I still felt like that awkward teenager.<br /><br />While shopping after Thanksgiving dinner my husband was so kind to point out to me that I had a zit on the side if my nose, right in the crease. Grrrrr.<br /><br />Just so we are clear, my face doesn't usually break out like this and it usually does this when I am trying a new product that doesn't agree with it.<br /><br />I've never been able to use really heavy products on my skin and if you are the same way, this might have the same effect on you because it is pretty thick.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure: </b>I received this product for free from <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influesnter</a> for testing purposes. The opinions are my own.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49691798106969025432013-11-26T10:33:00.000-05:002014-09-24T17:09:19.912-04:00Who Doesn't Love Free TV & Movies?<img alt="Giant Cinema Welcome" class="size-medium wp-image-139 aligncenter" src="http://chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Giant-Cinema-Welcome1-300x84.png" height="84" width="300" /><br /><br />Sometimes when you work from home, especially when you are first starting out, you often have to cut corners in other parts of life. When I made the decision to stop worrying about Corporate America and focus on school while working from home on of the things we had to do was cut some of our expenses. We got rid of our home telephone and our cable because that was our biggest expense that we could cut. We resorted to Hulu Plus and then added Netflix. I was able to get a student rate on Amazon Prime which gave us another set of shows to watch. I also have the ability to rent videos through Vudu.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Then over the summer I found out about <a href="http://bit.ly/1gePdsS" target="_blank">Giant Cinema</a>. Go ahead and watch the video. It's really short.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JDN8iIa9kIU" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />I don't normally make it a point to discuss things that haven't officially been launched yet. The last time I did it was Pinterest about 2 years ago and look where it is now.<br /><br />It's free to sign up. There will be no hidden fees and it will be free to watch tv and movies. My guess is it will be set up a lot like Crackle where the advertising is on the website and placed within the television shows or before the movie starts. According to the site you will earn 10% revenue from the commercial time that runs when your referrals watch the ads during their viewing time. This isn't any different from places like <a href="https://www.jingit.com/?ref_id=28715&s=t" target="_blank">Jingit</a> and MyPoints which pay you for ads and commercials.<br /><br />I know as someone who works from home I have to budget my pennies. Anything I can get for free that is something I need while making a few cents in the process is something worth looking twice at.<br /><br />So if you could watch television and movies for free with very few commercial interruptions, would you join?<br /><br />Well, now you can. Register now - its FREE! Then, get notified when it launches. Get your friends to sign up and get in on the action.<br /><br />Ready to join? <a href="http://bit.ly/1gePdsS" target="_blank">Just click right here to head over to Cinema Giant.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18544753271778129662013-11-25T17:23:00.004-05:002014-10-03T21:06:43.099-04:00The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren, Daniel Amen, and Mark Hyman <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKPcb6XkFYU/UpPLDS-kVZI/AAAAAAAAHBs/X3tP3tmDdag/s1600/_240_360_Book.1016.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKPcb6XkFYU/UpPLDS-kVZI/AAAAAAAAHBs/X3tP3tmDdag/s320/_240_360_Book.1016.cover.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/11/clean-eating-with-daniel-plan.html" target="_blank">I was excited to review "The Daniel Plan"</a> by pastor Rick Warren and Mark Hyman along with Daniel Amen. I had heard about pastor Warrens church and his weight loss group through various circles. When it came up for review I was waving my hand like a child in school to let people know I would be happy to review it. ( me, me , me ,me *waves hands frantically) Especially since I have been <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/10/so-many-struggles.html" target="_blank">struggling with my weight loss</a> for quite some time now.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>While the book does have a lot of good advice and help, there just wasn't a whole lot of stuff in there that I didn't already know. After looking at the website I had thought the book would have more guidance and structure because the website after you sign up doesn't really give you much of anything.<br /><br /><b>I was wrong.</b><br /><br />Because I also struggle with my faith the first few chapters were a struggle for me and I ended up skipping over most of it. Don't judge me. I didn't start going to church until much later in life (2005) and even now I don't attend regularly. It's my choice. But, that's a whole different post not really meant for this website.<br /><br />Prior to the books arrival, I had checked out Amazon. I swore the release date was set for Dec 3. As of today the release date is set for Dec 22. I am not sure what the big change is. I checked out the <a href="http://danielplan.com/" target="_blank">Daniel Plan website</a> and there is a ton of information there. The book states there will be an app and I think that will make things much easier because as it is the book does not provide a whole lot of structure.<br /><br />There are section on faith and friendships. Why you need both to be successful in a weight loss plan. There is a section on exercise and food, which are obvious when following any weight loss plan. The Daniel Diet is mirrored after a clean eating plan. Organic meats, fruits and vegetables along with whole grains.<br /><br />There are a few recipes. The meal plan is lackluster. That portion is the smallest portion of the book. I am a little disappointed in the book because it has SO much fluff that is basically the same spin of so many other weight loss plans out there. I felt the menus , recipes and meal plans should have had more of an expanded section then it did. I feel a lot of people are going to give up because they need more. There is not a whole lot of structure or guidance.<br /><br />I'm hoping when the book actually launches the website and apps will be updated to make up for this.<br />I might be more willing to give the 40 day plan a go if those options were available to me, and others. Otherwise people are going to feel defeated before they even get started. I also fear that people who are going at it alone are going to feel left out.<br /><br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31266172914552657942013-11-19T14:48:00.000-05:002014-09-24T17:05:09.440-04:00Jewelry In Candles Free Sign Up for a Limited Time!<a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pumpkincandle-1-450x450.png"><img alt="pumpkincandle-1-450x450" class="size-full wp-image-130 aligncenter" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pumpkincandle-1-450x450.png" height="450" width="450" /></a><br /><br />I LOVE pumpkin. So I was thrilled when I found this Pumpkin Souffle candle. Not only is it my favorite smell - there's a hidden treasure just for me! I'm loving that this company has a good variety of foodie scented candles.<br /><br />Are you looking for a home based business that requires no set-up fee? How about no inventory or home parties? Look no further with <a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/" target="_blank">Jewelry In Candles</a>. Jewelry In Candles in a home based direct sales company you can actively do 100% online from the comfort of your own home. There is no need to pack up your stuff , bug your friends, set up appointments and haul your supplies to someone else's house. If you've been looking for a sellable product (who doesn't love candles and jewelry?) with no start-up fees then I highly encourage you to give Jewelry In Candles a try.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />No monthly fees. No quotas. No minimum purchase. Start your own candle business for free. The free sign up will be ending November 24. Candles sell like crazy and this is the ONLY company that will allow customers to choose their ring size and favorite jewelry!<br /><br /><a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o.jpg"><img alt="1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o" class="size-medium wp-image-131 aligncenter" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1397483_700702693288253_1157562617_o-300x140.jpg" height="140" width="300" /></a><br /><br />FREE websites. JIC allows you to sell your candles anywhere it is legal to do so and they clearly state they allow for eBay and Etsy.<br /><br />You'll earn 40% commission from your sales and downline. Jewelry value ranges in $10 to several thousand.<br /><br />Customers can pick their candle smell, candle style (candle or tarts), jewelry style (rings, earrings, necklace) and if they pick a ring they can pick their ring size (7,8,9).<br /><br />JIC has a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JewelryInCandles" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for customers where you can find out a lot of information and link up with other representatives. Check out the FAQ for all your questions and more information.<br /><br />If you're not interested in this direct sales company but you are interested in purchasing Jewelry In Candles, please feel free to <a href="https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/chrystal" target="_blank">browse my shop</a>.<br /><br /><strong> There are a LOT of fantastic scents there!</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78822262752971775452013-11-18T12:04:00.002-05:002013-11-18T12:08:36.041-05:00Warning : The Celebrity Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Py-gSZWvrO0/UopG7Zx28QI/AAAAAAAAGvU/NNwpcUE8cRs/s1600/Celebrity+and+Entertainment+News+++TheCelebrityCafe.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Py-gSZWvrO0/UopG7Zx28QI/AAAAAAAAGvU/NNwpcUE8cRs/s320/Celebrity+and+Entertainment+News+++TheCelebrityCafe.com.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Normally I don't spend my time writing about companies who pay such ridiculously low rates its a wonder there are so many freelance writers out there struggling to find a decent paying gig.<br /><br />Last week I contacted <a href="http://thecelebritycafe.com/" target="_blank">The Celebrity Cafe</a> regarding their entertainment writing position. I felt with my celebrity and television writing experience it might be a good fit for me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />The managing editor contacted me and stated this was an entry level position and might not be a good fit for a "seasoned writing." Well, thank's for the compliment but your rates are insulting. Celebrity gossip sites are popping up all over the place and majority of them pay peanuts.<br /><br />The requirements for this gig were 250 blurbs a week. For those unfamiliar with blurbs, they are almost like Twitter tweets. This particular blurb gig was 160 word. At first I thought, "I'm a pretty quick writer" and then I saw that it was capped out at $500 a month. The editor went on to state it should take 15-20 minutes so therefor about 30 hours a week would be needed.<br /><br />Umm..you want 30 hours a week from me and you only want to pay me $250? And lets say I am a quick writer and I can churn out 500 blurbs a month you are still going to pay me $500?<br /><br />AND - they want you to read their Wiki and answer some questions as well as provide a free writing sample. I stopped sending out original writing samples for companies. More often than not I would find them on their website and I would get ZERO compensation. I have a portfolio full of samples. I will no longer write for free.<br /><br />Maybe someone else would be excited to crank out blurbs for $1 a piece. But I know how much celebrity writing makes me.<br /><br />Even better, if you choose to write other topics for the site like Top 10, reviews and interviews you will not be compensated.<br /><br />No.<br />Just no.<br /><br />I wrote her back and politely declined.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73144064563745573282013-11-18T11:22:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:02:24.419-04:00Can You Stand the Pain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Arsi4dbBr0w/Uoo9_Gb7zxI/AAAAAAAAGvE/HG9faInvhXY/s1600/file4041249270482.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Arsi4dbBr0w/Uoo9_Gb7zxI/AAAAAAAAGvE/HG9faInvhXY/s320/file4041249270482.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>Source: Morgue File<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Another brick wall. The last few days I have been in excruciating pain. My hips are hurting so bad at night its bringing tears to my eyes. It feels like a knife is repeatedly being thrust into them. My migraines are lingering which means the medication is no longer working and my back is starting to be stiff and painful, once again. I started exercising last week by doing the C25k, walking and DDP Yoga. I certainly hope the exercise is not aggravating me somehow because without it I cant get the weight to come down. It's all just so very frustrating.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19237690584661284562013-11-15T09:17:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.251-05:00yesMedia Insidershttps://www.mediainsiderspanel.com<br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://www.drugstoredivas.net/2013/10/16/media-insiders-earn-5-month-nothing-least-60-year/">http://www.drugstoredivas.net/2013/10/16/media-insiders-earn-5-month-nothing-least-60-year/</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58332885049733502792013-11-15T08:53:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.234-05:00yesClickworkers<a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/clickworker.com-workplace.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-108 aligncenter" alt="clickworker.com workplace" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/clickworker.com-workplace.png" width="235" height="116" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/>http://www.clickworker.com/become-a-clickworker?utm_source=40395&utm_campaign=CW4CW&utm_medium=emailChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4287093155832548502013-11-12T15:46:00.000-05:002014-09-24T16:57:40.137-04:00My Progress With Amazon FBA<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_FOXVbW0D0/VCMwLg5oi3I/AAAAAAAAUQA/GoOk1ebxWg0/s1600/my%2Bprogress%2Bwith%2Bamazon-sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_FOXVbW0D0/VCMwLg5oi3I/AAAAAAAAUQA/GoOk1ebxWg0/s1600/my%2Bprogress%2Bwith%2Bamazon-sew.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />For the few of you reading (hey, it's ok, the site is new) I wanted to give an update on my Amazon progress. As I mentioned last week, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/11/i-getting-started-with-amazon-fba.html" target="_blank">I was going to get started with Amazon FBA</a>. After working so many years in retail, then putting in 10 years on eBay, followed by a BA then my MBA, I realized I really missed the sales aspect of life. I have an entrepreneurial spirit and really enjoy having my own business (of sorts) and really need a break from freelance writing (for others.) I felt Amazon FBA would be perfect for me because I did not have to worry about listing items, multiple trips to the post office and any of the day-to-day tasks of eBay.<br /><br />I was also battling the flu bug. Yuck.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />This did not settle well with me or my husband as I had multiple piles of inventory scattered all over my house. Oops. It also did not settle well with my OCD clean nature mind. I quickly wanted the office to myself so I could have the space for my piles and remembered how nice it was when I had that luxury during my years with eBay. I made the choice to put Amazon on hold until the barn is complete and husband has moved out of the office. Then I'll have the space to pile up as much as I like. That will make working on boxes on Amazon FBA much easier.<br /><br /><b>Not giving up. Just on hold for the time being.</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74938356380314557012013-11-09T15:25:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:01:47.406-04:00It Went Down. Then Back Up Again.<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of us girls from Examiner decided to start a group where we could have our own weight loss type meetings. We do a weekly topic and a Saturday morning weigh in. I was trucking along at snail speed and was pretty proud. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Until this week.</b></div><div></div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div>Wk 1 227.8 start</div><div>Wk 2 226.2 loss 1.6</div><div>Wk 3 225.4 loss 0.8</div><div>Wk 4 229.4 gain 5.0</div><div><br />I've been in a bad slump and I needed some help. Many years ago I tried Advocare and it was one of the best times in my life. I was eating clean, I was full of good vitamins and minerals and had a lot of energy. Sadly, the stuff was expensive and I am just not much of a direct sales person.<br /><a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've cleaned up my diet. I do everything I am supposed to do but I just don't feel good. My body is lacking something. I've always been into holistic health and nutrition. I know I need something to get over this energy slump. I wanted to gather all the ingredients that was in Advocare and jam them down my throat as quickly as possible. Problem was, no one can afford that. I couldn't even afford Advocare, even as a distributor. </div><div><br /></div><div>A few months ago I came across a fellow Michigandar on FB, Carol. I started to follow her page and her progress. No only hers, but a ton of others. It wasn't just folks posting about weight loss either. What I found were people battling many of the same health problems (like me) and a host of others. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Skeptical, I kept watching. Testimony after testimony kept pouring in. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I did some research. A lot of what is in ACE were supplements I had been recommended to take for my appetite/binge issues, the metabo/PCOS issues and the energy. Saba, the company who sells ACE also has a ton of joint supplements for pain. In researching those I found they are even cheaper than Wal-Mart. Yeah. They really are. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDpx2Wp4uqo/Un6YSPh-3yI/AAAAAAAAGcw/1MCm2wNogU8/s1600/photoshopsaba.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDpx2Wp4uqo/Un6YSPh-3yI/AAAAAAAAGcw/1MCm2wNogU8/s320/photoshopsaba.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, I started to face financial troubles and that was about the time Carol was posting her income from her first few months of just sharing on Facebook and people around her noticing her weight loss. I scraped up my last few dollars and decided to give it a go.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before everyone shakes their head at me let me tell you, I KNOW there is no magic pill. I know that. I know the pill isn't going to suck the weight off me. I still have to do the work. I still have to eat right and I still have to exercise. However, when you're battling PCOS, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and your metabolism is all out of whack thanks to the messed up endocrine issue due to the PCOS, anything that will give you some energy to help you push through it all is a blessing in my book. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3_Q5QUdTb4/Un6Sk0qV6kI/AAAAAAAAGcY/W_oYtStlY50/s1600/1377345_10202308155054051_623905861_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3_Q5QUdTb4/Un6Sk0qV6kI/AAAAAAAAGcY/W_oYtStlY50/s320/1377345_10202308155054051_623905861_n.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div></div><br />I instantly felt the energy. My appetite decreased. I started to lose weight.<br /><br /><br />I had some terrible family news come to me that caused me to have an emotional break-down. One that almost landed me in the ER to check myself into the mental health center. Normally, things like that cause not only my depression to spiral out of control, but my binge eating. While my depression is wavering, my binge eating has been controlled.<br /><br />I like to think that is because I kept on trucking with ACE.<br /><br /><b>Skeptic?</b> I was, too. But anyone who has been a part of my world for any length of time can tell you to see me eat less and not more during these times - someone somewhere must be doing something right.<br /><br /><b>As for that gain?</b> Well, I had a flu bug this week and have been guzzling dayquil like its water. Soups and broths like they are liquid gold. I'm likely experiencing some water retention.<br /><br />I'm not sure if I will continue with ACE. I would like to give it a little longer before I decide. But, it seemed at first it was helping the PCOS issues and my binge issues.<br /><br />Keep on trucking.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28097559676490616342013-11-07T09:13:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:00:10.168-04:00Clean Eating with The Daniel Plan<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf_fWtr6h2A/UnuckovXvmI/AAAAAAAAGWM/M6pm1ufNCzU/s1600/_225_350_Book.1016.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf_fWtr6h2A/UnuckovXvmI/AAAAAAAAGWM/M6pm1ufNCzU/s320/_225_350_Book.1016.cover.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div></div>I'm really excited to announce that I'll soon be starting "<a href="http://amzn.to/19GBEAJ" target="_blank">The Daniel Plan</a>" by Pastor Rick Warren (also the author of The Purpose Driven Life), Daniel Amen and Mark Hyman. I first read about this program on The Saddleback Church website. I learned of Saddleback, another megachurch, during my years in OK and my time at LifeChurch. I've also read Purpose Driven Life and found it to be a wonderful read.<br /><br /><b>Note:</b> This is not the same program as The Daniel Fast. Check out <a href="http://www.danielplan.com/" target="_blank">The Daniel Plan</a> website.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I know some people will shy away because it is faith based. I can understand that. I have my own reservations about it. I often struggle with my own spiritual relationship. However I feel someone is giving me an opportunity and with all of my food and weight struggles it would be silly of me to turn away a 40 day challenge.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>So, I'll be following the plan for 40 days and documenting my progress here. I'll post a general book review here and all of the recipes will go on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>. At least, that is my plan for now. I'm not sure if this is something I want to really document on YUM. At least not in great detail. We'll see. I have been thinking about merging the two websites...but I have also been thinking about leaving this door open.<br /><br />I've been having a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/10/forever-doomed-fighting-food-addiction.html" target="_blank">lot of struggles lately</a> and it just seems like I need a safe place to talk about those things and not put those over on YUM.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4069372922466037742013-11-06T16:00:00.000-05:002014-09-24T16:51:19.666-04:00I'm Getting Started with Amazon FBA<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjxKcW4SvHg/VCMupgkqTjI/AAAAAAAAUP4/16scN_AJOTQ/s1600/getting%2Bstarted%2Bwith%2Bamazon-%2Bsew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjxKcW4SvHg/VCMupgkqTjI/AAAAAAAAUP4/16scN_AJOTQ/s1600/getting%2Bstarted%2Bwith%2Bamazon-%2Bsew.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Raise your hand if you've ever sold something on eBay.<br /><br />Quite a few of you. How about Half.com? Not as many, but a few.<br /><br />Now, how many of you have heard of <a href="https://www.listia.com/signup/577790" target="_blank"><span class="hiddenSpellError">Listia</span></a>? It's similar, but you shop with points and you gather those points in a variety of ways.<br /><br />But did you know about selling on Amazon? Sure. But how many of us have attempted to sell on Amazon?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />From the time I was 16 until I was 26 (high school and college) I worked for the same retail company. I learned quite a bit from warehouses, to buyers to sellers. I learned the business from top to bottom starting in the warehouse, working my way to assistant manager and eventually the accounting department. In 1997 I started cleaning out my closets and selling on eBay. I also had a habit of purchasing old Cabbage Patch Kids and bringing them back to life. Many I donated to the Children's Medical Center while others went on eBay. Later I got into books. Books were my passion as writing was my dream. That's where <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank">Self Employed Writer</a> came in (check out my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">All About Me</a>.)<br /><br />From 1997 - 2007 I sold a lot of stuff on eBay and my fair share of books. In 2007 I moved across the U.S. and had to leave my book inventory behind.<br /><br />I've spent the last 6 years making a living writing, working on a BA and then my MBA. I graduated in June and I've spent the last few months working on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a> - my other love - food.<br /><br />Now I am on to my next project. Amazon FBA (Fulfilled By Amazon.) I have been thinking for quite some time about getting back into eBay. I miss it. But a few years ago my husband and I got mixed up in a terrible scam with a guy I found on Freelancer.com looking for a virtual assistant looking to help with his eBay business. Long story short, we lost out on about $8000 and our wedding. It was a horrible experience, it ruined my long-standing eBay account and my old PayPal account. I'm still not sure I have recovered.<br /><br />I did some research on selling on Amazon and found out about the FBA program. I was intrigued because you can box up your merchandise and send it to Amazon. When someone buys your item, they'll package and mail it on your behalf. For a fee of course, but when I think about Michigan winters and how even in Oklahoma how tedious it was with each book, this might be a better program and worth the price.<br /><br />I have quite a bit of inventory on hand to get myself started. I'm going to test the waters and go forward. I've touched base with a few FBA groups and sellers. What I am excited about is that this is something I can get my mom involved in and perhaps help her out in the process. I plan to document my process here, much in the same manner as my <a href="http://yumeating.com/category/income/" target="_blank">income reports </a>on YUM.<br /><br />Since I already have an Amazon account (Amazon.com, Amazon Associates, Amazon Kindle Publishing) it was easy to open my sellers account (<a href="https://sellercentral.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon Sellers Central</a>) because it was just a matter of logging in and setting it up. I was open in minutes. I have only added on book so far because I wanted to get this post typed up. Because you don't have to type up descriptions or add photos this should be a lot quicker than eBay. I do have to add my own labels to my media before I ship my box.<br /><br />I do have some items I might be selling in bulk (flat rate boxes) on eBay after I get these boxes sent to Amazon. I'm also considering keeping Amazon around as I know all about buying low and selling high and where to find all the goodies.<br /><br />I'm not expecting millions, but clearing out the boxes in my basement and garage while putting a little money in the bank will be a bonus. That's less boxes to move next year when we sell our house. It's pretty cool when I have seen quite a few people make a full-time living from this. I did it for 10 years on eBay so I know it can be done there.<br /><br />I should also point out that I spent my entire MBA program studying Amazon. My research paper, class papers and thesis were written on Amazon. Even did a marketing plan, business plan and analysis. I have faith in everything Amazon does. I guess since I publish <span class="hiddenGrammarError">there</span> its worth the effort for me to sell <span class="hiddenGrammarError">there</span> as well.<br /><br /><strong>If you could easily get rid of books, DVDs, VHS, video games and other items in your home would you? Are you willing to list items on eBay and Amazon to do that? Do you have experience with either program?</strong>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45099349975958852422013-11-06T13:27:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.206-05:00yesBubblews<a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853</a><br/><br/><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Bubblews">http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Bubblews</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2304622979769487592013-11-06T12:52:00.001-05:002013-11-06T12:52:40.135-05:00Still Going Strong with Bubblews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuHZVXXpyGg/UcX-nvDOlHI/AAAAAAAACY4/-pQ4GPgv_Ts/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuHZVXXpyGg/UcX-nvDOlHI/AAAAAAAACY4/-pQ4GPgv_Ts/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div><br /><br />I recently celebrated my <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/1404129-happy-1-year-anniversary-to-me" target="_blank">1 year anniversary</a> with Bubblews. I'm OK with my progress there. I didn't really set out there to make a ton of money. I enjoy writing there because it is fun. It's like old-school blogging and I can read about a lot of other people who go through similar experiences in life. While I am at it, I can make a few bucks. It's OK if I don't remember to tag or link. I'll still make some pocket change.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I have learned that the key to cashing out every day is consistency. In order to make that happen you do need to have a stockpile of content. You also need to be consistent with writing your 10 allowed Bubblews every day. Try linking some of your old posts in your new posts. That way, new readers who stumble on your new posts will take the time to go back and read some of your older pieces that have gotten lost in the shuffle.<br /><br />I do take a break from time to time. Mostly because I get overloaded with client work that has to come first. Bubblews is fun, its easy and it is nothing like work. I'll continue with <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubbelws</a> as long as they continue to pay me. So far, so good.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49983675121973161962013-11-05T14:22:00.001-05:002013-11-05T14:22:25.121-05:00Passing on BlogPoI really wanted to do BloPo. I did. But with NaNoWriMo being the same month and trying to launch Work at Home Living AND continue with YUMeating I just realized I have way too much on my plate. I still have a series of articles here I need to work on and wrap up. I've been letting my writing slide. I have a reason for that. Not all writing. Just certain writing.<br /><br />At any rate, I did one BloPo post. Oops. Maybe I will try to do it for the month of December.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58982986192460356642013-11-05T13:43:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.167-05:00yesBookkeeping for your Amazon BusinessChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35631199149603540062013-11-05T13:21:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.155-05:00yesPaying Sales TaxChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66978781589617299362013-11-05T13:20:00.001-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.143-05:00yesSales Tax LicenseChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27412599607137329462013-11-05T13:20:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.132-05:00yesGetting Your First Box ReadyChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33540977334334751492013-11-05T13:07:00.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:15.092-05:00yesWhere to Get InventoryChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37407451235636987482013-11-01T06:00:00.000-04:002013-11-01T06:00:03.342-04:00A Million Dollars<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-xc8q4N9vg/UnFReWQckgI/AAAAAAAAGA0/3TRrJMfJ6mg/s1600/file0001162281290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-xc8q4N9vg/UnFReWQckgI/AAAAAAAAGA0/3TRrJMfJ6mg/s320/file0001162281290.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Morgue File</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Well I just finished Octobers (BlogHer) NaBloPoMo over on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a> and I wasn't planning on doing it again, especially in November since it's NaNoWriMo but I figured it wouldn't take much time out of my day. I was also wanting to spend some time cleaning up around here on SEW because I have started a new site which I think will greatly improve/enhance some of the material here. SEW is going in a different direction. But much will remain the same. </span><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Friday, November 1, 2013</b><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If you found one million dollars in the morning and had to spend it by nightfall, what would you do with the money?</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: latoregular, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I'd like to consider myself a selfless person. But, let's face it, we all have bills to pay and I am sure a lot of us have some sort of debt to pay off. I'd like to pay off my debt (credit cards, home mortgage) and buy myself a car. It doesn't have to be a brand new car, a used one is fine. I'd like to give my car to my mom so she has safe, reliable transportation. I'd like to invest a little of the money then the rest I would donate to charity. Yes, really. That's it. </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79827522118801416802013-10-23T19:15:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:58:55.555-04:00Forever Doomed : Fighting Food Addiction Demons<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwFYB2W1tbU/UmhXh8UcT2I/AAAAAAAAF04/Yv9RmkxvqRs/s1600/photo+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwFYB2W1tbU/UmhXh8UcT2I/AAAAAAAAF04/Yv9RmkxvqRs/s320/photo+(19).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div><b>What do you do with a Master's degree?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I find myself asking that question over and over again. After I graduated in June I thought I had it all figured out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Write. Work. Write some more. Work on my writing. Work. A day in the life of a freelancer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I am starting to feel really unproductive and wondering if things are ever going to turn out in my favor.</div><div></div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I have not had an easy life. I have struggled to make ends meet and pushed and shoved to get where I am.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>There are times when I have had to do without and eat nothing but peanut butter and jelly for weeks on end. Scratch and dent can sales were my best friend. I took handouts from my family because I didn't have a time to my name. I have to visit food banks and accept whatever was given to me. These last few years are starting to wear me out. I don't know much longer I can sit here and work my fingers to the bone just to get ahead only to have it taken away from me in a matter of minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I have a Master's degree, and yet I can't even manage to leave my house half the time. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>While I am fully capable of working from home, bidding on jobs has fierce competition. For every 100 I bid, I may get 1. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going out of my mind and if things don't change soon, my family and I may never have a better future and get out of this mountain of debt piling up around us. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>We're forever doomed to stay in this crappy small town.</div><div><br /></div><div>All that does is mess with my depression and I find myself hitting the fridge to find my only friend. </div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14037967113583752762013-10-21T19:26:00.000-04:002014-05-26T19:27:10.267-04:00Barn Woes....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ribHdy1AgsE/U4PMv_A0uSI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/aSYKnYhk8u4/s1600/1206514872_1382378905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Self Employed Writer : Barn Woes" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ribHdy1AgsE/U4PMv_A0uSI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/aSYKnYhk8u4/s1600/1206514872_1382378905.JPG" title="Self Employed Writer : Barn Woes" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(C)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table>You may remember the photo <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/10/oh-barn-lovely-barn.html" target="_blank">from last week.</a> We are near completion of our barn saga. <br /><br />Last Friday, the barn guys worked on the room inside the barn. I sure hope the people who move in when we move out sometime next year want a room in their barn and don't need the extra space for their toys!<br /><a name='more'></a><br />So the barn is pretty much done for the most part. Husband is going to be doing the drywall and stuff on his own. It was much more cost effect that way. Much as I love him, I wonder, considering he is no professional. ;) The garage door is installed. Windows are all done. <br /><br />The electricians were here all day. I was without power so no internet. I read for most of the day. I had some food photography and photography magazines to catch up on so it was a welcomed break, I guess. <br /><br />It's a little rainy here today so no barn guys. I am not sure their is anything else for them to do other than hand over the keys and pick up their equipment; which they won't do until the bill is settled.<br /><br />The mortgage inspector came out to see the progress. The insurance sends us a check (2 of them) then we have to sign, the barn guy signs and then we mail it to the mortgage company. They then are dividing those checks into 4 checks. Well, as things always seem to go , the paperwork started to pile up and checks 2 and 3 have yet to be sent. Barn guy wants his money. Can't say I blame him. <br /><br />This week the electrician is going to come back because he has to finish wiring the barn. <br /><br />The end of the tunnel is almost near. <br /><br />Thanks goodness.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24404018168699026692013-10-17T19:22:00.000-04:002014-05-26T19:24:39.972-04:00Oh, Barn, Lovely Barn<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ribHdy1AgsE/U4PMv_A0uSI/AAAAAAAAPTM/mxdYuA4xcxQ/s1600/1206514872_1382378905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ribHdy1AgsE/U4PMv_A0uSI/AAAAAAAAPTM/mxdYuA4xcxQ/s1600/1206514872_1382378905.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table>The barn photo is 2 days old. Today they are finishing up the room inside and putting up the brackets and trim for the garage door, which should be installed today.<div><br />I'm over it. I'm ready for the little dog to stop barking every time she hears a machine. I'm ready for the older dog to poop in her normal spot out back instead of me having to push her out the front door like a scared child.<a name='more'></a><br /><br />I'm ready for the people to stop running around in my yard. I don't want the noise. I work from home. It's been way too distracting.<br /><br />Today they are overloading my breaker box and my power keeps going out. The power that is connected to my well, which means once again I am without water. <br /><br />Tomorrow the electrician comes. I'll be without power. <br /><br />Because, having to go the whole summer without a proper working well wasn't bad enough. Or dragging out this whole barn issue since May isn't enough to make someone want to walk into traffic. Right now the only thing that is saving me from wanting to hide in a padded room (no, really) is the fact my husband will be moving out of the office and into the barn office. That means I get this office ALL to myself..... yah.... now...they can hurry and finish any ...time...now.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42088798956124704142013-10-16T18:01:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:58:19.789-04:00So Many Struggles<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfFgHPr2BP8/UlgfIxaQCVI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/sEOUoqfqvHw/s1600/choose-real-food.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfFgHPr2BP8/UlgfIxaQCVI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/sEOUoqfqvHw/s320/choose-real-food.png" height="294" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I don't know what to do anymore. <b>I just don't think I want to do this anymore.</b> I try. I fail. I try again. I fall down. I fail some more.<br /><br /><b>Today was a rough day.</b> I decided to do some filming for YUM eating thinking it would be fun. And, it was. We all had a good time. But I have really been struggling with my weight lately. I fell off the low-carb bandwagon because it was starting to just feel too restrictive and it was causing me a lot of emotional problems. When I feel things are restrictive is brings out the worst in my depression and hinders on that eating disorder I struggled with. I don't want that to come back.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />As I sit here typing this I feel like I want to go back to low-carb because I felt so GOOD on it. I slept better, my mood improved, my arthritis didn't flare up so much. But obviously something is missing. I'm not sure what's going on with my body anymore. I stopped getting on the treadmill. I don't feel safe in my own house right now because of all the people coming and going thanks to all the barn crap. Folks, it's was a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/09/it-been-rough-summer.html" target="_blank">rough summer</a>. And now its creeping into fall.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>I don't know what to do anymore. </b><br /><br />Watching myself on video ripped me apart. I feel myself slipping further into that dark hole of depression. I don't like it one bit.<br /><br />So many struggles. So many things standing in my way.<br /><br />I learned that <a href="http://yumeating.com/roasted-chicken-bloopers-teaching-body-image/" target="_blank">watching roasted chicken bloopers</a> really f'ed with my self-esteem and I don't like it one bit.<br /><br /><b>I really need help. I just don't know how to get it.</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33972735152807443272013-10-15T19:14:00.000-04:002014-05-26T19:21:49.699-04:00Progress on Our Barn<div class="clear" style="border: 0px; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 10.399999618530273px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="text" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgo5z3XAsDs/U4PLYTomi7I/AAAAAAAAPS8/MwiNcgdKxdQ/s1600/393383253_1381860907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Self Employed Writer: Progress on Our Barn" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgo5z3XAsDs/U4PLYTomi7I/AAAAAAAAPS8/MwiNcgdKxdQ/s1600/393383253_1381860907.JPG" title="Self Employed Writer: Progress on Our Barn" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I know. I know. I haven't kept up with the progress on the barn. It's been crazy around here. This photo was taken at the beginning of last week.</div></div></div><div class="clear" style="border: 0px; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 10.399999618530273px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><div class="text" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This photo is the barn taken last Friday. As I stick my head out there and look today (Tuesday) the walls are pretty much all up and there is a door. There is a small space where there still needs to be some wall put up and the garage door needs to be put in. I imagine the garage door will be last because they still need to build the office on the inside and install of the electricity. </div><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I am not looking forward to the day when the electricity goes in. We are also having the box and breakers in the basement replaced down in the basement. This house is old and all of the wiring is out of date. With all of the electronic gadgets we have running we need to have more breakers. So, they are going to be running some separate lines and giving us a bigger box.<br /><br />That means, I doubt I will be working that day. So, I am trying to get as much done with my website as possible because I hate that I don't really have anywhere go to work. I need peace and quiet, not a place where people are going to hover over me.<br /><br />Anyway, if you are new here, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Barns" target="_blank">check out some of the older articles about the barn.</a></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2H3HDoDI--g/U4PLYaSuu7I/AAAAAAAAPS4/PA7iGil_mcw/s1600/1330557010_1381860908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Self Employed Writer: Progress on Our Barn" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2H3HDoDI--g/U4PLYaSuu7I/AAAAAAAAPS4/PA7iGil_mcw/s1600/1330557010_1381860908.JPG" title="Self Employed Writer: Progress on Our Barn" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59082150496959934382013-10-04T13:38:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:57:12.833-04:00With BUITONI® Pasta and Sauces it's Only Fair to Share and Tell<div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09-KioxME6s/UwuhBsO-JJI/AAAAAAAAK4E/In7N8oBWOWA/s1600/buitoni_pasta_chicken_marsala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09-KioxME6s/UwuhBsO-JJI/AAAAAAAAK4E/In7N8oBWOWA/s1600/buitoni_pasta_chicken_marsala.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>Buitoni pasta can be a wonderful meal creation for the right person. BzzAgent sent me a coupon to try a free product from the new Riserva line by <a href="http://www.buitoni.com/" target="_blank">Buitoni</a> with special emphasis on the crab and shrimp. This would have been fine if it were just me eating it, but hubby wasn't too keen on the idea so I ended up getting the Chicken Marsala Ravioli. I failed to mention to hubby that the product contained portobello mushrooms.<br /><br />I did not purchase any Buitoni sauced because I can my own tomato pastas and wanted to take full advantage of some <a href="http://yumeating.com/canning-tomatoes/" target="_blank">canned tomatoes </a>we had just finished.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I had 4 ravioli's because this is white pasta and I did not want to eat a lot of it. That plate you see in the photo was my husbands. And it was not enough for him. This package was about $5. For us, this would not be a cost effective meal.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />The ravioli's were pretty good though and I do believe for a nice lunch paired with a salad this could be a good meal. The chicken was good and not stringy like you might find in prepackaged meals. The mushroom, onions and cheese had a wonderful aroma and flavor. Apparently my husband didn't even mind it. He really enjoyed it and was bummed there wasn't more.<br /><br />I did check the website and saw only one variety of whole wheat pasta available which I did not see at my store.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this product for free from BzzAgent as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84703998532186350632013-10-04T10:12:00.004-04:002013-10-04T10:12:50.717-04:00yesWriting at Digital Journal Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42817623020102997662013-10-04T10:08:00.003-04:002013-10-04T10:08:51.912-04:00yesWhy I Let my HubPages Slip Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44310050944467138322013-10-04T10:01:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:05:40.073-04:00Why I Let Wizzley Fizzle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GElplEtx9CE/Uk67j7p0N_I/AAAAAAAAFQk/5eWO1ou0lU8/s1600/Wizzley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GElplEtx9CE/Uk67j7p0N_I/AAAAAAAAFQk/5eWO1ou0lU8/s1600/Wizzley.png" /></a></div><br />I was recently emailed and asked why I gave up on <a href="http://wizzley.com/" target="_blank">Wizzley</a>.<br /><br />Sadly, I had no real answer because I hadn't really thought about it. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Wizzley" target="_blank">Wizzley was part</a> of the great revenue / residual income challenge I had set for myself back in 2012. It was my understanding the some top writers over at <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">HubPages</a> had become irritated with some of the constant changes and went off to start their own revenue share site. Wizzley did have potential. I wrote a handful of articles but in time the site began to have much of the same issues that HubPages had.<br /><br />Because I was so busy with school and I did not see a lot of potential there I ended up removing my content and placing it elsewhere. I think those pieces ended up on my Helium account.<br /><br />The problem I find with revenue sharing writing sites is that some sites work well for some and it doesn't work well for others. It really just depends on whether the site is a good fit for the writers because they all work differently.<br /><br />Wizzley might be a good fit for you, but I didn't find it to be a good fit for me.<br /><br />Now that it's 2013 (almost over!) I have no idea what it is like now that Google has gone through so many changes. You might have to take a chance on it and test the waters for yourself.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Wizzley" target="_blank">Here are some of my past articles about Wizzley</a>.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20027281278769912632013-10-03T18:56:00.000-04:002014-05-26T18:57:41.896-04:00The Barn.... Oh So SlowI'll have to get out there and take some photos. This barn project is coming along - slowly.<div><br /><b>We are over budget now.</b> First, we went under because we did not need as many dumpster as they thought. Now they are having a hard time leveling out the ground where my husband picked for the new barn to go. The barn builders suggested it go right where I had suggested it go. <a name='more'></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Someday someone will listen to me.</b> Now we are about $1000 over because we have had to bring in more dirt to build it up. Then we are going to have to bring in other materials to make sure the dirt says so when it rains, snows, and other weather conditions don't cause the barn to fall. I guess my husband doesn't care that I have been around the real estate and construction business my whole life and that maybe I just may have learned a thing or two. The frame is up. It's slowly coming along. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I am just ready for the whole thing to be over.</b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10978882249970397332013-10-03T11:48:00.000-04:002013-10-03T11:48:10.483-04:00The Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJSYukMo_bI/Uk2OQupmyNI/AAAAAAAAFPA/-IQPGdAccN4/s1600/_240_360_Book.963.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJSYukMo_bI/Uk2OQupmyNI/AAAAAAAAFPA/-IQPGdAccN4/s1600/_240_360_Book.963.cover.jpg" /></a></div><br />"If you will live like no one else,later you can <i>live</i> like no one else." ~ Dave Ramsey<br /><br />I have been a fan of Dave Ramsey for quite some time. I have watched many bloggers and vloggers follow his path and use their earnings to create freedom and pay down their debts. I have watched my church use the Financial Peace University program and witnessed many pay down and off their debts. I know his system works.<br /><br /><br />When <a href="http://booksneeze.com/" target="_blank">Booksneeze</a> offered the classic edition of "<a href="http://amzn.to/15KMqGL" target="_blank">The Total Money Makeover</a>" for review I snatched it up like hotcakes.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I am working on my own plan to pay down my debts and get rid of my credit cards. My biggest debt to tackle is my student loans. Now that my Masters degree is complete it's time for me to focus on paying down that debt. So "Total Money Makeover" came at a perfect time.<br /><br />The book is full of stories from people who have completed the program. Some with minimal debt and some with more debt than I could imagine.<br /><br />When my husband graduates next year and we sell this house and start the process of looking for a new home in another city, I plan to look for houses that are smaller and cheaper. They may need a little TLC but the investment opportunity for us is better in the long run.<br /><br />I'm learning quite a bit from this book. Like which debts to pay down first and how much to put in savings every payday. For me its a little more difficult since I am a freelancer and not on a set schedule for pay. But this book has given me a guideline and a plan.<br /><br />I highly encourage anyone with any amount of debt to read it. I also think this is the perfect gift for the high school graduate instead of giving them a credit card to use while they are away at college. I wish I would of had this book when I was 20.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the Booksneeze as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60367285667910700912013-09-30T14:43:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:56:06.352-04:00Oh, What's a Girl to Do?<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3h7BgPCCcu4/UknBWEUXncI/AAAAAAAAFJA/6XDOVWghu3Y/s1600/rsz_1378334_10151915985540915_1773781415_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3h7BgPCCcu4/UknBWEUXncI/AAAAAAAAFJA/6XDOVWghu3Y/s1600/rsz_1378334_10151915985540915_1773781415_n.jpg" /></a></div></div><br />I'm sad. My poor sick fish didn't make it. We tried to get him well and he was doing better then he took a turn for the worse.<br /><br />I'm going to be starting a lot of sentences with I'm or I.<br /><br />I'm feeling overwhelmed. I've been trying to clear of a bazillion photos off my camera to schedule posts on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> and this past week I got struck with some illness that husband brought home from the hospital while working on his clinical's. Yah me!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I just feel like I have so much going on!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Post writing for yum, learning camera stuff, learning Photoshop, learning Lightroom, trying to get back to meal plan, back on the exercise track, fiction writing, I want to get back to writing for Examiner because it was fun, my new publication writing, moving my websites and rebranding them..and...and..and... oh and my private client on oDesk...<br /><br />I'm writing for a paid publication now - no rev share. And was offered another column this week. Right now it's only 2 columns a week and that is fine by me because it still gives me time to work on other things.<br /><br />I'm also really missing Examiner ..... and my treadmill.<br /><br />Tomorrow starts Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds Slimmer by Thanksgiving Challenge. I have been using WATP since I did WW way back in the day. I am thinking about taking on this 30 day challenge and using it to get back into my treadmill routine. I have been posting on my personal FB page some YouTube links for people to join me that may not have her videos. I have a ton of them and even have *cough, cough* VHS.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14729659210184109972013-09-28T17:12:00.002-04:002013-09-28T17:12:21.785-04:00Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese by Stephanie Stiavetti and Garrett McCord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8RXDQ5JmX4/UkdFx0R44rI/AAAAAAAAFEg/SULh9RPeu9A/s1600/51XuHbuvsgL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8RXDQ5JmX4/UkdFx0R44rI/AAAAAAAAFEg/SULh9RPeu9A/s320/51XuHbuvsgL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Oh Mac and Cheese. Cheese. You had me at cheese. I like cheese better than chocolate. I was so excited to be able to get an advanced copy of this cookbook. It was a little rough that it was an eBook and I am not a fan of cookbooks in digital format. It just doesn’t work for me. But I did not let me personal preferences keep me from the one comfort meal that brings me such joy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I loved “<a href="http://amzn.to/1hbp1OA" target="_blank">Melt</a>” had so many beautiful photos. I also loved that throughout the book the authors offer tips, suggestions, and facts and even share little stories. That is something I love about a good cookbook. I love it when the author shares personal stories about their recipes. To me that’s like good customer service, going above and beyond the call of duty.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing I enjoyed was the wine pairing at the beginning of the book and the history of cheese. Some people might be turned off by stuff such as this in a cookbook but I thoroughly enjoyed this. I even learned about chocolate noodles and the outcome was something I wasn't expecting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The photos are simply amazing. Who knew there were so many ways to make mac and cheese? Some of them like “Humboldt Fog with Grilled Peaches and Orzo” to start the book made me wonder if this was something that was a little ‘too much’ in regards to nothing being easy to find or prepare. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of the items would be a little difficult for some people in some areas to find. Other recipes you wouldn't think about combining the items together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All- in- all the entire cookbook is still beautiful and a wonderful creation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10123223924759685842013-09-26T18:48:00.000-04:002014-05-26T18:56:05.563-04:00Small Barn Has Fallen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBbwz_cwelE/U4PF-ZU3t5I/AAAAAAAAPSo/_qz5BVJ2TbM/s1600/rsz_1264484_10151916224135915_1578410757_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Self Employed Writer: Small Barn Has Fallen" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBbwz_cwelE/U4PF-ZU3t5I/AAAAAAAAPSo/_qz5BVJ2TbM/s1600/rsz_1264484_10151916224135915_1578410757_o.jpg" height="320" title="Self Employed Writer: Small Barn Has Fallen" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table>The demo crew arrived at 9am. My husband and I have been up and about trying to get the dogs situated and dealing with the electricity that runs to the barns outside. The dumpsters arrived just a few minutes ago. As I write this it is now 10:37am. EST. We now have one small barn that has fallen and I am sure by the time I wrap this up the small barn will have already been loaded into the dumpster. <a name='more'></a><br />I don't feel the same sadness my husband feels watching the barn fall. I'm not real happy to see the small barn go because it wasn't part of the deal in the first place - but it is what it is. <br /><br />I'm not getting much work done so far because the small dog is freaking out about the noise and won't stop barking. The big dog is just being a pain because she refuses to go outside and potty. I'm still sick and have zero patience for either of them.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15132460108794003022013-09-23T18:44:00.000-04:002014-05-26T18:45:03.013-04:00Barn is Still Standing for Now<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afGpYlLThus/U4PC_AfYpTI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/0oBlD1OCHuQ/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Self Employed Writer: Barn is Still Standing for Now" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afGpYlLThus/U4PC_AfYpTI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/0oBlD1OCHuQ/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="240" title="Self Employed Writer: Barn is Still Standing for Now" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(C)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The small barn has just recently started to sad - thanks to husband knocking the beam out of the middle of the entry with the mower.<br /><br />They were supposed to come today and knock them down.<br /><br />Now it looks like tomorrow or Wednesday.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42Qk7BiwIec/U4PCVWeXi7I/AAAAAAAAPSM/7c4UBOIYzSU/s1600/photo+1+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Self Employed Writer: Barn is Still Standing for Now" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42Qk7BiwIec/U4PCVWeXi7I/AAAAAAAAPSM/7c4UBOIYzSU/s1600/photo+1+%25282%2529.JPG" height="240" title="Self Employed Writer: Barn is Still Standing for Now" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table>The big farmers barn has seen better days. When trying to tell people which house is ours, we always refer to it is the "last house before X street. You'll know it, it's the house with the leaning barns."<br /><br />Hubs and his ex-wife purchased this house. The barn was leaning then. Over the years (11 and counting) it has gotten worse. I have been here for 5 and in the last 3 it has shifted significantly. Boards are breaking. Instead of just a lean, it has cracked, broken, and started to fall in the back. <br /><br />I'm not sad to see it go. It's ugly and honestly, full of trash that was accumulated prior to my arrival. <br /><br />I will be happy when the pretty new pole barn arrives so that this time next year when new owners arrive and I am on my beach house it will be nothing more than a distant memory.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9314292744496873732013-09-23T18:31:00.000-04:002014-05-26T18:39:41.210-04:00Goodbye Old Barn<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42Qk7BiwIec/U4PCVWeXi7I/AAAAAAAAPSI/BB__3MbIBgE/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Self Employed Writer : Goodbye Old Barn" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42Qk7BiwIec/U4PCVWeXi7I/AAAAAAAAPSI/BB__3MbIBgE/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" height="240" title="Self Employed Writer : Goodbye Old Barn" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />All summer we have been fighting with the city, insurance, mortgage, dealing with builders, contractors, and everyone else involved - since May. Here we are almost into October and finally - FINALLY - tomorrow looks like the day people are going to come out and rip down both barns. What started as a request to rip down the large barn or face fines now has us in a battle to take down both barns. I am so ready for this headache and stress to be over. While I am still not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel just yet, I'm just hoping we do not run into anymore snags and that that crew can get in and out and do their job so I can continue to do mine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />My husband purchased this house with his ex-wife so I have no attachment to it and quite honestly I am counting down the days until we can move out. So..while he might be a little sad to see the barns crumble to the ground - I'm just happy to have the nightmare over. Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5456862348936422932013-09-23T16:35:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:48:28.240-04:00Our First Family 5k<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Le4e74ADW1I/UkCkEheqRGI/AAAAAAAAE3U/q8OP1q51LLk/s1600/15089_10151905775530915_1546112256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Le4e74ADW1I/UkCkEheqRGI/AAAAAAAAE3U/q8OP1q51LLk/s320/15089_10151905775530915_1546112256_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />If you follow me on my personal Facebook you will see the family shots of our first 5k. We did the Flint Color Vibe over the weekend and it was a LOT of fun. As you can see from my photo I look a little worse for wear. I should have smiled and I should NOT have stood in front of the potties. LOL<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But - we finished. And we finished as a family. It was such a wonderful feeling. I was a little worried that lil m was not going to make it. I am glad the fun colored powders and music kept her entertained to keep walking (there was no way we were going to run).<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I had wanted to run. I had planned to run. But <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/09/it-been-rough-summer.html" target="_blank">summer got so rough</a> that I blew my C25k program right out the window months ago. We were not the only people walking. Matter of fact, I would guess more people walked than ran. It was cool. People of all shapes and sizes.<br /><br />Proceeds from the fun run went to the area United Way.<br /><br />I had a blast and I can't wait to do it again next year.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10643420368611265762013-09-20T11:58:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:47:22.739-04:00Grocery Shopping and Budgeting<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuA2-pKVSWA/Ujxveb6JQAI/AAAAAAAAEv8/1SFlyB-ZI6E/s1600/TaxQueen1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuA2-pKVSWA/Ujxveb6JQAI/AAAAAAAAEv8/1SFlyB-ZI6E/s320/TaxQueen1.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />A few years ago I had my own tax website. That got old very quickly. Not because I don't enjoy taxes, but just because writing about taxes and doing taxes are quite different. I ended up merging the tax site with my preexisting writing site (here.) One of the things I discussed a lot was keeping track of budgets. People overspend and live outside their means. They charge their credit cards and at the end of the year they are crossing their fingers hoping for a giant tax refund to pay that debt off. When they end up owing, they wonder where life went wrong.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Since I recently finished my Masters degree I'll soon be facing that pay-off bill every month. I have no regrets about going back to school. Despite the huge amount of debt, it was something I needed to do for me personally. I needed that accomplishment after everything I have suffered through in life. My husband is working through his last year of respiratory school. He's not able to work much due to clinical's so he will have student loans as well, but no where near my amount.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I've been grocery shopping at a outlet clearance center for a couple of years now. They sell 'scratch and dent' items. Usually 80% off retail. Meats are close to expiration so they'll go in freezer bags. We are on a limited food budget so I have to do what I can. We don't have newspapers available to us and we are rural so the chain store around here are not 'right up the street.'<br /><br /><b>It can be a bit of a challenge.</b><br /><br />Yesterday I planned some recipes for my family and my website, <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>. I was a woman on a mission. We went to the clearance outlet, an hour away. Afterwards we hit a few other stores with lists, sales flyers and coupons. After drive time and shopping I got home about 9 hours later. But the time the groceries were put away, meat separated, bagged and put in the freezer I had just completed an 11 hour day.<br /><br />I even stopped in thrift shop for some new dishes and placemats for photo props.<br /><br />It was a tiring day, but a good day.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91671002861767669282013-09-18T16:48:00.002-04:002013-09-18T16:57:48.882-04:00Weelicious Lunches by Catherine McCord was a Hit! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1a4P1ck" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64cAwjd9NrE/UjoEb6SoerI/AAAAAAAAEs0/0QtmIFZmIj8/s400/fnd_Weelicious-Lunches-Giveaway_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now that <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM <i>eating</i></a> has finally gotten some posts under her belt and I have some scheduled, I can start to focus on dusting of Self Employed Writer and getting it back where I wanted it to be.<br /><br />On a whim I noticed in an email that Food Network was <a href="http://blog.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/2013/09/win-the-weelicious-lunches-cookbook/" target="_blank">giving away</a> Weelicious Lunches and I figured "what the heck" kiddo isn't here during the week, but their might be something fun in there that I can prepare for her for weekend lunches. Not that I honestly thought I would win.<br /><br />So, I plugged in YUMs email and left my comment.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Imagine my surprise when I received an email a few days later stating I had one a copy! <a href="http://amzn.to/1a4P1ck" target="_blank"> Weelicious Lunches</a> by Catherine McCord was on it's way to me.<br /><br />This isn't a cheaply made cookbook either. It's heavy-duty, like knock it off the counter, drop it on your foot, oh my god you are going to scream kind of cookbook.<br /><br />The recipes are SUPER simple and they aren't full of smancy-fancy ingredients that you have to drive all over looking for ingredients to feed your kids.<br /><br />These recipes aren't just for kids either. I actually found a few that I would make for myself!<br /><br />The photos are adorable and I really enjoyed reading through the book. There was a lot of useful information and storytelling.<br /><br />Here is my disclosure. I got the book for free. I won it. I was not required to write a review, but I wanted to because I really liked the book. And - that's what I do here on SEW. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Book%20Review" target="_blank">I review books.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73794399810451678062013-09-18T13:17:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:45:04.805-04:00What I Learned this Summer<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAMdhDVvUs0/UjnVP_8TYtI/AAAAAAAAEsY/etw8yqGPJEk/s1600/file0001110781475.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAMdhDVvUs0/UjnVP_8TYtI/AAAAAAAAEsY/etw8yqGPJEk/s320/file0001110781475.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div><br />I think this summer was a test. I fell off the wagon and it tested me. I failed. Big time. Having PCOS is NO joke. It's a giant fracking nightmare is what it is. Even though<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/08/another-setback-another-update.html" target="_blank"> I was just diagnosed a year ago</a>, I am pretty sure I've it since my 20s or longer, it just went undiagnosed.<br /><br />I started low-carbing last year with some baby-step <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/06/just-what-doctor-ordered.html" target="_blank">advice from our dietician</a>. Then I really got on board with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/01/wednesday-weigh-in-123-114-lbs-gone-on.html" target="_blank">Atkins in 2013</a>. That led me <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/02/my-keto-diet-in-nutshell.html" target="_blank">to Keto</a> and I flipped between the two because the Keto community had large following on Reddit. I did really well and I felt great. I didn't have digestion issues. My inflammation for my osteoarthritis wasn't flaring up. I was managing my pain and my migraines were controlled. I was sleeping through the night.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Ok, let me rephrase that. I never sleep through the night, but I was not getting up more than 2 times to potty and I wasn't restless or battling long bouts of insomnia.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />But then <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/what-happened-to-keto-more-aptly-titled.html" target="_blank">around May I hit a wall</a> and I don't know what happened. It was like my furnace light went out.<br /><br /><b>I needed answers.</b><br /><br />I started to shy away from "labeled" meal plans and I just wanted to adopt a whole food clean eating way of life. I wanted to just eat foods that were going to make me feel good. I started to wonder if the high-fat was just too much for me because I don't have a gallbladder and maybe I needed to tone it down just a little bit.<br /><br />I started to add back some foods over the summer and learned a few things.<br /><br />Anything with <b>white flour</b> makes me sick. I feel tired and sluggish. My digestion issues all come back. The inflammation and restless nights come back. Same goes for <b>white potatoes</b>. I have no plans at the moment to remove them from my house because of hubs and kiddo, but for me personally, I think the most I can do without causing problems is 1/2 of a potato here and there.<br /><br />I haven't tried <b>white rice or bread</b> and at this point I have no plans to.<br /><br /><b>Wheat bread</b> in moderation is ok. Like a piece here and there. Anything more than that and all my cravings start to come back. Like all I want it hot bread and butter. It's just best for me to just not eat bread, but I think sticking to whole grain high fiber bread in moderation is ok for me.<br /><br /><b>Wheat flour</b> is ok in moderation. We have started to use it as a replacement for my homemade noodles in my great-grandmothers chicken noodle soup recipe. Since we don't make it often, it seems to work out ok. It doesn't make me feel bad and it's better for the hubs with his issues and kiddo likes it.<br /><br /><b>Wheat flour</b> makes me feel like crap. I started to buy it because its better for hubby than the white stuff. I personally don't want either but I got tired of his hurtful comments about not ever making pasta. Well I started to have some here and there and cravings, digestion, inflammation, pain, migraines, insomnia , and all my other issues all came back.<br /><br /><b>Rye bread </b>what was recommended to me, but its a weakness of mine, so I don't buy it.<br /><br /><b>Sweet potatoes</b> due to their sweet nature only brought back cravings.<br /><br /><b>Oatmeal </b>is one thing that is not allowed on Atkins. But it does not bring me any problems at all. I add a little bit of unsweetened almond milk and call it good. Berries are a good addition too.<br /><br /><b>Beans</b> are something else that I do not have issues with. I love buying dry beans and creating wonderful meals out of them. There are a lot of opinions out there in the low-carb world about beans. When you start to peak into the Paleo/Primal community and some of the other "labels" you see other opinions. My two-cents is if you like them and they don't bother you, eat them.<br /><br />I've been spending a lot of time on "<a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/" target="_blank">The Gracious Pantry</a>" and reading clean eating books like "<a href="http://amzn.to/169R6Xh" target="_blank">The Quick and Clean Diet</a>" by and "<a href="http://www.eatcleandiet.com/" target="_blank">The Eat Clean</a>" diet books by Tosca Reno. Tosca has some great <a href="http://www.eatcleandiet.com/tools_and_support/resources.aspx#.UjnhbcaPMpg" target="_blank">free printables</a> on her website and yummy recipes to make it easy to get started. You'll see that most of the items you already buy are clean items!<br /><br />That's really the direction I want to go in with my food. I want to get away from overly processed garbage. I want to eat as whole and clean as possible because that is what makes me feel that best. When I go back over my food journals I can see it wasn't Atkins or Keto. It was the protein and vegetables I was eating!<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5902852206912686192013-09-17T15:49:00.001-04:002014-10-03T20:38:24.763-04:00Ultra Sleeves™ Clear, Disposable, Protective Sleeve for My iPad While ICook<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPbf25cde3e3cfe79c0b2984eea90a83e5" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxuvmzTca7c/UjirhEGA0WI/AAAAAAAAEqI/2vdRNXvxMUo/s1600/banner-md.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxuvmzTca7c/UjirhEGA0WI/AAAAAAAAEqI/2vdRNXvxMUo/s320/banner-md.png" height="131" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I was recently given the opportunity to test out some <a href="http://amzn.to/18vOXVI" target="_blank">Ultra-Sleeves</a> for my iPad 3rd Gen over the weekend while I did some cooking for <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM <i>eating</i></a>. These have the potential to be pretty handy when you are making messes (like me) in the kitchen.<br /><br />I should mention that I have an <a href="http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/index.php?cj_aid=10539646&cj_pid=7149033&cj_sid=skim52061X1266454X97ec239e044c4331945a65c5eea2cacf" target="_blank">Invisible Shield </a>on my screen. Then I have a cover that folds over. It's one of those covers that you can fold 3 different ways that allows you to stand your iPad upright. Or, you can hold it open like a book. Since purchasing the iPad I have never taken it out of the case or removed the Invisible Shield .<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />While both of these product provide me protection for scratches and drops, it does nothing to protect me from kitchen spills.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I often wonder about people who carry their iPads around with no screen protectors or covers. Aren't they afraid of something happening? I know I am. I know we've been using Invisible Shield for as long as I can remember, back when hubs was working part-time at <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/" target="_blank">Best Buy</a> in the mobile department.<br /><br />I had about 10 - 12 recipes to work on over the weekend for YUM. I had carefully planned it all out. I bought the iPad out to listen to Pandora and watch some HuluPlus in between canning and preparing meals.<br /><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBO5UbsYpnw/VC9BcxNb8RI/AAAAAAAAUjo/L90Q2lJSJww/s1600/sleeve-ipad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBO5UbsYpnw/VC9BcxNb8RI/AAAAAAAAUjo/L90Q2lJSJww/s1600/sleeve-ipad.jpg" height="553" width="640" /></a></div><br />I carefully took a sleeve out of the package and removed my cover from my iPad. I lined the sleeve up and them moment I tried to slide my iPad in, it ripped down the side. I tried again. Another rip. This one was not very far so I went ahead and continued sliding it down. It was a very tight fit - and you want a tight fit because these are supposed to be waterproof.<br /><br />I then placed my iPad back in my case because I needed it for my 'stand.'<br /><br />I found the sleeve on top of the shield inside the case to be a bit too much. In time the slit down the side started to go down the entire side and I eventually just took it off.<br /><br />Don't know about you, but I don't know anyone who goes around carrying a naked iPad. At $11.99 for a package of 10, these are not very cost effective when they do not protect against cracks. I can't see someone taking off their shields and cases just to put one of these on...<br /><br /><b>EXCEPT</b> for an event like this.<br /><br />This Saturday I am going to be running in the Flint, MI Color Vibe. Anyone who brings their tablets and phones will need waterproof sleeves to protect their gadgets.<br /><br />Final thoughts....<br /><br />It is not a total loss. If you do not use a screen protector and don't mind popping your pad in and out of your case then sleeves are a great protector for you if your are worried about spills.<br /><br /><b>Product Description:</b><br /><br /><br /><b>The Ultimate in Disposable Protection for tablets</b><br />Don’t let scratches and spills limit you from using your new computer tablet! Protect your valuable electronics with our new Ultra Sleeves™ disposable, protective sleeves for computers tablet and e-readers such as iPads and Kindles. <br /><br />Ultra Sleeves™ are designed to be economical solutions for using your computer tablet at the beach, with your kids, in the kitchen, at a barbeque… or whenever you want to protect against that OOPS situation!<br /><br />Our sleeves are made from the same high quality, acid-free, and recyclable plastic film used in the collectibles industry, with added anti-static feature to better protect your expensive electronics. We use unique double adhesive strips which provides an improved seal and the resealable adhesivea lets you open and close it back up with ease for battery charging and adjusting.<br /><br /><b>Technical Details</b><br /><br /><ul><li>Fits 2nd, 3rd, & 4th generation iPads; FDA Approved Formulation</li><li>Water resistant; made with exclusive anti-static formulation to better protect electronics</li><li>Great for picnics, the beach, airplanes, bathrooms, kitchens or around the kids</li><li>No effect on Wi-fi or 4G reception</li><li>Dual adjustable adhesive closures for added security</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this product for free from <a href="http://www.ultra-sleeves.com/" target="_blank">Ultra-Sleeves</a> as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMbf25cde3e3cfe79c0b2984eea90a83e5" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76835353662339844572013-09-17T13:43:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:26:44.236-04:00Working From Home Fall Wardrobe Update #MeijerStyle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6mCFuhZ7pM/UjiSuHinJZI/AAAAAAAAEpU/LIxKSuMhdJI/s1600/1237021_10151894661805915_1787807111_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6mCFuhZ7pM/UjiSuHinJZI/AAAAAAAAEpU/LIxKSuMhdJI/s320/1237021_10151894661805915_1787807111_n+(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>With the weather getting cooler here in Michigan it was time to dig out some of my sweatshirts and pants as I slowly started to hide my tank tops and shorts in the back of the closet. Since I work from home as a self-employed writer I don't have to buy expensive business attire to wear to the office.<br /><br />But that doesn't mean I don't like to have comfortable clothes and that doesn't mean I don't want comfortable, cute, stylish clothes for when I do leave my house and face the public.<br /><br />I am happy to report that I did get a pair of winter legging ($12) which it going to go with quite a few long sweaters and tunics that I own. I have some great winter boots that I can't wait to use. I think I even have a few skirts I'll be able to put these leggings over a pair of tights and be nice and toasty in the winter. So that was a bonus.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I was excited when <a href="http://meijerstyle.com/" target="_blank">Meijer </a>offered me a gift card to update my current wardrobe with current fall styles and trends.<br /><br />Sadly, my local Meijer, despite being a supercenter is still very small town. It does not carry the same amount of inventory compared to the larger cities and my choices were very limited. Add to that the fact that I have to shop the Plus Size section ( 4 racks) I was limited in my choices.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_l6Fhp_b4U/UjiQpc38JbI/AAAAAAAAEo8/3SSD8PHS6c0/s1600/945972_10151894672230915_433110842_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_l6Fhp_b4U/UjiQpc38JbI/AAAAAAAAEo8/3SSD8PHS6c0/s320/945972_10151894672230915_433110842_n+(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAfJPvHXPsQ/UjiTj1K8MPI/AAAAAAAAEpc/pxWyn04mZ7A/s1600/1238826_10151894682150915_1100173609_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAfJPvHXPsQ/UjiTj1K8MPI/AAAAAAAAEpc/pxWyn04mZ7A/s320/1238826_10151894682150915_1100173609_n+(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Since my choices were limited I did pick up the leggings, a long sleeve cotton grey shirt ($10) that I can mix and match with many things (It's so comfy I have a feeling that will become the work from home shirt!). A turquoise scarf necklace ($15, my big splurge - I never spend that much for myself) that I can also mix and match with many items I own.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e4IvCbb0050/UjiUBTCZfbI/AAAAAAAAEpk/0J6Bl7dM_ek/s1600/1239503_10151894640535915_1007201146_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e4IvCbb0050/UjiUBTCZfbI/AAAAAAAAEpk/0J6Bl7dM_ek/s320/1239503_10151894640535915_1007201146_n+(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Because I had money left over I picked out something small for kiddo. I purchased it a size larger than what she wears because she grows so quickly and she is only here on weekends. We always try to stretch our budget. Her shirt was $6. We have so many leggings and skirts that we are likely able to make 4 or 5 outfits out of this one shirt. She loved it the minute she saw it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEWFO3R10aU/UjiQ508DhiI/AAAAAAAAEpE/WRigPW4lhtY/s1600/1234516_10151894646370915_1593297419_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEWFO3R10aU/UjiQ508DhiI/AAAAAAAAEpE/WRigPW4lhtY/s320/1234516_10151894646370915_1593297419_n+(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />My husband was even able to pick something small out. As an<a href="https://mperks.meijer.com/mPerks/?cmpid=Bing-OVSEM-mPerks|Brand" target="_blank"> mPerk member,</a> it was his lucky day. Graphic T's were buy 1 get 1 free. His fall wardrobe doesn't change from summer so he was ecstatic to pick up 2 more Captain America / Marvel shirts. $12 for both shirts.<br /><br />I'm just blessed and thankful for Meijer to give me this opportunity and glad I was able to share with all of my readers some inexpensive ways to freshen up your fall fashions. Leggings, long sweaters, and tunics are still in. Scarves and still a hit. Can't go wrong with basic colors!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1tIFfn_n_Y/UjiH0FVvZoI/AAAAAAAAEos/FsFFvEUZdXQ/s1600/facebook_tab_image_meijer.com_1378390467_piqoraentrypagereal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1tIFfn_n_Y/UjiH0FVvZoI/AAAAAAAAEos/FsFFvEUZdXQ/s320/facebook_tab_image_meijer.com_1378390467_piqoraentrypagereal.png" height="112" width="320" /></a></div><br />Enter for your chance to win a <a href="http://sweeps.piqora.com/MeijerFallFashion" target="_blank">$100 Meijer Gift Card</a>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received a gift card from Meijer as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46496917631182015882013-09-13T15:25:00.001-04:002013-09-13T15:25:40.139-04:00Downside UP by Tracy Mitchell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1bf6liF" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9urk5smD34/UjNmLXMAz0I/AAAAAAAAEgI/FjO4RGZS3fY/s1600/_200_360_Book.880.cover.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">While I do attend church I enjoy Christian reading, I am not overly fond of books which push and push the message of God. I know there are people out there who may need it or others who may enjoy it. I am just not one of them. It’s the luck of the draw when picking Christian titles because you are not sure just how much is going to be in the book. Will it be sprinkled or will it be covered?</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was excited to review “<a href="http://amzn.to/1bf6liF" target="_blank">Downside Up: Transform Rejection IntoYour Golden Opportunity</a>” </div><div class="MsoNormal">because I have faced rejection and horrible circumstances in life. I’ve never been sure how to handle some of that rejection and I often project it in the worst possible way. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The end of every chapter has “Words of Wisdom.” This is a Bible Quote followed by a Power Quote. I enjoyed the Power Quote a great deal more because there were quite a few biblical references throughout the rest of the book. I felt for me personally, it was a bit too much and I was a little disappointed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried to take what I could from the material presented before me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My most personal chapter was “The Need to Be Perfect.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>A damaged heart rarely feels accepted.</li><li>A damaged heart ….. protect it from … pain.</li><li>A damaged heart has troubles trusting others.</li><li>A damaged heart has difficulty receiving love.</li><li>A damaged heart demands loyalty.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">These few from the list defined me to a T. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a hard time accepting gifts and throughout my life have told people I am not materialistic. I do not want gifts. I honestly would rather they take that money they would spend on me and donate it to charity anyway. I am sure some of that stems from my damaged heart. The other part is my selfless soul. I don’t need things. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do however need to work on letting others in. There are some tips within the pages I can put into action that might help me out. </div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br />“Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance.” Bruce Barton. </blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I can do is check my ‘self-talk’ and when setbacks occur try to turn my negativity into something positive. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One baby step at a time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book does have a lot of positive messages and I can certainly see it being quite helpful to the right person. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67314840159085671822013-09-12T13:53:00.001-04:002014-10-03T20:51:52.015-04:00Making a Living Blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdIavbV-zn8/UjH6He9XAEI/AAAAAAAAEec/AoTKkODlNI4/s1600/file00018012167082222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdIavbV-zn8/UjH6He9XAEI/AAAAAAAAEec/AoTKkODlNI4/s320/file00018012167082222.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>Rumors have been circulating for years on whether or not one can make a decent living pounding away on their keyboard creating content for their own websites instead of working for peanuts slaving away at their keyboard for the sake of others.<br /><br />I started Self Employed Writer in 2009. My intentions were to use it more as a portfolio site. Meant more as a 'business card' more than anything. As my freelance writing career changed, so did my needs. SEW became a sounding board. It became a means to voice my concerns, share my success, and share my failures. I used Self Employed Writer as a place to discuss my content and used my name site as my 'author' site for books I had plan to publish.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Then it became clear to me having my own website was the way to go. Working for myself has always appealed to me. I've been a manager. I know that feeling of being in charge. I wanted to be in control of my own destiny.<br /><br />Problem was I was knee deep in school and that had to be my main focus. So, I kept plugging away at school.<br /><br />During this time I have tested various websites and none of them stuck. I have been back and forth between Blogger and self-hosted Word Press. SEW went through many changes as well. Then she got a little dusty.<br /><br />I'm slowly dusting her off now that school is over. Since graduation I have been focusing most of my time and energy (and money!) on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>. YUM is a <a href="http://yumeating.com/about-yum/" target="_blank">dream come true for me</a>. While she has a lot of growing and design work (eventually) to do, I know it is going to be a lot of fun and well worth the time and effort.<br /><br /><strike>I decided to keep More to Life than Chocolate </strike>because I still needed a place to vent about my weight issues. Eventually M2L is getting move to Word Press and getting a makeover. I'm looking and themes and re- branding. I'm really excited about it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a> is now just for that 'business card' type purpose.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cainstails.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cains Tales</a> has been slow going. Tink is growing like a weed and she just celebrated her first birthday and we passed the blogs 2 year anniversary. This site was last on my list for upkeep while I was in school. I do post photos and reviews from time to time. I do plan to move this and give it a makeover as well. YUM has post a <a href="http://yumeating.com/pumpkin-dog-treats/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Dog Treat</a> recipe so there is a need for the pet site still.<br /><br />So what about the money?<br /><br />Well, I <a href="http://yumeating.com/august-income-coming-soon/" target="_blank">wrote a post</a> about how I am going to document my income on YUM. And you can<a href="http://yumeating.com/category/income/" target="_blank"> follow my progress.</a><br /><br />But what about non-food bloggers?<br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/resources/bloggers-share-income/" target="_blank">Here is a list</a> I started of others who share their income.<br /><br />Blogging does take time. But the effort is worth it. There is nothing better than being your own boss.<br /><br />My reality is if I would have stuck with my websites or kept a few of the ones I let go, maybe I would have been in the 'income making' club by now too!<br /><br />But then again, none of those sites ended up making me happy in the end.<br /><br />Don't expect changes here at SEW right away. But they are coming!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19503827520672742522013-09-12T12:55:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:32:59.058-04:00It's Been a Rough Summer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9wIFC7Wqls/UjHxLXYjZjI/AAAAAAAAEdk/UtsJaNVhotQ/s1600/file6331246806971.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9wIFC7Wqls/UjHxLXYjZjI/AAAAAAAAEdk/UtsJaNVhotQ/s320/file6331246806971.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>morguefile.com</td></tr></tbody></table>It's been a stressful morning waking up to yet again not having any running water. Thankfully well folks answer their phones at 7:30 to crying people who are in desperate need of showers and flushing toilets.<br /><br />For those who don't know - no running water for three days. It has been off and on all summer. I haven't really talked about it much because it has been one depressing event after another.<br /><br />Let me tell you - it has done nothing - nothing I tell you - for my eating habits.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Yesterday I had an all out binge war on a pizza.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I was NOT happy. I was doing so well keeping my food under control.<br /><br />You know what my answer was? Not depriving myself.<br /><br /><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>So here is a little of the story.</b><br /><br />We've been dealing with people telling us different things all summer we thought we were going to have to deal with our barn claim money (insurance claim) to dig up our lawn (country living at its finest) to fix the line to the well (because that's what we were told twice). Our insurance people told us we needed at least 3 estimates. The guy today finally got us all taken care of with a $475 completely different answer.<br /><br />That's $475 I didn't have that had to be charged to max out my credit card. Let's hope that nothing else comes up and that the barn claim goes through and gets taken care of ASAP.<br /><br />The barn guy is supposed to come over tonight. He <b>finally</b> got our permit. This started back in May. The township told us our barn was "dangerous" and we had 30 days to knock it down. If not, we were going to be fined. Our insurance folks held on to our money. Then, our mortgage company held on to our check. We had to get their signature before we could cash it.<br /><br /> Now, the mortgage company is releasing the money in installments.<br /><br />Hey, guess what, the permit was denied by the same man that told us we needed to knock down the barn.<br /><br />Seems productive, right? So it became a giant battle. More like the township just wanted more money from us. So we started pushing paper. We should have been grandfathered it. In order for us to do so, we had to sit in on a town meeting, pay $600 in some legal fees and try to appeal the permit being denied.<br /><br />Apparently new law says you can only have outbuildings up to 2.8% of your property. We have 2 barns. A very large one that we have to rip down and a small one. But hey, guess what? They are counting our ATTACHED garage too. So, in order for us to rebuild the barn they are making us rip down we now have to take down the small barn.<br /><br />Best part? We are selling this house next year.<br /><br /><b>To say I am over all of this is an understatement.</b><br /><br />I had hoped by the time my husband went back to school this mess would be done. Now I get to be disturbed by builders and lack of electricity because we have electricity running to both barns.<br /><br />As if no water was bad enough. Now I might be without power too because they have to shut the power off when they rip down. When the rebuild. And, then when they put in a new breaker box in the basement.<br /><br /><b>I think I will just move out today.</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22318089359650221122013-09-10T14:26:00.000-04:002013-10-07T14:48:51.585-04:00 Canada Travel Pieces <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4La3jcJT3H0/Ui9jTnKIH7I/AAAAAAAAEZo/eiZyZVS9vAs/s1600/rsz_niagara_looking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4La3jcJT3H0/Ui9jTnKIH7I/AAAAAAAAEZo/eiZyZVS9vAs/s320/rsz_niagara_looking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/yum-taking-vacation/" target="_blank">YUMeating is Taking a Vacation </a><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/the-waltzing-weasel/" target="_blank">The Waltzing Weasel - London, Ontario</a><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/east-side-marios-niagara-falls-ontario-canada/" target="_blank">East Side Mario's - Niagara Falls, Ontario</a><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/crepe-de-licious-niagara-falls-ontario-canada/" target="_blank">Crepe de licious - Niagara Falls, Ontario</a><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/keg-steakhouse-niagara-falls-ontario-canada/" target="_blank">The Keg - Niagara Falls, Ontario</a><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/ups-n-downs-sarnia-ontario-canada/" target="_blank">UPS N' DOWNS - Sarnia, Ontario</a><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/pepper-palace-teaser/" target="_blank">The Pepper Palace - Niagara Falls, Ontario</a><br /><br /><b>Recipes using Pepper Palace products:</b><br /><br /> <a href="http://yumeating.com/cast-iron-skillet-canadian-heat-steak/" target="_blank"> 'Canadian Heat' Steak </a><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/melt-face-meatloaf/" target="_blank"> Melt-Your-Face-Off Meatloaf</a><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60508144335096248962013-09-06T20:31:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:32:04.543-04:00Tea Weather is Here!<div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTmID8e9SXg/Uwuadzb66gI/AAAAAAAAK3k/BkyBQjNRELI/s1600/yerba+mate+green+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTmID8e9SXg/Uwuadzb66gI/AAAAAAAAK3k/BkyBQjNRELI/s1600/yerba+mate+green+tea.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>I woke up this morning and it was very chilly. I was getting ready to make coffee and then I remembered that while I was away in Niagara Falls, Canada the UPS man dropped off a nice little package from Vitacost. I have shopped from Vitacost in the past and have always been pleased with my purchases. So, I was positive the tea would be a good experience as well.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />I received on pound of loose tea (yes, a whole pound!) of <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/eco-teas-organic-yerba-mate-loose-tea-1-lb-1/?ntt=819162004548" target="_blank">Yerba Mate unsmoked green energy tea from Eco Teas</a>. The tea is organic, pure leaf, and fair trade. I was SO excited when this product came up for review and I had dropped my name in the internet hat to be picked.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />My little tea pot has its own strainer so I was able to heat my water and make a nice little pot of tea for myself. This green tea had a nice, clean, very smooth flavor. There was no after taste or bitterness that you might find with some green teas. It was very pleasant and refreshing.<br /><br />What really impressed me was that this is a product that naturally increases my metabolism. I know all about the benefits of drinking green tea and with PCOS causing my metabolism to become a tad sluggish, I need all the help I can get.<br /><br />I noticed a decrease in my appetite today and I felt refreshed after my long week. It does say it can help with weight loss, supports active lifestyles and provides antioxidants as well as a host of vitamins. Bonus!<br /><br />Even when it cooled off a little the taste was still pleasant. As an avid tea drinker sometimes when a tea cools off, the taste shifts with the heat degree. This was not the case. I could see this as a great product for iced green tea when weather permits.<br /><br />Tomorrow I plan to give it a try with some lemon juice and maybe a bit of honey. I'll be posting that over on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> so keep an eye out for it over there!<br /><br /><br />UPDATE - Post is up on YUMeating now - <a href="http://yumeating.com/weather-gets-cold-tea/" target="_blank">check it out!</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this product for free from the Vitacost as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46647761396021984792013-09-06T11:19:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:30:38.854-04:00Beautiful On the Outside - Update & Review<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKyEZlHJeK4/UeWHVmmKB7I/AAAAAAAADDE/amGipZ0DyAc/s1600/SU2018-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKyEZlHJeK4/UeWHVmmKB7I/AAAAAAAADDE/amGipZ0DyAc/s1600/SU2018-2T.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Beautiful on the Outside <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/07/beautiful-on-outside-and-giveaway-for_16.html" target="_blank">original post</a> - winner announced! Congrats to Marsha S.<br /><br />Now let's get on to the nitty gritty of my own experience shall we?<br /><br />But first I must apologize for my delay. It took a long time for me to get through the bottles. It says you must was your hair every day - but I don't wash my hair every day. My hair is a big mess of curly stuff and sometimes it is just impossible for me to wash it every day. I like to wash it daily. Mostly because of the products I use. When I blow dry it straight there is no need for me to wash it the next day.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />We also had some problems with our well which meant it was impossible for me to wash my hair.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/08/i-been-struggling.html" target="_blank">I had some issues this summer</a>.<br /><br />At any rate what I can tell you is that I did notice some changes in my hair. My hair did grow. My hair did have some texture changes as fair as I could tell differences in the structure when I used the FAST shampoo and conditioner. My hair felt stronger and cleaner instantly. What I really liked was that their were no harsh chemicals in the products. I felt I was giving my hair a spa treatment every time I washed and conditioned.<br /><br />My hair DID grow - however it should be noted that I cannot at this time state 100% that it was due completely to the products because of the amount of time that passed between the before and after photos. My hair does grow rather quickly. There is also the change in hair pattern. In the before photos my hair was dry and somewhat of a wave. I also had a photo where it was wet and combed. In the newer after photo (which I took Monday morning - same shirt) my hair was wet and curly. I tried to do as close to the original photo as possible. However, taking selfies is not my specialty.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Take all these things into consideration. Yes, my hair grew. How must was due to FAST and how much was due to natural hair growth I do not know. However I do believe that FAST helped with growth and I firmly believe it helped with structure and strength. I can give my thumbs up and recommend this product based on that. I believe if your hair is damaged or if you are facing slow growth I do believe it will help with damaged structure and give you a healthier base to work with, although you might need more than one bottle to repair damage and continue with growth.<br /><br /><b>Before:</b><br /><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_ggbLKow28/Uwp02SfHBAI/AAAAAAAAK0g/1W6LOck1V18/s1600/hairtrial+fast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_ggbLKow28/Uwp02SfHBAI/AAAAAAAAK0g/1W6LOck1V18/s1600/hairtrial+fast.jpg" height="374" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>After:</b><br /><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAhKgjnpR34/UwuWi0Z1bpI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/1_7gcDfzWdI/s1600/after+fast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAhKgjnpR34/UwuWi0Z1bpI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/1_7gcDfzWdI/s1600/after+fast.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a></div><br />The best part is that I am very close to being able to donate my hair again. Bad part is those posts are on my other website that is next in line for a makeover now that <a href="http://yumeating.com/">YumEating.com</a> is done. More to Life will be getting a makeover too. Not sure when - but at least I have decided to keep my battle with PCOS site alive!<br /><br />For more information on FAST visit their website: <a href="http://www.fasthair.ca/">www.fasthair.ca</a><br /><br /><b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this product for free as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33610935077077764802013-09-06T10:03:00.000-04:002014-10-03T20:28:28.159-04:00Amazing Updates from the Doctor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jMXtZ7YmjI/UinaY-TAMWI/AAAAAAAAESc/D3UAjSR5gZ8/s1600/rsz_1276917_10202021193357226_1828563666_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jMXtZ7YmjI/UinaY-TAMWI/AAAAAAAAESc/D3UAjSR5gZ8/s1600/rsz_1276917_10202021193357226_1828563666_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>Me in Niagara Falls, CAN on Monday<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I was in Niagara Falls, Canada for my last little mini vacation of the year. My husband starts his last year of college and it is also his last year of clinical's. Judging from his schedule, it looked like we were not going to get any time to celebrate our anniversary this year so when I started to look for thing to do to celebrate my graduation from grad school and Living Social sent this amazing deal for Niagara Falls I thought I had better jump on the opportunity.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It was pretty amazing. We did a lot of walking. We crammed a lot of sight-seeing into a very short amount of time. We didn't partake in the tourist attractions but we did walk around and look at all of the stuff. The tax there is awful (16%) and so it was extremely expensive.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Yesterday I went to visit my doctor. I did have a visit with her at the first of August. Because I was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/08/i-been-struggling.html" target="_blank">so depressed and trying to figure out what direction to take these websites in</a> and what to do with life, I didn't really write about that visit.<br /><br />Basically my migraines were back in full-force. Nothing I did was making them go away. It was driving me nuts. I was feeling poorly again. Wasn't sleeping good. The treadmill was no longer my friend. I was in a terrible funk. I was making bad food choices. I had fallen in a hole I could not dig myself out of.<br /><br />She took me off the Metformin and put me on Topamax. It helped a little. She also wanted me to redo some bloodwork. Yesterday's visit was to go over that bloodwork and give an update on the Topamax. Because the headaches still linger a bit she increased the dosage. On a positive note the bloodwork showed that I am 100% healthy. My cholesterol is perfect. Triglycerides are perfect. My sugar in normal = no diabetes. Due to the PCOS we are always watching this. That means that the few grains and wheat products I have added to my diet here and there are not bothering me. Also, my thyroid is perfect. All systems go! So, basically it all comes down to the fact I need to drop about 40 lbs in order for my hips and back to have better pain management.<br /><br /><b>If only I could just snap my fingers and make it all go away.</b><br /><br />I also volunteered for a acupuncture procedure. My doc is really the nurse practitioner to my primary care doc. I love the nurse as she is also a holistic health care provider. So she understands my wants and needs. I was talking to her about acupuncture on my shoulder and hip and she told me she had just attended a seminar for a new procedure and needed 40 tests and was wondering if I was interested in being a test subject. Oh sure. So I had acupuncture done on my ears which was supposed to help with anxiety, stress, pain, and even things like addiction (food!)<br /><br />I sat with needles in my ears for 30 minutes while sitting in a dark room with nature sounds playing. I quite liked it actually. Very relaxing.<br /><br />My dentist visit a few hours later went much <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/08/i-been-struggling.html" target="_blank">better than last weeks</a>! My teeth are all clean and shiny. I have good, strong teeth. Next month we are going to extract a few because I never had my wisdom teeth removed so I do have some over-crowding on the top. With that they hope my *fang* will drop a little and perhaps won't be so bothersome to me. We'll also discuss having my front tooth repaired that was broken when I was 9. My parents never had insurance so I never had my teeth taken care of. I am also considering braces, maybe. We'll see. I have no idea what it is like to have straight teeth.<br /><br />I'm not giving up.<br /><br />PCOS will not beat me.<br />***************************************************************<br /><br />Interested in Living Social?<br /><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7233676-11399177" target="_top">Local coupons. Up to 70% off food, events, travel & more! Sign up for free and start saving</a><img border="0" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-7233676-11399177" height="1" width="1" />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50341615944975478412013-08-30T08:32:00.001-04:002014-10-02T18:27:24.624-04:00I've Been Struggling<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3w43c5Y5cTQ/UiCQ_qH_VgI/AAAAAAAAEHI/Z6-nVhJiBAM/s1600/555471_268679433236204_1456238930_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3w43c5Y5cTQ/UiCQ_qH_VgI/AAAAAAAAEHI/Z6-nVhJiBAM/s320/555471_268679433236204_1456238930_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I have really been struggling this summer. My depression came back really hard and I just did not know what to do with myself.<br /><br />The weight I tried so hard to lose earlier this year has come back.<br /><br />I have learned that the only thing that works for me is low carb.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have learned that that only thing that makes me feel good (no stomach aches, no migraines, no inflammation in my hips) is a diet free from most grains, sugar, white flour products and even wheat.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Now, if only I could keep those foods out of my mouth life would be so much easier.<br /><br />I have been on the treadmill 2 times in weeks. I have fallen off the wagon. Sucks, too because I was doing so good.<br /><br /><b>I went to the dentist yesterday. It was not a good experience.</b> Let's just say it has been at least 7 years since I have been to the dentist. Don't judge. Between life issues, money, and lack of insurance - the dentist was the last thing on my mind. I went in to get acquainted with the dentist. In this case, the assistant. Because it had been so long since my teeth had been cleaned she was not even able to complete the top row. How embarrassing. So, I have to go back next week and be tortured. Prior to the dentist I had to go have blood work done for my PCP who I will see next week right before the dentist.<br /><br />I saw the PCP at the beginning of the month because my migraines where back - full force. She put me on Topamax hoping it would help with my pain - and the appetite. Nope. It is possible we'll need to adjust to dosage. I hate taking meds so this doesn't really make me happy and I am pretty sure that the bottom line is I need to stick to a more plant based diet.<br /><br />If only that were a little more affordable.<br /><br />I am off the Metformin. So far, I am still having a cycle. This month I started spotting so I think maybe that is due to being off it since she took me off to put me on the Topamax. I think I was doing better with the weight loss on the Metformin. I think it helped with my cravings more, too.<br /><br />I have that "I feel lost" feeling again.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74247875858066220122013-08-30T08:32:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:26:15.855-04:00I'm Staying!!!!!<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxaqDtMBX_0/UiCPwmOPJdI/AAAAAAAAEG8/4f7f--EXq98/s1600/200523_176578155722608_2290737_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxaqDtMBX_0/UiCPwmOPJdI/AAAAAAAAEG8/4f7f--EXq98/s1600/200523_176578155722608_2290737_n.jpg" /></a><br />UPDATE 2/22/2014 - <strike>More to Life than Chocolate shall now be known as "Ignite Your Motivation." </strike>A place where all of us can gather to support and motivate each other on our journey.<br /><br />UPDATE 10/2/2014 - I am done changing blogs and trying new things. I'll stick to writing here and the food site. Getting rid of More to Life was the worst thing ever! Oh well, live and learn, right?<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div>I can't leave 'More to Life than Chocolate' behind. I tried. Even though this site is not very old, there is a reason why it is here. I have a battle I am fighting and I know I am not alone.<br /><br />I have decided that since the launch of my new site '<a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>' I still need a place to discuss my weight loss struggles and PCOS issues. YUM does not provide an outlet for that.<br /><br />More to Life is going to get a makeover. Going to clean some things up around here and make it all shiny and sparkly. Ok, well maybe skip the sparkle.<br /><br />Stay tuned. Posts will returned and new material will arrive.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5367187895892865952013-08-12T16:57:00.001-04:002013-09-06T14:29:20.103-04:00Cleveland, OH Travel PiecesI recently took a trip to Cleveland, OH to visit the town and see what it had to offer. I wanted to visit some places that were within driving distance in order to provide some travel reviews and photos. I have finally finished all of those.<br /><br />Here are the links to the pieces I have finished:<br /><br /><b>YUM eating:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/winking-lizard-in-macedonia-oh/" target="_blank">Restaurant Review: Winking Lizard in Macedonia, OH</a><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/the-melt-in-cleveland-heights-oh/" target="_blank">Restaurant Review: The Melt in Cleveland Heights, OH </a><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/dervish-grill-mediterranean-turkish-cuisine-tremont-oh/" target="_blank">Restaurant Review: Dervish Grill in Tremont, OH</a><br /><br /><b>Bubblews:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/867391-photojournalism" target="_blank">Photojournalism</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/871286-ohio-the-land-of-many-heights" target="_blank">Ohio: The land of many 'heights'</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/871312-road-construction-on-toll-roads" target="_blank">Road Construction on Toll Roads</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/871606-hello-hotel-how-are-you" target="_blank">Hello Hotel, How Are You?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/886665-are-you-a-fan-of-popeyes" target="_blank">Are You A Fan of Popeyes?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/887153-have-you-ever-seen-a-winking-lizard-i-have" target="_blank">Have you ever seen a winking lizard? I have.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/891208-disrespectful-travelers" target="_blank">Disrespectful Travelers</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/909293-how-many-of-you-have-seen-039pacific-rim039" target="_blank">Pacific Rim</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/909597-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-in-cleveland-oh" target="_blank">Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/909709-rude-people-crowded-spaces" target="_blank">Rude People, Crowded Spaces</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/909917-downtown-cleveland-amp-lolita" target="_blank">Downtown Cleveland and Lolita</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/920358-great-lakes-science-center-in-cleveland-oh" target="_blank">Great Lakes Science Center</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/921507-titanic-the-artifact-exhibition" target="_blank">Titanic: The Artifact Exibition</a><br /><br /><br /><b><u>AllVoices:</u></b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/15082122-hotel-review-days-inn-in-macedonia-oh" target="_blank">Hotel Review: Days Inn in Macedonia, OH</a><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45611568617712693062013-08-11T17:50:00.001-04:002013-08-11T17:50:38.770-04:00I Am Not Gone! Ch-ch-changes for me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN8zAQYUft8/TW_vP9PnncI/AAAAAAAAAUI/0H8TryIAazc/s1600/LookingUPChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN8zAQYUft8/TW_vP9PnncI/AAAAAAAAAUI/0H8TryIAazc/s320/LookingUPChick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2013/08/oh-just-some-updates-thats-all.html">going through a lot of changes</a> in life and I have no idea where to start.<div><br /></div><div>FYI - this post is similar to what was posted on my other site - but not. And, longer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have fun.<br /><br />This is going to be a long post, so please grab some coffee and maybe a snack.</div><div><br /></div><div>You're welcome. ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/926050-soul-searching" target="_blank">I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately</a>. Pretty hardcore since graduation and I have been rather loud about voicing my concerns. I had all these plans on how life was supposed to be once I graduated. I had dreamed that I would soon be out from under all of the stress I had been dealing with. <div><br /><div><b>Boy, was I wrong. </b></div><div><b><a name='more'></a><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The idea was I was going to write for Examiner full-time and then work on fiction when time allowed. Fiction was going to fill the time that school used to take up. At the time I made those plans <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Examiner">Examiner</a> was paying me VERY well for minimal work. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>At the time, it was an excellent idea.</b><br /><br /><br />Then Examiner got a slap on the wrist and made a bunch of changes. Since then the income has not been worth the effort of the time put into the articles. Once was a time I could write a handful of article a day and bring home thousands now reduced to a time where those same articles barely make me a hundred. There is always <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/07/allvoices-bubblews-and-examiner-update.html">All Voices and Bubblews</a> which are OK, but they are not making me the money Examiner used to make. To work all three is an ADHD nightmare.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I can't keep my focus like that.</b><br /><br /><br /> I got really really depressed. My <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/search/label/Mental%20Health">mental health is a huge battle </a>and it is something I have to keep in check. I try. I fail. I try again. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Steve Jobs once said " Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."</b><br /><br />Over the years I have made plenty of lists on things I like to do. I have had to brainstorm ideas for mock business plans for school as a undergrad and as a grad student. As a freelance writer I am always writing down ideas for articles, websites, and pretty much anything; all of which revolve around things I like to do. I've always been told that your career needs to be something you love so you will want to get up and go to work every day. When I started freelance writing I was told something similar when it came to finding your niche.<br /><br />When writing in your niche it needed to be in that place of love and passion. I had plenty of ideas. Nothing stuck.<br /><br />I never really found that one thing that really got me excited. Not like this new project. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. ~ Confucius.</b><br /><br /><a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a> was started as a need. All authors need a calling card. But then it became something personal. I still get emails from sexual abuse survivors telling me how I helped them. I don't want to lose that. It was going to be an extension of Self Employed Writer. An author site.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://cainstales.com/">CainsTales</a> started as a means to document Cains cancer and hopefully raise some money for his care. I don't have the heart to take it down so it has since become a place for Tink, Casey and Ziggy to hang out and test things. <br /><br /><br />Self Employed Writer started as a means to write about writing. And to become a portfolio. I had plans to monetize it but I got so sick of writing about writing after spending all day writing that I just got burned out. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/its-official-i-broke-up-with-wordpress.html" target="_blank">As you know we moved to Word Press and then went back to Blogger</a>. Now I post an update here and there and I still do book reviews but for the most part I am pretty much over it and want to use it as a <a href="http://about.me/cmahan">about me</a> type thing. I plan to move this site back to Word Press in time; especially since I know have one year of unlimited hosting all paid for.<br /><br /><br />So that brings me to More to Life than Chocolate. I started that site as a way to discuss my health. After doing <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">weight loss product reviews</a> here on SEW I thought it would be better for me to have a niche site. A friend and I had been struggling with our weight issues and thought we could help each other out. I brainstormed a few ideas and came up with this brilliant one. Or, so I thought. Over time things went in other directions and we both had a lot of other things going on. I do have another friend that guest posts from time to time but I am just not excited here. Not like one should be. It's too long of a name. It's not marketable.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>IT'S JUST NOT WHAT I LOVE. IT'S NOT WHAT I WANT TO DO!</b><br /><br /><br />So, I started looking back over all my lists over the years. Hobbies. Interests. Passions. Loves. Collections. My biggest lot of Pinterest boards. What I enjoy doing. My best memories. What I watch on TV. What coffee table books I enjoy. All of these things had a common theme and I never really realized it until recently. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>AHHHHH Light Bulb Moment! </b><br /><br />I started jotting down ideas. It was a long process. The name process was worse. This name was taken. That name didn't fit. I didn't like the others. I couldn't vision some. But, I finally figured one out.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://yumeating.com/">YUM eating</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>It's perfectly me.</b><br /><br />One of my dreams in life has always been to own my own restaurant. I'll never be able to do that. Too many reasons to list but mostly to my chronic pain issues. So, YUM is the next best thing. It will take time to build. There will be trial and error. But with my love of all things food, my memories of all things food and my love of taking photos, along with my business knowledge and everything I have learned by working online - I *think* I have finally figured out what I want to do 'with the rest of my life.'<br /><br />Everything is changing and this is a change I feel good about.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for my fiction - I won't quit. I can't do it full-time. I'll do it as time permits. It's not going anywhere. I am currently working on some recipes and putting together a cookbook for my new site. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for these content sites - I am going to be using them to my advantage. I no longer want to work for them, but rather have them work for me. The money I make there is so minimal anymore. But, it's still money and I need it. Once things progress with YUM - that will be where you can find me full-time. I have a whole lot of faith in myself right now.<br /><br /></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64805590606854743772013-08-11T17:04:00.000-04:002014-09-24T17:45:20.512-04:00Making Some Changes <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaWfrI3ALkQ/UDQHfjuq1GI/AAAAAAAABdY/_q1BmS_dHG4/s1600/pcos-doesnt-have-me.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaWfrI3ALkQ/UDQHfjuq1GI/AAAAAAAABdY/_q1BmS_dHG4/s320/pcos-doesnt-have-me.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>I continue to fight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I will not give up. I will continue to fight.<br /><div>There is no cure for PCOS. However, I can better manage living life with it. </div><div>I'm going through a lot of changes in life and I have no idea where to start.</div><div>This might turn out to be a long post, so please grab some coffee and maybe a snack.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxYe4JCCBcM/Ugf1VfHFR-I/AAAAAAAADsc/tZXxmayine4/s1600/rsz_file000327713855.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxYe4JCCBcM/Ugf1VfHFR-I/AAAAAAAADsc/tZXxmayine4/s320/rsz_file000327713855.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>Morgue File.com</td></tr></tbody></table>I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately. Pretty hardcore since graduation. I had all these plans on how life was supposed to go once I graduated. Mostly I was going to write for Examiner full-time and then work on fiction when time allowed. Fiction was going to fill the time that school used to take up. At the time I made those plans <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Examiner" target="_blank">Examiner</a> was paying me VERY well for minimal work. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then they got a slap on the wrist and made a bunch of changes. Since then the income has not been worth the effort of the time put into the articles. There is always <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/07/allvoices-bubblews-and-examiner-update.html" target="_blank">All Voices and Bubblews</a> which are OK, but they are not making me the money Examiner used to make. </div><div><br /></div><div> I got really really depressed. My <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Mental%20Health" target="_blank">mental health is a huge battle </a>and it is something I have to keep in check. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Over the years I have made plenty of lists on things I like to do.</b> I have had to brainstorm ideas for mock business plans for school as a undergrad and as a grad student. As a freelance writer I am always writing down ideas for articles, websites, and pretty much anything; all of which revolve around things I like to do. I've always been told that your career needs to be something you love so you will want to get up and go to work every day. When I started freelance writing I was told something similar when it came to finding your niche. </div><div><br /></div><div>When writing in your niche it needed to be in that place of love and passion. I had plenty of ideas. Nothing stuck. </div><div><br /></div><div>I never really found that one thing that really got me excited. Not like this new project. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a> was started as a need. All authors need a calling card. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://cainstails.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CainsTales</a> started as a means to document Cains cancer and hopefully raise some money for his care. I don't have the heart to take it down so it has since become a place for Tink, Casey and Ziggy to hang out and test things. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank">Self Employed Writer</a> started as a means to write about writing. And to become a portfolio. I had plans to monetize it but I got so sick of writing about writing after spending all day writing that I just got burned out. Now I post an update here and there and I still do book reviews but for the most part I am pretty much over it and want to use it as a <a href="http://about.me/cmahan" target="_blank">about me</a> type thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>If I could snap my fingers and bring Yahoo 360 or old school MySpace back I would. I miss old school blogging. When I talk about personal stuff I want to chat with those who have the same things going on in life or at least things I can relate to. </div><div><br /></div><div>So far, the closest thing I have found to that is <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubblews.</a> I am really liking it there and I am having fun. The money is just a bonus. I have met some really awesome people and they actually comment and keep coming back! </div><div><br /></div><div>I was planning to do a 'best by 40' site but then I started wondering what I would do after those 2 years were up. Once I turned 40 it seemed as if the title and domain would no longer be relevant. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I started looking back over all my lists over the years. Hobbies. Interests. Passions. Loves. Collections. My biggest lot of Pinterest boards. What I enjoy doing. My best memories. What I watch on TV. What coffee table books I enjoy. All of these things had a common theme and I never really realized it until recently. </div><div><br /></div><div>I started jotting down ideas. It was a long process. The name process was worse. But, I finally figured one out. <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>.<br /><br />One of my dreams in life has always been to own my own restaurant. I'll never be able to do that. Too many reasons to list. So, YUM is the next best thing. It will take time to build. There will be trial and error. But with my love of all things food, my memories of all things food and my love of taking photos, along with my business knowledge and everything I have learned by working online - I think I have finally figured out what I want to do 'with the rest of my life.'<br /><br />I do hope you will follow me on my journey and visit me on the new site too. I have over 700 food photos on my phone to get me started.<br /><br />~Chrystal </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10007967355265202792013-08-09T15:52:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:24:27.399-04:00#SlimFastSexySummer Party Over Here!<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BX2zAEX6TaM/UwuQpdo1LlI/AAAAAAAAK3I/WdOoGeKfbpg/s1600/slim+fast+review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BX2zAEX6TaM/UwuQpdo1LlI/AAAAAAAAK3I/WdOoGeKfbpg/s1600/slim+fast+review.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a></div>Party over here!<br /><br />I learned something new today. Slim Fast doesn't have to be boring. Not that I ever though Slim Fast was boring. We go way back. And when I say way back, I mean literally 22 years. I remember being 16 and drinking Slim Fast in my car at lunch during high school with my BFF. That dates my age. Shhhh don't tell anyone.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />I admit, I do stay away from Slim Fast now because of all the sugars in it, but when given the chance to try something for free I will give it a go. Slim Fast sent out recipe cards and a bottle of their Strawberries and Creme ready-to-drink shake. One one side of the recipe card was virgin recipes while the other side contained alcohol drinks.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />Yes! You can mix Slim Fast with alcohol. Who knew??<br /><br />heyyyyyy<br /><br />Party over here!<br /><br />So, while I didn't have any of the alcohols on hand to try out any of their recipes, I did have some fresh fruit and felt it was better for me in the long run. So, I blended their strawberry drink with some blueberries and a banana for a nice berry blend. I used their snazzy cup. Pretty fabulous - wouldn't you say??<br /><br />BTW - it was pretty yummy.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received product for free from <a href="http://email.influenster.com/go/5204019f568c927ebf59c2c0/520401a3568c927ec497b043" target="_blank">@InfluensterVox</a> and the #slimfast review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84904656155432778582013-08-04T13:45:00.000-04:002013-08-04T13:45:06.180-04:00Not Quite Healed by Cecil Murphy & Gary Roe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/13d9tTW" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzgIL4dRosE/Uf6PGv8OLwI/AAAAAAAADfg/iJ0K7ElKxWk/s320/NotQuiteHealed-e1370385801716.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have a personal experience with this topic; I know that survivors of sexual abuse often face a very long road in their recovery journey. I know I have asked myself over the last 20 years, ‘shouldn’t I be healed by now?’ And I have often wondered ‘why me?’ along with ‘why bother?’ It can be depression on top of the sadness you already feel about the abuse. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The authors of this book, Cecil Murphy and Gary Roe have had to walk to the road to recovery themselves. In the book “<a href="http://amzn.to/13d9tTW" target="_blank">Not Quite Healed</a>” the two are open and honest about their recovery process. It will not happen quickly, but it will happen and not everyone will heal at the same speed. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Not too long ago <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/when-woman-you-love-was-abused.html" target="_blank">I did a review on a book titled “When aWoman You Love Was Abused”</a> by Dawn Scott Jones. The forward to that book was written by Cecil Murphy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Obviously I am not a male, so you might be wondering why I am reviewing a book about male survivors of sexual abuse? The truth is, I can relate. Even though men and women heal and react differently, there is still a considerable amount of information that was helpful to me. I do not recommend all women read it, especially those who are just beginning their journey. I do however recommend it to all men who have survived sexual abuse or men who know another man/boy going through their healing process. If you are a mother who has a son healing from sexual abuse, some of this might be helpful to you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44091720663543941432013-08-01T19:04:00.000-04:002014-10-14T19:05:14.918-04:00yesDisrespectful Travelers<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">How many times have you traveled to a hotel with the hopes of getting a good night’s sleep to enjoy your trip only to be left lying there wide awake due to disrespectful travelers?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">I would like to think I am not the only one who has had this problem.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">After visiting the Winking Lizard for a late lunch (</span><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/887153-have-you-ever-seen-a-winking-lizard-i-have" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.bubblews.com/news/887153-have-you-ever-seen-a-winking-lizard-i-have</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"> ) and having Menchies brought to the hotel room (</span><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/886765-oh-menchies-how-i-love-thee" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.bubblews.com/news/886765-oh-menchies-how-i-love-thee</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"> ),</span><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/account/44413-voiceoftheseed" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; text-decoration: none;">&Voiceoftheseed</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"> and myself decided it was time to just stay in for the night and get some rest. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Earlier in the day (Thursday) we were unpacking our belongings and getting settled in the new room (</span><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/871606-hello-hotel-how-are-you" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #65c4fd; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27.2000007629395px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.bubblews.com/news/871606-hello-hotel-how-are-you</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;"> ) when I kept hearing screaming outside. I quickly learned some girl was upset that her boyfriend was not where he said he was going to be and this girl was talking to her friend – very loudly – about how sick of him she was, but at the same time she was a tad bit worried. Shortly after this incident we left to go have some lunch so I did not really give it much thought. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">That night husband was reminded. Apparently the girl had come back during the night and stood outside on her phone until the wee hours of the morning. When I woke the next morning (Friday) and he was telling me about it I had asked him why he didn’t call down to the front desk and tell them so they could call to the room she was in and ask for her to go inside.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">He had no answer. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">It soon became apparent why she was outside talking on her phone. In this 2 queen room hotel was not only herself, but a couple of other ‘adults’ (I use that term very loosely) and about 6 kids under the age of 8. They were all over the place. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Friday night they kept husband up again. Saturday morning she was back outside on the cell phone and yelling at the kids running up and down the entryway. I finally had to go outside and ask her to keep it down. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Seriously. It’s a motel. What makes you think people aren’t trying to rest and relax?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">I just found the whole thing disrespectful. Thankfully by the time we returned Saturday late afternoon they were gone. We had one peaceful night and Sunday morning before we packed up the car for our final event before heading back to Michigan. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Why can’t people just be respectful of others in a place like that? </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36062609246752427112013-07-31T14:52:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:24:02.149-04:00Like the concept; not the flavor :(<img alt="Lean Cuisine Lean Cuisine Lemongrass Salmon: Whole coconut-crusted wild caught salmon filet, brown rice with wheatberries, snap peas, orange & yellow carrots, edamame, and ginger lemongrass sauce in a separate pouch. " src="http://www.leancuisine.com/images/site/products/plate/11255.png" /><br />I tried the Lemongrass Salmon because salmon is one of my favorite foods. However, no one else in my house likes it so I tend to buy it in single servings. While I was excited to have a nice clean product that was not overly processed, it was just a tad bit too lemony for me. It took away from the natural flavors of the food rather than enhance it.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this product free from BuzzAgent as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br />About the Lemongrass Salmon:<br /><ul><li><strong><a href="http://www.leancuisine.com/Products/Details.aspx?ProductID=11255" target="_blank">Lemongrass Salmon</a></strong> with coconut-crusted salmon filet, brown rice with wheatberries and slivered almonds, snap peas, orange & yellow carrots, edamame, served with ginger lemongrass sauce</li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10440096121412979452013-07-27T13:26:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:22:55.137-04:00Move Free Ultra Omega<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxeYE4kx4fQ/UfQBHt2FtzI/AAAAAAAADTw/2oxctgectgY/s1600/mf-home-slide-1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxeYE4kx4fQ/UfQBHt2FtzI/AAAAAAAADTw/2oxctgectgY/s320/mf-home-slide-1_1.jpg" height="77" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Having suffered from degenerative disc disease for many years (diagnosed in 2006) I have tried my fair share of pain medications (both prescription and over the counter) and supplements meant for pain reduction. Over the years I have found I am always better off with holistic health and herbal supplements. I have tried various brands of glucosamine and chondtroitin to help with pain and inflammation on my back problem as well as to help with the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Osteoarthritis" target="_blank">osteoarthritis in my hips</a>. When I am consistent with it, it helps tremendously. </div><div></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Key word there being…when I am consistent. For some reason or another (lately, finances) keeps me from being consistent.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div>One thing I hate it having to take a handful of the same vitamin every day. It bugs me for small reasons. I like to be able to take all my supplements in one swallow and I like for all of my supplements to fit in my weekly/daily pill caddy. With glucosamine supplements that is hard to do because you have to take 2-3 at a time 2-3 times a day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last week I was given a sample of a new Schiff product, <a href="http://amzn.to/13luD10" target="_blank">MoveFree Ultra Omega</a>. This advertised as being a better product for joint comfort compared to glucosamine and chondroitin. While the sample only contained 1 pill and it is hard to compare how well it will work long term, what I did like was that it was 1 pill and not 2-3 of the glucosamine and chondroitin combination. I was sent a $5 coupon with the sample , however it does contain soy, although minimal, it is something I am trying to stay away from.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://amzn.to/13luD10" target="_blank">Move Free Ultra Omega</a> contains a blend of Krill Oil (a source of Omega-3, shellfish), Hyaluronic Acid and Astaxanthin. It also contains extra virgin olive oil and rosemary extracts. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>Have you taken Move Free Ultra Omega? What are your thoughts? </b> </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this sample for free from the company as part of a free sample giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review. I wasn't even required to write a review. But, I did. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." The links are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you click and make ANY purchase I make a few cents.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24752252130274849332013-07-26T18:24:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:21:41.184-04:00Meal Planning and Menus<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLpz8dHKXk0/UfL28LDy_uI/AAAAAAAADSY/CQWo4iei3RM/s1600/file3771294871797.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLpz8dHKXk0/UfL28LDy_uI/AAAAAAAADSY/CQWo4iei3RM/s320/file3771294871797.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>morguefile.com: Alvimann</td></tr></tbody></table>Meal planning has become quite difficult for me these last few years. When I did <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Weight%20Watchers" target="_blank">Weight Watchers back in the early 2000s</a>, it was easy. It was just me. I didn't have a problem eating the same things day after day. When I moved out to live with my boyfriend (whom I later married), he was a health nut so eating healthy wasn't a problem.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But now, many years later and many ups and downs in life, I find myself in this vicious cycle of not being able to eat the same things day after day. The first husband became and ex and now I have another husband who has terrible eating habits. I am not going to lie and try to sugar coat that. I love him and want him healthy and off his medications. What I don't want is to continuing living with a man that eats 2-3 dinners between the hours of 6:30pm and 11pm. I can't watch this anymore.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />He is picky. He says he is not; but don't let him fool you. He is. He wants the fattest part of the cow. I don't even think he knows what lean beef or white meat chicken is. His bad eating habits are catching up with him. He's gained quite a bit of weight. He just found out he is pre diabetic. His blood pressure requires medication and his triglycerides are through the roof. He is way out of any sort of normal range and in the danger zone. His medication cabinet is slowly starting to resemble that of a 60 year old heart bypass patient. It is very sad.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I was doing really well on Medical Weight Loss. Then I started to feel like crap again. I hate that sluggish run-down feeling. I started checking out some of the ingredients in the nutrients and noticed a lot of them had soy. I'm not thrilled about eating a lot of soy. I know it can be good in moderation - the non processed kind. But the jury is still out on whether or not in can be harmful. Most of what I can gather it is ok in small doses. Due to my PCOS, I would rather it just not be in my diet at all. Not to mention, I had gotten away from processed foods I would rather not use those nutrients or use items that are a lot less processed and organic.<br /><br />All is not lost though. Even though I had to cancel my program, I am still using their basic meal plan without the nutrients as a guideline. I'm still trying to decide if this plan is going to work for me. It seems my body just feels better when I stay low on the carb side. I prefer my carbs come from vegetables.<br /><br /><b>This is sort of what I am doing now.</b><br /><u>Breakfast</u> - 1 starch. This is where I use whole grains. Piece of high fiber whole grain bread or cereal. 1 fruit.<br /><br /><u>Lunch</u> - 1 starch, 1 protein, 1 fruit, 2 vegetables. I usually save the fruit as a snack for later. Then I make a salad with some sort of sandwich - like egg. Sometimes I skip the starch and have a tuna, chicken, or salmon sald.<br /><br /><u>Dinner</u> follows the same guidelines as lunch. A snack or dessert it allowed so I take the fruit allowed from dinner and add it to something like some low-fat cottage cheese, sugar free jello or some frozen yogurt.<br /><br />I have been doing this for the last few days and so far I feel OK. I am having some afternoon slumps so I might have to adjust the starch/grains and the fruit.<br /><br />I signed up for a menu <a href="http://www.menufortheweek.com/" target="_blank">meal planning service</a>. It was a <a href="http://bit.ly/11kd591" target="_blank">Living Social deal</a>. 1 year recipes, meal plans and grocery lists for $20. I even purchased a year as a gift for <a href="http://aliveatthirtyfive.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my friend</a>. I'm hoping it will help give me some good ideas for some budget friendly meals while giving me recipes that I can easily swap out ingredients that I don't use.<br /><br /><b>I'll keep you posted on that!</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64709183171856131432013-07-26T13:27:00.003-04:002013-07-26T13:27:29.761-04:00Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGJdWvNeBBQ/UfKxTMLA5cI/AAAAAAAADR0/fpI0DKlozKw/s1600/51sE7oEQeuL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGJdWvNeBBQ/UfKxTMLA5cI/AAAAAAAADR0/fpI0DKlozKw/s320/51sE7oEQeuL.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This was my first novel by Tamara Leigh. With any new author there is always a bit of anxiety and anticipation. Anxiety on whether or not the novel is going to be good and worth the read and anticipation over the joy of getting started on a new novel as well as the introduction to a new author. I will be honest, I did pick “Splitting Harriet” partially due to the cover. However, the girl on the cover is not how I see Harri in the story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The cover description caught my attention as well. “Once upon a time, I was a rebel. And I have the tattoos to prove it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not sure I consider myself a rebel, nor do I think I ever was, however I am highly decorated in tattoos. While I don’t always identify with being religious, I do identify with being spiritual and I believe that tattoos are a symbol of my life and the art that I enjoy. I’m also not a preachers kid like Harri, but I felt there was a quirky cuteness about the story that I felt compelled to read. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not the biggest fan of romance stories, but there was so much more to this story than that. It was fun. Full of church politics and upheaval. Yes, I said fun. The story was highly entertaining and kept my interest for the entire book. There was no skimming and jumping ahead here. This was a side-splitting twist on the usual chick-lit. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Harri and her Jelly Belly addiction. Her words are whimsical but she doesn’t mask the truth about God’s love. While there are some scriptures, this book isn’t bombarded with them like many other Christian based books tend to be. For me, that was a breath of fresh air.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This chick-lit didn’t rely on brand names and shopping either. I have to admit, I was a little sad it ended. I was really getting to know Harri and the moment I felt she was my new best friend, the story had to end. I do hope Leigh will consider phase two of Harri’s life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I give the story two thumbs-up!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">From Amazon:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Romance author Leigh (</span>Stealing Adda) mixes chick lit with a treatise on the need for change in traditional churches in her latest. Former wild child Harriet Bisset, 27, tries to keep to the straight and narrow. Between living in a senior citizens' trailer park, her part-time job as a women's ministry director at First Grace in Franklin, Tenn., and waitressing at Gloria's Morning Cafe (which she's saving to buy), she doesn't have time to get into trouble. But when the church hires hunky 30-something Maddox McCray, a former bad boy, as a consultant to help attract new members (translation: bring in the guitars, drum sets and programming), Harriet grapples with her own fears about risk and change. Some readers will disagree with Maddox's breezy assertion that today's Christians have different needs from past generations and that programming and contemporary music are the answer, especially when interest from young people in more liturgical traditions is on the upswing. Church marketing themes aside, Leigh crafts the expected romance, with all the tensions and tingles, adding splashes of fun with Harriet's Jelly Belly addiction and cat-sitting dramas. The novel's elderly characters sparkle, and readers will hoot when one old biddy takes out a no-good amorous lecher with a stun gun.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(Nov.)<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i><span style="background: white;"><i>Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59730029782516360842013-07-17T18:38:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:20:49.909-04:00I Am Not Alone<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCP7NYrIzvI/UecdAbveMpI/AAAAAAAADGY/HPE4jk8zeGQ/s1600/tanya.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCP7NYrIzvI/UecdAbveMpI/AAAAAAAADGY/HPE4jk8zeGQ/s320/tanya.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>My boo boo :)</td></tr></tbody></table><b>I am not alone. </b><br /><br />I love this girl more than anything. We are so close, yet so far apart.<br /><br />Here I am trying to be my best by 40, and she just wants to be "<a href="http://aliveatthirtyfive.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">alive at 35</a>."<br /><br />So - go follow her. Encourage her. Make her feel just as good as you do me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Also,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />hubs just found out today his sugars are too high and he is pre diabetic. This news is not good news. He is already battling high blood pressure and extremely high triglycerides. I just don't know how to help him. I have been trying. And trying. But when I am not around to prepare his meals (when he is at school or work) then he really has no control over what he eats and his portions. What he "thinks" is good really isn't.<br /><br />I just want my husband to be healthy so he is with me and kiddo for a long time.<br /><br /><a href="http://uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">He has a blog</a>, it hasnt been updated for some time. Maybe I can get him to start using it again.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34227506406086866182013-07-16T15:31:00.000-04:002014-11-04T11:33:28.776-05:00Full - Time Fiction (and non)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8tEvl42fQw/UeWfJSNK8OI/AAAAAAAADD0/mVRto_-3M38/s1600/file000739253401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8tEvl42fQw/UeWfJSNK8OI/AAAAAAAADD0/mVRto_-3M38/s320/file000739253401.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MorgueFile.com by spirol<span class="file_name" style="background-color: #efefef; border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; height: 20px; left: 60px; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; max-width: 318px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-align: left; top: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">p<span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;">l</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I have been thinking a lot about dusting off my pen name and jumping ship on freelance writing so I can write fiction full-time. I miss it. I love it. I love being creative in my own mind with my own rules. I love being able to write about what I want. Things I see, hear, feel, live and breath. Words are my art. I have so many projects I could be working on right now.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My pen name has over 20 books published and I still make money from them even though I have not published anything new since October. I have 100s of story ideas so there is no shortage there.<br /><br />I have a lot of poetry and could easily put together a <a href="http://amzn.to/11817yt" target="_blank">Darkness Falls</a> part 2. I'm also considering an new and updated <a href="http://amzn.to/XkRWf2" target="_blank">Easy Accounting for the Self -Employed</a>.<br /><br />An eBook for "<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">More to Life than Chocolate</a>" would be good too as I have accumulated a lot of smoothie recipes that would make a great ebook. Now that I have a <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2013/07/the-start-of-something-new.html" target="_blank">brand new camera</a> I can use it to take food pictures. (which is something I want to do anyway.)<br /><br />I'm also going to come forward and open up about my <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/search/label/Your%20Story%20Told" target="_blank">own 'Catfish' story</a>. It's <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank">8 years worth of heartache, death, and pain</a>. The ending - I thought happened years ago - only to find out the story had a new ending that started late last year. It has been hard to deal with and even somewhat embarrassing but I am ready to tell my tale. Hopefully it can help someone. If anything it will help me.<br /><br /><b>I just have all of these ideas inside of me and if I don't get them out I am going to explode! </b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25657392203489599922013-07-16T13:58:00.001-04:002014-10-03T20:30:57.471-04:00Beautiful On the Outside (and a Giveaway for you!)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_ggbLKow28/Uwp02SfHBAI/AAAAAAAAK0c/q-QLZTIcXJs/s1600/hairtrial+fast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_ggbLKow28/Uwp02SfHBAI/AAAAAAAAK0c/q-QLZTIcXJs/s1600/hairtrial+fast.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>Me and My Hair</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Okie doke. So we have been talking about getting healthy and what I put inside of my body, now it is time to talk about the outside.<br /><br />As some of you who have been reading my websites for a while may remember, <a href="http://yumeating.com/tag/american-cancer-society/" target="_blank">I usually donate my hair every 12-18 months</a> to the Pantene Great Lengths program which is similar to Locks of Love, but they donate directly to the American Red Cross for FREE wigs. The last year I did it was 2010.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O7EnobHBOw/UeWEi-Y2PJI/AAAAAAAADCY/iTWJonybdSQ/s1600/251743_10150332004110915_6162525_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O7EnobHBOw/UeWEi-Y2PJI/AAAAAAAADCY/iTWJonybdSQ/s320/251743_10150332004110915_6162525_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>My red hair for Project (Red)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In 2011 I had this brilliant idea that I wanted bright red or fuschia hair. That would have been fine, except I did it myself. Not only that, I bleached my hair twice in two days. I missed some spots that I wanted to fix. So, yeah. I ruined my hair.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6ztkxYgVdk/UeWEy9zUvVI/AAAAAAAADCg/P0m-bI8JjY0/s1600/284705_10150343853670915_7500622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6ztkxYgVdk/UeWEy9zUvVI/AAAAAAAADCg/P0m-bI8JjY0/s320/284705_10150343853670915_7500622_n.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>First trim and color back</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MEWoO3TEP_M/UeWFJ9d-qNI/AAAAAAAADCo/cnSBX3l9yow/s1600/312696_10150419098150915_112674611_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MEWoO3TEP_M/UeWFJ9d-qNI/AAAAAAAADCo/cnSBX3l9yow/s320/312696_10150419098150915_112674611_n.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>Back to basics and a very short cut.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I colored it back and little by little I cut it off. Summer 2012 I gave it one last whack. That pretty much cut off the last of the unhealthy hair and I have been spending the last year making it long and healthy again.<br /><br />What you see in the very first photo on the left is after it has been washed, dried out, and curled. The bottom right is when I get out of the shower. My hair is naturally curly so I don't blow dry it out any more than I have to. Mostly because my hair is pretty thick and its a giant pain in the rear to deal with.<br /><br />I was contacted by a company, <a href="http://www.nisim.com/Fast-Shampoo-s/5.htm" target="_blank">Nisim International, who makes this product called F.A.S.T. </a>(Fortified Amino Scalp Therapy, see what they did there?) which helps to maximize fast healthy hair growth - maximum length in minimal time.<br /><br /><b>Full disclosure </b>- I received the product for free for an honest review. I am not require to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgmEov8Quvo/UeWHLlcdyJI/AAAAAAAADC4/JoIw_pjfL5g/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgmEov8Quvo/UeWHLlcdyJI/AAAAAAAADC4/JoIw_pjfL5g/s320/photo+(9).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><blockquote><strong>This is a specially formulated shampoo that accelerates hair growth, being clinically proven to grow your hair up to 99% faster. </strong><strong>FAST works by feeding the hair with essential nutrients, amino acids and proteins not found in regular shampoos. This special blend provides essential nutrition to hair, making it grow as fast and as healthy as possible.</strong></blockquote><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKyEZlHJeK4/UeWHVmmKB7I/AAAAAAAADDA/yPmqtGsev64/s1600/SU2018-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKyEZlHJeK4/UeWHVmmKB7I/AAAAAAAADDA/yPmqtGsev64/s1600/SU2018-2T.jpg" /></a></div><br />The shampoo is pretty awesome. It makes a nice rich lather for the small amount I used. What I love is that there are no sulfates, parabens and DEA. That makes it a great healthy product! What I didn't like was that the smell reminded me a bit of mens bodywash. No big deal. The conditioner has that same smell, but it doesn't stick around once rinsed. The conditioner was nice and thick. My curly hair was easy to comb out for the pic. It only took about 3 seconds before my curls started to appear. I noticed my hair was a lot softer and had a lot less frizz.<br /><br />Ok, having said that I have used the product one time. I will use it every day - as directed and then report back when my bottles are empty.<br /><br />The company wants to give my readers a chance to win the same package that I am using. So please enter the contest and when you win, let me know how it works for you!<br /><br /><b>UPDATE 7/31/2013</b> - I am STILL working on my bottles so I have decided to extend the contest. Plus - no one entered! BOO!! Enter! It's free and you could be a winner!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d32/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56207232972508229432013-07-12T18:19:00.003-04:002013-07-12T18:19:53.650-04:00I Just Took a 6 Day Break <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrbRHpUed44/UeB_Kn9MW2I/AAAAAAAAC6s/XnWek9O7PGs/s1600/CELEB+AND+TV.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrbRHpUed44/UeB_Kn9MW2I/AAAAAAAAC6s/XnWek9O7PGs/s320/CELEB+AND+TV.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I just took a six day break from Examiner. Funny thing is, I didn't realize I had taken that many days off. Examiner got slapped by Google. They have been working behind the scenes and with writers to try and change things. Google and that damn Panda and Penguin update really has a lot of writer's running around with their panties in a wad.<br /><br />I am included in that list. It has been hard to get motivated to write for residual income when you know those page views are not there - thanks largely in part to Google and it's changes. I lost my motivation.<br /><br />The good news is my page views over on AllVoices are higher than Examiner and that's with minimal effort. I feel that writing news content on AllVoices is much less stressful than writing on Examiner. They both have their pros and cons.<br /><br />Today I decided to do some writing. I had missed it. Now I can only hope the page views start to pick back up.<br /><br />I took a break from Bubblews, too. I really need to brainstorm a few ideas for some new posts there.<br /><br /><b>So, what have you been up to this week?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5484230679871877572013-07-12T18:03:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:19:18.425-04:00I Swear I Am NOT That Girl<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiNU9FcpfO8/UeB6jjCNs2I/AAAAAAAAC6c/l1Rj3VLTv-M/s1600/failure.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiNU9FcpfO8/UeB6jjCNs2I/AAAAAAAAC6c/l1Rj3VLTv-M/s320/failure.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>Image Source : <a href="http://kennysilva.net/">http://kennysilva.net</a></td></tr></tbody></table>You know, I am starting to feel like that girl...<br />You know...that girl<br /><br />The one who tries every diet under the sun and yet nothing works for her. Or, tries, fails, tries again.<br /><br />My problem is, things will work - then for some reason my body will block the program. I know it sounds funny, but it is true. It could be due to too much fruit, too much grain, or too much of something. These "too muches" mess with the PCOS and causes my body to hold on to the weight.<br /><br />I am at a stall. Again. Seems to be the story of my life. No matter what I do I can't get it to budge.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I'm also feeling like crap again. Tired, run-down, always thirsty. No matter how much I sleep I wake up with a headache and the day just drags. By 2 or 3 p.m. I am ready to take a nap. My belly is bloated all the time and the water weight can get painful.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />So, I started to go back through my journal and figure out why. When I felt the best I was following Atkins 100%. (or <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Low%20Carb" target="_blank">Low-Carb</a> and Keto). I had more energy, I didn't get tired. The water weight wasn't a problem and I had no bloat.<br /><br />I believe the problem isn't Medical Weight Loss. Not at all. I believe it is the supplements, or Nutrients as they call them -which are the same thing as <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Wonder%20Slim" target="_blank">Wonderslim</a>. So, I decided to dig deeper into some of the ingredients. Soy is one of them. Whey is in some of the products, but I haven't had a problem with Whey in the past as that is what I use to make my breakfast smoothies out of. Then I noticed one of the products I was eating had a form of gluten in it and it made me wonder if that could be what has been causing the belly bloat. I don't have an allergy to gluten as far as I know, but part of the MWLC program is that I eat starch with breakfast, lunch and dinner. These starches come in the form of breads, pasta, rice and cereals. I make sure to stick to whole grains, but I also wonder if this is playing a role in my PCOS issues because everything I have read and studied this last year tells me to stay away from anything "white" and stick to low glycemic index foods.<br /><br />Some of the MWLC foods have white pasta in them.<br /><br />The nutrients are processed - obviously. Puddings, shakes, drinks, pasta meals, meal bars and other items. Because a lot of them are chocolate, I believe they are also bringing back a lot of the cravings that I spent so much time getting over.<br /><br />It is possible that this stuff just isn't good for me.<br /><br />I'm rethinking my eating plan. I have to. I feel like crap and I believe I just proved to myself that food is holistic nutrition and that by eating raw vegetables , whole foods and eating clean I am doing the best thing for my body that I can - even if that means I am a little overweight.<br /><br />I would rather be overweight and healthy than skinny and unhealthy.<br /><br />Just not sure what to do. I don't want to quit because I don't want to look like a failure, but I know I need to feel better. My husband just told me to go back on Atkins/Low Carb since that is when I was doing the best and felt the best. I might do just that. Now that I am done with school I actually have the time to create some menus and meal plans.<br /><br />I knew trying to figure out this PCOS weight loss issue was going to be a bumpy ride. Thank you for hanging in with me while I figure out what is going to work for me!<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11442650226101859282013-07-08T13:45:00.000-04:002013-07-08T13:45:00.287-04:00AllVoices, Bubblews and Examiner Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s658/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm still plugging along at <a href="http://exm.nr/WnyDja" target="_blank">Examiner</a>. Thanks to some <a href="http://www.zemanta.com/blog/penguin-2-0-what-it-means-for-publishers/?wpst=1" target="_blank">Google changes</a> many websites had to revamp their structure. I can understand why this needed to be done and I am perfectly fine with positive changes - but sadly page views took a nosedive because of this.<br /><br />Because of Penguin 2.0 I spent some more time of <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/users/cmahan" target="_blank">AllVoices</a> with the hopes of making up for the loss on Examiner.<br /><br />AllVoices did a pretty good job of providing additional income - but I don't think anything was going to make up for the huge loss I experienced on Examiner.<br /><br />The good news is my pageviews on AllVoices was triple what my Examiner monthly total was and I only wrote about 6 more articles on AllVoices. AllVoices articles are a lot quicker to write and publish. So, those extra 6 were really no real effort.<br /><br />My Bubblews comes and goes. Lately I find myself seeing a lot of people in Facebook groups acting like a bunch of high school people. It doesn't make me very motivated to want to hang around Bubblews. I am trying to push pass that because the money there is nice to add to the pot for very minimal effort.<br /><br />Hopefully I can pick things up again during July. *cross fingers*Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57442880779236827592013-07-08T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:17:19.187-04:00What A Typical Lunch Looks Like<div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MFSoBaN0_8/UwpwnoSibcI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/ZwSJNbjrZZA/s1600/photo+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MFSoBaN0_8/UwpwnoSibcI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/ZwSJNbjrZZA/s1600/photo+(26).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>So far, I am really loving the Medical Weight Loss Plan. I eat about 1500-1600 calories a day and I am by far from starving. I eat a lot of whole food (even some organic when I can). The only "processed" foods I am eating are those from MWLC or from Wonderslim. It is only 3 a day so I am not really worried about it too much. I am more worried about carrying around the excess weight.<br /><br />This is what a typical lunch has been looking like for me these last few days.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />That is 2 pieces of organic whole grain glueten-free bread, with 2 friend eggs and a tiny bit of reduced fat mayo with olive oil. Then, a spinach and romaine salad with tomatoes and Wishbone Ranch spray dressing. An apple and MWLC Chicken Noodle Soup (which is really tasty).<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />Wonderslim has their version (they call it <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36172&U=465182&M=7669&urllink=" target="_blank">Chicken with Noodles</a>) and I have used it in the past when I did the <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/search/label/Wonderslim" target="_blank">Wonderslim program </a>which is all Diet Direct products (7 of them) and one lean and green meal (dinner). I much prefer the MWLC plan of 3 real meals and just 3 nutrients and a nutrient snack bar if needed. So many nutrients to choose from it makes meal planning super easy.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><br />Honestly, I wish I would have found this program sooner. It has been very helpful to know what to eat and how much of it to eat. It is even working out with my PCOS because I can still stay away from the junky carbs.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76628692780522002112013-07-07T16:07:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:26:44.226-04:00Free Television and Movies?? Yes, Please!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNEy7KkfH2I/UdwJOvokTFI/AAAAAAAAC14/NF949dzk7xg/s1600/Giant+Cinema+++Welcome.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNEy7KkfH2I/UdwJOvokTFI/AAAAAAAAC14/NF949dzk7xg/s1600/Giant+Cinema+++Welcome.png" /></a></div>First - watch the video (it's only a few minutes long, but I promise it will be worth it.)<br /><br /><br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JDN8iIa9kIU" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />So - what did you think?? Pretty cool, huh?<br /><br />Yeah, that is what I thought. I don't have cable, but I do pay for some streaming services like Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime and Netflix. I also have the ability to rent movies from Vudu.<br /><br />Crackle is free, but its only carries select movies and their exclusive shows.<br /><br />But, what if we could watch stuff for free with very few commercial interruptions?<br /><br />Would you join?<br /><br />I know as a freelance writer I have to budget my pennies.<br /><br />Well, now you can. Register now - its FREE! Then, get notified when it launches. Get your friends to sign up and get in on the action.<br /><br />Ready to join? <a href="http://bit.ly/154xm1e" target="_blank">Just click right here to head over to Cinema Giant.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86892121498339979362013-07-05T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:16:40.826-04:00Mixed Berry Drink Turned Freezer Pops (Recipe and Photos)<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaJd46aBmSU/UwpwPnO71ZI/AAAAAAAAK0I/XsTtUacLqvM/s1600/protein+pops+cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaJd46aBmSU/UwpwPnO71ZI/AAAAAAAAK0I/XsTtUacLqvM/s1600/protein+pops+cm.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/06/end-of-3-day-medical-weight-loss.html" target="_blank">Did you catch my Week 1 update?</a> I am so excited!<br /><br />It's summer time and you know what that means, right? Ice cream season. Of course, for me, it's ice cream season year round.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Medial Weight Loss has a Mixed Berry Drink that is actually pretty good. However, just as a drink it left me wanting a little something more because it was like drinking flavored water. It did not feel like a "stick-to-my-stomach" protein nutrient. So, I figured I did not want to them to go to waste so I turned them into freezer pops. I took the last 2 and mixed them with water. I found the freezer pop molds for $1 at the Dollar Tree.<br /><br />25 calories each. Wonderslim has the same product. They call theirs <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36176&U=465182&M=7669&urllink=" target="_blank">Berry Blend</a>.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70814842687452338492013-07-03T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:15:25.388-04:00Medical Weight Loss Clinic Week 1 Update<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85Ma0Ad-tqc/UdNQMdnieEI/AAAAAAAACrM/juJctSlSajM/s885/header.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85Ma0Ad-tqc/UdNQMdnieEI/AAAAAAAACrM/juJctSlSajM/s320/header.gif" height="30" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Today marks my first week on Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s program. I am happy to report I am down 6 pounds. </div><div><br /></div><div>I should also mention that the MWLC supplements are exactly the same as Wonderslim (same manufacturer, different label) and due to the limited choices on the MWLC website I have ordered some from Diet Direct, the company that sells Wonderslim. My Wonderslim links are affiliate links. That means, if you click the link and make a purchase I get a little something for that sale.<br /><a name='more'></a> </div><div>It should be noted that it in NO way forces me to write a positive review. My opinions are just that.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The plan is REALLY easy and I could not be happier. I get to eat real food - the nutrients are just for nutrition and protein supplement. I am not following the Wonderslim plan that is outlined on their website.</div><div><br /></div><div>Real food here people and it seems to be working well with my PCOS. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46284077983109188252013-06-28T14:39:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:15:01.334-04:00End of the 3 Day Medical Weight Loss Cleanse- Bye Bye 4lbs<div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ko54K5SfqE/UwpvNOrytLI/AAAAAAAAKz8/Zy27boDL9wk/s1600/the+crack+slaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ko54K5SfqE/UwpvNOrytLI/AAAAAAAAKz8/Zy27boDL9wk/s1600/the+crack+slaw.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Yesterday was my last day on the 3 day Medical Weight Loss Cleanse. I was rather worried about it at first. I signed up last Friday but it took them a few days to get my account all set up. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/06/medical-weight-loss-clinic.html" target="_blank">I started the program</a> on Wednesday.<br /><br />I am actually pretty excited about it. The program is strict - exactly what I need- but it allows me to make changes like swapping white rice with brown and wild rice, or white potatoes for sweet potatoes, and white pastas for whole grain pastas. I can even do this with cereal. This works better for me because of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/PCOS" target="_blank">my PCOS issues</a>. White products do not work well with insulin resistance.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />So, for the last three days my meals have consisted of 2 eggs and an orange for breakfast, salad greens and some meat protein for lunch, and dinner is a vegetable and another meat protein. I thought it was going to be hard, but it was very similar to the low-carbing I had been doing so it really wasn't all that hard.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am happy to report I am down 4.2! I know a lot of that is water weight and things will level off. But that was just what I needed to get myself back on track.<br /><br />One of the low-carb recipes I tried was " 'Crack' Slaw" and I had to adapt it from <a href="http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/hamburger_cabbage_stirfry.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a> (known as 'Crack' Slaw in the interwebs) to suit my needs for Medical Weight Loss.<br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/chrystals-version-of-crack-slaw/" target="_blank">I posted my version on YUMeating.com</a><br /><br />Now that the cleanse phase is over I started my regular meal plan today. So far, so good. I feel like I am eating too much - but that is better than feeling like I am starving.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3663435418285705462013-06-27T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-02T18:13:41.112-04:00Medical Weight Loss Clinic<div></div><div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6mqHCI9x5k/UwpuN51omhI/AAAAAAAAKzs/Y8HGfWQz-CM/s1600/header_vc.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6mqHCI9x5k/UwpuN51omhI/AAAAAAAAKzs/Y8HGfWQz-CM/s1600/header_vc.gif" height="28" width="320" /></a></div>You may have read last week that I <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/06/so-i-may-as-well-be-honestweight-loss.htmll" target="_blank">took a trip to a weight loss surgery seminar</a>. I am not sure what I was expecting. I knew that I was still scared of surgery because I had been putting off attending this seminar since <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/PCOS" target="_blank">I found out I had PCOS</a>. The surgery didn't tell me anything I didn't already know except for the fact they shared regarding death from surgery.<br /><br /><div>Apparently you have as much of a risk of dying from weight loss surgery as you do gallbladder surgery. Well, since I don't have a gallbladder and my removal was pretty miserable I think I will pass. Right before I went I had this attitude that their was nothing else for me to do, I had tried and failed at everything else. This was the only way I was going to battle this issue. I did not want to spend the rest of my life dealing with my weight. It is bad enough I feel like I have been trying to lose weight since I was 9.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br />I started looking at other option. When I got a flyer in the mail for Michigan's <a href="http://www.mwlc.com/" target="_blank">Medical Weight Loss Clinic </a>I started to pay attention. I visited the website and read all the stuff they had to share. I thought that maybe this was what I needed. Strict, structure and guidance. Problem is, the closest one is still a 30 min drive and you have to go every day for the first week then three times a week for some time after that. I can't do that.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Then, I realized they had an online program. It was really reasonably priced so I joined. I am on three meals a day, with three nutrients and a snack. (I will start this meal plan on Friday, because I am on their three day cleanse right now. Lean and green.) Funny thing is, their "nutrients" are the exact same thing as Wonderslim (and New LifeStyle, and others) just with their own label on them. Of course when I did Wonderslim you only had one meal that was prepared yourself, the rest of them were all the nutrient packages. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love Wonderslim products. I just had to stop doing the plan because that is when I got picked up to be a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Nutrisystem blogger.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, these are not required to do Medical Weight Loss. What I like is that it is structured. It tells me what to eat and when to eat it. It also tells me how much. I eat real, whole food. It's pretty low-carb and full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Everything is easy to find at the grocery store (thank god!) and the only prepacked items I have are the nutrients. I did get some from MWLC and I ordered a few more from Wonderslim because they are cheaper. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this is exactly what I need to push forward with this weight loss issue. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4747264913579466422013-06-26T15:17:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:40:33.715-04:00Color Vibe 5k and C25k Program<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gz_UHNoNbQ/Ucstmu0xc4I/AAAAAAAACfw/Up6RPKTBXt0/s1600/Flint+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gz_UHNoNbQ/Ucstmu0xc4I/AAAAAAAACfw/Up6RPKTBXt0/s1600/Flint+Image.jpg" /></a></div><div>In my quest be to best by 40, I have gotten up, dusted myself off, and got back on track with my C25k program. I took some time off because I was so stressed about finishing grad school, issues with my freelance writing, research papers, and my husband being home more that I just couldn't fit everything in. Not to mention - I had zero time for myself outside of working on grad school stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am DONE now! Yah! I finally have my MBA!</div><div></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />To help push me in the right direction and hopefully keep me motivated I want to participate in <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/14877858-color-vibe-5k-comes-to-flint-michigan-to-benefit-the-united-way" target="_blank">Flint's Color Vibe on September 21</a>. (I have another announcement tomorrow, so you will have to come back!)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3QzdLBDHgg/UcstwAij9qI/AAAAAAAACf4/UiwNgCA69cw/s1600/flint+Flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3QzdLBDHgg/UcstwAij9qI/AAAAAAAACf4/UiwNgCA69cw/s320/flint+Flyer.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I think this fun run will help me finish the C25k program. I had to go back a few weeks and do a day, then go forward and do a day. I think I am ready to pick back up where I left off which was Week 5 if I remember correctly. </div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LoAlOD_T8r0/UcsveH5_ZWI/AAAAAAAACgI/2CZU9hz-9IE/s1600/course.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LoAlOD_T8r0/UcsveH5_ZWI/AAAAAAAACgI/2CZU9hz-9IE/s320/course.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>Looks like a lot of fun to me!<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://www.colorvibe.com/" target="_blank">Color Vibe's website</a> to see if their is a race in your area.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47183589886263946382013-06-22T15:47:00.003-04:002013-06-22T15:47:50.398-04:00Bubblews is my friend; for now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HuHZVXXpyGg/UcX-nvDOlHI/AAAAAAAACY0/ukSOF4RcI7I/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HuHZVXXpyGg/UcX-nvDOlHI/AAAAAAAACY0/ukSOF4RcI7I/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubblews</a> is my friend; at least for right now.<br /><br />I am all for easy money. This place is super easy. It is also pretty fun. I'm cashing out every few days. You are not going to get rich from it, but if you spend a little time on there you could easily be someone who cashes out every day.<br /><br />Right now many websites are going through some changes; Examiner being one of them.<br /><br />Now that I am done with grad school I really want to focus on my fiction. At the same time, I need some income for my bills. I've been really frustrated with Examiner page views lately. So, I am excited that I have something so simple like <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubblews</a> to help soften the blow of low Examiner page views.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53276387080504207132013-06-17T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:40:13.235-04:00So, I May as Well Be Honest....Weight Loss Surgery<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have to be honest - with you and with myself.<br /><br /><b>I went to a weight loss surgery seminar on June 5.</b> I had planned to tell you about it sooner but I am so caught up in trying to finish my last week of school that I honestly have not had time to write a post.<br /><br />My OB, Chiro, and PCP have all talked to me about weight loss surgery. It is not something I am exited about. It has taken me almost a year since we first discussed it to even get over my fear to even attend the seminar.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It was, to say the least, an eye-opening experience. It also didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but I was thankful for a more detailed explanation of the various surgeries.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am still scared even after finding out the odds of dying from WLS is just as low as dying from gallbladder surgery; which I have already had.<br /><br />It makes me sad to read so many posts on My Fitness Pal that berate people for choosing surgery; saying it is the easy way out. After hearing about the whole process of meeting with the surgeons, mental health evaluations, liquid diet before and after (for a while), and all the changes you have to make in your life before and after - I can honestly say surgery is by no means the easy way out.<br /><br />I have struggled with my weight since I was 9. I am over it. I am going to be 40 in two years and I just want to be free from this nightmare and start living my life. My weight holds me back from so many things because I am so self-conscious it's ridiculous.<br /><br /><b>I am not saying I am going to have surgery. The problem is - I can't decide.</b> The PCOS is making it so hard to lose the weight. But, I have to lose the weight because I do have PCOS that puts me at a higher risk for ovarian and uterine cancer. The PCOS makes me insulin resistant which pretty much makes my body pre-diabetic. The weight also puts pressure on my hips and back which makes the osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease flair up and cause me pain.<br /><br />All of this could be alleviated if I could just lose the weight.<br /><br />And I have been trying. At this point I just don't know what I am going to do.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67492426502927968122013-06-11T13:30:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:39:47.842-04:00Creamy, Dreamy Treat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGP7YRvvWAw/Uwpo-RsaWdI/AAAAAAAAKzY/Pg-BHZC56Ys/s1600/7316548998_58946970377791694027.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGP7YRvvWAw/Uwpo-RsaWdI/AAAAAAAAKzY/Pg-BHZC56Ys/s1600/7316548998_58946970377791694027.png" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>I have been trying to stay away from sweet treats because they seem to cause me to have cravings. I deal with overeating/binge eating/ stress eating issues so I have found it best to not have certain foods in the house. Ice cream is one of them.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />When BuzzAgent asked me to try these new yogurt fruit bars from Kroger I figured it would be worth the free box to test them out. I ended up trying the triple berry low-fat and lower sugar treats. They were really yummy and a decent portion for only 100 calories. It was just sweat enough to cure the ice cream craving and it did not ignite any other cravings - so that was good!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />My only complaint was they do not have a wide variety of flavor for the yogurt bars and they still have a bit more sugar in them than I would like. Most likely due to the low-fat issue. When fat gets lowered, sugar gets higher.<br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />Depending on what your nutritional goals might be - this might be a good product for you.<br /><br />I prefer to make my own ice cream treats.<br /><br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this product free from BuzzAgent as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32453314472461338052013-06-07T14:35:00.002-04:002013-06-07T14:35:38.399-04:00Things Are Going Well At Bubblews; Checking in with All Voices<br />In a recent post I reported that I needed to make some <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/its-time-for-some-may-goals.html" target="_blank">May monthly goals</a>. I have been playing around a lot more on <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubblews</a> as a way to supplement my Examiner income. The only reason I have decided to take a chance on another revenue sharing site is because Bubblews has a 400 character count requirement and we are allowed to use our blog and even my Examiner links as part of our content. So, I have been writing commentary about my articles and posting them on Bubblews.<br /><br />I don't remember exactly then I signed up. Some time last year, but never really did much with it. Now that I have become more active on there, I am cashing out every few days. Some people are cashing out every day. You can cash out when you make $25.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />School is almost over and it is time for me to make some June goals. But, because school isn't done until the 18th, I am just going to go on the path of doing what I can, when I can. These last few weeks of school are proving to be the hardest.<br /><br />I plan to continue with Examiner, Bubblews and continue to test the waters at <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/users/cmahan" target="_blank">All Voices</a>. So far I really like All Voices. I'm moving up in the ranks pretty quickly and the site is easy to use. I have enjoyed writing there a great deal and even enjoy a lot of what other folks are writing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.allvoices.com/users/cmahan"><img border="0" src="http://www.allvoices.com/assets/badge/allvoices-badge-130x37.png" /></a></div><br /><br /> When school is over I will spend more time on Digital Journal. A lot of my time will be spent on fiction.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37922712649668879022013-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:002014-11-02T12:35:51.304-05:00My Conscious Box Arrived! Let's Review Some More! Dream Water Rocks!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPFhFWUjQ28/Uwpl7PAaq9I/AAAAAAAAKyc/eEyUa23Iadg/s1600/box+not+tagged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPFhFWUjQ28/Uwpl7PAaq9I/AAAAAAAAKyc/eEyUa23Iadg/s1600/box+not+tagged.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br />Finally getting a chance to test out some of these products. This is the second in the series of Conscious Box reviews.<br /><br />I tried some of the products and you can find that review<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/my-conscious-box-arrived-let-review.html" target="_blank"> right here</a>.<br /><br />Ok, let's get on with the next set of reviews; shall we?<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw4Gw4kuE2I/UwpoO6EirTI/AAAAAAAAKzI/F1e2266x7Ok/s1600/sleep+snoozeberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw4Gw4kuE2I/UwpoO6EirTI/AAAAAAAAKzI/F1e2266x7Ok/s1600/sleep+snoozeberry.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>1. Dream Water Sleep Easy : Sleep and Relaxation Shot</b> - This was my favorite product from the box so far. It came with 2 shots so I gave one to hubs and I took the other. He had worked 2 days, 12 hours each day. He was going to bed and about to work his third 12 hour shift in a row. He text me to tell me he felt "refreshed." I noticed his snoring was a lot calmer (not as deep and loud). I would like to believe this little bottle had something to do with it.<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><blockquote><br />After a long day's work, energy drinks can leave you feeling fried. Bring relaxation back to your body with Dream Water Sleep and Relaxation Shots. Made with all natural ingredients, Dream Water makes it easy to deal with the stresses of every day life. Let the snoozing begin!</blockquote><br />The flavor was called Snoozeberry (blueberry pomegranate), quite fitting. I usually take melatonin before I go to bed because I have battled insomnia most of my life and prescription and over the counter meds make me feel worse. This Dream Water has a blend of melatonin and 5-HTP as well as GABA. I have used 5-HTP to help with my depression in the past. I find it to be a wonderful product.<br /><br />When I went to bed I had planned on reading for a bit. I piddled around the house for a spell after drinking the bottle. By the time I laid down, I felt relaxed. I didn't sleep through the night - but I never do. However it was much easier for me to fall back to sleep and I did not feel the night stress I feel when I can't sleep.<br /><br />I think this might be worth the investment of purchasing some more. I was happy to see <a href="https://www.consciousbox.com/user/cmahan" target="_blank">Conscious Box</a> tossed in buy one get on free coupon and it states that this is available in the sleep aid section. So, I am hoping my local Kroger or Rite Aid will carry it. I don't think I will use it to replace my melatonin because it is not cost effective, however, I can see it being useful for those days where I have had too much tea/coffee or I am so stressed my body just wont sleep.<br /><br />But, I am tempted to buy a few and test them on hubs to see if it helps with his snoring. He gets pretty restless at night and can get terrible bouts of restless leg syndrome. It is hard to tell if after one night these will be useful, but I do think I am going to purchase some more and test the waters.<br /><br />No pun intended.<br /><br />I'll report back and let you know how it goes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfYpNo3dNj8/UaD9IISWOjI/AAAAAAAACQg/OkWncJCRTcY/s1600/fromt.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfYpNo3dNj8/UaD9IISWOjI/AAAAAAAACQg/OkWncJCRTcY/s320/fromt.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJrwG_p5xcw/Uwpoljud7MI/AAAAAAAAKzQ/uYXFyiAvZ9o/s1600/back+for+friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJrwG_p5xcw/Uwpoljud7MI/AAAAAAAAKzQ/uYXFyiAvZ9o/s1600/back+for+friend.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b>2. Pretty postcard.</b> I have a friend who used to love getting/sending postcards. It has been quite some time since we sent one to each other. I think this one will be perfect. The photograph is beautiful; nice and fresh. The back is made to look like an old fashioned postcard, complete with water spat stain. It has a quote , " Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to preserve in the road to a happier life." ~ Pythagoras.<br /><br />That's all for this review!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67103783988760084252013-06-01T11:27:00.000-04:002013-06-01T11:27:13.739-04:00Limitless by Nick Vujicic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/17dHCJy" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIsTcnlLfMs/UaoSU89kZ4I/AAAAAAAACQ4/QZpzY8wrTZI/s1600/51Rcw5hIgQL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/04/life-without-limits-by-nick-vujicic.html" target="_blank">In April I did a review</a> on “Life Without Limits” by Nick Vujicic. It was my first experience reading his works, but not my first experience in knowing who he is. When the opportunity came forward for me to review another book,<a href="http://amzn.to/17dHCJy" target="_blank"> “Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life,”</a> I was very excited about the opportunity. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It took me a little while to get through the book because it is a devotional. There are 50 total. I wanted to read them all at once, but I felt it best to break it up and read a few every couple days; that way they would have time to sink in and I could journal and reflect on the ones that I felt needed reflection. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">If you have read “Life Without Limits” you will find that “Limitless” shares a lot of the same stories with some verses tossed in that are relevant. I did enjoy the shorter pieces which made it easier to navigate with a busy schedule. It was also interesting to see some of his stories condensed into shorter versions. I appreciated the use of verses that went best with the situation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For someone who feels they don’t have a good life, that they got the wrong hand in a deck of cards, things just aren’t going their way, or they just want something more – “Limitless” is perfect for that. Here is a man, born without limbs, which doesn’t let that stop him from enjoying his life to the best of his ability. Nick Vujicic shows us that no matter how bad we think things are – they aren’t that bad. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63925520733114646272013-05-29T08:00:00.000-04:002014-11-02T12:36:46.228-05:00My Conscious Box Arrived! Let's Review.<div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPFhFWUjQ28/Uwpl7PAaq9I/AAAAAAAAKyg/bjaASdk63T4/s1600/box+not+tagged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPFhFWUjQ28/Uwpl7PAaq9I/AAAAAAAAKyg/bjaASdk63T4/s1600/box+not+tagged.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>Some of you may remember that back in April I ran a giveaway for a free <a href="https://www.consciousbox.com/user/cmahan" target="_blank">Conscious Box Subscription</a>. One winner received a FREE 3 month subscription. In return, the company gave me a free, small sample box, which came a few weeks ago. I'm not required to write a review, but I am going to. I am also posting my review on their website because I earn points for doing so. Don't know if those points will amount to anything, but you never know. I haven't tried all of the items yet, so this will just include what I have tried up to this point. I'll post another review when I get a chance to try the other products. They sent some kids items so I'll have to pass those along to kiddo when she gets here. See what she thinks. She is going to camp in July, so I was thinking I might pack her a Conscious Box of her own, like a care package. She'll enjoy that.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><u>The kids products:</u>Lemon Twist all natural toothpaste, all natural & organic gummie treats, and an organic vanilla shake.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />As for the <a href="https://www.consciousbox.com/user/cmahan" target="_blank">Conscious Box Subscription</a>, I have to say, it was fun getting the box. I have always enjoyed getting sample to test. For someone interested in a subscription box service and is interested in one that is earth friendly, no animal testing, has vegan products, and has a nice variety, this would be perfect for you.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.consciousbox.com/user/cmahan" target="_blank">This is an affiliate link</a>, so if you click it and sign up, I will make a few bucks.<br /><br /><br />Ok, on to the reviews......<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2qrVejUXnoA/Uwpm3vGOauI/AAAAAAAAKyk/sRqMzu2epOQ/s1600/water+lemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2qrVejUXnoA/Uwpm3vGOauI/AAAAAAAAKyk/sRqMzu2epOQ/s1600/water+lemon.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><b>1. Ultima Replenisher</b> - I had such high hopes for this when I saw it was nothing artificial and had zero sugar. However, it still had carbs. 3 grams of them. I added it to my water and the powder did not dissolve. I whisked it, which helped a little, but the flavor was still bitter and gritty. Can't say that I loved it.<br /><br /><blockquote>Get your daily boost of nutrients with Ultima Replenisher. Made with real fruit, Ultima Replenisher is the ideal daily health booster for anyone on the go. Plant-based, naturally sweet, and without worry of artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Oh, did we mention it's also vegan and non-GMO.</blockquote><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kH4S2twBds0/UwpnFuDbsbI/AAAAAAAAKys/S5DuCQejFoQ/s1600/hoo+gentle+care.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kH4S2twBds0/UwpnFuDbsbI/AAAAAAAAKys/S5DuCQejFoQ/s1600/hoo+gentle+care.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div><br /><b>2. Healthy Hoo Hoo Gentle Feminine Cleanser </b>- The name alone gave me a giggle. Their is something quite funny about calling "down there" your hoo-hoo and this company has capitalized on it. I am not one who things you really need a separate cleaner for your privates, but if you are someone who does <u>I can recommend</u> this! There was no smell, no chemicals, no girly fu-fu stuff that so many of us are allergic to anyway. Not tested on animals.<br /><br /><blockquote>Meet the natural feminine intimate cleanser. PH balanced, fragrance free, paraben free, and free of harsh chemicals or additives, Healthy Hoohoo is made to naturally cleanse girlie parts without removing all the goodness Mother Nature put down there. Made with simple ingredients like Aloe, green tea, cucumber, and pomegranate extract.</blockquote><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7xzpMtXteU/UwpnWFq0vZI/AAAAAAAAKy0/18YkuOO1sJk/s1600/paste+earth+paste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7xzpMtXteU/UwpnWFq0vZI/AAAAAAAAKy0/18YkuOO1sJk/s1600/paste+earth+paste.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b>3. Earthpaste Amazingly Natural Toothpaste</b> - I have used Tom's toothpaste and I have resorted to baking soda, peroxide and water. But, nothing prepared me for this toothpaste. I know "earth" in the name should have been a dead giveaway.<br /><br />Well, look at the picture and you decide.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEY8m4rBfdw/Uwpnnja9xoI/AAAAAAAAKy8/oFS7qSt-T74/s1600/inside+paste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEY8m4rBfdw/Uwpnnja9xoI/AAAAAAAAKy8/oFS7qSt-T74/s1600/inside+paste.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><div></div>Trust me when I say - I understand the need for all natural toothpaste. I fully comprehend why people need/want/like it. But I would rather use straight baking soda than this product. It tasted weird and left grit on my teeth like dirt. (not that I make it a habit of eating dirt). I don't know, I just didn't love it. They also sent me a Lemon Twist sample and I was going to have kiddo try it, but I can tell you if I didn't like the peppermint, she's not going to like the Lemon Twist.<br /><br />I gave it my best shot.<br /><br /><blockquote>If there’s a good starting place for making changes in your buying habits, it’s likely in your bathroom. Your daily personal care products directly influence your health – from what’s on your skin to what’s in your mouth. Breaking the trend of pseudo-natural toothpaste, Earthpaste Amazingly Natural Toothpaste is truly safe, made without glycerin, fluoride, artificial coloring, and foaming agents. How healthy? So healthy you can eat it. But only if you want to.</blockquote><br /><b>Well, that is all I have tried so far. I know it hasn't been the best of the best. But, that is why we get samples! Test, try, and see if you like! </b><br /><b><br /></b><b>More to come soon! </b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35656759822851495792013-05-28T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:37:13.494-04:00Now There's a Number I Haven't Seen in a While!<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jmI5PYJ5B0/UwphfLAlOjI/AAAAAAAAKyM/G5r43KIR5IQ/s1600/scale+may+24+no+tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jmI5PYJ5B0/UwphfLAlOjI/AAAAAAAAKyM/G5r43KIR5IQ/s1600/scale+may+24+no+tag.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />222.8 !! (pay no mind to my dirty socks. I have a habit of taking the dogs outside with no shoes)<br /><br />That photo was taken Friday, May 24, 2013. It has been so long since I have seen 222 (I got close in 2011). I'll take it. I had wished I would be further along in my journey at this time of the year, but every pound helps. I started in January at 238. So I have lost about 16 pounds this year. Now I am going to focus on the next 22. Those 22 will be my next mini goal.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I made it to week 4 of the C25k program. But, then I got in a rut and took a week off the treadmill. I did not want to pick up where I left off so I went backwards a few weeks and repeated week 2. Looking back at my weight, I can see that I have been floating between 220 and 240 since 2007, which is the year my life changed. I'm on a mission to be my best by 40. I have two years to do that.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />One day, one step, at a time.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41844058149189207482013-05-25T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:36:04.777-04:00Thanks Klout! Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom Turtle Sundae and Bunny TracksReview #sweetfreedom<div></div><div><img alt="Sweet Freedom® Ice Cream Turtle Sundae" src="http://www.bluebunny.com/content/cms/products/204x154/Cropped/Sweet_Freedom_Ice_Cream_Turtle_Sundae.s2v2.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Vanilla flavored no sugar added light ice cream swirled with a caramel ribbon, chocolate covered caramel turtles and pecans.</blockquote><br />One thing I do like about blogging is sometimes I get a perk. I don't make but a few cents a month from affiliates and ads, so it is nice when I am offered a freebie product. Klout sent me some coupons (2) to try Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom products. They are sugar free and have 1/2 the fat. Still loaded in carbs, but it was nice to have a treat.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />The Turtle Sundae has 130 calories and 6 grams of fat per 1/2 cup. 21g of carbs, 3g of fiber, 5gr of sugar, and 5g of sugar alcohol brings our net carbs to 12 net (carbs - fiber - sugar alcohol if you follow Atkins, if you follow another plan most say subtract 1/2 sugar alcohol while others say leave it alone), which is a lot higher than I would like, but still decent considering the product.<br /><br />The ice cream reminded me of butter pecan. It was nice and creamy. The caramel ribbon was the best part and I felt like I was in heaven when I got that bit with the pecan. The pieces of chocolate were supposed to be chocolate covered turtles but it tasted more like a piece of chocolate. No complaints though, you have to give up something to keep it lower in calories.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The other sample we tried was Bunny Tracks.<br /><br /><img alt="Sweet Freedom® Ice Cream Bunny Tracks®" src="http://www.bluebunny.com/content/cms/products/204x154/Cropped/Sweet_Freedom_Ice_Cream_Bunny_Tracks.s2v2.jpg" /></div><div>Vanilla flavored no sugar added light ice cream with thick fudge and peanut butter caramel ribbons, chocolate covered peanuts and peanut butter filled chocolate bunnies.</div><div><br /></div>The Bunny Track ice cream has 140 calories and 7 grams of fat per 1/2 cup. 21g of carbs, 4g of fiber, 5gr of sugar, and 7g of sugar alcohol brings our net carbs to 11 net (carbs - fiber - sugar alcohol if you follow Atkins, if you follow another plan most say subtract 1/2 sugar alcohol while others say leave it alone), which is a lot higher than I would like, but still decent considering the product.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Hubs picked this one out, but I did have a small sample for myself. This was true vanilla ice cream and did not offer the creamy flavor the Turtle Sunday offered. I did like the fudge and since I am a huge fan of peanut butter I wondered if I had made the wrong choice in picking Turtle Fudge. This was pretty good, but I could taste something artificial in it. I don't know if it was the sugar alcohol or too much Splenda in the product, but it was noticeable I would not suggest eating more than 1/2 cup at a time or it becomes too much. Hubs is usually pickier than me, but he really likes this ice cream.</div><div><br /></div><div>Klout even sent me a free ice cream scouper! </div><div><br /></div><div>Since going low-carb at the first of the year, the only ice cream I had tried was homemade ice cream I had been making from an Atkins recipe. It is so yummy that even kiddo enjoys it! (sadly, I have no idea why I haven't done a recipe post on this! hopefully this summer).</div><div><br /></div><div>I do not know if I will purchase these. Even though they are decent, a 4 net carb vanilla exists and I can easily add all natural peanut butter and homemade chocolate syrup (another recipe I found on a low carb forum) and still be less than the carbs in this product. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Disclosure:</b> Received the item for free. Opinions are my own honest review.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41530569235667368572013-05-22T15:52:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:35:15.915-04:00Low Calorie Mixed Berry Smoothie<div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMraKWub3cU/UwperYLSoRI/AAAAAAAAKxw/Il6QZfcT5qU/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMraKWub3cU/UwperYLSoRI/AAAAAAAAKxw/Il6QZfcT5qU/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>With grad school coming close to an end, I don't have time to spend preparing three meals. I try to cut corners when I can. This was the perfect low calorie lunch for me. Clean, full of vitamins and packed some protein punch!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><u>For the smoothie:</u><br />1 scoop vanilla whey (the kind that has no artificial junk)<br />1 cup mixed frozen berries<br />1 cup raw pumpkin (we pick pumpkins, <a href="http://yumeating.com/homemade-canned-pumpkin/" target="_blank">scoop out the inside and can it</a>. No sugar, nothing).<br />1 cup unsweetened coconut almond milk<br />Blend until smooth.<br /><br />The salad is 1 cup romaine, 1/2 cup raw spinach, and 1/2 tomato.<br /><br />279 total calories according to My Fitness Pal.<br /><br />Check out more of my great smoothie recipes on <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a> and grab my book for 99 cents! <a href="http://amzn.to/1c1JBRc" target="_blank">30+ protein powder recipes!</a><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31992050843720300162013-05-20T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:34:56.750-04:00All About Exercise DVDs<div><a href="http://amzn.to/16IEd4O" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9UECrfJaZk/UYagvBDq8GI/AAAAAAAACKE/4BuQo_aHyE8/s1600/51C1Baj9dwL._SY300_.jpg" /></a></div><br />My favorite videos are <a href="http://amzn.to/16IEd4O" target="_blank">Walk Away the Pounds</a>. I just love walking, power walking and maybe a bit of jogging. I am still working on the love for running part.<br /><br />I have a ton <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/ChrystalM" target="_blank">of Beachbody DVDs</a> ( 10 Minute Solution, ChaLean, Insanity Asylum, Insanity Deluxe, Turbo Jam, Slim in 6, and Turbo Fire. I tried P90x but deleted it off my hard drive out of frustration!)<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I have done the first video of Insanity. It was a bit too much for me at the time. I loved the Slim in 6. I made the spouse do it with me.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I have a ton of other exercise videos. When I did Weight Watchers, I started with Walk Away the Pounds (on VHS!) and a Jane Fonda Yoga video (I would love to have that again!). Once I started to schedule walks, I moved outside. I would walk for hours. Then, I started to jog.<br /><br />I need to get back to my DDP Yoga. I loooooove it.<br /><br />I just want my old body back.<br /><br />Turbo Fire is big on HIIT, so I loaded it to the <a href="http://amzn.to/16a5nl5" target="_blank">Western Digital box</a> we use for streaming movies, Netflix and Hulu. I'm not sure how well I will do at it, but I am going to give it a try. I might have to stick to the YouTube beginner HIIT I found for a little while. TurboFire looks fun, but I have no experience with HIIT and with my back and hip issues, I don't want to hurt myself.<br /><br />I have tried doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred because their are tons of people on <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/irishchik" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a> who do it; but I just can't get into it. I find that if a DVD is boring, or is too technical (I am not coordinated) I won't stick to it. I gave up on Tae-bo and Zumba for that reason. Of course, could have been my energy levels too. Now that I am eating better, I could try again. I have collected so many workouts over the years...<br /><br />Time is such an issue....<br /><br /><b>What exercises do you do to keep in shape?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34142893268141901652013-05-17T16:27:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:32:49.135-04:00My Clean Eating Whole Food Low Calorie Lower Carb PlanNow that I have done all of my ranting about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/it-may-check-insome-confessions-c25k.html" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/my-biggest-annoyance-with-paleo-primal.html" target="_blank">that</a>. Oh, and<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/what-happened-to-keto-more-aptly-titled.html" target="_blank"> this, too</a>. I decided to put together an eating plan that had some structure. I even decided to <a href="http://ignitemotivation.blogspot.com/2013/05/reducing-my-calories.html" target="_blank">reduce my calories</a>. I love iPhone tracking apps, but I find the old-fashioned pen and paper method brings me back to my Weight Watchers days where I kicked weight-loss ass. I find with the iPhone app, I get lazy. With the pen and paper on my kitchen counter, it's easier to just jot things down. Time to get back to basics.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So, I am going to try to reduce my red meat intake. This is just something personal that I did when I was on WW and I know I felt a lot better then.I have been eating way too much of it and need to incorporate some other forms of protein. I'm also going to be reducing my bacon consumption. Wasn't much of one now, but Keto was bacon everything! It made me sick, but my options seemed to be so few.<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I'll be eating more chicken, fish, shrimp, and pork. I'll be sticking to cage free, free range, no growth hormone, no antibiotics, and organic<u> as much</u> as I can.<br /><br />I am going to *<u>try</u>* to reduce my cheese. I LOVE it. Since it is low-carb, I tend to justify eating as much as I do. I am going to try to limit it to the Atkins rule of no more that 4oz a day, but I would really like to just reduce it to a few servings (1 oz) a week.<br /><br />Eggs will be cage free and without crap as often as we can. I eat a lot of eggs and when they are considerably more a dozen, I will just have to do the best I can. I eat eggs every day. Fried, scrambled, poached, and boiled. I do not plan to change this but I know I need to mix it up a bit.<br /><br /><br />I'm still a work in progress but I plan to be my <b>best by 40</b>.<br /><br /><br /><ul></ul><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48361363017576951502013-05-16T15:28:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:29:13.488-04:00Reducing My Calories<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey6BgnHOZpk/UDQHcpUBZSI/AAAAAAAABdM/k370XJqAcAY/s1600/196699_492637387415014_163055015_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey6BgnHOZpk/UDQHcpUBZSI/AAAAAAAABdM/k370XJqAcAY/s1600/196699_492637387415014_163055015_n.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I think 1800 calories is too much for me. It seems that the PCOS wan't to hold on to every little calorie. I am going to have to try the traditional 1200 calorie with an exercise deficit to see if that gets me back to losing. Maybe that will shake things up a bit.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73653909728447657312013-05-15T16:34:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:28:19.255-04:00We bought a COW!<div></div><div><img src="http://www.majiroxnews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cow1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></div><br /><br /><br />YES! You read that right. I bought a cow. No, this photo is not of the actual cow ;)<br /><br />Well..<br /><br />At least a quarter of one anyway that will provide us with about 100 pounds of fresh meat. We'll get it around July and I am planning for that to last the year.<br /><br />Score one for the whole food department!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />On my quest for whole food we decided this was the best way. One good thing about where we live - it's farm country. Which means I have an endless supply of fresh eggs. I supplement with grocery store eggs when my grocery budget runs out and even then I try to get as close to cage free/grain free/organic as I can.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />As Jillian Michales says, if you can't do it all the time, do what you can because every little bit helps.<br /><br />We're also looking into getting half a pig.<br /><br />Soon the farmers around us will start planting. By mid-summer the farm behind us will have buckets and buckets of fresh goodies.<br /><br />I can't wait.<br /><br />Oohhh then it's canning season.<br /><br />Yum.<br /><div><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29177379924058600282013-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:26:36.760-04:00My Biggest Annoyance with the Paleo / Primal Community<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRDbN-L7_DY/UZFgZCSzNjI/AAAAAAAACME/JuACp6f9rHM/s1600/paleo-pyramid1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRDbN-L7_DY/UZFgZCSzNjI/AAAAAAAACME/JuACp6f9rHM/s320/paleo-pyramid1.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Unless you have a food allergy<br />Unless you are doing Crossfit<br />maybe Paleo isn't right.<br /><br />I know I have been on a Jillian Michaels kick lately. Sorry for that. I am just excited to have finally found some PCOS battle answers that actually make sense to me!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />As for <a href="http://amzn.to/12xQceC" target="_blank">Paleo</a>, I found the community to be much like a cult. For one who did not follow strict Paleo (more <a href="http://amzn.to/11HIaRn" target="_blank">Primal</a>) I was picked on. I tried to talk to people, ask questions, and participate in discussions. I felt it was too much like being back in high school and dealing with bullies. No thanks. I know I am not the only one who felt like that. (I also read all the books, so I knew what I was talking about.)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Paleo is not low-carb. Well, it kinda is. Honestly. I looked at Paleo for the recipes. I looked at Primal more because they allow cheese. (ohhh cheese...so bad for me, but oh so good!)<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><i>(<a href="http://amzn.to/15akSK0" target="_blank">Cheesemaking Made Easy: 60 Delicious Varieties</a> is one of my favorite cookbooks even though I have never used it for cooking!)</i><br /><br />There is an entire tribe out there of ex Paleo's for this exact reason. The bullies are just too much.<br /><br />But that didn't bother me as much as the food porn.<br /><br />Yes, I said it. Food PORN!<br /><br />I love looking at pictures of food. (ummm, hello, anyone seen <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/boards/" target="_blank">my Pinterest</a> lately?) If I could be a professional food blogger/photographer I would. I just do it for fun now - I love it.<br /><br />Anyway, I noticed that while a lot of Paleo meat dishes existed (which were all about 95% low carb) I found more posts and photos about desserts. I feel like Paleo is nothing more than a community structured on a way to focus on "treat" foods by making it "healthy" because it uses Paleo allowed items.<br /><br /><b>That is an unhealthy obsession. I should know.</b><br /><br />Been there, done that. Don't want to do it again.<br /><br />When I did Weight Watchers back in the day and successfully lost over 50 pounds, I did not focus on nutrition. I focused on things that were the least amount of points for the buck. Then, I started to focus on those treats and how to manipulate ingredients in recipes to make my high fatty cake something low point enough that I felt like it was OK to eat.<br /><br />And sure, we can have treats. But obsessing about making things fit into your meal plan is just as unhealthy as eating the full on junk version.<br /><br />Everything in MODERATION.<br /><br />Now I am completely focused on nutrition and what is best for my body for long-term overall health.<br /><br />There is a whole food world out there besides chocolate!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14349160377350487542013-05-10T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:23:43.790-04:00What Happened to Keto (more aptly titled, My Lessons in Keto)<div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9cGoXcVg6I/UV3JO0PFeAI/AAAAAAAACEM/DXw-oHhrU8c/s1600/rsz_file6481243652295.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9cGoXcVg6I/UV3JO0PFeAI/AAAAAAAACEM/DXw-oHhrU8c/s320/rsz_file6481243652295.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>Keto made me obsessive.<br /><br />To read more about this topic, check out Monday's post: (It's May!) <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/it-may-check-insome-confessions-c25k.html" target="_blank">Check-In,Some Confessions & C25k</a> and another part - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/05/breaking-up.html" target="_blank">Breaking Up</a> from Wednesday.<br /><br />I guess I have more to say on the topic of the Keto Diet.<br /><br />I started Jan. 1 with Atkins and I did VERY well. I was excited to learn that in time I could add back all the foods I removed in the beginning. I just needed to learn what my daily carb allowance was going to be. I understood and I was OK with that.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But, then about the third week, something happened. I was feeling TOO good. I wanted to stay on Phase I Induction longer. According to the book, that is perfectly acceptable. During the first 14 days of Atkins (Induction) your body starts to go through ketosis; thus the first state of Atkins is a Ketogenic Diet. That fact led me into the world of scientific research regarding a keto diet.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Battled cancer ? What? Oh yes. It lowers glucose causing tumors to shrink. It also battles alzehimers. those two things alone were worth it for me and the hubs. Only, the hubs wasn't as on board as I was.<br /><br />In the early 90s I spent a lot of time learning about natural holistic health. I know all about using food and earth herbs to heal. It something I strongly believe in. I went head-to-head with my Weight Watchers leader more than once. I am just not a fan of man-made pharmaceuticals With that, I firmly believe food can be the best healer.<br /><br />Only, he [the hubs] wasn't having it. Oh sure, he would eat the bacon and eggs for breakfast. He would eat the [insert meat here] and vegetables for dinner. But he was missing his rice and potatoes.<br /><br />Then, I found Keto communities and became overly obsessed with reading Reddit every few hours. (oh...the recipes!)<br /><br />When I saw all the success so many were having, and here I was with a weight loss stall, I started to become depressed. It was my fault. I had to be failing somewhere. I checked my macros. I bought the <a href="http://bit.ly/VYqzWk" target="_blank">Fat Fast Cookbook</a> (which is still very useful) and I still couldn't figure out why I wasn't dropping weight the way the rest of the r/keto world was. It HAD to be my fault, right? It could not be the fault of the diet when so many others were dropping weight like flies.<br /><br /><i>(Nevermind the fact that I DONT have a gallbladder and trying to hit the macro for fat was almost impossible and on the few occasions when I did I experienced terrible bowels.)</i><br /><br />It started to cause me to rethink my meal plan.<br /><br />This was not good for me mentally and my obsessive nature.<br /><br />I think ultimately this thought process I was having is what caused the<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/04/fighting-with-people-over-food.html" target="_blank"> huge fight in the supermarket </a>the other day.<br /><br />All I know is I felt wonderful on Atkins. January was great. I was calm about it. I made meals the family liked and just didn't eat the stuff I know for my personal health issues I shouldn't be eating sugars, products made with white flours or white rice. Processed foods seem to be no good for me either, they make me feel like crap. What I should be eating is still all low carb with an occasional 100% whole grain thrown in after I learn what my carb tolerance is. While Atkins doesn't really discuss whole/organic foods, those are changes I can make on my own.<br /><br />Keto is fine for the recipes here and there, but I much prefer Atkins because I can still eat leaner cuts of meat and my gut won't be unhappy with me for it. I know I need to break up with all these labels, but like I said in the "Breaking Up" post, I need a sense of community and I need a meal plan with recipes I can easily follow. Since I have all the Atkins materials (website and apps are free!) I don't have to worry about buying meals and programs. I like the structure Atkins gives me.<br /><br />I think that will be my guideline as I move on down the path of whole foods (which is what Atkins is anyway - meats, cheese, eggs, vegetables to start). I am just trying to stay away from labeling my way of eating (WOE), but I know using the names will help people find me. I want to be able to help others.<br /><br />One of these days I will figure this all out. For now I am going to go back to basics and doing what I know works (and makes me feel better in the process). Low carb, nothing white, nothing overly processed, and the least amount of sugar in my food as possible.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52508490094675605912013-05-08T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:20:45.674-04:00Breaking Up.....<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaWfrI3ALkQ/UDQHfjuq1GI/AAAAAAAABdY/_q1BmS_dHG4/s1600/pcos-doesnt-have-me.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaWfrI3ALkQ/UDQHfjuq1GI/AAAAAAAABdY/_q1BmS_dHG4/s320/pcos-doesnt-have-me.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>This is going to be a bit of a continuation from Monday's post: (It's May!) Check-In,Some Confessions & C25k<br /><br /><br />Maybe it's just time to break up with....<br /><ul><li>diets</li><li>weight loss books</li><li>Facebook groups</li><li>My Fitness Pal groups</li><li>Sparkpeople groups</li><li>and anything else that is related to a certain "brand" of eating</li></ul>They seem to be sucking so much time from me and doing nothing but confusing me!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But I have NO idea how to do that. This is the only thing I know because it is the only way I have eaten for pretty much my entire life...at least that part that I could control what I was eating.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I think it's time to release myself of some of the pressure I am feeling. I want to change the focus on my life. Maybe, of this website. I am tired of being restricted with the things I am told I can eat on these plans. While, I feel 100% better on the inside, there are times I want to eat a banana and not feel guilty (it's been FOUR months, with the exception of the two times I share 1/2 with the hubs).<br /><br />Since cutting sugars and white products (carbs) I:<br /><br /><ul><li>sleep better</li><li>the arthritis and back pain doesn't flair up as much</li><li>no afternoon slumps (unless I eat too much carb)</li><li>more energy for working out</li><li>4 menstrual cycles this year</li><li>feel satisfied after eating lchf (low carb high fat)</li><li>only got shaky with hunger 2-3 times (my own fault because I didn't eat)</li><li>no more bloating</li><li>no more IBS & GERD</li></ul>I am tired of feeling like this plan or the other plan is going to be a miracle cure all for me. I don't feel deprived because I do eat things I love, but every once in a while I want to have a treat. And that follows the 80/20 rule so many nutrition an fitness experts recommend. I need the 80/20.<br /><br />I do realize that many will consider "whole food" a eating plan, or maybe that I got the advice from Jillian Michaels (I have been watching Biggest Loser since Season 1) <a href="http://amzn.to/15eRZfY" target="_blank">Slim for Life</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/16AdLu2" target="_blank">Master Your Metabolism</a> and that could be labeled as a "diet" or a "commercial plan." However, I feel Jillian gives excellent advice for those with metabolic issues (like me) that PCOS causes. She doesn't tell you to eat only this or that brand. She doesn't eliminate food groups. And I really like the idea of no sugar, no processed foods, and buy organic when you can.<br /><br />So, while I went 4 months without bananas, apples, and quite a few other things; I cheated and had pizza twice- everything else was low carb and within the guidelines. With the exception of my indulgence of too much cheese. Which led me to realize that I became obsessed with fixing my PCOS and other health issues that I started to nitpick. It became a control issue and it was quickly sliding back into eating disorder territory.<br /><br />I plan to eat as much fresh, whole, unprocessed food as I can afford. I'll stay away from processed foods, sugars, white products that provide me with no nutrition, and all the other bad crap no one should be eating.<br /><br />I have to stop trying to label things. I need to get over my need for control.<br /><br />Pretty much what I am doing now, but with a lot less obsession. Calories in, calories out through exercise. I don't think there will be any one plan. Instead, I will be taking what I have learned through many plans as well as my own trial and error.<br /><br />I will continue with my C25k program. <b>I won't let the degenerative disk disease, osteoarthritis it my hips, the extra weight, or the PCOS stop me from living my life anymore!</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42158759463482838572013-05-07T13:49:00.000-04:002013-10-15T10:34:45.872-04:00Breaking Up With Writers Block<b>Prompt Day 1:</b> Breaking Up with Writer's Block<br /><div><br /></div><div><i>It's time for you and Writer's Block to part ways. Write a letter breaking up with Writer's Block, starting out with, "Dear Writer's Block, it's not you, it's me..."</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Writer's Block,</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not you, it's me. You see, I have been so absorbed with finishing my Bachelors, and then moved right on to my Masters degree that I really let you take over my life. I am a creative soul and I need to have my life back. I am breaking up with you. From this day forward I am going to find time, whether it be here on my website, or in my journal, to write something. Anything. Even if it is random thoughts that make no sense to anyone but me.</div><div><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's for the best if we break without a huge mess. I can't take that kind of stress right now. I prefer if you just go quietly. I have to push forward and be strong. I am sure you can understand. I know we have been together for a while now, but I am sure you will find somebody new. Soon, you will forget all about me as I have you. Don't shed a tear, it's going to be fine, you'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for me, I'll start with just one word, and then another, until I have gotten back to the fun, full of smiles, creative me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Regards,</div><div>Chrystal Mahan </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16373271871860620002013-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:19:48.740-04:00(It's May!) Check-In,Some Confessions & C25k<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" /></a></div>Today's Weigh-in: 224<br /><br />Total Pounds Lost This Year: 16<br /><br />My last recorded weight was the end of January, since then I have lost 4 more pounds. The weight is certainly not falling off like others in the<a href="http://reddit.com/r/keto" target="_blank"> Keto community</a>. While I find the program easy, I think I need something with some more ground rules. Maybe. I am not sure. I just feel like I am eating all the wrong things. I can't wrap my head around the <a href="http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf" target="_blank">low-carb, high-fat meal plan</a> even though I know it works.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I think I am just spending too much time on "brand" name weight loss, healthy living plans.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Right now I am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. I was doing really well on Atkins at the first of the year. Somehow I found my way to the Keto site, around the same time I started to follow a lot of Paleo and Primal blogs because they offered a lot of low-carb recipes. Plus, their food was pretty to look at.<br /><br />But that became a problem. The more time I spent looking at photos, the more time I spent reading everything I could find about the primal way of living. It seemed like the miracle cure-all for everyone. And while I could understand a lot of it, there was quite a bit that just wasn't settling well with me.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I want to remain low-carb. Meaning, I want to stay away from as much sugar as possible and other white foods like rice, flour, and so on. These things have no nutritional value. I am planning on adopting a more whole food/ clean eating way of life, which I have pretty much been doing anyway. I can't remember the last time I made a meal out of a box. (Go me!)<br /><br />At the advice of a friend, I purchased Jillian Michael's new book, Slim for Life. I started with the <a href="http://amzn.to/105D2cQ" target="_blank">audio book</a>. It was hard to listen to at first because it has been ages since I listened to an audio book. I prefer silence during the day and I don't really have another time for audio. Not to mention I actually prefer to read my books when I can. But, after a long day of school and writing (both require looking at a PC screen all day) listening to an audiobook right before bed is quite relaxing.<br /><br />The book really settled well with me. I knew Jillian had PCOS, but I never realized it was such a battle for her. If you look at her body from the very first season of The Biggest Loser and you look at the way her body looks today you will see a noticeable difference. She also trains differently. That is because she got help from an endocrinologist to get a better grip on her PCOS issues. Everything she talked about started to make sense.<br /><br />I then decided to purchase the <a href="http://amzn.to/15eRZfY" target="_blank">ebook version of Slim for Life</a> so that I could go back to it for a reference. I still have the audio, which is great to listen to because she really talks to you like you are best friends, and not like she's just reading from a book. I also signed up for her podcast (<a href="http://bit.ly/166hq2L" target="_blank">The Jillian Michael's Show</a>) and started to listen to them in the shower. I can't believe how much I have learned (not to mention she is pretty funny!). Just these small little things that really start to add up when I go back and look at them.<br /><br />I know a lot of people don't like her, and that is OK. Her tough training attitude is not for everyone. But as for me? I like it. She is exactly the kind of person I need to kick me in the ass.<br /><br />This whole learning process had be go back to Jillian Michael's previous book, <a href="http://amzn.to/16AdLu2" target="_blank">Master Your Metabolism</a> which really breaks down your metabolic system. And even though its not solely based on those with PCOS, there was so much information there that I just had that giant light bulb moment that none of these other PCOS books gave me. I have left both books on my iPad so that I can go back and reference them (I love the iBooks search function!).<br /><br />I think, in a way I am breaking up with all these commercial weight loss/healthy living/diet programs and just focus on real, whole, fresh, good foods. Since I have all the books, they will remain useful for recipes! I will still be using Atkins, Keto, Paleo, Primal, Jilllian Michaels, <a href="http://amzn.to/18HUQtU" target="_blank">Bob Greene Best Life</a> (I have a long time love of this book), and <a href="http://amzn.to/15jVX6X" target="_blank">Sugar Busters</a> for reference because they all are very similar with some minimal differences. Many of the recipes are interchangeable. But, when I say break up with, I say that I am not really going to follow one way of eating. Instead, I am going to take bits and pieces from them all. My way of eating will just be classified as low carb, and as close to sugar free as I can get. I just don't want to stick a "brand" on it.<br /><br />Of course, I will be keeping an eye on calories. I have been obsessing about weight loss since I was a kid. My first real diet was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> when I was 16. It would take all day to write about all the plans I have tried in my life. I am going to be 38 this year and I am tired. So very tired of dealing with this.<br /><br /><br /><b>The only problem is I still feel like I have no idea what I am doing.</b> I can cut portions, but then I feel like I am starving. I can load up on vegetables, but then I find myself needing a break. I just need some sort of a meal plan with a printable grocery list. I have to have structure. So I am not sure what I am going to do about that. I wish I had time to make my own. I am going to try to find time. I have to. I have to do this for me. <br /><div><br /></div>I just know that for my PCOS and insulin resistance I have to be careful about what I eat. I will continue to take it one day at a time.<br /><br />On a more positive note, I have reached week 4 of the couch to 5k program. I am pretty excited about that. I have been using the <a href="http://bit.ly/YjMozG" target="_blank">Get Running</a> iPhone app. I'm also want to start HIIT (high intensity interval training) which is something Jillian explains. I found a beginner video on YouTube so I might do that on the days I am not working on the C25k.<br /><br />On another positive note, this is my last week of my Leadership class and my research paper is done! I am no on my last class. In 7 weeks I will have my Master's degree!!<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65559154526456125632013-05-04T16:02:00.001-04:002013-05-04T16:02:34.567-04:00It's Time for Some May Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Examiner is still going well. April was my worst month for income; but that was because I was also caught up in my 2nd to last class. May will be my last full month of school because graduation is June 7 and my last day of class is the 18th.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My goal for May will be the same as it has been. I will continue to write as much as I can for <a href="http://exm.nr/WnyDja" target="_blank">Examiner</a>. I do have to take quite a few days off due to school, but this month will depend on my new class schedule which will start on the 9th. Usually I can get 1-6 done a day; with a few days off here and there.<br /><br />I have worked on a few fiction pieces that I hope to get finished up and published shortly after graduation.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/cmahan" target="_blank">Squidoo</a> started off alright when I published my first 4 lens. I thought it was going to work out for me, but after a couple of days and not being able to write anything new, I can see that the site doesn't earn me any money the way <a href="http://hubpages.com/_signups/hub/cmahan" target="_blank">HubPages</a> &<a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> does. Sadly, I haven't had time for any of that.<br /><br />I still love <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/user/375896" target="_blank">Digital Journal,</a> just haven't had time for it. I plan to make time for it when school it out. I love that they have photo journalism opportunities.<br /><br />I HAVE however been focusing more on <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubblews</a>. Sadly, you can only post 10 a day. But, they are quick to write and I am able to incorporate my Examiner and blog links into pieces. I haven't spent a whole lot of time there until these last few weeks. You can cash out at $25. I started with a few cents here and there. Then a few bucks. Now I am able to cash out every few days if I keep up with it.<br /><br />It IS a social site. Meaning, its a blogging platform meant for your to connect with people, read their stiff, like or dislike it, and make comments. You will earn more if you take the time to keep connections. It, for me, has been worth the few extra minutes a day to take time reading and getting to know others.<br /><br />Because of the 10 piece cap, you won't get rich off of <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubblews</a>, but it certainly is great extra cash to have. I add it to my Examiner income and I am pretty happy for the month. I will be sticking with Bubblews for quite some time. I highly suggest all freelance writers take advantage of their platform. Click <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">here</a> to join.<br /><br />My goal for the month is to keep going with Examiner and Bubblews and get through my last class!<br /><br /><b>What are your goals for May?</b><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17425338655620310402013-05-03T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:18:19.228-04:00The Perfect Way to Start My Day<div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--SEGsW4mCGQ/UwpfhMD7g0I/AAAAAAAAKx4/KGhncH5VmC4/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--SEGsW4mCGQ/UwpfhMD7g0I/AAAAAAAAKx4/KGhncH5VmC4/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The perfect start to my day. I try not to drink a lot of coffee because it makes me feel heavy. It is a nice treat once in a while, but I find if I drink too much of it I start to feel like a zombie and then I begin to feel like it bothers my weight loss. Might have something to do with the PCOS.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Yogi tea sent me this sample pack in the mail. I tried the <a href="http://amzn.to/10766w6" target="_blank">Vanilla Spice Perfect Energy</a> and I have to say it was quite yummy. I have a ton of tea so I don't see me buying this anytime soon, but I have put it on my "someday" tea list.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LopwvkvIjj4/UwpZWen0LZI/AAAAAAAAKxk/h59qxXMsZHs/s1600/51AYw5zI7HL._SY300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LopwvkvIjj4/UwpZWen0LZI/AAAAAAAAKxk/h59qxXMsZHs/s1600/51AYw5zI7HL._SY300_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was very refreshing and had a nice, smooth, crisp flavor. I wish I had more!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24816518961889718262013-04-23T15:20:00.002-04:002013-04-23T15:20:29.113-04:00Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/13WRlmo" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHLnX6rdSeg/UXbSPDY6XeI/AAAAAAAACGU/Y34blBK2w34/s320/download.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://amzn.to/13WRlmo" target="_blank">Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic</a> should be required reading for all high school students. I think it would cut down on a lot of self-esteem as well as bully issues. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have wanted to read this book for quite some time. It seems like whenever a review opportunity would come through, I would have to pass it up because I was so busy on other projects. Since I started working on my Master’s degree reading for pleasure has become somewhat foreign to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I saw a video about Nick a couple of years ago and it brought me to tears. I felt bad for him at first, more due to the childhood he had, but when you see him all you can see is this vibrant bundle of laughter and energy. It really puts your own life into perspective. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/l91cgdFCkJ0?list=UUm71Z36uSgQtoNmnYjelvNA" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Nick Vujicic was born in Australia, with no arms or legs. Instead of living his life feeling like he was a burden, he set out to make a life for himself with no limits. Just because Nick was born without arms and legs doesn’t mean he has to stay on the sidelines and watch life pass him by. And that is exactly what he set out to do. In “Life Without Limits” we are shown that God has a purpose for each and every one of us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The beginning of the book discusses Vujicic’s childhood. It took him some time to realize he was different than others. When he realized it, he was bullied. Nick tells stories about how he overcame his bullies and found strength in God. In time he graduates from college and realized he wanted so much more out of life. He knew if he could show others that he was living life to the fullest, they might follow his lead. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In time his motivational speaking came to be. In “Life Without Limits” Nick Vujicic will show you that you are merely making excuses for yourself. He’ll show you how to push forward through your fear and live your life to the fullest. Nick says we are all born the way we are supposed to be born, it’s through Gods eyes, and just how he made us. We all have a purpose and a plan. He’ll show you how to be still and tap into yours. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found “Life Without Limits” to be a real eye-opener within my own life. If a man who has no arms and legs can accomplish his dreams, so can each and every one of us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11059429369491254062013-04-20T12:25:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:18:02.604-04:00I Got New Ears!!!!!!<div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-EQylkmtMI/UwpYrNQ2TaI/AAAAAAAAKxY/7yPVYRzkE7g/s1600/sony+mp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-EQylkmtMI/UwpYrNQ2TaI/AAAAAAAAKxY/7yPVYRzkE7g/s1600/sony+mp3.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>Imagine how I felt when I received <a href="http://amzn.to/XWPT0R" target="_blank">Sony model NWZ-W262 2GB wireless MP3 player</a> for FREE! This is the special edition model by Olympic and NYC Marathon Champion, Meb Keflezighi. They cost about $70 :) *happy dance*<br /><br />I was rather excited and have <a href="http://klout.com/#/ChrystalMahan" target="_blank">Klout</a> to thank for that. I guess I should thank <a href="http://www.sony.com/" target="_blank">Sony</a>, too! Thank you!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />As an iPhone user I worried about how well these were going to work. I am very attached to my iPhone and use it for everything. I have apps to map my walks, chart my distance, and even a C25k app so I can get back into running. I use it for music and audio books. But like so many others, I get frustrated when my ear buds fall out or the wires get tangled.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /> I was excited that it had the ability to work with iTunes and I found it very easy to use. I just started the C25k program again, but use iFit treadmill with various inclines and speeds. I loved that these were cord free and didn't fall out of my ears the way ear buds do. I have hard time finding things that are comfortable on my ears and these were no problem. It was also pretty cool that is came pre-installed with tunes and motivation from Olympic runner Meb Keflezighi. I recommend these to all my walkers and runners.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75704992249590234662013-04-20T11:50:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:17:37.261-04:00Why yes, there is a healthy night cream! #RadiantwithAVEENO<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo0LyogwmAc/UwpXKJYb0lI/AAAAAAAAKxM/499tb2vvLJc/s1600/aveeno3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo0LyogwmAc/UwpXKJYb0lI/AAAAAAAAKxM/499tb2vvLJc/s1600/aveeno3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Even though this blog is about me taking care of my weight and other medial issues, I feel it is also important to take care of my skin (as well as the rest of my body) because let's face it, I'm not getting any younger. That's why I was thrilled to be a part of the <a href="http://amzn.to/15unl1p" target="_blank">Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream</a> promotion on <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>.<br /><br />I don't have a lot of experience with Aveeno products. In the winter I used to use their oatmeal lotion until Lubriderm came out with their <a href="http://amzn.to/17a9gnP" target="_blank">Advanced Therapy</a> lotion. It was a bigger bottle and a lot less expensive Now both brands have a generic and I have found that the <a href="http://amzn.to/XWMgrP" target="_blank">shea butter lotions</a> the hubs gets me for Christmas every year from Bath and Body Works are great for the purse, and <a href="http://amzn.to/ZEdEGd" target="_blank">Creamy Petroleum Jelly</a> is cheap and works best on my hands.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My only other experience with Aveeno products is a discontinued product they had which was a day time face lotion with ingredients that would slow down the growth of facial hair, <a href="http://amzn.to/XN7s1n" target="_blank">Positively Smooth Facial Cream</a>. As a woman who suffers from PCOS, facial hair is a problem. I am willing to try anything once. I can't say it made a lot of difference; which could be why it's no longer on the market.<br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Before the Positively Radiant cream arrived I was using <a href="http://amzn.to/YBHbAe" target="_blank">Oil of Olay Classic Age Defying</a> because it is a lightweight cream I can use during the day and the night without worrying about breakouts. I was a little hesitant to try the new Aveeno cream for fear it was going to break out my face. I do have to admit, I am terrible about remembering to wash my face at night when I have make-up on (which isn't often since I work from home).<br /><br />I used the cream the first night and could tell their was a nice glow to my skin. The last couple of days I have been using it during the day. No breakouts. While I do like the glow it is providing my thirsty skin, I would prefer to be using a anti-aging product. I have plans to continue use until the jar is gone.<br /><br /><b>Tried an Aveeno product? Love it? Tell us about it.</b><br /><strong>Join us Tuesday, April 23th, at 3pm EST on Twitter </strong>to share your AVEENO® love, tips and what your most excited about. All you have to do is log onto Twitter and follow/use the hashtag <a a="" href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#" radiantwithaveeno="">#RadiantwithAVEENO</a>.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this product free from the manufacturer as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60817419944795432732013-04-12T11:25:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:17:10.447-04:00Fighting With People Over Food<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROrMirB_8A8/UWgjh8oodgI/AAAAAAAACFg/HNqZCeVNYvk/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROrMirB_8A8/UWgjh8oodgI/AAAAAAAACFg/HNqZCeVNYvk/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>Morguefile: ainsliejoon<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Grocery shopping hasn't been fun for a long time.</b> I should know better than to drag him along. I would go by myself if I had the time; problem is, when he is gone I am working or working on school and don't have time. If he is home I know I am not going to get a lot done anyway so I may as well go grocery shopping.<br /><br />Sounds logical.<br /><br />When we first got together we used to fight about him wanting to buy everything in the store. Who can afford that?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />We got through that, now it's different.<br /><br />The hubs has his own set of health problems. He <i>should be</i> eating the same things I am eating, and for the most part, he does. But, he wants more. Things he knows he shouldn't have. Things the doctors and dietitians have both told him to stay away from.<br /><br />I don't bring them in the house. I tell him we can compromise and we will get the brown version (meaning whole grain) and then all he does is throw a fit like hes 12 in the middle of the grocery store. I just wish he was more supportive of me and understand that their are just some things I can't have in the house. Maybe if he wan't those things, he should eat them at work or at school.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>Sometimes I feel he is completely selfish and not understanding to my needs.</b><br /><br />This is the same exact behavior he does with his mom. Throw a fit when he doesn't want to do something or he doesn't get his way. This women used to have pallets of ramen noodles delivered when he was a teen. I am not joking about that either.<br /><br />His bad habits are slowly spilling to his daughter. It doesn't help that grammie takes her out to eat all the time. Everything is deep fried or pasta. It doesn't help that her older brother and sister and younger sister are overweight. It doesn't help that her mother is. Nor, does it help that they dont eat healthy at home.<br /><br />So, for the weekends she's in my care you can sure bet I am going to fight tooth and nail to make sure she gets a home-cooked, good wholesome meal.<br /><br /><b>We just watched my cousins husband die at 44 last week.</b> Why can't he see that with the medical problems hes having that hes going to leave me and kiddo alone if he doesn't take better care of himself?<br /><br />I just don't understand it. I will never understand how people just don't care about what goes into their body.<br /><br /><br />All I know is maybe I just need to find time to grocery shop - ALONE!<br /><b><br /></b><b>Have you ever fought with your significant other over food? Sound off in the comments below.</b><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58521862409883132992013-04-10T14:17:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:15:46.844-04:00Conscious Box LOVES You! April Giveaway!<div><a href="http://www.consciousbox.com/subscribe?utm_source=New+Mommy+Bloggers+4-8&utm_campaign=91d39172c3-mommybloggerblast&utm_medium=email" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-VMAzCvgFs/UWWnSDywjYI/AAAAAAAACFA/FDb7c_aFi9A/s320/ConsciousBox_Header.jpg" height="119" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div></div>I am all about healthy living these days and that includes being healthy inside and out. I recently discovered <a href="http://www.consciousbox.com/subscribe?utm_source=New+Mommy+Bloggers+4-8&utm_campaign=91d39172c3-mommybloggerblast&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Conscious Box</a>, a box subscription devoted to making you healthy inside and out. The best part is, I am able to share this box subscription service with you by offering you an awesome giveaway.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Boxes are packed full of love in 100% recycled materials. Inks are from vegetables and the labels are BPA-free. 1% of processed are given back to the planet and there are no GMOs.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br />I'm giving you, my faithful readers, a 3-month giveaway. That's a $59 value!<br />Also, if you don't want to wait for the contest to end, they are offering my readers 50% off with <u>coupon code:</u> <b><a href="http://www.consciousbox.com/subscribe?utm_source=New+Mommy+Bloggers+4-8&utm_campaign=91d39172c3-mommybloggerblast&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">LOVELIFE</a></b><br /><br />Stay tuned for my review of Conscious Box!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6fe0d30/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>About Conscious Box:</b><br /><br /><br />Conscious Box is the best way to discover the most ethical and sustainable products on the planet! Focusing on strict tenets of organic, fair trade, and pure and natural products, each month Conscious Box will introduce you to healthy and honest alternatives for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Discover the best natural products, earn points for leaving feedback and reviews, and buy your favorites at incredible discounts!<br /><div><br />Get a variety of unique pure & natural products every month!<br />From organic food to vegan beauty products, you’re sure to find new favorites!<br />Discover ethical and purpose-driven businesses of all sizes!<br />Get content on daily living tips, exciting monthly themes, and creative ways to use your box!<br />Easily earn points you can apply to full size products for unbeatable discounts!</div><div>Vegan and Gluten-Free boxes are available!<br /> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22552549543367423992013-04-10T11:34:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:15:11.417-04:00Very Disappointed in the Paleo Life Kit :(<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPKnuqK3BXs/UWWFmbM27MI/AAAAAAAACEw/F91CLBAuEjM/s1600/hero_primal_kit.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPKnuqK3BXs/UWWFmbM27MI/AAAAAAAACEw/F91CLBAuEjM/s320/hero_primal_kit.png" height="173" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I read a lot of Paleo/Primal websites because they offer a lot of recipes for good, wholesome, clean foods that fit well in my low-carb life.<br /><br />Recently on <a href="http://www.paleoplan.com/primal-life-kit/" target="_blank">Paleo Plate I found a kit</a> which contained tons of useful information (more towards folks interested in Paleo) which I don't think I really needed since I do not follow 100% Paleo diet. I would be more the 80/20 rule of Primal if anything.<br /><br />Anywho, I was scanning through the list of goodies for the whopping low price of $39. There were quite a few books I had seen on Amazon that looked interested. Two of those books were about $14, so that would be a good deal because quite a few of the other books were listed on Amazon as well. However, I kept thinking to myself I didn't NEED another cookbook. I had plenty of Paloe/Primal inspired low carb cookbooks. Did I really need to spend $39 on 11 cookbooks plus tons of others?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><b>Probably not.</b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />Then I noticed there were 4 Autoimmune and PCOS eBooks included. It was stated that these eBooks also contained recipes and meal plans.<br /><br /><div>Lately, I have been on the hunt to battle my PCOS and I am finding it extremely difficult. There is so much information out there that it is hard to know what is right or wrong. So, when I saw the book, PCOS Unlocked: The Manual from <a href="http://paleowomen.com/">PaleoWomen.com</a> I thought that might be worth the $39; especially when that book is offered on the website for $19 alone. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I decided it might be worth the $39. So, I made the purchase. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>The first book I opened was the PCOS Unlocked. </div><div><br /></div><div>I anxiously flipped through trying to locate the meal plans and recipes. I even tried to locate any type of food information I could find. Here's the thing- I KNOW what PCOS is. I KNOW why I have it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Table of Contents shows in Part III (page 48 is where that section starts) there is a section regarding foods to avoid and to eat. So I happily scroll. Finally on page 51 there is a paragraph about natural foods. That's it. One paragraph. </div><div><br /></div><div>Page 52 wants you to go to the website and pay ANOTHER $19 for the rest of the manual. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I feel cheated. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>And, now I wonder if the rest of the guides are going to be the same. The Paleo Living magazine was the only other thing I have checked out so far and they are all old issues. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not really happy about this purchase. I should have spent that money on the <a href="http://www.pcosdiva.com/programs/pcos-meal-plans/spring/" target="_blank">Spring Meal Plan from PCOS Diva. </a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7446201416364238532013-03-27T11:55:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:14:34.796-04:00I caved....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_aZe49dKQg/UVMU3snAH9I/AAAAAAAACA8/-LcahNtKntE/s1600/file751297121217.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_aZe49dKQg/UVMU3snAH9I/AAAAAAAACA8/-LcahNtKntE/s320/file751297121217.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>morguefile.com: enfinite5</td></tr></tbody></table>Monday night I caved. I gave in to temptation.<br /><br />Two reasons for this.<br /><br />I was not prepared like I had been in the past.<br /><br />I had not listened to my body when it was screaming for this food days before. Had I planned, I would have been able to make something low carb friendly.<br /><br />After three months of having 20 net carbs a day (give or take 5-10, I do have some 25-30 days), I caved and gave in to temptation.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I mentioned the other day about my St. Patrick's Day weekend trip. I allowed myself to have a personal size pizza full of low carb goodies (ham, mushrooms, black olives, cheese). And the crust was rather thin, so that is a plus, despite the high amount of carbs. I also had a very large salad. I did not eat all of this pizza. So, I ate the other portion for dinner. We also had homemade pie that day. I ate half and scraped off the whipped cream. The next day I tried another kind of pie, with no topping, and not the crumble crust. Despite this, I still lost about 1/2 a pound; which I am sure was due to the amount of walking we did.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />Monday I was right back on track and continued on my Keto way of eating for the week. Sadly, I had been craving Mexican food and had not been listening to my body.<br /><br />This is not the first time this happened. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/02/gave-in-to-craving-it-turned-out-bad.html" target="_blank">I went through this back in February only different outcome and results. </a><br /><br />This past Monday I was stressed. Hubs was home most of the day; providing a huge distraction for me from doing work and school related taskes. (I work from home.) I was frustrated and in no mood to cook dinner. Plus, all I wanted was Mexican. So, I decided to just have some and be on my way. I was no prepared for what that meal was going to do to me. I should have known better than to order the meal. I should have ordered a la carte.<br /><br />Instead I ate corn shells for cheese enchilada , rice, beans, chips and shared fried ice cream. <b>I think I died that night.</b> Doubled over in agony due to the intestinal pain of carb overload. My heart was racing. I started puking. Night sweats.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I felt like hell the next morning; like a hangover. But, I started right back on my low carb/keto way of eating. By Tuesday night I was feeling a headache coming on.<br /><br />I promise my body to stay Keto because that's how I feel best. Maybe PCOS/ insulin resistance is a blessing in disguise for primal eating habits and good health. Lesson learned. Find Keto friendly Mexican recipe.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Keep calm & Keto on.</b><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58960814150458924812013-03-27T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:01:56.944-04:00The Keto Cookbook Project<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZMm861RM9A/UVIBKnTKp2I/AAAAAAAACAs/nu4ZpPq1ick/s1600/The-Keto-Cookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZMm861RM9A/UVIBKnTKp2I/AAAAAAAACAs/nu4ZpPq1ick/s320/The-Keto-Cookbook.jpg" height="320" width="299" /></a></div>I need a cookbook with photos. I like to hold cookbook in my hand and flip through them. Their is something a little off about cookbooks on an iPad. It's just not the same. I was able to get a copy of <a href="http://amzn.to/11TbusN" target="_blank">The Keto Cookbook</a> and it was an offer I could not refuse. Sadly, it has no photos. This gave me a great idea. I want to sample those recipes and most of them are fairly easy to make so why not challenge myself to some sort of <a href="http://theskinnyjeansproject.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">1972 Weight Watchers Retro Experience blog</a> or <a href="http://juliepowellbooks.com/books.html" target="_blank">Julie and Julia</a> type blog challenge.<br /><br /><b>Sounds like fun.</b><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In the mean time I have 100s of photos on my iPhone that I desperately need to get my rear in gear<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />and get them posted here.<br /><br />My problem is time.<br /><br />I just don't have enough of it. So, I will do what I can, when I can. Once I graduate in June with my MBA, things should be a little less crazy.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56710079723145418082013-03-22T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T20:01:12.635-04:00Struggle With Food Addiction<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwNOIIDobcU/UUjq2NgQ_EI/AAAAAAAACAc/gqBod7gOPZg/s1600/file0001258616445.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwNOIIDobcU/UUjq2NgQ_EI/AAAAAAAACAc/gqBod7gOPZg/s320/file0001258616445.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>mcconnors at Morguefile.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/food%20addiction" target="_blank">I'm a food addict</a>. I've struggled with food addiction my whole life. It all stems from the sexual abuse I suffered as a child. I turned to food. Food was comfort; it was my best and only friend. I could go on and on with stories about how I would make huge bowls (I am talking about 2-3 boxes) of mac and cheese. I had one friend that would come over in the summer and we would eat the mac and cheese then wash it down with wine glasses full of peanut butter and jelly. Or, stories about how in the middle of the night I would sneak food and try my best to hide the fact I had eaten it. I would make up stories through the course of my life about how I would accidentally drop food on the floor and the cat would get to it so I would have to throw it away and get myself a new portion. Things were bad for a very long time.<br /><div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In high school I eventually got over my food addiction and lost a lot of weight. The weight came back in my 20s, well some of it. And I lost it again. In my late 20s the food addiction issue came back. By this time I had developed an addiction to laxatives because I could not get myself to throw up. I started therapy for my depression and was diagnosed with the anxiety and panic issues along with the PTSD. It took a long time, but the food addiction sort of went into remission.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Now, here I am in my late 30s and I seem to be struggling with it again. I have done time with Overeaters Anonymous. I have never been to a meeting because they never have them close enough to me, so I have always done the online meetings. I have read books about food addiction and how to recover. It seems to be associated with my depression and stress. I can't seem to stay away from my only friend. </div><div><br /></div><div>I treat myself just like a drug or alcohol addict would treat themselves The only difference is I have to eat in order to live. I have to keep telling myself a person does not live to eat. That is why low-carb has been the best thing for me. I am powerless if I let sugar into my life. One taste and it's all downhill. Nothing satisfies me, so I just want more. Something else. A new flavor. Waiting for my body to tell me I am full; only it never does. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since drug addicts and alcohol addicts are not encouraged to have cheat days where they are allowed a pill or a drink; I try not to allow myself cheat meals. I did have one over the weekend and Monday was very hard getting back on track. Even now as I sit here typing this I am thinking about how nice a piece of cheese would be just to get me through the night. Thankfully, cheese, in small doses, is perfectly acceptable on a low-cab plan. I am careful to keep it to a minimum because too much dairy can hinder my weight loss, and too much cheese in my reach can cause a binge.<br /><br />These are things I am working on; one day at a time. Being fat is hard; abstaining from sugar is hard. I have to pick my hard.<br /><br />One of these days I will work myself back into recovery. </div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3711896326116484252013-03-20T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:59:41.300-04:00It's working!!!!<div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYZimeeTzqk/UwpTtbr7pDI/AAAAAAAAKxA/LvOZ-0VjVGU/s1600/207321_180820821965008_7417109_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYZimeeTzqk/UwpTtbr7pDI/AAAAAAAAKxA/LvOZ-0VjVGU/s1600/207321_180820821965008_7417109_n.jpg" /></a></div>As as sat here today thinking I really needed a new blog post and what was I possibly going to write about....<br /><br />How about my great St. Patrick's Day weekend in beautiful Traverse City and how I allowed myself to have a personal pizza; which I divided into two meals, complete with a LOT of salad. Or, how I didn't drink the whole weekend; but I did have pie. And, it was totally worth it!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Now for some, this might be a little too much info, but it is important in my battle with PCOS and weight loss.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />Last Friday I started having cramps. I didn't really think a whole lot about it because I do have cramps sometimes and nothing to show for it. I<b>n the last year and a half I can count on one hand how many times I have had a cycle without the aid of birth control.</b> I have been off of it for almost a year and I haven't been on Metformin for many, many months.<br /><br />Since January, when I went low-carb, I have had two cycles. Started my second one yesterday.<br /><br /><b>In my book, that is success.</b><br /><br />I plan to keep on the low carb path until the weight is down. It's been slow in the loss department, but so many other things are changing for the better because of it.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29910790075458329052013-03-14T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:58:48.459-04:00Fat Fast Cookbook Review<a href="http://bit.ly/VYqzWk" target="_blank"><img alt="Fat Fast Cookbook by Dana Carpender Published by CarbSmart Press" src="http://fatfastrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Fat-Fast-Cookbook-cover-560x840.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br /><br />On Febuary 25 I purchased <a href="http://bit.ly/VYqzWk" target="_blank">Dana Carpender's Fast Fast Cookbook</a>. Which is based on page 272-274 of <a href="http://amzn.to/XCafqu" target="_blank">Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution</a>. I gave a little mention on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/03/look-what-arrived-today-low-carb-update.html" target="_blank">Saturday's post</a> (a few weeks ago) about making the Coconut Flax Bread.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />The cookbook is pretty awesome. It had a lot more to it than I thought it would. It's full of recipes to eat for the Fat Fast and the good part is that it contained many things that were already in my kitchen. I hate to embark on a new journey only to find out I have to go to the store to buy a million new products. Or, to try a new recipe only to find out I am missing half the ingredients.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br />I went through the cookbook and noted a few recipes I could make with ingredients already in my home. There was a handful, so I may have to try the Fat Fast for a day and see how it goes.<br /><br />Or...<br />at the very least, try some of the recipes.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4987250633614450792013-03-09T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:56:53.456-04:00Look What Arrived Today! (& Low Carb Update)<div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XE6l2-9s1xY/UwpTGWRekvI/AAAAAAAAKw4/AtJeWloN0Zs/s1600/atkins+cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XE6l2-9s1xY/UwpTGWRekvI/AAAAAAAAKw4/AtJeWloN0Zs/s1600/atkins+cm.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>Following the Atkins Induction has served me well. I have had a few slips these last few weeks and my weight loss has stalled. Not Atkins/Keto fault. My own fault. I started to focus too much on trying to add new things to my meal plan (like Almonds) and replace peanut butter (almond butter) and I just could not get the weight to budge. Even though I was within my carbs, I was way too high in calories and fat. Cheese became a huge problem too. It became my easy go-to snack and I was eating way more than the recommended 4 oz. a day. Another known issue is the Atkins bars. Despite the fact that they too fit well within my meal plan, the ingredients were just too much and added right back to my cravings. </div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div><b>Lesson learned.</b> So, I will not be buying those types of products. The cheese is ok, but I will be sticking to shredded and cheese sticks for a while. </div><div></div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />My husband and step kiddo will eat whatever I make them. I like weekend meals to be fun and special so I try to get creative with what I am cooking. I had heard good reviews about the cookbook and thought I would give it a shot. I have a lot of cookbooks on my iPad, but I love having actual cookbooks in my kitchen.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>We also like our pancakes for breakfast once in while. Countless pancake recipes exist that are low-carb, but I wanted to try these too. I have tried one low-carb pancake recipe, and you can see that one on yesterday's post - <a href="http://yumeating.com/low-carb-keto-friendly-almond-flax-pancakes/" target="_blank">Low Carb & Keto Friendly Almond Flax Pancakes.</a> I also wanted to make some quick bread that didn't call for cream cheese; which seems to be a staple in the keto friendly world. That is fine with me, but I don't think hubs will eat it. There is also a really awesome bread recipe in the <a href="http://amzn.to/126SAPm" target="_blank">CarbSmart Fat Fast Cookbook</a>. It calls for some coconut, flax, baking soda and a few other items. Grain-free and gluten-free. Can't wait to bake a loaf, make some toast and slap on some butter! LOL!</div><br /><div><a href="http://amzn.to/XiTX95" target="_blank">Atkins New You Cookbook</a></div><div><a href="http://amzn.to/XiTX95" target="_blank">Atkins All Purpose Baking Mix</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><b>Will work well for Keto!</b><br /><br />FYI- New readers who don't understand Keto - Atkins Induction (Phase 1) is a ketogenic diet. I find belonging to both groups helps with my success much more than belonging to one or the other.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80796076683065048062013-03-04T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-04T13:40:21.311-05:00Getting Serious About My Revenue Share Challenge (I want passive income!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/cmahan" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="81" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6cdkEyQC74/UTO7hDHKthI/AAAAAAAAB88/VYAewSpLcOs/s320/squidoo-banner-orange.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have decided to make a new revenue share challenge.<br /><br />I WANT PASSIVE INCOME!!!!!<br /><br />Ok, not new. Just continue my previous one.<br /><br />I am not sure what the details will be other than I need it to be simple right now; then after graduation I can hit the ground running.<br /><br />If you are interested in reading my past posts about the challenge check out my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Residual%20Income" target="_blank">revenue share posts.</a><br /><br />I'll check in from time to time; but I simply don't have time to check in every day and I am not sure if I will be able to commit to once a week. You can always "like" my Facebook page or follow me in any of the ways on the right. You will be notified of new posts.<br /><div><br />My main focus has been <a href="http://www.examiner.com/user-chrystalmahan" target="_blank">Examiner</a>. 364 articles posted as writing this post.<br /><br />But, you know how the world of the Internet goes. Things go up and down. There have been some changes at Examiner that seems to be showing me a decrease in earnings (no more international pay, no more pay for grab videos and it looks like either no more or a change in pay for slide shows, its so hard for me to keep up). I don't have time to write more articles right now so I am seeking out other options to increase my monthly income. Interested in signing up? Do so <a href="http://exm.nr/T2rG5R" target="_blank">here.</a><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I am still making almost $1000 a month doing very little work. (in my opinion).<br /><br />I have been seeing a lot of success for people on Squidoo and even InfoBarrel. So it got me to thinking. Maybe I am not utilizing the web to the best of my abilities. I tried both of them once and got frustrated. Maybe I just need to suck it up and try again.<br /><br />I also use <b>Bubblews</b>. So far I have only posted a few test articles on <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/account/873-cmahan" target="_blank">my Bubblews</a> aside from using it to share my Examiner content. I am not seeing how it is very useful for backlinks since there isn't a way to hyperlink, you just copy the URL in the body of the article. I do make extra cash just from sharing stuff I already wrote, so I am not going to complain too much. I am trying to write a short piece here and there. Interested in checking out this site and signing up? Please follow <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br /><br />When I find something I want to write about and it doesn't fit my Examiner channels I have been posting them on <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/user/375896" target="_blank">Digital Journal</a>. If you like to "report" news then this is a great place to be. The owners are very personable and reach out from time to time. I really enjoy this site and wish I had more time to put into it.<br /><br /><b>Made a new account; finally jumped on the Squidoo bandwagon. </b><br /><br />Here is my site: <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/ChrystalM" target="_blank">ChrystalM</a> Want to join in too? Click <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/cmahan" target="_blank">this link.</a><br /><br /><b>Old accounts I am not sure what to do with!</b><br /><b><br /></b>Because I don't have a lot of time to write right now I am not sure which ones I will go with. I am thinking about sticking to Examiner and Squidoo for the time being and then slowly working my way back to HubPages or something else.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Here is a list of what I have accounts for:</b><br /><b><br /></b><b><a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> - </b>169 articles and they haven't done much. I think this is my fault. While I have a lot of awards there, I don't take advantage of the site like I should. If I spent time rating and writing from the Marketplace, my revenue would go up as well.<br /><b><br /></b><b><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">Hubpages</a> - </b>used to be my favorite residual site. Then they started idle hubs. Then they made more changed. I had about 100 hubs, I removed the idle ones because I did not want to take the time to rewrite them. Most of them were moved to Helium and some I put on Wizzley (then deleted them.) I now have 19 hubs, which we all know is not near enough to make a sizable income in the residual world. Want to sign up on Hubs? Visit <a href="http://hubpages.com/_signups/hub/cmahan" target="_blank">this link.</a><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.slicethepie.com/?wyd=469391" target="_blank">Slice of the Pie</a></b> - is a get paid to write music reviews site. I plan to get back to this. I was using it for breaks from writing content. It's no residual, but you can refer people. I added it here because it is a nice break from regular writing.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.infobarrel.com/Users/cmahan" target="_blank">InfoBarrel</a></b> - my 1st piece was denied and it sort of irked me since it was a piece that did well at Hubpages. Again, not sure what to do here.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://wizzley.com/authors/cmahan/" target="_blank">Wizzley</a></b> - I did alright there with the 13 pieces I had up. But I went through this thing where I felt I had too many accounts and wanted to downsize the "eggs in the basket." That may not have been the smartest move. I did post them on my other rev share sites. To join <a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.allvoices.com/users/cmahan" target="_blank">AllVoices</a></b> - AV is a news account that I opened but have yet to post anything to. Because it is similar to Digital Journal I am not sure if I will use this one; but will post a test at some point to see how well it does.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.epinions.com/user-chrysa1/show_~View_Profile" target="_blank">ePinions</a></b> - This was my very first adventure into the wonderful world of revenue sharing. My account was started in 2000 and let me tell you - I had no idea what I was doing and it was terrible. I would like to take the time to clean up my mess and rewrite the material there. Maybe revive that account. Not sure. We'll have to test the waters here too. <u><b>WARNING</b></u>: The writing here is so bad; it's embarrassing! I DO plan to fix this.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632" target="_blank">WebAnswers</a></b> - WA is perfect for those days when you just don't want to write, but you feel like you should do something. It is Adsense based. If you would like to sign up, please do so <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_cmahan/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.firehow.com/" target="_blank">FireHow</a></b> - is similar to eHow. I have yet to post here even though I have had an account for years. I am not sure how the traffic is these days, but it might prove to be useful for some backlinks.<br /><br /><b>So what sites do you use frequently??</b><br /><br /><b><u>NOTICE: </u></b>The "click here" links are referral links. You are NOT required to use them but if you would like to join me in a challenge and you have enjoyed my website - clicking my links are a big help. Thank you! </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24304235027549187102013-02-28T10:30:00.000-05:002013-10-15T10:41:05.296-04:00How I Long for My Own Tiny Space<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mKDuDh-v6rA/Slj6iwlye0I/AAAAAAAADqs/IrfZOUwqP-g/s1600/BH%26G+2.jpg" /><br /><br />Sharing an office has been hard. My husband has some quirky habits that greatly distract me from working. I am also working on my Master's degree online.<br /><br />Every minute that I am not focused on work or school I am dreaming about my own space. At this point, I would be happy for my own space even if it were not separate from the house.<br /><br />I've looked at sheds, thinking that I could purchase one and convert it into an office. Be a part of the global shedworking community. But right now I just don't have the time to convert it.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" name="more"></a><br /><br />I've looked into buying a trailer with the hopes of someday building a tiny house on wheels; again - time and money are the issue here.<br /><br />Let's not forget a small camper. Even used ones aren't really all that affordable for me right now.<br /><br />We've looked into building a room in the basement. However, we don't plan to be in our house much longer. I am graduating with my Masters in June and hubs will graduate next year as he finishes up his last year of classes and clinical's. I just don't see the point in spending money we don't really have.<br /><br />But that may be the only option I DO have.<br /><br /><b>So what is a girl to do when all she wants to do is write but doesn't have a quiet space to retreat to?</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78693804177525498432013-02-24T07:59:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:56:07.672-04:00I Just Realized......<br /><div><a href="http://www.netrition.com/cgi/goto.cgi?gid=3870&aid=3885" target="_blank"><img alt="Soy Slender Soy Milk" src="http://images.netrition.com/images/westsoy_soy_slender_new.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I still have 1 container of Vanilla <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/07/my-shape-how-it-came-to-be.html" target="_blank">Ideal Shape leftover from last summer</a> that has never been opened. (Yum!) And I also have maybe 2 servings left over of chocolate. I stuck these in the back of my cabinets when I started going low-carb because I was worried they would not fit into my plan. Now I am finding a lot of recipes which call for some protein powder, usually whey. I am guessing it must be low in carbs.<br /><br />You can ready about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Ideal%20Shape" target="_blank">my Ideal Shape journey here</a>. Or, you can pick up a <a href="http://amzn.to/X5oAO7" target="_blank">program guide</a>.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I just realized that the Vanilla has 4 net carbs and the Chocolate has 6 net carbs. Which, for some might be a little high. But when you have 20-25 net carbs a day; it certainly gives you a little bit of wiggle room, especially when you use a scoop in a recipe that gets divided up in servings.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Wasting food isn't an option for me so I am going to have to see how to incorporate this into my plan. I am thinking about having a shake for breakfast to break away from eggs once in a while. Even if I use the Vanilla, it is only 4 net carbs and with some water or unsweetened coconut almond milk - neither add any net carbs.<br /><br />Recently I picked up some <a href="http://bit.ly/15Gr7D6" target="_blank">Westsoy Soy Slender Vanilla and Cappuccino</a> (on sale for $1.49 at my local discount store!) which only has 1 net carb per 8oz. It is unsweetened with sugar and has Splenda instead. It also has added vitamins (C&D) and other goodie stuff that I read from the label.<br /><br /> I know some folks have issues with soy milk, but I have to shop what is on sale. Right now that Cappuccino with some Vanilla protein powder sounds pretty yummy for breakfast! I feel as long as I stay within 20-25 net carbs I am well within the guidelines for Keto (or even Atkins).<br /><br /><b>I'd love to know some of your breakfast ideas for low carbing!</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74396070148661053212013-02-23T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:53:58.929-04:00Why Keto?<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8H4-u1wFueA/USfYYWXLGtI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/zblllpVFISA/s1600/foodsforketo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8H4-u1wFueA/USfYYWXLGtI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/zblllpVFISA/s1600/foodsforketo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I know I mentioned that I had <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Low%20Carb" target="_blank">started on Atkins</a> on January 1 and did really well with it. I felt great! I was sleeping a bit better. As a long-time sufferer of insomnia this was a welcomed changed. My back and hips hurt all the time and there would be days when the inflammation was obviously lower. The best part was I was not getting the afternoon slumps or carb hangovers. Yah!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But then I stalled. I was still eating the same and exercising so I am not sure what happened. I stayed on Induction, Phase 1, also called Extended Induction for those who stay on it longer than the minimum 14 days. I started to look at Paleo and while I understood the concept I just couldn't give up my cheese; which led me to Primal. I read the books; twice. Somehow I stumbled on some information about the Keto Diet (not the 4:1 version meant to treat epilepsy but the 1:1 version for obesity). I checked out "<a href="http://amzn.to/1322j8H" target="_blank">The Ketogenic Diet</a>" by Lyle McDonald and started to pour over the posts on the <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/keto/" target="_blank">Keto Reddit</a> group.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/02/my-keto-diet-in-nutshell.html" target="_blank">Here is a basic rundown</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />This may be the answer I am looking for. It is much like the Atkins Induction phase with a few minor tweaks. What I like is that their a lot more people admitting they are on Keto than they are on Atkins. That sucks because I need a community of people to chat with since I don't really have anyone in real life that really understands <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/PCOS" target="_blank">my PCOS</a> and weight issues. Either way, I still follow both forums since they are so similar. Atkins Induction is just a form of Keto and when I get closer to goal I plan to follow the Phases on Atkins; again, so similar to Keto phases.<br /><br />Then I read Gary Taubes "<a href="http://amzn.to/XiQx68" target="_blank">Why We Get Fat</a>" which was recommended by both Atkins and Keto followers.<br /><br /><b>So why Keto at all? </b><br /><b><br /></b>First of all - the results I have been seeing on folks are amazing and their photos all over <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/keto/" target="_blank">r/reddit </a>don't lie. I feel there is a bit more community there than on the Atkins forums (even though their are a million low carb forums where folks discuss Atkins). On the official Atkins forums it seems like newbies come in, but it is the same 5 people answering their posts. Or, it could just be that I need some variety. I like the old Atkins. I find the new Atkins to be a bit commercial-y and product-y. I wanted to find a program where I could eat real food. No more packaged stuff. I didn't want to make 2 different meals (one for me; one for family) and I didn't want to break the bank. Keto (and old Atkins) does that for me.<br /><br />It could also be that Keto is proven to ward off cancer. Yes, you heard me. It's also a diet used to help those with Alzheimer (runs in hubs family). Having lost both my grandparents to cancer; it's not something I take lightly. Sure, the keto diet can be a bit scary. You have to change your entire mindset. Coming from a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Weight%20Watchers" target="_blank">Weight Watcher Lifetimers background</a> switching from the low-fat method to yes-I-can-have-fat method is a little odd. It was scary until I really started to read the information, watch those documentary movies like <a href="http://amzn.to/13bptK2" target="_blank">Fat Head</a>, and try to understand the science behind it.<br /><br />Cancer scares me. Keto scares cancer. Did you know that glucose feeds cancer? Me neither. Until I started to pay attention. The more glucose (sugar) in your system the more cancer can or be encouraged to grow.<br /><br />Seems like the obvious choice, right?<br /><br />Bye-bye sugar!<br /><br />Let's not forget that Keto is also designed for people who are insulin resistant like me. So, I keep my carbs low (20-25 net) and my body will go into ketosis. Ketones will kick fats ass.<br /><br />Bye-bye fat!<br /><br />Bonus - it is also used to treat anxiety. WIN!<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1501797564301730602013-02-22T19:06:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:49:47.610-04:00Husband Learned an Important Lesson...go back to eating carbs and you feel like crap.<br /><br />tired<br />sluggish<br />worn out<br />heartburn comes back<br />overall crappy feeling.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Know what I said?<br /><br />That's what he gets for trying to sneak off to eat carbs and not tell me until later.<br /><br />For some of us carbs are bad.<br /><br />For some of us we are sensitive to them.<br /><br />He is realizing he is one of them.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7819601133601113112013-02-19T14:05:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:48:40.621-04:00(My) Keto Diet In a Nutshell<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nTuquHlXgQ/USPLs1HFkiI/AAAAAAAAB7I/65aCgO3JUj8/s1600/ketosisdiet.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nTuquHlXgQ/USPLs1HFkiI/AAAAAAAAB7I/65aCgO3JUj8/s1600/ketosisdiet.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>Keto Lifestyle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Atkins Induction is a perfect example of a keto diet. Atkins Induction has a minimum of two weeks before the person decides whether to stay in Induction or move on to the next phase in Atkins. On Keto the person makes changes when they feel ready. Both are based on the principle of getting your body to go through ketosis. </div><div><br /></div><div>In his book “<a href="http://amzn.to/XiQx68" target="_blank">Why We Get Fat,</a>” Gary Taubes explains the “No Sugar, No Starch” diet that is the basis for Atkins Induction and The Keto Diet. This is not exact for either diet and their are some differences - but it makes for a good starting point for those trying to understand.</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>Here is that plan in a nutshell</b>: (and pretty much what I have been following)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This plan will give you all the nutrition your body required while getting rid of empty carbs.</div><div>You will keep the number of carbohydrate grams to less than 20 grams per day (20 net carbs on Atkins, Keto followers start with 20-20 net grams.)</div><div>Packaged meat and cheese should have 1-2 grams of carbs. (I look for 0-1 net).</div><div>Packaged vegetables should be 5 grams or less (sticking to net, I opt for those 0-3).</div><div>Foods can be cooked in a microwave, baked, broiled, stir-fried, roasted, sautéed, grilled or friend. NO flour, breading or cornmeal. </div><div></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><b>What to eat</b>:</div><div>Meat – beef, pork, ham (unglazed), bacon, lamb, veal, or other meats. For processed meats check the label and stick to the rules mentioned above.</div><div>Poultry – chicken, turkey, duck, or other fowl.</div><div>Fish and Shellfish – any fish and shrimp, lobster, and crab.</div><div>Eggs – the whole egg is allowed.</div><ul type="disc"><li>You do not have to avoid fat that comes with the above food (but I do because without a gallbladder my guts can’t handle all the greasy fat. So I cut the fat off. So my meat doesn’t dry out I will add olive oil or a bit of butter.</li></ul><div><b>Foods that MUST be eaten every day:</b></div><div>2 cups of salad greens</div><div>1 cup ( measure uncooked) vegetables</div><div>2 cups of bouillon (for sodium replenishment)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Foods allowed in limited quantities:</b></div><div>Cheese – 4oz a day </div><div>Cream – up to 4 tbsp a day</div><div>Mayo – up to 4 tbsp a day</div><div>Olives – black or green – up to 6 a day</div><div>Avocado – up to ½ a day</div><div>Lemon/Lime juice – up to 4 tsp a day</div><div>Soy Sauce – look for a low carb brand; up to 4 tbsp a day</div><div>Pickles – up to 2 servings a day </div><div>Snacks – pork rinds, pepperoni slices, ham, beef, turkey, or other meat rolled up. Deviled / boiled eggs.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The point:</b></div><div>You are trying to get rid of sugars (simple carbs) and starches (complex carbs) in your diet. The only carbs allowed are those which are nutritionally dense and fiber rich – vegetables.</div><div>Atkins Induction states that you are allowed 4oz of cheese a day, you should get 6-8oz of protein (meat/egg) with every meal and that 10-15 net carbs should come from vegetables. You are to eat 20 net carbs a day.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Net carbs = carbs - fiber</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Avoid:</b></div><div><u>Sugar/Simple Carbs</u>: White sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple sugar (sorry paleo and primal folks), molasses, corn syrup, beer, milk (lactose is a sugar), flavored yogurts, fruit (some Keto and late stage Atkins will allow for blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries because of the low carb count), and fruit juice.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Starches/Complex Carbs:</u> grains, rice, cereals, flour, cornstarch, breads, pastas, muffins, bagels, crackers, and starchy vegetables like beans, carrots, parsnips, peas, potatoes and any variation of a potato. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Avoid:</u> canned soups, dairy substitutes, ketchup, and relishes. All contain sugar. Check your labels. Beware of fat free and light versions, most are full of sugar. </div><div><br /></div><div>That is pretty much how I have been eating. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>A typical day for me:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>B: hot tea with 2 eggs and 2 pieces of bacon or turkey sausage</div><div>L: grilled chicken and a salad. Sometimes I have tuna or sardines with a salad.</div><div>S: piece of cheese, some celery with cream cheese and green olives, or a small amount of almonds.</div><div>D: A green vegetable, small salad and chicken, beef, fish or pork.</div><div>I like to keep it very simple. I average between 20-25 net carbs. </div><div><br /></div><div>That’s about it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just purchased a copy of the <a href="http://amzn.to/11TbusN" target="_blank">Keto Cookbook</a> so I am going to be testing a lot of those recipes out. Hopefully I will be able to gather all of the photos I have been taking and get those posts as well. I also want to buy the new <a href="http://amzn.to/XiTX95" target="_blank">Atkins Cookbook</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Darn school taking up all of my time! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>As a side note:</b> Whichever plan you decide to follow – make sure you check with your doctor first. Going low carb works for me because of the medical issues I face. It also fits my lifestyle and my budget. It is not a DIET but rather a way of life. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/PCOS" target="_blank">I have PCOS </a>which makes me insulin resistant. Going low-carb is the only thing that has worked for me. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51038736884927882572013-02-18T13:29:00.000-05:002013-10-15T10:47:08.272-04:00The death of Mindy McCready makes me sad.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qPWhegnm50/USJqdYoyv7I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/wcDbgpRqYSk/s1600/_cfimg-1159337596849643700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qPWhegnm50/USJqdYoyv7I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/wcDbgpRqYSk/s320/_cfimg-1159337596849643700.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mindy McCreedy arrives at the 48th Annual BMI Country Awards in Nashville, 10/3/00. Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Another star battled depression and takes their own life. It happens. Sometime fame and fortune break a person. Mindy McCready was pretty popular when I was in college and still listened to a lot of country music. I lived in Oklahoma, it was pretty typical. I remember all of my guy friends thinking she was something special.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br />But then she was faced with a roller coaster of a life; one bad decision after another. Dating guys who beat her, drug and alcohol addiction and numerous attempted suicides. In Jan. her boyfriend, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/mindy-mccready-still-mourning-didn-t-kill-boyfriend" target="_blank">David Wilson, and father to their nine month-old son committed suicide</a>. Mindy entered a treatment facility to help her cope. Just a day or two after her release she committed suicide.<br /><br />She had a battle with mental health. It is a real disease - just like cancer. I wish people would see that. Many who have a mental illness turn to drugs and alcohol to help them cope when they can't find treatment.<br /><br />Depression hurts. If you know someone who is depressed, please make sure they get help.<br /><br />First article about <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/mindy-mccready-commits-suicide-one-month-after-soulmate" target="_blank">her suicide</a>, then the second <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/mindy-mccready-kills-her-dog-before-killing-self-more-information-released" target="_blank">regarding the family dog and her ex</a>.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48767427025083569272013-02-15T11:13:00.001-05:002014-10-01T19:46:19.510-04:00New Writing Spot!! Detroit Healthy Food!<br />I got a new channel on Examiner - <a href="http://www.examiner.com/healthy-food-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Healthy Food</a>!<br /><br />What's new with you guys?????? How is the lifestyle change going?<br /><br />Drop me a comment and let me know your updates.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2162421069095377882013-02-15T11:11:00.000-05:002013-02-15T11:11:27.920-05:00Writing, writing, writing, and more writing! I got a new channel on Examiner - <a href="http://www.examiner.com/healthy-food-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Healthy Food</a>!<br /><br />What's new with you guys??????<br /><br />I am sorry I haven't given many updates regarding Examiner. There was a reason for that.<br /><br />Sadly, a few months back when I posted an update about my income I had a nasty comment left by a fan of another writer on Examiner. I did not post the comment; not because I was afraid of what she wrote, but just because I wanted to make sure I had my facts straight before I did.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />There is a writer on Examiner that was featured in the news last year. She has a bit of a fan base. There has been a huge amount of speculation on the amount of content she produces and whether or not she contracts out. This is a clear violation of the TOS for Examiner. Whether this person that attacked me was just a fan or an outsourced writer is something I won't ever know, nor do I care to find out.<br /><br />What bothered me most is that this person linked a name and a website. She apparently shares the name with a real estate agent. It linked me to their website. I emailed the real estate agent. She was nice enough about the mistaken identity but was upset this person was using her website. I ended up finding the poster on Facebook and that is how I found she was connected to one of the top writers.<br /><br />I contacted Examiner to let them know. She threatened me. Examiner told me not to worry and that they would look into it.<br /><br />Since then I have refrained from posting because I don't want my personal website to be used for a sounding board for angry people.<br /><br />I went ahead and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/11/revenue-share-october-examinercom.html" target="_blank">posted the comment</a> so you can see how ridiculous it is.<br /><br />To read past content about the revenue share challenge I made for myself - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Residual%20Income" target="_blank">visit here.</a><br /><br />As for an update, I am not sure I will be posting numbers anymore. But I will tell you that for being a full-time graduate student and working on writing a few hours here and there when I can and being able to make 1000s a month is a-ok in my book.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25331348967960951312013-02-12T16:56:00.000-05:002013-12-13T15:59:27.718-05:00I Get So Tired....I get so tired of the double standards in the writing world.<br /><br />Who cares <a href="http://www.makealivingwriting.com/2013/02/11/full-time-living-blogging-examiner/" target="_blank">who you write for</a> or what you write. Writers write. Right?<br /><br />If we are earning our living writing why do some feel the need to put others down for the places they write for or the way they earn their writing money.<br /><br /><b>I'm so <u>over</u> it.</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54730128346723384092013-02-11T13:10:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:46:01.927-04:00Gave In To a Craving; It Turned Out Bad<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Fmebcknjk/T4NJILcGfVI/AAAAAAAABBQ/WBNL_RNWi2A/s1600/479606_12511160478610.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Fmebcknjk/T4NJILcGfVI/AAAAAAAABBQ/WBNL_RNWi2A/s1600/479606_12511160478610.jpg" /></a></div><div>I had a serious craving for Mexican food today. It has been a while since I had a craving for anything besides chocolate; which I combat with some Atkins recipes. But anything Mexican is something I have not had in months.<br /><br /></div><div> So, I decided to go off Atkins (I mean its just one meal right?) and instead of eating junky Taco Bell or fast food Mexican (because I have nothing here at home) I warmed up two meals I had left in the freezer prior to my Atkins plan.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div> One was a Budget Lean Gourmet - Sante Fe Beans and Rice and the other was a Smart Ones (Weight Watchers) Chicken Enchilada.<br /><br /></div><div>I should have thrown them away - but I hate to toss food. We don't have the money to throw away. I kept them thinking the kiddo might eat them when she is here on weekends. Then I was going to box up all the stuff I don't want in my house and send it to my moms or aunts. I never did.<br /><br />Anyway, I took a couple of bites and it just grossed me out. I guess I don't need it after all. So, in the trash it goes. I tried to figure the few bites I took and enter them in the tracker.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><div>I'll have some salad and boiled egg instead. Still, it was better than going to Taco Bell.</div><div>Dinner will most likely be a nice big salad and some lean protein. Right back on plan. Live and learn.<br /><br /></div><div>I'm not the only one; my husband text me earlier and said he gave in and had lasagna at school today. He said now he feels like crap and he's all bloated and gassy. It's amazing what cutting down the carbs will do. Now we know why we shouldn't eat certain things; our dietitian told us!<br /><br /></div><div>Also, they changed my health title at Examiner from Low Carb Lifestyle which was on the health and fitness channel to<a href="http://www.examiner.com/healthy-food-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank"> Healthy Foods</a> which is in the food and cooking section. I think this will be great because it will allow me to post recipes and such. A lot of my recipes are great for Atkins and they are also Primal/Paleo friendly. I am just waiting on the transfer to happen and then I can write up my first post! </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12160507915229019172013-02-09T14:42:00.002-05:002013-02-09T14:48:56.193-05:00Dusting This Thing OffI know it has been a while and it has gotten a little dusty around here. School keeps me so busy that I have no choice but to let some of my projects fall to the wayside for a bit. When I get a chance to breath I have been trying to take some much needed "me" time instead of worrying about all of my websites.<br /><br />I'm still here and I am still plugging away over at <a href="http://www.examiner.com/user-chrystalmahan" target="_blank">Examiner</a>. I have not been able to write as much as I did before the holidays, but I am still making good money. Right now it is the only place I am writing. I like it so much there that I have requested another channel, Detroit Healthy Food, which will be an extension of my <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">More To Life than Chocolate</a> website.<br /><br />I do share my content on <a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank">Bubblews</a> and it's a nice amount of dollars that add up pretty quickly. I write some recipes and share a lot of my celebrity stuff from Examiner. I highly recommended it. Worth the<a href="http://www.bubblews.com/?referral=509925d6d57c74.07479853" target="_blank"> sign-up</a>. When I have time I write regular news on <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/user/375896" target="_blank">Digital Journal</a>. I don't have a lot of content there but it seems to do OK when I actually write something.<br /><br />Trying to keep up with so many websites has been a job all on it's own. I wish I could figure out the secret to streaming the process. Maybe when I am done with school and my only focus is writing, then I can figure it out.<br /><br />eBooks have been put on hold for a while. I have so many projects loaded into Scrivener that once I am done with school it might just take me a month to sort through all of it. I just wish I had more hours in the day.<br /><br />How are all of you doing with your writing goals?<br /><br />Valentines Day is right around the corner. Here are a <a href="http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/valentine-s-day-creative-writing-prompts" target="_blank">few writing prompts</a> to get you started with some new material.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22128328581921531812013-02-09T13:48:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:45:32.926-04:00New Study Supports Atkins Diet Principle<div class="tr_bq"><img src="http://www.bestslimmingpills.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/AtkinsLogo-227-kb.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></div><br />I know there are a lot of people out there who think Atkins is bad. They listen to the myths that it is dangerous (not if you follow the rules) and it's an all-you-can-eat buffet of meats, cheeses, and the most popular, bacon. That is simply not true. Yes, people exist that say they are following Atkins and they eat all this stuff with no moderation or thought to calorie consumption.<br /><br />One should eat until full, yes that is true, but those who overeat are not eating until full. They are simply overeating. I think if everyone took the time to actually pay attention to the science and read the book they will realize people aren't eating bacon every day and cheese is certainly not unlimited (4oz a day). Only the first 14 days are restrictive and there is a reason for that.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In the last 5 years it has been the only plan that allows me to eat real food (no frankenfoods here) and still lose weight. For me and my insulin resistance (PCOS) this plan works. My dietitian put me on low-carb and I picked Atkins.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Still need more proof? Check out this recent study.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><blockquote><span itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">DENVER</span>, Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As Valentine's Day approaches, a recent meta-analysis published by the British Medical Journal suggests that giving your loved one something sugary might not be the best way to show affection. In the study the authors reviewed 30 eligible published trials and 38 eligible published cohort studies related to sugar intake and found that there does appear to be a direct correlation between consumption of sugar and body weight, further supporting the founding principle behind the <a href="http://community.atkins.com/RegistrationOnePage.aspx?mcid=pr2013" target="_blank">Atkins Diet</a>™. An accompanying editorial by <span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">Walter Willett </span>and <span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">David Ludwig </span>entitled "Science Souring on Sugar" also states that consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates adversely affects manifestations of metabolic syndrome, which can be an early indicator for diabetes.</blockquote><br /><blockquote>The meta-analysis was designed to identify trends across 68 publications, including both adult and child subjects, related to sugar consumption and effect on body weight. The study found the probability of being overweight or obese was highest among groups with the highest intake of sugar or sugar-sweetened beverages. Some of the studies also evaluated the effects on cholesterol levels, changes in BMI, changes in blood glucose and insulin levels, mood, and inflammation. The review lends support to the idea that advising people to limit the sugar in their diets may help lessen excess weight and obesity, the researchers conclude.</blockquote><br /><blockquote>"We are encouraged that the latest nutritional thinking has indeed zeroed in on carbohydrates instead of fat as a likely cause of pre-diabetes and obesity. Easily digestible carbs, in particular—starches like potatoes, white rice, and bread from processed flour, as well as refined sugar—make it hard to burn fat and also increase inflammation in the body that can cause heart attacks," said <a href="http://blogs.atkins.com/Blogs/colette_heimowitz/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Colette Heimowitz</a>, M.Sc., VP of Nutrition and Education at Atkins. "The foundation of the Atkins Diet is that a <a href="http://www.atkins.com/Program/Overview.aspx" target="_blank">low-carb approach</a> to eating, mutual with a low-sugar approach, is a key element in bringing an end to the current obesity epidemic. We seek to educate people as to how refined carbs and sugar affect their weight and overall health profile."</blockquote><br /><blockquote>The editorial by Willett and Ludwig states that the high level of sweetness that is prevalent in popular food supply may promote behaviors akin to addiction – another indicator of the role of sugar in the prevalent obesity epidemic. The editorial goes on to say that "many starchy foods, particularly highly processed grains and potato products, have a high glycemic index, raising blood glucose and insulin more rapidly than an equivalent amount of sucrose." The piece stresses that "efforts to reduce sugar intake are appropriate, but they should form part of a broader effort to improve the quality of carbohydrates, which would include reducing intakes of refined grain products and potatoes."</blockquote><br /><blockquote><b>About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. </b>Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. is a leader in the $2.4 billion weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and management. The Atkins Diet focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.</blockquote><br /><blockquote>Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of <a href="http://www.atkins.com/Products/Frozen-Meals.aspx" target="_blank">frozen meals</a>, nutrition bars and shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet™. Atkins' four product lines: <a href="http://www.buyatkins.com/category/advantage.asp" target="_blank">Advantage</a>®, <a href="http://www.buyatkins.com/category/daybreak.asp" target="_blank">Day Break</a>™, <a href="http://www.buyatkins.com/category/endulge.asp" target="_blank">Endulge</a>™ and <a href="http://www.buyatkins.com/category/cuisine.asp" target="_blank">Cuisine</a>™ appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available online at atkins.com and in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.atkins.com/" target="_blank">atkins.com</a>.<br />SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.<br />RELATED LINKS<a href="http://www.atkins.com/" target="_blank" title="Link to http://www.atkins.com">http://www.atkins.com</a><a href="http://s.tt/1zwcz"><img src="http://1.rp-api.com/4253718/via.png" height="11" width="12" />PR Newswire</a> (<a href="http://s.tt/1zwcz">http://s.tt/1zwcz</a>)<br />ORIGINAL SOURCE: <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-supports-atkins-diet-principle-overconsumption-of-sugar-contributes-to-health-issues-and-weight-gain-190267361.html" target="_blank">PRNewsWire</a></blockquote><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21545307879960526292013-02-06T18:03:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:45:00.677-04:00Living Low-Carb at Frankenmuth Brewery<div><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoN2x_Frh38/URLedROhFDI/AAAAAAAAB3w/JbmKfkB5NyA/s320/Frankenmuth+Brewery.png" height="216" width="320" /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div><br />The low-carb lifestyle has been going pretty well. I was scared to go out to eat for the first few weeks. I am slowly venturing out. I had a coupon for a buy 1 get 1 free entree at the <a href="http://www.frankenmuthbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Frankenmuth Brewery</a> which isn't too far from my house. I decided to give it a go and see what we could find on the menu that would fit into my low-carb plan. For this meal I followed the Atkins guidelines, my husband on the other hand had the same meal, but his side item choices were leaning more towards the Primal Blueprint/Paleo direction.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I ordered the Land and Sea for $22.99. It came with two 4oz. steak medallions and 3 butterfly shrimp. Our waiter was new and he thought the shrimp were breaded, so I had planned to just take the breading off. I didn't have to. Instead of the mashed potatoes I opted for steamed vegetables. Normally I get a red ale, but due to the wheat and low-carb life I opted against it. This part of my low-carb living plan I haven't figured out yet. :)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I had asked for my steaks to be cooked medium-well and they were a bit closer to well done. I didn't complain though because we do frequent this place often and know they had to recently fire some people. So, perhaps it was someone new in the kitchen. Either way, my meal was very good. However, for the $22.99 price tag I don't think I will order it again because it was not a lot of food for the price. I should have received a few more shrimp and twice the amount of vegetables. All-in-all I will go back, but I wont bring a coupon that limits me just to entree items.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19745310115781865952013-01-29T12:23:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:44:37.566-04:00The Stupid Scale<br /><div>I am having a war with my scale again. Today I decided to step on it. It's not weigh in day but yet I had to do it anyway. What I saw was the results of diet sodas, packaged meat full of sodium, and pork chops so full of fat I could go swimming. My body is not happy when I eat things things. Too much salt and fat makes me bloated and a terrible stomach ache.<br /><br /></div><div>Hit the treadmill for an hour this morning. It's been so cold the last few days I have only been able to do 20-30 minutes, so I was glad I was able to get up to an hour. </div><div></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I would like to say that things are good with the hubs and I. He made dinner last night. Of course I had to plan it out for him; but at least for once he cooked. I tried to work, but I was so frustrated from our fight earlier in the day that it was hard to focus. Tried watching a movie and my head wasn't in it. I told him I can't pretend like things are fine when they aren't.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>So tired of the fighting. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't want to sit there any longer so I just went to bed. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure how today is going to go. I tried to get my homework done. Now I am here trying to dump my thoughts before I start working. He'll be home soon so I need to get something accomplished. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just don't want to fight anymore and I don't know how to make it stop. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4619662746546188382013-01-28T12:25:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:41:06.605-04:00Being Stressed = Binges<br /><div>Many years ago I was on Weight Watchers. I was a runner. I suffered from major reoccurring depression, PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety. Not much has changed. Except gaining an addiction to laxatives. The mental help fixed that. The degenerative disk disease stopped the running. The stress of living her brought back the binge eating. Then came the osteoarthritis in my hips. Now its pain every day. I do my best to walk on the treadmill every morning. I have been following Atkins because I found out I have PCOS and insulin resistance. </div><div></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>Until today my eating has under control.</b> The stress is in full force today and I am finding myself eating pepperoni and pieces of cheese. I just drank 2 Diet Mountain Dews...and I never drink pop. I don't even like it.<br /><div><br /></div><div>*sigh*</div><div><br />I am too old to be feeling this way. My body is crooked. Because of the back and hips being the way they are, the deterioration is pulling my right shoulder down, which is now 3-4in shorter than my left side. My right leg is almost an inch shorter than my right. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><div>I have to get the stress under control and the weight down. </div><div><br /></div><div>I need to get back to therapy, but we just lost our insurance. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>So much has to change in life. </b>I feel like I am digging my own grave right now. I wont be surprised if I have a heart attack before I am 40. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52346855722225861062013-01-23T17:29:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:40:24.611-04:00Wednesday Weigh In 1/23 : 11.4 lbs Gone on Atkins in January<div>For anyone following this site or my other site, you might remember I have been battling the same 10-13 pounds over and over for years. I am finally happy to say that I feel like I can really beat this insulin resistance now. I thought Atkins Induction would be too hard, so early last year when my doctors found out what was wrong with me I tried to change my ways; it just wasn't happening. I felt I was so stuck in "points" mode that I was never going to learn counting calories or carbs. After a back and forth chat that last over a series of emails (and months) with my dietitian listening to my OB/GYN and my PCP, I finally decided that I had to do something. My problems were not going to correct themselves. But no matter what I did - count calories, low-fat, lowering my carbs, walking on the treadmill, eliminating certain foods, reading a million books about insulin resistance PCOS and the glycemic index, following a somewhat diabetic diet that the dietitian put me on - all of it left me with little results.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Then I heard that Atkins had a new book (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439190275/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1439190275&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20">New Atkins New You</a>) and it was no longer the plan of yesteryear. The plan my dietitian warned me about ("its too low in carbs, if you must follow a plan, follow South Beach because it's based on the glycemic index") was going to be what I was going to try. (SORRY!) But, I felt I had to do something because I was certain that these junky carbs I was feeding my body was to blame for the lack of weight loss. I had to battle against the insulin resistance, not feed it more.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />The reason I picked Atkins over South Beach? Atkins materials are 100% free online. SB makes you pay for their apps and website. Um, no thanks. I purchased the Kindle book and never looked back. I do have the South Beach and actually tried to follow it when it first came out. Since it is not as low in carbs because it is based on lower bad carbs lower bad fat, there were still a lot of things I didn't want to eat. I also looked at Primal and Paleo - and that's a whole new post.<br /><br /><br />So, after months of trying this, doing that, and ending up defeated and even more depressed, I decided I was just going to suck it up and doing. So, I did. I finally pushed through my blocks, said "screw you" to my husband (only in a much nicer manner) to let him know that after 5 years of togetherness I was going to come FIRST. Not him, not his daughter, not the animals. Nothing. Me. It was high time I took care of myself. I was going to prepare meals that were friendly to me and if they didn't like it - they could eat somewhere else.<br /><br /><br />Since I do all the grocery shopping and pay for the all the food, they came to terms with it pretty quickly. So kiddo and I started a new baking adventure making new recipes for snacks, desserts and even dinner. So far, it is working out well. My husband, a little slower to get on-board is starting to come around. For the first time in I don't know how long, we didn't buy a bag of potatoes at the grocery store (today).<br /><br />I won't lie, it hasn't been easy. But instead of focusing on what I am not eating right now, I focus on what I can have. And in time, when I feel like I am ready to move past Induction I will start adding some of the good carbs back. Induction is only 14 days and I am now on 23. I just want to get myself completely detoxed of junky flour and sugar and reduce my cravings. I am almost there. <br /><br />I feel GREAT in all honesty. I am on the treadmill pretty much every day. I sleep a little better (when I actually do sleep) and I haven't been getting the afternoon slumps. I'm also not getting the afternoon snack-attack and evening munchies attack. Eating out is easy because pretty much every restaurant has a grilled meat and salad or vegetable plate.<br /><br />Best part? I no longer have to purchase light, lean, low-fat, or fat-free frankenfood items. I admit I do buy a lot of chicken breast, fish, and boneless pork just because too much bacon and red meat makes me feel like junk. I don't have a gallbladder and ever since then - just can't tolerate it. I also use light margarine instead of butter - again, because I can't tolerate the high fat. It's ok. It's working for me just fine.<br /><br />I have <b>ZERO</b> complaints. 180 here I come!<br /><br /><u>Monthly Stats:</u><br /><br />Jan. 3 238 <br /><br />Jan 4. 233.5 (-4.5) <br /><br />Jan 6 232.2 (-1.3) <br /><br />Jan 7 230.4 (-2.2) <br /><br />Jan 11 230.0 (-.04) <br /><br />Jan 23 227.0 (- 3.0) <br /><br /><br /><br />January Total: 11.04 loss <br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32624964144308510222013-01-22T13:51:00.000-05:002013-01-22T13:51:31.358-05:00Secretly Smitten<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140168713X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=140168713X&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img height="400" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Secretly-Smitten1-e1357928851170.jpg" width="259" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It has been a little while since I have done a book review. Graduate school takes up so much time that there is very little time to relax and read. I made it a point at the first of the year to take better care of myself (you can see my challenge on More to Life than Chocolate) and that included “me” time to read. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal">Just in time for Valentine’s Day I received a book called “Secretly Smitten” but Colleen Coble, Kristen Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter. This book is a little different in that it’s an all in one volume where each ‘book’ is written by a different author. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first ‘book’ called “Love Between the Lines” by Colleen Coble was my favorite part. The way the author described a love that was lost and the excitement between the granddaughters it was as if it were my own family. It was an easy read. The story was engaging and I longed to know more about the grandmother and her true love who was lost in the war. By the next story you can see the theme of the book. Each ‘book’ written from a different perspective also gives you a glimpse into another person’s life, the grandchildren. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There was little mention of the grandmother and the love, which was a bit of a disappointment. It did pick back up again by ‘book’ 3 and the ending of the last ‘book.’ I don’t want to give much away because I honestly feel that any book lover will enjoy this gem. It was a little jarring for me because you could tell different authors were penning the book. They each brought their own writing style and at first I felt it was a bit ‘off’ feeling by ‘book’ 3 I felt that it really made the piece more memorable. I enjoyed reading about the town of Smitten and the lives that were entwined there. It’s a great little love story, but it’s also full of the love of family and a town in which you invest your life. </div><br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">To purchase your copy of Secretly Smitten check it out on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140168713X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=140168713X&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px;"><span face="Times" size="3" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><strong>About <em>Secretly <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Smitten</span></em>:</strong> </div></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span face="Times" size="3"> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><strong>Summer, fall, winter, spring-<span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Smitten</span>, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!</strong></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span face="Times" size="3"><br />There's a secret in Grandma Rose's attic-a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Smitten</span>. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?<br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span face="Times" size="3">The mystery intrigues Rose's three granddaughters-Tess, Clare, and Zoe-and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?<br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><em>Join popular romance novelists-and real-life BFFs-Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.</em></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><em><br /></em></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #cc0000;">To check out other posts in the blog tour head on over to <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/Smitten" target="_blank">Litfuse Authors.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</i></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15160170140415223012013-01-22T13:36:00.002-05:002013-01-22T13:36:45.982-05:00Secretly Smitten | An Evening of Giggle, Gab & Prizes<center><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.265625px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/nelsonfiction/app_485447744827798" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/secretly-smitten-200.png" width="200" /></a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.265625px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.265625px; text-align: left;">The "gals" are celebrating the release of </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.265625px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Secretly Smitten</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.265625px; text-align: left;"> with a fun Live Webcast on February 5th. They'll be debuting the *NEW* animated Smitten trailer, giving away tons of prizes, dishing on the book and their friendship. They'll also be wrapping up the <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/secretlysmitten" target="_blank"><i>Secretly Smitten</i> blog tour</a>, answering audience questions and testing your trivia skills. Don't miss the fun and bring your friends. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nelsonfiction/app_485447744827798" target="_blank">Click here to RSVP and set up a reminder</a>.</span></center>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70320947496164244902013-01-21T18:29:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:39:33.784-04:00I Know It's Been A While<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey6BgnHOZpk/UDQHcpUBZSI/AAAAAAAABdM/k370XJqAcAY/s1600/196699_492637387415014_163055015_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey6BgnHOZpk/UDQHcpUBZSI/AAAAAAAABdM/k370XJqAcAY/s1600/196699_492637387415014_163055015_n.jpg" /></a></div><div>...life has taken me in many directions.<br /><br />I am still battling the PCOS and the insulin resistance that comes with it. I finally had a moment where everything just clicked.<br /><br />Right after Christmas I cleaned out my pantry. I made a trip to the store a few days later. I started planning my actions and getting things in order. I had decided to go low-carb since that is basically what my dietitian was telling me to do. I had tried going back to Weight Watchers and the low cal, low fat plan was not working. Because I need structure, I decided to read up on some low carb plans. I decided to do Atkins. I tried to do it last year, and just didn't have my head in the game. </div><div><br /></div><div>Between Christmas and New Years I started to eliminate a lot of things from my diet. I ate less carbs with each passing day. </div><div></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />On January 1 I was 240, as of today I am 229.6. It has been pretty easy. No, not pretty easy, really easy. I just trade my chocolate cravings for my love of cheese (yes I limit myself to the allowable 4 oz.). I dont eat high fat meats and I am staying pretty low on calories. I am not sitting around eating bacon everyday either. It's funny how people think they really know Atkins based on myths they have heard over the years. I have read the 1972 book, the 92/updated in 2002 book, and the brand new book that came out in 2010. So far,it is the only thing in 2 years that has dropped me down to 230. I plan to keep pushing forward and with every day that passes it gets easier. I am on a mission to kick PCOS's ass.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am still in Induction. I plan to stay at this phase until I have 14 days in a row where I do not go over 20g net carbs. I have had a day here and there where I have been 26 and 28. Some people leave Induction after 14 days (the minimum) while others chose to stay until they are ready for the next phase. I feel good and I want to teach myself the right way to eat for my medical issues. This is how I do it. Trial and error. I am not starving and I am certainly not deprived. I actually feel really good.<br /><br />I have been on the treadmill - daily.<br /><br />I've been experimenting with recipes and having a great time doing so.<br /><br />I know there are a lot of Atkins haters out there, and that's fine. I can't change their mind. I think a lot of them would think differently if they paid attention to the new plan and not the old outdated stuff. But I am eating healthy , losing weight, and feeling good. I will beat my PCOS , drop the weight, and be healthy. Just like all my doctors said I should.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59673819836907417922013-01-20T18:01:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:39:03.262-04:00It's been 21 daysIt's been 21 days since I have had<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />cake<br />candy<br />pancakes<br />bread<br />milk<br />potato<br />rice<br />pasta<br />corn<br />peas<br />cereal<br />grits<br />oats<br />diet pop<br />and anything else related to high carbs, bad carbs, sugars, super starchy, and comes in a prepacked box.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53601213400363658092013-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:38:03.214-04:00How to Order Low-Carb at Olive Garden (and a night with Pauly Shore)<div></div><br /><br />One of the hardest things for me since changing my eating pattern has been my thought process about going out to eat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xx3xR-DT7sc/Uwe8JjxeobI/AAAAAAAAKqU/Jun7c3PS2dA/s1600/chrystal+and+matt+with+pauly+shore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xx3xR-DT7sc/Uwe8JjxeobI/AAAAAAAAKqU/Jun7c3PS2dA/s1600/chrystal+and+matt+with+pauly+shore.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>I just don't want to.<br /><br />On Jan. 9 the hubs and I went to the <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/341099" target="_blank">Temple Theater to see comedian Pauly Shore</a>. We loved him growing up and thought it would be a lot of fun to go to. We decided it would be a date night and we should go out to eat. Since we have to watch our finances, we decided to use the gift card kiddo got us for Christmas.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So, where did we go?<br /><br />Only the worst restaurant in America for a low-carb diet.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><b>Olive Garden.</b><br /><br />Oh yes, I braved the garden. It took a bit of planning on my part and sticking to my plan.<br /><br />When they sat the bread down I immediately pushed it towards hubs. He doesn't need to eat it either, but I didn't get a chance to tell the waitress not to bring it. Then, she asked about the salads. I asked for my own bowl with no dressing and no croutons. I did ask for ranch on the side.<br /><br />True story, I dipped my fork in the ranch, then ate a few bits of salad. Old trick I learned on Weight Watchers many years ago.<br /><br />Another true story, I ate two bowls of salad.<br /><br />Yum!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl5cquxwzAA/UPhxoBN-wyI/AAAAAAAABzA/X62pbOCvN_4/s1600/Herb_Grilled_Salmon.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl5cquxwzAA/UPhxoBN-wyI/AAAAAAAABzA/X62pbOCvN_4/s1600/Herb_Grilled_Salmon.jpg" /></a></div><br />I ordered their grilled salmon of the lighter fare menu. The total net carbs was 3. It was a large piece and came with a pretty good helping of broccoli and red peppers.<br /><br />Dessert was going to be hard. I kept looking and the new items they had. Ugh. Why can't someone make a carb friendly dessert? Even a diabetic friendly would have been ok, maybe we could have shared it. I had a bit of carb room left in my day even though I wasn't really wanting sugar.<br /><br />I decided on coffee. I did not use of my Splenda allowance (they allow 3 packets on Atkins) and I asked for cream instead of milk. They had wonderful coffee and honestly I didn't miss the dessert. Hubs and I enjoyed our pots of coffee (we each got our own) and sipped this wonderful drink while we talked about how excited we were for the show.<br /><br />I love going out to eat. In the past going out to eat with my friends and my ex-husband was more for socializing. Of course we ate, but that wasn't the main purpose. I need to get back to that. Eating out to enjoy the company first, then the meal.<br /><br /><b>One day at a time.</b><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16926892339137045832013-01-17T13:48:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:37:27.114-04:00My Best Time This Year<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zikG2qfhBWE/UPhGHIp33FI/AAAAAAAAByA/7LZMED8e8Yg/s1600/553053_10151410665075915_451486778_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zikG2qfhBWE/UPhGHIp33FI/AAAAAAAAByA/7LZMED8e8Yg/s200/553053_10151410665075915_451486778_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My exercise plan is going well. I think I am at the point where I am ready to add some DVD workouts to my treadmill routine. I have been on the treadmill pretty much every day this year. I do believe I took 1 or 2 days off. My shortest walk was 15 minutes. Today was my longest; 85 minutes, over 4 miles and I burned 870 calories. </div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I did weigh in this morning and I am still at 230. So, no change from last Wednesday. I am trying not to get discouraged because I do feel so much better and I know I am eating good. Lots of lean proteins and vegetables. I have not had bread, pasta, rice or candy in 17 days. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That is a huge accomplishment for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Going to keep on pushing! </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36987595238881613792013-01-16T13:25:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:36:35.200-04:00Low-Carb Crustless "Sausage" Pizza<div></div><div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXzyRhnUi-4/Uwe6wt-EKgI/AAAAAAAAKqI/Eq0FjTZ3br4/s1600/morning+star+bunless+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXzyRhnUi-4/Uwe6wt-EKgI/AAAAAAAAKqI/Eq0FjTZ3br4/s1600/morning+star+bunless+pizza.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the most difficult challenges I faced these last few days is my inability to eat pizza. Maybe it's just the convenience of having this frozen delight in my freezer, knowing it 20 minutes I will have a meal that I didn't have to put much effort into. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found low-carb crust recipes made out of Atkins baking mix, flax, almond flour or cauliflower. All of which take some prep work. During the week, I don't have a lot of time for prep work. On the weekends I could make it, but what if the family doesn't like the crust? Not only that, I can't remember the last time we had pizza at the house on a weekend. I prefer to make home cooked meals for kiddo when she's here because I know she doesn't get a lot of that at home.</div><div></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I've been thinking about the pizza thing for a while. Checking out the availability of low-carb pizza sauces; realizing I should just make my own. Wondering what the cost would be to make at least 2 of them to try. I spent some time last weekend testing new recipes (which I promise I will post soon) that took ingredients that ate up my grocery budget for the week. But, that is ok. The recipes turned out awesome, and I am feeling better about my food choices with every passing day.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>The other day, BuzzAgent sent me a new campaign for <span grcontextid="Morning Star:0" grmarkguid="07ea657b-c316-45fe-9bf1-8865a40118e5" gruiphraseguid="55a05426-e6b9-4b9a-b9cc-93ecb6771a55">Morning Star</span>. I love Morning Star products, they just haven't been in my budget these last few years. When I did Weight Watchers many years ago, these items were a staple in my diet. Hubs and I went grocery shopping last night and I had my FREE product coupon with me. When I checked the freezer case I wondered what I was going to be able to get. My old favorites had too many <span grcontextid="carbs:0" grmarkguid="e6b6cdcf-2527-49d6-ae79-d4da7f83a0ff" gruiphraseguid="bc8821d4-fa6d-4649-9a3c-b888357158b1">carbs</span>. Then I saw the Tomato and Basil Pizza Vegi Burger. I checked the label, 4 net carbs per patty. I decided to try it, not really knowing what I was going to do. 4 net carbs are a bit high for a meat product, especially when most of them are 0. But, I knew I had to try. I was free after all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today I made it for lunch. I cooked one side for 1 minute. Flipped it over and topped with a tomato slice, some mozzarella cheese, and some black olives. I took the rest of the topping and put them on the plate. (Excuse my Hot Wheels plate LOL) Then I warmed it for another 45 second. Then, I took 3 lettuce leaves and wrapped it around the <span grcontextid="vegi:0" grmarkguid="361c21c4-0c80-4e7b-9de7-d6e5ebaf25b9" gruiphraseguid="2108e38a-dd11-4059-8936-b06bc25164fb">vegi</span> patty. I took a bite. I was in happy heaven. It tasted just like a sausage pizza. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was so excited I texted hubs right away. I know he needs to eat better too, but I can't deprive him of everything he loves. So, he can still enjoy his pizza once in a while and I will keep a box of these handy for those pizza nights. </div><div><br /></div><div>5 out of 5 stars for me. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this product for free from the company as part of a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/morningstar.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=7368929400&Campaign=5354578095&Uid=61673&token=e9cf09c8f74e015c564af8295377b8b0" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/morningstar.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=7368929400&Campaign=5354578095&Uid=61673&token=e9cf09c8f74e015c564af8295377b8b0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80119173179080399322013-01-14T14:26:00.001-05:002013-01-22T13:37:10.181-05:00Top 5 writing prompts for January; keeps you warm and cozy - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com<img alt="Winter windmille" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/f6/7f/f67fcb4ba90434a7564e8fdb80bf6458.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-5-writing-prompts-for-january-keeps-you-warm-and-cozy">Top 5 writing prompts for January; keeps you warm and cozy - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70788242636902836892013-01-05T18:39:00.000-05:002013-10-15T10:48:35.784-04:00Interview: Pretty Little Liars; Jim Titus 60 lb. loss; spoilers (Includes interview and first-hand account)<img alt="308 pound Jim Titus on set of 'Pretty Little Liars' Season 1" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/imagecrop_large/hash/ca/58/ca58974313435504e95fe005cc884182.jpg" /><br />I am really proud of this piece. Check it out on Digital Journal.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/340586">Interview: 'Pretty Little Liars' Jim Titus 6</a><a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/340586">0 lb. loss; spoilers (Includes interview and first-hand account)</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8455816861777347602013-01-03T16:52:00.001-05:002013-01-03T16:52:44.533-05:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4510161/?claim=26j56ub7v3f">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52660742443341093532013-01-02T12:24:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:36:13.117-04:00What to do?The domain for this site is up in March. Since I can't seem to keep up with it, nor do I see that really happening in my future, I have been thinking of merging it (Ignite Your Motivation) with Self Employed Writer.<br /><br />NOTE 2014: As you can see that website is now gone and those posts are here.<br /><br />Sort of a "The SEW does Low Carb" or something like that. Since working from home can pose a challenge with the fridge being right there... all. the. time. I think it will be easier for me to manage.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I don't know. I have a ton of recipes to post as well and would like to share those, but I think their are other places out there that would give me a better platform to share recipes on like my HubPages or Squidoo account. Just not sure. I do know that my phone is FULL of photos of the meals I have created.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Maybe I should just keep trying.<br /><br /> Most people do websites/blog to make money. It has never really been about the money for me, its always been about the writing and sharing. I miss the blogging communities that used to exist on Yahoo 360 and on the old MySpace. Blogging nowadays is too much like work and not so much fun. At the same time, I am done with school in June and that will allow me some more time to be able to share recipes, success, or failures again. <br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36474172806033739612012-12-20T17:42:00.000-05:002013-10-15T10:49:08.062-04:00(My First Piece at Digital Journal) Op-Ed: To me Christmas means surviving<img height="266" src="http://cdn.morguefile.com/imageData/public/files/d/dpawatts/preview/fldr_2008_12_01/file0001726629850.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />This is my first piece at Digital Journal and I am sharing my story, again. I feel if even one person feels strong enough to speak up after reading my post, then I did my job. Over the years I have had numerous people give me thanks for speaking up. For them, I continue doing what I do. Please take a moment to read my piece.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/339510">Op-Ed: To me Christmas means surviving</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25451516946086954912012-12-17T17:08:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:35:06.294-04:00It's been so crazy!<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvKTSF_Ri-s/UDQJUsET_qI/AAAAAAAABdk/KRA33fl3Sxs/s1600/pcos-ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvKTSF_Ri-s/UDQJUsET_qI/AAAAAAAABdk/KRA33fl3Sxs/s1600/pcos-ribbon.jpg" /></a></div>I am still struggling to come to terms with the PCOS issues. Sadly, I have run into a small glitch in the pain department regarding my back, hips, and shoulder. I had to take a few days off from the treadmill to let the inflammation settle down. I do believe I am going to have to suck it up and have my doctor refer me to physical therapy. This crooked mess has been too hard to deal with this last month.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Schedules here have been crazy too. My husband has been working, doing job shadowing, going to school and working on his internship for his clinical's. I never know when he is going to be home so it has cramped my own work schedule as well as my school. It seems like I have not had enough hours in the day, so my workout sort of took a nosedive too.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am still trying to get the weight down and get everything under control. I have been eating a lot better and have slowly been eating a little cleaner. We have certainly cut down on eating out.<br /><br />But, as the stress of the holidays come full force I find myself reaching for that chocolate bag a few too many times.<br /><br />I refuse to give up though and I hope 2013 brings me a healthy body....one step at a time.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88353004066982106072012-12-13T20:58:00.001-05:002013-01-22T13:37:10.183-05:00Kindle Publishing: The # 1 Killer Proofreading Secret by Paul Stevens <h1 class="entry-title entry-title" datatype="" property="schema:name dc:title" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 2.6em; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em;"><img alt="Kindle Publishing: The # 1 Killer Proofreading " src="http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1355447497_7722_41A9py5aHbL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA278_PIkin4%2CBottomRight%2C-68%2C22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 3px;" /></h1><h1 class="entry-title entry-title" datatype="" property="schema:name dc:title" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 2.6em; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/Xjcj6p" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3e72a7; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">“The #1 Killer Proofreading Secret”</a><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;"> by Paul Stevens was a very disappointing read. At $2.99 readers will be expecting a wealth of information regarding the #1 secret, but this is not the case. For a brief period of time the author offered the book on Kindle for free. Some might say they were glad they did not have to pay for this book because of the lack of material compared to the current selling price. It's five pages long on the Kindle for iPad app. There is a lot of spacing.</span></h1><div><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;">To read the rest of the story:</span></div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/kindle-publishing-the-1-killer-proofreading-secret-by-paul-stevens?cid=db_articles">Kindle Publishing: The # 1 Killer Proofreading Secret by Paul Stevens - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26635868442628419712012-12-13T20:06:00.002-05:002013-10-15T10:49:43.324-04:00Top 10 writing prompts for New Years<img alt="Champagne_t.jpg" src="http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1355446283_9499_rsz_file0001410614839.jpg" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;">Ready to hit the ground running with your New Year's resolution to write more? Stumped and not sure where to start? Maybe the holidays have your mind blocked. No worried. With these New Years writing prompts you are sure to have an introduction to your next novel, a blog post, a poem, or even content for your journal written in no time.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span> <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-new-years?cid=db_articles">Top 10 writing prompts for New Years - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49689603624876640872012-12-13T20:06:00.001-05:002013-01-22T13:37:10.176-05:00Top 10 writing prompts for New Years<img alt="Champagne_t.jpg" src="http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1355446283_9499_rsz_file0001410614839.jpg" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;">Ready to hit the ground running with your New Year's resolution to write more? Stumped and not sure where to start? Maybe the holidays have your mind blocked. No worried. With these New Years writing prompts you are sure to have an introduction to your next novel, a blog post, a poem, or even content for your journal written in no time.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span> <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-new-years?cid=db_articles">Top 10 writing prompts for New Years - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84824514117666597762012-12-12T18:55:00.002-05:002013-10-15T10:50:38.099-04:00Top 10 creative writing prompts for winter <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="Writing Prompts for Winter" src="http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1355355745_4061_file0002052511993.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1em;">The weather outside is cold, these little boosts will help warm up your mind. With these 10 prompts you will be well on your way to filling your journal, writing a new poem, making a blog post, or even starting your next novel.</div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;">1. The snow starts to fall. It get’s quicker by the minute and you can’t see in front of you….</span><br /><br />For the rest of the story: <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-creative-writing-prompts-for-winter?cid=db_articles">Top 10 creative writing prompts for winter - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24081197187987193392012-12-12T18:55:00.001-05:002013-01-22T13:37:10.174-05:00Top 10 creative writing prompts for winter <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="Writing Prompts for Winter" src="http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1355355745_4061_file0002052511993.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1em;">The weather outside is cold, these little boosts will help warm up your mind. With these 10 prompts you will be well on your way to filling your journal, writing a new poem, making a blog post, or even starting your next novel.</div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;">1. The snow starts to fall. It get’s quicker by the minute and you can’t see in front of you….</span><br /><br />For the rest of the story: <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-creative-writing-prompts-for-winter?cid=db_articles">Top 10 creative writing prompts for winter - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23987660933119347012012-12-12T18:37:00.002-05:002013-10-15T10:54:30.995-04:00Top 10 Writing Prompts for Christmas <img alt="The Fireplace" src="http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1355354366_6987_file0001892664905.jpg" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;">Need a little boost for your Christmas writing? With these 10 prompts you will be well on your way to filling your journal, writing a new poem, making a blog post, or even starting your next novel.</span><br /><br />Finish reading here: <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-christmas?cid=db_articles">Top 10 Writing Prompts for Christmas - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57583888415612588052012-12-12T18:37:00.001-05:002013-01-22T13:37:10.179-05:00Top 10 Writing Prompts for Christmas <img alt="The Fireplace" src="http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1355354366_6987_file0001892664905.jpg" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;">Need a little boost for your Christmas writing? With these 10 prompts you will be well on your way to filling your journal, writing a new poem, making a blog post, or even starting your next novel.</span><br /><br />Go here : <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-christmas?cid=db_articles">Top 10 Writing Prompts for Christmas - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26749552075727690212012-12-09T18:46:00.000-05:002013-10-15T10:56:17.724-04:00The Lure of the Writers Cabin - NYTimes.com<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dylan Thomas's writing shed in Laugharne." src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/12/08/opinion/08stone-dylan/08stone-dylan-blog427.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="credit" style="background-color: white; color: #909090; display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1.223em; margin: 2px 0px; text-align: right;">Jonathan Player for The New York Times</span><span class="caption" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.2727em; margin: 3px 2px; text-align: left;">Dylan Thomas’s writing shed in Laugharne.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Who has not fantasized about the books they would write if only the right conditions could be found! I have carried around just such a dream, sparked by a weekend alone in an austere mountain cabin in the Austrian Alps when I was a boy. Rumination was unstoppable, and poetry just poured out.</span><br /><a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/the-lure-of-the-writers-cabin/">The Lure of the Writer's Cabin - NYTimes.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88436237160185149982012-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-05T08:00:09.008-05:00Revenue Share Challenge: November Results are In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" /></div><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Octobers results can be found <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/11/revenue-share-october-examinercom.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I'm sorry I have not been doing a "weekly roundup" like I had been doing when I first got back on Examiner. Right now I am just so short on time because of graduate school that my time outside of working on that is spent writing for Examiner. I have stopped writing for other sites. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">So, this is what I wrote in October:</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I am going to make my goal for November $750 and my goal for December to be $1000. I am still trying to figure out what works for me and what doesn't. Google Analytics, keywords and SEO.</span></blockquote><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In November I went over December's goal.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Not to shabby for working a 2-4 hours a day. And I took quite a few days off. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I am not sure yet what December's goal will be. I think I might try to make it $300 more than what November ended up to be. I have 2 weeks off at the end of December from school so I should be able to write full time then. I think a good goal for December will be $1500.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">As for the other sites, not much has changed. I don't expect it to because I have not posted anything new. I have thought about removing my content from HubPages and Bubblews, but they make a nice back-up in case something were to happen with Examiner. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> <u>October </u> <u> November</u><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Helium 7.61 10.63 (these are the end balance not what I made)</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">HubPages 1.83 1.27 (this is how much I made during the month)</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Bubblws I didnt keep track but I think I made $1 in November. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Adsense 0.70</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">So as you can see, no effort means no money. I'm ok with that. I just don't have time to devote to it anyway. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14862555953104569682012-12-03T18:27:00.001-05:002012-12-03T18:27:00.427-05:00Gift guide: Top 10 gifts for writers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-wMmsr-EKM/UL00z68yb_I/AAAAAAAABu4/ia5oQ7rsR-E/s1600/41KCpwP8V1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-wMmsr-EKM/UL00z68yb_I/AAAAAAAABu4/ia5oQ7rsR-E/s1600/41KCpwP8V1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">10. <a href="http://amzn.to/SCdEGQ" target="_blank">Jailbreak Collective Little Giants Writers Collection </a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This tiny set includes Mark Twain, Edgar Allen Poe, William Shakespeare, and James Joyce. The perfect desk companions. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To read the rest of the list visit:</div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/gift-guide-top-10-gifts-for-writers?cid=db_articles">Gift guide: Top 10 gifts for writers - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70108570300954819012012-12-03T18:26:00.000-05:002013-10-15T10:57:43.174-04:00Gift guide: Top 10 gifts for writers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-wMmsr-EKM/UL00z68yb_I/AAAAAAAABu4/ia5oQ7rsR-E/s1600/41KCpwP8V1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-wMmsr-EKM/UL00z68yb_I/AAAAAAAABu4/ia5oQ7rsR-E/s1600/41KCpwP8V1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">10. <a href="http://amzn.to/SCdEGQ" target="_blank">Jailbreak Collective Little Giants Writers Collection </a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This tiny set includes Mark Twain, Edgar Allen Poe, William Shakespeare, and James Joyce. The perfect desk companions. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To read the rest of the list visit:</div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/gift-guide-top-10-gifts-for-writers?cid=db_articles">Gift guide: Top 10 gifts for writers - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65365521573559690082012-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-04T10:08:32.296-05:00The End of NaNoWriMo<img src="http://www.nanowrimo.org/widget/LiveParticipant/irishchik.png" /><br /><br /> For the first time I have completed NaNoWriMo. Not only that, I went over the 50,000 word mark. I have a LOT of editing to do.<br /><br />Bet you can't guess the topic.<br /><br />I'll give you a hint.....<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Online%20Fakery" target="_blank">online fakery</a>. I'm telling the story.<br /><br />You've all seen the MTV show "Catfish" by now. Sadly, I have my own story and it was 8 long years. This was long before you could actually catch a fish. The fish finally got caught. The sad part is, my best friend, who was also involved in the tale, passed away a few years ago.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56350542373990318642012-11-26T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.301-04:00Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here is another blast from my past. Last year </span><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #6ea1bb; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">HubPages </a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> did a 30 days of truths writing series. On </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">April 24, 2011</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> I had wrote a post regarding a playlist for someone. It was never posted on this website and has since been removed from HubPages. I am sharing it here because I have shared a lot about this person on an old website and it seems fitting to put it here now. As an author, I have always said my life is an open book. Every piece of me is a story. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Here is that original post.</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span><div class="MsoNormal"><i> I fell for you and I fell for you hard. I never expected to fall in love. Ever. Again. And certainly not so soon after my life changed.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I want to tell you how much I love you. Every time I am around you my heart skips a beat, the butterflies start to flutter and I have to stop to catch my breath.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>No other person before or since has made my body feel light a giant blob of mush.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>It isn’t right these feelings I have.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a href="" name="more"></a><i></i><br /><a name='more'></a><i><br /></i><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>So, I hide.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Never mind what’s inside.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Twisting.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Turning.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>To hear you say</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>you love me</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>you made a mistake</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>what you wouldn’t give</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>to go back</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>and try again.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>If only you could understand,</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>how bad you hurt me.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The lies</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>the letdowns</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>the emotional ties.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I thought it would be forever.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>For you and for me.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>For you all I was,</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>was the girl who</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>“could be.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>You had no emotional attachments</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>to me</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>my life</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>the things that mattered to me.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Now you want another chance</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Even if I could</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I wouldn’t</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>the emotions</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>the raw</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>cut</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>pour salt on the wound</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>that feeling</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>of coming 2<sup>nd</sup> place</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>will always be there.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>To see your face</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>hurts too much.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>It all</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>hurts too much.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Emotional meltdown in 3……</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>2…………..</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>1.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Playlist:</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I’m Not Strong Enough by Apocalyptica with Brent Smith from Shinedown</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Simple Man the Shinedown version</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Whad’ya Want from Me? by Adam Lambert</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>One by U2, the version with Mary J. Blige</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I’m Not Over by Carolina Liar</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Coming to Terms by Carolina Liar</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Light On by David Cook</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>You Found Me by The Fray</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Goodbye My Love by James Blunt</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Better in Time by Leona Lewis</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Over and Over by Nelly with Tim McGraw</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Sometimes in life our hearts get pulled in a direction we are not quite sure of. I found a person when I really didn’t need anyone. I took this person into my life. Took a chance on love. Wanted more. Needed more than I thought I did. Only to be tossed aside. Nothing mattered. The year didn’t matter. Separate ways we went. He made his choice and moved on. Left me hanging. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Dragging. I moved on. His moving on did not work out. I was too far gone to turn back now. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Not a day goes by where I don’t think about this person. The good times, and the bad. We talked the other day, and all I could say was that he made his choice and it hurt me bad. Why would now be any different than two years ago?</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>If there is one thing he needs to change about himself, which would be to open up and communicate with those in his life. Now he sees what he missed out on.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Now he is the one with regrets.</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73041688426013526882012-11-23T12:00:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.344-04:00Whats Up with Chrys? Where I Am I?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div>I didn't sell out if that's what everyone is thinking.<br /><br />I am still writing erotica under my pen name.<br /><br />I am still working on another book of poetry.<br /><br />I am still working on a few nonfiction projects.<br /><br />I am 500 words away from finishing NaNoWriMo.<br /><br />I am still freelance writing.<br /><br />I am still working on my graduate degree.<br /><br />But I have taken on a new project.<br /><br />Examiner.com<br /><br />It started as Detroit Writing Examiner where I would writing about all things writing related and tie it to my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank">Self Employed Writer </a>website.<br /><br />For those of you who might follow along over there you would have seen how I have been posting my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/11/residual-income-weekly-round-up-week.html" target="_blank">residual income challenge</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puA4sBwKEiE/UJA2C659TRI/AAAAAAAABoM/OQannCyjczU/s1600/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puA4sBwKEiE/UJA2C659TRI/AAAAAAAABoM/OQannCyjczU/s320/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />I was so excited when I started writing for them in 2009. But my topics were depression and frugal living. I had so much going on that I ended up cutting a lot of ties with writing for revenue share. Plus, writing about depression was messing with my own <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/search/label/Sexual%20Abuse%20Survivor" target="_blank">depression</a>. After I left Examiner went through a lot of changes, most notably, the syndication with Google News, who they now work directly with.<br /><br />When I came back last month with my writing channel, none of it was news. All of it was evergreen. I saw more there on that one channel in 2 weeks that I had in a LONG time on these other revenue sharing places I came back to write for this year.<br /><br />When I made the jump to celebrity and TV I knew I had lucked on to something. I am not writing it because it makes me money, I am writing it because celebrity gossip is something I have been obsessed with since I was a kid I just had no idea there was such a niche for it until a few months ago. I always thought you had to have a journalism degree to write for these magazines, newspapers and websites. I know there are people out there that think I sold out by jumping on the celebrity bandwagon, but I didn't. I made the choice to do it because it was fun, I had no idea I would be one that make money at it because not all celebrity writers make money. Not all of my pieces go to Google News. None of them are evergreen. But I am doing OK. I can't wait to be done with school and write fun topics full time and see what it brings me.<br /><br />I am thankful for the Examiner opportunity because they could have declined my new channels.<br /><br />It's funny because when I was little, about 12 or so, and we would travel every summer from OK to MI to visit family. Every year my grandmother would have bags and bags full of Star, National Enquirer People, and other gossip mags for me. When we weren't visiting I would lock myself in the bedroom and just read. Didn't matter the news was old. On the drive back to OK I would sit in the backseat , silently reading until their was no daylight left.<br /><br />I was also obsessed with Teen Beat, Bop, then later Metal Edge and Rolling Stone. If I was not into magazines and celebrities I was reading Agatha Christie and Stephen King. I knew I wanted to write. I have always known it. Now I finally get to.<br /><br />These last few years I have been trying to find my voice. Everyone kept saying - write what you know. Well, that was business, accounting and taxes. And I got sick of working in the field, and shortly got sick of writing in it.<br /><br />Now, I look forward to locking myself in my office and writing.<br /><br />I can't complain.<br /><br />So don't call me a sell-out, it's been my interest for years.<br /><br />It has taken me a long time to find something I really enjoy writing, it is an interest of mine, and still allows me the freedom to work on other projects.<br /><br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63556812956275565782012-11-23T11:49:00.001-05:002012-11-23T11:49:17.919-05:00Free bookkeeping resources for writers <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21px;">You do not have to be a CPA, Financial Accountant, Managerial Accountant, Tax Accountant, or even a Professional Bookkeeper to take care of the recordkeeping tasks required to keep things running smoothly with your business. Accounting is the backbone of the business. Without proper recordkeeping your business could lose money.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/free-bookkeeping-resources-for-writers">Free bookkeeping resources for writers - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73788387060743943142012-11-19T18:34:00.000-05:002013-10-15T11:05:30.330-04:00Writing courses inspired by ’50 Shades of Grey’<img alt="LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Interior view during the E. L. James Book Signing For '50 Shades Of Grey' at Barnes & Noble bookstore at The Grove on September 28, 2012 in Los Angeles, California." src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/4c/07/4c07f3c8cb33a3f65e6a1f173c32cdc5.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/writing-courses-inspired-by-50-shades-of-grey?cid=db_articles">Writing courses inspired by ’50 Shades of Grey’ - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42154330359229378542012-11-19T11:55:00.001-05:002012-11-19T11:55:58.628-05:00Top 10 writing prompts for Thanksgiving<img alt="Turkey" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/01/ce/01ce7d9705892d94ce0b025207c15356.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-thanksgiving">Top 10 writing prompts for Thanksgiving - Detroit Writing | Examiner.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4815342280386885432012-11-17T12:40:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:34:49.815-04:00Weight Watchers Results: 2.8 lbs gone!<div><br /></div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/11/a-really-quick-update-weight-watchers.html" target="_blank">Last week</a> (Saturday) I dug out all of my old Weight Watchers materials and started tracking Points again.<br /><br />I am proud to say that I am down 2.8 lbs.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I stopped taking all of the prescription medications. I was tired of them triggering migraines and making me feel like crap. I am now taking natural supplements for my PCOS, insulin resistance and pain management.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Feeling a lot better.<br /><br />I did not do any exercise this week other than chasing after a <a href="http://cainstails.blogspot.com/2012/11/meet-tink.html" target="_blank">new puppy</a>. Next week I will get back on the treadmill and do my DDPYoga when the pain is managed.<br /><br />Hopefully I can keep on track this time.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48854081947405777062012-11-16T18:36:00.001-05:002014-09-25T18:26:44.099-04:00How a Writer Should Start their Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-670eZ3HI1Gc/UKbJsBC0pYI/AAAAAAAABs0/Ek_5JUI8Wd0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-670eZ3HI1Gc/UKbJsBC0pYI/AAAAAAAABs0/Ek_5JUI8Wd0/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />I went grocery shopping with my husband the other morning. I had to get up and go before I started writing. I have noticed, when I start, I don't stop.<br /><br />We ran into Greg Adle, who works for a company called <a href="http://acosta.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Acosta</a>. They distribute the<a href="http://www.internationaldelight.com/" target="_blank"> International Delight</a> brand. I had to admit, I usually get Coffee Mate, in either liquid or powder because they have a few more fat free/sugar free flavors and they are cheaper.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Well, Mr. Adle handed me a couple of coupons. We decided to try <a href="http://amzn.to/Uw0SX1" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie Spice</a>,<a href="http://amzn.to/S3pOXk" target="_blank"> Almond Joy</a>, and Y<a href="http://amzn.to/SyBPlV" target="_blank">ork Peppermint Patty</a>. Yum, yum, and yum.<br /><br />I figured each TBSP is 1 Weight Watcher Points Plus.<br /><br />What a good way to start my morning.<br /><br />I am glad I decided to get some creamer flavors. I was started to get bored of my coffee and was drinking a lot more tea. Not that I am complaining, I love tea, but I also love my warm cup of coffee when those Michigan winters start to hit!<br /><br />Loving the Pumpkin Pie Spice. I love this time of year when everything is pumpkin flavored.<br /><br /><b>What do you like best about the fall season? How about your favorite coffee flavor?</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11425835212428807242012-11-15T15:27:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:33:48.971-04:00Taco-Stuffed Pepper Cups (Photos) Weight Watchers Friendly!<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0898217512/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0898217512&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Taco-Stuffed Pepper Cups Recipe" src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps25297_QC10597D8B.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This recipe came from the cookbook: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0898217512/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0898217512&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet 2009 Ed.</a><br />It can also be found on the Taste of Home <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Taco-Stuffed-Pepper-Cups?cpi=1&sort=" target="_blank">website</a>.<br /><br />Instead of ground turkey I used a bag of Boca brand "meat" crumbles. You can also use Fantastic World Foods brand <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GZUAEK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GZUAEK&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">Nature's Burger</a>.<br /><br />I did not use kidney beans. Instead I started to prepare this recipe a few days before the actual meal. I had some dried pinto beans that I simmered for a few days to make homemade refried beans. I used very little salt and very little Country Crock Light.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Also, I did not use store bought taco seasoning, instead I made my own. Just Google "taco seasoning recipe" and you will be amazed at what you find. I bet you already have everything to make it in your spice cabinet.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I had 6 peppers. Cut in 1/2 that gave us 12 services. I fed my family this for dinner (big hit!) and we had it for lunch the next day. Big M even had some for a snack and another lunch. Sadly we had to throw 1 away.<br /><br />For the shredded cheddar cheese I used 2%. For the sour cream we used reduced fat.<br /><div></div><br />My last alteration was the tomato paste. I did not have any on hand and wasn't too impressed with having to buy some. So, I used some of the canned tomatoes we did a few months back, which included diced peppers and onions. (I did add onion like the recipe stated.)<br /><div></div><br />The points for the original recipe was 5 points plus for 1/2 of a pepper. Which, I might add was really filling. I did not figure points for my variation but I figured it may be about the same or lower since the Boca has a lot less calories than ground turkey, unless you buy the really lean kind. So use the 5 points as a guide.<br /><br />I served this with a nice side salad. Like a big dummy I did not snap a photo of the finished plate before everyone started to eat, but it looked pretty close to the original photo.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Taco-Stuffed-Pepper-Cups?cpi=1&sort=" target="_blank">Here is the recipe:</a></b><br /><br /><h2>Ingredients</h2><ul><li><i>2 medium green peppers</i></li><li><i>1/2 pound <strong>ground beef</strong> <i>or</i> lean ground turkey<div></div></i></li><li>2 tablespoons <i>chopped onion</i></li><li>1 can <i>(16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained</i></li><li>1 can <i>(8 ounces) tomato sauce</i></li><li>3 tablespoons <i>taco seasoning</i></li><li>1/4 cup <i>sour cream</i></li><li>1/4 cup <i>shredded cheddar cheese</i></li><li>1/4 cup <i>chopped tomato</i></li></ul><br /><h2>Directions</h2><ul><li>Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. In a large kettle, cook peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water; set aside.</li><li>In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the beans, tomato sauce and taco seasoning; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-6 minutes or until heated through.</li><li>Spoon into peppers. Place in an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until peppers are tender. Top with sour cream, cheese and tomatoes.<b> Yield: </b>4 servings.</li></ul><br /><div><div><b>Nutritional Analysis:</b>1 stuffed pepper half (prepared with ground turkey, fat-free sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese) equals 261 calories, 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 52 mg cholesterol, 823 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 21 g protein. <b>Diabetic Exchanges:</b> 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78713303266659726432012-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:002013-03-03T13:31:03.705-05:00SEO 101: Have you written that article yet?<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Now that you have the basic understanding of the search engine optimization, you will need to get started writing articles. Writing articles has many benefits as there are so many things you can do with them. Personally, I mostly write for my own websites, as well as Examiner & HubPages. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You can also submit them to various article sites.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">For instance:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">• Helium.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">• GoArticles.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">• EzineArticles.com</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There are many others, just do a Google search for “submit article”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Submitting your articles at other websites besides your own can do a few things for you:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1. Bring you traffic<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">2. Boost your page rank with the search engines <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">3. Help establish your expertise in your niche <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">4. Helps gain link backs to your work from others<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2137038510614669312012-11-13T12:00:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:33:20.805-04:00A Really Quick Update (Weight Watchers)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNwWAy8Wi7E/T1k7kr0DQcI/AAAAAAAAA0M/NtSzeDKWLdY/s1600/mzl.boadccyf.320x480-75.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNwWAy8Wi7E/T1k7kr0DQcI/AAAAAAAAA0M/NtSzeDKWLdY/s320/mzl.boadccyf.320x480-75.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>This is from Nov of last year.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Just a really quick update!<br /><div><br />I decided to start back on Weight Watchers. I have all of my material out in the kitchen. I am using the paper 3 month journal that came with the deluxe program kit. I have cleaned my kitchen out of the junk. </div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I was sick of reading this book or that book. Trying this program or meal plan and that one. None of them worked. I felt like I was starving. I know to switch my whites to browns (rice & pasta). Cut down on white potatoes. Keep out sugar. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /></div><div>Counting calories is easy, but for me it's a nightmare to keep up with. </div><div><br /></div><div>Weight Watchers has always been easy to me. I am a Lifetime member and I just want to get back to goal.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I am using <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ultimate-food-value-diary/id483910781?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">Ultimate Value Diary</a> iPhone app. </div><div><br /></div><div>My mom bought me a new cookbook. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2cf32b3127ccef1cf794e9bcd00000030O10AZNXLRk0buWYPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div><div><br /></div><div>And I tested a recipe out of it, which I plan to post. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am off the Metformin and I am not taking the Tramadol for pain. Instead I am switching to herbal supplements. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My list:</div><div>Chromium 1000mg/day<br />Cinnamom 1000mg/day<br />Myo-Inositol 2000-4000mg/ day<br /><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42030373138830560102012-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:002013-03-03T13:31:30.210-05:00SEO 101: Putting It All Together<br /><img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Good Content</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Check Your Words</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-donts.html" target="_blank">The Don'ts</a></span><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-keywords.html" target="_blank">Keywords</a><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-how-to-determine-keywords.html" target="_blank">How to Determine Keywords</a><br /><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-search-engine-friendly-content.html" target="_blank">Search Engine Friendly Content</a></div><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-search-engine-friendly-content_22.html" target="_blank">Search Engine Friendly Content - Tips</a></div><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-backlinks-and-seo.html" target="_blank">Backlinks and SEO</a></div><div>SEO 101: Advanced Linking</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Keep writing and soon you will soon see, search engines are one of the primary ways in which internet users will find a website. Keep using the tips and tricks we have talked about so far, and that website is well on its way to being yours. That is why a site with good search engine listings and keywords is going to see a dramatic increase in the traffic.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Although everybody wants a good listing, there are some sites which appear poorly or not at all in search engine rankings. This is because they have failed to consider just exactly how a search engine works. While I realize many want to jump right into making money (who doesn't ) writers should take the time to understand the process, otherwise they will be left feeling frustrated.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Don’t forget that submitting to search engines is only part of the equation when trying to get a good search engine ranking for your site. It is important that you prepare your site through search engine optimization, use of good content and pick your keywords accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This will ensure that the pages of your site are accessible to search engines improving the chances of them being found by the search engine spiders.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59479793343216884842012-11-09T09:00:00.000-05:002013-03-03T13:31:40.311-05:00SEO 101: Advanced Linking<br /><img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Good Content</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Check Your Words</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-donts.html" target="_blank">The Don'ts</a></span><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-keywords.html" target="_blank">Keywords</a><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-how-to-determine-keywords.html" target="_blank">How to Determine Keywords</a><br /><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-search-engine-friendly-content.html" target="_blank">Search Engine Friendly Content</a></div><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-search-engine-friendly-content_22.html" target="_blank">Search Engine Friendly Content - Tips</a></div><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-backlinks-and-seo.html" target="_blank">Backlinks and SEO</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Description Tag <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Many search engines no longer display the description of a website like they used to. Whether they do or not, or how long it is, you should always include one on each page for the search engines that do. Sometimes Google will display them, sometimes not and the length will vary, too. It is best to always be prepared. The description should be appealing and it should incorporate the website or posts search term into it at least once, but twice would be even better. The first should be places near the start of the description.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Alt Text <img alt="alt" displayed="displayed" is="is" mouseover="mouseover" or="or" src="”url”" text="text" which="which" /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Use this link to include your search term in the alt text of all the images placed on your page. Some systems, such as those used by Braille readers and speech synthesizers use this alt text. Take advantage of this by including the search term in these links.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Keywords Tag <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The keyword tag is not treated by search engines as keywords. Instead, these words are treated like any other word on the page. It should be known that this link tag is not as effective as it used to be, but there is no reason to leave it out. Be sure to use this tag with relevant keywords and include the search term once in front of the tag. You don’t need to separate keywords or key phrased with commas.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">H Tag <hn>some heading words</hn><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The “n” in this link tag stands for a number from 1 to 6. The largest heading is 1. You will see that H tags are given more weight than plain text in a page. The bigger the H size, the more weight it will have. You should include your target keywords in the H tag at least once per page. Two to three times is ideal. Be sure to place your first H tag near the top of the page.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90500111029633643972012-11-08T16:47:00.000-05:002013-10-15T11:06:17.432-04:00Top 10 writing prompts for Thanksgiving<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div>Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Need a little boost to get those creative juices flowing? Here's the top 10 writing prompts for Thanksgiving.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Check out the prompts on the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-thanksgiving" target="_blank">Detroit Writing channel.</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46313851749620865442012-11-08T16:46:00.001-05:002012-11-08T16:46:41.670-05:00Top 10 writing prompts for Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div>Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Need a little boost to get those creative juices flowing? Here's the top 10 writing prompts for Thanksgiving.<div><br /></div><div>Check out the prompts on the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-for-thanksgiving" target="_blank">Detroit Writing channel.</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65536260216666535222012-11-08T16:44:00.000-05:002013-10-15T11:06:49.498-04:005 things not to do when writing a novel<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Head on over to <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/5-things-not-to-do-when-writing-a-novel" target="_blank">Detroit Writing</a> to read the top 5 things not to do when writing your novel.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66242370804769360762012-11-08T16:41:00.000-05:002014-10-01T19:32:56.143-04:00Hanging InMy health isn't good.<br /><br />Let me rephrase that.<br /><br />I am not sick, nor am I dying.<br /><br />I do not have any terrible disease - at least nothing that I know of at this point.<br /><br />What I do know is that the medication they have put me on for my PCOS (Metformin, birth control) are doing nothing but causing triggers in my migraines. It does not help that the pain medication (Tramadol) that I am on for my osteoarthritis and degenerative disk also causes migraines so I no longer take it.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Last week I had a terrible migraine. It lingered for a while before it finally broke through. When it did, it was a nightmare. Nothing I did would help it. I almost went to emergency in the middle of the night. It was that bad.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br />So I am no longer taking those 3 medications.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><br />I was supposed to go to a weight loss surgery seminar last night but since we are going to be changing insurance soon My husband is doing his clinical's and his job will not let him work part-time so he is going to have to find an externship. I am a little stressed out about the insurance issue.<br /><br />I am still crooked. Exercise is still painful, but I keep trying. I am still trying to follow all these diet plans all my doctors keep throwing at me.<br /><br />I just wish I could combat this crooked thing right now. It's really starting to bother me. It's messing with my depression and self esteem.<br /><br />I have a TON of photos that I am going to be uploading. I have been doing some writing along with working on grad school so I have not had time to tend to this blog like I had hoped.<br /><br />I bought a new cookbook and I want to share some of those recipes when I make them.<br /><br /><b>I'll continue to do what I can when I can.</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71757546789927432122012-11-08T15:49:00.002-05:002012-11-08T16:44:49.101-05:005 things not to do when writing a novel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Head on over to <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/5-things-not-to-do-when-writing-a-novel" target="_blank">Detroit Writing</a> to read the top 5 things not to do when writing your novel.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68065600372797599332012-11-05T17:48:00.002-05:002012-11-05T17:48:36.355-05:005 Free Books to help writers market their writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYBpXCczBog/UJhB-hlgEDI/AAAAAAAABpc/2NbcTi0yqKs/s1600/51R8hpO-2wL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYBpXCczBog/UJhB-hlgEDI/AAAAAAAABpc/2NbcTi0yqKs/s1600/51R8hpO-2wL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><h1 class="entry-title entry-title" datatype="" property="schema:name dc:title" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 2.6em; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em;"><br /></h1><div><br /></div><div>5 Free Books to help writers market their writing</div><div><br /></div>Writers must market their materials and not every writer has a budget to hire a marketer. With these 5 free Amazon Kindle eBooks, the marketing budget is the last thing a writer needs to worry about. With these tips and tricks, even the beginner can market their writing like the pros.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/5-free-books-to-help-writers-market-their-writing" target="_blank">Check it out on Detroit Writing Examiner.</a><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4680601210428896502012-11-05T17:46:00.003-05:002014-11-04T10:11:35.008-05:00National Book Writing Month alternative: How to write a book in 30 days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYDK4NmFros/UJhBk5WeC3I/AAAAAAAABpU/_HiuiN44ADs/s1600/51Pxjnq01GL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-71,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYDK4NmFros/UJhBk5WeC3I/AAAAAAAABpU/_HiuiN44ADs/s1600/51Pxjnq01GL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-71,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>National Book Writing Month alternative: How to write a book in 30 days<br /><br />If you missed the start of National BookWriting Month (NaNoWriMo kicks off Nov. 1 every year) do not fret. Amazon Kindle just released a new book to help authors get their novel finished in 30 days. Even though NaNoWriMo's main focus is on finishing 50,000 words in a month, it is not focused on editing, publishing, and marketing.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/national-book-writing-month-alternative-how-to-write-a-book-30-days" target="_blank">Check it out on Detroit Writing Examiner.</a></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51193006538028690902012-11-05T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-05T19:37:44.467-05:00Residual Income: Weekly Round-Up Week 10/28-11/04<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puA4sBwKEiE/UJA2C659TRI/AAAAAAAABoM/OQannCyjczU/s1600/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puA4sBwKEiE/UJA2C659TRI/AAAAAAAABoM/OQannCyjczU/s320/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10/30 - I made it to the #2 spot in Detroit. Still hanging on #5 too.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Last week I noticed something.<br /><br />On Monday my Examiner total was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/residual-income-weekly-round-up-week_29.html" target="_blank">$8.56</a>, Tuesday it was $15.00. Wednesday it had moved up to $19.30, Thursday to $32.59. I had posted some celebrity and tv posts by this point, but they were samples I had to write for Examiner when I requested my new channels. They were not news and they were obviously not very popular. I spent some time reading up on Google Analytics and getting my accounts set up over there. The new channels needed to be added and I had to remove some old websites.<br /><br />Once I had that done I was able to see where the hits were landing. Even though my writing channel had done good all by itself, the celebrity and tv were certainly adding to it now.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Then I finally sat down and started to compose my news pieces. On Friday my account had jumped to $93.28. I had posted 3 pieces on Thursday. Friday I wrote 3 more and Saturday morning my account was $164.74. Some were accepted as news, some were not.<br /><br />Now here is where I really notice something. Saturday I was only able to post one article, and it was not news. Sunday morning my account was $204.03. So you see, that was not a huge jump at all. I did not post anything on Sunday. It is pretty much my only day off.<br /><br />So, imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning thinking I might have an extra dollar or two and what I saw was $260.13.<br /><br />Very interesting.<br /><br />If you are curious about the first half of the week and October as a whole, check out the post - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/11/revenue-share-october-examinercom.html" target="_blank">October results are in.</a><br /><br />Now, here is Novembers.<br /><br />So here we are with Friday's (which is the money made on Thurs) earnings to start the Month:<br />Examiner $42.85<br />HubPages $0<br />Bubblews - $8.57<br />Helium: $7.86<br /><br /><br /><br /><u>End of the week:</u><br />I actually was out of town Saturday and Sunday and <b>did not work (but I still made money)</b>. These reports are for Monday (11/5) morning check-in.<br /><br />Examiner $194.48<br />HubPages $0.08 - the start of a new month. Wow - pennies<br />Bubblews - $9.55 is a running total. They don't reset the month.<br />Helium: $8.16 is the running total, 46 cents was made in November. Oh joy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75432685297617432802012-11-02T07:00:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.355-04:00 Books That Have Changed My Life<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553379658/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553379658&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NFzRoZfhL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553375407/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553375407&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51c9PkFculL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At thirty-seven years of age I have read a lot of books in my life. Some bad, a few horrible, but most of them were really good. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although I can’t remember how old I was when I first read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553375407/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553375407&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">Ishmael by Daniel Quinn</a>. Ishmael was written in 1992, and the book was awarded the $500,000 Turner Tomorrow Fellowship Award. It is the first in a series which also includes The Story of B, and<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553379658/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553379658&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"> My Ishmael</a>. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The story is told in a Socratic style of writing, using it to deconstruct the notion that humans are the end product, the pinnacle of biological evolution. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are four main characters of this book:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ishmael<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ishmael is a gorilla (first known as Goliath) that was captured in the wild when young and later sent to the zoo. The zoo then sold him to Walter Sokolow, an old Jewish man who could communicate with him through his mind<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Narrator</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The narrator finds Ishmael through a newspaper ad. He is a man who wanted to save the world when he was younger, but obviously never did. There are many questions he has unanswered. Will Ishmael provide him with those answers?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Walter Sokolow</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Walter is a wealthy Jewish man whose lost his family in the Holocaust. Sokolow buys Ishmael from the zoo and figures out that he and Ishmael can speak to each other’s minds.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Rachel Sokolow</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Rachel is Walter’s daughter. She becomes Ishmael's caretaker after her father dies. Rachel helps to support Ishmael for a span of time, but she passes away, too. Ishmael now has no financial support and his days are limited.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> The narrator and Ishmael spend many hours going over the ways of the world. What is a myth, what is real. There are givers, and there are takers. The world as we see it may not be what it really is. This is a book that picks at your brain. It will stop to make you think. For once in your life you might be questioning the how and the why a little more than you had in the past. Things that were unclear will soon become such. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The world is different after reading Ishmael, and My Ishmael. Not only did it change the way I think about the world’s history, it changed the way I read. In the past I would have never thought twice about picking up any sort of book based on history or change the world type events. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Now, I don’t prefer them over a good novel, it is interesting to see just how many truths do tie into Ishmael.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54840454202197400812012-11-01T12:28:00.002-04:002012-11-01T12:28:29.988-04:00Revenue Share - October Examiner.com Results Are In<span id="goog_935317191"></span><span id="goog_935317192"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhNS0fESdM/UJKi6cgAheI/AAAAAAAABow/3ChBVQQhLi0/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I have to say, I am extremely pleased with my return to Examiner.com and my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/residual-income-weekly-round-up-week.html" target="_blank">Examiner.com experiment. </a><br /><br />I had a few articles get promoted. Many were approved as Google News. I made the top 5 list in Detroit, then I was #3 and #5, then I moved up to #2.<br /><br />I started writing for Examiner.com again around the first week of October with the Detroit Writing Examiner channel. By the 7th I had made a whopping $1.13. I did not get discouraged because it was a topic I loved and had a lot of knowledge and experience worth sharing. It was also my first week back and I was not even making that much on Hubpages or Helium.<br /><br />Then end of the second week, Oct. 14th I had moved up to $4.23.<br />The third week, $8.16.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It was by this point I had joined in on the fun at the Examiner Support Group on Facebook. I realized a lot of people were doing well with their channels. Then I saw the celebrity and TV channels.<br /><br />I know a lot of people pick these channels because they know it's what makes money on Examiner. But, it's not the only thing that makes money on Examiner. Their are quite a few people who make good money without these sort of topics, instead they write about interests or hobbies.<br /><br />As child I was obsessed with The National Enquirer , Star, People, and other celebrity based magazine. My grandmother would save them for me and when I would make the 1000 mile travel to visit her, she would give me the bag to take back home with me. It made for good reading when the adults were off doing whatever and I would read them on the long drive back home.<br /><br />When I was a teenager I would save my lunch money and buy the popular teen magazine. My walls were covered with celebrities, even the ceiling.<br /><br />These are things I never told anyone and I never had an interest in journalism. I wanted to write poetry and fiction.<br /><br />Maybe I should have paid attention to the signs back then, maybe I would have made a good journalist, but I was not interested in news shows or newspapers and back then we didn't have internet magazines and newspapers.<br /><br />So, to Accounting I went.<br /><br />Now I am back in writing. And I am happy I made the choice to write Celebrity and TV. I am sure their are some writers out there who think I am a sell-out. I don't really care. I am still writing fiction , working on my memior, and writing poetry. That will never change. But now I am writing fun stuff for a "job" and getting paid decently for it.<br /><br />For the longest time I was so sick of writing for clients. Copywriting and ghostwriting was making my head spin. I no longer wanted to work. I had to force myself to write.<br /><br />I don't have to now.<br /><br />Around the middle of the fourth week, Wed. the 24th, I was given the Celebrity and TV channels in Detroit. My balance was $8.59 on Monday. I quickly posted the 2 pieces I had sent in for samples. By the 25th I was at $32.59. I have continued to see growth every day. On the 28th my account balance was $204.03. Monday the 29 - $260.13, Tuesday the 30th - $317.21, Wednesday morning I woke up to $367.15.<br /><br />My final monthly total for October is $411. 83<br /><br />I would say that is a pretty good month for me.<br /><br />I am going to make my goal for November $750 and my goal for December to be $1000. I am still trying to figure out what works for me and what doesn't. Google Analytics, keywords and SEO.<br /><br />Words can't express how happy I am. I am also still in shock. I have never made that much from residual share. The best part is those pieces will continue to make me money!<br /><br />If you are writing for revenue share, don't give up. My first revenue share gig was in 2000 at epionions.com. This is the first time I have made any significant amount of money. Even on my best month at Helium - I didn't come close to this.<br /><br />So, today is November 1 - its time for NaNoWriMo. I have made myself a school/Examiner/NaNo schedule. I am treating Examiner like my job now.<br /><br />It's going to be a crazy month, but worth it!<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What are your goals for November??</span></b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45159429900578338822012-10-30T09:00:00.000-04:002012-10-30T09:00:10.519-04:00Freelance Writing: Meals and Entertainment ExpenseI wrote this little piece after some questions were asked in the Examiners Facebook group regarding meal expense for restaurant reviewers. I felt it necessary to post here because it's relevant to freelance writers.<br /><br />It's days like this I wish I would have held on to my Tax Queen website.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Meals and Entertainment Expense</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is a 50% deduction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is for your portion of the meal only. It is not a business meeting (this is a whole other post). </div><div class="MsoNormal">Since your expense is for you to eat in order to write a proper review, it is your portion of the meal. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Doing so will result in the passing of an audit should that ever happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Food critics do not get to take meals as any other expense and they are not 100% deductible. </div><div class="MsoNormal">There was a case regarding a food critic stating that she was required to sample the menu and was not reimbursed by her employer (a newspaper). She felt that since it was a “condition of employment” she took her audit case to court. She had reported 100% of her expense (her CPA did anyway) as “research expense” and the IRS said no-way!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She didn’t win. Read the results <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-wd/00-0380.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In order for any business expense to be deductible it has to be both “ordinary” and “necessary” – no matter what the industry. The IRS also states it must be “reasonable.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>ordinary expense</b> </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is one that is common and accepted in your industry. It’s the one time that you care about what your competitors are doing. No matter what your mother says, it does matter whether everyone else is doing it, too.</span></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>necessary expense</b> </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is one that is helpful and appropriate for your trade or business. You don’t have to prove that you couldn’t be in business without the expense – more or less, it needs to make good business sense.<o:p></o:p></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can see from this website - <a href="http://www.taxgirl.com/ask-the-taxgirl-eating-your-words-food-bloggers-and-deductions/" target="_blank">TaxGirl</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Food for recipes for food websites isn’t really tax deductible because of that fine line of the food you make might be for your business website but you are going to eat it for personal use. Again, there are loopholes and she discusses a few of them. The IRS is very picky when it comes to food websites.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She had this to say about restaurant reviews:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The same general rules apply to restaurant reviews. To the extent that you order dishes solely for review, then it should be deductible (but only to you, not to your companions) but add-ons like wine and bread may not be.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The restaurant deduction boils down to this – anything you order above and beyond the scope of the review is not tax deductible ( for example, a glass of wine). This is because the expense must be “reasonable.” (you might have some issues with a revenue share, not employee, passing off a meal that’s $150, especially since its not a condition of employment). Everything you eat must be in your review or it is not tax deductible. If you order appetizers but you don’t review them, you can’t take the deduction. You can’t deduct others that may be eating with you. Keep all of your receipts and make a note of the review publish date/title on the back. Meals will go on Schedule C under the Meals and Entertainment expense where you are allowed 50% of the deductions. </div><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19449801702428113242012-10-29T20:36:00.003-04:002012-10-29T20:36:31.029-04:00Free books for writers: Publish on the Apple iTunes store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jx6dJ-rnsE/UI8g0vRNjMI/AAAAAAAABnM/gGXOSHLpe7o/s1600/41ImzsuC9rL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-51,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jx6dJ-rnsE/UI8g0vRNjMI/AAAAAAAABnM/gGXOSHLpe7o/s1600/41ImzsuC9rL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-51,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><br />Don't be afraid of the Apple iTunes store!<br /><br />These free Kindle books can help.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/5-free-writing-books-for-self-publishing-on-kindle-2" target="_blank">Detroit Writing Examiner......>>>></a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91980929025468023942012-10-29T20:03:00.000-04:002012-10-29T20:03:13.437-04:005 free writing books for self-publishing on Kindle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYIz7vtxFKc/UI8ZEYbhQkI/AAAAAAAABmo/yLcIrBzxnnU/s1600/51o5ZOaJwdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYIz7vtxFKc/UI8ZEYbhQkI/AAAAAAAABmo/yLcIrBzxnnU/s1600/51o5ZOaJwdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It can be time consuming to sort through all of the available writing books on the Kindle just to find the good writing titles that are on sale, or even better – free!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In this post some of the most popular free writing titles are shared.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/5-free-writing-books-for-self-publishing-on-kindle-1" target="_blank">Detroit Writing Examiner......... >>>>> </a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14180871099118408232012-10-29T19:48:00.002-04:002012-10-29T19:48:26.742-04:005 free writing books for self-publishing on Kindle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXNVCpBCSDM/UI8VmqEEPdI/AAAAAAAABmE/vQ__yXfSrwM/s1600/41mIk6iFdBL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXNVCpBCSDM/UI8VmqEEPdI/AAAAAAAABmE/vQ__yXfSrwM/s1600/41mIk6iFdBL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;">Self publishing for writers can seem overwhelming when you finally make the leap to do it yourself. With a few quick reads you can be well on your way to formatting and publishing your ebook on the Amazon Kindle store. The Kindle bookstore offers 100s of titles for writers. Here are a few free titles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/5-free-writing-books-for-self-publishing-on-kindle" target="_blank">Detroit Writing Examiner..........</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57599296568798593462012-10-29T10:25:00.001-04:002012-10-29T10:25:25.295-04:00It's Free: Write that Book! - 7 Steps to Write a Book in 30 Days or Less<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009XY1I82/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009XY1I82&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Write that Book! - 7 Steps to Write a Book in 30 Days or Less" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41aa3D3FCSL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: red;">NOTE: Books are free at time of post. Please be sure to check that price says $0.00 before purchasing. </span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/just-time-for-nanowrimo-write-that-book-7-steps-to-write-a-book-30-days" target="_blank">WRITE THAT BOOK! 7 Steps to Write an eBook in 30 Days or Less. </a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;">Just in time for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).</span><br /><br /><br /><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em;"><br /></h2>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25832928647862096182012-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-29T08:00:04.908-04:00Residual Income: Weekly Round-Up Week 10/22-10/28<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzsWr5HyguY/UIlcUCTo7II/AAAAAAAABk0/sGnaLBx4N9s/s1600/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzsWr5HyguY/UIlcUCTo7II/AAAAAAAABk0/sGnaLBx4N9s/s320/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I somehow managed to make #4 in Detroit on Thurs. 10/25</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: start;">The weekly stats are in, and they are looking pretty good for Examiner. </div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"></div><a name='more'></a>Monday starts with:<br /><div style="text-align: start;">Helium - $6.26</div><div style="text-align: start;">Hubpages - didn't write, but last week end was $1.37</div><div style="text-align: start;">Examiner - $8.59</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;">Bubblews was started Tuesday with 3 pieces that mady $1.03 by Wednesday.</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;">By Sunday we ended with:</div><div style="text-align: start;">Helium - $7.15</div><div style="text-align: start;">HubPages - $1.85</div><div style="text-align: start;">Examiner - <b><span style="color: purple;">$204.03</span></b></div><div style="text-align: start;">Bubblews - $2.21 (My total is 7.21 because I think I got $5 for signing up)</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;">My Adsense so far for the month is - $2.31, last month it was 1.51. I have been thinking about removing adsense from this blog and replacing it with <a href="https://chitika.com/publishers/apply.php?refid=cmahan" target="_blank">Chikita</a> or something similar that people do so much better with. I have never done well with Adsense. Most of these programs Google does not allow you to run with Adsense so I can't do both.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q2NEJVWgUc/UIvQwdWoZ7I/AAAAAAAABlg/Nq356TAvp5g/s1600/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q2NEJVWgUc/UIvQwdWoZ7I/AAAAAAAABlg/Nq356TAvp5g/s320/Examiner+Tools++Dashboard+++Examiner.com.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10/27 Saturday I made #3 and #5</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Here were my articles for the week:<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Examiner:</span></b><br /><br /><b>Celebrity</b><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/it-s-a-boy-for-adele-1?cid=db_articles#" target="_blank">It's a boy for Adele</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/british-songstress-adele-welcomes-baby-boy?cid=db_articles#" target="_blank">British songstress Adele welcomes baby boy</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/khloe-and-lamar-the-67-million-divorce" target="_blank">Khloe and Lamar : The $67 million divorce</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/what-we-ve-known-all-along-curves-are-in" target="_blank">What we’ve known all along: Curves are in</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-kat-s-love-again" target="_blank">The Kat’s in love (again)</a><br /><br /><br /><b>TV</b><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/jodi-dipiazza-sings-firework-with-katy-perry-on-night-of-too-many-stars" target="_blank">Jodi DiPiazza sings 'Firework' with Katy Perry</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/kill-count-is-back-on-crackle-com" target="_blank">Kill Count is back on Crackle.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/farrah-abraham-blows-16-000-on-plastic-surgery" target="_blank">Farrah Abraham blows $16,000 on plastic surgery</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-secret-circle-meets-the-vampire-diaries" target="_blank">‘The Secret Circle’ meets ‘The Vampire Diaries’</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/honey-boo-boo-is-stinky-boo-boo" target="_blank">Honey Boo Boo: Is stinky boo boo</a><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-vampire-diaries-change-is-coming-for-jeremy" target="_blank">'The Vampire Diaries' Change is coming for Jeremy</a></div><br /><h1 class="entry-title entry-title" datatype="" property="schema:name dc:title" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 2.6em; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em;"></h1><div><b>Writing</b></div><div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/writing-a-good-television-series-review" target="_blank">Writing a good television series review</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/roberts-rules-of-writing" target="_blank">Roberts 'Rules of Writing'</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/smell-that-national-novel-writing-month-is-just-around-the-corner" target="_blank">Smell that? NaNoWriMo is just around the corner</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/gearing-up-for-nanowrimo-mind-mapping" target="_blank">Gearing up for NaNoWriMo: Mind mapping</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Examiner University</b><br />Google News<br />Evergreen Content<br />Examiner VS. Blog<br />Compensation Overview<br />Getting Credentials<br />Marketing 101<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Helium:</b></span><br />Still dealing with Wizzley and idle Hub removals.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2384623-what-is-considered-as-taxable-income" target="_blank">What is considered taxable income?</a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bubblews:</span></b><br /><br />So, I have been hearing great things about this fairly new site over the last few months. I thought I would dip my toes in and see how it goes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/18956-all-about-adsense-what-is-it" target="_blank">All About Adsense: What is it?</a><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/18957-all-about-adsense-adsense-defined" target="_blank">All About Adsense: Defined</a><br />All About Adsense: What can it do for me?<br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/19198-what-is-a-carryback-refund" target="_blank">What is a carryback refund?</a><br /><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/19558-10-things-about-commission-jobs" target="_blank">10 Things About Commission Jobs</a><br /><br />All in all, not a bad week. I am going to focus most of my time on Examiner. I have been thinking about removing all of my Hubpages and moving them to Bubblews, but I am seeing a lot of people abusing the system by posting a few sentences and then linking to their HubPages or Squidoo. I am not a real fan of using websites like that. I like websites with fresh, new content. So I fear that maybe Bubblews isn't going to be around for the long haul. But, on the other hand, I am making more money there than I am at HubPages right now. Then I start to think about the social side of the site. You can earn more by liking, sharing, commenting, visiting, and other things. I don't have time for that, so I am not sure if it will be worth it. We'll see.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">How was your residual income week?????</span></b><br /><h1 style="background-color: #e7f2fa; border: 0px; color: #0269b6; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></h1></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6466903086246882142012-10-24T09:00:00.000-04:002013-03-03T13:31:51.004-05:00SEO 101: Backlinks and SEO<br /><img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Good Content</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Check Your Words</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-donts.html" target="_blank">The Don'ts</a></span><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-keywords.html" target="_blank">Keywords</a><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-how-to-determine-keywords.html" target="_blank">How to Determine Keywords</a><br /><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-search-engine-friendly-content.html" target="_blank">Search Engine Friendly Content</a></div><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-search-engine-friendly-content_22.html" target="_blank">Search Engine Friendly Content - Tips</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 11.9pt; text-align: justify;">A backlink is a link which directs others towards your site. Sometimes they are called “inbound links.” The number of backlinks that your site has is an indication of how popular or important it is according to your peers.</span><span style="line-height: 11.9pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="line-height: 11.9pt; text-align: justify;">These are especially important for SEO, as search engines will give more credit to those sites with a good number of quality backlinks.</span><span style="line-height: 11.9pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="line-height: 11.9pt; text-align: justify;">Search engines will then consider these sites more relevant than others in the results pages of a search query. Getting someone to backlink your work requires good content. Whatever you do, there should be no link manipulation. Just like keyword stuffing, it just is not worth it.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 11.9pt; text-align: justify;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;">Here are some ways of getting honest backlinks:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -28.5pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Reciprocal Linking - this is where you link to another site that provides the same service or product as you and they in turn post a link to your site on their website. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -28.5pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Site Submissions. Submit links for your site to directories which allow free submissions. If you can afford it; paid directories. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -28.5pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Articles. When you provide excellent articles, often people will want to link to them within their site. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> Tips to consider when writing good articles for your site.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 84.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 84.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -39.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Write in a way that your intended target audience will understand what you are trying to say. Speak in layman’s terms.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 84.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 84.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -39.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Watch your spelling, grammar and punctuation. No one wants to link to an article that is full of errors.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 84.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 84.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -39.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->c.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Do not make your article too long. Usually a good article will consist of between 200 to 400 words.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 84.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 84.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -39.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->d.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Always include resources at the end. This resource box should also include a short biography regarding you and your site if you do not have an About Me section.<o:p></o:p></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-972327863154899492012-10-22T13:00:00.000-04:002012-10-22T13:12:12.912-04:00The Coven by Diane Wing<img alt="Coven: The Scrolls of the Four Winds" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NrIoFDwHL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094ICEJE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0094ICEJE&linkCode=as2&tag=hubpag048b-20" target="_blank">The Coven: The Scrolls of the Four Winds by Diane Wing</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Long ago there were four girls born to form a witches coven. Their purpose was to protect the ancient texts full of secrets. The girls were reincarnated over various centuries when they finally come together in New Hope, PA. The year is 2007. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Amira is now known as Victoria and she represents North and Earth. Iman is now known as Cassandra and she represents East and Air. Mina is now known as Alexis and she represents the West and Water. Uzma is now known as Macy and she represents South and Fire. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">While the group finds their way back to each other, Victoria has something else in store. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I first started reading this book from <a href="http://www.lovinghealing.com/" target="_blank">Loving HealingPress</a>/<a href="http://modernhistorypress.com/" target="_blank">Modern History Press</a>, I was unsure as to why they would be promoting a book about witches. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Like everyone before us, we are given choices in life. It is up to us to decide what to do with those choices. Victoria made her choices for selfish, and mostly evil reasons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The other three come together to help Victoria, they have not lost their faith.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now it becomes aware that this isn’t your average witch book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We learn that for every action, there is a reaction. It may not always be what you want it to be, but it happens that way for a reason.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We learn that negative things don’t always have to be left negative. You can change it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We learn that everyone has a purpose. Some may not know it, but we all have something great inside.</div><div class="MsoNormal">In time, we can forget bad things, but you must forgive.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps the book will speak to you differently and their are your own lessons to be learned. The plot was well written, the characters very well developed. It moved along and I did not find myself skipping over the boring parts because I had none.<br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"> I received this book free as part of a bloggers review program.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49847647729904162112012-10-22T12:01:00.000-04:002014-11-29T18:06:48.885-05:00Residual Income: Weekly Round-Up Week 10/15-10/21<b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b>It was a slow week for me in the writing department. I have a research paper that is due in a few days so I had to spend a lot of time gathering research and doing some more writing on it. My residual writing suffered a bit.<br /><br />On Monday I started Examiner with $4.80. By Saturday it was up to $8.16. I would say that was a pretty good increase. I saw a significant amount of change when I added the Celebrity and TV piece. But I did nothing after that so my Sunday increase was a few cents. I don't remember exactly, so I won't report it.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I did nothing new on HubPages and I doubt I will. On Monday it was $1.15 and by Saturday it was $1.37. A whopping 22 cents.<br /><br />Helium was $5.14 on Monday and $5.91 by Saturday with only 1 new piece and I did not leapfrog any content. However, I received a few emails from Helium regarding a few pieces that they want me to add some links to. I don't remember this ever being a requirement. They said if I did not add the links my content would risk deletion. Well, I'll get to it when I get to it. I think Helium is going to be that catch-all for pieces that just don't fit anyplace else. And honestly, I think I am done writing oddball pieces that don't fit any of my outlets.<br /><br />My residual earnings are not high. I don't expect them to be. I know a lot of people hit revenue share hard and heavy, I just don't have enough hours in my day to do that. But I am going to do what I can in terms of Examiner because I see a lot of (fun) potential there. I also believe in time my earnings will be compareable to full-time wages if I just stick it out.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Slow and steady wins the race, right??</span></b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Examiner:</b><br /><b><br /></b>I picked up 2 new channels with Examiner<br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/celebrity-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Detroit Celebrity</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/jessica-simpson-loving-and-learning?cid=db_articles" target="_blank">Jessica Simpson loving and learning</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/tv-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Detroit TV</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-vampire-diaries-is-bonnie-the-next-to-go?cid=db_articles" target="_blank">Vampire Diaries is Bonnie the next to go?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/writing-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Detroit Writing:</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-zombie-writing-prompts?cid=db_articles" target="_blank">Top 10 zombie writing prompts</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/different-types-of-writing-clients?cid=db_articles" target="_blank">Different types of writing clients</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-dos-and-donts-of-writing?cid=db_articles" target="_blank">The dos and donts of writing for clients</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/10-truths-about-revenue-share-writing?cid=db_articles" target="_blank">10 truths about revenue share writing</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/different-types-of-writing-pay" target="_blank">Different types of writing pay</a><br /><br />Interested in writing for Examiner? <a href="http://exm.nr/T2rG5R" target="_blank">Join here.</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Helium:</b><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2382024-reasons-why-you-should-refinance-your-home-mortgage" target="_blank">Reasons why you should refinance your home mortgage</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75213682428519897002012-10-22T11:38:00.000-04:002012-10-22T11:38:02.909-04:00SEO 101: Search Engine Friendly Content Part 2 (Tips)<br /><img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Good Content</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Check Your Words</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-donts.html" target="_blank">The Don'ts</a></span><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-keywords.html" target="_blank">Keywords</a><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-how-to-determine-keywords.html" target="_blank">How to Determine Keywords</a><br /><div>SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-search-engine-friendly-content.html" target="_blank">Search Engine Friendly Content</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Search Engine Friendly Content - Tips<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here are a few tips which will help in your SEO using the content on your site.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You should have at least 200 words on each page of your site, 400 is better. Although it can be difficult at times, especially with some subjects, search engines really like it. Try to increase the amount of words where you are able to. Try not to make them too long, going over 1000 gets too long for the user to read and the search engines pretty much stop looking, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The text, wherever possible, should include your most important keyword phrases, but should still remain logical and easy to read by visitors to the site. You can also include related keyword phrases as well as cousins.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be sure to use the keyword phrases which you have used in the other tags on the website pages during this part of the optimization process. This will help with linking.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Add additional word filled pages to the site. Good content includes things such as how to articles, tips, lists or tutorials. These types of pages help with SEO, and you will find that other sites will link to yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These tips should not be ignored, as optimizing your page content for the search engines is one of the most important things you could possibly do in order to improve your ranking.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15105896884256443872012-10-18T09:00:00.000-04:002013-03-03T13:31:58.923-05:00SEO 101: Search Engine Friendly Content<br /><img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Good Content</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Check Your Words</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-donts.html" target="_blank">The Don'ts</a></span><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-keywords.html" target="_blank">Keywords</a><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-how-to-determine-keywords.html" target="_blank">How to Determine Keywords</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">You have your best content, started on your linking and now you are ready to make it search engine friendly. In his hub we will talk about just what exactly a search engine friendly piece of content is. Hopefully you have not been reading all those crazy ads on the internet trying to get you stuff your site or posts with keywords. That is not search engine friendly and Google is starting to crack down on stuffers.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to write content that will get the spiders to come and crawl just as much as human eyes to visit and read. What would be the point of having a good site that is ranking high, only to be so full of keywords that there is no content worth reading? It is important that your site be user friendly to everyone and everything.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Think about this:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 42pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -33pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->What is your site for? A product? A story? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 42pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -33pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->What does it do? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 42pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -33pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->What do you want your visitors to do when they reach it? Buy something? Read something? Click?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 42pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -33pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Would you like them to spend money when they get to it? Or do you just want to make money on clicks and hits?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 42pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -33pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Or are you just providing them with information? Is that information good content?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;">Tips:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->use short paragraphs or bullet points<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->provide calls to action, not just a price list<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->design your site for human readers<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->pick keywords last<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82318327936051443822012-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.928-04:00 10 Reasons Why I Write for Examiner.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHYimo5HULM/UHCXutgo5lI/AAAAAAAABjo/6rXtUJGmSwc/s1600/book+month+article+promotion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHYimo5HULM/UHCXutgo5lI/AAAAAAAABjo/6rXtUJGmSwc/s320/book+month+article+promotion.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Why I Write for Examiner.com</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I get it. you don't want to write for Examiner or any other revenue sharing site because you can make more money writing on your own website. Good for you.<br /><br />You don't want to write for Examiner because you think we are only writing for pennies. Sure that might be true with one or two pieces and no effort, but there are plenty for writers who write for revenue sharing sites that get paid $1000s a month. Month after month. So while you get paid an upfront ONE time payment, we continue to make money off that article that goes above and beyond the one time payment.<br /><br />Yes, it takes work. I get it. But I enjoy it. Here are 10 reasons why.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.examiner.com/user-chrystalmahan" target="_blank">I get to write about my favorite topic</a>(s). </b>Where else can I write about writing and get paid for it? I know a lot of people do well with blogging, but I don’t. I have been blogging since 2004. I do it because I like it. I don’t do it for the money. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>In time I will be seen as an authority on my topic(s)</b>. I’ll keep self-publishing, I’ll keep writing, and I’ll keep writing about writing. In time someone is bound to see me as an authority in my niche.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I make money.</b> A lot of people make a lot of money with Examiner. I just applied for my next channel, right now I only have one. I had 2 in the past but I gave those up. Soon I would like to be able to update that and say I make a lot of money. Or at least enough to pay my bills.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>My writing gets web exposure.</b> Examiner.com reaches a wide variety of readers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I get client referrals. </b>In the past I have had people contact me through Examiner (my old channels) and offer me work. I have no doubt that Examiner is a good tool for future clients.<br /><br /><b>It's fun.</b> That's a good enough reason for me. I can't really say that about too many of the other sites I have written for.<br /><br /><b>I retain the rights to my content. </b>That is the one thing about Helium I don't like.<br /><br /><b>I hate pitching ideas. </b>With Examiner I don't have to.<br /><br /><b>I hate writing query letters.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>I don't have to deal with Adsense.</b><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42549695491927542542012-10-15T13:10:00.003-04:002012-10-15T13:10:47.463-04:00Stolen Secrets by Sandra Levy Ceren<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1615990682/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1615990682&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFH3X5d9T9g/UHw0U6h3yRI/AAAAAAAABkI/f2ZaqvQGdd0/s1600/41pP2cfWnBL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This is book two of the Dr. Cory Cohen Mystery series.<br />I did a review for book three in the series,<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/08/imposter-for-hire-by-sandra-levy-ceren.html" target="_blank"> Imposter for Hire</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1615990682/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1615990682&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20v" target="_blank">Stolen Secrets</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Having read the third book first I did not feel I was being led down the path of a story that was not going to make much sense if I did not read the previous books. The only thing I missed in the third book was how Cory and Ben met. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Book two is much like book three. It is a complete story that has the ability to stand alone without the need for the first one. Ben graces the pages of Stolen Secrets, and it’s on page 149 that Cory is called out on her behavior around Ben. When questioned, her reply was “I’m scared of getting hurt.” The two pair up for a dinner date, but much of their relationship remains professional. There is a bit of awkwardness here and there, much like in real life when two people realize they have feelings for each other and are unsure how to proceed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal">In this novel Dr. Cory Cohen finds her practice breached. Somehow someone was able to find out information that a patient had only shared with her. But who? How? And why? When Cory finds herself being stalked, she knows she is walking into her worst nightmare. When her patient turns up missing, Cory will do what she has to in order to find out the truth. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sandra Levy Ceren has written another page-turner that will keep you guessing for many pages to come. Once you think you know the answer, another twist is revealed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though I have not read the first book, I can feel confident in saying that I highly recommend the entire series for a great mystery read.</div><br /><br /><br /><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Author :</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.drsandralevyceren.com/fiction.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SandraLevy Ceren</a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.lovinghealing.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">The Loving Healing Press</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59779074885741454522012-10-15T09:00:00.000-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.881-04:00Residual Income: Weekly Round-Up Week 10/8-10/14<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Read last weeks challenge results <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/residual-income-weekly-round-up-week.html" target="_blank">10/1-10/7.</a><br /><br />I removed the content (4 pieces) from Wizzley. I think I will leave my account open. Maybe when I am done with school and have more time to spend there I will use it again.<br /><br />I won't be using InfoBarrel.<br /><br />I am still able to log in at FireHow, but I don't think I will be using that account. I am not much of a "how-to" person.<br /><br /><b>Helium</b> - I published 4 pieces and leapfrog 4.<br /><br /><b>Examiner</b> - was where I spent most of my time. I published 14 this week making my total 25.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Earnings:</span></b><br /><br /><b>Hubpages: </b> Monday was $0.28, by Sunday I was up to $1.10 for 21 pieces. Nothing new this week.<br /><br /><b>Helium:</b> Monday was $4.01, by Sunday I was up to $5.01 for 167 articles, 97% of which are years old.<br /><br /><b>Examiner:</b> Monday was $1.61 by Sunday I was up to $4.23 for 14 new articles this week bringing my total up to 25.<br /><br />Adsense total for October: 22 cents, 4 of which is from Hubpages, the rest is from my own websites.<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />It looks like my time best spend is on Examiner. It has the largest increase during the week. The stuff I have been putting on Helium is old HubPage content. I'll continue pushing forward with Examiner. I am finding it a lot of fun to write for them again. I don't expect to get rich, but I think it time this could give me some decent spending money. I think given the channel I have (writing) my residual income is decent for my first week. Writing isn't exactly the most popular channel.<br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Examiner articles:</span></b><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/free-home-office-communication-tools-are-perfect-for-writers?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Free home office communication tools are perfect for writers</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/writing-conferences-detroit" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Writing conferences in Detroit</a><br /><br style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/national-writing-conferences-and-workshops" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">National writing conferences and workshops</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-5-marketing-skills-every-writer-needs" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #ff4400; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Top 5 marketing skills every writer needs</a><br /><br style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/the-busy-writers-self-editing-toolbox-by-marg-mcalister" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">The busy writers self-editing toolbox by Marg McAlister</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/free-business-apps-for-the-at-home-writer" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Free business apps for the at home writer</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/write-compelling-fiction-by-lj-martin?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Write compelling fiction by LJ Martin</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-make-a-writers-resume?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #ff4400; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank"><br />How to make a writers resume</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/writing-romance-vs-writing-erotica?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Writing romance vs. writing erotica</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/publish-your-writing-small-presses-near-detroit" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Publish your writing: Small presses near Detroit</a><br /><br style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-10-writing-prompts-about-fall-colors?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Top 10 writing prompts about fall colors</a><br /><br style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/top-5-writing-prompts-for-halloween?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Top 5 writing prompts for Halloween</a><br /><br style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/how-using-accounting-software-can-save-a-writer-money?cid=db_articles#" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #22229c; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">How using accounting software can save a writer money</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-downsides-to-being-a-writer?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #ff4400; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">The downsides to being a writer</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/reasons-why-writing-for-revenue-sharing-sites-is-better-than-your-own?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #ff4400; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">Reasons why writing for revenue sharing sites is better than writing on your own</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-successful-writer?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #ff4400; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">What does it take to be a successful writer?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/7-books-every-writer-should-have-on-their-shelf?cid=db_articles" style="background-color: #f5f5ff; color: #ff4400; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;" target="_blank">7 books every writer should have on their shelf</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88742099209611550082012-10-14T16:11:00.000-04:002014-08-01T16:13:13.875-04:00 How to File a Tax Extension<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATbywh46j_w/Tqc7DCGx11I/AAAAAAAAAiw/L_6j_Wzwm_E/s1600/TaxQueen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATbywh46j_w/Tqc7DCGx11I/AAAAAAAAAiw/L_6j_Wzwm_E/s1600/TaxQueen1.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />So, it’s getting close to April 15th and you still have not filed your taxes. That deadline is approaching fast and you have no idea what to do. Many tax filers do not know they do have an option. File a tax extension.<br /><br /> With every day that passes time is running out. For some, there is no excuse. For others it is a matter of trying to do way too many things at once and it slips their mind. Some put it off until the weekend, but then something comes up that is much more fun. Perhaps they just have too many tax documents and do not know where to start?<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />If any of these fit your situation, you do not have to stress out of worry. A tax extension does not have to be difficult (and its not). It will not cost you a penny (if you do it yourself). By filing a tax extension this allows you an extra six months (giving you until October) to file your taxes.<br /><br />However, there is a downside to this extra six month extension. If you owe the IRS money you will have to pay at 90% (yikes!) of that balance when you mail in Form 4868, <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf">Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>. That forum is due by October 15th instead of your 1040 Individual Tax return. You can download this simple form from the IRS website. You do have the option to call the IRS. Sometimes they will work out a payment arrangement with you for large amount if it will cause a financial strain. If you do not file your taxes by either due date, you may then be subject to penalties, fees, and in more extreme circumstances, jail time.<br /><br /><br />For those that are without internet access, or do not have a printer, you can pick up the Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return at a local IRS office, Post Office, Library, or you can call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to file a tax extension.<br /><br />If you are a military member, you may qualify for an even longer extension. Be sure to mention if you were serving in a tax free zone for either the current year or the previous year. Some American civilians working overseas may also qualify for a longer extension so contact your local tax office for information.<br /><br />Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is only one page long and very easy to fill out, asking for minimal information. You will fill out your name, address, social security number, your estimated tax liability, your tax payments, your balance due, and the amount you are paying. Make a rough draft of your Individual Income Tax Form 1040, estimate if need be. You will need these numbers to fill out this form.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15307712579713066372012-10-12T08:00:00.001-04:002012-10-12T15:47:27.205-04:00Can You Really Make Money Writing for Examiner.com?<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div>When searching for some material the other day for an Examiner piece, I came across this blog post by Ang England – <a href="http://www.angengland.com/can-you-make-money-writing-for-examinercom/" target="_blank">Can You MakeMoney Writing for Examiner.com?</a> Judging from the first comment, the post was written in 2009. But there were a few things in the article that I wanted to address because I know there are a lot of people out there who have mixed feelings regarding residual income/ revenue sharing sites. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In it Ang England discusses how writing for Examiner is “fairly easy” that overall she is pretty pleased with it. Certainly nothing bad. It’s a quick read, just a basic rundown of the writing program. It’s when you scroll down to read the comments that you start to see the different views of opinions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Over the years I have come to realize that writers are a feisty bunch. You have a group of literary snobs who think the only way you can call yourself a writer is if you have published in a national publication (freelance) or your novel was published by a traditional publishing house. Only then can you call yourself an author. Most of you know that I disagree with that. Long gone are the days where writers have to bow down and kiss the feet of people like that. Thank you Amazon and the self-publishing world. Thank you indie authors and indie publishing companies. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t feel one has to be a published book writer or other print publication to consider themselves a writer or an author. I feel there is room for us all. I only wish we could coexist. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is one particular person in the comments that feels snobby literature and traditional publishing is the only way to go. She feels that when someone sends samples and their resume says they write for Examiner or Suite101 (or any other residual writing site) she admits to immediately tossing their resumes and samples in the trash. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A few scrolls later and we have a published author by the traditional publishing houses that also writes for Suite101 because she finds it fun and thinks the literary snob is wrong because if she were to send her manuscripts in and her resume showed her writing for Suite101, that agent could of just lost the deal of a lifetime because this published author would sell her work to another agent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Discrimination. That is all it is. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why not take the time to read when the person posted on these sites. There are a lot of smart people who are good writers contributing. People would know that if they just took the time to look.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, it happens quite frequently in the writer's world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve noticed it in the Indie Author and the Self-Publishing world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I often laugh it off as jealousy. Sometimes the folks making the biggest stink about those who are writing for revenue sharing sites or self-publishing their own work are jealous for whatever reason. Maybe because they are jealous they wasted so much time trying to get published by a publishing house or magazine and they are seeing how much money these writers are making, wishing they were making that sort of money every month with minimal effort. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The way I see it is this; I will never be Stephen King. I am OK with that. But how I pay my bills and how I go about getting published is my business. Who really cares? Is what I am doing really bothering you and your life? I really doubt it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ang Enland does have an updated post that she has linked within this old one. <a href="http://www.angengland.com/re-examining-examiner-is-examiner-still-paying-with-the-recent-changes/" target="_blank">Re-examiningExaminer</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Her blogs do not have a year posted, but judging from the comments she wrote this post January 2010. It is a bit outdated. But what she discusses is still something people speak of when they rattle the cages of writers at sites like these.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Examiner went through some changes back then. My writing experience with Examiner started in November of 2009. I stayed for about a year. It wasn’t because of Examiner that I left. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/back-with-examiner.html" target="_blank">But now I am back</a>, and I am very excited about it. In my circle Examiner is pretty well respected now. I don’t find it hurting my publication ability at all. I write about writing. Freelancing, blogging, self-publishing, traditional publishing, and finding an agent. Anything writing related. I just started back but I already see a good stream of revenue. It does not take me long to craft content for Examiner. But I continue to earn for the life of the content (or the site, which doesn’t appear to be going anywhere.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked about her updated post was that she makes it very clear that while it is worth it for her to write there, it may or may not be worth it for someone else. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So while you follow allow with my posts and read my<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/residual-income-weekly-round-up-week.html" target="_blank"> weekly roundupfor residual</a>, keep in mind that while the earnings are low now, they will continue to grow. And that it is worth every minute I spend writing the content. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not doing this to get rich. I am doing this because I know hard work now means I can take some time off in the future and still have income. The is the beauty of residual passive income. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49274536523581312612012-10-11T14:14:00.000-04:002012-10-16T18:03:36.679-04:00SEO 101: How to Determine Keywords<br /><img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Good Content</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Check Your Words</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-donts.html" target="_blank">The Don'ts</a></span><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-keywords.html" target="_blank">Keywords</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">One of the easiest parts that someone tends to make more difficult is making the website attractive to the search engines. The more attractive the website, and SEO than the better the success of the website. The better the success of the website, the more repeat hits you will have. In order to make this happen you will need to follow these tips. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6675392.481;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000028007181;pid=UBM9781601384430;usg=AFHzDLtd5Lr6eE1XkyADfUkwdLNeafvePw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdsbooksdvds.com%252Fproduct.jhtm%253Fsku%253DUBM9781601384430;pubid=584456;price=%2421.71;title=The+Small+Business+Own...;merc=CDS+Books+and+DVDS;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fc378237.r37.cf1.rackcdn.com%2F9781601384430.jpg;width=56;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><b>Keyword Selection<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">First, determine what your pages are offering. This will help you determine what possible words your potential visitors might use when searching. These are the words you are going to want to zero in on in order to get unique visitors to your site.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">To get full optimization of the keywords on your website you should use 3 to 5 keywords on your pages or posts. Generally the closer to the top of the post or page the keywords are, the more weight Google will give. Visitors tend to crawl a website the same way the spider’s do.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> So what do you do if your main pages are already built and you are now writing the content?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">It is never too late to select keywords. Even though it is better to get the keywords in place before the site goes live it is more of a personal preference as when to set them up within the site.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">Another thing you will want to do is to check and make sure your keyword(s) is not too competitive or popular. While some competition is good, some are just too high to bother competing with. If this is the case with one of yours try to make it a bit more specific. <o:p></o:p></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84326714686207791872012-10-10T17:29:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:32:30.303-04:00Updates! (More Docs, More Weight Issues)<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey6BgnHOZpk/UDQHcpUBZSI/AAAAAAAABdM/k370XJqAcAY/s1600/196699_492637387415014_163055015_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey6BgnHOZpk/UDQHcpUBZSI/AAAAAAAABdM/k370XJqAcAY/s1600/196699_492637387415014_163055015_n.jpg" /></a></div>I know I have been terrible about keeping this site updated lately. This whole health issue has just run me down that I have just enough energy to get through school and do my few writing pieces for pay. I have so many new photos of food I made with recipes that I need to get those uploaded to Photobucket so I can start posting them here. I promise to get back to this site. It might take me another week or two as I finish up my research paper for my grad school class.<br /><br />I had another doctor appointment today. I decided to switch docs because I felt like my primary care doctor was not taking the time I needed to sit and discuss things with me. Once something would come out of my mouth she would rush me off to the next test to have done and doctor to see. We never really spent time discussing what was going on with me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The doctor I met with today is very open and she spent a lot of time talking to me about my problems. Because the weight is the biggest problem (even though the pain is bad, it would go down if the weight would move. The degenerative disk disease and osteoarthritis will never go away) we spent a lot of time talking about that. She suggested I go check out a weight loss seminar. So we filled out the paper allowing me to go with her approval. I will attend on November 7. That does not mean I will have WLS, it just means I am looking at my option. Honestly, I am terrified of it and because of this she told me that my heart has to be in it for it to get done.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />She's right. But when I wake up in total pain day-after-day and it hurts to even exercise, I feel like I am running out of options.<br /><br />I am not a candidate for any weight loss medications because of past experiences. We discussed that.<br /><br />She really wanted me to touch base with the dietitian again and sit with her and see if she can come up with a more structured me plan. She suggested this because we get to see the dietitian free of charge (no co-pay) with our insurance plan. I like mine, shes nice enough, but I need someone to be a bit more accessible than she is. But I will make the appointment per her recommendation.<br /><br />She also suggested I try Weight Watchers again. She feels that with the iFit treadmill program I have been doing and the DDPYoga WITH the Metformin (which I still have to take) that WW should work well for me now. She feels the reason I was having problems in the past was because I did not have the Metformin to help me. Now that I do, WW should be a good option for me. I was pretty excited about that because I have been reading up on the whole PCOS thing and I found so much conflicting evidence as to what I should and shouldn't be eating. I had diet plan overload. I'm also a Lifetime member of WW and would love to get back to my goal weight.<br /><br />I know now to switch to wheat pasta , high fiber breads, and brown rice. I have to cut my sugar , white starches and carbs. I have to stay low glycemic index because of the insulin resistance of the PCOS.<br /><br />I am not really in a place to afford meetings. With weekly meetings and etools I would be paying about $65 a month. I can do WW online for $18.95. Right now they are having free registration, so you get three months for $57. Since I have all my meeting tools still , online might be the option for me. Once I get close to goal I can cancel my online and start going to meetings. Since I am Lifetime, if I am within a few points I can still go for free.<br /><br />Not sure what I am going to do. I am just not in a position to waste money and I am terrified of failure.<br /><br />I am linked up with a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/536057219744782/" target="_blank">PCOS Challenge on Facebook</a>. I am hoping this will shed some light on this situation.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1065279531721208742012-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-10T08:00:05.936-04:00Free HTML Tutorials<br /><div class="MsoNormal">Want to build your own website? How about making your blog posts stand out from the rest? If you are like me looking at code only confuses you even more. Some people take a look at the codes and put off building a blog or a website for fear of frustration.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I can do it, anyone can. I like to think I am a pretty smart girl, but I really have no clue when it comes to programming and codes. It’s foreign to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, building your own website, homepage, or even make your writing stand out from the crowd, does not have to be a difficult task. It really is quite painless and it can be a lot of fun. All you need to know are a few basic HTML codes to get started. Once you are familiar with those basic codes you can build on them one by one. You will be extremely surprised at how easy it can be. The more you practice the faster you will pick up all the advanced codes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><b>Here are a few sites to help you get started:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.htmlcodetutorial.com/" target="_blank">HTML Code Tutorial</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">HTML Code Tutorial will give you tutorials for every project. The website includes a forum for reference as well as a place that you can go to get help from other users. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.w3schools.com/" target="_blank">W3 Schools</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal">W3 Schools gives website visitors many options. This site brags about itself, stating it is the largest web developer site on the net, all for free. The site includes HTML, XML, and browser scripting. Examples are given for each; there is certification, and a place to try it out for yourself. The website gives you hands on training.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.quackit.com/html/tutorial/" target="_blank">Quack It </a> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Quack It is a very simple site. It is aimed at beginners in the HTML field. This particular site will show you how to build your website from the ground up, giving you all the basic fundamentals for easily learning the HTML coding.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/HTML/1" target="_blank">Tutoralized </a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tutoralized is a great site for those looking only for basic codes and have no need for anything else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.htmlgoodies.com/" target="_blank">HTML Goodies </a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> This website gives its users a supply of website goodies, hence the name, that are easily coded through HTML.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7803040280362328142012-10-09T09:00:00.000-04:002012-10-09T14:14:07.797-04:00SEO 101: Keywords<img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Good Content</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Check Your Words</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/seo-101-donts.html" target="_blank">The Don'ts</a></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got good content?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are your URL’s in check?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s get started on keywords does not have to be difficult for you to figure out, nor do you need to make it complicated. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Search Engine Optimization will work its magic when you make sure that each page of your site is its own entity. It needs to be treated in the appropriate manner where search engine optimization is concerned. This article will provide you with some basic guidelines to help you achieve some basic search engine results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, get the keywords right. It is important that you select the keywords that are going to give you the best marketing for your bang. Stay away from words that are too general such as cat, dog, mail, horse, blog, website. Instead, pick words that will give you a higher ranking. The keywords should also match the idea of your site. If you have a site about Boxers, use the higher ranking keyword instead of dog. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, use keywords in your title on all of your pages and posts. The keywords should be as closely related to your website title and title posts. This way when someone search for those terms on a search engine, your posts will appear in the results. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Another tip, use keywords in your Title Tags and Meta Tags. It is important for search linking and page rank building that these keywords are included in these tags for EACH page/post of your site. You can look at this like connect the dots.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Using keywords in content is going to be the absolute most important placement of words. Any post, blurb, product description or other forms of content should always include high ranking keywords. Try not to overdo it as you do not want the search engines to think you are keyword stuffing.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a rule of thumb, using the free Google Keyword Tool is a valuable resource when choosing keywords. Using this tool, enter your keywords and Google will give you an entire list of words. You can use a few sets of these words for excellent keyword content.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57621023818679491482012-10-08T15:12:00.000-04:002014-09-16T18:02:49.640-04:00 Guide to Taxes for first Time Home BuyersOnce you’ve bought your home, you are going to want to take advantage of some of the credits and tax breaks that come with being a first time homeowner. Even though the first time home buyers credit expired September 30, 2010, for everyone except qualified members of the U.S. Uniformed services, there are still a couple of credits first time homebuyers can qualify for who are not uniformed service members.<br /><br /><br /><b>The First Time Home Buyers Credit</b><br /><b><br /></b>The first time home buyers credit was a credit which allowed first time home buyers a credit of up to $8,000. The purchase had to be made by April 30, 2010 and settled by September 30, 2011, according to the IRS website. The credit was available to homebuyers in 2008, 2009, and 2010. The eligibility was based on the year of the purchase and the price of the home.<br /><br />This was a credit that would have reduced your tax bill, increasing your refunding. This was a refundable tax credit. Qualified members of the U.S. Uniformed services had until April, 2011 to purchase their home which will be reported on this year’s return. As of 2012 there is no news on whether the IRS will renew this credit for non uniformed persons.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />To be qualified for the first time home buyers credit under the U.S. Uniformed services, according to the IRS, “you or your spouse are, or were, a member of the uniformed services or Foreign Service as an employee of the intelligence community and were on qualified official extended duty for at least 90 days during the period beginning after December 31, 2011, and ending before May 1, 2010.” Translation: first time homebuyers must purchase the home by April 30, 2011 and sign a binding contract. The closing must be by June 30, 2011.<br /><br />You also had to buy the main home in the United States “after December 21, 2010 and before May 1, 2011.”<br /><br />The credit is also available to those who may not be buying their first home, but have not purchased a home in recent years. The law does allow long-time residents of the same home to claim this credit if they purchase a new home by the deadline stated.<br /><br />To claim the credit the taxpayer will need to fill out Form 5404, supply proper documentation, and file Form 1040.<br /><br />If you have any questions you can contact your local IRS office or visit the website at <a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,id=238697,00.html">IRS.gov</a><br /><a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-home-front/2009/02/17/first-time-home-buyer-tax-credit-6-things-to-know"> 6 Things to Know About the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,id=204671,00.html">IRS: First-Time Homebuyer Credit</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.quickfinder.com/">Book:Q1040 Quickfinder</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p3/ar02.html">IRS: Publication 3 Armed Forces Tax Guide</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/ch36.html">IRS: Publication 17 Your Federal Income Tax</a><br /><br />IRS: Form 5405 First Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of the Credit<br /><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf</a><br /><br />IRS: Instructions for Form 5405<br /><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5405.pdf">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5405.pdf</a><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75070519455252674172012-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.913-04:00Residual Income: Weekly Round-Up Week 10/1-10/7<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHYimo5HULM/UHCXutgo5lI/AAAAAAAABjo/6rXtUJGmSwc/s1600/book+month+article+promotion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHYimo5HULM/UHCXutgo5lI/AAAAAAAABjo/6rXtUJGmSwc/s320/book+month+article+promotion.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That me (under Book Month) on the front page of Examiner!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I thought it would be good to have a post on Monday showing what I did the week before. This will help me stay motivated and be accountable. I do not know how well I will be able to keep up with it since school is always changing schedules. But I will do my best to keep the updates going.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">For the Week October 1-7</span></b><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">eBooks</span></b><br />eBooks are not part of my residual income total, but it is worth writing here because I am trying to get as close to 50 by the end of the year as possible.<br />eBooks Published: 2<br />Total : 32<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Revenue Share</b></span><br /><u>HubPages</u> -3 new pieces. I have not seen a change in HubPage earnings because they are saying the reports are down.<br /><u>Helium</u> - 11 new pieces that were all idle HubPages that I had removed.<br /> leapfrog - 27 (rewrites)<br /><u>WebAnswers </u>- none - I have a feeling I will be leaving this out of the challenge.<br /><u>InfoBarrel</u> - submit 1, it was denied, posted on Helium. I don't think I will be using this site for this challenge.<br /><u>Wizzley</u> - started over and submitted 4. These were pieces I had on Wizzley but on a whim removed but they were not de-indexed yet so I put them back up, pretty much the next day.<br /><u>Examiner</u> - 8 new pieces submitted since Wednesday.<br /><u>Yahoo</u> - removed 2, only 2 remain, they were upfront payments so I can't remove them. I don't think I will be using Yahoo for this challenge either.<br /><br />I realize many think you should not put all your eggs in one basket. The problem I have with that is when you are working on building up residual income it takes time to build up a portfolio on one site. Once you have built your site and income to the level you are comfortable, then by all means go ahead and open another account at another site if you wish. Personally I feel if I have too many sites then I feel obligated to write at all of them. Right now I just want to focus on a couple so I can make them outstanding instead of just so-so.<br /><br />Time is a factor for me. I want to make sure I am writing at the sites that are going to make me the most amount of money. This will be different for each person and the website they pick to write for.<br /><br />On Friday my piece on Examiner - <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/writers-celebrate-national-book-month" target="_blank">Writers celebrate National Book Month</a> was promoted!<br /><br /><u>Examiner University:</u><br />AP Style Tips<br />Nuts and Bolts of SEO<br />Editorial 101<br />Using Tags<br />Photo Usage<br />Writing Better Headlines<br />Numerals<br /><br />These are the tutorials I watched the videos on. I plan to finish up the University this week.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Profiles:</span></b><br />My Wizzley Profile: <a href="http://wizzley.com/authors/cmahan/" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a><br />To join Wizzley <a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" target="_blank">sign up here</a>.<br /><br />My HubPages Profile: <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a><br />To join HubPages <a href="https://hubpages.com/_2tsdg0gko0wdi" target="_blank">sign up here.</a><br /><br />My Helium Profile: <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a><br />To join <a href="http://helium.com/" target="_blank">sign up here.</a><br /><br />My Examiner Profile : <a href="http://www.examiner.com/writing-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan - Detroit Writing Examiner</a><br />To join <a href="http://exm.nr/T2rG5R" target="_blank">sign up here</a>. If it asks, please put my name.<br /><br />Please drop me a line at cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com if you should have any questions about these sites or if you decide to join.<br /><br /><br /><b>Earnings:</b><br /><u>Wizzley</u> - reported in Adsense<br /><u>Hubpages</u> - reported in Adsense AND<br /> 28 cents in earnings for the month so far. I assume it is really more since it hasn't changed and they have an announcement on the dashboard stating the earnings reports are down.<br /><br /><u>Helium</u> - At the first of the month my Helium balance was right around $2 and some change. By Wednesday after adding a few pieces and doing some leapfrogs it went up to $3.50. By Sunday night it was $3.89. You can see I added plenty of new content that had already been written. I cleaned up content already there. So for minimal effort I made over $1.<br /><br /><u>Examiner</u> - My Examiner was reopened on Wednesday. I added a new piece and Thursday I had 5 cents. Friday I had 28 cents. Saturday I had 65 cents. By Sunday I had 6 pieces and $1.13. I added 1 more piece bringing my total to 7.<br /><br /><u>Adsense</u> earnings for October so far is 10 cents. All of that came from my websites, none of it came from Wizzley or HubPages. When HubPages is updated I will decide whether I will continue writing there or not. I think I will continue adding my idle HubPages that were removed a few weeks back to Helium. Most of my efforts will be placed with Examiner. I really want that to be my main writing gig. Anything else I write I will figure out if I want to put it on Helium or Hubpages.<br /><br />I'll try to do this every Monday. It will be interesting to see how things work out.<br /><br />I am debating on a goal. I want to make one, just not sure what for. So I was thinking that maybe I could make my goal to be $500 a month by March when I graduate and $1000 a month by October which would be my 1 year back with Examiner.<br /><br />I will have to think about that one for a little while.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What are your residual income goals??</span></b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83108780000617832712012-10-06T14:40:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.392-04:00My Education and My WritingSo a fellow writer asked me a question today that I felt warranted a blog post. It's writing related so it should be on Self Employed Writer.<br /><br />The question was asked:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br />Chrystal, just curious and please don't answer if this is too personal - I know you are working so hard at your studies, and I totally admire you - I went back to become a pharmacist a few years ago but abandoned it - but I don't see where the degree is fitting into your writing goals. Are you planning to go back into the corporate world after graduation?</blockquote><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />And that is a GOOD question. I know it is something I have thought about for many, many years now. It deserves to be answered because I feel it does come up from time to time when people see that my degree is not related to anything writing.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />She is right, my certifications and degrees do not have anything to do with my writing.<br /><br />Lets look at my goods.<br /><br />eMarketing Association - eMarketing certification<br />eMarketing Association - Student Membership<br />eZine Aricles Expert Author Certification (this showed up in my email one day in 2011 and is my only writing related.)<br />Stratford Career Institute - 2 year technical diploma in Accounting<br />Oklahoma State University - Associate in Accounting<br />Baker College - Bachelors in General Studies with majors in Accounting, Business and Marketing<br />Certification of Medical Billing<br />Certification of Office, Access and Excel<br />Certification of Business Letter Writing (Oh! I forgot about this!)<br />Basic and Intermediate Excel training<br />Business Etiquette certification<br />Certified Tax Prepared<br />Certified Notary<br />Business Math certification<br />FEMA training<br />Cash Handling certification<br />Limited Licensed Real Estate Appraiser<br />Court Clerk certification<br />tons of computer class certifications<br />Finance certification<br />Time Management certification<br />Grammar Fitness certification<br />and so on.<br /><br />99% of this list (aside from my degrees) were classes that I had to take while on the job. As you can see, it is all pretty much business related.<br /><br /><b>But why?</b><br /><br /><u>My back story:</u><br /><br />When I was younger, Jr high/high school, I loved the written word. I remember reading Carrie by Stephen King when I was around 10 or 11. I was reading full length classic novels by the time I was 9. My mom was a book lover and she had attended college as a creative writing major but left the program when she was pregnant with me. I guess I come by it naturally. Even though I loved reading and talking about what I read, I was not a fan of grammar. I found sentence structure boring and dull. There was no excitement. I should have paid more attention, but I didn't. If it wasn't reading then it was math. I loved math. And I was good at it.<br /><br />When it came to be my Sophomore year in HS and we had to start deciding what we wanted to be when we grew up my first thought was English But, I was told there was no money was in English and my testing showed I was better in math. But I did not want to major in math because I did not want to teach and I was not interested in the science behind math. Then I took a law class. My family has a few lawyers so it always interested me. Then, I learned how much time law school took. No thanks. Then, (I really like this word today) I took a bookkeeping class. It was easy. I took Accounting 1 and 2. My teacher wrote recommendations to the college because I was his top student. The other half of my family is accountants. I guess that was my path. Good money, it was easy for me and it was something I was good at.<br /><br />I moved around a bit after graduating high school. I finally arrived in Stillwater, OK and Oklahoma State University. I went to school part-time and worked full-time. I never finished my Bachelors because I got married and became comfortable in my accounting career. I did decide to take more Accounting training so I enrolled in the correspondence program through Stratford.<br /><br />Then I felt the need to work on my Bachelors. I was working full-time so going back to traditional college wasn't going to work. I lived right down the road from OSU, but they did not offer the classes I needed for my BA at the times I could take them. I found out that the University of Oklahoma had a liberal arts program 100% online for Oklahoma residents. I signed up. I loved every class I took. A lot of reading and writing. I knew I had to push my writing a bit more. I just had no idea how.<br /><br />I was divorced in 2007 and moved to Michigan that same year. I never got the chance to complete my liberal arts degree.<br /><br />I worked in the accounting filed until 2008. This was also the year I decided I was going to take care of myself and finish school, so I enrolled at Baker College. I started as an Accounting major. I quickly got bored so I switched to general studies because more of my classes transferred from OSU & OU, allowing me to be done sooner. It also allowed me to take more creative writing and literature classes.<br /><br />My last job was at HR Block doing taxes the first half of the year and then I became the office manager for a paper tubing manufacturing company that later. The stress of that job sent me a constant state of panic and my depression was no longer in remission.<br /><br />I have <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/search/label/Doctor%20Visits" target="_blank">degenerative disk disease</a>. I was diagnosed in 2006. Over the years it has gotten worse and much more painful.<br /><br />I could no longer work for someone else. I started following my dream of writing again. I had been published when I was younger. I had no idea what sort of writing job I could do. I started looking in 2007 when I first moved to MI. I did odd jobs here and there until the 2008 tax season. When it was over, I had the summer to push more. By September I had the office job, by November I was gone.<br /><br />In 2011 I graduated with my Bachelors. I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I was still writing and doing accounting, marketing and business related jobs on oDesk. At this time I felt my writing was not going anywhere - let's face it - I'm not that good. And my grammar is terrible. I decided to go for my MBA <b>just to see if I could do it.</b> I am now half way through the program.<br /><br />This year I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and my right shoulder has dropped 3 inches.<br /><br /><br /> I live in a constant state of pain. The weight has been a battle. I know if the weight comes down, so will the pain level in my hips and back. It should then straighten out my shoulder. It has been harder than ever. We've also not gotten pregnant. That prompted the docs to do more tests. <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/2012/08/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos.html" target="_blank">Last month I found out I had PCOS</a>. So now we are battling that problem, too.<br /><br />I have no desire to go back to Corporate America. The stress and anxiety are not worth it for me. Plus, I am completely bored with it. I have been studying Accounting since I was 15. I am 37 now.<br /><br /> Besides, I am tattooed much more now and trying to cover it to suit them would be a giant pain in the ass. So, I choose to continue writing for myself through <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/10/100-ebook-challenge-part-3-updates.html" target="_blank">revenue share sites and eBooks </a> while picking up business jobs on oDesk (and writing, too).<br /><br /><b>My MBA is for me</b>. Just to see if I can do it. Since it never expires, you never know when I might need it. Call it my back-up plan. Someday I will get my body back in shape. Someday I won't be in a constant state of pain. I want to write. That is all. But I can't predict the future so I feel it best to get as much education as I possibly can.<br /><br /><b>Besides, my grammar may suck at time, my creative writing mediocre, but I can rattle off tax laws with the best of them. :)</b><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20999863571645778492012-10-04T12:53:00.002-04:002012-10-04T12:58:10.564-04:00Back With Examiner!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s1600/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiHlN0E4THo/UG28zXIo86I/AAAAAAAABjI/QZkmCP8Ofs4/s320/Premium+Business+Cards+++Enter+your+Text.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I know a lot of people out there have mixed feelings regarding Examiner and Revenue Sharing sites. I can understand both sides of the coin. Many need upfront money while others feel you don't get paid what you are worth no matter how you look at it. Well, I happen to like Revenue Share sites and writing for Residual Income. I've been doing it off and on for the last 5 years. If I would have stuck with it all this time I could be making full-time income off my of residuals.<br /><br />I used to write for Examiner, starting in 2009. My first channel was Detroit Depression Examiner. I was ecstatic because I felt I could offer up a lot of topics and self-help for those that were going through things I had been through. But I quickly found that living an hour away from Detroit made it hard for me to write locally. Plus, it was not exactly the best topic to write locally about. I found that writing about depression only made my own worse. It became increasingly difficult to get myself excited to write. Then, I picked up another channel. Detroit Frugal Living, which again, I was excited about. But just as the Depression channel you had to write locally, which made it hard. After a year of writing for Examiner, I handed in my resignation.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />At the time Detroit was the only city available on Examiner and only a handful of topics. There was no other choice for me at the time.<br /><br />Now that I have launched into the world of self-publishing and ebooks I still see the value in residual income from websites. It's a nice "savings account" for writer's. I know a lot of people jumped ship when Google went through Panda and then Penguin. But many sites are still alive and thriving. Writer's are still writing and making cash.<br /><br />Every few weeks I meet another person who is making full-time income from residual and I always kick myself for giving up when things got tough.<br /><br />(Of course a lot of it was school and the way it runs me down when it comes to trying to write, and the other was financial. I needed upfront pay.)<br /><br />I still need upfront pay, but I can find that elsewhere. Writing content isn't hard if you have a topic you know and love. So when I found out that Examiner no longer requires you to write locally and they had a writing channel I immediately asked them if I could open my account. It took about a week but I was able to have my account opened and now I am the Detroit Writing Examiner. I have so many ideas for my channel. I still plan to use Helium and HubPages as those are my favorite two, but for now my main focus will be on Examiner.<br /><br />I know once I am done with school and can actually write full time residual income will be full time income for me. I still plan to continue forward with my ebooks and the challenge I have made for myself there. But I will be adding Examiner (and other residual) to my daily list of things to do.<br /><br />Here is my new channel: <a href="http://www.examiner.com/writing-in-detroit/chrystal-mahan" target="_blank">Detroit Writing Examiner</a> and my first two articles:<br />1. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/free-bookkeeping-resources-for-writers?cid=db_articles" target="_blank">Free bookkeeping resources for writers</a><br />2. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/home-business-tax-deductions-for-writers" target="_blank">Home business tax deductions for writers</a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What's new in your residual income world???</span></b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49259311978624998202012-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-04T08:00:12.358-04:00SEO 101: Basic Link Structure<img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Good Content</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Check Your Words</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;">SEO 101: </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Now that you have made your urls searchable and have written good content now you need to work on the links within your post. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Linking might be one of the more obvious aspects of search engine optimization but it is often the one that is most overlooked. Linking helps the search engine spiders (crawl) find your page(s). If they can’t fine them, they don’t get crawled and this means they don’t get indexed within the search engines. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Spiders + Java Script = No-No<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal">Spider’s can’t see links accomplished by Java Script. As far as the search engine is concerned this site will not exist. Also, any URL links that have long numbers or odd characters should be avoided.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You want to make sure that all your pages link to at least one other page. You do not want any “dangling links.” The key idea here is to make sure that the internal links are structured so that the targeted search terms are reinforced. It helps to make sure the links are organized with the topic subtopic pages linked to it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Here are some of the most common links:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b>Link Text <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Durl%E2%80%9D">some link text</a></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;">This link is one of the most important elements in making sure your site gets a good ranking. It is advisable that this link be placed within your site or on other site’s pages. Make sure the target pages main search term is in the link text. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Title Tag <title>some title words</title></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;">With a title tag you want to make sure the search term is contained within this tag. This will ensure good page ranking. Place it as close to the front (beginning) of the website/post as possible.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Description Tag <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b>Alt Text <img alt="alt" displayed="displayed" is="is" mouseover="mouseover" or="or" src="”url”" text="text" which="which" /></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b>Keywords Tag </b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b>H Tag <hn>some heading words</hn></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;">These three tags are more complicated so we will discuss those in more detail within another lesson.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bold Text</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;">Bold text is great for drawing attention to your word. It works like a free advertisement. This will give some weight to the page and the word(s).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Normal Text<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; text-align: justify;">In normal text, use the search term as often as possible without making it seem like a repetitive piece of jumbled up mess.<o:p></o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24498790107710192112012-10-02T11:50:00.000-04:002012-10-02T11:50:00.077-04:00100 eBook Challenge: Part 3 Updates<br /><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><img height="335" src="http://www.eynjuls.com/harsha/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/writing-girl1.gif" style="background-color: transparent;" width="400" /></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/100-ebooks-in-year-challenge-part-1.html" style="color: #33aaff; text-decoration: none;">100 eBooks in a Year Challenge: Part 1</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/100-ebooks-in-year-challenge-part-2.html" style="color: #33aaff; text-decoration: none;">100 eBooks in a Year Challenge: Part 2</a></h3><div><br /></div><div>After reviewing my syllabus for my current graduate school class it has come to my attention that I am halfway through the graduate program. After this class is finished ( I have a new one every 6 weeks) I only have 5 more to go (yah!). The problem is they are becoming harder and much more time consuming (thank you research papers). I did not meet any of my ebook goals for September. I am not happy about that, but in the same breath I know it cannot be helped. My grades can't suffer. </div><div><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday I published two more ebooks, both bundles. That now brings my total up to 30 between two names. Right now I would like to set a new challenge to get to 50 by the end of the year. That gives me 3 months to write 20 more titles. I believe this is doable, but will also depend on coursework for the classes I will enter this year. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do hope to meet this challenge. If I can get 50 by the end of the year, I will need 50 more by May 2013 to meet my goal of 100 in a year. That would mean I would need to publish 10 stories a month. I am not sure how that will work January to March while I am still in school. I should be done with school around March and that will give me a few months with no school commitments before my year is up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is life and sometimes it can't be helped but I am going to do my best to get as close to that goal as possible.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">How are you doing on your ebook challenge?</span></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60561735984559029272012-10-01T13:31:00.001-04:002013-03-03T13:32:28.463-05:00SEO 101: The Don'ts<img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html">Good Content</a><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html">Check Your Words</a><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101-your.html" target="_blank">Your URLS and Links</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">To this point we have discussed things you should do such as, make good content, and check your words, and urls and links. Now let’s talk a little bit about some things you should not do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Do not try to fool the Search Engines</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is no point in trying to do it. Do not use anything that will cloak, do not do keyword stuffing, do not use duplicate content, do not use link farms and do not spam. Let’s be honest, sometimes it does work; for a short time and the consequences just are not worth it. The last thing you want is to have your site banned from the search engines.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Avoid the use of Frames</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are walkaround available to allow a search engine robot to crawl the frame based site, but this will still cause problems for site visitors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">When someone follows a link from the search and it takes them to a frame based site the visitor will end up at an abandoned document. This will only create confusion with the visitor as vital parts of your website will be lost to them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Browser Detection </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are going to use browser detection, make sure it does not break when the search engine spider comes along. Sadly, if the spiders or other agents cannot get into your site, than your site simply won’t be found.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do not waste your time with Meta Tags<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many people learned the hard way, most search engines do not place much value on content mixed with Meta Tags. Some people had to ruin it for everyone; spammers. If you have the availability, use Meta description elements. Keywords won’t hurt, but they really don’t help either. It may not be worth the effort for you to use them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some search engines will use the Meta description content to describe the site in their listing. When it is possible, make sure you create unique and descriptive content for every web page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have provided a few basic guidelines in relation to SEO. There is a lot more that can be done in order to increase your site’s visibility with search engines. Our next topic will discuss the basics of link structure.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4053164917041363162012-09-27T16:33:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.257-04:00SummerThis poem was written as a special summer piece for Yahoo! and published 8/19/2011<br /><br />I am republishing it here and removing it from Yahoo! since Summer 2011 is long gone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Every summer <br />for the last 4 years <br />I've had to start life over <br />and shift my gears. <br /><br />For many summer is fun <br />late night movies <br />BBQ, swimming pools, <br />and plenty of sun. <br /><br />Every summer <br />for the last 4 years <br />makes me want to run and hide, <br />stay inside. <br /><br />What a bummer, <br />this summer.<br /><br />(C)C.M.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29580387414932727172012-09-27T08:53:00.002-04:002013-03-03T13:32:09.376-05:00Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 101: Your URL’s and Links<img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" target="_blank">Good Content</a><br />SEO 101: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html" target="_blank">Check Your Words</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ensure that your URL’s are search engine friendly</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To get your website within the higher ranks of the search engines it is important to make sure your URL’s are friendly. Making them long or unrelated would not be helpful. Most blog programs such as WordPress will generate the URL based on your title. You want it as close to the title as possible so the search engines.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Using a search friendly URL will help your site in the ranking and it helps the users of your site find you. There are sites out there that have seen a huge spike in traffic just by making their URLs user friendly.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Get Linked</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Getting linked goes back to having good content. For an internet website incoming links are very important for Search Engine Optimization. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the easiest methods for getting linked is using social media sites, followed by doing guest posts (if you’re a blogger) on other people’s blogs. Other ways to get links include sharing links with other bloggers, syndication networks, article directories and emails.<o:p></o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33092838355222638152012-09-25T11:27:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:31:57.405-04:00Another Doctor AppointmentI am in the middle of another migraine. I have had more than my fair share this month. I know it is a combination of the birth control, Metformin and Tramadol. I used to have a lot of problems with my birth control triggering my migraines when I was younger. I was on the lowest dose possible until I stopped taking them when we were trying to conceive. I was not regular on them and when I did have a cycle it was nothing to really speak of. My OB did not wan't to put me back on the lowest dose because of my high risk of uterine cancer. She wanted to make sure the pill would make my cycle. And it did.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My first week on the pill I was not on the other meds and I felt fine. So, I do honestly think that it's a combination of all of them. The Metformin doesn't seem to be doing anything. I gained weight my first week on it.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Tomorrow morning I am going to talk to the doc and see what she has to say about all of this. Maybe I don't have to take the meds or we can find another pain reliever for my shoulder/hip/back pain.<br /><br />Honestly, I am really tired of the doctor visits. It just seems like one thing leads to another and I get no real resolution.<br /><br /><b>These last few years have been extremely frustrating.</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45193835824170742122012-09-25T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-25T11:11:56.302-04:00How To Carve a Pumpkin & Some News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M47_iWR9BdI/UGB4g-2jNgI/AAAAAAAABio/ly4cw3NeDn0/s1600/dreamstimefree_33237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M47_iWR9BdI/UGB4g-2jNgI/AAAAAAAABio/ly4cw3NeDn0/s320/dreamstimefree_33237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Just in time for Halloween!<br /><br />I tested Wizzley with a few articles that used to be on Hubpages. After careful consideration I feel that it is in my best interest to take the handful of articles that were placed on Wizzley and put them on Helium where I already have over 100 pieces of content. It just doesn't make much sense for me to start a brand new account. So all of the idle hubs I have yet to get a chance to post elsewhere will either come here if the title fits or go to Helium.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />When I get time I am going to "Leapfrog" some of my Helium articles in order to spruce them up a bit. I used to make pretty decent residual there when I first started and would actually spend time writing content. I would like to get back to it because it was so much fun. I realized that when I felt I "had" to make money it stopped being fun and I quit. I think <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a>, <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632" target="_blank">WebAnswers</a>, <a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/652747/chrystal_mahan.html" target="_blank">Yahoo!</a> and <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">Hubpages</a> are enough residual income sites for me to keep up with.<br /><br />Since I don't rely on residual income from these sites as my full-time income, it can go back to being fun again because I realize I will never be one of those people that can write 1000 articles in a few months in order to make $1000 or more in residual income. I just don't have the time.<br /><br />To mark my comeback to the world of Helium I posted a fun article about pumpkin carving. If you have some time, please <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2374916-how-to-carve-the-perfect-pumpkin" target="_blank">click the link and check it out.</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/SH7RO" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://media.enimgs.net/brand/files/escalatenetwork/928/20347-HalloweenToteBags-728x90.gif" width="728" /></a><img height="1" src="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_i?offer_id=928&aff_id=7064&file_id=5432&tiny_url=1" width="1" />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35677417765779505262012-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-24T08:00:15.099-04:00Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 101: Check Your Words<img height="266" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />In a previous discussion we touched on "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/seo-101-good-content.html" target="_blank">Good Content</a>"<br /><br />Today we are going to discuss "Check Your Words."<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Check Your Spelling</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Keeping your spelling in check is crucial to good search engine optimization. If your website is written in English and you have visited another English site where the words look a little different, you have just witnessed the difference between American English and British English. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For example, American English we write “color” whereas British English they would write “colour”. Another example would be U.S. version is “favorite” and the UK version is “favourite”. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In order to prevent the wrong word from being placed in to the spell checker, make sure your word processing program is set up as American English. Search engines are going to pick up and index these words much quicker.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Make Sure Your Titles are Descriptive</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Your title is what is going to be placed in the search engines. It needs to be simple but yet descriptive. The title should be short, not overly wordy and as relevant as possible. This will make it much easier for the search engines to know what your article is about. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This also allows people to scan through the search results they get, allowing them to quickly determine if your document contains what they are searching for. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Your title is your link to the search engine. Good titles = more visits = more traffic = higher ranking.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This makes the title the most important element of your content next to the keywords (which we will discuss in another lesson) located in the body of the article. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34110173448790632812012-09-20T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-20T08:00:09.474-04:00SEO 101: Good Content<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img height="213" src="http://dapazze.com/wp-content/uploads/seo1.jpg" width="320" /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is going to be part one in a series for SEO so please be sure to follow or bookmark to be updated on new content. I've noticed a lot of people out there don't know what SEO is. This is a simple series to help get you familiar with the term. It is important both with content writing and self-publishing ebooks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What exactly is SEO anyway?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Search engine optimization is a process to improve one’s website visibility in search engines. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Good Content</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the most important point you should remember when doing SEO. Having good content is extremely important so that your website to be found on the internet. Even with good SEO and strong backlinks, if your content is poor, it is not going to do you any good. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Good content is factual, even if it is personal. Facts sell. Whatever your niche is, the content should be specific to your site and unique in comparison to others. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Having good, appealing content on your site, visitors will return. The goal is to have and these visitors link to your site. Having a lot of inbound links is not only good for your website; it is good for search engine ranking as well. The higher the ranking of that linking website the better it is for you. Good websites are not going to link to websites with poor content, it will only look poorly on them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Good content = fresh content.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fresh content is mandatory if you want your website to succeed. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To have repeat visitors and to keep your ranks in the search engines you need to have new site content on a regular, ongoing basis. This gives people a reason for returning. <span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Keeping your site fresh with new content will keep the search engine robots visiting too. The robots will notice that you are adding content (hopefully, daily) making content indexed much quicker. When your content is indexed quicker, your content will show up in searches quicker.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45182541702203507252012-09-19T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-19T07:00:20.537-04:00Scheduling Tips for New Work at Home Entrepreneurs<br /><div class="modfloat full" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17985933" style="clear: left; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="txtd" id="txtd_17985933" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DPgdI0SfKhA/T4TGUlnsuNI/AAAAAAAABCA/f7hXb7SKw5E/s1600/rsz_selfemployedwriter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DPgdI0SfKhA/T4TGUlnsuNI/AAAAAAAABCA/f7hXb7SKw5E/s1600/rsz_selfemployedwriter.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Working from home can be a good move for your career for many different reasons.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">· You can take the kids to school and pick them up. If they ride the bus, you can be home when they get there.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">· You can work on laundry while you are working.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">· You can start on dinner before the cranky husband and hungry children want their food -NOW!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">· You have the ability to change your schedule on a daily basis as you see fit.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px;"><br /></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px;"></strong></div><a name='more'></a><strong style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px;"><br /></strong><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px;">Working from home can also have some not-so-great moments, especially if you do not manage your time well.</strong><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px;">When working from home you must learn to manage your time well as set a work schedule you and the rest of your family can live with. When you are at home, that is work time. When you take a break, you are free to do with that time as you please. This is where tossing in a load of laundry, or some food into a crockpot can be done.</span></div></div></div></div><div class="modfloat full" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17985956" style="clear: left; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="txtd" id="txtd_17985956" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>By adhering to a work schedule you are setting the structure for your day. </strong>It will be up to you to explain to your mother that no you can’t pick up Aunt Emily from the beauty shop because you are at home and therefore must be available. It is extremely difficult to get the outside world to understand that working from home means actually working and not available during working hours.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>It might be difficult to accomplish.</strong> You might have times when you are questioning your choice to work from home, but stick to that schedule. If it helps, do not answer your personal phone calls during your working hours. Return those phone calls on your breaks and explain why you are late in returning the call or why you did not answer in the first place. Some habits are hard to break, but it will take some time from all family members to truly understand the working from home lifestyle.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"></div></div></div><div class="module moduleLink color1" id="mod_17985974" style="clear: left; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">For more time saving tips:</h2><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0.75em 2em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/organizing-your-time-when-you-work-from_09.html" style="color: #5d7d9d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Self Employed Writer: Organizing Your Time When You Work from Home</a></li></ul></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38389585215217696342012-09-18T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-19T15:05:18.158-04:00New Program for Me: Copy Paste Cash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://copynpaste4cash.com/?ref=30218" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOT60YkBLp4/UFS87EhW3XI/AAAAAAAABhc/IODLollNg8g/s320/Facebook-Banner01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; orphans: 4;">I get emails every day with opportunities. My Skype buzzes the moment I log in. Writing online is fun and rewarding but contracts come and go. I have spent the better part of 5 years researching and studying online/internet/affiliate marketing. I even took extra classes as an <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="e529b32b3992f85b02a9f0fe1681e291df4e6900" grtype="null" id="GRmark_e529b32b3992f85b02a9f0fe1681e291df4e6900_undergrad:0">undergrad</span> and now as a grad student to learn the ins and outs of the marketing world. I paid for all types of marking guides and e-courses, even joining such </span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 22.34722137451172px; orphans: 4;">organizations</span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; orphans: 4;"> as the <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="a56d7704967e0673f02bdf74def7ea17a6ff85d1" grtype="null" id="GRmark_a56d7704967e0673f02bdf74def7ea17a6ff85d1_eMarketing:0">eMarketing</span> Association.</span><br /><br /><div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans, Lucida Sans Unicode, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px;"></span></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans, Lucida Sans Unicode, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans, Lucida Sans Unicode, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px;">As a writer of content and a writer of self-published content I need to know marketing in order to market myself. I am my own brand. In the process I think I found a way I can make some extra money - quick and easy - while I can continue to self-publish. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; margin-top: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I have people “pay my way in” and I have mystery products show up at my door for free with notes asking me to build a business under them.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; margin-top: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ve seen everything out there and I know <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="f8a4ce0d44fd8de0b9426e6b671e42cf0c22d037" grtype="null" id="GRmark_f8a4ce0d44fd8de0b9426e6b671e42cf0c22d037_of:0">of</span> everything that works and everything that doesn’t.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; margin-top: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Essentially what I’m telling you is this: I am where I am for a reason.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; margin-top: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If I could make more money <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="535eae19c27480261dc07211c9a90ffb55fae400" grtype="null" id="GRmark_535eae19c27480261dc07211c9a90ffb55fae400_else where:0">else where</span>, that’s where I’d be. If you could do better elsewhere, that’s where I would be directing you.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; margin-top: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><h2 style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 25.2px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 0px; orphans: 2; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Rated #1 Opportunity. Most Profitable & Quickest Turn Around</h2><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; margin-top: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://copynpaste4cash.com/?ref=30218" target="_blank"><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="3b97f8d699bb9c92102e9651f48ad5fc565b4bf7" grtype="null" id="GRmark_3b97f8d699bb9c92102e9651f48ad5fc565b4bf7_CopyPasteCash:0">CopyPasteCash</span></a> is “where it’s at”.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; margin-top: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Doesn’t that make sense?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.350000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5em !important; margin-top: 1.5em !important; orphans: 4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Instead of searching, doing the guess work, and hoping something works… follow someone who is successful and latch on!<br /><br />EDIT: I just created a Facebook "like" page for my CPC. You are more than welcome to find me there! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChrystalsCPC" target="_blank">Chrystal's CPC Facebook</a></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62863553593338652242012-09-17T11:26:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:31:41.478-04:00The Metformin Blues<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvKTSF_Ri-s/UDQJUsET_qI/AAAAAAAABdk/KRA33fl3Sxs/s1600/pcos-ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvKTSF_Ri-s/UDQJUsET_qI/AAAAAAAABdk/KRA33fl3Sxs/s1600/pcos-ribbon.jpg" /></a></div>I'm sorry I have been away. I needed to take a break from this blog and figure out what direction I wanted to take it in. This blog started as a group project of two girls and one boy dealing with their weight loss journey.<br /><br />While that is still true, the three of us are still dealing with weight loss struggles, we are all on a different path than what we started.<a href="http://reshapingmyreality.blogspot.com/2012/08/finding-my-way-living-with-food.html" target="_blank"> Jeran recently found out she was allergic to a host of foods and grains, therefor needing to revamp her entire diet.</a><br /><br />Matt has <a href="http://uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">pretty much fallen off the wagon</a> and as much as I love him, he has to want to change for himself. The best I can do is make healthy meals for me and my family.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />As for me, the PCOS was a blow. As if I don't have enough problems with all of my back, hip and shoulder mess - now I have to deal with that.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />This blog will now focus on the PCOS and my weight struggles. Healthy eating and exercise aren't so easy for someone like me. I can't exercise like most people because of my pain levels. I try the best that I can and do what I can when the pain is low. Now, I have to watch what I eat because of the PCOS.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br />My OB doctor put me on birth control to force my body to cycle. Which is finally has. Thankfully on my first month back and during the week I was supposed to with no in-between spotting. Problem is, the dose of hormones is likely the culprit of my reoccurring migraines. A condition I have suffered since I was 9, diagnosed at 20. My last doctor had me on the lowest dose pills possible but the problem with those is that I don't have a menstrual cycle. Because of my family history of girl problems , utnerin cancer, vulva cancer and hysterectomies, my doctor has put on high-risk watch. According to her - lack of cycles is not a good thing with my family history. It could put me in harms way. I don't want that. So back on the pills I went. But we are going to have to find a lower dose that doesn't trigger my migraines. I hate migraines prescriptions. I have been on and tried most of them. No good.<br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />My primary care doc, upon hearing the news of the PCOS put me on Metformin. 500MG morning and night. At first I did not like how it made me feel. Stomach a little queasy. Run down and tired feeling. Those side-effects seem to become easier to deal with as time goes on because they are not as strong. I checked the scale over the weekend and I was sad to see I actually GAINED weight.<br /><br /><b>So what's the point? </b><br /><br />I am beyond frustrated with this whole ordeal. All I want is to lose weight and be healthy so that my shoulder will readjust itself, my osteoarthritis wont flair due to the pressure from the extra weight, and the degenerative disk will be easier to manage.<br /><br /><b>Is that too much to ask?</b><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10609759914012798742012-09-17T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-17T11:02:45.913-04:00Getting Hired on oDesk as a Writer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.odesk.com/" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.odesk.com';return true;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"> </a></div><br /><br /><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_16491315" style="background-color: white; clear: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="txtd" id="txtd_16491315" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Freelancing on <a href="http://odesk.com/" target="_blank">oDesk</a> does not have to be a difficult task. It does need to be time consuming. Becoming a freelancer has its perks, but it is still a job so searching for clients should be treated as part of the job. It is recommended one spend at least an hour on more on <a href="http://odesk.com/" target="_blank">oDesk</a>, daily. Spend some time taking the tests, making sure your profile is always up to day, and searching for suitable clients.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div></div></div><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/3n115qgpmgo395B4965354B895DD" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.odesk.com';return true;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"></span></a><br /><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_16491551" style="background-color: white; clear: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Dig</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_16491551" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Yes, dig. You have to take the time to dig around the site. Take advantage of the search features. Set filters. Do not bid on jobs that you feel are not worth the payment. You might have to take one or two lower paying jobs on <a href="http://www.odesk.com/" target="_blank">oDesk</a> just to get some hours. But once you get the minimum amount of hours most clients require, do not accept less. Doing so could only give you a string of lower paying gigs, and you don’t want that. It will only make finding higher payer gigs that much harder. Set your price and stick to it.</div></div></div><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_16491552" style="background-color: white; clear: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Tests</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_16491552" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Take them. That’s what they are there for. Believe it or not, clients do look at your scores. Start with the easy ones, the basic knowledge everyone should have. Then move to the topics you know a little about. Once you have done those, begin the topics that you are experienced in. If you don’t pass, don’t worry. You can hide your score and retake.</div></div></div><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_16491553" style="background-color: white; clear: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Profile</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_16491553" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Build it. Fill in everything and make it 100% complete. This is your personal advertisement. Build your portfolio, show yourself to the world. Make your first impression the impression that lasts. In your profile you will be able to set your rates, post your experience, write your objective, show your skills, post your employment history, add your education and build your portfolio. In the portfolio section you can upload files of work you have completed. Take advantage of this. There is also a place to upload all of your certifications. If you have them, show them off!</div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85117248630020309472012-09-15T13:26:00.001-04:002012-09-15T13:26:43.386-04:00When I Need a Break From Writing<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWh-JfbeA_Y/UFS6MulqcOI/AAAAAAAABg8/E63PUqa5Y64/s1600/Jingit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWh-JfbeA_Y/UFS6MulqcOI/AAAAAAAABg8/E63PUqa5Y64/s320/Jingit.png" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://www.jingit.com/?ref_id=28715&s=t" target="_blank">JingIt</a><br /><br />When I need to take a break from writing or I have a slight case of writers block I tend to visit these easy cash sites where it takes minimal effort for me to make a little pocket change. JingIt is extremely easy. Watch a few ads and make instant cash. They now offer a Visa card for your cash - instant spending!<br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29254152062703456132012-09-13T14:37:00.000-04:002012-09-13T14:37:04.362-04:00When A Woman You Love Was Abused<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0825429757" target="_blank"><img alt="When a Woman You Love Was Abused: A Husband's Guide to Helping Her Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512MSI8J8dL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />It is no big secret why I asked to be on this blog tour. I was abused as a young child and it was something I struggled with in my last marriage and now it is something I struggle with in my current marriage. No matter how much therapy I arm myself with , it can never be enough to try to get the man in my life to understand. No matter how hard they try - they can't fix me.<br /><br />I wanted my husband to read this book and he did. He is not much of a reader so it was a big deal for me to get him to. I read it myself before handing it off to him. I knew it was something he would benefit from reading. I knew that if he saw it from a different perspective instead of it always coming from me that maybe something would click inside and he would be able to understand things a little differently.<br /><br />This is what he had to say:<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.4986564344726503" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dawn Scott's book called "<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0825429757" target="_blank">When a Woman You Love Has Been Abused</a>", was a great look into the lives of women that have been abused, and they way they live their everyday lives. My wife was abused as a child, and she reacts almost exactly to how some of the women in this book did. The anger, not wanting to be touched, and the way that everyday objects could trigger reactions from them was a keen insight into what they have gone, and are going through daily. I have a greater understanding of what my wife is going through because of this book.</span></b></blockquote><br />All I can say is that I think every man who has a woman in his life that has been abused should read this book. I wish my psychiatrist had a copy of this 10 years ago when I was trying to help my ex-husband understand why I act the way that I do. I can only hope my husband now can take something from the book and apply it to life now. <br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #50792d; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">About the Book: </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;">The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 80 percent of childhood abuse victims later suffer from at least one abuse-induced psychological disorder. It's proven that the effects of childhood abuse follow women into adulthood. Yet few men are prepared to deal with those effects, even when their own wife is the one who is suffering. And their wife's suffering becomes their own suffering as their needs aren't being met by a wife who is powerless to control her inner turmoil.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;" /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;">Author, pastor, and survivor Dawn Scott Jones candidly shares her own abuse experience to help husbands understand the varied emotions, fears, distorted thoughts, and triggers that hold their wives captive. In practical and accessible language, Jones explains the stages of the healing journey (processing denial, asking for help, grieving, expressing anger, learning to forgive, and finding resolution). Building on that knowledge, Jones then moves to an honest discussion of what husbands can do to help. Whether it's creating a healing environment, understanding the need for control, building trust, or even just praying for healing, a husband plays an active role in helping his wife survive and thrive despite her past abuse.<br /><br />Offering hope for a healthy marriage relationship, <i>When a Woman You Love Was Abused </i>answers the questions men have and offers the advice they need to help their wives finally find peace.<br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;"><span style="color: #50792d; font-size: large;">Meet Dawn:</span><br /><br />For over twenty years God has graciously used Dawn to touch the lives of people through her affecting personal testimony, her humor, and her writing. Dawn’s past challenges have deepened and enriched her ministry; enabling her to truly understand and relate to what others are going through.<br /><br />Dawn is an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God. She has served in various capacities including Executive Team Pastor, Small Groups Pastor, and Woman’s Ministry Director. Dawn travels Nation-wide speaking, training and consulting.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;"><br />Find out more about Dawn Scott at <a href="http://www.dawnjones.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.dawnjones.org/</a>.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;"><span style="color: #50792d; font-size: large;">Blog Tour Schedule - <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/when-a-woman-you-love-was-abused-by-dawn-scott-jones-blog-tour-and-women-redeemed-live-webcast-event-920" target="_blank">here.</a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.499999046325684px;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a bloggers review program.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59937148754106120872012-09-13T14:16:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:26:44.165-04:00Excelerol : Free Your Mind <img alt="Excelerol" src="http://www.excelerol.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SalesSection-1_600x200_01.png" /><br /><br /><b>About:</b><br /><br /><blockquote><i>Accelerated Intelligence has rapidly become a leader in the brain enhancement industry. Five years in the making, <a href="http://www.excelerol.com/" target="_blank">Exelerol</a> was created to become the best possible brain nutrition and life expansion product available.</i></blockquote><br /><blockquote><i>We have reviewed numerous clinical studies and scientific formulations to create the highest quality brain health supplements available without a prescription.</i></blockquote><br /><blockquote><i>Our mission at Accelerated Intelligence is to provide every advantage possible to support your memory, focus, concentration, and alertness. All over the world people have come to love and trust Excelerol. We’re committed to helping everyone from the greatest minds to everyday people think clearly and focus on what counts.</i></blockquote><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br />Vitamin B-12<br />Niacin<br />Guarana Extract<br />Kola Nut Extract<br />DMAE<br />Acetyl L-Carnitine<br />Bacoppa Monnieri Extract<br />Peppermint Oil<br />Tulsi<br />Green Tea Extract<br />Ginko Biloba Extract<br />Rhodiola Extract<br />Phosphatidylserine<br />L-Tyrosine<br />White Tea Extract<br />Black Tea Extract<br />Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine<br />Citicoline<br />Huperzine Extract<br />Vinpocetine<br /><br /><b>COST:</b> 90 capsules regular price $199.9f - <a href="http://www.excelerol.com/" target="_blank">limited time offer of $99.90</a><br /><br /><b>My Verdict: </b>Skip it. I took one pill a day for 30 days. I was not taking any sort of B vitamin or green tea pills. I did not change my coffee or tea drinking habits. I noticed NO change between my moods, thinking, focus, alertness, concentration, energy, or mid-day slumps compared to my standard $15 bottle of B-Complex. I felt exactly the same. With a $100 price tag for a 90 day supply - I cannot honestly say I think it to be a good value.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this product for free for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82357816635950126022012-09-11T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-11T07:00:07.227-04:00The One Thing I Struggle Most With<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" /></a></div>One thing I struggle most with is affiliates. It is not because of lack of trying or learning. I have hundreds of affiliate products and links I could be using. Problem is - I don't. And that is why my blogs do not make me any money. I have always been more of a creative writer and not a content writer. I love both. I just wish I could be more creative with my affiliates and use them in content better.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What is something as a blogger/writer/content creator that you struggle with? </span></b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21019367574762701932012-09-10T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-10T12:47:43.083-04:00100 eBooks in a Year Challenge: Part 2<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0977485188" target="_blank"><img alt="The Portable Anais Nin" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YtZsqW5TL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/09/100-ebooks-in-year-challenge-part-1.html" target="_blank">Read Part 1 in the 100 eBooks in a Year Challenge</a><br /><br />First things first, as a part of this 100 eBooks challenge I will be sharing my goals and achievements. In order to do that I will probably have to share my sales information or something because people always want to see proof, plus it can be pretty motivating.<br /><br />In order for me to do that I have to make one thing clear - some of these books will be under my pen name.<br /><br />I will NOT under ANY circumstance share my pen name so please do not ask me. My reason for this is simple. I write erotica (think <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B007SGM084" target="_blank">50 Shade of Gray</a> only some of mine is a bit more graphic; personally I thought <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00846REIS" target="_blank">Bared to You</a> was MUCH better) and I would rather certain people in my life keep me separate from what I write because of the stereotype and stigma attached to being an erotic author.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So please respect my privacy. If you should happen to figure it out - please just keep it to yourself.<br /><br />What I will be spending most of my time on is creating, self-publishing, and focus.<br /><br />I started this project in May 2012. As of today I have 23 titles under my belt. My goal is to have 100 by May 2013. With that goal I have another goal of making over $5000 a month in sales.<br /><br />My first mini goal is to have 50 titles by the end of the year. By March 2013, the month I am set to graduate, I hope to have 75 and by May 100.<br /><br />Erotica and romance is nothing new to me. Stephen King, obviously writes neither, but he is a huge influence in my life. I remember reading <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001GRWOZ0" target="_blank">Carrie</a> (Still have moms hardcover/dust jacket 1974 edition) when I was 9 years old. I loved books and was a pretty advanced reader for my age, always scoring high on aptitude tests. English was my favorite subject. I started journaling when I was 8 and I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't want to write. I absorbed every book I could get my hands on, especially true crime.<br /><br />I was reading <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0373793480" target="_blank">Harlequin romance</a> novels (my grandmother would send me home with bags of them every summer. "for my travels" she said.) before I even started reading <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0590224735" target="_blank">Baby Sitters Club</a> and <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0440422620" target="_blank">Sweet Valley High</a>. <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0545132681" target="_blank">R.L. Stine</a> was another favorite, but I found them juvenile and too quick to read. I stumbled on my first graphic erotic novel when I was about 12 or 13 years old. I was also extremely involved in art class, so drawing nudes was not that big of a deal. I'm not ashamed, and you shouldn't be either. To me, it's all beautiful art.<br /><br />I've read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000O3R1C8" target="_blank">Lady Chatterley's Lover</a>, <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1562010352" target="_blank">The Story of O</a>, and all of <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0977485188" target="_blank">Anais Nin</a>. I have even read <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0452294754" target="_blank">Anne Rice Sleeping Beauty Trilogy</a> (she wrote under a pen name). But yet, I still choose to use a pen name.<br /><br />Writing erotica is nothing new to me either. I have been writing it for people to actually read since 2004. It's been published on various blogs and websites. It's been on my own website for free and later as a subscription service. It was always a nice bit of extra money. Then the eBook and eReader boom hit and my readers went elsewhere.<br /><br />When trying to figure out what to do with my website I came across a group of writers on a forum that were publishing short story erotica. Short story being 3000 words or more and selling them for $2.99. I watched these folks and trolled the thread for months before deciding this was something I could do to revamp my erotica writing<br /><br />I went back and read over 300 pages worth of posts. I took notes. I studied. And I learned.<br /><br />May, June, July and August were ALL learning months for me. Not a single one of those months ended up being a full month of writing. I would write, figure out what wasn't working or a trick to better myself and go back through and change things. I am HOPING September will be a full month of writing and no more back stepping.<br /><br />I will always keep learning.<br /><br />These folks that I am following, those who have been doing it for a year and/or have at least 100 titles under their belts are easily making $10,000 or more a month. One special lady - for July on Amazon only - made $30,000. She is at her one year mark and just about 100 titles. Her sales for August on Amazon? $86,000. That is nothing to laugh at. So you can see why I felt moving my website to eBooks was a logical choice for me. Residual income from ebooks ?? Yes, please.<br /><br />I think it is safe to say that anything that can go in ebook form will. Which means I won't have much time for residual sites. That is a project that might have to wait until I am done with school.<br /><br /><b>So, please follow along in my journey. I would like to know what plans you have for residual income. Feel free to share.</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77494441612552676102012-09-07T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-07T14:51:43.296-04:00100 eBooks in a Year Challenge: Part 1<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">As I sit here pondering what to do with those dreadful idle HubPage articles I decided to think about why my<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/08/what-happened-to-my-hubpages-wizzley.html" target="_blank"> Wizzley and Hubpage challenge</a> went sour in the first place. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">Time.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">I don't have a lot of time.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">Well, who does, right??</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">There are times when my websites are neglected.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">Time when my revenue share sites (still are) neglected.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">My creative writing is neglected.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">All because of time.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">(and school)</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">I set a challenge for myself back in May. I don't talk about my self-publishing here because I use a pen name for my fiction, but if I post the challenge here and document my goals/</span><span style="line-height: 21.98611068725586px;">achievements</span><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"> it would show everyone that yes, you can (I can) be a successful self-published author. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">I wrote a post on how to get started in <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/08/getting-started-with-self-publishing.html" target="_blank">self-publishing</a> and I am going to continue to write about self-publishing as often as I can. It can be quite lucrative for non-fiction writers as well. However, it is all a numbers game. Quantity counts and I wonder if I have the time to really write a lot of non-fiction to get my name out there. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21.999998092651367px;">I have 2 books published under my real name. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006C9ZXXM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006C9ZXXM&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Darkness Falls</span></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21.999998092651367px;"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0080Y1JBW" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Easy Accounting for the Self-Employed</span></a></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am not sure if I will include these in my ebook challenge. I might. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since so many of my HubPages when into idle status, I felt it necessary to change my direction of revenue sharing and residual income. I needed to decide what to do with those idle articles. I know many people are just going to rewrite them to make them current and leave them on HubPages but that is part of the problem for me. I don't really have time to rewrite everything and the stuff that I could may now be better suited somewhere else. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a tough call. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Right now the only thing I can plan to do is go through them one by one and remove them. Once I can see what I have, I'll move the creative stuff over to <a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">ChrystalMahan.com</a> , writing related stuff will either get posted to that real name ebook list or here on Self Employed Writer. Anything relating to pets will probably go over to <a href="http://cainstales.com/">CainsTales.com</a> or maybe one of my other revenue sharing sites. I have some pet content on Helium that I could backlink articles. I am not sure what to do with the random content. Maybe post on <a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" target="_blank">Wizzley</a> or start using <a href="http://www.infobarrel.com/signup.php?ref_id=1656932" target="_blank">InfoBarrel</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I prefer to not have all my eggs in one basket and I know I should post that content here, but my website doesn't make me any money. Revenue sharing sites make me a little money and would make more if I had more content. I could write more content if I was not in school. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so the changes begin.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday I will talk about the rest of the ebook challenge in Part 2. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great weekend!!</span></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62109722422494023852012-09-06T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-07T18:50:46.350-04:00Residual Income : Revenue Share and eBook Content<img height="268" src="http://www.eynjuls.com/harsha/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/writing-girl1.gif" width="320" /><br /><br />On Tuesday I wrote a post regarding the changes that had been made over at Hubpages and how that changed some of my plans for my content.<br /><br />When seeking out information on what direction I should take with my content I found a very helpful blog called <a href="http://www.mydebtfreegoal.com/" target="_blank">My Debt Free Goal.</a> The blog started in 2007 and is still active today. That is a rare gem because most people don't stick out revenue sharing content writing that long. My hat goes off to the author.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I poked around a bit and came across quite a bit of useful information.<br /><br />In all of the forums I visit, there is always mixed reviews about every revenue sharing site. What works for one does not work for another and I learned that for myself many years ago.<br /><br />I am also aware of the dividing line between those who think you should write for many different sites, including your own, those who think you should only write for your own site, and those who think you should only write for one revenue sharing site. Again, what works for some, doesn't always work for others.<br /><br />If I had the ability to churn out content as quickly as <a href="http://www.mydebtfreegoal.com/" target="_blank">Amy Bass </a>(who also is the "Niche Blogger") then I might add a bunch of different eggs to my basket too. But I can't. Been there, done that. I lose focus quickly. I get caught up in school. I get caught up in other projects.<br /><br />Something.<br />There is always something.<br /><br />But right now I am trying to figure out what to do with <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">my idle hubs</a> and here are my options so far:<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Update them and resubmit to HubPages</li><li>Move them to <a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" target="_blank">Wizzley</a> ( I have 2 articles there)</li><li>Move them to <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> (I have 149 articles, no updates in a year. Really need to "leapfrog" some material)</li><li>Move them to <a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/652747/chrystal_mahan.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! Voices</a> (I have 3 pieces there)</li><li>Move them to <a href="http://www.infobarrel.com/signup.php?ref_id=1656932" target="_blank">InfoBarrel</a> (new account, no content)</li><li>Move them here to my blog (makes $0 !) </li><li>Package the related content and sell as an ebook</li></ul><br /><br /><b>Please share your thoughts with me.</b><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36813443463109332102012-09-05T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-05T09:00:00.444-04:00Where to Find Great Work At Home Advice from Other Telecommuters<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img height="320" src="http://www.secrets-2-success.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Work-From-Home-.jpg" width="214" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the caveats to working from home is the isolation. You’re no longer surrounded by fellow employees. Instead, you’re sitting at your computer with your dog, or cat, on your lap and you’re talking to yourself. It can get lonely - particularly if you’re a social person.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connecting with other telecommuters can help you in a number of ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It can help you find solutions to your problems. If you’re having an issue with telecommuting, chances are someone else has had the same problem. Connecting with other telecommuters can help.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It can also help you connect with others on a social level. You can make friends with other telecommuters and even organize get together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So where do you find these telecommuters to connect with?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are actually a number of resources.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>First, </b>check out your favorite social networking site. There are several telecommuting groups and pages on Facebook. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Secondly,</b>check out work at home mom sites. Even if you’re not a mom you can connect with other work at home individuals. There are also a number of resources for work at home professionals on many of these sites. They address everything from organization to career development.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Finally, </b>join an association. For example the American Telecommuting Association or The Telework Coalition. Both of these associations have a number of resources. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting can be a dream lifestyle. Connecting with others can help you grow professionally. It can also help you address potential challenges successfully. And you may make some truly wonderful new friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To learn more about telecommuting and telecommuting resources visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">telecommuting online</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To your success!<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /><o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53797587215918552682012-09-04T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.862-04:00Moving Idle HubPages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-YLV9alL6E/TsAtVLG8_6I/AAAAAAAAAlk/L71_0UQgDmo/s1600/My+Hub+Statistics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-YLV9alL6E/TsAtVLG8_6I/AAAAAAAAAlk/L71_0UQgDmo/s1600/My+Hub+Statistics.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Back in August I wrote a little post regarding what had happened to <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/08/what-happened-to-my-hubpages-wizzley.html" target="_blank">my Hubpages and Wizzley challenge</a>.<br /><br />And then this happened:<br /><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/learningcenter/Featured-and-On-Idle-Hubs" target="_blank">Introducing Featured and Idle Hubs</a><br /><br />Which actually came AFTER I saw the thread on WAHM.com - <a href="http://www.wahm.com/forum/writing-freelancing-46/659061-removing-my-hubpages-content.html" target="_blank">Removing My HubPage Content</a><br /><br />And that started because of the topic on HubPages - <a href="http://blog.hubpages.com/2012/08/introducing-on-idle/" target="_blank">Introducing Idle Hubs</a>.<br /><br />If you head over to the <a href="http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/102577" target="_blank">HubPage forums</a> where this was the topic of the week, you can see a huge difference of opinions when it comes to idle hubs.<br /><br />As someone pointed out, the system appears flawed. Newbies are hit hard as almost all of their content has been flagged as idle content. Content that was just posted a few days prior by anyone somehow was claimed as idle, too. This caused serious alarm between fellow writers and rightfully so.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have 113 articles <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">at HubPages</a>. Over half of them have been claimed as idle. Am I mad about it? No. Not really. Frustrated a little bit because now I have to decide what to do with them. That is a problem because I don't have enough hours in the day as it is trying to juggle my eBook writing, full time graduate studies, and freelancing for private clients. I'm still trying to weigh the pros and cons of the new HubPages at the moment.<br /><br />Besides the newbie and new content problem, writers are divided. Those for the program understand that the internet is constantly changing and that content should always remain fresh in order to provide the best content for readers.<br /><br /><b>I get it and completely agree 100%.</b><br /><br />It is my own fault that I have not stayed on top of my hubs.<br /><br />Helium is set up the same way. A lot of people dislike Helium because once you place your content on the site, you cannot remove it. Many frown on it. I went through a period where I did too but then I realized there was a reason for it and came to appreciate the program they run there. In order for your content to stay fresh, they do allow you to do what they refer to as "Leap" where you can refresh your content.<br /><br />So why are people complaining about idle hubs? I really don't know. Maybe just to have something to whine and complain about. I mean, those hubs weren't making them any money anyway. So, now they know they need to update them or remove them.<br /><br />Which brings me to my next topic.<br /><br /><b>What to do with them?</b><br /><br />I see many people have decided to move them over to <a href="http://www.infobarrel.com/Users/cmahan" target="_blank">InfoBarrel</a>, <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a>, <a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" target="_blank">Wizzley</a> and Squidoo. I made the choice a long time ago not to bother with Squidoo because I had too much going on. Now I am hearing that they too have a policy regarding content that is idle. That isn't the type of thing I want to worry about so I won't be messing with creating an account there.<br /><br />I've been hearing a lot about InfoBarerl so I did go ahead and <a href="http://www.infobarrel.com/Users/cmahan" target="_blank">create an account there</a>, just in case. I have to say the site has a crisp, clean, look and feel to it. That is something I can appreciate about websites. Looks like there is not too much of a learning curve regarding writing articles and getting an account setup with adsense and such.<br /><br />When trying to figure out what to do with my idle hubs I came across <a href="http://www.mydebtfreegoal.com/" target="_blank">My Debt Free Goal</a> which I found to be one of the most informational, motivational, and inspirational websites I have seen for revenue sharing.<br /><br />And that brings me to my next post.<br /><br />Stay tuned!<br /><br /><b>How are you doing with your revenue sharing?</b><br /><b>Are you staying or going?</b><br /><b>How about your idle hubs, what are you doing with them?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45509248816212944822012-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-03T09:00:09.151-04:00Work from Home FAQs<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img height="400" src="http://www.newconsultanthq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/work-life-balance.jpg" width="399" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Okay, you’re ready to work from home but you still have a few questions. That’s normal. Getting ready to telecommute can feel overwhelming. Let’s see if we can’t address some of those questions and help set your mind at ease.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><b>FAQ #1 Can I Set My Own Hours?</b><br /> Sometimes you can. It depends on the job. If you’re working as a call center representative then probably not. You’ll have assigned hours. If you’re a transcriptionist or data entry then you may be able to set your own hours. If setting your own hours is important, then only apply for positions that provide this freedom.<br /><br /> <b>FAQ #2 What if I Fall for a Scam? </b><br /> Scams are certainly prevalent. However, avoiding them is easy. Rule number one is to never pay money for a job. No employer will ever ask for you to pay for a job. They won’t ask you to buy equipment. And they won’t ask for an investment. <br /><br /> If you happen to fall for a scam. Report the company to the proper authorities. Then move on. Continue looking for a telecommuting job that fits your needs and goals.<br /><br /> <b>FAQ #3 What if I Need Help? </b><br /> Most telecommuting jobs will have guidance. You’ll have a boss to report to. You’ll have people you talk with or communicate with on a daily basis. You may even have a support center you can access online. <br /><br /> However, it can be a lonely existence. You’re on your own at home. If you’re a very social person then telecommuting may not be for you. You can, however, fulfill your social needs by getting out during the evenings and weekends. Working at home doesn’t have to mean isolating yourself. <br /><br /> The final question may be “How do I find a telecommuting job?” <br /><br /> You can find the answers to that question, and many more, by visiting <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/" target="_blank">Work Place Like Home. </a><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Start living your telecommuting dreams today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16794885500494120372012-09-02T11:30:00.000-04:002012-09-02T11:30:00.504-04:00FREE: How To Make A Book Cover: A Fast, Easy Way To Create An Ebook Cover Using Microsoft PowerPoint Or OpenOffice <br /><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B009434RSK" target="_blank"><img alt="How To Make A Book Cover: A Fast, Easy Way To Create An Ebook Cover Using Microsoft PowerPoint Or OpenOffice Impress" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z%2BGVLhLQL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-61,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></a> </span></h1><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></h1><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B009434RSK" target="_blank">How To Make A Book Cover: A Fast, Easy Way To Create An Ebook Cover Using Microsoft PowerPoint Or OpenOffice </a></span></h1><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></h1><div><br /></div><div><b id="yui_3_6_0_1_1346513299569_271" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Learn a fast, easy way to make a book cover for your ebook</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This may seem hard to you, maybe even harder than writing the book, but it does not have to be hard. Using the technique in this book, </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">creating a book cover can be fast, easy, and fun</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This book will show you a </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">quick way</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> to make your ebook cover using Microsoft PowerPoint or the freeware OpenOffice Impress. Creating a book cover can be easy and cheap, even free. </span><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /><div></div><div>This book will <b>show you step-by-step</b> how I made the book cover for this book and for my ebook "How To Market A Book Online For Independent Publishers: An Eight Step Pragmatic Strategy To Sell A Book."</div><div><br /><b>No need to make your book cover the hard way, let me show you the easy way</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B009434RSK" target="_blank">This ebook</a> is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount. </span></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></h1>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28451179420392554862012-09-01T12:43:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:31:08.941-04:00Another Day at the Docs : An Update<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey6BgnHOZpk/UDQHcpUBZSI/AAAAAAAABdM/k370XJqAcAY/s1600/196699_492637387415014_163055015_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey6BgnHOZpk/UDQHcpUBZSI/AAAAAAAABdM/k370XJqAcAY/s1600/196699_492637387415014_163055015_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Went to see my primary care doctor on Monday August 27.<br /><br />We had a chat about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/08/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos.html" target="_blank">my PCOS </a>and what to do moving forward. There really wasn't a whole lot to discuss because the major issue is my weight. Since I am not trying to become pregnant the weight is an issue in order to get my body back in regular working order. Not to mention - straightening me out.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />She put me on Metformin hoping that it would help since I have been trying for a few years now to lose weight and have been unsuccessful with no matter what I try.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br />We discussed the crooked shoulder and the pain it is starting to cause on my body - mostly the pain that shoots down my arm making it impossible for me to sit here and type for any length of time. She did not refill my prescription for the naproxim, which is what I had been on for the back and hip. It has lost its luster for lack of a better word and was no longer working for me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br />The plan was to push through the pain and continue walking or doing yoga. She felt with the meds to help things would start to fall into place. I hope she is right.<br /><br />We talked about weight loss surgery. She was neither for or against it but had the recommendations from the OB and the chiropractor so she understood where I was coming from with my thought process. She basically left it up to me. I told her I just was not quite ready yet and that maybe the medication to help my insulin levels was the answer I needed to get the weight to come down. She agreed. I told her WLS was very scary to me because what if I was one of the small percentage of people who have complications? Then it is like I am trading one set of problems for another. I have weighed the pros and the cons. I am am for it if me trying on my own continues to fail me.<br /><br /><br />We discussed therapy for my shoulder and hips. I am also for that. I did talk to the chiropractor about what was going on with my body. Therapy may be an option to get me better aligned. Both doctors seem to think that the osteoarthritis in my hips causes me discomfort and pain (ya, think!?!?) so my body compensates by not using that side. The muscles become twisted and not stretchy. So it's pulling my right side down from my shoulders to my hips. I don't use that side because of the pain, therefor the muscles are not being worked. So, they felt with the walking, the yoga, and some moderate stretching to that side, that things would fall back in to place.<br /><br />I am not sure how long I have to wait to see results, but the fact STILL remains that I am uncomfortable in my own skin and I can't deal with being out in public.<br /><br />I'm still working on that.<br /><br />I am extremely frustrated and feel like I am up against a brick wall.<br /><br />I fell off of the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/07/my-shape-how-it-came-to-be.html" target="_blank">Ideal Shape wagon</a>. Not on purpose. I became extremely burned out on preparing shakes and I had to adjust the grocery budget so I did not have all the fresh spinach and berries that I had the weeks before. I had my first shake today in about a week or so. The dietitian doesn't seem to be impressed with the shakes and rather I would eat real food.<br /><br />Right now I am not sure what is it that I think.<br /><br />But, I am just going to keep trying.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70103506742457706722012-09-01T11:26:00.001-04:002012-09-01T11:34:23.058-04:00FREE: How To Market A Book Online For Independent Publishers: An Eight Step Pragmatic Strategy To Sell A Book <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0092SNHRY" target="_blank"><img alt="How To Market A Book Online For Independent Publishers: An Eight Step Pragmatic Strategy To Sell A Book" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51654utouNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-61,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0092SNHRY" target="_blank">How to Market a Book Online for Independent Publishers</a><br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Are you planning to write a book?</b><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Do you have a book to sell?</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Give your book a chance to succeed</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> by learning how to write a marketable book. This book will give you eight pragmatic steps that will help you sell your book. These are not the normal, costly suggestions. I am not going to suggest a book tour, giving speeches, advertise, or do other non-pragmatic things.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You can do many things to sell your books. Most of them are not practical for independent book publishers. Learn a </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">practical eight-step plan</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> on how to market and sell your book.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You can do everything in this book without spending a dime or getting out of your chair. </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Learn the easiest and the best way to promote your book for free.</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Write your book so it can sell.</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <br /><div></div><div><b>Enhance your writing skills </b>and learn<b> </b>earn how to <b>write a bestseller</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0092SNHRY" target="_blank">This ebook</a> is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount. </span></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42802486891007172602012-08-31T16:54:00.000-04:002012-08-31T16:54:00.076-04:005 Top Work at Home/Telecommuting Resources<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img height="266" src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/work%20from%20home%20business%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1275573743412" width="400" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting can be a challenge. When you work from home you want to make sure you’re productive. You want to also live a balanced life. Extra steps will need to be taken to ensure you stay connected. It’s easy to become isolated when you work at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The following resources are designed to help you connect with other telecommuters. You can learn how to be more productive. You can connect and stay in communication with others so you don’t feel so isolated. You can also learn how to live a balanced life as a telecommuter. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 6pt 0in 6pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.chiefhomeofficer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Chief Home Officer</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> – Advice, resources and lessons for people who work from home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.telcoa.org/" target="_blank">Telcoa</a>– A non-profit organization designed to help telecommuters. “Enabling and Supporting the Advancement of Virtual, Mobile, and Distributed Work through Research, Education, Technology, and Legislation”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.yourata.com/index.html" target="_blank">American Telecommuting Association</a> – Goal is to help telecommuters optimize their careers. There is a membership fee. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/">Internet Based Moms</a> – Offers tips, advice and resources for telecommuters, entrepreneurs and freelancers. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><a href="http://undress4success.com/">Undress for Success And the Telework Research Network</a> – Provides resources and information for work at home and telework professionals, organizations and researchers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s important to know that you’re not alone. When you telecommute there are an abundance of resources and organizations designed to help you achieve success. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Learn more about telecommuting and all the opportunities just waiting for you. Visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">telecommuting online </a>and get started on the path toward your telecommuting career today. </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20151771569136008342012-08-29T17:28:00.000-04:002012-08-29T17:28:00.158-04:00Get Your "Slice of the Pie"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.slicethepie.com/?wyd=469391" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxsIQiEQOVw/UD0v_E3xwgI/AAAAAAAABe0/wplg9zQX9cc/s320/Slicethepie.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />The internet has been buzzing for a while now about a microtask type site (think Mturk) where you get paid to review music. I really enjoy these easy task gigs because they give me a break in-between writing school papers and writing for profit. I had seen Slice of the Pie about a year ago but never signed up for it. I had wanted to make sure they were legit and I had not seen anyone talk about them (with regards to payment).<br /><br />This morning when I checked my Facebook I saw Anna over at<a href="http://www.slicethepie.com/?wyd=469391" target="_blank"> Real Ways to Earn</a> had reported her first payment.<br /><br />Good news! Slice of the Pie is legit and they DO pay!<br /><br />I signed up, reviewed 3 songs, made level 4 status in that time and earned 54 cents. Granted, that won't buy me a pop from most pop machines, but taking a break here and there , writing up a few words while listening to music could certainly be a nice side gig for some extra cash. I will be moving this one to the top of my task sites.<br /><br />You do have to listen for at least 90 seconds before you can submit your review. Pay is based on quality and length, as well as your level. You do need $10 in your account before you can cash out.<br /><br />Read the FAQ <a href="http://www.slicethepie.com/?c=information&insert=FAQ#RAF" target="_blank">here</a><br /><br />Interesting in joining Slice of the Pie? Click <a href="http://www.slicethepie.com/?wyd=469391" target="_blank">here >>>>> </a><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75163631284958634122012-08-27T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-27T09:00:01.054-04:00Are You Ready To Work From Home? A Checklist.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img height="319" src="http://myworkfromhomeideas.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/work-from-home-ideas.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before you declare yourself a telecommuter, make sure you’re ready to work from home. This handy checklist will help you make sure all your bases are covered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you self-motivated?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you organized?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have a system to keep all your work and personal information separate and organized?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have a designated workspace?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have the ability to focus and ignore distractions?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have the means to connect with your boss?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have a reliable internet connection?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have email and cell phone communications?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have a plan to stay connected to friends and associates?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have a social outlet?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have a plan to stay balanced and take time away from work?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have goals and a plan to achieve them?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have scheduled work time?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you able to prioritize tasks?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Does your family respect and support your work time?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you set clear boundaries for your friends and family regarding your work time?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ð<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you able to be productive when there are distractions?</span></li></ul><br /> <div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting is a dream come true for many. However, it requires great initiative, motivation, and time management skills. If you don’t naturally possess these skills you can learn them. Visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1140248297"> </a></span></span><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1140248297">telecommuting</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank"> online</a> to learn how to succeed as a telecommuter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23577028614887946532012-08-24T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-24T09:00:11.087-04:00Can You Do Your Job From Home? How to Tell If Your Job Is a Good One to Telecommute.<br /><img height="214" src="http://www.easywork-greatpay.com/images/4d1c24078babd67f0fef61c16.jpg" width="320" /><br /><br />Many times, instead of searching for a new job that allows you to telecommute, you can turn your existing job into a work from home position. Not all jobs fit the bill, however. <br /><br /> If you can answer yes to the following questions, it’s time to have a meeting with your boss. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you work from a desk? For example, if you’re out on sales calls during the day you’re not working from a desk. However, if you’re entering data on a computer, reviewing files or designing on a computer then you are working at a desk. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you spend your entire day at your desk? Or are you required to work off site or visit customers at their place of work? If you spend your day at your desk, you may be able to telecommute.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you work independently? If you work independently then you can probably telecommute. If you work as part of a team, then telecommuting may pose a logistics challenge. If, however, your teammates all coordinate with you on the computer then you may be able to achieve the same dynamic if you’re working from home.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Can you equip your home office with all of the technology and software you need to get your job done? If you need specialty equipment that is only found in your place of work, then telecommuting is probably not an option.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you work off site occasionally, have team meetings from time to time or you occasionally need equipment in the office you may still be able to telecommute. You may be able to work in the office one day a week. You’d then work at home four days a week. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting isn’t for everyone. And it doesn’t fit every situation. However, before you jump ship, take a look at your present options. Can you turn your job into a work from home position? If so, the next step is to prepare a proposal for your boss.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">To learn more about how to work at home successfully, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">telecommuting and online jobs</a>. Your telecommuting future is just one step away</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75296029655555013462012-08-22T19:48:00.000-04:002012-08-22T19:48:04.304-04:00Unlocking Your Brilliance by Karen D Purcell, P.E.<br /><h1 class="parseasinTitle " id="yui_3_4_1_1_1345676937343_269" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></h1><h1 class="parseasinTitle " id="yui_3_4_1_1_1345676937343_269" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608323765/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1608323765&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Unlocking Your Brilliance: Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NRbtPJz6L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></h1><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608323765/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1608323765&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 27.499998092651367px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Unlocking Your Brilliance by Karen D Purcell, P.E.</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Growing up I always loved math. I love to find shortcuts in figuring out the math problems. Sadly, I did not do very well in geometry. Proofs and theorems were not my forte. I think at that point I was more interested in the cute boys in my class. Had someone taken the time to help me, I am sure I would have thrived. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I never enjoyed science. I took the bare minimums in high school and college because I couldn’t find it within myself to do much more. Technology and Engineering are way out of my brain capacity. I’m ok with that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In high school I took Bookkeeping, Law, Business, and Accounting classes. In college I majored in accounting and received my associates. Later in life I received my Bachelors in General Studies with majors in Accounting, Business and Marketing. Now, I am working on my Masters in the same. Business and Marketing. I feel I kept it safe. I thought about law school but the thought of being in school that long didn’t interest me. I did toy with the idea of a Math degree but I never felt smart enough. I never got the science part of it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I would have if someone would have helped me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And that is what this book does. It helps. Even though I no longer have a desire to change majors or do something else with my life because I am going after my one true love - writing, I do have a 7 year old step daughter who would benefit from me reading this book. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After reading through this book I think it should be required reading for all education professionals. I feel we are in a day and age where all aspects of higher education and careers should be out there for girls to choose from and it makes me sad that we still live in a sexist society. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not only will it shed some light on these career paths, but it will help open the door and start the conversation. I also highly recommend it to any mother or father because it will help open that door for discussion with your children. We really do live in an era where anyone can become anything they want.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from as part of a writers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32636908851100997502012-08-22T18:52:00.001-04:002012-08-22T19:05:05.825-04:00A Beach Less Traveled by John Berglund<br /><h1 class="parseasinTitle " id="yui_3_4_1_1_1345669928845_260" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1937110311" target="_blank"><img alt="A Beach Less Traveled" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qpHqC0rpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></h1><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1937110311" target="_blank">A Beach Less Traveledby John Berglund</a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>From corporate chaos to flip-flop perfumer.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Who doesn’t dream of spending their retirement on a Caribbean island? While it’s not the most expensive island in the world, it does take an adequate amount of money to live comfortably on any island if one is not going to work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So how do you go about making that happen? Well you could play the lottery and hope that you purchased the winning ticket. You could toss some money in the stock marketing hoping the economy would change. You could buy a tiny house and live life differently, placing your money in various retirement accounts for safe keeping. Most of the options require you to have money to begin with, or at least a stream of it coming in. Many people that retire early in life got lucky somehow. Writers, movie makers, or business owners. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">A Beach Less Traveled is a bit different story than what I am used to hearing when I hear of people moving to another country. I have to say I was completely captivated by it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">John Berglund and his wife Cyndi decided to leave the corporate rat race behind and follow their dreams. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And, they succeeded. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In perfume.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">See what I mean about being a different kind of story? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Flip through a few issues of Entrepreneur magazine and the one thing you won’t see are a lot of people following the dream of perfume. But John did. This memoir is a detailed account of how he made that happen. He and his family were not overnight successes. They shared laughter and tears. My favorite was Chapter 18 in which he speaks of “Repairs and Maintencance in a Third-World Paradise.” While NatGeo might show us what faraway destinations look like, and the Food Network will show us what people around the world might eat, none of that can prepare you for what it is like to move to a foreign country, no matter how beautiful. The sections of the chapter: Cistern Repair, Car Repair, Property Maintenance, Telephone Repair, and Snake in the Hold gave a first hand account of what it’s really like trying to make life work out of your comfort zone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the end, when they became successful, they did something else many do not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">They funded a church.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I adore stories where people become successful and give back.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend anyone wanting motivation or inspiration. Where ever you are, no matter the stage in life or your career, this book can certainly show you another side.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>From Amazon:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The remarkable story of a happily married couple who abandoned the corporate rat race to open a perfumery and create their own custom lines of fragrances in the French Caribbean<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">What originated in a family vacation on the beach eventually became an unlikely but thriving business--a perfumery on the French-Dutch island of Saint Martin. Though he chose a career in law, John Berglund's passion lay in the chemistry sets of his youth and his lifelong fascination with perfume. Berglund eventually built a full-fledged lab in the basement of his home in Atlanta, where he spent countless hours of free time experimenting with new concoctions. He began to dream of opening a perfumery in a tranquil island paradise and ultimately set out to make it happen--no matter what.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Berglund's account of his Caribbean adventure is a fun-filled, factual tale of conflicts, contrasts, and celebrations. As he and his wife, Cyndi, embed themselves in the eccentric French-side community of Grand Case, they learn incredible lessons about business, success, and themselves. Their story may just inspire others, too, to follow in their footsteps, trading business casual attire for a pair of shorts and flip-flops.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from as part of a writers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40438560311568839052012-08-22T15:11:00.001-04:002012-08-22T15:11:36.604-04:00Secrets to Writing Well - Volume 1<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XT3QWY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008XT3QWY&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Secrets to Writing Well - Volume 1" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RfoArOVSL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em;">Book Description</h2><div class="buying" id="bookmetadata" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.86em; padding: 0.25em 0em;"><span class="byLinePipe" id="pubdatelabel" style="color: #666666;">Publication Date:</span> <span id="pubdatevalue" style="font-weight: bold;">August 14, 2012</span></div><div class="content" style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px 0em 25px;"><div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: auto; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;"><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm going to put it bluntly. Not every author who writes well gets published and not every author who gets published writes well. I am going to try and help you write well and hopefully get published too.<br /><br />As Charles Dickens once wrote: "There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts."<br /><br />We are going to look first at the elements that go into writing a fictional story; what they are, how to use them effectively and how to put them together to make a good story. We are going to start with a basic story and work on developing it together so you can observe the actual process. Then you can feel free to go off an do one on your own.<br /><br />This volume will cover Setting, Point of View, Tense, Mood, Plot Types, Dialogue and Character Development. It is written by Richard S. Hartmetz, who has had more than a dozen books published and is the CEO of Starry Night Publishing. Richard is a long-time teacher of writing workshops.</div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Free today on Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XT3QWY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008XT3QWY&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">here</a></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div id="postBodyPS"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This ebook is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount. </span></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14689508645070048062012-08-22T09:00:00.001-04:002014-10-01T19:29:34.084-04:00Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCAMYDMMkc0/UDQGuDbVP8I/AAAAAAAABc0/VnO7pUf8emw/s1600/pcos-doesnt-have-me.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCAMYDMMkc0/UDQGuDbVP8I/AAAAAAAABc0/VnO7pUf8emw/s320/pcos-doesnt-have-me.png" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>I don't even know where to start with this. I keep putting off writing about it because it has overwhelmed me so much I can't think straight.<br /><br />Friday I went to get my prescription for birth control filled. I was in no mood to deal with it on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/08/another-setback-another-update.html" target="_blank">Thursday after the doctors appointment.</a> Because I do not wish to deal with fertility treatments at any point in my life, the OB/GYN felt it best to put me on simple birth control to try the basics first. The hope is that this will help me cycle , get my hormones back in balance, and move forward. The point of this is to try to keep my uterus clear of cancer. The fibroid's are not the problem and should not cause me any grief. However, the cysts are causing me a lot excess hair , stubborn weight, and higher risk for cancer, which already runs in my family.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Monday I have an appointment with my primary care doctor. We will be using that time to go over everything that has happened since I have seen her last. (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/05/the-doc-says.html" target="_blank">which was May 14!</a>)<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I started some reading about meal plans for those with PCOS. PCOS can cause one to become insulin resistant and my primary care doctors had figured I was since I was having such a hard time losing the weight. This was even before she had thought of the PCOS.<br /><br />People who are insulin resistant tend to favor low glycemic index foods. Much like the diebetic type diet the dietician was having us follow.<br /><br />Get rid of the bad carbs. Which I have been doing.<br /><br />I noticed the other day when I ate some mashed potatoes, bread, crackers and pasta all in one day I was completely sick that night. Not a good feeling. I won't do that again.<br /><br />A bit about PCOS I found, the stuff in purple is my personal problems related to PCOS.<br /><br /><b>Symptoms</b><br />Women with PCOS may experience just a few or many of the multiple symptoms associated with the syndrome, including:<br /><br /><ul><li>Irregular menstruation</li><li>Increased hair growth on face, hands, chest, and other areas</li><li>Ovarian cysts</li><li>Skin disorders such as acne or dandruff</li><li>Obesity or unexplained weight gain, often around the middle</li><li>Thinning hair or pattern baldness</li><li>Thickening and darkening patches of skin</li><li>Skin tags</li><li>Pelvic region pain</li><li>Depression or anxiety (both for me)</li><li>Sleep apnea</li><li>Infertility</li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25929456998095558192012-08-22T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-22T09:00:02.878-04:00Telecommuting Communication Tips – How to Stay in Your Boss’s Good Graces<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elW9RLFM3kw/TXe_VpnDJlI/AAAAAAAAAWI/M2Dkk2FTBBc/s1600/homebusiness1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elW9RLFM3kw/TXe_VpnDJlI/AAAAAAAAAWI/M2Dkk2FTBBc/s1600/homebusiness1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’ve managed to talk your boss into letting you telecommute, congratulations! The next couple of months are really important. You want your boss to be thoroughly pleased that they made the decision to let you telecommute. You want to pass this trial period and ease into a full time stress free telecommuting lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>So how do you do it? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first step is to create goals with your boss and measurements to achieve these goals. That way, at the end of the three months you can demonstrate what you’ve accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You also want to establish a system of communication so your boss doesn’t feel as if they’re losing control. Here are a few tips to stay in your boss’s good graces:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#1 Stay off of social networking sites during business hours.</b> Unless you are responsible for the social networking for your company just stay off the sites during the day. If you don’t your boss will know. Even if they’re not on the sites themselves, it’ll get back to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#2 Only email your associates about work related information.</b> Again, you don’t want your boss to think you’re at home gossiping via email. You want to give them every reason to believe you’re busily working at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#3 Copy your boss on emails that are relevant to them</b>. This helps establish a chain of communication. It also shows your boss you’re working.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#4 Consider providing your boss with a weekly list of accomplishments and goals for the upcoming week</b>. Call it a weekly wrap-up and simply give your boss a rundown of what you’ve accomplished for the week. If they’re a micromanager or were reluctant to let you telecommute you can give them confidence. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#5 Go above and beyond.</b> You’ve set goals for your telecommuting trial period. Now go above and beyond them. Show your boss how great telecommuting is for them and you. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once your boss has accepted the wonders of telecommuting you’ll be set. However, during this initial trial period take every care to stay in their good graces. You’ll reap the benefits in the long run.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">To learn more about telecommuting success and how to live a telecommuting lifestyle, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Telecommuting Jobs.</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72550264089250516402012-08-20T12:42:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:19:25.723-04:00Pushing Forward<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ic7odZcCOY/UwextxvaC8I/AAAAAAAAKp0/bH037sn1vwk/s1600/555471_268679433236204_1456238930_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ic7odZcCOY/UwextxvaC8I/AAAAAAAAKp0/bH037sn1vwk/s1600/555471_268679433236204_1456238930_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I spent some time working on some rewrites of my short story fiction. When I see that so many people are doing so well, I know that I can do that too. I need to. The pain in my hip and back is so bad and the social security disability case worker told me that between that and my mental problems I would most likely qualify but since I was in school they had to immediately deny me because it looks like I am "trying" to do something with life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah. Something like that. So, when I am done with school she said I should refile if my life was still the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok. Sorry I got bored and wanted to educate myself despite the killer pain I am in every single day.</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>The PCOS I recently wrote about was a lot to process.</b> Like I said, I spent my life not really worrying about having kids. I just figured when I was ready I would adopt. As I got older I figured I was too old. But then there was a short period of time when I thought "now or never." I could "try" to have a child of my own. I would have to lose the weight, cycle, take medications, take fertility meds, and see. If that did work I am at high risk for miscarriages and stillbirths. If I make it through that, I could have a child with illnesses. Or - I could have multiples. I have witness all the trials and tribulations of fertility treatments. It is not really a path I want to walk down.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have an appointment with the dietitian soon and I will need to touch base with my primary care doc. Hopefully together we can get the PCOS under control and the weight will come down. If the weigh comes down I can go to the gym and strength train to get the back and hips stronger, as well as get my shoulders back in alignment. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>So much is riding on the weight loss.</b> The problem is, nothing has been working. At least now we know why. I am thankful for that because I really got tired of my primary care doctor wondering if I was cheating or lying about my food since the weight wasn't coming down. </div><div><br /></div><div>My mother was supposed to swing by Saturday after she was done with work. She owes me some money for helping her get her car fixed. She was going to bring a check by. I was really looking forward to seeing her because I wanted to talk to her more about what was going on with me. She called me about 4:30 and said she wasn't going to come over because she was just "too tired." It hurt my feelings. I really wanted to see my mom. She works 5 mins away. I just didn't understand. But, the thing that really eats at me is if it were my cousin, she would be over there in a heartbeat and he lives 20 minutes away. She watches his two little girls and they have become her world. They look to her as a grandma type figure. They are all she ever talks about. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Yeah mom. I get it.</b> Even though she was the one who raised me to not rush in life and that I did not need a husband or children to prove I was successful in life. But yet it is thrown in my face ALL the time that these are like her grandchildren and that my cousin and his family will always come before me and mine. She never hangs out with me and my husband or step daughter. Unless it benefits her. Like tomorrow I have to drive her to this discount food outlet for our once a month trip. She never drives. Or how next weekend my husband will be away with a airsoft event and my step daughter will be staying home for the weekend because of her little sisters birthday party. So my mom decided she would come over to do a garage sale. She always has them at my house. And I am sure the entire time will be about my cousin and their weekly events. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh joy for me.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46782615199723374122012-08-18T12:43:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:18:50.260-04:00Life Changes<div>It is funny how when you are told you "can't" do something, even though you were sure you had no plans to do it anyway, it can change your world.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have talked a few times about how I have degenerative disk disease in my lower back. Over the years the weight has crept up and the pain has gotten worse. </div><div><br /></div><div>This year I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hips. It is worse in my right hip. So much so that my right leg is 1/4 in shorter than my left. Which, may not seem like a big deal to some, but it is enough to cause even more pain and discomfort.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />All of my docs have the same thing to say - "lose weight" , which I have been trying to do. I have been pretty unsuccessful. A few months ago my primary care doctor directed me to a dietitian. I follower her plan to a T and still - no loss.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I am beyond frustrated at this point. I do the exercises I am cleared to do: Walking and Yoga. I do them when the pain is tolerable.</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /></div><div>I should lose weight, but I am not.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pain is getting worse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Found out my right shoulder has dropped 3 inch. Now I am really crooked.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, the primary care doc ran countless tests (blood work and such) and even ordered some internal and external ultrasounds (after I told her I hadn't had a cycle in some months. As of today it has been 107 days).</div><div><br /></div><div>Internal ultrasound showed I had fibroids. She confirmed that even though she thought I might have PCOS because I have the symptoms, I did not. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing that would cause alarm as to why the weight isn't budging , why no baby, and why no girly cycle.</div><div><br /></div><div>So she sent me to a special OB/GYN. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went over all the stuff and all she seemed interested in was getting me pregnant.</div><div>Uh no.</div><div><br /></div><div>I need to lose the weight first. My body hurts enough as it is to even think about adding the weight of a baby.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks.</div><div>But no.</div><div>So, she scheduled to see me again. Have another set of ultrasounds and a pap. More blood tests.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blood tests showed - not pre- menopausal, not diabetic and nothing wrong with my thyroid.</div><div>This past Thursday I went in for my second set of ultrasounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fibroids are not in a place to cause any alarm and they are only the size of a pea.</div><div>But.</div><div>There is always a but.</div><div>My ovaries have issues.</div><div>They are covered in cysts.</div><div>I have PCOS.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other ultrasound didn't show it because 1.) they werent looking for it and 2.) they have older machines and/or 3.) the tech was just doing the basic and wasn't trained to look for that sort of thing.</div><div>Awesome.</div><div>So.</div><div>Great.</div><div>Again, she wanted to get me prego.</div><div>I realize at the age of 37 my age plays a huge factor on my fertility. And my weight. And now the PCOS.</div><div>I came to the conclusion that the only reason I wanted a baby was - well - because I thought I had to. </div><div><br /></div><div>That isn't saying I don't want children. I am merely saying that my whole life has not been centered around me getting pregnant. It was not my life goal. I know a lot of girls out there are all about being prego and having kids and going through all those changes and experiences. I wasn't.</div><div><br /></div><div>For as long as I could remember I always thought I would adopt. </div><div>I am not interested in fertility treatments. Too many risks for me.</div><div>I may or may not adopt. I would like to, but right now my focus is on getting healthy. </div><div>I am giving myself until my next appointment with the OB to see how the medication is working. But I doubt my mind is going to change. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully she was very OK with it all and totally understood. </div><div>I think their was a part of me that wanted to conceive for my husband. Like if the child wasn't biologically his he would be different to it since he already has a daughter from a previous marriage. </div><div>After talking to him, we've decided that he is 100% ok with adoption and will love it as his own.</div><div>The thing is, I thought I was OK with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once Friday rolled around, I felt a little off. Today I feel worse.</div><div>The depression is kicking in. </div><div>Now that I am being told the probability of me not being able to conceive on my own is so high - now I am being told basically I can't have kids - it makes me feel broken.</div><div>I feel like its a bad thing, not being able to have a baby. Despite the fact I felt indifferent of about carrying a child of my own.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before it was my choice to not have a baby. Now, I dont have a choice.</div><div>And I don't like that conclusion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not one bit.</div><div><br /></div><div>When trying to tell my husband how I felt, I said, "Imagine if we were trying to conceive and the dr. told you your swimmers were no good, you were infertile. How would that make you feel?" Most men feel a since of pride and that would be a blow to their ego. Same with me. Its hard to admit out loud you can't conceive. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, its going to take me some time to deal with and process this.</div><div>I really don't know what I am going to do.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47800084400930145332012-08-17T14:03:00.001-04:002012-08-21T14:40:11.359-04:00A Cheap and Easy Guide to Self-Publishing eBooks <a href="http://www.free-ebooks.net/1447-0-3-13.html" target="_blank">Find UNLIMITED ebooks for Amazon Kindle, BN Nook, SONY Ebook Reader, or Apple iPad</a><br /><br /><br /><div id="cover-image" style="float: left; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; width: 216px;"><img alt="A Cheap and Easy Guide to Self-Publishing eBooks cover" src="http://www.free-ebooks.net/covers/normal/1160816854_original.jpg" style="border-width: 0px;" title="A Cheap and Easy Guide to Self-Publishing eBooks" /></div><div style="float: left; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; position: relative; width: 440px;"><div id="book-title" style="float: left; width: 440px;"><br /><h2 style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.free-ebooks.net/ebook/A-Cheap-and-Easy-Guide-to-Self-Publishing-eBooks" target="_blank">A Cheap and Easy Guide to Self-Publishing eBooks</a></h2></div><div id="book-description" style="float: left; width: 440px;"><div style="height: 135px; margin-bottom: 5px; overflow: hidden;"><div id="getdescription" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Discover how to sell your eBooks on the Internet yourself with the information and useful tips that you will find in this FREE, ready-to-download eBook! Download today!</div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24442546834352915532012-08-17T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-17T09:00:10.072-04:00Qualities of a Successful Work at Home Employee<img height="273" src="http://howcanyougetrich.net/images/success-key.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />Brought to you by Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Successful telecommuters all share some common traits. They’re:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Self Motivated</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re working from home there’s no boss looking over your shoulder. You’re responsible for motivating yourself to work. This can be difficult at times. Especially when you’d rather nap, read, exercise, or do anything but work. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Organized</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s tough to balance work and home life in the same place. However, in order to be productive and effective you’re going to need a structured organization system. It’ll help you stay sane too. There’s nothing worse than finding your work materials in your daughter’s bedroom or under the living room couch. Organization is imperative.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Professional</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Working from home means it’s up to you to be timely, courteous, and professional at all times. Again, you don’t have your boss or supervisor nearby. You’re on your own to determine your behavior. Professionalism helps you not only succeed at your job, it helps you further your career.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Communicative</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you telecommute you’re going to need to make adjustments to your communication style. If you have co-workers who are back in the office you may want to go out of your way to make sure everyone is kept up to date. You also want to make sure your boss is able to reach you and knows you’re on task. This requires frequent and clear communication.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Focused</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s a real trick to try to stay productive and focused when you are at home. There are so many distractions. Laundry needs to be done. The dog needs to be walked. There are cookies in the cupboard that just need to be eaten. The internet and television seem to constantly call your name. However, it’s really tough to work and do laundry. You can’t focus and shop online at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Tip </b>- Focus can be enhanced by taking breaks. Give yourself goals to meet and then reward yourself for meeting those goals by taking short breaks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">For more tips on how to succeed as a telecommuter and how to learn the skills for success visit the <a href="http://2c514--vs0ytby361z4ksq4guh.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">resume section</a>. You may not have all the skills right now, but you can learn them and have the telecommuting career you desire.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66514643696121606402012-08-16T13:19:00.000-04:002014-10-01T19:16:40.749-04:00Another Setback. Another Update.<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vBGEiHMoiw/UC0mxoupZ-I/AAAAAAAABcM/4dS0CVTZ8UA/s1600/ProForm%C2%AE+ProFit+Calorie+Tracker+Treadmill+at+HSN.com.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vBGEiHMoiw/UC0mxoupZ-I/AAAAAAAABcM/4dS0CVTZ8UA/s1600/ProForm%C2%AE+ProFit+Calorie+Tracker+Treadmill+at+HSN.com.png" /></a></div><br />I had two doctor appointments this morning.<br /><br />First doctor appointment was another external and internal ultrasound. We looked at the fibroid's. One is almost pea size, the other is pea size. Neither in the way of my tube to cause a blockage. So, that is not the cause of my lack of menstrual cycle. Then we looked at my ovaries. She zoomed in and we could see live on the screen all of the pockets of cysts. My ovaries have cysts all the way around them.<br /><br />So, despite the review of what the last doctor visit concluded, it has now been confirmed that yes I do have PCOS.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Yes, that is why I have exsessive hair (not something I really talk about), yes, that is why it has been so hard for me to lose weight. And yes, that is why their are no periods and no kids.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br />Ok.<br /><br />Let's move forward.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br />So, the second doctor appointment this morning was with the OB/GYN going over those results. She seemed to be in such a hurry to get me pregnant. I just shook my head and told her that I am not one of those girls that have spent their whole live planning a pregnancy. It never interested me. I have spent my life making the right choices. Finishing high school. College. Job. Career. Finances. Even then it never hit me; that feeling of needing to have a baby.<br /><br />It wasn't until this past year or so where I felt age creeping up on me. I felt that I had made some bad choices in life and now was the time to make the right one. The choice to have a baby. I had already accomplished school, career, finance, and none of that made a difference. So why not just try to complete life and have one. Only, I never really felt it.<br /><br />All my life I always said I wanted to adopted. That feeling was solidified in me when I found out at age 26 that my father wasn't my biological father. There are so many children in this world in need of parents. Why could I not be one of them? That was how I always felt, for as long as I could remember.<br /><br />The doc told me that PCOS patients can still have children. But, because of my age and weight, time isn't on my side. Well, because of my weight and the pain I have with my hips and shoulder, I can't possibly think about having a baby.<br /><br />So, I made the choice to decline medications, pills, potions, treatments, and high hopes of having a child. I am OK with that. I am more upset that I feel like someone is taking something away from me. Before it was my choice to not have kids. Now, its like I no longer have that choice. I just can't. And, I don't even know that I can't. I just don't want to try and find out. I have seen too many people with PCOS and having problems conceiving go through treatments. They suffer a lot of setbacks and heartaches. This is not a path I am interested in walking down.<br /><br />For me, it was an easy choice. Right now I need to work on me. I need to work on getting the PCOS, osteoarthritis, weight, and degenerative disk disease under control before I decide to do anything. Right now, the choice is to work on me.<br /><br />On a positive note, I ordered a new treadmill on July 23. It is FINALLY being delivered today. It has iFit capabilities and comes with the level 1 card. Pretty excited about this. Hopefully with the DDPYoga, treadmills and the PCOS information I can battle the weight and crooked, painful body.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23467695393736332912012-08-16T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-16T09:00:08.266-04:00What Happened to My HubPages & Wizzley Challenge?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrqKjRJrVGM/TairZrKEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAYs/FiBCLbTiJF0/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrqKjRJrVGM/TairZrKEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAYs/FiBCLbTiJF0/s320/books.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>I had someone email me the other day asking me what happened with my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/getting-those-residuals-going_26.html" target="_blank">Hubpage</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/making-myself-wizzley-challenge.html" target="_blank">Wizzley </a>challenge I had created for myself earlier this year.<br /><br />I had only one word to say - nothing.<br /><br />Nothing happened because I did nothing.<br /><br />But I have certainly been doing <i>something!</i><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />There is nothing new on my <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium channel</a> although I think about doing some rewriting of the content there all the time. I still continue to earn and I pop in every now and then to see what writing or marketplace assignments are available. But every time I claim something - grad school gets in the way.<br /><br />Started to do really well on <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632" target="_blank">WebAnswers</a>, but again, I only have so many hours in the day.<br /><br />I redid a few articles on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/HubPages" target="_blank">HubPages</a> and even posted a <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">few new articles this year</a>. But I did not write 2-3 per week like I had planned to start doing in January.<br /><br />I did start my <a href="http://wizzley.com/authors/cmahan/" target="_blank">Wizzley</a> channel and when I was doing some commission work earlier this year, I wrote a couple of commission topic articles and posted them there. Again, I did not meet my challenge of 2-3 per week like I had planned.<br /><br /><b>There were a few reasons for this. </b><br /><br />1. I was working over 60 hours for 3 months for a company doing commission work. I hung in there thinking things would really turn in my favor (and everyone else in that company) but it did not.<br /><br />2. I am in graduate school full-time.<br /><br />3. I started writing more for myself and got into self-publishing. I wrote a post a few days ago about<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/08/getting-started-with-self-publishing.html" target="_blank"> how to get started with self-publishing</a> and I wanted to continue to bring that here, but I felt like I needed to explain what happened to my residual income challenge.<br /><br />E-books are residual income. You write, you self-publish, and you reap the rewards of that content for the life of the e-book. Meaning, you make money every time someone makes a purchase until you remove it from the retailer. This is the same concept as residual income for content. You write the content, put it on the website, and you earn revenue share based on reads and clicks for the life of the article. More content + more hits = more residual income. E-books are the same. Large catalog = more clicks (purchases) = more money.<br /><br />So, while I am still in grad school full time and I occasionally have a private client for some immediate money through oDesk (or similar) my time has been spent writing e-books.<br /><br />I currently have 2 published in my real name and 23 under a pen name.<br /><br />My new challenge is to have 40 by the end of the year. 60 by next March. I hope by this time next year I will be making at least $5000 a month. This IS doable as I have seen it happen by many these last few months.<br /><br />While I do love HubPages and <a href="http://wizzley.com/authors/cmahan/" target="_blank">Wizzley </a>and might still post and article here and there, it is not going to be my main focal point for writing anymore. I have pages and pages of topic ideas and someday when I am done with school and have more time, I will go back to them because I feel like sites like that are like retirement savings accounts for self-employed writers. What money I make there I put into a retirement account and let it collect interest. It only takes me a minimal amount of time to write something. So anything I make from there is a bonus.<br /><br />I want to change my focus to creative writing and self-publishing because that is my true love.<br /><br />I will be documenting that challenge here. I feel this will keep me accountable.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83368435485214910742012-08-15T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-15T13:43:20.451-04:00Pitfalls of Working from Home and How to Avoid Them<img alt="Visit WooVaa.com : Interior Design Ideas" height="400" src="http://www.woovaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/modern-minimalist-home-office-interior-decor.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />Brought to you by Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Working from home is a dream come true for many. It offers many benefits that just cannot be matched by a traditional office job. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, it also poses some real challenges too. Here are the common pitfalls of working from home and how to avoid them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#1 Social isolation</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you work from home the water cooler gossip hour is gone. There are no people to talk to. It’s just you, your pets and any family members who are home. It can feel isolating. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How do you overcome it? By getting out and socializing. Visit with friends and family on the weekends. Make time to go out to lunch with associates. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#2 Working too much</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You might not believe it but people who work from home tend to work more than they did when they worked in the office. It’s a common phenomenon. Why? Because the work is always there. You can’t leave it at the office. It’s easy to work too much.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The solution? Create a designated workspace. When you’re done working for the day, make a list of what you need to do tomorrow. Then close the door to your office.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#3 Family demands</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes your friends and family will demand more from you. You’re always around and the fact that you’re working from home won’t seem relevant. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ll have to set boundaries. You’ll likely have to teach your family that when you’re working you’re not to be disturbed. You can help them adjust to your new work style by scheduling time for work and time for play.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Working from home offers many tremendous benefits. It’s a lifestyle that just cannot be beat. However, you’ll also have to make some adjustments. Take your personal and professional needs into consideration. Create a plan for telecommuting that works for you and your lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For more tips on how to succeed as a telecommuter, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">the online jobs section</a>. Learn how telecommuting can change your life today.<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /><o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58383740462411129582012-08-14T13:04:00.004-04:002012-08-14T13:04:47.918-04:00Write or Die<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058UO8LO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058UO8LO&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Write or Die" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bSrISC8jL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Write or Die is a collection of riveting tales created to entertain readers as they navigate side by side with each character through this movie that is envisioned by words.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A ward of the state during the day and a stripper at night is the way of life for two misguided teen girls in the unforgettable tale of GINA. Imagine if you were disliked and brushed off like the neglected and unacknowledged, 13 year old Michael is in the chilling story of IGNORE. What goes around does come around for Frank as he invites you into his naïve and karma filled life in SMALL WORLD. Two sisters fall in love with the same man, but this flawless player has more in store for these sisters than they could ever imagine in THE PERFECT MAN. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Follow Tamara’s perplexed life, as she struggles to keep her close-knit relationship with her deceitful friend Cerise, in BESTFRIENDS. Radio personality, DJ Thrill is living life to the fullest until his past catches up with him in 10TH CALLER. From the outside looking in, Missy has the perfect life. Find out what is going on in this woeful story DREAMS. The street life isn’t for everybody. Find out why Jabari has a change of heart in the chaotic story, CAUGHT UP. The talented Fred and Curtis have dreams of making it big on the basketball court, but jealousy and deception changes everything in FRIEND OR FOE. Jacob’s mother only want what is best for him, and she’ll do whatever it takes to make sure her son is happy in the suspenseful tale of MOMMA’S BOY.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Write or Die is free on Amazon today - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058UO8LO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058UO8LO&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">This ebook is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount.</span></span><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18644188545097461522012-08-14T13:02:00.002-04:002012-08-14T13:02:43.236-04:00Working From Home - Should I - Could I - And What Do I Do First<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IERWKW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007IERWKW&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Working From Home - Should I - Could I - And What Do I Do First" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sdhpMVy6L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-58,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Is working from home a dream you have had for a while? I can tell you that you are not the only person thinking this way. Many people want to work from home, or have their own home business; but they just don't know where to start.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This 45 page guide is here to help give you ideas for a home business, give you a system that helps you choose a great home business, and tells you the steps you need to take to get started. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are some negatives as well as the good of working from home and the first chapter goes over those in detail. If you can get through the first chapter and still want to give this a try you probably have just the determination you need.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In "Working From Home, Should I - Could I - And What Do I Do First", you will find resources to help you get a head start over other newbies, and you will be privy to some really great home business success stories! There is a section on pricing and marketing too that will give you that extra knowledge you need.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Working from Home is free on Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IERWKW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007IERWKW&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20">here.</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">This ebook is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44053208772903791002012-08-13T16:34:00.002-04:002012-08-13T16:34:47.276-04:00Been There, "Scene" That: The Top 10 Scene Development Tips Every Writer Needs to Know<br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UC6BFM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004UC6BFM&linkCode=as2&tag=hubpag048b-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Been There, "Scene" That: The Top 10 Scene Development Tips Every Writer Needs to Know (Writing With Excellence)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KH9aYatzL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>DISCLAIMER</b></div><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This book is the supporting material for a writing class taught at writing conferences and in no way is meant to be a full-blown writing book. Class attendees asked for a cheap ebook and we complied. </div><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /><div><b>BOOK DESCRIPTION</b></div></div><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Making a scene is as easy as </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ABCD</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> - </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Action, Background, Conflict & Decision</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. In this book you'll learn how to frame each scene of your story. A good scene reveals information that moves the story forward (</span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">new goals, old secrets, hidden motives</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">), shows </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">conflict</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> between </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">characters</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> (adds tension), </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">deepens</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> the character's </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">development</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, and </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">creates suspense</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> (introduces a new wrinkle that leaves the reader hanging). Learn the </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">three keys to scene summary</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, how to create </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>memorable moments</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> in your story, what </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">4 questions</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> you should ask of each scene. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Learn professional secrets and begin crafting great scenes (and a great novel) in just five minutes.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't know how long this will last - so grab your free copy on Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UC6BFM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004UC6BFM&linkCode=as2&tag=hubpag048b-20" target="_blank">here!</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">This ebook is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount. </span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81670511249944011492012-08-13T16:22:00.003-04:002012-08-13T16:22:49.108-04:00Write To Be Heard: Write Like You Talk: Help With Voice, Character, Dialogue... and more!<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PCHV7U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008PCHV7U&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Write To Be Heard: Write Like You Talk: Help With Voice, Character, Dialogue... and more! (Writing With Excellence)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wZxVJERyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Learning one skill will improve everything you write. Ready? Here it is:</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Write like you talk</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That’s it? Yes, that’s it. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. It’s a skill and like any skill, it can be learned and with some practice, you can master it. What’s in it for me, you ask? First, writing will be easier, less of a chore. Instead of fighting the page, you will sound like you. You might even find you really like to write. Who knows. You might have a story inside you that other people really need to read. </span><br /><a name='more'></a><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Topics include tips on:</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Voice </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Character </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Plot </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Structure </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dialog </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Conflict </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sensory Elements </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Setting </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Beginnings </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Endings</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Find the book free on Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PCHV7U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008PCHV7U&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">This ebook is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount. </span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48759334786264103082012-08-13T16:11:00.000-04:002012-08-13T16:23:10.240-04:00Oh, Monday! (hey, we have freebies!)<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PULI9Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008PULI9Y&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="How to Query an Agent or Editor [A Children's Writer Insider Guide from Mentors for RentTM]" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IB1HO0pUL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Few writing projects create as much anxiety as crafting a cover or query letter. But while the process of submitting a manuscript can feel overwhelming, writing a query doesn’t have to be. In fact, following a few straightforward guidelines can help you write a letter that dramatically improves your chances of grabbing the attention of a busy editor or agent.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This savvy guide offers step-by-step instructions that successfully steer writers who are targeting the children’s or young adult book market through the query-writing process. (And the process is the same for those writing for the adult market, as well. It's just that our examples are drawn from the children's/young adult publishing world.) Drawing on the combined experience of two working writers who between them have over 160 published children’s book and 43 years working in the publishing industry, it offers a paragraph-by-paragraph outline, online resources, sample letters, and a wealth of real-world experience—all in a friendly, talking-it-over-with-a-friend approach. It’s the place to turn when you want to transform your writing dreams into writing realities!</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How to Query an Agent is free on Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PULI9Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008PULI9Y&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B006WDIVCI" target="_blank"><img alt="How To Make Quick and Easy Money With eBooks - Even If You Can't Write and Can't Spell" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ckNdDQ6OL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-18,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Why You Should Buy This Book...</b><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">...Because it shows you a proven and highly-profitable way to make passive income from the huge ebook Market. You could literally be making money within 24 hours.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What You Get:</b><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Got a few hours to spare? Great, then you are all set to make create an autopilot income stream that makes great money for you, month after month, year after year.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Better still, you can create with this little or no investment. If you have even average writing skills, then you can create income-producing assets without spending a cent. But even if you are the world's worst writer, you can create these income streams on the tiniest of budgets, without writing a word yourself.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How to Make Money with eBooks is free on Amazon and can be found - <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B006WDIVCI" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br /><br /><img alt="An Author's Guide to Fighting Internet Copyright Infringements: How Publishers and Website Owners Can Protect Intellectual Property Online" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rSBeBVz0L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've probably spent more time fighting copyright infringements than writing books over the last six years. In one case, I went as far as a two and a half year fight in Federal court. But the bulk of my time has been wasted sending DMCA notices to sites that take down one infringement only to put up another. </span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After years of frustration I had given up even trying, but when copyright infringements began appearing above my own pages in Google search following their 2011 Panda update, fighting infringements took on a new urgency. </span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In this guide, I describe the tools and techniques that finally had an impact on the hundreds of thousands on infringements on my work indexed by Google and the other search engines. The main weapon in this fight is Google's new DMCA Dashboard, a must-use first stop for anybody fighting online copyright infringement. I describe how to efficiently use DMCA Dashboard to clean up Google search results, and when it's important to deal directly with website owners.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Authors Guide is free on Amazon and can be found - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006WG0T0W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006WG0T0W&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">This ebook is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount. </span><br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11225387394220673752012-08-13T15:27:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:56:53.706-04:00So FrustratingSo, I finished week 2 of<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/07/my-shape-how-it-came-to-be.html" target="_blank"> the Ideal Shape</a>. I put all of my food, every single bite, into my journal on My Fitness Pal. Guess what happened to me on Saturday morning for weigh in?<br /><br />I GAINED 3lbs. So, lets recap.<br /><br />1st week on Ideal Shape 3.2lb loss<br />2nd week on Ideal Shape 3.0 lb gain.<br /><br />This is so frustrating and its how life has been for me for the last couple of years. I blame Big M. This didn't start happening until I moved in with him.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Well, seems logical. Right?<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />Thursday I have an appt with another one of my doctors. I don't know what will happen other than I am having another set of internal and external ultrasounds done.<br /><br />It is also the day my spiffy new treadmill is supposed to be delivered.<br /><br />This up down, up down, up down, up battle is really starting to burn through my depression wall I built. I am trying to NOT let it get to me, but the truth is, I just want to crawl in bed and not come out for a while.<br /><br />I sit here and wonder what the point is. I may as well just sit around eating KFC or Taco Bell every day, feel like crap, and just be the weight I am because eating healthy good-for-me foods isn't causing the scale to budge.<br /><br />Bugger.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19545988060950789522012-08-13T09:30:00.000-04:002012-08-13T09:30:02.338-04:00Finding Satisfaction and Balance as a Telecommuter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="320" src="http://www.alchemyorganizing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/32012958-Home-Office-Page-Image.JPG" width="213" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Brought to you by Chrystal Mahan</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You might think that working from home will solve all of your problems. In truth, it very well may make your life significantly easier. However, it’s also easy to become a workaholic when you work from home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your work is always present. There’s always more to do. You can quickly find yourself working twice as hard at home as you did in the office. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Finding balance is essential.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That being said, finding balance also takes awareness and a plan. Here are a few easy tips to find balance and satisfaction as a telecommuter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Schedule time away.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sounds easy, right? You just won’t work on the weekends. Well, that might not be enough. Consider scheduling time away each and every day. Schedule breaks from your desk. Get up every hour and stretch. Take a walk. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Schedule your working hours too.</b> If you plan to work from eight until three then at three o’clock, stop working. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Take vacations too.</b> And leave your cell phone and laptop at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spend time with friends and family.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you work at home you find yourself alone a lot. You’re always working which leaves very little time for friends. You have to make time. Go to lunch with your friends. Call them on the telephone. Go out to dinner or just meet for coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You’re going to have to make friends a priority or you’ll quickly find yourself feeling burnt out and dissatisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Take good care of yourself.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If work and family are your priorities it may not leave much time for you. Like anything else, you’re going to want to schedule time just for you. Take a yoga class. Read a good book. Go to the park. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Find things you like to do and take care of yourself. If you get run down your productivity will suffer. Telecommuting won’t be as satisfying or rewarding. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding balance isn’t difficult. However, you do have to make it a priority. You have to schedule time away and stick to your schedule.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Start a successful telecommuting life today with an <a href="http://2c514--vs0ytby361z4ksq4guh.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">amazing resume</a>!<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57784282472019839892012-08-10T11:56:00.003-04:002014-09-25T18:26:44.127-04:00Redecorating My Home Office<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Ontario Fabric Corner Sofa Plum Right Hand Facing" src="http://tesco.scene7.com/is/image/tesco/212-7232_PI_TPS1331920?wid=170&hei=170&$Offers$" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This post is going to be for all my UK friends and writing family. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I take that back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The ideas within this article can be for ALL of my writing family, however the store I mention, Tesco Direct is not located within the United States. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a freelance writer I have my very own home office. Currently, I share that office with my husband. It’s not ideal and it does not help with my creativity. I am planning to move him downstairs after he builds his “man cave.” When it’s complete, I will have the entire office to do with as I please. My plan is to make it one half office where I can work and complete my graduate degree and the other half is going to be my reading and relaxation space where I can kick my feet up with a good book, close, and lock the door. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To do that, I need a phenomenal piece of furniture. Doing some research on corner sofas, I found a wide <a href="http://www.tesco.com/direct/home-furniture/corner-sofas/cat3371693.cat">variety of corner sofas</a>. What attracts me most to the corner sofa is the ability to make the most out of the space I have. Yes, it needs to be in a corner, but it does not have to be. Being in a corner actually gives me more seating space with a corner sofa because of the L shape. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Corner sofas are a great option for creating extra seating. They are also the perfect solution to any room in the home, not just an office. It would be a great piece to use elsewhere if needed. Another key point is they are a great price for the piece being offered. For me a corner sofa is like getting a couch and love seat in one, at a fraction of the cost. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A corner sofa will allow me to sit at either end and prop my feet up. It can also be a shared space, although I might not be willing to share such a great piece of furniture. I’m attracted to the contemporary design and I am especially fond of this light lime green color. It’s actually the color scheme I am looking at when it is time to redo the office. I am thinking off-white walls with black , white, and lime green accents. It is bright and calming. The perfect place for me to escape the real world and get my creative juices flowing. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Stanza Leather Effect Right Hand Corner, Lime Green" src="http://tesco.scene7.com/is/image/tesco/208-2458_PI_TPS920404?wid=85&hei=85&$Carousel$" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unlike this bright red mess on the walls I have to deal with now. (Wasn’t me, it was here when I moved in.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When shopping for your home office , check out a corner sofa instead of a chair. Those over in the UK, have a stop at <a href="http://www.tesco.com/direct/home-furniture/">Tesco Direct</a>. They have plenty of colors and design sure to match any color pallet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><img alt="Tesco direct" src="http://direct.tescoassets.com/directuiassets/Merchandising/NonSeasonal/en_GB/banners/site_assets/tesco_logo.png" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67552519981511498192012-08-10T10:59:00.002-04:002012-08-10T10:59:26.605-04:00How To Start an Online Freelance Writing Business<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hubpag048b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008GYF9TO" target="_blank"><img alt="How To Start an Online Freelance Writing Business" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UHueNNJ8L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><h2 id="yui_3_4_1_1_1344610430745_265" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em;">Book Description</h2><div class="buying" id="bookmetadata" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.86em; padding: 0.25em 0em;"><span class="byLinePipe" id="pubdatelabel" style="color: #666666;">Publication Date:</span> <span id="pubdatevalue" style="font-weight: bold;">July 2, 2012</span></div><div class="content" style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px 0em 25px;"><div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: auto; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;"><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Online content is the bread and butter of most websites and online properties. In fact, the creation of content is what has spawned awesome products and services like the Kindle from Amazon.<br /><br />Learn how to cash in on providing content to webmasters and publishers in this straight to the point book.</div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1730712331"><br /></a></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hubpag048b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008GYF9TO" target="_blank">How to Start an Online Freelance Writing Business</a> is free on Kindle.</div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div><div id="postBodyPS"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>This ebook is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount. </b></span></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18530661224278846842012-08-10T10:56:00.002-04:002012-08-10T10:59:40.149-04:00Friday's Freebies<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Even when working from home you still have to deal with job interviews. They can be through chat (Skype, Yahoo), through video (Skype), through email, or even the telephone. When I saw this one I knew I had to pass it along because job interviews are still relevant in the work at home and freelance writing world.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008C6YGZO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008C6YGZO&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="How To Avoid Mistakes In Job Interviews" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5140R1st1oL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-41,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><br />How to Avoid Mistakes in Job Interviews is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008C6YGZO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008C6YGZO&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">free on Kindle. </a><br /><br /><br /><h2 id="yui_3_4_1_1_1344609438161_273" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em;">Book Description</h2><div class="buying" id="bookmetadata" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.86em; padding: 0.25em 0em;"><span class="byLinePipe" id="pubdatelabel" style="color: #666666;">Publication Date:</span> <span id="pubdatevalue" style="font-weight: bold;">June 16, 2012</span></div><div class="content" style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px 0em 25px;"><div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: auto; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;"><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What to avoid in Job Interviews<br /><br />In this demanding world we find ourselves seeking for jobs that can benefit us. When seeking for a job we find ourselves in interviews. These are crucial and decide whether we get the job, or be passed over.<br /><br />The presentation, readiness and confidence is key to successfully landing the job of your dreams. Mistakes, sometimes harmless can cause you to shake this confidence you have in yourself and will affect you negatively. The gravest mistakes you make, might have you years in unemployment. This short report will help you surpass, and gain that dream job.</div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">***</div></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008C4QFNM" target="_blank"><img alt="Time Management Simple Book: A Guidebook to Help You Manage Your Time and Get Things Done" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pWE5md%2BdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008C4QFNM" target="_blank">Time Management Simple Book</a> is free on Kindle. Who doesn't need a little help with time management?</div><div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: auto; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;"><br /></div><div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: auto; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;"><h2 style="color: #cc6600; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em;">Book Description</h2><div class="buying" id="bookmetadata" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.86em; padding: 0.25em 0em;"><span class="byLinePipe" id="pubdatelabel" style="color: #666666;">Publication Date:</span> <span id="pubdatevalue" style="font-weight: bold;">June 16, 2012</span></div><div class="content" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0em 25px;"><div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: 200px; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;"><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Don't want to spend too much time reading a "Time Management Book"? Well if you want to save time and know how to use it wisely, the “Time Management Simple Book: A Guidebook to Help You Manage Your Time and Get Things Done”, is a comprehensive ebook on the subject of improving your time management and helping you to get more things done.<br /><br />This ebook also mentions several key ideas and tools that can be applied in order to improve productivity and efficiency. These topics include goal setting, prioritizing, scheduling, and avoiding procrastination. The end of the report provides the reader with several resources to explore in order to further improve his or her skills in this area.</div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">***</div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><img alt="How to Excel in your Career" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Lf4-C7jRL._AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-34,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></div><div id="postBodyPS" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008VBTW22/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008VBTW22&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank">How to Excel in your Career</a> is free on Kindle. Freelancing, writing, working from home - it is all a career! </div><div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: 200px; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;"><br /><b><span style="color: red;">This ebook is free at time of posting, prices will change at any time. Please verify that the “Kindle Price” is $0.00. If you see a price for “Prime Members” or “read for free”, then the book is NOT free any longer, unless you are a Prime Member then it will still be free for you. Please check your "1-click" if there is a price there - it's NOT free and you will be charged that amount. </span></b></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20274191776086109682012-08-10T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-10T09:00:15.248-04:00The Three Biggest Work At Home Mistakes<img height="301" src="http://www.alldoing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Modern-Home-Offices-and-Workplace-designs-2.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />Brought to you by Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Working at home sounds easy, right? Well it can be if you’re prepared. Part of being prepared is learning from other people’s mistakes. Here are the biggest work at home mistakes so you don’t have to make them yourself!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Mistake #1 Procrastinating!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you work from home it’s easy to think you have all the time in the world to complete a task or a project. However, if you put off a project until the last minute you can bet something will go wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ll get sick. Your internet will crash. Your document will vanish into the ether. The biggest mistake you can make as a work from home professional is to procrastinate. Create a schedule for your work. Plan ahead and be productive. If you finish early, then you can enjoy the time off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Mistake #2 Disorganization</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the goals of working from home is to be productive. The more productive you are, the more time you’ll have to spend on family and your other responsibilities. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re disorganized, it’ll take you twice as long to accomplish your tasks. Instead of being able to sit down and complete a task, you’ll spend your time searching for the information. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Clear the clutter from your desk. Create a schedule with a list of prioritized tasks for each day. Have a place for everything and create a routine to keep everything in its place. Organization really helps improve your telecommuting success.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Mistake #3 Working too much.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you work from home you’re going to find that you spend more time working than you ever thought you would. You can’t leave it. Your home is your workplace. Yet if you work too much you risk burnout. You risk alienating your friends and family. You risk hating your job.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The solution is simple. Schedule your work time. Schedule your play time. Stick to your schedule!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting and working from home is wonderful. It isn’t easy. With the right approach, a plan, and commitment you can have a successful home office. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">To learn more about telecommuting successfully, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Legit Online Jobs</a>. Get started living your ideal lifestyle today.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16238378521896481862012-08-09T16:58:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.177-04:00Hello, You.<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7341062433551997" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No thanks needed. </span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn't do it for you. </span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lets be clear on that. </span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Borderline stalker.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's what you are. </span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Helping others,</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it's my only care. </span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many more</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">like me</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">like you.</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sad,</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">but true.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rudeness does not settle well with me</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Call it madness,</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">call it protection.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Call it my men-tal-i-ty</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Go on.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be gone.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You aren't welcome here.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are only human</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all make mistakes</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">its all excuses</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all bullshit</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and does nothing to change the stakes.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You need someone to blame</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">that's</span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> alright.</span></span><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wont be a target, </span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">or a victim of your game.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Find someone else to name.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.999999046325684px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Go on.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be gone.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You aren't welcome here.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't care.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's alright.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have so much more to live</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">there's so much more to life.</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(C) C.M. 2012</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64722610970653044542012-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-08T09:00:01.954-04:00Home Office 101 – Tips For Organization and Productivity<img height="268" src="http://theofficestylist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2389103612_b5c0f1c4db_b.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />Brought to you by Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Getting organized is essential for work at home success. Your home office will be your primary work space. The more organized it is, the better your work from home experience will be – guaranteed!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Within Reach</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many experts recommend using a tiered system for organizing your home office. This means anything you use on a daily basis should be within reach. This is tier one. An example, would be your telephone, your computer, and your organizer. If you have files you access on a regular basis they should be in a cabinet right next to your desk.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Stations</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In addition to having items within reach, desktop items need to have a designated space. Create stations for your work. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For example, you might have an in box for work that needs to be done and an out box for work that is completed. You might have a file for bills. You may also have desktop storage for pencils and small office supplies.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Tier Two</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The second step in a tier based organization system are the items you access less often. Perhaps you need them on a monthly basis. An example might be your client agreements or your receipts file. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These items need to be kept in your office space but not necessarily within reach. You might place them in a file cabinet or storage box in your closet. You may have them placed in a bookshelf.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Old Records</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The last step in a tiered organization system are the items you need to keep but really don’t access often. A great example are your past tax records. These need to be kept but you certainly don’t need to access them. You can place them in a storage box and keep at the top of a closet. In fact, if you don’t have room in your office, you might place them in your attic. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Labeling</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In addition to creating a storage system and an organization system for your home office, it’s important to make sure everything is clearly labeled. Consider using a name and full date to create categories and sub categories for your files. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For example, Federal Taxes 2008 might be the main category. Receipts Federal Taxes 2008 may be a sub category. Make sure when you’re labeling your files that anyone can understand and find what they need. Then you’ll never have to guess or hunt for what you need.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being organized is one of the primary keys to success for a telecommuter. The more organized you are, the more productive and successful you’ll be. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">To learn more about how to succeed as a work at home employee, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">online jobs</a>. Start enjoying telecommuting success today.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9386772424182162372012-08-07T16:42:00.001-04:002012-08-09T11:21:19.394-04:00Imposter for Hire by Sandra Levy Ceren<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1615991425/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1615991425&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Imposter for Hire: A Dr. Cory Cohen Mystery" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515y9Nyw4GL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Available on<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1615991425/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1615991425&linkCode=as2&tag=freelan09-20" target="_blank"> Amazon</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Because this is book three in the Dr. Cory Cohen mystery series I feel that I missed out on the beginning of a great, but awkward, relationship with Ben Fortuna. Other than that, this book does a pretty good job of standing on its own. The story is fresh and doesn’t involve a lot of flashbacks causing the reader to get lost if they haven’t picked up the previous two novels. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Psychologist Dr. Corey Cohen team up with private investigator (and love interest) Ben Fortuna. This secret case has them helping a young mother who suffers from anorexia and her missing Iranian husband. The book has many twists and turns as the due work through kidnapping, murder, disasters, and greed in order to save Allison, her husband and their children. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While there wasn’t much about this novel that pertained to my own life, other than battling an eating disorder, what I found fascinating was the author. I found her fascinating because she is a mirror image of the main character. Sandra Ceren is a clinical psychologist just as Cory. As I read the novel, I begin to wonder if Dr. Ceren is living out her adventures through Cory. This is something I always think of about the author when there is a book or a character I really like. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book was an easy, quick read. I felt she did a wonderful job of building the characters and giving you enough information in order for the reader to form a bond. Often, series writers get too bogged down with facts from previous novels in the series that it takes away from the overall content in the current novel. Ceren did a brilliant job of giving you peeks, but not taking away from the action. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found Imposter for Hire to be a real page turned and I really enjoyed the quirkiness of Dr. Cory Cohen. I love mysteries where you spend time trying to sort it all out in your head, only to find out you were wrong! A great mystery in my eyes will always prove me wrong because if I can figure it out then its just too cliche and predictable. I can’t wait to read more because I am dying to know what becomes of her and Ben!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book Description :<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Psychologist Dr. Cory Cohen teams up again with private investigator Ben Fortuna. This time they're on a case involving an anorexic young mother and her Iranian husband, a prominent petroleum engineer. His method to reinvigorate abandoned oil wells is sought by a desperate oil company executive willing to do anything, including kidnapping and murder, to claim ownership of the method. Cory and the detective tread a treacherous path strewn with terrorists determined to cause international disasters and a man propelled by greed and ambition.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Author :</b> <a href="http://www.drsandralevyceren.com/fiction.html" target="_blank">SandraLevy Ceren</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.lovinghealing.com/" target="_blank">The Loving Healing Press</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87142457264618208122012-08-07T13:26:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.414-04:00What Am I Doing Wrong?<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Remember that girl I posted about a few weeks back about her 60 titles and $8k a month? Well, her reports are in for July.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">67 titles.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1 year writing in the erotica genre.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Total sales JUST for July and ONLY at Amazon??</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">$30k.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Yes.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">$30,000 in ONE month at Amazon. That does not include her earnings at other retailers.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Wow.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Right now I am hanging by a thread. I know not to compare myself to other writers. I learned that very important lesson a long time ago. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But I have 18 titles and 5 bundles (3 titles per book for a few extra dollars compared to a single title).</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">My first book published the first week of May. I did really well writing the first 2 weeks of the month. I repeated that process in June. Then July hit and I published a few more but spent a lot of time cleaning up blurbs doing new covers and dealing with school. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I have done everything by the book.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Decent blurbs. At least I think.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Pretty covers that grab attention.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Good titles with keywords.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I promote as much as I can.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The problem is, there are worse writers than I. Trust me, I have reviewed their freebies they give away on the forum we all belong.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">They. Write. Like. A. Train. Wreck. Stop. Go.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But yet they are still pulling in $1000 a month. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So what am I doing wrong? What's wrong with me?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I have to make this work. This is my last ditch effort to do something with my writing. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I will be done with school next spring. I have no idea what to do with my life after that. Since the day my divorce was final I have been a student. I rebuilt my life around the fact that I am a student. I have no direction and no real ambition to do anything else with my life. I have already done the Accounting and Business thing. Now I want to do what I love. I've been reading and writing erotica for as long as I can remember and now that I have a real outlet for it, I can't seem to make it work. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I recently found out that I might not be able to have children. At first I thought it was just my age or my weight. While that may be part of it, tests show that those are not the things that are getting in my way. So, I have to deal with this medical problem on top of the hip osteoarthritis and the degenerative disk disease that prevents me from really being able to do much of any other type of work. I have no future set for myself because self-employment covers my bills and family expense but does not give me a lot left over to put into my retirement. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Now, we might be thinking about adoption. It doesn't bother me because it was something I used to talk about as a kid. However, where are we going to find the money for the legal expenses? Sure, the organizations here tell you they have grants and help, but even with that it still has a nice chunk of change left to tend to.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So, I followed the path of a few writers, who are no<span style="font-size: 14px;">w doing quite well, but yet for some reason, I am falling short. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I had hoped I would have seen some sales increase like so many others have. I had hoped I would soon be a part of the $5000 a month club so I could get some bills paid off, put some money away, and call the adoption agency and tell them YES! we are ready. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I am 37 years old. Time is not on my side.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37747627200419788482012-08-07T13:05:00.001-04:002012-08-07T15:24:24.226-04:00Terrific Tuesday eBook Freebies for Writers<br /><img alt="How To Make Money From Writing Online: A Writer's Guide To Online Income Opportunities" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41uNeqqLzGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008R1F446/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008R1F446" target="_blank">How To Make Money From Writing Online: A Writer's Guide To Online Income Opportunities</a><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How To Make Money From Writing Online by Michael Ryan James is a practical, effective guide for people looking to break into the world of writing online and for experienced writers who want to know how to add online freelancing to their portfolio of services. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><img alt="Get Digital Now: How to win fans & expand brand with a Kindle eBook" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qmmsZcF2L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-61,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008N06VCK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008N06VCK" target="_blank">Get Digital Now: How to win fans & expand brand with a Kindle eBook</a><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Entertainment ghostwriter Douglas Glenn Clark reveals why everyone in Hollywood (artists and business leaders) must have a digital strategy!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><img alt="Kindle - How to Publish, Promote & Profit" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51m2s9l1gcL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083WGUPG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0083WGUPG" target="_blank">Kindle - How to Publish, Promote & Profit </a></span></span></h1><div><br /></div><div><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Kindle, How To Publish, Promote & Profit”</strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> is a step-by-step blueprint that will guide readers through the formatting process, and explain every detail of what is needed to create awareness for their book, and drive targeted 'ready-to-buy' prospects to the Amazon sales page. Readers will learn how to make “noise” online that gets the attention of search engines and the people (prospective buyers) looking for information related to your book's topic.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><img alt="Book Cover: Selected" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51huJaHZLmL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-51,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00874F1B4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpag048b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00874F1B4" target="_blank">Book Cover: Selected</a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Book Cover: Selected" shows that book covers can be art, too. Featured here are some of Susanna Ivy's more popular cover designs. For lovers of graphic design and fans of art, "Book Covers: Selected" seeks to remind the viewer that first impressions mean everything.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>NOTE:</b> Books were free when post was written. Please double check before purchase to make sure it is still $0.00!!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-386658927546906382012-08-06T16:52:00.003-04:002012-08-06T16:52:37.008-04:00Free eBook Monday: 7 Pack for Freelance WritersIn an effort to help some of my fellow writer's over at Work Place Like Home, I felt I should be sharing some of the resources I post there, here with my fellow readers/bloggers.<br /><br />Today I came across some free ebooks on Amazon that look like a great tool for writer's.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008T3V5H2" target="_blank">How to Find Your Passion & Purpose in Life</a>: Guide Your Career, Goals, & Success Using Brainstorming Techniques<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008T2VIVQ" target="_blank">How to Write a Novel-Storytelling, the Writer and the EBook Novel</a> (Novel Writing Made Simple)<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008S2RRCQ" target="_blank">Screw You! I'm a Writer. And Other Things You Should Know</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008T9M11K" target="_blank">52 Ways to Get Your Creative Self to Listen</a> (The Digital Writer)<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008P4CVCS" target="_blank">How To Build a Blog That Makes Money</a> - The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Starting a New Blog and Profiting From It The Right Way<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008SXV7BC" target="_blank">9 Real Ways You Can Make EXTRA MONEY Online Right Now!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00871UJVE" target="_blank">How the Hell Do You Publish & Sell Ebooks?</a><br /><br /><b>NOTE:</b> Books were free at time of posting. Double check price before committing to buy.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73227984430537097192012-08-04T17:27:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:56:28.570-04:001st Week on Ideal Shape: 3.2lbs GONE!<img alt="Best Value Package 4 Meal Replacement Shakes" src="http://www.idealshape.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/shk_pk_4.png" /><br /><br />With a little bit of determination and a some motivation I was finally able to get the scale to move. I am SO excited about this because I have been bouncing the same 5 lbs back and forth for about a year now. I have not logged my weight on MyFitnessPal because I got tired of going up and down and up and down. In May I logged my weight, and I haven't since. Well today I am happy to report that <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/07/my-shape-how-it-came-to-be.html" target="_blank">after one week on the Ideal Shape program</a> I am <b>down 3.2lbs</b> which puts me back at the weight I was on MFP when I stopped tracking.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I actually had a lot of time to myself this week. I needed it. I needed to spend some time taking care of me. Big M left last Sunday morning for his week at church camp. He's the food coordinator/chef. Since I did not have to stress about what to make us for breakfast every morning, what I was going to pack for his lunch, what I was going to cook myself for lunch, and what I was going to make us for dinner I was really able to focus on me.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I had two shakes a day. They are pretty yummy and whip up nice and thick. I've been experimenting with different ingredients to combat boredom. I have tried meal replacements in the past, and even though I really like them, I can get bored quickly if I don't have enough variations.<br /><br />My one meal and snacks consisted of lots of salads, greens, raw vegetables and some fruit.<br /><br />I went grocery shopping - alone. That too was a big help. I stayed in the produce department since it was just going to be me this week. I stuck to grilled fish, grilled chicken breast, and eggs for my meal base.<br /><br />I am actually quite shocked.<br /><br />Going to keep pushing forward.<br /><br />Hopefully my new treadmill will arrive soon!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40559181813956403172012-08-04T15:49:00.000-04:002012-08-04T15:49:01.503-04:00How to Unbreak Your Health: Your Map to the World of Complementary and Alternative Therapies<img alt="How to Unbreak Your Health: Your Map to the World of Complementary and Alternative Therapies, 2nd Edition" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HcfIk%2B1UL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-50,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is always a pleasure to do reviews for The Loving Healing and it is a pleasure to review How to Un-Break Your Health. It was gifted to me for doing a previous review. <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hubpag048b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003URRQAM" target="_blank">This review is for the Kindle version.</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The opinions from this point on are my own and despite the gift, I am not required to write a positive review, or even a review at all. <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve always been interested in home-remedy and holistic healing. Pharmaceuticals tend to make my problems worse or the side-effects are worse than the problem I am starting with. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal">The Introduction and Chapter 1 dive deep into the “history” of alternative therapies. The best line “ <i>This book is all about hope</i>.” It is also the very first line. Great way to start a book. I honestly did not read through the Introduction and Chapter 1. Bad, I know. (I did skim it!) But I really don’t have a whole lot of interest in the “ins and outs” of alternative therapy and how it came to be. I have read some over the years. I was more interested in checking out the contents and see what goodies I could find within the pages. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Chapter 2 starts and goes on through Chapter 4. Chapter 5 deals with Insurance and Chapter 6 is the Conclusion. Chapter 7 talks about the Recommendations, followed by Resources, Author Info and the Bibliography. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Topics discussed in the book:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Acupuncture, Herbs/Herbology, Kinesiology, chiropractic treatments, aromatherapy, shiatsu, Ayurveda, biofeedback, ear candling, energy medicine, electrotherapy, herbal body wraps, hydrotherapy, massage, piliates, yoga, and so much more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This has to be the most jam-packed alternative health book I have ever read. Not only that, I love how each topic mentioned has links to find more information AND reviews from people who have used that method. That is the BEST source of information one can have when trying to decide if a particular method is best for them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One I never heard of - Bee Sting Therapy. What??? Yes. Yes it’s true. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Highly recommend this <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hubpag048b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003URRQAM" target="_blank">read</a>.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69307882344286824152012-08-03T20:39:00.001-04:002012-08-03T20:39:14.722-04:00Recovering the Self: Forgiveness<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003TZM6RS" target="_blank"><img alt="Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. I, No.1)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B1rQcIRNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-50,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 14.999999046325684px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 14.999999046325684px;" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 14.999999046325684px;">It is always a pleasure to do reviews for <a href="http://lovinghealing.com/" target="_blank">The Loving Healing Press</a> and <a href="http://recoveringself.com/subscribe" target="_blank">Recovering the Self</a> has become one of my favorite things to go back and read. While this is not a review in the typical sense, it does make me think about things in my own life when I read this publication. If you like things to help you heal, this is something I highly recommend you pick up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 14.999999046325684px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 14.999999046325684px;">Some time go I did a review on a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/recovering-self-journal-of-hope-and.html" target="_blank">paperback copy I had received</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 14.999999046325684px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 14.999999046325684px;">Because this review has references to some personal things I recently went through in life, I put it on my journal/personal site, <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/08/recovering-self-forgiveness.html" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a>. I hope you will head on over there for a read.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60844877291736609752012-08-03T20:33:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.312-04:00Recovering the Self : Forgiveness<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003TZM6RS" target="_blank"><img alt="Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. I, No.1)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B1rQcIRNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-50,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is always a pleasure to do reviews for The Loving Healing Press and Recovering the Self has become one of my favorite things to go back and read. While this is not a review in the typical sense, it does make me think about things in my own life when I read this publication. If you like things to help you heal, this is something I highly recommend you pick up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/recovering-self-journal-of-hope-and.html" target="_blank">On Self Employed Writer,</a> I did a review on a paperback copy I had received. This review is of an older edition in eBook form for the Nook. It was gifted to me for doing a previous review. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The opinions from this point on are my own and despite the gift, I am not required to write a positive review, or even a review at all. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003TZM6RS" target="_blank">Recovering the Self</a> is for all types of survivors. It can be from an event, such as a car accident which can cause mental, emotional, and physical trauma, or something like cancer survival. I tend to gravitate towards the rape and sexual abuse survivors because those are the stories in which I can relate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b><br /><a name='more'></a><b> </b></div><a href="" name="more"></a><b> <o:p></o:p></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Forgiveness: A God Thing? By Bristy Lowry</b> is one of those articles I gravitated towards. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Forgiveness is something I have struggled with my whole life. For those that don’t know my history, I was sexually abused by my father. I do not remember my first time. I am sure it’s there in my mind somewhere. I just choose not to dig it out. I can remember the last time, I was 12. I was raped when I was 18. I found out the molester was not my biological father when I was 26. Recently, I found out a man I had an online relationship with had pretended to be 4 different (significant) people in my life. And a handful that passed in an out. (Don’t judge me!) Online fakery for eight years. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At any rate, I tend to not forgive these people that caused me trauma. It’s hard to do. Once I forgave my father for molesting me when I was in therapy. My therapist wanted me to write him a letter, asking him all the “why” questions I could think of. I did. In my own way, I forgave him. I even tried to build a new relationship with him while he was still in Ok. But he would not stop using drugs. In and out of prison. About five years ago I asked him for help with my divorce. He gave me money for the U-Haul which I deposited into my checking account. He reserved the U-Haul with his credit card. When I went to pick up the U-Haul I gave them my Visa, which was my debit card with the assurance they would NOT charge the card my dad had given them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Flash forward some weeks later when I arrive in Michigan. I get settled and unpacked. I am trying to start life all over. He asks me to come over. I do. I hand him a check for the amount of the check he gave me. He then sat there and argued with me for an hour about how I owe him for the money he gave me AND the money that was charged to his credit card. No. I am giving you your money back with the check I gave you. That cancels out both checks. I will still pay you back for the original payment which accidentally got charged to your credit card. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, it get’s better. I know he was strung out on drugs. It did not help so was his girlfriend. My mom came back to pick me up and he starts screaming at her because his girlfriend is yelling at me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s just say it never got resolved. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When he tells the story to people now, I owe him $1000. The U-haul was like $385. Big difference.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He was in prison for the last few years. Strung out on drugs again, prescriptions that were not his, violation of his parole. He hit a man in oncoming traffic. He died. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do I feel like I should forgive him? No. Will I ever? No. As far as I am concerned I gave him a chance to forgive him and start over as a father, and he ruined that. I owe him nothing more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As for the online faker that stole eight years of my life? I can’t judge him. It’s not my job. The only thing I feel for him now is sorry. His life must have been so awful to pretend to be 10 other people. One of which my best friend went to the grave loving after losing her battle with cancer. Can I forgive this person? No. I’m just going to move on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sure, I am angry. And I know people say you can’t carry anger around forever. I’ve spoken to my pastors - both in OK and here in MI. I have wrestled with God and forgiveness for many years. I pray that my father will seek his own forgiveness. But for some reason I feel I have to just let it all go. </div><div class="MsoNormal">It doesn’t consume me or ruin my life. He honestly doesn’t even exist to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes I think the need for people to forgive is overrated. It’s easy to tell the person who carries the hurt and anger to forgive. But until you are the one having to do the forgiving, you will never really understand just how hard it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is why I am thankful to have crossed paths with The Loving Healing Press. I have had the privilege of reading a lot of great publications. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you or a loved one has been through some pain and trauma, please visit <a href="http://lovinghealing.com/" target="_blank">their website </a>for a host of easy read books for help. You will be thankful you did. </div><div class="MsoNormal">~Chrystal </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62409224636132605882012-08-03T14:11:00.003-04:002012-08-15T15:23:27.021-04:00Getting Started with Self-Publishing<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3hD9cPD3Rvo/T-N3-CG3LXI/AAAAAAAABVw/H6mghzi9res/s1600/Easy+Accounting+for+the+self+employed+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3hD9cPD3Rvo/T-N3-CG3LXI/AAAAAAAABVw/H6mghzi9res/s320/Easy+Accounting+for+the+self+employed+copy.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />Getting started with ebook self publishing was NOT easy. It took me a month of reading the websites, rules, guidelines, and forums before I felt comfortable enough posting my own book. I had people on <a href="http://www.fiversworld.com/referral.php?r=1434" target="_blank">FiversWorld </a>help me with covers, formatting, and editing. It was a struggle that first month. But, I kept on.<br /><br />I started formatting Smashwords books for others and let my own ebooks sit on the sidelines. Mostly because I needed the cash. But also because they weren't selling. This gave me practice.<br /><br />Then, I came across the threads on <a href="http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3400124" target="_blank">Something Awful for Self Publishers</a> and revamped some of my stories, which I now use a pen name for. I am much more comfortable and confident with the process.<br /><br />You need to go to Smashwords and sign up. It is best to start with Smashwords and later on you will see why.<br /><br />I am signed up as an agent, with a publishing company and 5 pen names. You don't have to do this. If you dont use your real name and dont want your pen name attached on the same page as your pen name you will need to create a seperate account for each and every one. (More on pen names in another post and why I use one.)<br /><br />Once you are signed up read the Smashwords <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/52" target="_blank">Style Guide</a> front to back.<br /><br />Dont worry, its free.<br /><br /><b>Read it again.</b><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Once you have a good grasp of it, move on to the <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/305" target="_blank">marketing guide.</a><br /><br />You should write in notepad or word (with all formatting turned off) this will save you a lot of headache when it comes time to format.<br /><br />Write your story.<br /><br />Format. Save in Word.doc form.<br />Upload to Smashwords.<br />Go to your distribution link and opt out of Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.<br /><br /><b>Why?</b><br /><br />Because you want total control of your ebooks and money.<br /><br />Wait for the money to roll in.<br /><br /><b>In the meantime open accounts at:</b><br /><a href="http://pubit.barnesandnoble.com/" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble PubIt </a><br /><a href="https://writinglife.kobobooks.com/" target="_blank">Kobo Writing Life </a>(they just rolled their program out, so there are still some bugs to work out. But it will be worth it!)<br /><a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle</a><br /><br />You can only put smashword links in the smashwords books.<br /><br />Amazon only allows Amazon.<br /><br />So far, the other places will allow Amazon. Because of this you want to get an <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon Affiliate</a> account so when you link your catalog (as you grow) in the back of your book you want that affiliate link money too.<br /><br /><u>Remember something else</u>, if you change your price on any website for a special sale, Amazons bots will catch it and price match.<br /><br />Some people have accounts at <a href="http://www.booktango.com/" target="_blank">Book Tango</a> because they distribute to some other vendors, one of them being Google eBooks. The problem I found was that Google tends to changes prices on a pretty consistent basis without telling ebook owners. Amazon then matches it. You lose money. I stay away from Google. But Book Tango does offer some other vendors like I said that might be worth having an account there too.<br /><br /><br />Also, depending on what niche you are writing in, there are independent ebook/book sellers online. You will want to take some time to seek those out. Every market you can hit, you are going to want to.<br /><br /><b>So, what about print?</b><br /><b><br /></b>Well a lot of people do that too.<br /><br />Amazon has Create Space. I have no experience with it personally. I have heard good and bad things about it. So that is something you will have to do your own homework on.<br /><br />I use <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802183440&pubid=21000000000320849" target="_blank">Lulu</a> for the books I want in print.<br /><br />Do NOT go through a self-publishing company that forces you to pay them to publish. Not for print, not for ebooks. Not this early in the game. Maybe once you are making better money you can research indie self-publishing houses, but right now that is not necessary.<br /><br />The bottom line is you want complete and total control of your own work right now.<br /><br /><b>But what about covers?</b><br /><br />If you arent familar with Photoshop or Paint Shop, I suggest you start. If the cost is a factor, download <a href="http://www.getpaint.net/" target="_blank">Paint.net</a> or Gimp. Both are free and YouTube is full of tutorials. Or, there is always places like oDesk where you can post your need or go to <a href="http://www.fiversworld.com/referral.php?r=1434" target="_blank">FiversWorld</a> and look for someone to make your covers. This is useful for getting a cover done quick and cheap.<br /><br />I highly recommend learning to do it yourself. Trust me on that.<br /><br />The thing is, you want to start with everything being FREE. You don't want to be in the red before you even get a running start. You can always go back and fancy up your covers later after you make some sales.<br /><br /><br /><b>Where do I get covers?</b><br /><br />You can't go to Google, search and just snag a photo. No. No. No.<br /><br />You can go to places like <a href="http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/" target="_blank">Flickr</a> that has a creative common license section. Just be sure to read and give credit where it is due. I use places like <a href="http://refer.istockphoto.com/ta.php?lc=085154042431004651&atid=96817%7CBannerID%3D96817%7CReferralMethod%3DLink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.istockphoto.com" target="_blank">iStockPhoto </a>where I just buy a package of credits (I did this once I had a few sales) and purchase the small copy to download. I buy a variety of pics because with Photoshop your possibilities are endless. YOu can use the same pic 20 different ways and no one would know. I purchased some backgrounds too. Its a learning curve, but the time investment has been worth it.<br /><br /><a href="http://morguefile.com/" target="_blank">MorgueFile</a> has free photos, just read the license. No one charges but some of them want credit and ask that you email them to let them know how you use it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/free-photos-resi4710414" target="_blank">Dreamstime</a> also has a free section. You must give credit to the owner though.<br /><br />I will post a part two soon regarding the use of files, changing it to work with the other ebook companies soon.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73262105930789299052012-08-02T12:21:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.350-04:00Missing HerIt's funny how things can slap you in the face when you least expect it. As if digging up the past and dealing with recent events wasn't enough - this mornings mail brought back so many other feelings.<br /><br />It was a little chilly this morning when I drug the trash out to the curb. Realizing I had not checked the mail all week I jogged across the street, looking behind me to make sure <a href="http://cainstales.com/" target="_blank">Casey</a> was still in the yard.<br /><br />I pulled open the mailbox as the traffic started to roar past me.<br /><br /><i>Oh the joys of living in the country, on the busiest road one could find, I thought to myself</i>.<br /><br />I waited patiently for the traffic to pass as I jogged back across the street. Checked on my vegetables, gave them a little drink, gathered up Casey and walked back inside the house. I had the mail in my hand as I sat on the couch. When I sat it down next to me a postcard fell out of the advertisements. Tears started to fall out of my wide eyes.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />This is what I saw:<br /><img src="http://strangelinguk.com/assets/images/Moonheart500.jpg" /><br /><br />To most, this will just look like another collector's figure. And, you would be right. Honestly that is what is is. But, it was very special and extremely significant.<br /><br />You see, Jasmine was one of Elonna's favorite artists. She loved her little girls, with their big heads and bigger than life eyes. Each one told a story. A part of life. At the time she had almost all of her print's. So yes, the little fairy brings back memories of Elonna. But this one is significant because to me it IS her. Elonna was 1/2 Cherokee Indian. And she was the strongest, bravest women I had the pleasure of knowing.<br /><br />Seeing this little card in the mail reminded me of the pain and suffering she went through battling her cancer. It also reminded me that even though I am dealing with the aftermath of her/our Joey and Terry being fake....it pales in comparison to what she went through. I may have lost them, but I lost her and sometimes I just miss her.<br /><br /><b>I'd give the moon and stars to just be able to tell her I love her one more time.</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22110822507710177912012-08-01T21:47:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.201-04:00Poetry in Motion: I Am Not SureI'm not sure <br />if I'll keep this page. <br />Too much hurt <br />anger <br />and rage. <br /><br />I'm not sure <br />what to do here <br />but life goes on <br />and on <br />dont you fear. <br /><br />You want your story <br />to be told <br />twisted <br />darkness <br />but oh so bold. <br /><br />All I can think about <br />as I sit and pen my thoughts <br />over <br />and over <br />is how I hope you rot. <br /><br />I'm not sure <br />what to do here <br />but life goes on <br />and on <br />dont you fear. <br /><br />I'll tell that story <br />about the web you've weaved <br />the destruction <br />and pain <br />and then I'll leave. <br /><br />But you won't find it here <br />that would be to easy <br />I'll make you look <br />and make you work. <br />The rest will be breezy.<br />(C) C.M.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77463631439167851792012-07-28T16:41:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:55:33.364-04:00Ideal Shape Day 1 WorkOuts and MoreToday actually went really well. This morning I sipped my coffee as I read the Ideal Shape book and made some notes in my journal. Then I made the peanut butter chocolate banana shake and sipped it. Pretty good. I really liked how thick it got with using coconut milk instead of cows milk. The calories and carbs are less so it was better for me to switch. The package says you can use water and these powders are made for that, but I wanted to test the milk out first.<br /><br />After I was done reading through the book I listened to the CD track "Daily Visualization for Creating Your Ideal Shape" because I listened last night and fell asleep. I will have to not wait so late to listen next time.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Then I tested my new heart rate monitor and and did 22 minutes of the <a href="http://www.ddpyoga.com/site/cart/index.php?dispatch=aff_banners.view&bid=30&sl=EN&aff_id=10812%20DDPYOGA" target="_blank">DDP Yoga. </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />For lunch I had some apples that were in need of use so I thought making some apple cinnamon oatmeal flavor would be good. I got the idea from some of the oatmeal and fruit recipes I found online and that were located in the Ideal Shape book. I took the ReversaShape about 10am and another about 3pm. I did not plan to take it that late today, but it happened.<br /><br />I weighed in this morning and will check my progress again in a week.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26143216362232655272012-07-27T18:41:00.000-04:002012-07-27T18:41:00.136-04:00Can You Find A Work At Home Job By Networking? Tips and Strategies for Success<img src="http://www.hr.msu.edu/telecommuting/78464411.jpg" /><br /><br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding your dream telecommuting job can be a challenge. Not only does it need to fit your goals and skills, you also have to compete with thousands of other applicants. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You need every advantage you can get! Networking has been a proven strategy to gain traditional employment. Can it work to also help you gain a telecommuting job?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes it can!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Where Do You Network to find Work at Home Jobs?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are several ideal locations to network for a telecommuting opportunity. Not surprisingly, they’re online. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><u>Telecommuting Associations and Forums</u><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider joining telecommuting associations and forums. These are ideal places to not only learn about telecommuting but to also connect with fellow telecommuters. You’ll also be in the know when a company opens up a job opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ll make connections that may help you get the job too. It does pay to know the right people. And a recommendation from a fellow employee can really go a long way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><u>Work At Home Websites</u><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Also check out the various top level work at home websites. Most of these websites have two key resources for you. They offer telecommuting job postings. They also offer a work at home forum. Again, you can connect with other work at home individuals and gain insight, connections and a competitive edge.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><u>Social Networking Sites</u><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, go ahead and use your Facebook account to connect with others, friend telecommuting organizations and companies. For example LiveOps a call center company has a Facebook Page. Let people know you’re looking for a telecommuting position and connect. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Networking online is a wonderful way to find your telecommuting dream job and connect with other telecommuters. Of course, make sure you’re 100% professional and respectful when networking. You want to make a good impression.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For more information on how to live the telecommuting lifestyle visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">telecommuting jobs.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75883574277398525882012-07-26T11:36:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:55:09.579-04:00Just A Little Update<br /><div><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/1RVvNRgiDuiYqMZCwVNL32gpxoX3EZLfl3V6hiOERq*nr0q9vMR8gO37ypdm3s9GtnUsvVEC8J0xEySxDGmw89joVWQE0R9T/photo.JPG" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/1RVvNRgiDuiYqMZCwVNL32gpxoX3EZLfl3V6hiOERq*nr0q9vMR8gO37ypdm3s9GtnUsvVEC8J0xEySxDGmw89joVWQE0R9T/photo.JPG?width=500" width="500" /></a></div><div></div><div>The end of <a href="http://www.ddpyoga.com/site/cart/index.php?dispatch=aff_banners.view&bid=30&sl=EN&aff_id=10812%20DDPYOGA" target="_blank">DDPYoga Energy.</a> Even Casey has to get in on the yoga action! (Sorry, she's not so lady like sometimes)<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Nothing new really to report. Haven't been consistent with the yoga program. Life is crazy, which I know is not supposed to be used as an excuse, but for me personally with an internship, a full time freelance job, a full time writing contract, and full time grad student there are just some days I honestly can't spare 20 minutes of yoga. I do have some 10 minute and few minute break videos loaded on my YouTube and on my hard drive. So at least I try. I have been doing good with DDP on M, W, and F. Its only been a few weeks but I can notice I am getting stronger. Not much, but it is noticeable.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Big M will be going to school, working his full time job, and doing clinical's full time here in a few weeks so his days are about to get extremely crazy. He is a respiratory therapist and with his schedule he is going to be on the road a lot and doing 14 hour days. It will be challenging for us, but we are going to do what we can when we can.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div>My treadmill bit the dust so I had to order a new one. It was so old it just wasn't worth trying to repair. I am STILL waiting for it to arrive. Not sure what the holdup is. That will help me a lot as I love, love, love training on my treadmill. I also ordered a new food scale (mine broke) and a heart rate monitor. Ordered these over the weekend, so they should be around any day now.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Still working with the dietitian. Or at leas trying to. She has not been so good about answering emails lately. Meal planning has become a huge stress component in my life. To reduce some of that and to clear some time for other things instead of cooking so much (I prepare all meals, 3x a day, 7 days a week) we (I am) are opting for meal replacement. I ordered Ideal Shape after so many positive reviews. I have some doctor appointments coming up and one of them might bring some relief in the hormone weight retention department.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>I am on a mission - I just turned 37 Sunday. I want to be better at 40 than I was at 20. We are almost to August so by December I am opting for a 25lb loss. That should be doable in 4 months. Granted, I have a long way to go, but maybe a mini goal is just what I need.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>According to IdealShape my order should arrive tomorrow. I went and purchased a new blender yesterday at <a href="http://kmart.com/" target="_blank">Kmart</a> because as luck would have it, Big M broke ours Monday morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm gonna DO THIS!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83183926279447903052012-07-26T09:36:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:52:19.184-04:00Understanding Tiny Houses<img alt="Cute shed office" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/31032684903027860_OOebLups_f.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />I can understand the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_house_movement" target="_blank">Tiny House Movement.</a> And honestly I am excited for <a href="http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/16-yr-old-builds-tiny-home-to-guarantee-mortgage-free-future/" target="_blank">16 year old kids</a> who make their own tiny house so they don't have to worry about a mortgage when they get older. I'm also in love with the <a href="http://dreadnaughtdarling.com/fortune-cookie-vardo/a-story-about-living-small/" target="_blank">homes that look like a hobbit</a> should live in it and I often dream of my own little fairy house. But, I have come to the conclusion that their are many reasons why people choose to buy or build their own tiny home.<br /><br />Would I love to get out from under a mortgage? Yes! Who wouldn't? But going that tiny is not going to work for me and my family. I see a few people with children and I wonder how well that really works out for them. Especially those with boys/girls who share the same room. It would seem to me that would be a problem as they get older.<br /><br /><b>So what are the long term plans of tiny living?</b><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I am older, although 37 isn't THAT old, I hurt. My body hurts. I have osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease. Most of these tiny houses have lofts. Not all. But most. I can't see myself at 60 years old climbing up and down these tiny ladders to my tiny bed on my tiny loft in my tiny house. I can't be the only one that thinks of that.<br /><br /><b>I don't feel the need to get off the grid.</b><br /><br />I have told my husband when it comes time for us to home shop after we are both done with school (me with grad school, him with his clinical's) I would like to go smaller. I smaller house would be fine. A tiny house on wheels? Not likely.<br /><br />Yesterday I read a story about a woman who went through a divorce and was forced to buy a home of her own, <a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/park-model-homes/deciding-to-make-a-trailer-my-home/" target="_blank">a trailer, in a trailer park.</a> In this article she discussed the stigma that is attached to people in a trailer park. Looking at the inside of her trailer, it is anything from stereotypical.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />Many years ago I worked at an interior design firm as the office manager. One of my great friends was a designer. She lived in a trailer. The outside was typical of an older, single wide trailer. She would crack jokes about trailer living. I cracked along with her because as a young toddler, I too lived in a trailer.<br /><br />Some of my best memories were playing in my bedroom. I had dollhouse so big I could fit inside of it. Sadly, my room was so small that it was put on the top bunk bed so I had more room to open it up and play. I can remember at one time how part of our living room wall had sheets of plastic over it because my parents had built an extension for a bedroom. I was moved to their old room and my room was opened up to make the living room bigger. When we moved to Oklahoma my aunt and uncle moved in. My cousin was born in that trailer.<br /><br />I have no issues with trailer living. But I have always felt that just because you live in a trailer does not mean you can't take the time to make it nice. That trailer park I lived in, now that I am back in MI, I pass it quite often. There are many of the same trailers. No one took the time to plant flowers or make the outside nice. There is just trash everywhere. And they wonder where "trailer trash" came from.<br /><br />But, we all know that is not the case for everyone. Check out her <a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/park-model-homes/deciding-to-make-a-trailer-my-home/" target="_blank">pink trailer</a> - the inside is to DIE for.<br /><br />My friend at the design firm, the inside of her trailer was quirky and remodeled just the way you expect an interior designer to have it. It was fun, trendy, and I loved going over there to hang out with her.<br /><br />I have no problem with living in a trailer again if my life had to go down that path. But, I have been wondering about my tiny home on wheels. Mostly I wanted to make one so that we could travel with it and to keep on my property for my own personal writing office space.<br /><br />Currently we are not a family looking to downsize to a tiny home.<br /><br />So, I have been looking more into shedworking. <a href="http://www.shedworking.co.uk/" target="_blank">Shedworking</a> is a common thing in the UK and it is slowing making its way through the US. Looking on Pinterest I can find tons of outside buildings - mostly sheds- that have been turned into office spaces. I have a board called <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/writers-retreat/" target="_blank">Writers Retreat</a> that is full of tiny houses, office spaces, nooks and converted sheds. For me, this makes much more sense than a tiny house. I also started <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/my-tiny-dream/" target="_blank">My Tiny Dream</a> to pin photos from this website.<br /><br />Treehugger. com said it well - <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/emshedworkingem-its-not-about-cute-sheds-its-about-the-workplace-revolution-book-review.html" target="_blank">"It's not about cute sheds, it's about a workplace revolution."</a><br /><br />If George Bernard Shaw <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaw%27s_Corner" target="_blank">can write in a hut </a>- so can I! And so, I had a long talk with my husband. He wants to make a "man cave" in the basement which would free up half of the office for me. That is great, except I want to get out of the house. I want a place to go to, just like he has a job to leave the house and go to. Writing is my job. I want my own space outside the home. I am much more creative that way. So, I have been pricing sheds, scanning Freecycle and Craigslist.<br /><br />I am a woman on a mission.<br /><br />This photo is of Shaws Shed. The photo above is a converted shed. I am not so sure about the chair, as I know that won't work for me long term. I would need a shed I can work in year round. I am going to work on that.<br /><br />I still feel the need for a tiny house on wheels...I mean..what if something WERE to happen??<br /><img alt="File:Shaw's writing hut.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Shaw%27s_writing_hut.jpg/480px-Shaw%27s_writing_hut.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47285084535963997702012-07-25T16:57:00.000-04:002014-07-29T14:02:00.279-04:00Pinterest Food Lovers - You are Going to Love This! Foodgawker<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cmahan" target="_blank">I LOVE Pinterest.</a> I received an invite about 2 years ago when the website was just starting out. It was a bit odd back then, seeing the same 5 pins over and over again. I got bored every once in a while and would go dust off my old Photobucket accounts and try to throw some new things in the mix. As time went by more users would be stirring the pot with new pins. The site started to get busy and much more fun. I pinned so many cool ideas. Recipes, motivation, workouts, decorating ideas, and more.<br /><br />Now it's funny to me that every time I look on Facebook , Mashable, or countless of bloggers pages, I see hundreds of posts about Pinterest. Apparently something I discovered years ago is now the internets hottest thing. Who knew?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Now that I am on my quest for healthier lifestyle recipes and quite frankly as much as I love my cookbooks, looking on Pinterest is so much easier and much more fun! But, even that is limited for healthy options.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />This morning I was poking around some healthy blogs when I found <a href="http://foodgawker.com/favorites/cmahan/">FookGawker</a>. FoodGawker is nothing but photos of pretty food. You can save the ones you like to your favorites. I did not have a lot of time to look around, but there is an APP for that! (for the iPhone, not sure if it's in the Droid market or not)<br /><br />I have been taking photos of my food (the pretiest dishes anyway) and that is my next project for this getting healthy journey, to actually share what I love - cooking. Cooking, photos and writing. My favorite things.<br /><br /><b>UPDATE 2/21/2014 </b>- Now you can find my food on my website <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a><br /><h3><strong>What have you discovered on Pinterest & what do you think of FoodGawker?</strong></h3>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91574745595341719782012-07-25T12:31:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:54:39.427-04:00What I Have Learned So FarI have learned a lot about my body these last few months. Things that I feel I am going to really start to push for in my life. Make the positive changes with this positive outlook that I will NEVER return back the body I am in now.<br /><br />If anyone is interested I am posting the books I have read so far. Maybe something within their pages will help you in your journey.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Books I have read so far:</b><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=073943061" target="_blank">Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (2002)</a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1439190275" target="_blank">The New Atkins for a New You (2010)</a><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0470913029" target="_blank">The Paleo Diet</a> (I am 1/2 way through)<br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0071462694" target="_blank">Glycemic Load Diet</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0446693456" target="_blank">Coconut Diet</a> (I am 1/3 of the way in)<br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0470538708" target="_blank">The Glycemic Index Diet for Dummies</a> (I am a few chapters in)<br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0071499849" target="_blank">The Insulin Resistance Diet</a><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1416597999" target="_blank">Skinny Girl Dish</a><br /><br /><b>Next in Line:</b><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0307474259" target="_blank">Why We Get Fat</a><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1400033462" target="_blank">Good Calories Bad Calories</a><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1609611543" target="_blank">Wheat Belly</a><br /><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0982565844" target="_blank">The Paleo Solution Diet</a><br /><br /><br /><br />They all contain a lot of useful and great information. Can't say I am sold on any one plan. It seems a lot of them are all linked somehow, changing one small thing just to make them different. I am reading them because of all of the things my doctors and I have been discussing. It seems all of my issues fall into the categories of all these books - more or less. I'm mostly interested in the recipes and such as opposed to all the scientific facts. Some of that is interesting, but I get bored after a while.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71528974142615130342012-07-25T08:30:00.000-04:002012-07-25T12:24:22.269-04:00Guidelines for Shareable Content<br /><img src="http://www.webs9.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Shareable-Content-and-SEO.png" style="background-color: white;" /><br /><br /><b>Panda Algorithm</b><br /><br />The Panda algorithm is the algorithm Google uses to rank the results of its search engine and the<br />latest version has been operating since February 2011. It was designed to help Google return high<br />quality sites to its users and the work Google has done in identifying what makes a site high quality<br />is very much linked to what readers will find engaging and more likely to share with their friends and<br />followers through social networking sites and blogs. This is, of course, important as it is a great low<br />cost way for businesses to access the potentially very lucrative world of online marketing. This<br />sharing will also impact on your search engine optimisation strategy as more links to your pages will<br />increase your site's ranking.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>High Quality Content</b><br /><br />Where as it may seem fairly obvious, focussing on the common sense area of ensuring the content<br />on your site gives the reader what appears to be expert information and not simply a shallow<br />overview of the topic is essential. Readers are rarely drawn in by articles which could be considered<br />clichéd in terms of content or those which are written in 'template' style, devoid of character and<br />life. The editing of content is also important as sloppy content control makes your site appear<br />unprofessional and untrustworthy. It's essential to check for spelling and grammatical errors as<br />these will instantly put a reader off your work. Whatever your actual topic is, it should be something<br />more detailed than what the reader could have found elsewhere on the net and topics should be<br />thoroughly covered.<br /><br /><b>Keywords</b><br /><br />Whilst keywords are important to generate improved search engine rankings, a site that appears to<br />have a large number of keywords in its articles for SEO purposes will also put people off quickly. This<br />use of keywords can be very obvious to readers, and it makes the site look as is if it is an<br />untrustworthy spam site. This is also true if your site includes a large amount of very similar articles,<br />especially if the main difference between the content on each page is simply that the keywords used<br />have been altered slightly. Similarly, if the articles are very brief and appear to be hastily and<br />amateurishly written.<br /><br />To engage a reader and make them likely to share the content of your site, you should look to<br />produce the type of content that a reader might find in a magazine or other print publication. This<br />means the information should include facts that have been checked as well as analysis and insight.<br />The most popular sites where content is shared provide not only facts, but also a fresh perspective<br />on the issue which gets the reader thinking. This is especially important if you are looking for people<br />to comment on your site. It is much better to have a few high quality pages than a vast number of<br />inferior works.<br /><br /><b>Adverts on the Site</b><br /><br />Having adverts on your site can be a useful way to raise revenue and to increase links to other sites.<br />However, this is another area to be mindful of as too high a proportion of adverts often puts readers<br />off. Anything that makes your site look as if these adverts are its prime concern will deter readers<br />from sharing your page with others and can make your page look like spam. One of the easiest ways<br />to ascertain whether a site can be considered high quality, and thus make readers willing to share its<br />content, is to think, 'Would I be happy giving my credit card details to this site?'<br /><br />Thankfully, the steps which need to be taken to improve quality on websites can often be done in-<br />house. Reading all the content on the site with an editor's eye, checking for errors whether they are<br />stylistic, grammatical or factual may be time consuming, but this is none the less essential.<br />Alternatively, if you use a web design company, they should carry out these checks for you.<br />Removing low quality content from your site comes next, for no matter how informative and well<br />written some of your articles may be, low quality work will drag down the overall feel of the site,<br />meaning your higher quality content will be less likely to be shared. It is also worth getting<br />independent feedback from users of your site with regard to anything they might find off putting<br />about the content. Their different perspectives can often help provide you with the new one you<br />need!<br /><br />By Agnese Geka<br /><br />Agnese Geka is Online Marketing Executive behind <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.surveycompare.net/" target="_blank">SurveyCompare.net</a> </span><span style="background-color: white;">– a guide to market research companies</span><br />providing paid surveys online.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26236502516218357292012-07-24T15:18:00.000-04:002014-11-11T16:55:52.652-05:00My "Ideal Shape" & How It Came To Be<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0084GVRQ8" target="_blank"><img src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/jptno.typsg/v/vspfiles/photos/209-2.jpg?1339516204" /></a><br /><br />I've been chatting back and forth with the dietitian the last few weeks trying to figure out a structured meal plan. I know this does not work for some people as many like to pick whatever they are in the mood for. I can do that, but with so much going on in life I feel really overwhelmed and trying to get Big M to stick to anything is making my head spin. He does really well for the first week and then he is off doing his own thing and all that does is land him right back to his old habits. I have tried so hard to help him but now it is up to him because I have to spend that energy taking care of myself.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a>(this is a long one so make sure you are comfortable!)<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />When I did Wonderslim prior to the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Nutrisystem blogging program</a> I lost about 10 pounds. I have been wanting to try it again because of the simplicity and structure but the cost would just not be economical or practical for me. With both of us in school next month our grocery budget is going to be reduced. I needed to find a cheaper option.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />My old friend Slim-Fast came to mind but I did not really want to go back to that sugary tasting option. It has served me well in the past and I will buy it on sale if I find it at my food outlet store for a few bucks because I like smoothies. But I could never follow the program completely. The crashes I get from the sugar and the carbs is just too much for me now. I like Special K but again, the price made it not worth it because it just wasn't filling. I did enjoy GNC Lean Shakes and Whey Protein, but cost was a factor as well as the hunger factor.<br /><br />I looked at <a href="http://beachbody.com/" target="_blank">Shakeology</a> and a few others but it seemed like it was extremely overpriced ($120 for one month) and that it was a MLM where everyone was just trying to sell you on it instead of actually talking about their experience. If I wanted that I would just go back to Advocare. I loved, loved, loved that stuff. So much so in fact I used to sell it in the late 90s and did pretty well with it. I have no desire to sell it and therefor have no desire to pay the high price for it.<br /><br />I kept researching and came across a site called <a href="http://www.mealreplacementshakereviews.com/idealshape_meal_replacement_shake/" target="_blank">Meal Replacement Shake Reviews </a>where I read tons of reviews regarding their #1 pick out of hundreds of protein powders and meal replacement shake mixes, <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0084GVRQ8" target="_blank">Ideal Shape</a>. I saw so many positive results. I checked the reviews on Amazon as well. <a href="http://www.weightlossshakereviews.com/idealshape-shake-review/" target="_blank">Weight Loss Shake Reviews</a> gave it a really high rating as well. One Blogger is doing a <a href="http://jasminesweightlossjourney.blogspot.com/2012/05/idealshape-review-and-recipes.html" target="_blank">100 day challenge</a>e using the Ideal Shake product.<br /><br />So I have been spending some time doing my homework. Amazon and eBay are running about $50 for just one tub of protein mix. Its low carb, low fat, and low calorie. There is no sugar. All a plus for me. I wanted to try it because I love making smoothies and they actually make my life so much easier. This would allow me the structure I need for the day and still allow me to make dinner at night. On the night Big M is extremely late I will cook lunch and have a shake for dinner.<br /><br />The shake ingredients include a hunger reducing product called Slendesta which is made from white potatoes. For me that was a big deal. It is hard to go on meal replacements alone because it always seems they have too many carbs for me and cause a crash and burn. The reviews were great and the company also offers "brain training" along with their product. The theory is you can't lose the weight if you don't retrain the way you think about food and life. I enjoy Yoga and the benefits it offers. I also enjoy meditation and honestly should be doing it more. I have never been hypnotized but I have listened to self-hypnosis/subliminal message/ relaxation type stuff, but never long enough to notice a difference. The company offers package deals on its brain training CD, supplements and meal replacement shakes.<br /><br />You know me I have to take the time to read reviews, check prices and make sure I am getting my moneys worth. The product and a free blender bottle average $50 on Amazon and eBay. They have various packages on the <a href="http://idealshape.com/">IdealShape.com</a> website. I opted for the 4 tub special that came with a free shaker blender bottle, 2 free bottles of the supplement (also supposed to help with appetites) and the free book. This cost me $173.75 which is for 120 days worth if you do 1 shake a day. They recommend 2 for faster weight loss. I know I will have days where I have 1, 2 and none so it will all even out. Since I did not get any CD with this particular package I hunted down another coupon and used it to by the first CD in the series, Building Your Foundation. With the $5 coupon and free shipping it was $14.99. So I spent about $187 for a package that can last me 2-4 months. (4 on eBay would have been $200) That ends up being $1.47 per meal (I am including all the freebies and cds). I think that is pretty good. I will be adjusting my grocery budget for the next few months, which will be fine since I wont be buying a lot of breakfast or lunch items for myself.<br /><br />My reality is that even if I decide to go forward with weight loss surgery they are going to put me on a protein shake diet before I go under. This is standard for all patients. Then, post-op I will be on all liquids for 6-8 weeks before graduating to meals out of a blender. Oh joy. So, my theory was if they are going to force me to do that anyway, I may as well try to do it myself and see if I can lose some weight while I am trying to decide.<br /><br />Of course this blog will be my journal and since I left one of my time consuming jobs behind, I will be able to get back to blogging here.<br /><br />I placed my order and will get started as soon as it arrives. I have already been on <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/getting-healthy-smoothies-shakes/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="http://foodgawker.com/favorites/cmahan/" target="_blank">Foodgawker </a>saving recipe photos that strike my fancy. I'm pretty excited to get started. Cooking 3 meals a day 7 days a week has become such a stressful event when I am trying to do everything else.<br /><br />Ordered a new treadmill. Can't wait for it to arrive. My old one finally bit the dust and it just wasn't worth it for me to replace it. Still doing <a href="http://www.ddpyoga.com/site/cart/index.php?dispatch=aff_banners.view&bid=30&sl=EN&aff_id=10812" target="_blank">DDPYoga </a>and LOVE IT! I also joined IdealShapes 12 Week Shape Up Challenge through <a href="http://www.askfitnesscoach.com/12-week-shape-up-challenge/" target="_blank">AskFitnessCoach.com</a> just for more tools and motivation.<br /><br />My reality is the weight has to come off. Hopefully this will help me in my journey. It's all about simplicity, less stress, ease, portability, cost, tools, community and of course results.<br /><br /><b>Wish me luck!</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64386760947396964282012-07-23T08:00:00.000-04:002012-07-23T08:00:22.481-04:00How & Where to Spot a Legitimate Work At Home Jobs<img src="http://www.findingdulcinea.com/docroot/dulcinea/fd_images/guides/Careers/Telecommuting/guides/0/image.jpg" /><br /><br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan <br /><h2> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Looking for a telecommuting job and having trouble telling the difference between the scams and the legitimate jobs? It can be difficult. However, there are a few common traits to look for. <o:p></o:p></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Scams Want Your Money</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The one common trait all scams have is that they want your money. If a job posting requires an investment of any type, you can be sure it’s a scam. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They may not come right out and ask for your money. They may require you to pay for equipment. They may require you to pay for training. They may ask you for an investment. These are all various ways to get your money. You’ll never see your investment. You’ll never get paid for your work. You’ll never get hired after your “training.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The exception to this rule is legitimate work at home job banks where they compile a list of current companies who hire home workers and save you a lot of time (and money) in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>What Jobs Are Legitimate?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Telecommuting jobs run the gamut. You can be a telecommuting lawyer, a telecommuting tutor or a telecommuting data entry clerk. Many careers fit this work style. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>However, common telecommuting jobs include:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>Call Centers </u>– LiveOps is an example of a legitimate company that will help you establish a call center in your home. Pay usually starts around $8/hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><u>Mystery Shoppers </u>– Mystery shoppers don’t have a regular stream of tasks to accomplish. Rather, you get paid per assignment. You’re paid to pose as a shopper and then critique the store and service. Legitimate companies include Corporate Research International, Mystery Guest, and Service Intelligence Experience Exchange.<br /><br /><u>Virtual assistants</u>, <u>transcription and data entry jobs</u> are also common telecommuting opportunities. <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If you’re looking to start a telecommuting career, visit </span></span><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_86283088">telecommuting</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank"> jobs </a>to learn more about the opportunities available to you and how to get them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63858570518502179372012-07-20T18:30:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:53:04.956-04:00My DreamMy dream right now is to go from this: (June 2012)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYnjYtDDjKw/T_396ZEUjtI/AAAAAAAABX0/21VmIkByJtg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYnjYtDDjKw/T_396ZEUjtI/AAAAAAAABX0/21VmIkByJtg/s320/photo.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Back to this (4/2003 Weight Watchers Lifetime Goal)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbTx87By3oc/T_397qSypMI/AAAAAAAABX8/AXDKEGiMeXI/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbTx87By3oc/T_397qSypMI/AAAAAAAABX8/AXDKEGiMeXI/s320/download.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>And this is how I am going to get there:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.ddpyoga.com/site/cart/index.php?dispatch=aff_banners.view&bid=15&sl=EN&aff_id=10812" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhtjMOLh8S8/T_3-ZtCZICI/AAAAAAAABYE/MSHes8ux9tw/s320/ddpyoga240.400.313233654964ee0f4782621f.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div><a href="http://www.ddpyoga.com/site/cart/index.php?dispatch=aff_banners.view&bid=15&sl=EN&aff_id=10812" target="_blank">DDP Yoga</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49040008260222976042012-07-20T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-20T07:00:05.950-04:00More Work At Home Myths and Facts<img src="http://hrmorning.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/telecommuting.jpg" /><br /><br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan <br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many misconceptions about working from home. This can cause mistakes, limited opportunities and unfortunate decisions. When you know the truth about working from home, then you can make the right decisions for you and your needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Myth #1: I can work as much as I want.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you work from home, you’re an employee of another company. You’re still subject to salary agreements. Your boss will expect you to work a certain number of hours each week. Or they’ll expect, if you’re on salary, for you to produce a specific amount of work. There’s really very little wiggle room to make more money. Do a good job, get a promotion, and earn a raise.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Myth #2: I can work whenever I want.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is true for some opportunities but not for others. For example, if you’re working as a call center representative then you’re going to have specific work hours. They may be nine in the morning to five at night. They may be five at night to three in the morning. The hours will be set by your employer and you’ll be expected to work during that time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">However, if you’re working as a transcriptionist you might be able to work when it fits your needs. As long as you get your work in on time, your boss may not care when you work.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Myth #3 I’ll work less when I work from home.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Actually, most people who work from home work more. The average person works about ten hours more. You do eliminate the commute which gives you more time. However, it’s difficult when you work from home to put work down. It’s always there. It’s one of the tough lessons about working from home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Like everything else, being a good telecommuter is about finding the right balance. All in all, we think it’s definitely a fantastic work from home opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Visit <a href="http://2c514--vs0ytby361z4ksq4guh.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">telecommuting jobs</a> to learn more about working from home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52601764913149891352012-07-19T20:09:00.000-04:002012-07-20T15:19:49.298-04:00Saffrons Dreams by Shaila Abdullah<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1932690735" target="_blank"><img alt="Saffron Dreams" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sAYq09EfL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Saffron Dreams by Shaila Abdullah is available on <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1932690735">Amazon.com</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"> 9/11. I remember it well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We’ve heard all of the stories. Friend. Family. Co-workers. Children. Police. Fire Fighters. EMT. Other rescue units. Someone knew someone who knew someone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But can you imagine what it must have been like to be an American Muslim in this time?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not only an American Muslim, but a woman at that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Shaila Abdulla tells the story of her character loosing her husband on the terrible attack on American on Septermber 11. She shares not only the wonderful relationship she and her husband shared, but what it was like for her to deal with her loss.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We live in a world of anger and blame. We live in a world where we cannot coexist. We try. We make due. But we are quick to pass judgement and even quicker to lay blame. We stereotype. We judge. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Shaila puts it all out there, telling readers what has been like for her, as a Muslim woman to have to deal with the meanness of others after the terrorist attacks. She was judged. She was ridiculed. And through it all, she had to stay strong. To me her tale is somewhat fictional, somewhat non. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how she did it. I don't know how any Muslim American handled their selves after that. I watched the series American Muslim on TLC last year. I never knew Dearborn, MI (right in my backyard) had the highest population of Muslim in the United States. I have done research papers for my undgergrad and grad degree on various aspects of the Muslim culture and religion. When I went to college on-campus at Oklahoma State, it was not uncommon for me to share the classroom with students from all over the world. We were one of the largest international student exchange hosts and programs in the United States. So, when I see hate crimes based on religion, it really makes me angry. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wish everyone would take the time to understand we are ALL human. We all hurt and feel pain. And just because we share the same beliefs as someone who has done terrible acts, we are NOT the same as them. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Amazon Description:</b><br /><i style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Saffron Dreams</i><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> is a tale of love, tragedy, and redemption from the award-winning author of </span><i style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Beyond the Cayenne Wall</i><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">...</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You don't know you're a misfit until you are marked as an outcast.</b><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">From the darkest hour of American history emerges a mesmerizing tale of tender love, a life interrupted, and faith recovered. Arissa Illahi, a Muslim artist and writer, discovers in a single moment that no matter how carefully you map your life, it is life itself that chooses your destiny. After her husband's death in the collapse of the World Trade Center, the discovery of his manuscript marks Arissa's reconnection to life. Her unborn son and the unfinished novel fuse in her mind into one life-defining project that becomes, at once, the struggle for her emotional survival and the redemption of her race. </span><i style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Saffron Dreams</i><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> is a novel about our ever evolving identities and the events and places that shape them. It reminds us that in the midst of tragedy, our dreams can become a lasting legacy.</span><br /><br /><img alt="Image of Shaila Abdullah" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/d3/72/03af810ae7a01526900cd110.L._V192466630_SX200_.jpg" /><br /><br /><b>About the Author:</b><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.5px;">Noted as "Word Artist" by critics, Shaila Abdullah is an award-winning author and designer based in Austin, Texas. Her creative work focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of Pakistani women and their often unconventional choices in life. Abdullah's 2009 novel, Saffron Dreams is taught at several universities and explores the tragedy of 9/11 from the perspective of a Muslim widow. She received a grant from Hobson Foundation for that body of work. Her debut book, Beyond the Cayenne Wall, is a collection of stories about Pakistani women struggling to find their individualities despite the barriers imposed by society. The author has received several awards for her work including the Golden Quill Award, Norumbega Jury Prize for Outstanding Fiction, DIY Award, Reader Views Award, Written Art Award, and a grant from Hobson Foundation. For more information about the author and to sign up for news and updates, please visit www.shailaabdullah.com.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66073458634466487112012-07-19T14:38:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:52:48.000-04:00New News from a New Doctor & OldLast Thursday I had an appointment with a specialist (OB/GYN) regarding my weight problem, lack of menstrual cycles and the fibroid problem. I felt it was a very productive.<br /><br />Basically the fibroids are causing a blockage which in turn makes me not cycle. Since I am not cycling, I am not getting pregnant. It could also be causing hormone problems which could be a reason for the weight to be sticking around despite attempts to remove it.<br /><br />My thyroid came back fine.<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br />I don't have diabetes.<br />I don't have PCOS.<br />I am not pre-menopausal.<br />My right shoulder is 3inches shorter than my left now.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So, she wants me to have more blood work. I went and did that last Friday. She wants me to come into her office for more testing on August 16th. I will go in the morning for more blood work and another set of pelvic ultrasounds (internal and external). After that we will look at them together. She is pretty sure I am going to have them removed and then she wants to put me on medication for force me to bleed out. She says my body not cycling is not good.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>Oh joy! That sounds like SO much fun.</b><br /><br />She also asked me how I felt about Lap-Band weight loss surgery. I have to admit, I was a little shocked because Big M and I have talked about this a little in the past. I kid you not when I tell you I have been struggling with my weight since I was about 8 and I have been dieting since I was 14. This Sunday I will be 37 years old and I am so worn out and tired from dieting and trying to lose weight. The extra weight is just breaking my body down. She told me her patients have had a high success rate and shes even had her husband do it. I know some people who have had different types of weight loss surgery and they all have their own tales to tell. She told me she would contact my primary care doctor and my dietitian to push her recommendation through. Until I lose the weight I am not going to get better as far as self-esteem, the pain in my back, the pain in my hip, and being able to conceive. I only have a few fertile years left. So, if the weight is causing me so many problems, maybe I should consider Lap-Band since everything else has failed.<br /><br />I thought about it.<br /><br />I'm still thinking about it, there is a lot to take in.<br /><br />I read a lot about the surgery. So many people are so hateful to those that have had it. Talking about how it is the easy way out. Wow. What is so easy about having surgery? Then 6-8 weeks of liquid diet followed by 2-4 weeks of blended food before you can eat solid food. I don't know about you but that doesn't sound so easy to me. What has been so easy about being on a diet for 20 years? I went to the gym, I ate right, I exercise, I diet, I follow meal plans, and everything else. Scale doesn't budge.<br /><br />I don't know what to do. In the end I have to do what is best for me and not worry about what everyone else is going to think. If I have to choose between being almost pain free, having a longer life, being able to have a baby, and being able to run again OR just keep trying another plan after plan, well, then I might just have to choose that option.<br /><br />I have been talking to the dietitian. Of course she doesn't want me to go that route, but she also feels it would benefit me because of my situation and struggles. She is also willing to work with me pre and post surgery if that is the way I need to go in life.<br /><br />I am going to go to a seminar before the summer is over and maybe that will give me some answers because I sure have a lot of questions.<br /><br />My cousin and he sister had weight loss surgery, so I know I can go to them for any support.<br /><br />Yesterday I had to go to the chiropractor because of my shoulder being 3inches and it is causing me some pain. She had to adjust my hip , it was way out of place. My shoulder is still low. We talked about it for a long time. All the crooked issues going on. I updated her on all the doc stuff. She told me her friend hand lap-band and its been the best thing for her. My chiro has watched me struggle the last 4 years. She knows how hard it has been and so she opted for me to have the surgery too. She said she would write a letter to the insurance company if I needed it. She also suggested a few other things to try if I decided I did not want to do surgery.<br /><br />Lets be honest, surgery scares the crap out of me.<br /><br />For now I am just going to keep pushing forward and we'll see where the stars align.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67726384670922646772012-07-18T13:22:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.333-04:00Spending Time<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I spent some time this week working on titles and descriptions for my books. I didn't realize I would become so OCD about it that I would spend the last 3 days doing it. I am pretty frustrated with myself because I had to slack on my paid gigs. At the same time, I am not upset because it has gained me a few sales.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> One of the girls that is in the same genre as I posted her earnings. In 1 year she has published 60 titles and is now bringing in $8,000. From here on out, old titles are nothing but residual income and she can publish whenever she feels like it. She makes enough money now that her husband quit his full time job, she quit hers 6 months ago. This is a huge goal for me. Not so much that my husband quit his job, but for me to be able to have enough money coming in that I can start saving and work a little less harder. As it is with school, work, and writing I am putting in 12 hours or more a day. I am starting to burn out from school but I still have at least 2 more semesters to go.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Other than that, I have just been going through the motions of life, hoping my body does not break down. My osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease are getting worse. Despite working with a dietitian and doing everything her , my chiro, and my primary care doc tell me to do, as well as the OB/GYN specialist, I am not any lighter and not any closer to my goal. My specialist has declared me a candidate for lap-band and that shit terrifies me. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I don't know anything anymore. It seems like my brain never shuts off and I am always in constant pain.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63368466136223778052012-07-18T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-18T07:00:05.135-04:00What Type of Work At Home Job Is Right for You?<img src="http://blog.earnmydegree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/telecommuting-by-fire.jpg" /><br /><br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan <br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Interested in telecommuting? </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are a number of opportunities available. To find the right one, first take a look at what your needs, goals and skills are.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What Do You Want from a Telecommuting Position?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What goals or needs do you need your work from home job to provide for you? For example, are you looking for part time income? Are you hoping to have a full time career? Are you simply looking for a little extra money?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you want a telecommuting job so you have something to do during the day? Are you looking for an outlet? Are you interested in learning a new skill or do you want to profit from your existing knowledge and strengths?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Write down what needs you want your telecommuting job to fulfill. You can then search and compare opportunities based on those needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What Do You Bring to the Table?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What strengths, skills, and knowledge do you possess that will benefit an employer? For example, do you have an ability to work quite well without supervision or direction? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What’s your employment background and how can it help you find your ideal telecommuting job? For example, if you have experience as an accountant or bookkeeper then you may find a telecommuting job for an accounting firm.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you enjoy talking on the telephone and solving problems for people? If you do, and have good communication skills, then becoming a call center representative is a possibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Telecommuting or Freelance?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, take a look at the risk you’re willing to take. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting means you’re working for an employer. You get a paycheck. You have set work hours. You likely receive benefits like health insurance and a 401k. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Freelance means you find your own clients. You pay your own taxes. And you are 100% free to set your own work hours and rates. You’re the boss. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Freelance comes with a lot of risks – for example, what if you can’t find any clients? However, it also provides a few more freedoms than telecommuting. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Interested in telecommuting? Visit <a href="http://2c514--vs0ytby361z4ksq4guh.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">telecommuting jobs</a> to learn more about how you can start a successful telecommuting career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90664911263320775912012-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-12T07:00:01.225-04:00Telecommuting Myths and Facts<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://sslusarc.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/telecommuting.png" style="background-color: white;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many myths about telecommuting. This can lead to mistakes. We want you to succeed! Read these common myths and learn the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Myth:</b> I’ll be more productive at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Generally, unless you are very organized and focused this is untrue. Most people are easily distracted at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It might actually take you longer to get the same amount of work done.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />However, with a few key strategies in place you can be more productive. It requires scheduling, discipline and a strong ability to eliminate distractions and focus on your work.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Myth:</b> I’ll make more money as a telecommuter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Untrue. You’re paid a salary just like a traditional employee. Out of that paycheck you’ll still pay taxes, social security, retirement and benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you’re a freelancer, you may see larger paychecks. Taxes aren’t deducted from freelance payments. However, you still have to pay taxes. At the end of the year, the amount you earn may still be the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Myth</b>: I’ll have more time to myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You may have more time to yourself IF you’re able to be extremely productive during your work times. What often happens is that you procrastinate doing your work or you’re easily distracted. Then it takes twice as long to get your work done. This leaves little or no time to yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And for some unknown phenomenon, when people know you’re working from home, they start calling and visiting more often. You’ll need to set boundaries right away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting offers a fantastic lifestyle. It enables you to essentially have your cake and eat it too. You get to stay home and care for your family while also earning a paycheck. However, it doesn’t come without some challenges. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To learn more about succeeding as a telecommuter and how to overcome these challenges visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">telecommuting jobs.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To your success!</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52974283902586334462012-07-11T22:37:00.001-04:002013-10-30T18:46:53.480-04:00Poetry In Motion: In Darkness<span style="background-color: white;">My world is dark</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Not to worry</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I've been here before.</span><br /><br />Once upon a time, <br />I even locked that door.<br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">In my world</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">the darkness engulfs me</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">wrapped me</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">swaddles me</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">kept me safe from harm.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Never letting others stab through.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Darkness protected me</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">love me</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">saved me</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Then,</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">darkness was lost.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Poof!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Darkness no more.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />I'll run<br /><span style="background-color: white;">I'll try to hide</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">this time I'll padlock my door.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Wrote: 4/4/12Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-799255460290410642012-07-11T22:37:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:46:43.697-04:00Poetry in Motion: Have You Ever?<span style="background-color: white;">Have you ever</span><br /><br />felt like dying?<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I have.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Have you ever</span><br /><br />felt like lying?<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I have.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Have you ever</span><br /><br />wanted to stop trying?<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I have.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">No use lying.</span><br /><br />I'll just stop trying.<br /><br />Inside I am dying.<br />(C) C.M.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46768619071192253102012-07-11T22:36:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:46:35.620-04:00Poetry in Motion: Down<span style="background-color: white;">Down</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I fell astray</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Tears</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Fall</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">One by one</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I sit</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">wonder</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Will I find my way.</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>C.M.2012</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6113191721193759762012-07-09T11:49:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:52:23.594-04:00@DDPYoga Day 1 #teamddp<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ci0pABnJlhI/T_cTNKiFRLI/AAAAAAAABW8/5bhEi-2aUY8/s1600/logo_header12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ci0pABnJlhI/T_cTNKiFRLI/AAAAAAAABW8/5bhEi-2aUY8/s320/logo_header12.jpg" height="82" width="320" /></a></div><div>DDPYoga came in the mail on Saturday. Knowing it was going to be a crazy weekend (internship and weddings on Saturday, and then a house party for a new baby on Sunday) there wasn't going to be much time for starting a new program. </div><div><br /></div><div>Got up this morning, took the dog and the husband for a walk around the part (41min), came home and started DDPYoga Energy.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have to modify. That's Ok!. I can't balance so well on one hand/one knee. I toppled over. One hip is stronger than the other (osteoarthritis) and I screamed at no-one in particular when I hand to drop my hand to balance myself. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My husband cheered me on, sweat dripping off his nose.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's nice to have someone on my journey.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was hard. But I felt so good after, like I really accomplished something.</div><div><br /></div><div>On now here I am , 3 hours later and my body feels like it's been ran over. In a good way. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm hooked!</div><div><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48471561613392319362012-07-06T12:34:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:52:05.408-04:00Team DDP<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ci0pABnJlhI/T_cTNKiFRLI/AAAAAAAABW8/5bhEi-2aUY8/s1600/logo_header12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ci0pABnJlhI/T_cTNKiFRLI/AAAAAAAABW8/5bhEi-2aUY8/s320/logo_header12.jpg" height="82" width="320" /></a></div><br />Today Big M and I decided to do the Introduction workout on the Team DDP members page. Its called the "Dirty Dozen" which is basically 13 of the moved in the program. Since my DVDs have yet to arrive, I figured now was as good as time as any to start practicing.<br /><br />We also took our 6 photos each and post them to the website.<br /><br />Now we just wait for the goods to arrive.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40413602392613044502012-07-05T19:18:00.000-04:002013-03-19T12:19:39.306-04:00Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After by Craig Groeschel<img src="http://edelweiss-assets.abovethetreeline.com/RH/images/jacket_covers/medium/978-1-60142-369-6.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/ZHh7ov" target="_blank">Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After by Craig Groeschel</a><br /><br />I will read anything by Craig. ANYTHING!<br /><br />When I lived in Stillwater, OK I attended Lifechurch. It saved me in so many ways. I remember how we would meet every Sunday in the middle school auditorium. It seemed so small, so quaint. In time, membership grew and we needed our own building. It was HUGE. Sadly, I went through my divorce shortly after and did not get to enjoy that new building for long. When I moved to MI I watched Craig online through the <a href="http://lifechurch.tv/">Lifechurch.tv</a> website. Every Sunday I was able to bring a piece of Stillwater into my home here in MI. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In the past I have reviewed <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/book-review-chazown-different-way-to.html" target="_blank">Chazown</a> even though it is not the only book by him I have read.<br /><br />When I saw this one was up for review, I decided it was worth the read even though I was already married. I am glad I did. There was so much stuff in there that is so relevant to me and my marriage. Especially the part about communication. Craig also talks a lot about The ONE (who is Jesus) your TWO (who is your spouse) and then yourself. He is a believer that life should be lived like that and children should come after. With 6 kids, I know he knows what he is talking about.<br /><br />I still watch Lifechurch when time permits, but my own church <a href="http://cliochurch.com/" target="_blank">New Covenant</a> has many of the same values as Craig. Even better, my Pastor has met him and shares some of his work. Bonus for me! I have even found a few members that also watch LC online.<br /><br />I feel the book is a good read for anyone, believer or not, who would like a better grasp on how relationships should be, not just before marriage, but for the entire life of the relationship.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection</b>: I received this book free from as part of a bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24255859983303484652012-07-05T17:07:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:51:39.499-04:00My Low Carb Life<img src="http://img4-2.realsimple.timeinc.net/images/food-recipes/tools-products/0813/label-low-carb_300.jpg" /><br />A couple of weeks ago I went to the dietitian and she put me on a lower carb meal plan which is from the <a href="http://www.shopdiabetes.org/176-Choose-Y%20our-Foods-Exchange-Lists-for-Diabetes-%20Singles.aspx" target="_blank">American Diebetes Association.</a> I do not have diabetes. There are things going on with my body that we are trying to figure out. I have some future dr. appts. scheduled in hopes of finding out some answers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/06/just-what-doctor-ordered.html" target="_blank">Just What the Dr. Ordered</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/05/one-size-does-not-fit-all.html" target="_blank">One Size Does Not Fit All</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/06/new-hope.html#uds-search-results" target="_blank">New Hope</a><br /><br />When my PCP suggested I might have PCOS I started doing some research to see what I was going to have to do to help my cause, I saw changing my diet to low carb was the way to go. Next thing I knew I was ordering the New Atkins sample kit and signing up on the website. I started to cut down my carbs and make some changes in my diet. Shortly after I had my pelvic ultrasound and it was found I had fibroid. My PCP now has me seeing a special OB/GYN in July. During that time I have to work with a dietitian. Which put me on the low carb plan.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Since announcing my low carb meal plan I have had a lot of questions and I have had a lot of people attack me. Most of those attacks came from Atkins followers. All of them had not-so-nice things to say about my dietitian and how she was wrong and that Atkins was the only low-carb that was going to work for me.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />It bothered me.<br /><br /><b>It bothered me a lot.</b><br /><br />I don't understand how an educated person such as my dietetic can be bashed for being wrong when her meal plan was taken directly from the USDA and the ADA. Makes no sense to me.<br /><br />And then it made me mad.<br /><br />I don't bash the meal plan you pick to follow why would anyone bash mine? I have never had that happen to me before.<br /><br />So, I decided to share a few things about my meal plan that I hope will answer a few questions. I made that into a FAQ page.<br /><br /><b>To save you from clicking, here it is:</b><br /><br />I am not following Atkins (or South Beach or The Zone, or any other commercial plan) what I am following is based on the American Diabetes Association. ADA Weight Loss Plan. My dietitian gave me a meal plan. The meal plan has me lowering my carbs a great deal (at least for me personally, again, I am not following Atkins). In this meal plan there is a chart. There are points or exchanges or counts (whatever to call them I have no idea) where a food item has this many carb points (is what I call them because I am so used to WW points). I am allowed 3 for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I get 2 for dessert. I get 11 total carb points per day. My husband is allowed 16.<br /><br />So, I look at the food label, read the carbs and look on my chart. It will tell me how many carb points it is. Since I only get 3 per meal, I am really not eating a lot of carbs.<br /><br />On this plan I am allowed pasta (whole wheat), bread (whole wheat) , rice (brown), cereal (whole grain), and even fruit (only in the morning) so long as I stay within the guidelines and I am also getting all of the other food requirements.<br /><br />There is no Induction phase for me since I am not doing Atkins style, I am doing ADA style.<br /><br />I can't eat the stuff every day. But it is there for me if I choose to have it. She does not what to put me on a deprivation diet. I can choose to have it or not.<br /><br />Having said that, when I see that one of those servings takes up most of my allowable carb points, I have been learning to stay away from them.<br /><br />I also have to watch my sodium.<br /><br />I hope that clears up some of the confusion.<br /><br />All the books and materials she gave us were directly from the USDA website and the ADA website.<br /><br />The reason I joined low carb groups was because even though I am on a ADA plan, I do not have diabetes. I dont fit in the diabetes groups. But, as I mentioned, for those questioning, I am not really following Atkins either, even though I have the newest book and the old book. I am using it more for a guide , inspiration, motivation, and recipes.<br /><br /><b>This is the main book: </b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0880913770/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0880913770" target="_blank">Choose Your Foods</a><br />She also suggested I use <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1930448368%22%20style=" target="_blank">Calorie King carb counting book.</a> I laughed at her a bit becuse I had CK back in 2005. The website was free then, but I had the paid desktop app and the carb book. So I dusted that off. I got the newest one for the Kindle iPad app.<br /><br />Counting carbs instead of WW points has been weird for me. I never really 100% did the shift from points to calorie counting. I would like more than anything to get back to my Lifetime status weight.<br /><br />When reading a food label these are some of the things I need to pay attention to.<br /><br /><br />Total Fat: I have to watch this.<br />Snacks, cereals, dairy and dessert = 3gram per serving or less<br /><br />Meat and cheese = 5gram or less per serving<br /><br />Frozen dinners = 3 or less grams of fat per 100 calories. These I am only allowed to eat 1-2 times a week because of the sodium. But it is preferred I do not eat them at all. Same for canned soups like Progresso, although those come in low-sodium varieties.<br /><br />Avoid trans fat.<br /><br />Saturated fats with less than 1/4 the total fat coming from sat. fat.<br /><br />Total Carbohydrates:<br />total carbs include all starches, sugars, dietary fiber and sugar alcohol.<br /><br />Sugars: Ignore the total grams of sugar listed on the label.<br />Fiber: If the serving has 5 or more grams, subtract 1/2 of the fiber grams from the total carbohydrate grams.<br />Sugar alcohol: if a serving has 5 or more grams, subtract 1/2 of the sugar alcohol grams from the total carbohydrate grams.<br /><br /><br /><b>Conversion Guide: </b><br />Total Carb. Grams = Carb Point( or whatever you call it)<br /><br />0-5 = 0<br />6-10 = 1/2<br />11-20 = 1<br />21-25 = 1 1/2<br />26-35 = 2<br />36-40 = 2 1/2<br />41-50 = 3<br />51-55 = 3 1/2<br />56-65 = 4<br />66-70 = 4 1/2<br />71-80 = 5<br />81-85 = 5 1/2<br />86- 95 = 6<br />96 - 100 = 6 1/2<br />101 - 110 = 7<br /><br /><br />So, I would figure if I get 3 meals, with 3 each and the highest allowed for "3" is 50 carbs, that would be 150 for my meals and the highest of the 2 dessert I get is 35 carbs. In total I should have no more than 185 carbs a day.<br /><br />The ADA website states a person with Type2 should stay between 150-185 carbs a day. I was not diagnosed with Type2, but I do have some other problems which we are still trying to work on. My husband also has some medical issues. Hes on the same plan but gets 16 carb choices (points) instead of 11 like I get.<br /><br />To me, that is lowering my carbs substantially. But I do understand that Atkins followers are MUCH lower than that.<br /><br />Maybe at some point I can get down to that, BUT my Dr and Dietitian specifically said not to follow Atkins right now.<br /><br />Carbs make me feel like crap anyway so I am doing my best to cut some out of my life.<br /><br />The material I copied my meal plan from was printed by the International Diabetes Center.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91011891877836886772012-07-05T13:49:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.425-04:00Write, Write, Write<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I have been working hard trying to get ahead of the publishing game. I took yesterday off (except for participation points for school) and I had these done prior to the holiday. I have one more almost done so I need to spend some time writing the rest of it. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I am really hoping to have my goal of 30 titles before hubs goes back to college for his semester at the end of August. Not only will he be gone ALL the time because of work, school, and his clinicals, I will also be doing my internship, school, work, and writing. But since I work from home, the household stuff will fall on my shoulders. So, I want to get as many stories done between now and then. Apparently, according to all the erotica writers I talk to, 30 plus is the magic number. For every 10 you will see an increase. I am at 18 for my pen name and only 2 under my real name (so those dont count anyway). I think 12 more by the end of August is certainly doable if I keep pushing. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70234363657573565542012-07-05T13:39:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:48:03.310-04:00One of Those Light-Bulb Moments<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j6hRXyx7IDQ/TPOXq9CyrHI/AAAAAAAAAPA/8k4fnIwVjxo/s400/yoga.jpg" height="400" width="400" /><br /><br />Yesterday morning I was sorting through my emails before beginning my 4th of July day of nothingness when I came across my newsletter for <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MMN2g0RX/ZA&offerid=206482.10000069&type=4&subid=0" target="_blank">Prevention magazine</a>. Prevention magazine has been a staple in my life since I was about 20 years old. It has always been my go-to source of inspiration, motivation, and general good health.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In the newsletter I saw a article for "<a href="http://www.prevention.com/fitness/yoga/yoga-transforms-disabled-veteran?cm_mmc=Walk-Off-Weight-_-968472-_-07042012-_-Be-Pain-Free-With-Yoga" target="_blank">Be Pain Free With Yoga</a>" so I immediately clicked. When I was on Weight Watchers in my 20s, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005T33K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005T33K" target="_blank">Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansone</a> (which I still use and have added even more to my collection) and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/630299988X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=630299988X" target="_blank">Yoga video by Jane Fonda </a>(which I totally want another copy of!) were my go-to videos of choice in the morning before work. I did these videos until I started walking outside for miles (I quit my job by this point and had time for long walks) and eventually started to incorporate running.<br /><br />I remembered how Yoga made me feel strong, no matter what size I was. It was also something I could do with minimal space and equipment.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />When I was diagnosed with the degenerative disk disease and later the osteoarthritis, all of the information I found said that Yoga was the way to go.<br /><br />So, I am reading this article, with an open mind and there is this story of this man named Author Boorman, a paratrooper who served in the Gulf War. His years jumping out of planes left him with severe back and knee injuries. Doctors told him he would never walk again unassisted.<br /><br />I watched this man and I cried. I cried joy for his transformation and I cried tears of pain for my own struggles. I had never heard of the yoga he was doing so I Googled it. Little did I know DDP actually stood for <a href="http://www.diamonddallaspage.com/" target="_blank">Diamond Dallas Page</a>, whom I knew of through wrestling.<br /><br />From there I found a link for <a href="http://www.ddpyoga.com/site/index.php/en/" target="_blank">DDPYoga</a> and I started to really watch all of the videos and read the transformation stories. The Beginners kit was $70. I would NEVER spend that sort of money on a DVD collection. However, after checking eBay and Amazon, I could not find a better deal. I thought about it for a long time. Then I became ashamed of myself for thinking this could actually work for me. I would just waste my money because it would collect dust like some of my other DVD videos. I use them, just not like I should.<br /><br /><b>So I waited. And I waited some more.</b><br /><br />Later that night I decided to show Big M the story of this man. M has knee problems and is often inflicted with pain throughout the day because of his knees. There will be times we will be walking around and all of the sudden he just falls. Someday we know he will have to face surgery. Just like me with my back and hips - surgery is likely.<br /><br />I would like to hold off on that as long as possible.<br /><br />So, he watched the videos and he too was inspired by this man. We both agreed if HE can overcome this, WE can overcome our pain and injuries.<br /><br />I waited all night before deciding to make the purchase.<br /><br />I had a little bit of guilt about it. I never pay full price for things. I never spend that kind of money and I never believe the hype of weight loss and exercise programs.<br /><br />But somehow, for some reason, this was different.<br /><br />After making my purchase I found <a href="http://www.teamddpyoga.com/" target="_blank">Team DDP Yoga</a> which is a website hosted on the Ning network. I signed up this morning after receiving the email that my package was on its way. So far everyone has been very welcoming and I am seeing a TON of transformations. That is inspiring.<br /><br />I did one of my old exercise videos this morning - Denise Austin Yoga. It was hard, I won't like. And it hurt, but it was a good stretch hurt. My back and hips needed it. Now, a few hours later as I sit here and type this, I feel good.<br /><br /><b>I feel inspired.</b><br /><br />Maybe this is just what I need to get my body and my mind moving, leaner, stronger, and not quite so heavy.<br /><br />The best part is I have 30 days to test it out. If its not what I thought or I just gave up, once again, I can get my money back.<br /><br />Hopefully I won't be doing anything but submitting my own success story.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56007449442978344312012-07-03T14:45:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:24:12.160-04:00I'm Crooked (Even More)The last few weeks I have been noticing things. Small things.<br /><br />This deal with my feet I have noticed at least a year ago. Something I never think to mention to my PCP when I speak to her, mostly because we get caught up with all of this other stuff going on. My toes are weird. They have hard knots that seem to be getting worse. Big M thought they were calcium deposits so I just let them be. Year or so later and they are still here. My foot feels weird. Like it is starting to turn outward. But that I shrugged off as some sort of over compensation for my arthritic hip and back issues.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Then I made a post some time ago about how you could physically see that I was crooked and not only that, there was a larger amount of (what I say is) fat on the right side of my body. <strike>You can see that post and photo here.</strike> If you look on the right, you will see just above the panty line it sticks out much further than the left. Well, now it's worse. If you look at my shoulders you will notice they are crooked. When I first took this photo I assumed it was just the way I was holding the camera.<br /><br /><b>News flash!</b><br /><br />It's not.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I have been having a lot of pain in my right side. Again, I assumed it was because of the osteoarthritis in my hips or the degenerative disk disease in my back. I get up to walk and I waddle. My right leg , ankle, and foot have been the most painful aside from the hip. My right arm is starting to feel heavy , like dead weight. It bothers me because I have to have my fingers moving for work.<br /><br />Over the weekend I was standing in front of the mirror wondering why my arm was hurting. Behind me, on our bathroom wall are stripes. Stripes that have been there for years now. I noticed just how crooked my shoulders really were. I talked to Big M when he returned home from the weekend away. Yeap. I am crooked. It has gotten worse. His step-mom came over yesterday, so I asked her about it. Yeap. I am leaning. But not on purpose.<br /><br />I am scared. I am confused, angry, and I don't even know what I am supposed to do now. It hurts. I am uncomfortable. So not only do I feel uncomfortable and depressed because of my size, now I am physically because I am crooked. I stay home more because lately I can feel myself waddle when I walk. Walking has become hard. But I make myself do it. Seems like I don't have much of a choice if I want the weight to come down.<br /><br /><b>Frustration has set in. I feel like I am at rock bottom.</b><br /><br />This photo was taken just a few short weeks ago when an old college friend wanted me to bust out some lime green. Sadly I did not send the photo to the friend because I was so ashamed at how much weight I put on. Looking at the photo now I can clearly see just how crooked things are. I know to some it may not be such a big deal, but to me, its huge.<br /><br />And yes, I am standing up straight. I made sure to. I also did this same pose for his step-mom and she could clearly see my feet and knees were even.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azHNtvcwV6E/T_M9etXT7hI/AAAAAAAABWs/hMrnKV4RplA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azHNtvcwV6E/T_M9etXT7hI/AAAAAAAABWs/hMrnKV4RplA/s320/photo.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />I have to lose weight and I have to lose it fast or I am not ever going to get my body back. I need to see someone ASAP about what's going on with my bones.<br /><br />My PCP said see the dietician, which I have. But, even that seems like its not doing any good. Walk, they say. I do that when I can, sometimes it hurts too much.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32846986193226984812012-07-02T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-02T07:00:13.681-04:00More Benefits of Working from Home<img src="http://work-from-home.kilu.de/pic/work_at_home_mom.jpg" /><br /><br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just in case you’re not yet convinced telecommuting is right for you, here are a few more compelling benefits of working from home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#1 Freedom to live anywhere.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With a traditional nine to five you’re restricted. You have to live within a reasonable distance from your job. However, when you work from home, you can live anywhere. You can even live in multiple places. For example, you might live in on the ski slopes in Utah during the winter and on the coast during the summer months. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can move to be closer to extended family members without risking a job loss. You can also move to a community where you want your children to go to school. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><b>#2 You can avoid office politics and gossip. (my personal favorite)</b><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some workplaces are worse than others. However, when you’re removed from the rumor mill, you have a more pleasant work existence. You’re able to stay out of the political maneuvering and simply get your job done. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re a social person and fear you’ll miss the interaction there are solutions. You can arrange to meet co-workers occasionally for lunch. You can connect with them via email and the telephone too. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#3 More free time for yourself. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many people find they’re much more productive and efficient when they work from home. That means you can get more done in less time. On some days you can use that extra time for your own personal needs. You can enjoy a new hobby. You can read, write, or spend time with your family. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Telecommuting can solve problems. It can also improve your quality of life. If you’ve been looking for a solution and considering working from home visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">online jobs tips </a>to learn how telecommuting can solve your problems.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32224213846486922762012-07-01T18:15:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.243-04:006 Months from Now Update!In 2008 there was a question asked of me - where do you expect to see yourself in 6 months?<br /><div><br /></div><div>I wrote:</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 14.999999046325684px;">I hope to be well under way with school. I really want to get my bachelors in Accounting once and for all. And there is a part of me who wants to follow that high school dream of going to MSU, so maybe I will decide whether to go there for my Masters.</span></blockquote>Well, here it is some years later and I can say I finished my Bachelors degree in June of 2011 and started my Masters degree in August of 2011. I'm halfway through the program.<br /><br />Happy 37th Birthday to me.<br /><br />For my new 6 months from now I certainly hope to have dropped a good amount of weight and get some of my health problems under control.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60827328308945163392012-07-01T13:30:00.001-04:002012-07-01T13:30:04.613-04:00[Free ebook] WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS: A CRASH COURSE<img alt="WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS: A CRASH COURSE (How to Write, Revise, and Publish a Kid's or Teen Book)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oikBQg17L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-63,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nowhere will you find a more comprehensive, current, and detailed writing course designed specifically for writing children's and teen books, written by an author who is in the field today. WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS: A CRASH COURSE is a ten-step course that relays all the nitty-gritty details of the business, beginning with how to evaluate your book idea all the way to pitching your book to editors and agents.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Within each step, you'll find clear and specific information covering topics such as the children's book market, manuscript format, revision tips, finding the right agent or publisher, submission etiquette, and common faux pas to avoid. This book will even tell you what kind of paper you should use and exactly how you should write your letters to editors and agents.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bonus materials include templates for all of your submission needs as well as examples of real-life editorial letters sent to authors from editors today. </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Prices are subject to change without notice so check to make sure the price says <b>$0.00 </b>before downloading! </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000ZJKIX0" target="_blank">Available on Amazon.</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35383931562183377432012-06-29T22:38:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:44:29.188-04:00Poetry in Motion: Please Don't<span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">I Have to go,</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">its what I have to do.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">It's whats best for me,</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">and for you.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Please don't ask me to stay</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">not for you,</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">not for me,</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">not for your daughters sake.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">It's no longer safe</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">for me to stay</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">one false move</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">my heart will pay</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">The anger</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">outbreaks</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">and slice of your words</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">are way too much</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">for me to endure</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">I must go</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">I cant stay here anymore</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">please just let me go</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">let me walk out that door.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fbf9f4; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">(C) C.M.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25923695287426990862012-06-29T08:00:00.000-04:002012-06-29T08:00:11.003-04:00Great Places to Look For Work at Home Opportunities<img height="301" src="http://toysrusjobapplications.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Toys-r-us-jobs-great-opportunity.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />Brought to you by Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding your dream telecommuting job can take some time. In addition to weeding through the scams, you want to find a job that matches your needs and skills. We’re here to help!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take a look at the following work at home resources for your next telecommuting job.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://workplacelikehome.com/" target="_blank">Workplace Like Home</a>. This website has a forum for all the different types of work from home, freelance, and </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">telecommuting</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> opportunities.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1366657474"> </a></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://tjobs.com/" target="_blank">TelecommutingJobs </a>(acquired by FlexJobs) </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A website with fourteen years of helping people find telecommuting work and helping employers find great employees.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.wahm.com/jobs.html" target="_blank">Work at Home Mom</a>, </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> This website lists both freelance and telecommuting opportunities. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.flexjobs.com/" target="_blank">FlexJobs,</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A telecommuting job posting resource. You need to become a member to view the listings. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.telecommutejoblist.com/" target="_blank">Telecommute JobList,</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> This site pulls opportunities from Craigslist. Also lists freelance opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Also don’t forget the standard online job hunting resources. They do list telecommuting opportunities. Check out:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Indeed.com</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Monster.com <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Craigslist<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Careerbuilder<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SimplyHired<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jobster<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Also, if you’re interested in working for a call center these four companies hire often. Check out their website and their employment listings. Except for Hertz, they handle customer service and scheduling for a number of companies. This means variety for you and a flexible schedule.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><strong>Alpine Access</strong> <o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><strong>Hertz</strong> <o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><strong>Live Ops</strong> <o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><strong>West At Home</strong> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />There are many telecommuting opportunities. You just have to know where to look. Now that you have access to telecommuting jobs, it’s time to get that resume and cover letter together. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To learn more about how to nab the telecommuting job of your dreams and how to live the telecommuting life visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">work from home jobs. </a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To your success!<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--></span><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29218406322376975862012-06-27T15:10:00.000-04:002012-06-27T15:10:00.315-04:00Benefits of Working from Home<img src="http://www.online-shopping-101.com/work-from-home-woman.jpg" /><br /><br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re on the fence about whether telecommuting is right for you, consider these unique benefits:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You’re safer if you work from home. You don’t have to deal with the commute which can certainly be dangerous. Additionally, you aren’t exposed to workplace dangers. In your own home, you control the environment. You also stay off the roads during hectic commuting times.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reduced workplace stress. While your job may or may not be stressful, what often stresses a person is finding balance between work and family. When you’re at work you may be concerned about your children. When you can work from home, you can take care of them and fulfill your job responsibilities. You’ll have a more balanced and less stressful life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Better quality of life for your family. You matter to your family. When they don’t see you, their quality of life is affected. When you work from home, not only are you improving your quality of life, you’re improving theirs too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You get more accomplished. Finally, when you work from home you gain extra time in your day. You save the commute time. And you save the time it takes to pack a lunch and get dressed for work. You can work in your pajamas and eat whatever is in your refrigerator. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course telecommuting offers challenges too. It’s a different lifestyle. One that requires organization, an ability to focus and good time management skills. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are interested in learning more about all the benefits telecommuting provides visit legit work from home <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">jobs website</a>. Find out if telecommuting is in your future.<br /><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18128804971662110512012-06-25T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-25T07:00:02.786-04:00The Difference Between Working At Home and Freelancing. Which One Is Right For You?<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://www.ftfmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/work-at-home-mom-cartoon.jpg" style="background-color: white;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brought to you by Chrystal Mahan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Working from home is an ideal lifestyle for many. However, before you start setting up your home office it’s important to decide if you’re going to telecommute or freelance. While they both offer you the ability to work from home, they’re also very different. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What’s The Difference? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>When you telecommute you work for someone else.</b> That means taxes are collected from your paycheck. If you’re self employed you have to save money to pay your taxes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>As a telecommuter you get paid vacations and holiday pay.</b> True, you have to ask for the time off. If you’re self employed you can take any time off you want. You’re the boss. However, any time away from your freelance job is unpaid.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Insurance.</b> As a telecommuter your employer probably pays for some or all of your health insurance. They may also pay for life insurance and disability.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">If you’re self employed then you’re responsible for all of your insurances. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Retirement. </b>Many employers help you save for retirement. They offer 401K plans and they may even contribute or match your contributions. When you’re self employed, you’re on your own to save for retirement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, when you’re an employee of another company you can be fairly sure you’re going to be paid. When you freelance collecting money owed to you can be tough sometimes. Additionally, if you don’t have freelance clients, you don’t have a paycheck.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, there is something rewarding about being your own boss. It’s very freeing and gratifying. However, if you prefer the security of a regular paycheck, insurance and paid leave then telecommuting is probably the best choice for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">this website</a> to learn more about telecommuting opportunities and how to succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2961045098760546252012-06-22T15:06:00.000-04:002012-06-22T15:06:00.019-04:00How to Write a Great Cover Letter for That Work At Home Job<img src="http://www.terrilevine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/working-from-Home.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">How to Write a Great Cover Letter for That Work At Home Job</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><br /><br />Telecommuting employers are looking for different things than a traditional employer. To get that work at home job, you’ll want to customize your cover letter for telecommuting.<br /><br /> <b>Step One: </b>Customize Your Letter for Each Opportunity<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> One mistake many people make is to create a form letter. Each opportunity is going to have specific requirements. It’s important to take the time to customize your letter for the job. The hiring manager will know if you didn’t. <br /><br /> <b>Step Two:</b> Salary Requirements<br /><br /> This is almost always a question that is asked in a job posting. It’s also a tough question to answer. You don’t want to price yourself out of a job. You also don’t want to get the job at a much lower rate than others. However, ignoring the question will likely get your resume tossed in the garbage. <br /><br /> Research to the best of your ability the going rate for the job and list that range as your requirement. If you’re willing to work for less then let the employer know you’re willing to negotiate. <br /><br /> <b>Step Three: </b>Do you have what it takes to telecommute?<br /><br /> Be sure to address your ability to telecommute in your cover letter. Don’t talk about why you need to telecommute but rather what you have to offer. For example:<br /> <div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Do you have a home office setup?</div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->What is your experience as it relates to the job?</div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Why are you the best person for the job?</div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Based on the company’s mission, vision and history, how do you fit well within the company? </div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div>Finally, keep your cover letter to a single page. Write several drafts until you’re happy with it. You can use your cover letter as a template for other cover letters. However, always take the time to customize it for each new position you’re applying for. <br /><br /> For more tips on how to get that telecommuting job of your dreams, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">this website</a> for legit online jobs. Get started on that path toward telecommuting success today!<br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6222242377353428702012-06-22T14:18:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:12:48.752-04:00Just What the Doctor Ordered<img src="http://www.acupuncturebrooklyn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/low-carb-diet.jpg" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/06/new-hope.html" target="_blank">The dietitian was great. </a>She was very helpful and understanding. It was so easy to talk to her, which I loved. I am not a fan of buttoned up doctors. It makes me so uncomfortable.</div><div><br />She basically has us tracking carbs because we are eating way <u>too</u> many. I pretty much gathered that, which is why I started digging around in the<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/05/one-size-does-not-fit-all.html" target="_blank"> low-carb world a few weeks ago.</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It could be why there is no loss of weight and why Big M has to be on the medication hes on. So she adjusted us and gave us a meal plan based on the foods we like to eat. It makes it a lot easier that we can (and cant) eat the same things. More or less we are on a diabetic plan/low-carb hybrid plan. She thinks it will help me a lot because shes wondering if I have just become insulin resistant, or something like that. Basically I eat too many of the wrong carbs and I am not adding nutritious items to it. I do eat a lot of vegetables. I stopped with the fruit a few weeks ago because I was slowing purging my body off of the sugar in it. Again, fruit is good for you, but I ate way too much of it for my body.</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Even though I stayed within points or <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">following</a> the <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MMN2g0RX/ZA&offerid=211503.10000567&type=3&subid=0" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> plan it just wasn't the right combo of foods for me. She did say she liked WW but a complaint she hears a lot is that when someone is left with 2 points, instead of seeing something with added nutritional value many will spend that 2 points on a low point brownie or something. I am guilty of that for sure. As I got older my body changed and its harder for me to lose weight, so I need those higher protein and fiber foods to keep me going and not crash and burn. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like I am on an exchange plan. Each carb total is so many carb counts (or whatever she called it, its almost like counting points) and we get so many of these counts a day. I get 11 and Big M gets 16. The books she gave us were diebetic books as well as the recipes. But, a lot of it is almost like Atkins or South Beach. Have a protein with some greens. Its all lean and light meals. Which I like. I like greens and meats. Its butter and full fat stuff that makes me sick. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to email her my journals from MyFitnessPal (<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/irishchik" target="_blank">follow me there</a>) every few days so she can see how I am doing. Email/Call to check-in and then if the scale doesnt move after a week or two we can adjust things. We'll see her again in a month. </div><div><br /></div><div>The eating has been fine. But it has been harder trying to get out of calories and points mode to figure out these carb do-dads. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a real eye opener for Big M. Which he needed. He wasn't listening to any of us. He's listening to her though. Sometimes thats just what people need. I hope it sinks in. With his heart issues, high triglycerides and high blood pressure, he can easily have a heart attack in the next 5 years if he can't get it under control. I keep telling him that its not fair to me and lil m for him to not take care of himself. </div><div><br /></div><div> She was very specific about boxed meals (frozen, like Lean Cuisines) and canned meals (like soup and Chef BoyRD). A can of Progesso soup once a week would be fine. A frozen meal once in a while is Ok. But not every day/week like we were. Its garbage. Too much sodium. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I would have went to a dietitian sooner to be honest. Even though Weight Watchers worked for me in my 20s, I had a completely different lifestyle then. Also a different palate. I was mostly vegetarian then and my body didn't hurt, so I could be active. Not only that, it was before my big meltdown that landed me into the hands of a shrink. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>I am pretty sure those meds helped to mess with my metabolism, along with the botched gall bladder surgery. And, my general laziness now LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>She said to keep walking and a few times a week to add a evening walk to boost up the metabolism. I hope these smaller changes will make all the difference.</div><div><br /></div><div>She was awesome to talk to and we only pay $15 co-pay to see her. She's already emailed me twice today. So basically $30 a month for me and Big M, I'll take that. And so far its been a real eye opener for him and a meal plan he can live with. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I was on WW like most people on WW long-term we learn how to manipulate points to be suit us. The leaders speak from personal experience, but not medical. They aren't allowed to give medical advice. So, they only tell us what WW says they can tell us. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I was given 2 points left for the day, I was surly not going to spend it on chicken or whatever, I was going to eat a brownie instead so depspite eating vegis because they were 0 helped me to have something with every meal, it really did not teach me about nutrition. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have read a lot of low-carb books the last month and I can't even begin to explain what I learned about my body and why it does so many things it does. Weight loss programs are not a one size fits all system. I had to learn that the hard way. I think WW would work for me if I was to keep my carbs in check, but right now its confusing enough trying to figure out carb-points. ( I get 11 day, Big M gets 16. ) We have a chart and stuff to help us. So far I haven't been able to find an app to count those, but she wants us to use MFP anyway since we can export and email. MFP has an app.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been hard trying to come up with new meal plans and foods. Today is day 3 and I feel OK about it all. We'll see if the scale changes come Wednesday. I had to use the old scale because my digital one had the battery die. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like that Big M is on the same program. I also like that shes working with us together. Even though its stressful to learn a new way of thinking (yes, I can have normal stuff and dont have to pick the no fat version) it does make it easier. lil m wont suffer cause we are still eating the same thing. If anything we might see our grocery receipts go down since we now have to measure and weigh everything. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like I said, the hardest part is reteaching myself a new way of thinking and looking at food. Its going to be hard to break old habits and stop my mindless munching. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I am just taking it one day and one step at a time.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61341802347731076092012-06-20T15:03:00.000-04:002014-07-31T17:53:52.866-04:00Seven Work At Home Tools for Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3yQVdSOKm4/U9q61C7mm6I/AAAAAAAASJw/N9F_1lrg5UU/s1600/7+tips+for+success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3yQVdSOKm4/U9q61C7mm6I/AAAAAAAASJw/N9F_1lrg5UU/s1600/7+tips+for+success.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Seven Work At Home Tools for Success<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you want to work from home there are a few things you need to succeed. If you’re going to your boss with a plan, make sure you have these items in place before you hit them with your telecommuting proposal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re applying for a telecommuting position, these items will help you get, and keep, the job. Here’s what you need to succeed as a telecommuter:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Organized work space.</b> Working from home requires a dedicated, and organized, work space. The more efficient you are, the more productive you’ll be. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Cell phone with email and hands free equipment. </b>If you’re working for a call center chances are they’ll provide you with the phone equipment. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Otherwise, you’ll need to demonstrate to your boss that you can be reached at anytime, anywhere. A cell phone with email will help you achieve accessibility. And the hands free equipment will help you stay productive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Planner.<u> </u></b><u>Being organized is essential. </u>You want to not only plan your day but also prioritize your tasks. A planner will help you get the job done. Paper or software, the choice is yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Email. </b>Most companies now communicate via email. It’s important that you have email access and an account. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Internet connection. </b>In order to have email access you’ll need an internet connection. You’ll also likely need/want it for your job. Dial up is okay but it’s slow. If you have access to affordable high speed internet, it definitely helps you perform successfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Fax/copier/scanner/printer. </b>You may not need this equipment depending on your position. If you’re a call center representative, chances are most of your job will be on the phone or the computer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Software.</b> Finally, you’ll likely need some software. If you’re moving a desk job to your home then you’ll need the same software you’d use at work. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re applying for a telecommuting position they’ll likely provide you with the software you need to do the job. However, if you have a good basic computer set up, you’ll have a head start. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Working at home is made easier when you have the right equipment. It doesn't have to be a budget buster either. Take a look at second hand and clearance sales. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37566554734788393012012-06-20T13:40:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.252-04:00Whose bright idea was it......<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">....to go to Grad school?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">....to take summer classes?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Oh, that would be me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Ugh.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Why? Well because I wanted to. For no other reason that to say I am smart enough to get a Masters degree and determined enough to finish it.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">As for summer school - well that is so I can get done quicker. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">On a side note, I have finished all of my covers to date. I even redid those under my real name. Wooohoo.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">THEN ----</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I found out ALL of my books were in the wrong categories on Barnes and Noble & Amazon.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Well, fuck.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So I spent a few hours changing those.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I hope that means now I will have a huge increase in sales.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Hey, a girl can dream.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><h2 style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></h2>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37783667606056632462012-06-19T13:58:00.005-04:002012-06-19T14:13:46.459-04:00The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=160142074" target="_blank"><img alt="The Corruptible" src="http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9781601420749&width=142" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1995562543">The Corruptible</a></span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=160142074" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">by Mark Mynheir</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This book has been sitting in my reader for quite some time. (I am talking months!) I would like to say it was because I forgot about it (partly) or that I had technical problems downloading it (nope) or that maybe I just ran out of time (not really). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The truth is I just kept putting this review off for as long as possible because I did not want to write a negative review. Not sure why, I just can’t bring myself to be negative. That doesn’t really make me a well-rounded reviewer. I can say I did not like something and justify why I personally don’t like it. I have no problem with that, but to just flat out say “I hate it” for no reason other than I just don’t like it is where I have a problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I tried more times that I remember to sit down and read this novel. I would read a chapter or two and put it aside. Wait a few weeks and try again. I wanted to like it. I want to like everything I read. I feel every author deserves that much. I am doing good by being someone that will pretty much read anything and give it a chance. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Apparently this is Book 2 in a series, and I did not read book 1. I was told that I could get along just fine in book 2 without it. Maybe. Can’t be sure of that since I have nothing to go on. I just didn’t like the book. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">There I said it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">We can’t please everyone I guess.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">About the book:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">How much money would it take for you to betray the truth?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ex-homicide detective Ray Quinn never had glamorous thoughts of the life of a private investigator—but being cornered in a bathroom stall by the enraged philandering husband of a client? That’s something he could live without. Retired from homicide and living with a painful disability, Ray’s options are limited. Stick to the job, keep impetuous sidekick Crevis alive, and spend quiet evenings with trusted pal Jim Beam, that’s about the best he can hope for.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">As a new client emerges, Ray finds himself in an impossibly large boardroom holding a check with enough zeros to finally lift him from his financial pit. The job seems easy enough: find Logan Ramsey, an ex-cop turned security officer who’s taken off with sensitive corporate information. But few things are easy in Ray’s world, regardless of the amount of zeros in the check. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In what should be an open-and-shut case, Ray stumbles across Logan Ramsey in a seedy motel room. Only Ray wasn’t the first to find him. Now Logan’s dead, the client’s information is nowhere to be found, and Ray’s employer is less than forthcoming with the details. Suddenly the line between the good guys and bad guys isn’t so clear. With a foot in both worlds and an illuminating look at an unhappy ending that could well be his own, which will Ray choose?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46296952075353519202012-06-19T13:47:00.002-04:002012-06-19T13:49:22.145-04:00Creston Mapes Dark Star and more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Rx0v8d_I5c/T-C6lQC-ehI/AAAAAAAABVE/uWqpS-kQ2VY/s1600/Dark+Star+-+Creston+Mapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Rx0v8d_I5c/T-C6lQC-ehI/AAAAAAAABVE/uWqpS-kQ2VY/s320/Dark+Star+-+Creston+Mapes.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590524721/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1590524721" target="_blank">Book 1 Dark Star :Confessions of a Rock Idol </a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am always looking for rock star books, whether fiction or non. I have spent the last few years of my live living with a man with local success in the rock world. I don’t tend to tell a lot of people this. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I was curious to see how a rock start theme was going to fit in the Christian realm of the book world.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Deathstroke rises to superstardom. Like many real life bands, they become immersed in the fame, the wealth, and the power that comes with being a star. Often bands lose themselves in this mess and never return to reality. The deeper they go, the deeper into drugs and alcohol they push into. When Everett Lester, band owner, is found guilty of murder, what he finds himself facing is not just a lifetime of a prison cell, but his spiritual turmoil is far worse. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal">That is, until a letter from a 16 year old (not a fan) changes his perspective on life.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The author sucks you in, keeping you up reading until 4am. This is one of those books that kept the pages turning, and honestly, there is no “stopping point.” Even if there was, I still couldn’t put it down. </div><div class="MsoNormal">What you get is a back-stage pass into the life of a rock star on trial. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gEmHbapamM/T-C6lpQw9EI/AAAAAAAABVM/ZSzSdlXlHYA/s1600/FullTilt_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gEmHbapamM/T-C6lpQw9EI/AAAAAAAABVM/ZSzSdlXlHYA/s320/FullTilt_Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00394DKEC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00394DKEC" target="_blank">Book 2 Full Tilt </a> <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Full Tilt picks up where Dark Star leaves off. Despite the changes in his life the evil is still nagging at Everett Lester. It seems to Lester that the harder he tries to live his life as a new believer, the more he realizes the damage he’s done to his family and that it’s up to him to save them. This book, despite being fictional, is a great read for those who are struggling to believe, or have an addict in their life. Does he save them? You’ll have to read the book to find out.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlefRNnEies/T-C6mFENRjI/AAAAAAAABVU/I5fSIwAXp-I/s1600/NobodyCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlefRNnEies/T-C6mFENRjI/AAAAAAAABVU/I5fSIwAXp-I/s320/NobodyCover.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590526244/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1590526244" target="_blank">Book 3 Nobody </a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I never understood how anyone could just declare a body a “nobody” or even a john/jane doe. I understand that most of the people behind the scenes like police, detectives, forensics, medical examiners and morticians make it their job to deal with the dead. After a period of time, they become immune to these things. I also realize that when no one comes forward with information about he body or there is nothing to be found to help the detectives out in IDing the body, you have to do that. But, it still bothers me. In this book (completely unrelated to the Lester series) we are introduced to Hudson Ambrose, a reporter with the Las Vegas Review- Journal. Hudson responds to a call heard on the police scanner. He find the body, and a bankbook with a $689k balance and a safe deposit box key. The rest of the novel follows Hudson around in his quest to find out who “nobody” is. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The author does a superb job in character creation. Fully developed and relatable. I see the books are a few years old and I am left wonder where they have been hiding all this time!??! It’s not ever often I find a Christian based series or novel that actually leave me wanting more. I generally find them to be either completely boring and I can’t wait to finish them, or they had just enough story that I was content. That is especially true of Amish themed novels, which I love. But I really grew to like Lester and at the end of the 2nd book I really wanted to read another book - like maybe a *4 years later* type thing. Nobody was just fast paced, like I like. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from as part of a bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><br /><br /><br /><b>About the Author:</b><br /><img align="left" border="0" height="107" hspace="5" src="http://www.titletrakk.com/Images/authors/creston-mapes-400.jpg" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="200" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">A proud native of northeast Ohio, Creston has been writing professionally for almost 30 years.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">He earned his degree in Magazine Journalism from Bowling Green State University in 1983. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">After working as a reporter and photographer for newspapers in Florida and Ohio, Creston became a corporate copywriter, then a creative director, before starting his own freelance writing business 20 years ago.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Since then, he has written marketing and magazine copy for fine organizations such as Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, ABC-TV, Oracle Corporation, TNT Sports, BellSouth, Focus on the Family, Hockey News, and Random House.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Creston has edited and ghost-written a growing list of non-fiction books, and has penned three contemporary suspense novels for Waterbrook-Multnomah, a divison of Random House. All three of Creston's novels are available in e-Book format and have been printed in Dutch. He has finished a fourth novel and is working on a fifth.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13506257/crestonmapes" target="_blank"><b>Blog Tour Schedule</b></a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15350687217654911672012-06-18T11:30:00.000-04:002012-06-18T11:30:07.126-04:00Work At Home Tips For a More Productive Day<img src="http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/telecommuting-gfgfg091.jpg" /><br /><br />Work At Home Tips For a More Productive Day<br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Working at home requires some very specific abilities. Not everyone has them. However, you can learn them. You can create habits that ensure you’re productive and successful.<o:p></o:p></span></div><h2> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#1 Schedule Your Day<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>Make sure you have a calendar/organizing system. It doesn’t matter if you’re old school and prefer a paper planner or if you embrace technology. Schedule your work time. Schedule errand running. Schedule breaks. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><h2> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#2 Have a Dedicated Workspace<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>It’s very difficult to work in the middle of your home. You’ll be distracted by chores, children, and electronics. However, when you have a dedicated workspace you will automatically go into work mode when you enter the space. Your workspace doesn’t have to be a traditional home office. It can be a desk in a quiet room too.<br /><h2> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#3 Eliminate Distractions<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>Distractions are all around you. The telephone is a distraction. Email is a distraction. Surfing the net or social networking can easily distract you. <br />However, you’re getting paid to work from home. And that means you need to produce results. Take a look at what distracts you. Then eliminate it from your workspace.<br /><h2> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#4 Take Breaks<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s unreasonable to assume you can sit down at your desk to work and not get up for several hours. You’ll get distracted. You’ll burn out. Your productivity and enthusiasm will wane. Instead, make a point of taking breaks during your work day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider getting up and stretching every hour. Take a walk around the block. Take a lunch break too. Step away from your work for thirty minutes or so. Refresh, reenergize and then go back to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div><h2> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#5 Set Goals<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>Goals help you prioritize your day’s tasks. They help you determine a schedule that works for you. They also help you keep your telecommuting job. Your boss will be able to easily see how productive you’ve been. Goals also help you stay motivated and productive.<br /><br />Working from home solves a number of problems for many. It enables you to balance work and family. However, it also poses a few challenges. One of the biggest challenges is staying productive. Embrace these five tips and you’ll telecommute with ease.<br /><br />To learn more about how to become a successful telecommuter visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Legit Online Jobs</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81394972321996387282012-06-14T13:35:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.386-04:00This Way and That<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I finally hit the 10 mile mark on published books. 8 short stories and 2 bundles which contain 3 stories each. I am publishing 2 of these books as I write this and my DH is redoing all 10 covers. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Thankfully he's pretty good in Photoshop and it is taking him no time at all to knock these out. Hopefully it was time well spent. I have already increased page views and sample downloads so thats something good right there.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">As for life, I have a lot I want to catch up on. The news of some friends all in a circle of 8 years worth of lies has me questioning a lot of things in life, many of them about myself. It's been a lot of pain and mental anguish this last week. I am trying to let the dust settle before I start writing about it all. But, it will come. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72488018310795044622012-06-13T09:00:00.000-04:002013-02-22T13:51:59.415-05:00Three Resume Tips for an Aspiring Telecommuter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://assets0.internmatch.com/images/resources/resume_tips.png?1273796031" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="365" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.internmatch.com/guides/resume-templates-and-visual-guide" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Resume guide</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"> reprinted from </span><a href="http://internmatch.com/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; text-align: start;" target="_blank">InternMatch.com</a></b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Three Resume Tips for an Aspiring Telecommuter</div><br /><br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you found that great telecommuting job posting? Great, before you send off your resume, read these three tips. They’ll help you get that great job.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>#1 List ANY telecommuting experience. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Most people don’t have telecommuting experience. However, if you do that’ll certainly give you an edge over your competition. Make sure to call it out on your resume.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>#2 Accomplishments</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Many resumes read like a list of places you’ve been and things you’ve done. Instead of listing responsibilities, highlight your accomplishments. What did you achieve at your job?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>#3 Skills</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Be sure to cite any skills you have that pertain specifically to the job you’re applying for. For example, technical skills, the ability to work independently. If you’re applying for a phone support position then mention your ability to communicate effectively and so on. Demonstrate how you used those skills to work successfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, make sure you proofread your resume and make it perfect. No grammar errors. No spelling errors. Have a second or third person review your resume for mistakes. A perfect resume won’t necessarily get you the job but an imperfect one can lose it for you. Make sure it’s free of mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Cover letters, interview skills and job search tips are all helpful for finding and getting your ideal telecommuting job. Visit <a href="http://2c514--vs0ytby361z4ksq4guh.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Amazing Resumes</a> if you need help. Visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Legit Online Jobs</a> to learn more about how you can start living the telecommuting life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">For more information on internships check out <a href="http://www.internmatch.com/" target="_blank">InternMatch.com</a> for resourced on resumes, getting hired, and finding the perfect internship! </span><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18241157902178464552012-06-11T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-11T09:00:08.527-04:00How to Stand Out and Get That Work at Home Job<img height="219" src="http://jshinn.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/telecommuting2.jpeg" width="320" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">How to Stand Out and Get That Work at Home Job</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Work at home jobs are a dream come true for many. That means they’re extra competitive. Take heart, with a few simple steps you can land that dream telecommuting opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#1 Make a Good First Impression</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make sure your cover letter is direct and to the point. Skip the longer personal story. You can share your experiences with your employer once you're working together. Instead, address your reason for contacting them. Also outline your skills and accomplishments but don’t go into detail. Save that for the resume.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://2c514--vs0ytby361z4ksq4guh.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">If you are in need of resume help, that's no problem.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#2 Highlight Your Accomplishments</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make sure your resume highlights your skills and experience. However, rather than a list of dates and responsibilities, list your accomplishments. Fr example, "At ABC Company I increased sales by 10%."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#3 Cover Your Bases</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make sure to address all questions and requirements listed in the job posting. If you leave something out, they may not give your resume a second glance. If they do, they may wonder why you didn't address a question.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you have any telecommuting experience, mention it! That puts you way ahead of your competition.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These may seem like simple steps. However, they make a huge difference. You’d be surprised how many applicants don’t take these basic steps. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To learn more about how to find a great telecommuting job and how to be a successful telecommuter, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Legit Online Jobs</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Put your best foot forward. Have patience. Be persistent. Your dream telecommuting job is waiting for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26988758551563393802012-06-08T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-08T09:00:03.080-04:00Most Common Work at Home Scams – And How to Avoid Them<img src="http://www.siliconeer.com/past_issues/2009/january-2009/jan09-telecommute-india.jpg" /><br /><br />Most Common Work at Home Scams – And How to Avoid Them<br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Work at home scams are so common they’ve become cliché. Yet as common as they are, many people continue to fall for them. We don’t want you to make the same mistakes. Forewarned is forearmed, right? Here are the three most common work at home scams – and how to avoid them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>1. Envelope Stuffing </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who wouldn’t want to make money sitting at home stuffing envelopes? Unfortunately, this extremely common scam requires you to put up a small fee first. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Okay, so let’s say you put up the money and you get your envelope stuffing kit. Then what? Then you get a letter telling you to pay for advertisements to recruit others to stuff envelopes. It’s all a hoax. The only way you earn money is by misleading others.<br /><br />Here’s the red flag - if any company requires you to pay for anything to get the job, it’s probably a scam. <br /></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><b>2. Assembly or Craft </b><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re crafty, this sounds like a good deal right? You put things together or make things and then the company buys them from you. Unfortunately, just like the envelope stuffing scam, you have to pay for the assembly kits. <br /><br />Okay, so let’s say you go ahead and pay the sometimes thousands of dollars. You buy the equipment and build the crafts. Guess what? Your work is never going to be good enough. They’re never going to buy the product from you. They never planned on it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Again, the red flag here is that you have to buy equipment up front. Any legitimate telecommuting company will pay for the equipment for you to work from home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>3. Data Entry</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This scam is a bit trickier. Envelope and craft assembly scams are easy to spot. However, there are legitimate data entry telecommuting positions. You have to be careful!<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If the opportunity asks for a small upfront fee to pay for a training or software to get started, then you’ll need to be careful as it could be a scam. Generally, if you pay the fee, you’ll get a little booklet about starting your own data entry business or a list of work from home companies. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There’s a common theme amongst scammers. They want your money. If any opportunity requires you to put up your own money to get the job, it’s most likely a scam. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Research each opportunity thoroughly. Visit the company website. Read reviews. If your instincts tell you it’s a scam, it probably is.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To learn more about legitimate telecommuting opportunities and how to succeed as a telecommuter visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Legit Online Jobs.</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65814826666519044512012-06-06T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-06T09:00:11.913-04:00Work At Home Job Search Mistakes to Avoid<img src="http://images.forbes.com/media/2011/02/03/0203_perks-telecommuting-home-office_485x340.jpg" /><br /><br />Work At Home Job Search Mistakes to Avoid<br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding a telecommuting job is challenging. The job market is tight. And there is an especially high demand for telecommuting opportunities. Avoid these mistakes and your job search will be much easier. You'll be working from home in no time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>1. Lack of Organization</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It's very important to make sure you're not applying to the same company repeatedly. Many telecommuting companies offer a number of positions. You may want all of these positions. However, applying for all of them makes you look desperate and indecisive. Choose one and apply for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you decide to apply for a number of opportunities within a company, make sure you keep the information organized. Know who you applied to, what you applied for, and the details of each position.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Customize your <a href="http://2c514--vs0ytby361z4ksq4guh.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">resume and cover letter</a> for each position. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>2. Making It About You. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The employer doesn't care about how many children you have to care for at home. They don't want to hear about how great a work at home job would be for you. They want to hear what you can do for them. Make sure all of your communications are focused on what you can do for the employer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>3. Resume mistakes</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting jobs are highly competitive. Don't spoil your chances with a sloppy resume and cover letter. Proofread it several times for clarity, spelling and grammar. Hire or ask someone to proofreader it for you. Make sure your resume highlights your accomplishments. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>4. Falling for a Scam</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make sure to research every potential opportunity thoroughly before applying. The work at home industry is notorious for scams. If a company asks you to buy equipment or pay for anything to gain the job, you may want to proceed with caution. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>5. Giving Up. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, it is competitive. However, that dream telecommuting job is out there just waiting for you. Persistence and patience will pay off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are ways to position yourself above your competition and earn that telecommuting job you desire. Visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Legit Online Jobs</a> to learn more about gaining the competitive edge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21528456753087244982012-06-05T13:08:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.190-04:00Tooting Along with Life<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What can I say? I've been busy.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I've been tooting along in life. Hoping I am going to catch up, but I seem to just keep adding more things to the "to-do" list. Cross off one, add four more. I don't get it.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">My Internet Marketing job is slipping away. I am just not feeling it. I should have stayed on longer as a district manager, but the hours were killing me. Now, with the IM department I don't feel like I have much structure so I feel like the wayward step-child with no direction right now. I keep pulling at strings hoping to pull myself up and out of this well I seem to have found myself at the bottom of. We shall see. The hubs has told me I can quit, and write full time. I don't really want to. I would rather keep this job and use it for my portfolio, experience, and pass it off as my internship to make my graduate adviser happy. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">For the most part the writing is going well. I am impatient and would like for it to go a little better, but I can't complain. I now have 7 books published under this name and 1 bundle. I have one book that is #115,000ish out of millions of ebooks in my genre. I have another listed at #700,000ish out of millions. I am not going to complain about that, I would just like to see some more money come in.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I keep tooting along.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Something is going to work out. In the meantime I have bills to pay just like everyone else, so it looks like I will go back to pimping out my services on oDesk for some pocket cash.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What's new in your world?</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67893962018573939702012-06-04T14:13:00.000-04:002012-06-04T14:13:00.429-04:00Four Most Common Types of Work from Home Opportunities<img height="266" src="http://greenblog.pgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/telecommuting_05.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />Four Most Common Types of Work from Home Opportunities<br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br />Telecommuting is the answer to many lifestyle challenges. Parents who work out of the home often struggle to balance work and children. If you’re caring for older parents then it can be even more challenging. <br /><br /> And telecommuting offers a number of significant benefits. No more commute. You don’t have to worry about taking time off to care for a sick child. You can often work when it’s most convenient for you rather than sticking to a traditional nine to five. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> If you’re looking for a telecommuting job there are some industries that cater to the work from home professional. <br /><br /> Here are the types of work from home jobs that companies typically hire home workers for. <br /><br /> <ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Call Center Jobs</b> – Call center jobs are probably the single most common type of telecommuting opportunity. You can work in customer support, reservations and even tech support. If you enjoy talking on the telephone this might be the job for you. It requires good communication skills and often an ability to follow a script. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Online Tutor Jobs </b>– Online tutoring is becoming more popular. Whether you’re tutoring home schooled children or you’re offering assistance to adults learning a new subject there’s a demand. If you have a specialty and enjoy teaching then this may be an opportunity for you. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/2i108js0ys-FLHNGLIHFHGNHJLHH" target="_blank">Transcription Jobs</a> </b>– Transcription is a specialty skill. Legal and medical in particular are both in demand. You can work for a company that specializes in transcription. Or you might work for a medical management company or a law office. If you have the skills and training to transcribe you can telecommute.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/45103biroiq5B7D6B87576DCC8DA" target="_blank">Virtual Assistant Jobs</a></b> – Virtual assistants can work in one of two ways. You can work for a company that provides administrative support to other companies. Or you can provide administrative support for a company from your home. You can answer phones, schedule appointments, and manage websites and blogs all from your home. (Note: you can also start your own business as a VA. However, for the purposes of telecommuting we’re talking about working for an employer.)<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">These four opportunities are just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re interested in learning more about the world of telecommuting, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Legit Online Jobs</a>. Telecommuting is a great way to live.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49860558902710179242012-06-04T13:23:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:10:40.442-04:00New Hope<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNSl0F8fZLI/TvMdTnSE6yI/AAAAAAAABB8/4vBzy5MbxIw/s400/hope-in-focus.jpg" height="290" width="400" /><br /><br />I have some new hope.<br /><br />Today I was able to walk for an hour and a half. That was a little over 3 miles.<br /><br />I think I just got caught up in the rain and this weird cold weather we've been having. The colder the weather (damp, wet) the stronger the pain is in my hips. When the pain starts I sit weird which then causes the back pain the flair up. I don't want to walk in the rain, but I certainly don't want to deal with the pain.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My Dr. called me today. They have set me up with a special OB to have more tests done and see what she has to say about everything that is going on. For me, this feels like a good step since that is their trained area. I am not sure what the future will hold in the child department, but I do know that at my age, I can't wait around too much longer.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />Big M is also struggling with his weight and his Dr. wanted him to see a Dietitian. She called today to get their appt. set up. She also said she could see me so we could work together, but she needed a referral from my doc. So when I talked to them about my OB appt. I asked her to fax over a referral so I could see the dietitian too.<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am praying that these two doc combined will give me some much needed answers, or at the very least some peace with my body.<br /><br />The dietitian appt. is the 20th, which also happens to be the day I am schedule for a weight loss surgery seminar. I believe it is best for me right now to cancel that. I don't want surgery, but I certainly can't live in this body either. I will try the dietitian approach and see what happens there.<br /><br />Until then I am going to stick to low-carb because honestly, I feel better. Years ago I had gallbladder surgery, and some complications. A year later I had to have my intestines cleaned out. No fun. Ever since I have had a lot of digestion issues. IBS, GERD, and so on. I find that the lower the carbs, the better I feel. So that is something I am doing for myself.<br /><br />Other than that, low-cal, low-fat, high protein, all good food choices and walking.<br /><br />Sadly, the OB appt isnt until July 12th. But I have waited this long, what's a few more weeks.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59522636832306165322012-06-02T18:18:00.000-04:002012-06-02T18:18:30.359-04:00Growing Up Ziglar by Julie Ziglar Norman<img alt="Litfuse" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/02/ContentImage-20-30024-GrowingUpZiglaremail.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">No one is perfect. No one. I don't care who they are. I know it Norman's eyes her father was the head of the household. Head of a "perfect family." Only for Julie, her life was far from perfect, at least in her eyes. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For years she made wrong choices. Those choices led her to deal with a lot of regret, feelings of shame, hidden guilt and dark depression. A broken marriage, being a single parent, although bad in some people's eyes might just have been the thing that saved her. Forcing her to stand on her own two feet. Julie's story is no different than so many people. The one difference is that her father is well-known for being a positive speaker. She felt if she wasn't living a positive life, she had let him down. After her divorce she struggled, as any single parent would do when trying to become a one-person household. But, she managed. Just like all women do. She found a church and in time, she found herself again. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free as part of a bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><b>About the book:</b></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><em>Growing Up Ziglar</em></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">| Julie Ziglar Norman</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Julie Ziglar Norman often says her dad is the king of 'doing life right' and she is the poster child for 'doing life wrong.'</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">For over a quarter of a century she lived every day with regret, shame, guilt, and depression. But she was the daughter of the motivator's motivator, Zig Ziglar, and knew that she needed to be positive. So she gathered up all her negative self-talk and squashed it deep down inside where it couldn't ruin the bright and practiced smile she presented to the world.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">'People might assume Zig Ziglar's daughter would automatically grow up to have a positive attitude,' Julie says. 'For a large portion of my life, I was just positive I was miserable!'</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Her powerful and heartwarming story will move readers to laughter and tears. Mostly it will renew their faith in God's power to redeem all the wrong choices and bring them full circle to hope and healing. Julie urges readers not to settle for okay when God has true joy waiting for them. She shares tools to equip them to make the changes needed to find true freedom in every area of life.</span><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><strong>About Julie: </strong></div><br /><img align="left" alt="Litfuse" border="0" height="262" hspace="5" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/de/ContentImage-20-30044-JulieZiglarNormanemail.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" vspace="5" width="175" /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Julie Ziglar Norman is the daughter of Zig Ziglar and for 20 years has been his personal editor. With a background in sales and business management, Julie has become a dynamic international motivational speaker. She lives in Texas with her husband, Jim, and continues the Ziglar legacy of encouragement.</div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Link to buy the book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/082494531X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=082494531X" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19658750223151926752012-06-01T15:00:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.700-04:00Elfishki™ and The Giant Cake<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP69050146a176420a7f4d271e71dfd49b" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a> <img alt="iPad Screenshot 1" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/079/Purple/v4/08/60/6e/08606e9e-cd6a-97c9-623c-5f51b2189b47/mzl.lwwtgyus.480x480-75.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><b>From itunes:</b><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Once upon a time, on the beautiful Rainbow Island in the middle of the Sparkling Sea lived magical little people called Elfishki.<br /> <br />Some of them could fly like butterflies and some could swim like mermaids. They shared the island with animals who could speak and trees who did not talk, but understood everything. All in all, this was a place where miracles happened every day.<br /> <a name='more'></a><br />Elfizz was an owner of a gloomy restaurant named Chest of Ghosts where the staff was eager to please ghosts. On the opposite side of the square was a bakery, Gingerbread Nook, run by a pretty plump Elfishki lady called Maggie. The two were at odds with each other until one day they had to work side by side... </i></blockquote><i><br /></i><br /><b>My review:</b><br /><br />My 7 year old step-daughter thoroughly enjoyed the book. Of course when trying to ask her what she liked, I knew she was going to say the fairies. We are huge fairy fans in this house. I don't let her read books on the iPad because it is too distracting for her and she begins to focus on nothing but being able to play a game. (She suffers from a.d.d. so we limit certain distractions in our house.) What I liked about the book is that it had that iPad game feel so it gave her the best of both worlds. The story was age appropriate and it was easy to navigate through. I appreciated the interactive questions, which helped her to learn. There were a few words I had to help her with, but she did a good job on her own. She keeps asking to see it again, so that is a huge plus in our house. Thank you for a great product that holds attention AND teaches.<br /><br /> I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM69050146a176420a7f4d271e71dfd49b" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81389659955001706382012-06-01T14:47:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.992-04:00The Birthday Chronicles<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP1fbfa92495d30d20aa39fd57cee4bf0a" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a><br> I signed up for <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/view-promotion/free-birthday-chronicle" target="_blank">Tomoson's </a>review program some time ago. I had asked to review the birthday chronicles and never received them, even though their website says it was shipped April 16th. The idea looks pretty cool. I have had quite a few problems with review products from this website so at this time I am not sure if I will continue forward with this particular company.<br /><br> I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM1fbfa92495d30d20aa39fd57cee4bf0a" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84787436911122610012012-05-31T13:33:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:10:10.897-04:00Two Steps Forward Three Steps Back<div></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXoHac3cqr4/Th4WxrnDx1I/AAAAAAAAAeY/L1jlId8nUc8/s1600/2324460538u_0m.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>For a recap of whats going on with me check out<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/05/one-size-does-not-fit-all.html" target="_blank"> One Size Does not Fit All </a>and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/05/the-doc-says.html" target="_blank">The Doc Says</a>. These will help you out if this is your first time visiting.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went yesterday morning for my pelvic ultrasound. The external ultrasound went fine. She was talking as she went through everything and even noted that she did not see any cysts. She also did an internal. Oh what a joy that was. *insert sarcasm here*<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />She did not saying much of anything regarding what she saw, she kept the conversation going on my school. My husband was there watching the monitor, but he didn't really see or say anything.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>I have feeling there is nothing there, which is great. Then I don't have PCOS, but then there is something else going on. Something else we can't see. </div><div><br /></div><div>There has to be a reason for the weight not moving despite watching what I eat and walking. There has to be a reason why years ago I could not convective. Why now I have not been able to. Why my whole life my menstrual cycle has been a bit whacked and why now, in a year, I have only had two. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, there is nothing I can do but keep eating right & walking. I will wait to hear my test results and we can go from there.</div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42061236127889100962012-05-30T13:42:00.000-04:002012-05-30T13:42:01.088-04:00Tips to Convince Your Boss to Let You Work from Home<img src="http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/1429264.jpg" /><br /><br />So you want to let your boss know you want to work from home. Problem is, you are not sure how to do that. Don't fret. Follow these few basic steps and you will be on your way to your home office in no time.<br /><br />Tips to Convince Your Boss to Let You Work from Home<br />Brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many telecommuters didn't start off that way. They started the same way millions of others do. They went to their desk job day after day. At some point they approached their boss and introduced the telecommuting concept, you can too. If you want to convince your boss to allow you to telecommute, here are a few tips to get started.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>1. Prepare. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If no one else in your office is telecommuting, you can assume your boss is going to be resistant to the idea. Make a list of your responsibilities. Make sure you can thoroughly explain how you would be able to better accomplish those same tasks at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>2. Demonstrate the benefits.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is research out there that proves an employee’s productivity goes up when they telecommute. Point this out to your boss. For example, American Express claims their telecommuters produce 43% more business than their office workers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another benefit to consider emphasizing is your increased accessibility. You'll be around more. When you're able to balance your responsibilities at home and at work you'll miss less work. In fact, many telecommuters take less time off than their office counterparts. They’re easier to get a hold of. Weather doesn't affect their ability to get into the office either.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>3. Play to your boss's personality. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If they're environmentally conscious let them know that it's greener to work from home. If they are having a tough time finding space for everyone in the office, let them know. You'll free up a desk. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If they're a micromanager, go into the meeting with a system of checks and balances. Create goals to meet and measurements to evaluate your telecommuting success.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider presenting it as a trial situation. Ask your boss to give you three months to prove yourself. Then when you get the green light to go ahead, give it your all. Make sure your boss recognizes the value you provide. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">For more information on how to telecommute successfully and how to find a great telecommuting job visit <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/nd115y1A719PVRXQVSRPRQXRTWRS" target="_blank">oDesk</a>. You’re just a step away from being able to work from home. </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23606578365348609692012-05-29T12:01:00.001-04:002012-05-29T12:01:24.638-04:00Thankful for a Big Rear by Teasi Cannon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp17eMyHNEE/T7_owQJpyvI/AAAAAAAABTE/WyqVCDSnS90/s1600/teasi-cannon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp17eMyHNEE/T7_owQJpyvI/AAAAAAAABTE/WyqVCDSnS90/s1600/teasi-cannon.jpg" /></a></div>Guest Blogger & Author: Teasi Cannon<br />Author of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/05/my-big-bottom-blessing-how-hating-my.html" target="_blank">My Big Bottom Blessing</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One day not long ago I was sweeping my kitchen floor in the near trance-like state of La La Land, when I was jolted to my senses by the precious voice of my 4-year-old nephew saying, “Aunt Teasi, you have a vahwee (very) big butt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I set my broom aside, smoothed my shirt, and calmly turned to face him. Bright-eyed and curly-haired, he stood – completely oblivious to the fact that he had said the words no woman ever wants to hear. And then I let him have it. I bent down, coming only inches away from his little round face, and said, “Why…thank you!” Then I smiled big, stood to grab my broom, and returned unscathed to the task at hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few years ago those innocently spoken words would have completely obliterated me, and rather than a <i>thank you,</i> might have actually incited an immature come-back such as: “Oh, yeah? Well, you’re short and you talk funny.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But now, to the glory of God, moments like that are reminders to me that the miraculous has happened: I no longer hate my body (especially my back side); in fact, it has become one of the biggest blessings in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Like most women (really every woman I’ve ever met), I lived years literally disgusted with what I saw in the mirror. The territory between my ears felt like nothing short of a war zone, with battles being fought everywhere: the bathroom, the grocery store, the bedroom, even church. I could never silence the ambush-ready community of inner critics (those hurtful thoughts we all think) that called my head <i>home</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And I missed out on so much: parties I refused to attend because my pants were too tight, dates with my husband because of a few gained pounds, quality time with my kids. I know I’m not alone in this.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We women have been lied to for years. We’ve been told that our value – our very right to be seen and celebrated - is determined by our waist-to-hip ratio or the proportions of our facial features, and that’s just not true. Our value is determined by the only One who really knows it: our God. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After hitting my head hard on the floor of my personal pit of despair, I slowly began my journey toward believing that. One inch at a time of healing, truth, and righteous anger led me to a life-saving realization: All those years I was desperate to change how I looked, God was desperate to change how I see. And He did. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Truth is, if God can make a prostitute the great grandmother of the Messiah, turn water into wine, and make blind men see; don’t you think He can turn a big bottom – or a big nose - or bird-thin legs – or whatever it is you hate – into a blessing. He did it for me, and I’m so ridiculously happy about the journey that I wrote a book about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34009958726269643272012-05-28T09:00:00.000-04:002012-05-28T09:00:02.047-04:00What is Telecommuting?<img src="http://kaynou.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/telecommuting.jpg" /><br /><br />Not everyone has the option to be self-employed and not everyone has the option to work from home every day. Those that can't do have the option of telecommuting. I felt we here at Self Employed Writer should touch base with those interested in telecommuting, or already do, because they too work from home, even if not 5-7 days a week.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is Telecommuting?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">brought to you by: Chrystal Mahan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the world changes and technologies develop, new working opportunities are created. Telecommuting is one of those opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Years ago, before email, the internet or cell phones telecommuting just wasn’t possible. Today, almost anyone can work from home. Telecommuting differs from freelancing or being self employed. When you telecommute, you work for an employer. You simply work in your home rather than in a traditional office space. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In many cases a person simply transitions from being an onsite employee to a telecommuter. Perhaps the dynamics of a company change and the employees are encouraged to work off site. Or your circumstances change and you successfully petition your boss to let you work off site.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other telecommuting opportunities are designed to be specifically work from home. For example, many call centers offer telecommuting positions. All of a company’s telephone support personnel work out of their homes. This is actually a very common scenario. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other common telecommuting opportunities include data entry, transcription, and appointment making. However, telecommuting isn't limited to administrative careers. A number of positions can telecommute. Lawyers, accountants, sales people and so on are also able to telecommute successfully. With the technology that’s available today, just about anyone can telecommute.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecommuting offers a number of benefits for both the employee and the employer. It eliminates the commute. It saves space and overhead. Often, telecommuters are more productive. Employers do not have to worry about the weather preventing employee’s ability to make it to the office. Additionally, the stress of trying to balance care giving and working is eliminated. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Telecommuting is an ideal situation for many. If you believe your job can be managed from home or if you’re interested in finding a telecommuting opportunity, visit <a href="http://508d3x--l11xbpbfs5oq0e0q03.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_blank">Legit Online Jobs</a> to learn more. Telecommuting may be the solution you’ve been looking for.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54401662491438901902012-05-27T21:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:09:09.700-04:00I've Been Tracking<b>Food for thought: </b>I've been tracking every bite trying to prepare my mind for the low-carb way of thinking instead of low-cal/low-in-points/low-fat way of thinking. It has been hard. But I have been using MyFitnessPal for over 2 years, Sparkpeople since it began, and now I am testing Fat Secret. I had to dust my account of there because its the only place so far that keeps track of Net Carbs.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />MFP has shown that I am always within my calorie totals for them, and some days I am under my calorie goal. SparkPeople is used more for the social aspect. MFP doesn't show Net Carbs but I can easily figure them and I am staying pretty low carb. I am not Phase1/Induction 20 net carbs, but I am staying right around 40-50. Something I have noticed is that fat free varieties of products have almost 80% more carbs that the regular counterpart.<br /><br />Funny thing is, those foods are only 1-2 more (at least the ones I am eating) points than the low carb. Now I understand those in Weight Watchers years ago that said they did not buy special foods they only altered their portions so their grocery budget did not change. Things are starting to make a lot sense to me now.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>The reality of the mega million dollar diet industry is this: </b>It's all about finding the right variety of foods that work for your body instead of against it.<br /><br />They all say they are not a fad. Anything older than me is obviously not a fad. They all say they are not a diet (some are) but they are all a lifestyle change. We can all diet. We can all lose the weight. But unless we change our lifestyle - habits - we will gain it all back.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8178338656848523962012-05-25T18:28:00.002-04:002012-05-25T18:28:33.462-04:00My Big Bottom Blessing: How Hating My Body Led to Loving My Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8B_mKgCFUCc/T7_ouMTZRdI/AAAAAAAABS8/Tmf8rGIYB-Q/s1600/3d-mbbb-transparent.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8B_mKgCFUCc/T7_ouMTZRdI/AAAAAAAABS8/Tmf8rGIYB-Q/s320/3d-mbbb-transparent.gif" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've all been there. That constant struggle. Some of us have lost the weight and life went forward without a hitch. For other, the weight was a constant battle. Some still want to lose, other just want peace. In <u>My Big Bottom Blessing: How Hating My Body Led to Loving My Life</u>, Teasi Cannon shares her story on how she finally made her peace with her weight. I can't stress enough how great and helpful I found this book to be at this point in my life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /> I have personally struggled with my weight my entire life. I have been documenting that journey here on Self Employed Writer while I was part of the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Bloggers Nation for Nutrisystem.</a> I also launched a new blog earlier this year called <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">More to Life Than Chocolate</a> where I document the struggles I face now. I know why people want to be skinny. I get it. I hope for their sake its because they want to be healthy and not because they are trying to conform to how society thinks we as woman should look like. I am NOT a fan of that. I am all about weight acceptance at any size, so long as you are healthy.<br /><br />I am NOT healthy. I mean, internally yes. Mentally, for the most part. But I am almost 37 years old and I have osteoarthritis in my hips and degenerative disk disease. I am in a lot of pain most of the time. I personally do not have a choice but to lose the weight or I am going to face possible spinal fusion and hip replacement sooner than later. That is enough to make me want to try. That process has not been in my favor so I have been in and out of doctors offices the last few weeks.<br /><br />What I took from Cannon's book was that no matter what I am dealing with, no matter my size, my activity level, or the foods I like to eat - it's ok. I can accept that this is how my body is. I just can't accept the pain that it is in. So while I working on accepting myself over all, I am working on the weight issue for better health and pain management.<br /><br />Teasi like so many of us had the background of teasing and bullying. Those hurtful words that sting and stick with you your entire life, shaping the person you become. It does nothing for your self-esteem.You can get over that too.<br /><br />The thing I liked best about the book besides the wit and wisdom was and the end of every chapter Cannon gives you questions to answer. Under each question are spaces for you to actually write your answers. No journal needed, unless you are like me and can write 4 pages at a time. After the questions are some positive affirmations, or pep talk, followed by scriptures to study. You can take your time on this one or you can whiz through it in a few days, that choice is yours.<br /><br />I didn't sit and answer every single question, but they did give me journal ideas for that nights writing. With so many life projects, writing in a book is a bit hard to do, so I had to combine the two tasks. I read through the whole book and did what I can, now I am going back to answer the blank questions.<br /><br />If you are ready to make peace with your body and accept yourself as-is, then this is the book you need to get you started on that path.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp17eMyHNEE/T7_owQJpyvI/AAAAAAAABTE/WyqVCDSnS90/s1600/teasi-cannon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp17eMyHNEE/T7_owQJpyvI/AAAAAAAABTE/WyqVCDSnS90/s1600/teasi-cannon.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />To read a sample chapter <a href="http://mybigbottomblessing.weebly.com/sample-chapter.html" target="_blank">click here </a>to head on over to the website.<br />The book is available at all of your favorite retailers.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75680488732170656182012-05-25T10:00:00.000-04:002012-05-25T10:00:08.181-04:00Business Success Tips – Six Summertime Survival Tips For Work-at-Home Moms<img height="319" src="http://do512blog.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/summer.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />Summer is one of the most difficult seasons for entrepreneur moms. Juggling work with kids who need extra attention and outside playtime can make for some stressful days. You want to have fun, but you also know that the demands of business require your attention. Here are a few tips that will help you get through the summer and stay sane in the process.<br /><br /><b>1. Look For Ways To Add Passive Income.</b> Spend the time to create that ebook or program that runs without you. Another way to create passive income is to get more involved in affiliate programs. Find programs that fit your audience and then offer these great products to them. They’ll thank you for it and you’ll make a little extra cash.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>2. Enjoy Your Freedom.</b> In this day and age you can work almost anywhere. So, this summer don’t stay inside – hit the park and bring your laptop. Head to the beach and write or proof documents there. Be sure to keep a running list of documents that you’ll need access to or take advantage of an online document service such as Google Docs so that your files can be reached from wherever you are.<br /><br /><b>3. Keep Marketing. </b>The summertime can make you want to kick your feet up and relax, but don’t get lazy – and don’t believe the hype. Yes, it can be slower in the summer, but it doesn’t have to be. You can be out there marketing and growing your business while others lose ground.<br /><br /><b>4. Prepare for Summer Storms. </b>Make sure you have back-ups of everything. Consider an online back-up system such as Carbonite or Mozy in addition to flash drives. If you live in a state that is prone to storms (such as Florida), consider a generator in case you are without power. Make sure you print out important contact information such as client information, passwords, etc.<br /><br /><b>5. Balance Your Schedule And Rely On Your To-do List. </b> Prioritize the work that needs to be done. Keep in mind as many work-at-home moms, your kids will be around more and even if they are older kids, this can difficult and you can lose your focus. But proper planning can help. So, start the summer off right by scheduling out your days – allowing some flexibility – and getting things done.<br /><br /><b>6. Treat Yourself To Training.</b> Summer is a great time to get the jump on extra training or attending networking events to grow your business. Since many businesses do slow down in the summer, many offer incentives and discounts. Find a program that fits your budget and schedule and go for it!<br /><br />These tips will help you enjoy your summer and get things done.<br /><br /><b>About the Authors:</b> <a href="http://www.ladypens.com/author/jill-hart/" target="_blank">Jill Hart</a> and Diana Ennen are the co-authors of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom. Jill is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms www.CWAHM.com and loves to help women find success from home. Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Diana has worked from home for over 25 years and is passionate about PR, Publicity and Marketing & helping others start their own virtual assistant business.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75873352083470707402012-05-25T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:08:07.640-04:00Which OneI found this in my Facebook feed last night and wanted to post it here.<br />Find it here - Want to know more? We are <a href="http://massivehealth.com/" title="Visit the Massive Health Homepage">Massive Health</a>. Read about <a href="http://mhealth.io/tale" title="Return to the blog">this infographic</a>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpK0bfnULk0/T757AhdCVnI/AAAAAAAABR4/fCiyc9TZruY/s1600/A-Tale-of-Two-Meals-v3+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpK0bfnULk0/T757AhdCVnI/AAAAAAAABR4/fCiyc9TZruY/s1600/A-Tale-of-Two-Meals-v3+(1).jpg" /></a><br /><br />And now....some thoughts.....</div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I am guilty of picking that lovely bagel (ooooh with cream cheese and ham please!) and thinking it was better for me than eggs with bacon. Eggs I do eat quite often, but I always skip the bacon unless is turkey, or center cut with less calories. I am slowly learning that we are not a *<a href="hhttp://ignitemotivation.blogspot.com/2012/05/one-size-does-not-fit-all.html" target="_blank">one-size-fits-all-nation</a>* and we have to find a way that works for us. I do get tired of people who thing one diet is better than another. It's not. You didn't have any luck with X, so you try Y. Y allowed you to lose the weight you wanted so you bash X. You shouldn't. Just because your body is different than Sally Sue down the road and she lost weight on X but you didn't doesn't make it bad. You either did not follow it right, cheated on the plan, or your body is not meant for it because of your own unique chemical make-up. That's ok. I have been there.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br />I talk about <a href="http://dietdirect.com/" target="_blank">Wonderslim </a>because it worked. I talk about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> because it worked for me when I was younger, so I was excited to get the blogging contract to test the program. In 18 months I lost and gained the same 10lbs over and over and ended up with a net of maybe 3 pounds. I went back to Weight Watchers thinking because I had made Lifetime in my 20s, it would be a cakewalk in my 30s. Something HAD to work and it worked before. Problem is I didn't listen to my body.<br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />These last couple of days I have been eating carbs. I have not 100% cut them out yet because I am still reading and waiting on doctors and tests. Besides, they are all from Weight Watchers meal plans and I have this HUGE issue with letting food go to waste. Thankfully there isn't much left that I will eat that someone else wont (Fiber One 80 cal Honey Squares - sad no one likes them). But I have been to the store to stock my house in preparation of the switch.<br /><br />Carbs make me crash and burn. I am starving in an hour and I become tired and zombie like. I end up eating more because I am hungry.<br /><br /><b>THAT is what has to change.</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33298954384006136842012-05-24T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:06:47.174-04:00Some Common Myths on Low-Carb<img src="http://www.knowabouthealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/low-carb-high-protein.gif" /><br />Note: this is not my content. I found this on <a href="http://www.3fatchicks.com/">3fatchicks.com</a> in the Low Carb forum. I've stuck some of my own thoughts into the mix.<br /><br /> Continuing from yesterdays "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/05/one-size-does-not-fit-all.html" target="_blank">One Size Does Not Fit All</a>" post I wanted to toss a few things out there because I know a LOT of people have misconceptions about Atkins, most stemming from the original 1972 publication. Times have changed, and so has the information. I'm also not going to be sitting around eating high-fat meat and butter all day long either. That is just gross to me.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />There are so many people out there with the wrong idea's about Atkins, I just wanted to take the time to clarify the many misconceptions I've run across. I hope anyone considering Atkins or who knows someone who is considering Atkins, will read this. A little knowledge goes a long way.<br /><br />As for me, I am not sure I will necessarily being doing Atkins. I feel its just a brand name for low-carb eating like South Beach. I am just going to be eating what works for me. I stumbled on Atkins because it is so widely available in regards to information and recipes.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>#1. "I Can Do Atkins Without Reading The Book First"</b><br />To ensure you are doing Atkins correctly, reading the book is critical. (not the 1972 version, I recommend the new 2010 version - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038NN3B4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0038NN3B4" target="_blank">The New Atkins for a New You</a>. I had a lot of the same misconceptions and misinformation as a lot of people about Atkins.) If you want to do Atkins, it is impairative you understand exactly how & exactly why this program works. I also highly recommend you read Good Calories Bad Calories & Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes (both are on my iPad to read next) and The Protein Power Lifeplan by Dr's Michael & Mary Dan Eades.<br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><b>#2. "Atkins = Unhealthy"</b><br />Most people believe Atkins is the all you can eat bacon, butter & red meat diet. NOT TRUE! To many people's surprise, the Atkins Lifestyle consists of lean protein, veggies & fruits, good fats and whole grains. Atkins discourages sugar, trans fats and processed high carbohydrate laden, unhealthy foods.<br /><br /><b>#3. "Atkins Is All Bacon, Butter, Eggs & Red Meat And No Veggies Or Fruits"</b><br />During the 1st phase of Atkins (there are 4 total phases), larger amounts of lean protein are encouraged to get the body into Ketosis (fat burning mode) and jump start weight loss. That being said, Atkins can be done successfully without doing Induction. Induction is for a 2 week period (but, it can be safely done longer). During this phase, you are allowed 20 net carbs (total carbs minus dietary fiber) per day. Keep in mind, 12-15 of your 20 carbs need to be coming from veggies & salads on the acceptable foods list. On Induction, fruit is not permitted but, it is slowly added back.<br /><br /><b>#4. "Atkins Is No Carb"</b><br />From day 1, if you are doing Atkins correctly, you should be eating 20 net carbs per day with 12-15 carbs coming from veggies & salads. Obviously NOT no carb.<br /><br /><b>#5. "You Can Eat All The Eggs & Bacon You'd Like"</b><br />Atkins encourages moderation & portion control. Just because a food may be low carb, that does not give you a license to eat as much of it as you like. During the Induction phase, larger amounts of fats are encouraged to get your body into a fat buring mode. After Induction, you gradually increase your amount of carbs per day until you find your personal carb level for either losing weight or maintaining weight. Lean meats, more veggies, nuts, legumes, fruits and whole grains are then slowly incorporated into your eating.<br /><br /><b>#6. "Atkins Is Extremely Restrictive"</b><br />Some may find the 2 week Induction period "restrictive" because only foods on the acceptable foods list are permitted. When you progress to the 2nd phase of Atkins, known as OWL (On Going Weight Loss), you begin adding a variety of foods back into your diet.<br /><br /><b>#7. "Atkins Is A Fad Diet" </b><br />The original version of the Atkins diet originated in 1972. Many people are still doing Atkins 72 as well as the newer versions of Atkins. It is not some "here today gone tomorrow" program.<br /><br /><b>#8. "Dr. Atkins Died Of His Own Diet"</b><br />Dr. Atkins passed away in 2003 from complications of a head injury he sustained from a fall. He did not make it a secret he was suffering from cardiomyopathy near the end of his life. This is a progressive as well as serious condition that is caused by a viral infection. The infection did weaken Dr. Atkins heart and it was evident it was not due to his diet. Unfortunately, the media likes to blow situations entirely out of proportion for their profit but, the truth is, he died from a serious head injury.<br /><br /><b>#9. "Low Carb Causes Lack Of Energy"</b><br />Our bodies are designed to get engery from 2 sources....carbohydrates & fat. When carbohydrates are restricted to a low level, the body will begin burning fat, this process is called Ketosis. Despite what you may have heard, ketosis is not dangerous. Many confuse ketosis with ketoacidosis which is a serious condition that can occur with diabetes. Some may experience what we in Atkins circle's refer to as "Atkins Flu" when they first begin Induction but, once your body has become accustomed to burning fat for fuel rather than sugar laden carbohydrates (typically 3-5 days), your energy will return and you will feel better than you've probably felt in years!<br /><br /><b>#10. "Atkins Causes High Cholesterol"</b><br />The common belief is that Atkins encourages high fat foods. While this is true in the first 2 weeks of the plan, it is not the criteria for the remaining phases. Lean meats, fish & poultry as well as eggs. egg whites, dairy products, olive oil, nuts, seeds and whole grains are all components of the lifestyle that makes Atkins healthy. For many, Atkins has lowered total cholesterol as well as LDL ("bad cholesterol") & triglycerides. <br /><br />************************************************************<br /><div>I just wanted to pass along what I had found for those that might be interested.</div><div><br /></div><div>~Chrystal </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7924024856431802262012-05-23T18:14:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:03:44.054-04:00One Size Does Not Fit All<br /><br /><br /><div><img src="http://www.atkins.com/getattachment/Science/Atkins-Food-Pyramid/bg_food-pyramid3.jpg.aspx" /><br /><br />I am sorry this site has gotten dusty. I have a few photos on my iPhone that I need to move over here to the blog and write up my posts about it. I also have a couple of book reviews in the works that are a perfect fit for this site. I’ve just been so busy between client work, writing/publishing eBooks under my pen name, school, and my new job with My365Assistant.com that ALL of my sites have been neglected. I still have not worked on the posts<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/its-official-i-broke-up-with-wordpress.html" target="_blank"> I moved off WordPress after my disaster hack. </a><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I was a Staffing Consultant, quickly moved up to District Manager for Michigan, then the DM for Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota. I started working on some other things for the company, and later stepped down as DM and went to work on the Internet Marketing side as an IM Associate. So its been REAL busy for me.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My main reason for dropping by today was to give an update on the medical issues. It took a week for my blood tests to come back, which was all just fine. According to them I am 100% healthy. I have 2 years on My Fitness Pal which includes exercise logs (and Map My Walk), Nutrisystem, and Weight Watchers programs, I have an excel weight charts, and there are the WeightWatcher and Nutrisystem paper journals for those days that I didn’t get transferred in to MFP. So it is all there in black and white. Every bite of food, every step I took. I am STILL tracking and still not having any luck.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since my blood shows nothing, next week I am having a pelvic ultrasound done.</div><div></div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>I started doing some research on PCOS in *case* that is what ends up being wrong. I started to see a lot of things that are exactly the way I feel; Insomnia, chronic pain, migraines, difficulty concentrating, depression, menstrual issues, and more. It certainly would explain a lot if that is what was wrong. If it’s not the answer, I am not sure what will happen next.<br /><br />It also explains why 20 years ago Nutrisystem worked, but I could not keep it off. Or, how years after that Phen-Fen worked, but I did not keep it off, even with just phentermine. Then, came Weight Watchers in my mid-20s. I made Lifetime. But again - I crashed and burned a lot because of what I was eating. I assumed if it was low points it was good for me to eat. Now here I am with all of those pounds, and then some, back on my body. I went back to my old friends and they did not work for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the weekend I spoke with my nurses. My mother-in-law and step-mother-in-law are both RNs. My husband is a respiratory technician, about to finish his therapist degree. His father is a respiratory therapist. With all these medical people in my life, I feel pretty safe when talking to them about things that are happening to me. So I drag the hubster with me, and I talk to the moms when I see them. My MIL has been on Weight Watchers for some time and is doing really well with it. My SMIL and FIL were doing it too (well he follows whatever she does since she cooks lol) and they were doing so-so on it. My SMIL has diabetes and gave us a mild heart attack scare last year. She has been seeing a nutritionist (or maybe she was a dietician) since then, on a weekly basis, reporting her WW food journal. The scale just wasn’t budging. </div><div><br /></div><div>The nutritionist put her on a low-carb diet that is a rule of thumb for most diabetics. So, she started to read up on Atkins. Since she had been low-carb for a little bit she skipped the 2 week Induction phase and went right to OWL (ongoing weight loss). She lost 13lbs in the first few weeks. Even my FIL is following it with no complaints. They both had so much good stuff to say about how well they are feeling. So she told me I really needed to try it, that my constant yo-yo has made me insulin resistant. I also found out those with PCOS follow low-carb and have had huge success since it hinders your ability to lose weight. </div><div><br /></div><div>She did mention it was going to be hard for me to switch out of points/low-cal/low-fat mode and go low-carb mode because the foods tend to be opposite. She wasn’t kidding. I am looking at the list going “really??!?!? I get to eat that??” </div><div><br /></div><div>Come to think of it, I bet this is why my mother is able to keep her weight down. She doesn't sit around nom nom nom on senseless carbs all day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really spent some time reading forums and I have the Atkins books on my iPad and read them when I have time. All my internet research on PCOS and low-carb in general has really opened my eyes to how I feel after I eat certain foods too. (crash & burn, feeling hungry after eating). I also read some medical forum where they talked about Binge Eating Disorder treatment facilities (yes, me.), TOPS, and Overeaters Anonymous and other food related disorder organizations are advocates for the exchange plan, which is basically a modified low-carb. For BED it’s a matter of removing the binge/trigger foods, which end up being the carbd. Wha??? I never, ever knew this. My shrink treated me with medication not food elimination.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have come to learn that weight loss programs are NOT a one-size-fits-all product because everyone has a different body structure and chemical balance. This time WW is not working for me. NS did not work for me. Counting calories and fat isn’t working for me. I have to redo my way of thinking. I have to try something new. So many things medically point to low-carb for my body that I feel it’s worth trying. I even took the time to debunk a lot of myths and misinformation about going low-carb. Even I was guilty of thinking many of these. But, a million diabetics can’t be wrong. People suffering from arthritis can't be wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do think that just because someone had or did not have success on a program doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it because it could work for you. I'm not here to say you should try one plan over the other. I am just letting you know what did, didn't and might work for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>The one thing that did work was Wonderslim, but I ended up with the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Nutrisystem </a>contract and had to quit. I checked low-carb on the Wonderslim website and was quite shocked to see many of the products I used on the program were low-carb. Could that really be my answer? Is that why it worked? I know the brand name Atkins has a bad rap. I found a lot of misinformation on the net and a lot of documented proof. Many low-carb diets are out there. South Beach is a modified version on Atkins. I never knew that. To me Atkins is just a brand name for low-carb food plans. </div><div><br /></div><div>I haven’t started yet. Right now I am just absorbing all of the information I can find, gather some recipes and tips ( I am seeing quite a few low in points so that will be good to share with my WW friends), find others on MFP that are also low-carb to buddy up with, and then slowly remove some of this stuff from my house (those things not allowed on the 2 week Induction phase) before I head to the grocery store to redo my kitchen (which will be next week I am sure). I just want to take some time to get a grocery list made, some meal plan ideas in place and a support network. <br /><br />My husband has high blood pressure and his triglycerides are triple that of a normal person. He has gone from 1700 to 400+, most people are around 50-60ish. He takes medicine to control it and all of his weight is in the middle. From what I have read in the new (2010, not 1972) book - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038NN3B4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0038NN3B4" target="_blank">The New Atkins for a New You</a></div><div><br /></div><div> I haven’t given up on myself. I am now on a quest for a plan that works for me and my chemical structure. I have a feeling eliminating white carbs / sugars will make a HUGE difference in my body - physically and mentally. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I could go on and on about all of the medical light bulb moments I just had reading all of this stuff. I can’t believe no one told me about it sooner. Maybe a doc did and I just didn’t listen. Or maybe my body is just now making changes (which is what I believe since it’s just become hard for me to lose weight in the last few years). Who knows? But I am willing to take the chance to see if this meal plan will work for me.<br /><br />I should also point out that Atkins, South Beach and many others are just <u><b>brand names</b></u> for low-carb diets. My plan is to read ALL low-carb material and find the best fit for me. I just started with Atkins because that's the book my SMIL was using as a guide.<br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7887228120732436152012-05-18T11:35:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:39:59.144-04:00My Favorite Tiny HouseI have a tendency to call them all my favorite, but there is something about this one that really captures my attention. I think it is the open feeling with all the windows, or it could be because of that beautiful wood. I love wood!<br /><img alt="Tall Mans Tiny House" src="http://tinyhouseblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_3253.jpg" /><br />This is the "<a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/tall-mans-tiny-house/#" target="_blank">Tall Man's Tiny Home</a>" which was posted on <a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/" target="_blank">Tiny House Blog.com</a><br /><br />It has made me realize my own quest in life for tiny living. We've were looking at houses and everything seemed to be so big. When we found one on a corner lot that was small even though it had an open upstairs loft, we felt defeated because it had so much work that needed to be done to it. With both of us in school and working full-time we just did not have the time to work in all of the needed repairs and we did not have the extra money to hire someone to do it for us.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />So, we made the choice to just wait until we were both done with school and we knew where he was going to be working because he may not stay where he is. Then we can decide. He is on the fence about tiny living. He has said he may not mind a condo or apartment, but he feels like if he gets a house he is going to want a house with a giant yard, like we have now. 2 acres. Which is fine if we had the time to use it to our advantage - like garden. We did that the first year I moved it and it was awesome. We canned so much it saved me so much money in the winter. But with our busy schedules we just have not had time to even plant.<br /><br />I would love to compromise. A smaller home, with a smaller plot of land. It will save us money. Save us from keeping things we don't need. We can still garden, either in a small patch of land or containers. We have 3 years to work on our mission. In the mean time, I am still on a quest to build a tiny home on wheels. This will serve 2 purposes. The first, it will be my office. A place I can go to and work. It will also give me a place to write without interruptions. The second purpose is it will serve as our tiny home when we travel. The tiny home on wheels will allow us entrance into the RV parks and it will be way better than sleeping in a tent. So, right now I am saving money to purchase a trailer. I am in no hurry. I also would like to purchase all recycled materials from our city Habitat for Humanity store. This is where people who have done home remodels or builds donate their leftovers or the old stuff they tore down. It's a great place and cheap.<br /><br />So, that's my tiny living story for the day. Sorry I am not here very often. I think I have too many other projects going on! LOL. But I will be stopping in as often as I can to provide updates and chit-chat about the tiny lifestyle.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59354350886354236282012-05-14T13:42:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:02:46.615-04:00The Doc Says<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXoHac3cqr4/Th4WxrnDx1I/AAAAAAAAAeY/L1jlId8nUc8/s1600/2324460538u_0m.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXoHac3cqr4/Th4WxrnDx1I/AAAAAAAAAeY/L1jlId8nUc8/s1600/2324460538u_0m.jpg" /></a></div>I went to the doctor this morning. Everything happened so fast this morning I am just getting around to composing a post. Big M had to go see his doctor and then he came back so we could see mine. It's easier for him to just come with me instead of me trying to relay it all back to him. Plus he is medical smart and reminds me of those question I might forget to ask or I just don't think about.<br /><br />So, we went through a history check of some past medical issues I had remembered but failed to remember <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/01/nsnation.html" target="_blank">back in January when I went for my first visit with this new doctor.</a> That visit was mostly about the hip pain and finding out I had osteoarthritis on top of the degenerative disk disease I was diagnosed with in 2006.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />All of my blood work came back normal so she told me to just keep on with the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Nutrisystem, which my contract has since ended. </a> (That was then. This is now.)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I was weighed in today. I was down one pound since my last visit in January. Uhh sorry, that's not enough. I wrote the other day about how I had been <a href="hhttp://ignitemotivation.blogspot.com/2012/05/struggling.html" target="_blank">struggling,</a> which prompted me to call the doc.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br />Luckily I had made myself a list of things to mention. Some new things I had been noticing, some things I had forgotten to mention, the updates on the other items she wanted me to take care of before I saw her again, and some other things that I just wanted to discuss. I got pretty much everything on that list. I did not get my full office visit because once we really started to get into the diet and exercise stuff and through all of the questions and concerns, she mentioned it sounded like that I had PCOS and it is possible I have had it for quite some time and no one put two and two together since I would see the OB/GYN for one thing, the therapist for another, and then the primary care for the rest.<br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />Even though my depression is related to my past, it can also be related to PCOS which only makes it work. So, before we finished all the things on my list, she sent me over for another round of blood work and then I will come back to go over that and she is order an ultrasound. I've had doctors question whether they thought I might have PCOS. It could also explain why in the past when my ex-husband and I tried to have children, I was not able to. Funny how years and years worth of medical things all of the sudden start to make sense.<br /><br />Anyway, we did talk a bit about my diet. But she wanted to wait for the results of the tests before dealing with my diet/dietitian and medicine.<br /><br />I don't WANT anything to be wrong with me. But it will be nice to have some answers as to why the weights not going down despite my efforts.<br /><br />Will keep you posted.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42023362654918132642012-05-10T15:58:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:02:13.405-04:00Struggling<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" /></a></div>I have a few posts in the works. I still have not transferred the photos off my iPhone on to my PC so that I can load them into a blog post. I've been so busy with this semesters classes, my District Manager job and my book writing that I haven't written any new material yet for this blog. I also had to move my chrystalmahan . com blog because of the whole WordPress hacking and I have so many posts that are better suited here so I wanted to move them and just have not had much time to do that! I miss blogging, its my outlet in life!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />My main problem is that I have been struggling. I try to walk every day but there are just some days I physically can't. I have been watching every bite of food that goes in to my mouth and the scale still is not moving.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />Monday I have an appt. with my doctor. We are going to sit down and talk about everything that is going on with my body. On the same day I also have an appt. with my new therapist. June 20th I am going to a seminar at the hospital to watch a presentation about weight loss surgery. I know there are a lot of people out there for and against WLS. I get it. Personally I am not sure I will do it. I know people who have with good and bad results. But, when you have been struggling with your weight since you were a kid and you have been on every weight loss plan out there, only to find yourself with more weight than when you started, you start to look at other options. And that is what I am doing. I am window shopping. With the disk disease and the arthritis, the pain is getting worse.<br /><br />I don't know what's going on with my body anymore, but I don't like it.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59845245539053509862012-05-05T11:14:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.848-04:00Skillet Bacon Jam Spread - Yes, it Does Exist!<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPa06dabc1eebd98e0cc4badfb4bc58565"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxnNYHwkI4k/T6U7BOXW0aI/AAAAAAAABQU/ri-7RmLZn1Q/s1600/resize_f56f89f63552a6fb16c3458d1302886f560d9401c5f97723d1a9a834184c9e733c511815256256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxnNYHwkI4k/T6U7BOXW0aI/AAAAAAAABQU/ri-7RmLZn1Q/s1600/resize_f56f89f63552a6fb16c3458d1302886f560d9401c5f97723d1a9a834184c9e733c511815256256.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Yes. Yes. We all love bacon. (at least most people do.) It is extremely popular in my house, but it's not my most favorite thing in the world.<br /><br />I've tried many bacon flavored products in my cooking - flavorings, spices, bits, but can't say that I have ever tried "jam" or "spread." If it looks like bacon and smells like bacon, it must be bacon, right?<br /><br />Right.<br /><br />When this little gem first arrived I had almost forgotten what it was. My husband looked at me with that quizzical look as if to say "thaaaaaaaats bacon?"<br /><br />I turned open the cap, peeled off the plastic wrap and took a sniff.<br /><br />Yeap. Smells like bacon. (now I have the begging strips dog snack commercial in my head.)<br /><br />But, what do I do with it?<br /><br />My husband was not impressed.<br /><br />"Looks weird", he said.<br /><br />Indeed, it did look "weird."<br /><br />So, I stuck my finger in it.<br /><br />hmmmm<br /><br />Tastes like bacon. Looks like smashed up bacon with a bit of brown sugar for taste. Yum.<br /><br />Now what on earth am I going to do with it?<br /><br />I had some pork cube steaks pulled from the freezer for that nights dinner. I decided to paste the top of them with the bacon spread.<br /><br />You know what? It actually turned our really moist and good.<br /><br />I still have a nice supply left in my little jar. I'm not sure what I will try it on next.<br /><br />There's a recipe on the website for <a href="http://www.skilletstreetfood.com/recipes.php?id=126" target="_blank">sauteed Brussels Sprouts</a> with the bacon jam. I have a bag of Brussels Sprouts in need of eating.<br /><br /><b>Product Disclaimer:</b> I received the product for free from Skillet. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed in this post are 100% my own opinion. Your might be different.<br /><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>More information:</b><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Product Description</strong></div><div class="row" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 550px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12pt; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="word-wrap: break-word;"><span lang="EN" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 1pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 21px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">what is skillet bacon jam?<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"></span><o:p style="word-wrap: break-word;"></o:p></span></span></u></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span lang="EN" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 1pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">we make this <u style="word-wrap: break-word;">bacon spread</u> condiment called bacon jam..you say what?.. that’s right, we use niman ranch bacon and render it down along with onions, balsamic and other spices . It cooks for several hours until it is a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, savory and slightly sweet….basically spreadable bacony goodness!<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"> </span>USDA approved.</span><span lang="EN" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 1pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br style="word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><span lang="EN" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 1pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">more information is available at <a href="http://www.skilletbaconjam.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0927aa; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">www.skilletbaconjam.com</a> or contact<a href="mailto:eat@skilletstreetfood.com" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0927aa; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">eat@skilletstreetfood.com</a></span></blockquote></div><br /><br />I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMa06dabc1eebd98e0cc4badfb4bc58565">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1943514074464558682012-05-03T23:16:00.000-04:002012-05-03T23:16:02.558-04:00World Poetry Contest - No Entry Fee!<a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=662&aff_id=7064&file_id=4318" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media.enimgs.net/brand/files/escalatenetwork/662/poetry300.jpg" width="300" /></a><img height="1" src="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_i?offer_id=662&aff_id=7064&file_id=4318" width="1" /><br /><br />I run across a lot of poetry contests but most of them require an entry fee and I can't always spend money when trying to submit works of poetry. I was rather excited to see this opportunity cross my desk. Might have to give it a go since its free to enter!<br /><br /><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description: </strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">World Poetry Contest - Consumers can submit a poem to the <a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=662&aff_id=7064&file_id=4318" target="_blank">Open Amateur Poetry Contest.</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49824107417531171862012-05-03T18:51:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.284-04:00Slow Down...another<br /><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Patience_by_pyromaniac.jpg" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Patience_by_pyromaniac.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I need to write.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's my release.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It doesn't matter if the only person who understands it is me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The pain has become unbearable. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I wish someone could give me an answer.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Medication does nothing but skew my reality.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sometimes going to sleep and staying asleep seems like the best option. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Why can't anyone see the pain on my face?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Just push, and push.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm so over being me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I wish the world with slow down. Just let me catch up.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Once.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Just once.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Too much to do and I am so slow.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The pain.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Controls me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I just want things to slow down.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Slow.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Down.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22700668944787259392012-05-03T15:43:00.000-04:002012-05-03T19:38:12.506-04:00Writers on the Edge: 22 Writer's Speak Out about Addiction and Dependency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615991085/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_APHlBtNzlY/T6LIg6W3ZTI/AAAAAAAABP4/4z6of9F3yrI/s1600/wote_200.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615991085/" target="_blank">Writers on the Edge </a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Edited by <a href="http://www.dianaraab.com/published_works.html" target="_blank">Diana M. Raab</a> and James Brown</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It’s always a pleasure to do reviews for publisher, Victor R. Volkman at Loving Healing Press. My first review was for <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/recovering-self-journal-of-hope-and.html" target="_blank">Recovering theSelf: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. IV. No. 1) -- Focus on Abuse Recovery.</a>I still owe him a review for another edition of the same journal (sorry!). I also wrote a review on another book offered on their website called <u>101 Tips for Survivors of Sexual Abuse</u>. Sadly, that post was on ChrystalMahan.com. The website was destroyed over the weekend due to hackers and I was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/its-official-i-broke-up-with-wordpress.html" target="_blank">forced tobreak up with Wordpress</a>. The posts have since been moved back to Blogger and I am currently in the process of redoing the website. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In <i>Writers on the Edge</i>, 22 writers speak out about addiction and dependency. Because I do consider myself a writer and I do battle issues with depression and food addiction, I thought this would be a perfect book for me to write a review on. I was anxious to get started reading it. I enjoyed the fact that these were short stories with some poetry mixed in. I’ve been so busy as of late that trying to sit down and read a novel has been impossible (and depressing me at the same time!) It was nice that I could read a story or a poem as time permitted and not lose from the big picture of the overall story.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the stories that really stood out for me was the story “Lisa” by Kera Bolonik. Kera tells her story about suicide. Although I do not know anyone personally who has committed suicide, I understand how Kera feels about her own inner thoughts on suicide. Suicidal thoughts are demons I must battle quite frequently. It’s not something I sit around talking to others about, or something I plot doing. I just have these terrible bouts of my extreme depression where I honestly think the world would be better without me. Those thoughts usually quickly fade because I am too chicken to actually even take it any further than thoughts in my head. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The other stories of alcohol and drug addiction - neither of which I battled - were just as eye-opening. I felt so much bravery for these 22 opening up their souls to share their tales. I was actually impressed to see a few stories regarding <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/search/label/Food%20Addiction" target="_blank">food addiction,</a> something I have dealt with in my life. Just like drugs and alcohol, no one is 100% fully recovered because every day life is a trigger and relapse can happen at a moment’s notice. The stories inspired me and gave me hope. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend everyone read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615991085/" target="_blank">Writers on the Edge</a> whether you have personally dealt with an addiction or not. The stories are amazing. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free to review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>ABOUT:</b><o:p></o:p></div><blockquote><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Writers On The Edge</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">offers a range of essays, memoirs and poetry written by major contemporary authors who bring fresh insight into the dark world of addiction, from drugs and alcohol, to sex, gambling and food. Editors Diana M. Raab and James Brown have assembled an array of talented and courageous writers who share their stories with heartbreaking honesty as they share their obsessions as well as the awe-inspiring power of hope and redemption.</span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">"Open to any piece in this collection, and the scalding, unflinching, overwhelming truths within will shine light on places most people never look. Anyone who reads this book, be they users or used, will put it down changed. And when they raise their eyes from the very last page, the world they see may be redeemed, as well." --Jerry Stahl, author of Permanent Midnight</span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">"<i>Writers On The Edge</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is a thoughtful compendium of first-person narratives by writers who have managed to use their despair to create beauty. A must-read for anyone in the recovery field." --Leonard Buschel, Founder, Writers In Treatment CONTRIBUTORS: Frederick & Steven Barthelme, Kera Bolonik, Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, Maud Casey, Anna David, Denise Duhamel, B.H. Fairchild, Ruth Fowler, David Huddle Perie Longo, Gregory Orr, Victoria Patterson, Molly Peacock, Scott Russell Sanders, Stephen Jay Schwartz, Linda Gray Sexton, Sue William Silverman, Chase Twichell, and Rachel Yoder</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51289883492314811952012-05-03T15:29:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:35:23.235-04:00Under Construction & Some New Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDRuv8V9yDQ/T4CLFoRSFCI/AAAAAAAABAg/LCNpPvkOaIs/s1600/header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDRuv8V9yDQ/T4CLFoRSFCI/AAAAAAAABAg/LCNpPvkOaIs/s320/header.png" width="320" /></a></div>For anyone that may have missed it my WordPress site that hosted ChrystalMahan.com was hacked a few days ago. Despite many attempts to save it, the files were corrupt which gave me no choice but to rip it down and start it over. I have had so much of a headache with self-hosting and WordPress that my reality is - I don't want to deal with it anymore! <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/its-official-i-broke-up-with-wordpress.html" target="_blank">I officially broke up with WordPress.</a><br /><br />So, I took all 700 and some posts, removed the domain from my hosting site and put everything back on Blogger. I have imported the posts but I have not published them. Right now the site is blank. Because I also started a new full-time gig that takes up every free moment I have outside of school, it will take me some time to get all the posts back in order.<br /><br />One of the things I have decided to do it put some of those posts here on More to Life because the topic is centered around my weight and various attempts to lose it. There are also a lot of posts regarding my battle with food addiction that I also think is better suited here.<br /><br />So please excuse the mess with some of the links and new categories as I make these necessary changes.<br /><br />~Chrystal~Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56329091961411784312012-05-03T13:08:00.001-04:002012-05-03T15:50:04.393-04:00Why the Self-Employed Should Outsource<br /><div class="module moduleText color0 hasFloatedRight" id="mod_18835149" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="txtd" id="txtd_18835149" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwM_WL4euBU/T6K7fPL_yeI/AAAAAAAABPo/Xv65QKkBUoA/s1600/29581w0ykw5ovkf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwM_WL4euBU/T6K7fPL_yeI/AAAAAAAABPo/Xv65QKkBUoA/s320/29581w0ykw5ovkf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Time really does equal money.</strong>You are self- employed and you need to ask yourself what the best use of your time really is because it is YOUR time that equals YOUR money. The growth of your bottom line is directly affected by the way that you choose to allot your working hours.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">First let’s discuss what your job really is as a self-employed individual.</strong> Your job is to grow your business. Your job is to make those contacts that will make you money. Your job is to conceive ideas and bring them to fruition. Your job is to close that deal! You do agree with that description of your job duties being self-emplyed, don’t you?<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Now let’s discuss what your job is NOT. </strong>Being self-employed does not qualify you as an accountant, an advertising guru or a writer. You aren’t qualified to be an event planner or a travel agent. When you decided to become self-employed that did not automatically make you a ‘jane-of-all-trades’.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></strong><br /><a name='more'></a><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></strong><br /><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">You can waste a lot of your valuable time on tasks that you just plain aren’t very good at. </strong>That’s ok. It has happened to us all. You have to remember that you are the idea man/woman. It IS your job to make your business grow and you’ll be good at that provided that is where you use your time and direct your energies.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If you insist upon doing everything yourself, whether you are good at it or not, you will use up all of your thought and energy and have nothing left to do the things that only YOU can do to make your business grow. When you are just starting out and your client list is small, you might be able to juggle all of the little tasks as they trickle in. Once that client lists grows you are going to have to do their work and these business task will fall to the wayside. Outsource before that happens!There are only just so many hours in a day and you can only spend just so many of those hours working at making your online business successful. There IS still life outside of business.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">You have friends and family that do require some measure of your time</strong>. That makes it even more vital that you use your time to make your business grow and not waste your time by spending doing the everyday tasks that can take so much of your valuable time.<br /><br /></div></div></div><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_18835169" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> Bookkeepers</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_18835169" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Hire an accountant or a bookkeeping service:</strong>Every business must keep a record of its day to day financial transactions and even the smallest of transactions add up to big tax deductions over the period of a year. If you don’t have time to do it weekly, find someone who does. The longer you let it go the harder it is to get it caught up.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />You can’t simply file everything under ‘miscellaneous’ and you can’t spend an hour or so every day taking care of just mundane bookkeeping duties either. Bookkeepers and accountants only charge for the time that they actually spend working for you. Usually they have many clients. Places like <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/Freelancing-on-oDesk" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5d7d9d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">oDesk</a> allow you to set a weekly, monthly, or even an hourly rate.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />If they spend one hour working on your records then you will only be charged for that one hour. YOU aren’t a bookkeeper or an accountant and you would have likely spent three or four hours doing the same tasks and then with questionable results. Hire an accountant or a bookkeeping service!<br /><br /></div></div></div><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_18835170" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> Ghost Writers</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_18835170" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Use ghost writers and article submission service.</strong> Writing articles and copywriting web content is always a big part of all internet marketing no matter what the niche might be. You will need to have website content and you will also need to submit articles and E-books to banks and repositories for others to use along with your resource box in order to build your online credibility.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />Ghost writers will post to blogs and forums for you above your own signature file that includes your name and website. Some ghost writers will also submit articles and E-books to banks and repositories for you. If the ghost writer that you employ does not, then you can seek an articles submission company to do that time consuming task for you as well.<br /><br /></div></div></div><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_18835204" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> Virtual Assistants</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_18835204" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Hire a VA (Virtual Assistant).</strong> A <a href="http://my365assistantmichigan.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5d7d9d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">virtual assistant </a>can save you hours and hours of time on the mundane tasks that are required to be accomplished in order to run a successful internet business.<br /><br />A virtual assistant can check your email and send only the emails that you need to personally deal with to you. Internet entrepreneurs get more junk mail than anybody! A good VA can also act as a travel agent and make airline and hotel reservations for you. Hire a VA!</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>If you are interested in hiring a VA please contact me at <a href="mailto:c.mcconnell@my365assistant.com">c.mcconnell@my365assistant.com</a> we offer many virtual services starting at $199.99 a month.</i></blockquote></div></div><div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_18835234" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> Advertising Agencies</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_18835234" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Use an advertising agency.</strong> Now advertising agencies don’t work cheap so you will need to be very, very specific about what you want them to do for your business. You can likely get PPC advertisements written rather reasonably and even that will be a huge help to you time wise.</div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8625342510154704262012-04-30T16:56:00.000-04:002012-04-30T16:56:27.245-04:00Is Working a Commissioned Based Job a Good Fit for You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7uyR-KqAXA4/T571TE0TCwI/AAAAAAAABOc/sirE3h_w7AU/s1600/Sales-and-marketing-careers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7uyR-KqAXA4/T571TE0TCwI/AAAAAAAABOc/sirE3h_w7AU/s320/Sales-and-marketing-careers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Do you think working a commission based job is a good fit for you?<br /><br />As part of my Wizzley challenge I am writing a short series on commission based jobs to test the waters and see how well I like the website.<br /><br />Article 1. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/is-commission-right-for-you.html">10 Truths About Commission Based Jobs</a><br /><br />Article 2. <a href="http://wizzley.com/is-working-a-commissioned-based-job-a-good-fit-for-you/">Is Working a Commission Based Job Right For You?</a><br /><br />Here's the challenge I started for myself: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/making-myself-wizzley-challenge.html">Making a Wizzley Challenge</a><br /><br />And if you would like to get started on Wizzley:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" title="Join Wizzley.com"><img alt="Wizzley" src="http://wizzley.com/static/img/basic/locale/en/pr-468x60.png" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34485235420911744662012-04-28T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:29:44.285-04:00Map My Walk : Weekly Check-in 4/28<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuy9H9o4jT0/T5rbE9yRNmI/AAAAAAAABN0/99h2i51iiVY/s1600/4-28-12Workouts+Dashboard+++MapMyWALK.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuy9H9o4jT0/T5rbE9yRNmI/AAAAAAAABN0/99h2i51iiVY/s320/4-28-12Workouts+Dashboard+++MapMyWALK.png" height="320" width="309" /></a></div><br />Nothing really new to report. As you can see this we was better than last, but still nothing in comparison to the first two weeks of the month. Next Saturday is my first 5k walk for the Arthritis Foundation. I have not done a charity event since I lived in Oklahoma.<br /><br />This week has been EXTREMELY stressful.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />For starters my chrystalmahan (dot) com website was hacked again, along with millions of other WordPress self-hosted users. I bid WordPress farewell as I spent my day trying to recover posts and get them formatted to bring back here on Blogger. Right now they are on the Blogger Chrystal Mahan, but not published. I have to wait for Google to deindex my site. Lord knows how long that will take. The thing is, I am not sure I am even going to mess with the domain anymore. It's technically not even my name!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />What bums me out is that there were over 5 years worth of posts - 700 ! It took SO long. Eight hours that could have been spent on my new job. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/its-official-i-broke-up-with-wordpress.html">I wrote a nice post about it on Self Employed Writer.</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />That was another stressful portion to my job.<br /><br />I was recently hired in as Michigan District Manager for My365Assistant.com , a Virtual Assistant staffing company. While I am blessed for this opportunity and finally feeling like I am smart, important, and worth my education, I am feeling somewhat over-my-head. Doubting myself in the first week. I find myself mindlessly munching on snacks.<br /><br />Need to keep my stress level down.<br /><br />Thinking about ordering some Wonderslim products. I just keep thinking about my first month on them and how well I did, but then I was picked up my Nutrisystem to do their review program. I don't want to diet or be on any "programs" but I am having a hard time finding quick meals that have higher protein to help me with my constant feeling of hunger.<br /><br />Been debating about speaking to my Doc about weight loss surgery. I have been trying for over a year now and there is no real difference on the scale, even with counting points, staying on program, and all this walking. This is something I have battled my whole life and now there is just so much pain I am feeling extremely defeated. She can look over my food and exercise journal to see what I am doing and that I am at least trying. Something has to be going on here. Even with age and metabolism slowing down, I should still be losing more weight in a year than I am. I should not be struggling this bad.<br /><br />She's probably going to put me on the Doc program anyway which is like Optifast and Medifast - costly! So maybe I will give Wonderslim one more try. It's just hard for me to justify spending the money, but it might be my only option right now!<br /><br />Oh, decisions!<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63022204418268923542012-04-27T13:33:00.002-04:002012-07-28T14:57:53.044-04:00It's Official. I Broke Up with WordPress Yesterday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oxvsfi3EFc8/TW_kSMIcvmI/AAAAAAAAAUE/pBiusLtCVzg/s320/Blogger.png" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It’s official. Yesterday I broke up with WordPress once and for all. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I KNOW there are MANY out there who love it and love the freedom self-hosting brings. I tried. I really tried.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Self Employed Writer is my baby. I have had this blog on Blogger since 2004. It has gone through many changes. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Posted moved to other blogs</li><li>Blogger URL name changes</li><li>Custom domain</li><li>Blog title names</li></ul><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">But it has always been mine. My project on how my life is constantly evolving.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">There was a period of time early last year where I gave in to the hype and moved SEW to self-hosted WordPress. I was so excited, but so stressed to be learning another blog platform. It was one problem after another trying to get it set up. Quite the learning curve. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I finally got settled in my new home. A few weeks later, despite all of the tools and plug-ins, my blog was hijacked and someone implanted malware in my codes. I tried to clean it up. It took forever, but the job finally got done. Thankfully it did not cost me anything for this project. A few days later, it was hijacked again, so I moved everything back here to Blogger and decided that WordPress was not for me. It was not worth the stress and anxiety.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I’ve written a few posts about my WordPress and Blogger experience.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/if-you-build-it-they-will-come_04.html" target="_blank">If You Build It They Will Come</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/ahostableme_11.html" target="_blank">a.hostable.me</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/free-blogger-and-wordpress-vs-self_04.html" target="_blank">Free Blogger vs Paid Self Hosting WordPress</a></li></ul><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In the time I have been on Blogger, I have never had a problem. I can count on one hand how many people I know who have had a problem in those years. One was a mistake and got her right back up and running. Another had to remove some potential threats that he did not know the code had. He was back up within a few days. The others? ALL clearly violated Google’s TOS. Sucks to be them, but you break the rules, you will pay.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">There is a constant battle regarding which is better. I personally don’t feel one is better over another because it really is based on your personal wants and needs. I am comfortable here on Blogger despite some recent changes. I have learned coding to make Blogger customized to my liking. I feel MUCH safer here than I do on WordPress and I am not as stressed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I do have test sites on <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=358504&U=465182&M=37723&urllink=">Weebly,</a> <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=312111&U=465182&M=33066&urllink=">Webs,</a> and <a href="http://yola.com/">Yola. </a>I like them all for different reasons. Tumblr, Xanga, again- love them, but they have a different purpose.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If you have ever visited the Blogger Groups forum you will see a LOT of successful bloggers who use the Blogger platform. I was amazed by that. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I’m not here to tell you one is any better than another. They aren't. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Last year I gave in to temptation again and moved my “author' site over to self-hosted WordPress. I did this because I wanted to be able to include a storefront and checkout , which was easier to do on WordPress. In my time there my blog was compromised 7 times. In the last 90 days my account was hijacked one too many times and Google blocked me. I tried removing the malware using every method <a href="http://godaddy.com/">Godaddy,</a> Hostable, WordPress, and Google told me to do. No luck. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I spent 8 hours trying to resolve this situation. 8 hours I could have spend finishing homework or working on my new job!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I ended up taking all of my posts and bringing them back to blogger. I can’t publish them yet because I have to wait for Google to delete all of my information regarding the malicious codes. I then removed my parked domain, deleted all of the WordPress files and closed up shop.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Today I am still dealing with a few links that are connected to now a nonexistent website.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Some of my <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">Hubpages</a> were connected so they had to be repaired today because HP blocked those particular hubs for violations. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Honestly, I am so over this who website fiasco I have no desire to ever camp out over at WordPress again. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I don't know how long it is going to take me to recover. I have 3 blogs that all connected to chrystalmahan. com. These will all have to have the links changed. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Such a stressful situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43485898783544082162012-04-27T11:59:00.003-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.792-04:00Funky Monkey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIGe_RLs1hE/T5q_HiMEbqI/AAAAAAAABNo/SKFcZxKdpxE/s1600/monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIGe_RLs1hE/T5q_HiMEbqI/AAAAAAAABNo/SKFcZxKdpxE/s200/monkey.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPf87d4519628bab7500059d5c0f1656f1" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a><br /> Funky Monkey t-shirt form <a href="http://www.tshirtprinting.net/">T-Shirt Printing.net</a> was a lot of fun to wear. The photo is of me wearing it, which I planned to show the whole thing, but I was heading out for my morning walk and it wasn't exactly the most flattering photo!<br /><br /><br />The printing was great, nice vibrant, fun colors. The t-shirt was more than roomy for an XL. I wore it the first time while doing my morning walk. I wore it later in the day and received a handful of comments about how fun it was. The company has some wonderful colors and designs to choose from or you can have your own made.<br /><br />Funky Monkey was shipped to me from the UK and it took a mere two days. Martin made the whole process simple and he's been great to work with.<br /><br /> The company can do tshirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, vests, promotional items such as caps, and even work clothes. Prices are comparable to other reputable companies, some items are less. I prefer to do business with clients who have superior customer service.<br /><br />So I highly recommend TShirt Printing for your printing needs. From the website: If you are looking for friendly advice and great prices you’ve found the right place. We have years of experience printing T-shirts so we can help you every step of the way and make sure you get exactly what you want. We aim to make the whole process easy and painless, whether you need just a few or several thousand.<br /><br /><br /><br /> I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMf87d4519628bab7500059d5c0f1656f1" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56160093512771262642012-04-24T15:38:00.000-04:002012-04-24T15:38:58.360-04:00Is Commission Right for You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XpiFqZFRa0/T5b_skoHIBI/AAAAAAAABNA/kVUCodeJa-M/s1600/dollar-sign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XpiFqZFRa0/T5b_skoHIBI/AAAAAAAABNA/kVUCodeJa-M/s1600/dollar-sign.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I am starting my "Commission" series on <a href="http://wizzley.com/accounts/register/?pr=548" target="_blank">Wizzley </a>as part of my new residual investment and to discuss the ins and outs of the commission world. I was recently hired to be the district manager for a company in the virtual assistant world. I will be discussing that more at a later date. This is my first article on Wizzley so I will be keeping track at how well it does. I wanted to do this back in January! Better late than never I guess.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h1 itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #68830a; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', Helvetica, Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 35px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -5px; width: 520px;"><a href="http://wizzley.com/10-truths-about-commission-jobs/" target="_blank">10 Truths About Commission Jobs</a></h1>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36698464663557847992012-04-22T19:04:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:34:11.248-04:00Product Review: 5 Hour Energy Berry Flavor<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rg4Pm5z7h-0/UweepJrAQTI/AAAAAAAAKpA/n3G9SvvDrHc/s1600/berry+5hrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rg4Pm5z7h-0/UweepJrAQTI/AAAAAAAAKpA/n3G9SvvDrHc/s1600/berry+5hrs.jpg" height="320" width="194" /></a></div>I hadn't really planned on writing too many reviews of non-health related products. Some people might need a pick-me-up before or after a workout so I thought I would review this.<br /><br />Energy drinks seem to be pretty popular with the people around me. I am not a fan of them. Even one cup of coffee or some tea for me at the wrong time of the day can keep me up until 4am. No thanks.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Since this was a freebie, I thought I would give it a whirl.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />I shook. I took the lid off and then I swallowed.<br /><br /><b>Gross.</b><br /><br />Cherry flavored NyQuil tastes better than this stuff and this aint saying much. It was not pleasent and it burned a little going down.<br /><br />Did I notice any change in my energy afterwards?<br /><br />Nope.<br /><br />Sorry folks. Save your money. Eat an orange instead.<br /><br />Disclosure: This is not a paid review. I requested the free sample when they were giving them away. I was not required to write a review. I just decided to do it.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40654793062654316682012-04-21T10:47:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:24:23.137-04:00Map My Walk and Update : Lost 3.2 pounds!<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4c6uhaDn4t4/T5LB1tamSMI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Mr3R1nQubpk/s1600/4-21-12Workouts+Dashboard+++MapMyWALK.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4c6uhaDn4t4/T5LB1tamSMI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Mr3R1nQubpk/s320/4-21-12Workouts+Dashboard+++MapMyWALK.png" height="320" width="252" /></a></div><br />Last Week Weigh: 236.6<br />This Week Weigh : 233.4<br /><br />Total loss for week 3.2 !!<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I was feeling rather defeated this week. As you can see, I have not been walking this week either. It's been wet and rainy here and Big M has been out of town. I have been doing exercise DVD instead. I need to figure out a way to track all of my exercise to share here with you guys. Still not sure how I manage a loss this week, but I will take it!<br /><br />I wanted to make a goal of walking 100 miles this month. By the looks of things that is not going to happen. I am ok with that. I will just keep moving forward.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68856161481558765692012-04-20T11:00:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:23:57.185-04:00Say Yes! to......<b><u>Say YES to:</u></b><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Whole grain bread, pasta, and crackers</li><li>Fresh fruits and vegetables</li><li>Water, water, water!</li><li>Banishing junk food (its OK to say no)!</li><li>Granola bars</li><li>Low-fat popcorn</li><li>Low-fat dairy (cheese, milk, yogurt)</li><li>Almonds</li><li>V-8<a name='more'></a></li></ul><b><u>Say NO to:</u></b><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><ul><li>Soda</li><li>Sugar based juice drinks</li><li>Fried items </li></ul><div><b>What are some of your yes and no items????</b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61546430365810746702012-04-19T08:30:00.000-04:002014-07-03T17:00:31.232-04:00My War with Calories Vs. Points<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztDyjDzrLbs/T49kMc7f2PI/AAAAAAAABL4/ENaR89ossC0/s1600/558600_340824059311632_249523175108388_949527_1148877942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztDyjDzrLbs/T49kMc7f2PI/AAAAAAAABL4/ENaR89ossC0/s1600/558600_340824059311632_249523175108388_949527_1148877942_n.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"> (Saw this photo come through Facebook today. I have no idea </div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"> who the original owner is. Sorry!)</div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Big M and I were having breakfast this morning and I brought to his attention something that I have been noticing these last few weeks as I have become extremely diligent about tracking my points.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was on Weight Watchers the first time it was Winning Points. You were given a daily set of points to eat. If you needed more you earned them through activity. If you did not eat all of them for the day you could bank them and save them for later in the week. They did not have all these fancy gadgets to calculate points for you. You had a slider that had the fat and fiber to figure your points. If you only ate half that serving you counted half the points. It was easy and I lost quite a bit of weight, making Lifetime.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div><br />Flash forward to the digital age where there is the land of smart phones and online programs, and the whole points outlook has changed.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now you have a daily set of points, a weekly set of points and you can earn more points through activity.<br /><br /></div><div>Back then some fruits and vegetables had points while others had none. Now, they are all zero points. <br /><br /></div><div>You would think that would be a good thing. Fill up on all those zero point items.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it also has me thinking the last week or so.</div><div><br /></div><div>You are still eating calories no matter how many zero point vegetable or fruits you eat. So while your points may not change as you are eating these, you are definitely adding calories to your body and those calories will add up.</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning I had 1 egg scrambled. That was 2 points. I warmed up 90 calorie flat bread called a Fold Out, which was 3 points. I heated up 4 piece of Kroger brand Canadian Bacon which was 1 point for ALL 4 pieces. I only ate 2 and Big M had the other 2. So, in my brain that was 1/2 a point.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Wrong. 2 pieces is still 1 point.</div><div><br /></div><div>1 piece is zero points.</div><div><br /></div><div>So then what is stopping me from eating the other 2 pieces, adding more calories to my body, if the points are still only ONE?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The system looked a little flawed to me at that point.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>So once again I am having a war with counting calories vs. counting points. Not that these calories are significant on their own, they do add up throughout the day because I do eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. </div><div><br />If I was to go on a raw/vegetarian diet I would constantly have points to eat. But yet with calories they would start to be reduced. Make sense?</div><div><br /></div><div>Another problem I seem to be facing is the iPad app. I have the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ultimate-value-diary/id483910781?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">Ultimate Value Diary </a>on my phone, which I use to track my points. It has saved me numerous times when I go out to eat. I have also been using the hand written journal, which I keep in my kitchen so I remember to write down every single bit that goes in to my mouth. I want to make sure that I have all options available to me. One of the deciding factors of getting an iPad was that I wanted it to be able to do pretty much everything that my phone and laptop could do. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can get Ultimate Value Diary to work on the iPad, even though there is no actual iPad app, it’s for the iPhone, and they don’t sink with each other. I am not sure if this is a feature they are going to work on, but I doubt it. In order to do that they would probably need an online database and when that happens Weight Watchers will be quick to shut them down. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calorie-counter-diet-tracker/id341232718?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a> and <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/diet-food-tracker-by-sparkpeople/id305430463?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">Sparkpeople </a>both have apps that can be used, they sync online so they will also sync between all of my devices. I know this might not be a big deal to some, but it is starting to be a big deal to me. I am trying to reduce my paper clutter - another reason for the iPad and I had hoped to eventually eliminate the paper journal. I won’t be able to do that if I don’t have a WW app that is syncing on everything.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is sort of frustrating. I am not sure what I am going to do. I just want one app to work on everything!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>I love Sparkpeople</u></b>- but it’s too busy/distracting. However, I do enjoy the fact that the minute I post a blog I get feedback right away. I just don’t have a lot of time between my days for the social interaction. I wish I did. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do love that they have live meetings which I keep thinking about attending. I have been hearing good things about them. I just don’t have time to go to Weight Watcher meetings or the $50 a month they will cost me. Live meetings are about $13 and you can attend anywhere. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>I love My Fitness Pal</u></b> - but there is not a lot of interaction with others like me. Most of the people who swarm the forums there are die hard gym rat/runners/athletes. I don’t have that connection with many there. I have connections on Sparkpeople, people I can actually relate to. I do like the ease of the site. It’s not cluttered with stuff. But, the blogs are pretty silent so I don’t even bother writing there anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I wish I could find a happy medium!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve also been thinking about ordering some more Wonderslim products. Love, love loved them and they helped me so much! I am lazy. I admit it. And I am trying to spend less time stressing out in the kitchen as I try to deal with school and work. I broke down the other day and started buying Lean Cuisines and Smart Ones for Big M and I. He can take some to lunch , I can eat them for lunch, and I can make them for dinner. This week has been a LOT less stressful. I have something quick for lunch if I want, and I don't have to feel like I have to spend an hour in the kitchen every night cooking us dinner. I am not thrilled about box dinners, but I would rather do that than be stressed all the time. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>But that’s all another post!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I’m also sorting through all of my low-fat, low calorie, fat-free, healthy cookbooks. I want to try to commit to one new recipe a week. That might be a little much for me with the time issues I have, but I want to try to do more than I am now.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>One final thought before closing,</b></div><div><br /></div><div> I am not sure how to go about getting rid of this feeling I am having. When I was on WW the first time I never felt like I was “dieting” but it was more a “lifestyle change.” That is what they promote. Now, I feel like I have spent my whole life “dieting” and I am getting SO sick of it. Need to change my thought process. Everything seems so commercial and it’s starting to really turn me off. I want to love myself as I am. I want to be thin because it will reduce the stress and pain on my back and hips. I am not concerned with being skinny for looks. Although buying smaller clothes is nice, it’s not my top priority.</div><div><br /></div><div> <b>Signed, </b></div><div><b> Me.</b><br /><b><br /></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75915499970562603902012-04-17T10:24:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:22:16.694-04:00Do I Make You Look Fat?<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifY7j_wW9Bs/T23trHs2TpI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Akf2LBam15w/s1600/tumblr_m0bmw9U9dE1r4lsigo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifY7j_wW9Bs/T23trHs2TpI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Akf2LBam15w/s320/tumblr_m0bmw9U9dE1r4lsigo1_400.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>I found this photo on Pinterest through: <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarapins/" target="_blank">SaraPins</a><br />The original post is on Tumblr :<a href="http://thegingerpear.tumblr.com/post/18672849095/recent-blogpost-over-at-thegingerpeardrop" target="_blank"> Let the Venting Commence</a><br /><br />I have never had a problem with being plus size or anyone else being plus size. I was always a little bigger than everyone else and when I was at my lowest in high school (after <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MMN2g0RX/ZA&offerid=211503.10000575&type=3&subid=0" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a>) at 140 and my lowest in my 20s (after Weight Watchers) 150 I realized that those numbers were too hard for me to keep up with. My body did not adjust well and I have found that 170-180 is much easier for me to stabilize at. That puts me at about a size 14. To some, that is now plus size.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Right now I am still plus size, but no longer comfortable in my skin. This is not a quest to get skinny, this is a quest to get healthy. The weight has to come down to alleviate the pain I am dealing with between <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Degenerative%20Disc%20Disease" target="_blank">the back</a> and hip issues. The weight has to come down to help with my mental health issues.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><br />I long for the day I see one-derland again.<br /><br />Until that time I need to remember that I am beautiful - at <b>ANY</b> size.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83125460345090737242012-04-16T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:10:26.916-04:00Help With Setting Goals<div></div><div><img src="http://blog.mysanantonio.com/sada/files/legacy/goals.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></div><br /><br />Last Tuesday I talked about the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/04/setting-goals.html" target="_blank">importance of setting goals</a> and shared some of my personal goals.<br />I took some time to dig around for some free reading material that would be helpful in helping you (and me) with some of those goals.<br /><br />Feel free to download one or all.<br /><br />Once you are done reading, take the time to come back and share your thoughts. I would love to know what you think about these. I plan to share a few on future book review posts at <a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank">Self Employed Writer.</a><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />All of these are on Smashwords so be sure to download the proper file for your reader.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />At the time of posting, all items are free of charge. Be sure to double check and make sure the price button still says "Free!"<br /><br /><br /><h2 itemprop="name">The Principles of Successful Manifesting</h2><br /><img alt="Cover for 'The Principles of Successful Manifesting'" src="https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/bookCovers/c34b1e762dfd958318399df3d41fefdb63be6d2b-thumb" /><br />Open the door to a revitalizing, life changing way of thinking. Learn how to effectively implement step-by-step strategies to set goals and move toward them. Download this free eBook <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/14963" target="_blank">here.</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><h2 itemprop="name">How to Create Your Future</h2><div><img alt="Cover for 'How to Create Your Future'" src="https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/bookCovers/4751dec4af2282a206c49661a8f79e9861a26954-thumb" /></div><div><br /></div><div>"How to Create Your Future" draws on the expertise of 16 world-class teachers who have each contributed an outstanding lesson on various topics such as setting goals, manifesting money, creating a magnetic personality, increasing your brain power, and simply being happy, no matter what. Download this free eBook <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/144262" target="_blank">here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><h2 itemprop="name">Recharge with Rosie</h2></div><div><img alt="Cover for 'Recharge with Rosie'" src="https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/bookCovers/58f4177f59a03507226c91da6d2ae13d4d54c250-thumb" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span itemprop="description">A 7-Week Motivational, with a new piece to read on a daily basis over 49 days, to help motivate and inspire you to get and stay on track with your fitness and life goals.</span> Download this free eBook <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/111052" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59265611286617305962012-04-15T10:00:00.000-04:002012-04-15T10:00:04.287-04:00Managing Your Paper Clutter When Self-Employed<a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/SH5ZW" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://media.enimgs.net/brand/files/escalatenetwork/314/manillanomorelatefeesscreen.jpg" width="600" /></a><img height="1" src="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_i?offer_id=314&aff_id=7064&file_id=2999" width="1" /><br /><br />I love, love, love this site. This is another beauty I signed my family up for a couple of weeks back. I wanted to test it out a little bit before I started writing a review on it.<br /><br />As someone who is working from home because I am self-employed, the last thing I like dealing with is a giant stack of incoming mail. What I hate even more is trying to organize it. In the past in never bothered me. But now that I am trying to juggle a family, graduate school and a full-time freelance career I really don't have time for this paper trial. Anything I need for my self-employment income tax purposes I can easily get from my online statements and print the ones that I need.<br /><br />Even though I have most of my bills set to "paperless" I have found that not everyone offers this option.<br /><br />It did take some time to set up my account, but it was extremely worth it. I'll be adding my husbands things next so that I can keep up with it all and better our budget.<br /><br /><i><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description: </strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">What is Manilla? Manilla (manilla.com) is a free web based service that helps consumers better manage all of their household accounts, including financial, utilities, subscriptions and travel rewards programs, in one secure place online. Under a single password, Manilla provides customers with an automated, organized view of all of their account information, text and/or email reminders to pay bills and unlimited storage of account documents that Manilla has seamlessly retrieved for the consumer. </span></i><br /><i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Why is Manilla necessary? Most people have more than 20 different household accounts, including three to four credit cards, several travel and hotel rewards accounts, multiple magazine and newspaper subscriptions, plus cable, phone, and other assorted utility bills. In order to stay on top of all this, people have to manage daily incoming paper mail, an array of online usernames and passwords, and websites in order to access important account information and take action. Manilla seamlessly retrieves all your account information – current balances, previous payments, upcoming bills due – and stores it for you in one secure place. Most importantly, you need only one password to view, manage and organize it all. </span></i><br /><br />This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Manilla. However - these opinions are my own and I am not required to write them. But I do - because I am the self-employed writer after all!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84658428429736766062012-04-14T19:16:00.000-04:002012-04-14T19:16:00.201-04:00Managing Credit When Self-Employed<a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=380&aff_id=7064&file_id=2992" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media.enimgs.net/brand/files/escalatenetwork/380/300x250_2.jpg" width="300" /></a><img height="1" src="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_i?offer_id=380&aff_id=7064&file_id=2992" width="1" /><br /><br />As someone who is self-employed I know all to well what it can be like to manage your debts if you are freelancing and don't have that steady flow of a paycheck. Sometimes our clients fade in and out like a broken melody. It's always been tough for me to obtain a free copy of my credit report. Most places will allow you a free one every year, and some that do want you to sign up for some credit monitoring service. I can do that myself and don't feel the need to have to pay someone else to do it for me. Other credit services want you to pay a monthly or yearly fee or just have you jump through hoops for a one time copy.<br /><br />With <a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=380&aff_id=7064&file_id=2992" target="_blank">Credit Sesame</a> you can easily sign up - for <a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/SH5ZI" target="_blank">FREE</a> - to get a copy of your latest credit score. This isn't a one time thing either. You can get a free copy - EVERY month.<br /><br />I get a handy email every month reminding me to check in and with one click I am able to see that months credit score.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8436767387158712062012-04-12T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-12T15:25:58.001-04:00Making Myself a Wizzley Challenge<a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" title="Join Wizzley.com"><img alt="Wizzley" src="http://wizzley.com/static/img/basic/locale/en/pr-468x60.png" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've grown bored of <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a>. I didn't mean to, but I did. In the early stages of building my portfolio for copywriting I decided on Helium because of the writer mentor program they offered. I was new to the world of residual income (besides my extremely early days at <a href="http://www.epinions.com/user-chrysa1/show_~View_Profile" target="_blank">ePinions</a> in 2000) and really wanted someone to show me the difference between blog style writing and content style writing. I enjoyed the fact they had these programs, contents, the Marketplace, and I could earn status badges for being an expert in my field with my educational background.<br /><br />I knew I could not remove content once I put it there. I never really thought things through. I was happy to have it there and it was making me money. Now I am ashamed at some of it (and the stuff on ePinions) because I feel my writing really wasn't all that great. I wrote what I had to say and that was that. I do that here on my blogs, but I try to make my articles more structured. Helium did allow for you to "leap" an article and rewrite it. I did that for some. Happily rating others articles with each of my own submissions.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />School got in the way. Changes were made to the site. The money I was making declined and I no longer felt it was worth my effort. I DO believe it is worth the effort for those that DO have time. It's a great place to write for with a strong sense of community.<br /><br />Then I found out about <a href="http://hubpages.com/_2tsdg0gko0wdi/" target="_blank">HubPages</a> and started to really dive in there. They too went through some changes but I believe now they are better than they were before the big Google Panda shakedown. I still continue to write there, when school is not taking all of my writing time away from me.<br /><br />But, my ADHD kicks in, I become bored and unfocused. I've been on <a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" target="_blank">Wizzley</a> for a year now and I have yet to produce my first article. Not sure why, I have a TON of titles / keywords I could be creating content about. I am thinking about starting a challenge in May. This will give me time to get some articles taken care of and ready to go. It will also give me some time to play around on the website and get a feel for how things work. I decided to try <a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" target="_blank">Wizzley</a> because it is fairly new, has a great forum full of helpful people, the pages look awesome when they are created, their are a TON of affiliate choices, and they don't allow a lot of the other crap that overloads a lot of these other residual sites. I am not looking to get rich, but I am looking for a few more resources to line my self employed savings account.<br /><br />I may have missed the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/writing-opportunity-wizzley.html" target="_blank">starting point for my previous 2012 Residual Income</a> year long challenge, but at least I am going to try to produce a few articles of good, strong content for a new site that people seem to be doing fairly well on. I've been reading a lot of pages there and reading a lot of keyword, seo, and marketing books after-hours. Thankfully since I am working on my MBA a lot of this is relate to my classes. Win-win there!<br /><br />I have to say I am pretty excited about the new recipe feature they have added. If you have followed my other website, <a href="http://moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">More to Life than Chocolate,</a> you know I love cooking (and taking photos of my budge friendly food) and I think publishing some of my recipes on to a residual site can be nothing but a good thing.<br /><br />I'll check in and see how things are going. If you'd like to join in on the Wizzley fun, my profile there is <a href="http://wizzley.com/authors/cmahan/" target="_blank">cmahan</a>.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86152273451409868832012-04-11T15:27:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.408-04:00I Miss Blogging.<img alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/cmty/samplescreen4.jpg" /><br /><br /> <span style="background-color: white;">I miss blogging. I guess that's why I feel so lost on this website. I mean, I am a real person. I have thoughts and feelings just like anyone else. I want to write. I want to share.</span><br /><br />I don't mean the blogging like I do on my other websites. I mean like the blogging I did starting in 2004. Or the blogging that was so popular in 2005 with Yahoo!360. Those were the days.<br /><br />We wrote.<br />We read.<br />We commented.<br />We cared.<br />We interacted.<br />We bonded.<br />We made friends.<br /><br />I am actually still friends with many of those people I have met.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />Once upon a time, after 360 closed, we moved to MySpace. It was a good move then. The blogging community had overflowed with fellow readers and writers. But MySpace wanted to be better. It only got worse. Facebook isn't meant for blogging, nor is Twitter. Tumblr seems to just be short posts, quotes and photos.<br /><br />Not enough for me. I have something to say damnit!<br /><br />I don't know where I fit in anymore.<br /><br />I need a safe space. A place to write whatever I want. I place to interact and not be judged. A place I am free to be me again.<br /><br />For the record, I did try Xanga. I had used nickname there so that no one would tie my rantings and raves to these websites since I use these websites for other purposes. It had its ups and downs. On a whim one night I deleted my account. I don't have any reason for it other than I felt overwhelmed that day about all of the websites I own, the writing I have to do for my career, and the writing I have to do for school. Now I wish I would have kept that account. Maybe I need to make another one.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39416480617928711562012-04-11T15:06:00.001-04:002012-04-11T15:17:06.833-04:00*Free* eBook 100% of 100 (thoughts & writing motivation)<img alt="Cover for '100 Days of 100%'" src="https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/bookCovers/777206ba269c94b870fbc770a80c55fd4de93e42-thumb" /><br /><br />I am finding it extremely difficult to focus on writing. I am not sure if it's the dry-up of decent paying sites or the fact that I really enjoy the variety of work I can find on <a href="http://odesk.com/" target="_blank">oDesk.</a> When I am in-between clients I find easy work on MTurk to fill up the gaps. Most people complain about these sites because their are so many jobs that pay so low. This might be true when you are new and just starting out. You have a high level of competition because all newbies start at the same point. Once you build up your portfolio the higher paying jobs are yours for the asking.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have days where I have zero motivation. I picked up this book with the hopes of shedding some light on my procrastination problem.<br /><br /><br /><h2 class="fn bookpage_title_heading" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 100 Days of 100%</h2><div><span itemprop="description" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Are you giving 70% and expecting 100% in return? Maybe you are giving 110% and seeing only 40% back. We all have our own unique standards and expectations that dictate how we feel at the end of the day. By putting those expectations on the table we stop them from zapping our energy and can instead convert them into sources of positive energy, focus and balance for our career or business.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><br /><br />Download it <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/50281" target="_blank">here for free.</a>*</div><div><br /></div><div>*eBook was free at time of posting. Smashwords has links for all types of readers. Make sure that it says "Free!" before purchasing. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37084550009025794312012-04-11T11:00:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:09:33.520-04:00Emotional Eating<img src="http://www.weightlosshelpandtips.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/emotional-eating.jpg" height="400" width="341" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Are you an emotional eater? I know I am.<br /><br />I've been reading a lot of health books, magazines, and Overeater's Anonymous materials. I'd like to share a few tips I have picked up while searching for more things in life (besides sitting around eating chocolate).<br /><a name='more'></a><br />1. Recognize the problem.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br />2. Investigate and identify trigger times.<br />3. Why do these triggers have so much power over me?<br />4. Take it one trigger at a time.<br /><br /><br /><b>Thoughts:</b><br />I let food control me since a very young age. I let emotional eating control my life. It has been happening for so long now I am not sure how to stop it. I need to take control of the food - not let it control me. I am learning to NOT bring the triggers inside our house!<br /><br /><b>What are some things you might need to identify?</b><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26622785270173062382012-04-10T11:00:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:08:40.478-04:00Setting Goals<img src="http://www.thecoachtoolkit.com/wp-content/uploads/Goals.jpg" height="400" width="294" /><br /><br />Set your goals!<br /><br />Here are a few tips I have picked up on my journey so far.<br /><br />Make time each day to sit and review your goals and progress. Focus on the positive.<br /><br />Goals are about <u>more</u> than just weight loss.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Make an "action" college - I use Pinterest. (<a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan" target="_blank">cmahan</a>)<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />Give yourself a pep talk when taking on a new challenge.<br /><br />Write in a journal (or a blog).<br /><br />Read inspiring quotes.<br /><br />Watch inspirational movies.<br /><br />Read motivational books.<br /><br />Find others who are motivational.<br /><br />Surround yourself with positive and healthy influences.<br /><br />NOT a diet - change of life.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65690426111291357282012-04-09T17:12:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:08:08.156-04:00Tale of the Scale & Arthritis Foundation Fundraiser Walk<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Fmebcknjk/T4NJILcGfVI/AAAAAAAABBQ/WBNL_RNWi2A/s1600/479606_12511160478610.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Fmebcknjk/T4NJILcGfVI/AAAAAAAABBQ/WBNL_RNWi2A/s1600/479606_12511160478610.jpg" /></a></div><div>So Saturday was my weigh in day for WW and I was up 2.2. I was so bummed and had a little pity party here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, I know - cry me a river. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday night I had a huge amount of mashed potato - they were from <a href="http://nutrisystem.com/" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> - but still - I had 2 containers.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was hungry. It happens.</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br />But it was also like dead weight in my stomach the next morning.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Today is my weigh in day for a walking challenge I am doing on <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/IrishChik" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a> and I am down 5.2 from Saturday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night I went to the hockey game and had 2 Guinness, a few bites of popcorn, a few almonds, and few chocolate covered pretzlels. I actually kept track with my phone app as I was eating/drinking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe its just taking my body longer to adjust to all of the walking and stuff. Who knows. But I will take the loss :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was my longest walk to date - 3.81 miles. Today I only made it 2.92. </div><div><br /></div><div>While scrolling through my Facebook feed this morning I saw a link for the Arthritis Foundation walk event. I decided since I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis earlier this year and have been following the foundation for exercise tips, that maybe a 3 mile fundraising walk was just what I needed to start my walking adventure. I know I can do 3 miles without any problems. So - I signed up. I know you guys can't walk with me (I wish you could & if you are in MI you are more than welcome to) but I am accepting donations! Here is my homepage for the <a href="http://2012flintwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1001066&lis=1&kntae1001066=0E254BC0D1784EFA907715BA608B9D0E&supId=356188765" target="_blank">Arthritis Foundation.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Slowly I am making my way through my <a href="http://discountmags.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel </a>magazines to plan my backpacking trip. I am not sure where to go yet, or even if my back is going to be able to handle the pack load - but I am giving it an honest effort. Big M and I were talking the other day about where we could go for our 1 day hike. We were thinking along the shorelines - most likely in our favorite little town of Tawas. Right now my focus is to get myself to 4 miles and just keep trucking along.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43531050262719573722012-04-09T11:00:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:07:16.729-04:00What You Eat<img src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.239800432.jpg" height="241" width="320" /><br /><br />What You Eat<br /><br />Writing down what you eat forces you to take notice.<br /><br />An old Weight Watchers saying I learned years ago really sticks with me and makes me conscious about what I am sticking in my mouth.<br /><i><br /></i><i> " If you bite it - write it!" ~ Anonymous </i><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a>Counting points has become a game for me. I start to think to myself "whats the MOST I can eat for the LEAST amount of points?" For me, counting points is <u>so</u> much easier than trying to keep up with calories. I know so many people count calories because it is free and so many tools are out there to help anyone willing to put forth the effort to use them. Even though I am a numbers girl, counting calories is just too much of a thought process. I need quick and easy or I am not going to stick with it. Plus, as you will see, not all calories are treated equally. I find that Weight Watchers helps me with finding the right balance and points are much smaller numbers to keep track of.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />I am learning with exercise I have to be consistent. It takes 21 days to make a change that becomes a habit. I started with 10 minutes a day as suggested by Sparkpeople and I made it a goal by writing it here on my blog (journaling). Now I am up to an hour of walking - almost daily.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>What small changes are you starting to make to form a habit?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32505718588979344982012-04-09T07:00:00.000-04:002012-04-11T15:46:38.465-04:00Freelancers - Home Business Magazine<img alt="Home Business Magazine Cover" height="400" src="http://www.magazinediscountcenter.com/images/prod_images/large/480.jpg" width="298" /><br /><br />When I first started my work from home career many years ago - this was one of the only home business magazines available. There was not much to it - and it was often available for free. I would read every issue from front to back, absorbing everything I could. I would research all of the companies they listed, brainstorm ideas, and network with the given connections. This was an indispensable tool for filling my brain with the necessary mindset and information to work at home.<br /><br />This is my first time seeing this magazine on sale - so thank you Discount Mags! This is one I will be taking advantage off - which is why I am passing it along to my fellow self-employed work from home persons. I hope you will find some value in it too. Normally $26.99 a year, this one is too good to pass up.<br /><br /><span class="sp-title" style="color: #343a6f; display: block; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Home Business Magazine Description</span><br /><div style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">HOME BUSINESS MAGAZINE is edited to cover various facets of the growing and dynamic 425 billion dollar home-based business market. It contains editorial by well known authorities on business operations, sales & marketing, the home office, franchising, business opportunities, network marketing, mail order and other subjects to help readers select and competently manage a home-based business. It also contains a home-based business directory, and information on high-tech, the Internet, computers and the future of home-based business. Home Office editorial includes product descriptions and management advice as well as business opportunities, franchising and work-from-home success stories.</div><div style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5170521-11033932" target="_top">Mon, Apr 9, Subscribe to Home Business Magazine, just $8.99/year from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 9283</a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-5170521-11033932" width="1" />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54841835812249699882012-04-08T18:14:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:06:27.609-04:00Hope You Enjoyed Your Easter Sunday<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZScsmiSKKc/UweO1DKo7wI/AAAAAAAAKoQ/PxEOAOQMqy0/s1600/blueegg+cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZScsmiSKKc/UweO1DKo7wI/AAAAAAAAKoQ/PxEOAOQMqy0/s1600/blueegg+cm.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Happy Easter Sunday - those who celebrate.<br />Passover for some of you.<br />Whatever you celebrated (or didn't) today - I hope it was a good one.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Today's photo is a blue Easter egg that lil m made last week. She was with her mother this weekend as this was her year to have lil m on Easter. Big M was on call today (oh, the joys of the medical field) and he did get called in. So - we cooked some steaks and shrimp (which he dropped on the driveway so we tossed them) on the grill. We also tossed some fish and chicken on there to eat later in the week. He left as soon as we were done eating.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />We did go for a walk early this morning - our best one yet. 3.81 miles. Poor Casey was so pooped out. She wrote a blog post today : <a href="http://cainstails.blogspot.com/2012/04/those-egg-things.html" target="_blank">Those Egg Things</a><br /><br />Spent a lot of time thinking about all of my websites and my projects. Where I want to go with them and how to get there. Trying to come up with some ideas to tie things together. I'm also hanging out on iStockPhoto checking in to some new backgrounds. While I enjoy the backgrounds I have for this site - I think I want something a little more personal.<br /><br />Anyway, I just wanted to say hello to everyone. I have to get myself out the door and to the event center for tonight's hockey game.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35037601451138283492012-04-07T11:27:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:02:06.187-04:00Tale of the Scale Weekly Check In April 7 - Anger Sets In<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-mzN478f1g/T3-Ilv6rijI/AAAAAAAABAI/RBZQKseq2ZQ/s1600/Workouts+Dashboard+++MapMyWALK.png"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-mzN478f1g/T3-Ilv6rijI/AAAAAAAABAI/RBZQKseq2ZQ/s320/Workouts+Dashboard+++MapMyWALK.png" height="286" width="320" /></a></div><br />Weekly Walk Total: 11.78 miles<br /><br />Weigh In Results: +2.2<br /><br />To say I am frustrated is putting it mildly. I was in my points every day. I did not eat all of my weekly extra allowance - nor did I eat my exercise points earned.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I <span style="text-decoration: underline;">was</span> so <b>proud</b> of myself for getting up every morning and going for a walk. I know some people are sitting there wondering what the big deal is about getting up and walking every day. Well, for me, it IS a big deal. For someone who suffers from major reoccurring depression, is overweight and deal with chronic pain on a daily basis (migraines, arthritis, disk disease) just getting up in the morning can be a daily struggle.<br /><br />Last week I was so excited, talking about my big backpacking dreams and now I am sitting here - at a huge loss for words because the last thing I expected was a GAIN.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />It's this same few pounds - over and over again. I am SO over it.<br /><br />It's somewhat humiliating. I am not so sure why I am so embarrassed. I just don't understand how for the past year - even with the help of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> - I can't get the scale to budge.<br /><br />Right now I am just so frustrated that I am feeling the "whats the point?" come to surface. May as well just eat what I want and stay in bed instead of getting up and going for a walk.<br /><br />I am going to have to come back to this post later.<br /><br />BTW - Big M is down 3.4 which is good for him since he had gained 5 since his last weigh in back in February.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21661197815394299552012-04-06T11:33:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:00:44.411-04:00I Finished " The Spark" by Chris Downie<div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00526IE6O/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00526IE6O"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00526IE6O&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I *thought* I had been writing about my progress through this book - but looking back through the posts it looks like I have not! BOO!!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's ok though. I did not really write down a lot of notes so I can quickly post them here.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Reasons Why</u></b></div><div>hips hurt</div><div>back hurts</div><div>paint shoots</div><div>bones grind</div><div>headaches</div><div>always tired</div><div>can't move around much</div><div>don't sleep well</div><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00526IE6O" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b><u>Getting Started</u></b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br />1. Set goals. (I did that here on a walk update)<br />2. Plan your time.<br />3. Reaffirm your focus.<br />4. Set up shop. ( I did that with my home "gym" here)<br />5. Learn about the foods you eat.<br /><br />Start with <b><u>3</u></b> small goals.<br />1. Just 10 mins of exercise five days a week. ( I am well over that now!)<br />2. Journal 1 page daily. (I am still working on this)<br />3. Drink 64oz water daily. (some days good, some not)<br /><br />Plan & Review/ Read & Reflect/ Exercise<br /><br /><b><u>TIP</u></b>: Create a visual college to help you stay motivated.<br />Yes! I did that on Pinterest. You can see my boards here : <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/" target="_blank">cmahan</a><br /><br /><b>What are some things that help keep you on track or goals you have made for yourself?</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50389716985439707952012-04-04T14:52:00.000-04:002012-04-04T14:52:11.283-04:00Win A Chance to Double Your Tax Refund<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=548&aff_id=7064&file_id=4030" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media.enimgs.net/brand/files/escalatenetwork/548/DWTaxContest300x250.gif" width="300" /></a><img height="1" src="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_i?offer_id=548&aff_id=7064&file_id=4030" width="1" /></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">DailyWorth is a free daily personal finance email for women. 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Now women can take control of their finances by signing up for DailyWorth.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Sign up & enter today! </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48887527008434504432012-04-03T18:18:00.000-04:002012-04-03T18:18:03.292-04:00Freelancers - Take Note! Free Tools You Can Use<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=302&aff_id=7064&file_id=4120" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media.enimgs.net/brand/files/escalatenetwork/302/VP300x250FreeRAL17350.gif" width="300" /></a><img height="1" src="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_i?offer_id=302&aff_id=7064&file_id=4120" width="1" /></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">140 FREE Return Address Labels! Here’s one product that no freelancer should ever be without – FREE return address labels from Vistaprint! They’re perfect for labeling everything you own! For the parent in you - lunch boxes and diaper bags to sippy cups. For the business owner in you - letters, envelopes, products, and brochures! </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The return address labels are not only bright, colorful and fun, but they’re also practical. Now moms can send their children off to school, camp or anywhere for that matter knowing that their child’s personal belongings are labeled clearly for all to see. Plus, they’re FREE. We pay the printing, you pay the shipping!</span><br /><br /><br="" at:="" starts="" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Shipping $3.50</br.shipping>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73504770520315573072012-04-02T20:40:00.001-04:002012-04-02T20:41:45.969-04:00Reminder, Tax day is 15 days from today! Free Tax Filing!<a href="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=454&aff_id=7064&file_id=3459" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media.enimgs.net/brand/files/escalatenetwork/454/HRBZipZeroZilch300x250.gif" width="300" /></a><img height="1" src="http://strk.enlnks.com/aff_i?offer_id=454&aff_id=7064&file_id=3459" width="1" /><br />Self Employed persons - Get started filing now, you only have a few days left to file.<br />With H&R Block At Home you can file for free (state extra) without having to drive into the office.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16920236566173713352012-04-01T15:35:00.000-04:002014-11-25T15:36:29.723-05:00Tax Credits for Going Green <div class="MsoNormal">The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided two tax incentives for taxpayers when they invest in energy-efficient products for their home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Going Green” in the taxable terms means taxpayers adopted environmental practices that help save energy or re-use certain recyclable material. Taxpayers who are homeowners are attracted to the “going green” concept because they can incorporate the environmentally friendly systems in their homes and not worry about the high costs of installation thanks to the tax incentives. These incentives are subject to change, but often fall into several categories.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">”Homeowners can receive a credit rate of ten percent of the cost of qualified efficient improvements. These improvements include things such as; insulation, new energy efficient windows, doors, some roofs, and furnaces,” as stated by the IRS. There is a lifetime limit of $500 on the credit, only $200 of which can be used for windows. Sadly, the labor cost does not count toward the total cost of the item.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If the homeowner put in a high efficiency heating and cooling system, water heater, or a stove that burns biomass fuel, then and only then is the labor cost included in the total purchase price for the credit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">This credit equals thirty percent of the cost of what the homeowner paid for a “solar electric system, solar hot water heater, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines, and fuel cell property,” as listed by IRS. There is no cap for the amount of credit. Labor costs can be included in the total purchase price for the credit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Either of these credits will be reported on Form 5695 Residential Energy Credits to be filed with the Form 1040 income tax return.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not all energy-efficient home improvements will qualify for these tax credits. Taxpayers will need to check the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement prior to purchase. Homebuyers can find this information on the website or product packaging. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Exemptions & Inventives</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Credits are not the only source of “money-back” reasons for going green. Exemptions are alternatives to tax credits. Exemptions allow homeowners to exempt certain green items like solar systems from taxes completely. When it comes to exemptions, taxpayers are usually given the choice of credit or exemption. Taxpayers should pick the one that offers them the best tax benefit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Incentives come from manufacturers and some states. Many manufacturers will offer discounts and rebates to those willing to purchase their brand of energy saving product. Check the manufacturing website for details. Many home improvement centers have a list of such rebates and may offer immediate cash back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">State incentives will vary by state and generally follow federal rules. Some states offer credits and deductions while others offer nothing. Check with your local state income tax department for what your state allows. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have any questions you can contact your local IRS office or visit the website at IRS.gov</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Resources</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">IRS: Energy Incentives for Individuals in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act</div><div class="MsoNormal">IRS: Form 5695 Residential Energy Credits</div><div class="MsoNormal">J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2013: For Preparing Your 2012 Tax Return</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60824594879535970492012-03-29T11:10:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:31:38.793-04:00Ideal Retirement Size Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSr6MyJvUUY/T3SzlEh0YhI/AAAAAAAAA-A/BJpfkBSsv0Y/s1600/7D5291D723E6AB4AE9EB0A7FC7059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSr6MyJvUUY/T3SzlEh0YhI/AAAAAAAAA-A/BJpfkBSsv0Y/s320/7D5291D723E6AB4AE9EB0A7FC7059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses/bodega/">http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses/bodega/</a><br /><br />This is the cutest home ever and I want one all to myself. :)Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38369223141751999972012-03-29T09:26:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:31:02.780-04:00Why I Would Go Small - 10 ReasonsIf it came down to it - there are reasons why I would live in a tiny home on wheels.<br /><br />1. Reduce clutter and "things"<br />2. Less clutter means less waste<br />3. Get out of debt<br />4. Freedom to move anywhere<br />5. Reduction in bills - house payment, land payment, utilities<br />6. Reduction in bills = work less hours<br />7. Reduction in bills - MORE money to do the things we WANT to do<br />8. Less to clean<br />9.<br />10.<br /><br />I do wonder though - when I am 75-80 years old - how will I be able to climb up and down those ladders to the loft safely? That is something I have stopped to think about quite often.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17648330308589659592012-03-28T20:48:00.001-04:002012-03-28T20:48:41.155-04:00Sleeper' Run by Henry Mosquera<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615505449/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0615505449"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0615505449&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0615505449" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am so embarrassed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started to read this book shortly after receiving it, then had homework, projects, and 16 other books dumped into my lap. Somehow this review got lost in the shuffle. I am extremely organized so I am still unsure how that happened. I should have posted this weeks ago. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I started reading, my first thought was a Liam Neeson movie I watched recently called <i><u>Unknown</u></i><u> </u>where a man wake up from a coma to find out no one believes he is who he says - even his wife. The rest of the movie is spent with his character pushing to prove his identity. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Eric Caine is also having trouble remembering in the Miami-Dade VA hospital. There is no recollection of a car accident, but there is recollection of a bar fight and <i>Arabic</i>? </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It should be noted that the author attended college at the University of Miami and is from Venezuela so it is no surprise that is the location written into the storyline of Sleeper’s Run.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is hard to write a review for special op, CIA related novels for fear of giving away too much and ruining it for the next person choosing to read it. Some people don’t mind a few spoilers here and there, they feel it adds more to the book allowing them to constantly question - “when?” But- because this novel is so fast paced and centered around one main character instead of a team of ops, I find it best if I keep the story plots, twists, turns, and page-turners to myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Eric figures there is something fishy going on surrounding his black-out and strange events. In pursuit of answers he somehow finds himself in Venezuela and in time meets a wonderful young lady who claims to be a part of the same secret group he’s found himself a part of. He wants to get closer to her but he has to flee the country. He is no longer safe and no longer able to hide. He is not safe, neither are his secrets. </div><div class="MsoNormal">What happens next just might shock you. Things are not always what they appear to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Amazon Description:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>War on Terror veteran, Eric Caine, is found wandering the streets of Miami with no memory of the car accident that left him there. Alone and suffering from PTSD, Eric is on a one-way road to self-destruction. Then a chance meeting at a bar begins a series of events that helps Eric start anew. When his new job relocates him to Venezuela-the land of his childhood-things, however, take an ominous turn as a catastrophic event threatens the stability of the country. Now Eric must escape an elite team of CIA assassins as he tries to uncover an international conspiracy in which nothing is what it seems.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a readers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. I am being paid for the review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><br /><br />Authors Website: <a href="http://www.sleepers-run.com/" target="_blank">Sleeper's Run</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13837842397746328222012-03-28T18:43:00.001-04:002012-03-28T18:52:12.555-04:00Journey to Virginland by Armen Melikian<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935097512/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1935097512"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1935097512&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1935097512" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Journey to Virginland by Armen Melikian</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not philosophical.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I try to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not a scientist, or a mathematician, despite working on a Masters degree.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t read a lot of sci-fi -futuristic type novels.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I try to be open minded about them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I requested to be a part of the read and review group for Journey to Virginland Epistle 1, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">None.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">At first it was really hard for me to get a grasp on. I was intrigued by this life of Dog and the quest for life and its meaning. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I like to think myself intelligent so please don’t let this steer you away from reading this novel. You might enjoy it. For the record, it wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy it, it was more that I did/could not enjoy it as much as I had hoped. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was for me personally, a difficult read. I read it. Taking the words for nothing more than surface value. If I strayed from that I was going from book to Nook Tablet to laptop trying to do a little research in order to connect the dots on what I thought was real vs. what was purely fiction. I felt because I was not a philosophy, religion, or history major I just didn’t get some of the remarks that were made. Because of this I did not have a full grasp of the story being told. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite that, the story was still amazing, at least what I could understand. It was completely intriguing, and I was so excited to read it because the publisher’s description painted a very vivid picture. It really made me wonder what life would be like in the future. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, it might seem I am a bit torn. I liked it, even though I did not understand a lot of it, but I did grasp the general idea. I didn’t like it because it made me feel ridiculous about questioning my own intelligence. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Authors Website</b> : <a href="http://journeytovirginland.com/" target="_blank">Journey to Virginland</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">At turns heartbreaking and diabolically funny, Journey to Virginland is a tour de force, delivered by a master storyteller.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">The protagonist, a loutish and uber-cerebral antihero known simply as Dog, takes on the challenge to navigate the perilous paradigm shifts of our age, determined to find his proper place under the sun. Is he doomed to failure? Or will he pull it off by heeding his own irreducible voice, given the ebb of the old certainties?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Dog pursues the answer unrelentingly, through an impassioned quest for identity and meaning. He revisits his relationships with women, family, literature, and homeland, in the process illuminating his journey with commentaries on history, religion, politics, and culture that unravel our very fabric.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Marked by biting satire and tappings into lushest scholarship, Dog's naked critique touches on some of the most pressing issues facing humanity: the arrogance of empire and organized religion, the persistence of bigotry, xenophobia, and social Darwinism, the double standards of sexual politics, the bankrupt rationale behind patriotism and state propaganda, and hypercapitalism and consumerism, among others.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">An ocean of struggles and epiphanies takes Dog to a spiritual ground zero called Virginland, where the story unfolds. It is also in Virginland that Dog unearths an ancient calendar based on a cosmic worldview. His discovery reveals the mythological underpinnings of the Zodiac, subverting the current conventional wisdom about the subject. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">What emerges from the protagonist's odyssey is not only a cogent depiction </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">of what makes us tick, but, as day follows night, a dazzling new vista for social and spiritual transformation.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">With its vibrant style, thematic breadth, and, ultimately, unfettered sense of humanity, Journey to Virginland establishes itself as a groundbreaking literary enterprise and a true original. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from as part of book review program. I was not required to write a positive review, however this is a paid review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42607320427892285532012-03-28T10:55:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:17:07.549-04:00Poetry in Motion: A Darkness Inside<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E-fAVVA_nH4/TMfOKZUHYjI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/iIiy91YS2E0/s1600/darkness.jpg" height="383" width="511" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I carry a darkness inside</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">something I always try to hide</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">although, I don't know why.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">'Tis a beautiful thing, you see.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Provides me with warmth an comfort</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">shelters me from the storms.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">No need for alarm.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It means me no harm.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I welcome it with open arms.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It engulfs me</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">swells my heart</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">sometimes so over-bearing</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I fall apart.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Down on my knees,</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">screaming, "Please -</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">why must you pain me so?"</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">(C)C.M.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24815626692116367312012-03-28T10:26:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.212-04:00My First Step to Downsize : Want Vs. Need<img alt="" src="http://girldoesgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/iPad3-2.jpg" /><br /><br />We live in a world of "I want" instead of "I need." I have fallen victim to that many times. I tend to be extremely frugal in my purchases of "needs" so that every so often I can purchase a "want."<br /><br />I am not a materialistic person by any means. A few years ago I left my ex-husband with the things I brought into the marriage. Myself, my clothes, <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/">my dogs,</a> and the bed set my mother purchased for me when I was in college at the age of 21. I loaded up a U-Haul and away I went - 1000 miles away to where I am now.<br /><br />One thing I did keep - my original U2 iPod. It was the only treasure he purchased for me that I kept.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />Over the last few years I have kept all of the clothes I have outgrown - knowing someday I will shrink back into them. I use everything until it falls apart. I shop sales, but mostly stick to places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill. It is RARE I purchase anything new.<br /><br />I've been this way my whole life. I learned at a young age I would rather take my $10 and buy 3 things than go to a mall and have to borrow money from my mom just to buy one thing. I guess it has stayed with me in life.<br /><br />Insert new husband here.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gadget freak.</span><br /><br />Our very first Christmas together I purchased the first generation iPod Touch as one of his Christmas presents. A few months later he purchased one for me. Touch 2. New relationship, new iPod, and my lack for "things" resulted in my selling of the U2 iPod.<br /><br />My Touch 2 then turned into the latest release Touch 3. He sold his original, I gave him my Touch 2.<br /><br />Oh, it gets better. Last year for Valentines I finally got rid of my Virgin Mobile (which, I LOVED) cheap prepaid cell phone and went for the iPhone 4. His old Touch 2 and my old cell phone were immediately sold and he received my Touch 3 - which he still has and I still have my phone.<br /><br />I LOVE my phone.<br /><br />Now - I <span style="text-decoration: underline;">want</span> to get an iPad.<br /><br />It all starts again. For my birthday he bought me the Original Nook ereader when it became available. I used it all the time. This past Christmas he upgraded and bought me the new Nook Tablet, which I love, but I have been so busy working on my Masters degree that I have not had much time to play with it. Now the new iPad has been released and I would love to be able to read Kindle and Nook on it. I can work on it. It's easier to take around than my laptop. I have so many reasons to convince myself why I want it - but I am having a hard time convincing myself that I need it.<br /><br /><strong>Want vs. Need.</strong><br /><br />It will get you - every time.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5071364035853802652012-03-28T10:09:00.000-04:002014-10-03T21:11:36.243-04:00Ebb & Flow<br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I have a new muse</span><br /><br />don't you know?<br /><br />Listen to me rattle,<br /><br />or is that ebb and flow?<br /><br /><br /><br />That old familiar feeling<br /><br />has perched outside my door<br /><br />leaving me bound and twisted-<br /><br /><strong>agony</strong> on the floor.<br /><br /><br /><br />"Why have you come back to me?"<br /><br />I ask, over and over again.<br /><br />"Where all the other times not enough for you?"<br /><br />All I get is a twisted grin.<br /><br /><br /><br />That feeling -<br /><br />I have felt too many times before.<br /><br />I just want to run<br /><br />run fast,<br /><br />right out that door.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please,<br /><br />stop coming for me.<br /><br />Just let me live my life.<br /><br />I don't want anymore worries<br /><br />or all the constant strife.<br /><br /><br /><br />In my ear is chanting,<br /><br />Run.<br /><br />Run free my girl.<br /><br />You will never be allowed,<br /><br />to live in a normal world.<br /><br /><br /><br />It's your destiny,<br /><br />can't you see?<br /><br />Confusion,<br /><br />despair,<br /><br /><strong>agony.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />(C) Chrystal MahanChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53469714110199033172012-03-27T15:21:00.000-04:002012-03-27T15:21:23.509-04:00Writer's Digest Grammar Desk Reference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://images.fwbookstore.com/popup/X3957.jpg" width="266" /></div><br /><br /><br />It does not matter what sort of writer you are - whether you write books for publication or you write for clients to produce content. We all need help with our grammar. One of the things I purchased years ago was the Writer's Digest Grammar Desk Reference. If you don't have one - I suggest you grab your copy. I find having a book in front of me is a lot more helpful than trying to surf the internet for answers. Plus, I just love writing books.<br /><br />Writers Digest is currently having a sale on this precious little gem - <a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/traffic_affiliate.php?lc=052549044950004631&lcpt=0&lcpf=3" target="_blank">Writer's Digest Grammar Desk Reference<img border="0" height="1" src="http://www.linkconnector.com/traffic_record.php?lc=052549044950004631" width="1" /></a> - <span style="color: red;">35% OFF</span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: red;">Until March 31, 2012 you can take an additional 15% OFF your entire order with the code </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><b>WDGAFF15</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/traffic_affiliate.php?lc=052549039353004631&lcpt=0&lcpf=3" target="_blank"><img alt="Writers Digest Shop" border="0" src="http://www.linkconnector.com/traffic_record.php?lc=052549039353004631" /></a></center>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12597862348717279322012-03-24T09:47:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.171-04:00#Smash365 Torn Piece of Paper<h3><img alt="paper heart" src="http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af284/xNightdreamer2195x/pic.jpg" /></h3><span style="background-color: white;"><b>A torn bit of paper reveals part of an intriguing message.</b></span><br /><br /><div><br /><div>Want to respond to this prompt? Leave a link or comment below.</div><br /></div><br /><div></div><span style="background-color: white;">This was in my email a few weeks ago. I have been thinking about it for quite some time. I wanted to go ahead and post it, more so as a reminder to myself to finish up what I started. I am actually doing pencil to paper for this one!</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67483083900385062982012-03-22T16:48:00.000-04:002015-02-16T17:02:42.092-05:00Facing My Demons. Facing My Reality.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0zzyRwm0Cg/T2otOA4RfDI/AAAAAAAAA7E/qnEimKly5lQ/s1600/6a00e008d9577088340147e2a3faa1970b-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0zzyRwm0Cg/T2otOA4RfDI/AAAAAAAAA7E/qnEimKly5lQ/s1600/6a00e008d9577088340147e2a3faa1970b-800wi.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />St. Patrick's Day weekend was a lot of fun. I was able to get away and unwind for three days. I watched TV, had some good food, logged some miles, got some writing done, and just relaxed. But the weekend also gave me a dose of reality. <a name='more'></a><br /><br />There are some things I have been hiding for quite a while. Just how bad things have become. I am embarrassed and ashamed (and that is putting it lightly). I worked so hard all those years ago on Weight Watchers to get fit and healthy. Making Lifetime was such a proud moment for me. Now here I am, weight is all back and then some. My back is in a constant state of pain. My right hip is not much better and now my left hip is following close behind. <br /><br /><br />The pain constantly triggers my migraines and it is like this endless cycle of pain. The arthritis (OMG I am only 36!!) is only a small portion of the things to come if I don't get my weight down. I just don't know why its so hard this time. My clothes are tight, I only have a few things that fit. It's even harder for me to go out in public. I am angry that I let myself get this far with the problem. I just can't seem to break free from it. <br /><br /><br />I do not have full length mirrors in our home. Not because I don't want them. We just don't have them. It's not like I meant to hide from myself. But standing in front of a hotel mirror trying to get ready - well - there is nowhere to hide in that bathroom. So, there I was for all to see. Well, not all. Just me. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. All this time I have felt crooked because I am. My right side is shorter due to the back and hip problems but I never realized you could SEE it.<div><br /> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/6/1/l610329191.jpg" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br /><br /><br />Not that I like posting photos of myself on the internet like this, but I figure its no worse than a bathing suit. I am mortified that I am even posting this, but I want to be able to show everyone just how bad things are for me. People from my past, they have a the old me to compare it to. People in my life now can compare it to the "me" from just a year ago because it was not this bad this time last year. <br /><br /><br />If you look on the right, follow the lines down my hips you will see on the right their is a larger blob (I say its fat) than on the left. When you push on it, it feel weird. Not like the fat pocket on the other side. When I push harder, it hurts the spots on my back and hip that are associated with the other ailments. Big M thinks that my right side has a muscle strain because it has to work harder. My mom thinks I have cysts. Either way - it LOOKS GROSS.<div><br /> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/5/8/l583865744.jpg" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><br />Putting myself out there is not thrilling - AT ALL. But I feel like it is all part of my healing process, both mentally and physically. <br /><br /><br /><br />The weight is putting a strain on my body. I have to get my crap together and get my weight down. <br /><br /><br /><br />I am trying to avoid weight loss surgery. <br /><br /><br /><br />I am just trying to get back to goal. </div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22062079563016452822012-03-17T11:36:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:23:53.266-04:00Chasing a Dream to a Tiny Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5lTQzDOSsNk/T3DDitZwO7I/AAAAAAAAA9I/KqEY6KdLYdM/s1600/vw_split_screen_coca_cola_camper_van.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5lTQzDOSsNk/T3DDitZwO7I/AAAAAAAAA9I/KqEY6KdLYdM/s320/vw_split_screen_coca_cola_camper_van.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(the cutest bug ever)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I have way too many websites. But, I really don't mind. They each have a purpose. Just like this one. I have a dream. It's a simple dream. Honest. I want to downsize to tiny living. When I was younger I always talked about retiring to a RV and traveling the U.S. Later in life I developed a love for the VW Van. While I feel the VW van is out of my reach, tiny living and tiny travel may not be.<br /><br />So, that is what this blog is going to be about. My success (and failures) on my attempt to downsize and write my way to a tiny living lifestyle.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">For the record: </span>I would be just fine with a tiny living writer's retreat (office space) to call my own. I am very much a "needs my own space" sort of person.<br /><br />Maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to get rid of all my debt - own my VW van and travel - living in my tiny home on wheels.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29005587364116850112012-03-16T09:32:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.227-04:00I've been so busy. My poor website.<div class="mceTemp"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60099233@N00/1208131910" target="_blank"><img alt="St Patrick's" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="180" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1319/1208131910_72221c44e0_m.jpg" title="St Patrick's" width="240" /></a><br /><br />I have been so busy this past week that I have neglected my website. I went to some St. Patrick parties <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/2012/03/st-patricks-day-homemade-shamrock.html">last weekend </a>then<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/2012/03/happy-st-patricks-day.html"> this week </a>I have been putting the finishing touches on two books that are about to be published. Now here it is the weekend & I am going out of town for a writers retreat/St Patricks Day getaway. Things should slow down soon. I will be glad.<br /><br /><strong>Do you have any big weekend plans!</strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6393208502190972022012-03-14T13:20:00.001-04:002012-03-14T13:31:20.447-04:00It's A Bit Dusty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZeJPYITWz0/T2DSiJScGdI/AAAAAAAAA48/GQ36zzRwddQ/s1600/WelcomeChocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZeJPYITWz0/T2DSiJScGdI/AAAAAAAAA48/GQ36zzRwddQ/s320/WelcomeChocolate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I first started this website I really wanted to write and get paid. I wanted to build this great site where people would flock to read my advice and maybe....just maybe...click an affiliate link and purchase and item or two.<br /><br />One thing I learned....I am not a very good affiliate. I might toss a link here and there of something I have tried, but that's about it. I can't market like others do. Blogging to me is writing and socializing. Building a website sounds more like work than it does fun. I have enough work. I need more fun.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I had also intended to write my own ebook regarding my experience with freelancing/working from home. There was also the possibility to write a self employment tax manual based on my now defunct tax website.<br />I have been writing. Polishing off old stories and self-publishing. I am also in the middle of writing a self-employment tax manual.<br /><br /> I started to grow tired of writing about writing. Not only that by the onslaught of work at home and mommy blogs started to saturate the blog channels I was surfing and pushing my own content. I know the internet is big enough for all of us, but when you have 50 blogs all recycling the same content and we are all pushing toward the same readers....yes...it <b>IS</b> overkill.<br /><br />Not only did it make me want to vomit, I am pretty sure some others followed my lead and focused on another niche.<br /><br />I went towards taxes, being Irish, and everything in between. Having one niche has never been my forte. I started blogging because I liked the social aspect of it and well....I talk a lot.<br /><br />Lately I find myself bored of the same old recycled information and I just don't want to post that here. I thought about posting writing gigs here, but again, so many of those sites exist it just seems pointless. I had planned on writing about my residual income experience, but graduate school is taking up all of my free time and then some so I have had ZERO time to really focus on my residual income sites.<br /><br />Technically I am a self-employed writer. I am working out an outline on where I want to take this blog. It needs a new direction and a new attitude. It might take some time, but it will get done.<br /><br />I am still writing for money. Not much for content sites. More copy for private clients. Working on books. More of my income is starting to come from internet and social media marketing. I love it. So much so I have been leaning towards that with my graduate studies. Who knew that spending time on all these social sites for the last 10 years could really amount to something!<br /><br />If you really want to see what I am up to - writing books/talking about being a survivor and life - you can see me on <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a>, or you can fallow my food/health/life/photo site - <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">More to Life than Chocolate.</a><br /><br />If you are interesting in some writing opportunities - here are a few posts I wrote:<br /><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/writing-opportunity-wizzley.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunity: Wizzley</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/writing-opportunity-seekyt.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunity: Seekyt</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/writing-opportunities-factoidz.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunities: Factoidz</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/01/writing-opportunity-fire-how.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunity: Fire How</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/writing-opportunity-sumo-content.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunity: Sumo Content</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=27832f00-3491-443a-be4a-34816af0fead" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69569940390552763102012-03-12T14:35:00.000-04:002012-03-12T14:35:28.127-04:00More Beauty, Less Beast : Transforming Your Inner Orge<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616263474/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1616263474"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1616263474&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1616263474" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Transforming Your Inner Ogre<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It has been some time since I read a book that actually spoke to me. It has also been some time since I read a “self-help” book for that reason. When you had to grow up in life different from other little girls, your outlook on life tends to be a bit skewed.</div><div class="MsoNormal">'</div><div class="MsoNormal">For those interested in that story you can read : <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/05/14/my-survivor-story/" target="_blank">MySurvivor Story</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We all have that inner beast inside. Sometimes she screams loudly, sometimes just a faint whisper. But she is there; ready to bark when it’s time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">From the cover: <i> “with her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that out-of-control inner ogre that threatens to destroy the beautiful princess hidden within. In More Beauty, Less Beast, women will find practical tips for inner and outer beauty—refashioned, revitalized, and renewed.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reading a Debra Coty book is like sitting around your living room (or dining room table) sharing snacks and tea (or coffee) with your best friends. Sharing all of the ups and downs in life, laughing through it all. She has a way of reaching out to readers, making them feel as if they are long lost best friends and she can related to everything you are going through. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started laughing with the very first chapter title; Beauty Can Be Such a Crock. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why yes, yes it can. And it’s not very often I hear someone say something is a “crock!” I started laughing right away and pretty much laughed through the whole book while underlining, highlighting, and making mental notes (OMGoodness she is talking about ME again!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One such story was her personal account of being a label-conscious teenager and how she would take the designer labels off of a worn-out piece of hand-me-down item and sew that label on to her own and proudly wear it to school. When that item would wear out, she would remove the label, only to attach it to another shirt or pair of jeans. Sadly, I was victim to the label game. There was no way my mother was going to dish out $50 for a pair of jeans, so when I was able to find those jeans at an outlet store for $9, she did not hesitate to purchase these jeans. But when I gained or lost weight, or the jeans wore out, I did the same thing as the author. Removed, replaced, reused. I was victim to the stereotype that clothes made the person, not the person making the person.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have since outgrown that phase. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Real friends don’t notice the labels, nor do they care.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The hardest thing in life sometimes is accepting and loving yourself as-is. This book sets out to tackle those things, one giggle at a time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/12-pearls-of-christmas-debora-mcoty.html" target="_blank">12 Pearls of Christmas: Debora M.Coty</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9b2ca4af-61d0-4764-a672-9fc2b2d39f8c" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38536509199148236232012-03-12T13:29:00.000-04:002014-07-03T18:12:08.406-04:00What My Kitchen Looked Like on Nutrisystem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is how my kitchen used to look at the end of every month when UPS would stop by and drop off my Nutrisystem food. I still have a lot of these items in inventory because Big M was not following the program as he should. Being on the road, he had a hard time eating a lot of the lunches. Then, there were the nights we went out to eat. Oh! And hey! The weekend we cook with lil m. It is not going bad though. I am slowly chipping away at it. As I do, I am finding supermarket items that are comparable. That way I can stay within the dietary guidelines and WW points. I think I am doing a pretty good job so far. This first photo is of the breakfast protein shakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyV4R8sg35o/T1kW4Uih6OI/AAAAAAAAAxU/61KkbWzY_Y4/s1600/IMG_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyV4R8sg35o/T1kW4Uih6OI/AAAAAAAAAxU/61KkbWzY_Y4/s320/IMG_0832.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="" name="more"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what my cabinet looks like:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Og9nfLIk9lQ/T1kW6BrqEbI/AAAAAAAAAxc/825GSDMK5Yc/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Og9nfLIk9lQ/T1kW6BrqEbI/AAAAAAAAAxc/825GSDMK5Yc/s320/IMG_0833.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> These boxes are stacked on top of the dog cages out of Casey's reach:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6KxSW6s69s/T1kW7vrkp7I/AAAAAAAAAxk/Anb1A_pwsqk/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6KxSW6s69s/T1kW7vrkp7I/AAAAAAAAAxk/Anb1A_pwsqk/s320/IMG_0834.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />More on the dog cage - that used to be where Cain and Casey slept at night. Casey won't sleep there since <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/2012/02/sorry-to-have-to-say-good-bye.html" target="_blank">Cain passed away</a> so I guess I am going to have to move the kennels out of the living room soon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBIk9dM9NIM/T1kW9GJcEuI/AAAAAAAAAxs/YhNf2iAsAv0/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBIk9dM9NIM/T1kW9GJcEuI/AAAAAAAAAxs/YhNf2iAsAv0/s320/IMG_0835.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6821609064128052382012-03-12T11:42:00.000-04:002013-10-30T18:23:20.866-04:00My First Tiny Home Purchase<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Znu82Wv84sA/T3DGBmHqF-I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/cdq3bei56QM/s1600/Lego_bus.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Znu82Wv84sA/T3DGBmHqF-I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/cdq3bei56QM/s320/Lego_bus.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />(Yes, it's Lego - but - a reminder of my dream.)<br /><br />Yesterday I went to the Lego store with my family. My step-daughter had some allowence so she purchased a few things from the friends line. Since we only see her on weekends, she had quite a bit saved up. Her father picked out a few sets from the City line. I picked this as my special treat. I don't normally spend $100 on toys, or even on myself for that matter. But, I knew I had to have it.<br /><br />The VW Van of my dreams is now mine. If Lego's are the only way I am going to have my tiny home of my dreams right now, then so be it.<br /><br />BTW- as of yet, I have not put the VW Van together. I will - soon!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77188276213790970072012-03-10T13:15:00.000-05:002013-08-13T16:16:53.668-04:00My Love/Hate with Cooking Light<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PXVZW2/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002PXVZW2"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B002PXVZW2&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002PXVZW2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />I have a real love/hate with <a href="http://discountmags.com/" target="_blank">Cooking Light</a> magazine. I love it. I love looking at the wonderful food they prepared and made "just-so" in order to have a artist come in and make the food look presentable enough for the magazine shoot. (Hello! I watch Jerseylicious. I saw how Tracy made the food pretty!)<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I get it. I understand why they do it. You want to appeal to your audience.<a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />Well, there is one thing wrong with that. My food NEVER turns out like the picture. It used to piss me off. Seriously. I would get so frustrated thinking there was something wrong with my dish because it did not look pretty so therefor it must taste like crap.<br /><br />Those days are over. I am taking control of this situation. My food IS good and in its own way, its PRETTY!<br /><br /><strike>So, that is sort of how this website came to be.</strike><br /><br /><b><i>UPDATE - 8/13/13 - that is why I created my new website. I want to learn to take better pictures - despite how my food looks. I want to take the time to make my food to look the best it can be. Join me on <a href="http://yumeating.com/">YUMeating.com</a></i></b><br /><br /><strike>I wanted to have a place where I <b>wanted</b> to write. I am tired of trying to force myself to write for niches that I have grown tired of because they are what I already do for a living. I wanted to create a space where I was free to be me and talk about all of the things I love. Food. Family. Photos. Budget. Health. Nothing sugar coated for money-making. It is what it is. I might burp loudly. I might still be in my jammies. I may not even wash my hair (gasp), but I will just be me.</strike><br /><br />I won't be writing much there. Mostly photos and recipes!<br /><br />The other thing I don't like about Cooking Light magazine is the fact that their are a lot of ingredients that either 1) I cant find or 2) cost way too much for me to rationalize its purchase. (Update - this still is true. But the pictures are still great.)<br /><br />I have a feeling I am not the only one out there who feels this way.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What are your thoughts on Cooking Light Magazine?</span></b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79712351600296133782012-03-05T15:38:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.380-04:00#Smash365 The FreezeUse these words in whatever you create today: fiction, essay, poem, journal, blog, photograph, art.<br /><h2> long</h2><br /><h2> current</h2><br /><h2> attraction</h2><br /><h2> freezing</h2><br /><h2> pass</h2><br /><br /><br />I long for this <strong>current</strong> situation to <strong>pass.</strong> There is no longer a hint of mutual <strong>attraction</strong>. There is attraction, but it is no longer mutual. It just isn’t. I contemplate my thoughts. I’m <strong>freezing</strong>. Grab the fleece blanket sitting next to me. Wondering how <strong>long </strong>am I going to have to wait. Wait for the change to come. I’ll just continue to sip my tea. Waiting. Feeling the warmth.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20592340238791856362012-03-05T07:16:00.016-05:002012-03-12T13:37:06.696-04:00More Beauty, Less Beast from Debora Coty Blog Tour BeginsCome back on the 13th for my review!<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Transform Your Inner Ogre with a $150 Visa Cash Card from @DeboraCoty!<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Using Biblical advice and her trademark humor, Debora Coty urges women to conquer guilt and re-institute hope in <em>More Beauty, Less Beast</em>. Celebrate with Debora by entering to win a $150 Visa Cash Card!</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/f9/FileItem-224452-300MBLB.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>One "beautiful" winner will receive:</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><div class="MsoNormal"></div><li><strong>A $150 Visa Cash Card </strong><em>(Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)</em></li><div class="MsoNormal"></div><li><strong>A Debora Coty Library</strong><i> (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope</i>)</li><div class="MsoNormal"></div><li><strong>Chocolate</strong> <em>(Every good things begins with chocolate!)</em></li><div class="MsoNormal"></div></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12.</strong> Winner will be announced at <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/174239979355429" target="_blank">Debora's "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party on 3/22</a></strong>. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! <strong>She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes:</strong> gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><br /></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>So grab your copy of <i>More Beauty, Less Beast </i>and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 22nd for an evening of fun.</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><table align="center" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/200151" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/60/FileItem-74865-email_icon.png" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/200151" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/1a/FileItem-74866-Facebook_icon300x300.png" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/200151/entries/new" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/07/FileItem-74867-Twitter_button.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don't miss a moment of the fun. <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/174239979355429" target="_blank">RSVP TODAY</a></strong> and tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/200151/invites/new%20" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/200151" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!</div></h3><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div></div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/12-pearls-of-christmas-debora-mcoty.html" target="_blank">12 Pearls of Christmas: Debora M.Coty</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=4e70457e-cf13-4ecc-96d4-5721de05058a" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57525779755217360802012-02-29T20:51:00.000-05:002012-05-03T14:01:30.164-04:00101 Tips for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Amy Barth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsbjLBLTjbM/T07St2Bm6HI/AAAAAAAAAuM/okVR0vSkkqQ/s1600/102501796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsbjLBLTjbM/T07St2Bm6HI/AAAAAAAAAuM/okVR0vSkkqQ/s320/102501796.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932690948/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1932690948">101 Tips For Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Pocket Book of Wisdom</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1932690948" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><br /><div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Because the book is about sexual abuse survivorship, I felt it best suited to be reviewed on my personal author site, Chrystal Mahan, where I talk more opening about my childhood sexual abuse.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">~Chrystal~</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/recovering-self-journal-of-hope-and.html" target="_blank">Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. IV. No. 1) -- Focus on Abuse Recovery</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=5c1842b6-ef79-4b9a-a1f6-9fbd755ade83" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12837319805325922102012-02-29T18:29:00.003-05:002012-02-29T18:46:16.969-05:00The Scent of the Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBG4OiA66ig/T060IYyw53I/AAAAAAAAAuE/rTC_AJpnTIw/s1600/159187909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBG4OiA66ig/T060IYyw53I/AAAAAAAAAuE/rTC_AJpnTIw/s320/159187909.JPG" width="207" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I have read some other <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/01/keeper-by-suzanne-woods-fisher.html" target="_blank">Amish themed novels in the past</a>, and this is my second by Cindy Woodsmall. I quite enjoyed this cute, simple, fun novel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Annie Martin has taken an oath to the Plain ways of her grandfather’s Old Order Mennonites. After a night of arguing with her mother and the constant feel of miscommunication between her and her brothers, Annie has gone to live with her grandfather, Daadi Moses in the town known as Apple Ridge. Apple Ridge is known for its Old Order Amish community and even though they may get along in eyes sight, behind closed doors there are lines and customs one must never cross. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">When Annie sees her old friend Aden, feelings come to surface that she never knew existed. If she continues the relationship, she shames her family and Aden could lose everything for his family. The two continue to meet in secret. Meanwhile, a love is blooming with Adens brother Roman. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This story will make you laugh, it may make you cry, but it is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hubpag048b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00540NW8S" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/christmas-singing-by-cindy-woodsmall.html" target="_blank">The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=53e2d2e5-2942-4fc9-b935-6d57a02a3349" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47605220788322654652012-02-29T15:48:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.273-04:00101 Tips for Survivors of Sexual Abuse<br /><br /> <img alt="101 Tips For Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Pocket Book of Wisdom" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519x6a%2BFjqL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932690948/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1932690948">101 Tips For Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Pocket Book of Wisdom</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1932690948" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>A Pocket Book of Wisdom</b><br /><br />It’s no big secret that I am a survivor of sexual abuse. I’ve written about it a few times in the past.<br /><br />The cover of this book is vibrant and just pops out at you. I have always been a fan of great covers (see me rave about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/book-review-two-tickets-to-christmas.html" target="_blank">one on a Christmas book</a>) because sometimes despite the authors honest efforts and our parents telling us “never to judge a book by its cover,” we still do.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />It’s a soft cover and only twenty-four pages in length, but it’s not meant to be a novel. This book is meant to be portable. Whip it out, pick a number and read.<br /><br />I did not do that. Instead I read the entire thing, all 101 tips in one evening.<br /><br />Some of it might be common sense, or something a therapist might say, but it’s still the truth and a survivor still needs to remember a few key things.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A few of my favorites were:</span><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><strong>13. You don’t need to prove anything to anybody.</strong><br /><br />This is something I have to tell myself on a daily basis. I feel like I have to prove, not only to myself, but to everyone around me that what happened to me did not damage me somehow. I started college at Oklahoma State University, around the age of 20. I went to college part-time while working part to full-time in retail. I landed a job at a great bank in town and never finished my bachelors degree. I did get my Associates in Accounting. As I got older and my mental health problems started to rage out of control, I felt I had to prove something to myself. That I CAN do it. That is will NOT control me. I started working on a Bachelors in Liberal Arts. Friends started to pass away, grandparents lost their battle with cancer, and I went through a divorce. It was not until last year I finally finished a Bachelors in General Studies with majors in Accounting and Business. Last fall I started my Masters degree. Not because I really wanted to, but because I felt I had to prove to myself that I am still in control of ME and not the abuse.<br /><br /><strong>18. Don’t numb your feelings with: food, drugs, alcohol, shopping, cutting, sex, TV, shoplifting, or thrill seeking.</strong><br /><br />This one hits home because I have done all of the above. My biggest addiction always has been, and even to this day I am battling it, is food. If you want to read more about my weight struggles be sure to follow this website for updates. You can click “<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/search/label/Weight%20Watchers" target="_blank">here</a>” to read past posts.<br /><br /><strong>41. Don’t be silent about what happened. Share your story.</strong><br /><br />I did that and I am trying to figure out how to tell my story in a memoir, with a percentage of the sales helping some sexual abuse organization.<br /><br /><strong>58. You will have flashbacks.</strong><br /><br />This is the honest to-gods truth. No matter how hard I try to push it inside, forget, or pretend they don’t happen, they do. Sadly, I never know when I am going to have one and don’t really know all of my triggers.<br /><br /><strong>59. Its normal to have suicidal thoughts, but please don’t act on them.</strong><br /><br />I call it depression. At least for me. To say I wish I was dead or that the world would be better off without me does not imply - I am going to pop a bunch of pill or hunt down a razor blade.<br /><br /><strong>63. It’s OK to be angry.</strong><br /><br />Good, because I am angry ALL the time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection:</strong> I received this book free as part of a read and review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><br /></ul><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90616357839729219392012-02-29T09:14:00.006-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.949-04:00Writing Opportunity: Seekyt<img alt="Seekyt.com - write articles and earn a revenue share" src="http://incomebooster.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Seekyt-com.png" /> <br /><br /><a href="http://seekyt.com/" target="_blank">Seekyt</a> is another revenue sharing site. You write what you want, when you want and receive 70% of the profits from Amazon and Google Adsense. The site is brand new and I have not personally spent much time on there. From the looks of things its another revenue/residual option where you get what you put in to it. Because it is new I am not sure of the traffic. Some people like new websites because the competition is low. In some ways this is helpful and some not. It really depends on your personal niche and what you are looking for in a website. With Seekyt you do have the option to earn from your referrals, but there is a cap to the amount you can earn. Could be a good opportunity for those who like to have more than one residual income account.<br /><br />From the Website:<br /><br /><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: helvetica, 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Read This Before You Join</strong></h2><hr style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); border-top-style: solid; clear: both; color: #434343; font-family: helvetica, 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><blockquote style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #434343; font-family: helvetica, 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 50px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: none; text-align: -webkit-left; vertical-align: baseline;">Seekyt is a community of people who want to earn money with their writing.<br /><br />Seekyt <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is not</strong> an article directory or a place to get backlinks.<br /><br />If you want to earn money on Seekyt and have your material published here, it must be <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">unique and abide by the content guidelines.</strong> Everything submitted by new members at Seekyt is moderated to ensure it meets this criteria.</blockquote><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: helvetica, 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Only Unique Content is Accepted!</strong></h2><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/writing-opportunity-wizzley.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunity: Wizzley</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/writing-opportunity-sumo-content.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunity: Sumo Content</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/02/writing-opportunities-factoidz.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunities: Factoidz</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/01/writing-opportunity-fire-how.html" target="_blank">Writing Opportunity: Fire How</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=ba70408c-8f9d-4fd8-adbc-010db2f5bccb" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13720045344918386092012-02-24T16:10:00.001-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.786-04:00Writing Opportunity: Technogati<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Technogati.com - revenue sharing blog" src="http://incomebooster.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Technogati.png" /> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.technogati.com/" target="_blank">Technogati </a>is a clean, streamlined internet blog about technology, WordPress related themes and plugins, and blogging. The rankings are decent, and last I checked the website had quite a bit more material than when I first found out about it some months back.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I DO NOT have an account there, nor have I written there. I am just passing along another opportunity to you. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Technogati is currently seeking new writers with high hopes of finding some new gems that will spark some interest and contribute some attention-grabbing articles. The website does include a list of topics, the needs, the rules, and the sign up is through WordPress by clicking the "Publish Your Article Here" button on the right hand side of the page.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This <b>IS</b> revenue sharing guest blogging and it goes a little something like this:</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1. Google Adsense is the income generator so you will need your own code that will be added to all of your articles.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">2. Exposure and free promotion of your own website or work.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">3. Experience to add to your portfolio.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I know we are all looking for more upfront payment options, but revenue share can be quite lucrative if you find the right niche for you.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b>If you sign up for <a href="http://www.technogati.com/" target="_blank">Technogati </a>please come back and share your experience. </b></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-spacing: 1px;"><b><br /></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51526048427774360062012-02-23T20:06:00.001-05:002012-02-24T16:09:38.121-05:00A Cold Creek Secret by RaeAnne Thayne<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hubpag048b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B002WEPC32" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">Cold. Wet. That’s how she was when he found her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wet. Cold. Yippy. That’s the dog Simone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is not what Major Brant Western had in mind when he got back to his Idaho ranch. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All Brant did want was a home cooked meal and nice warm bed. After finishing his tour of duty, getting home was all he could thing about. The last thing he wanted to have standing before him was the town snot. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The storm brought them together, it’s best to just make the best of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When Brant sees Maura for the women she really is, there is no turning back.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These types of Harlequin stories are not my forte, hence the quick read and the quick review.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from Harlequin as part of their Ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64186982052716737972012-02-21T17:58:00.002-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.461-04:00#NSNation 3 Months Later and the Results are In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyNuFxtC9HQ/TWKgROI4L6I/AAAAAAAAASw/0GI7qcyGgp8/s1600/goofy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyNuFxtC9HQ/TWKgROI4L6I/AAAAAAAAASw/0GI7qcyGgp8/s320/goofy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I've lost my blogging mojo. It’s not just weight, school, stress, <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/2012/02/sorry-to-have-to-say-good-bye.html" target="_blank">or losing my beloved dog Cain</a>, related. It’s everything and it’s nothing. I want to write, I just have not wanted to blog. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At any given moment I am so overwhelmed that I have no idea what direct to go in. I thought I had things under control in life, but I have come to the conclusion that I do not. I can't focus. I feel out of control.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is one thing that the <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/category/mylife/sexualabuses/" target="_blank">abuse in my past</a> put on my shoulders and that is the need to be in control. I have to be in control of my life. Where I am going. What I am doing. Right down to the very last minute of my day. God forbid if someone or something throw me of schedule. I make jokes about my different personalities, but the fact is I am bipolar and one of the ways I have learned to deal with it and my ability to disassociate is to be in constant control. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The one thing I lost control of was food. I am not sure I ever had control of it to begin with. As a young child, the abuse controlled me. I did not have any friends. I was an only child. My mother had been teased as a child for being too thin and the last thing she wanted for her daughter was to have to deal with the same. Only thing was, she did not know then I was fighting another demon. That abuse caused me to develop an eating disorder. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Insert my new friend Binge. Binge was my friend and food was my drug. I was the fat kid everyone made fun of and picked on. Until my Sophomore year in college when my mom took me to <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> (back when they were in strip malls!) and I lost 80lbs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Binge came back every now and then but Control was much more dominating and by this point in life I was in therapy for the abuse. I like to think the food issues were under control somewhat.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Life carried on and so did the weight. <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">While working at the <a href="http://www.banksnb.com/" target="_blank">bank </a>we were offered Weight Watcher At-Work meetings. I signed up. After that the 16 week program was over, I started to attend meetings at the college. One year into the program I was down to my goal weight (making Lifetime) and running 6-8 miles a day. I had lost over 50lbs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Life carried on again. Depression came back. Control was visiting in a different form. Binge was beating down my door nightly and Purge started to join him. I then battled an addiction to laxatives, which I now deal with the aftermath of that battle on a daily basis.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve developed so other painful issues, disk disease and arthritis, both degenerative. Some mornings the pain is so bad I can’t get out of bed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I just keep pushing forward. <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Doctors. Chiropractors. Pain management. Therapy (physical and mental).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, it’s stressful all on its own. It’s hard to blog when it feels like it’s the same painful story over and over again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It makes me sad. I was so excited to start Nutrisystem again after my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation.html" target="_blank">first tour of the Bloggers Nation</a>. I thought this time would be different. This time I had insurance and I was starting to get help for my troubles. This time I was not taking 9 classes to graduate in the spring. Instead, I am now taking one Masters class at a time. I thought this time with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/i-back-in-nsnation.html" target="_blank">Matt’s help </a>I would be able to push through my weight loss problems. That became a whole other issue which was not pleasant and needs a blog all of its own.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>This time just wore me out. I got bored eating the same meals over and over.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I LIKE COOKING!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">This time my weight did the same thing. Up, down, down, up, up, down, up down. I started at 240 and saw some pretty crazy numbers and at one point was at 245. (Who gains weight when trying to lose?) Thought I was pregnant, tests said no. The only thing the Dr. could come up with (because I was following the program and she has my journals) was that I was just someone with some food allergies and it could be something in the Nutrisystem meals. Sodium. The processing to keep it shelf stable. Anything. (Truth is we have no idea what it could really be & won’t without a bunch of tests).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted it to work. I did not want to have weight loss surgery. It terrifies me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love Meredith and all the great bloggers I have met, along with the awesome girls at the Nutrisystem Forums and the Nutrisystem Group on Sparkepeople but I’m just not cut out for this type of program. I have NOTHING bad to say about it. I love the foods that I love, but I can’t continue to eat the same 5 meals. I have tried getting creative, but that’s just not working for me. It is convenient, the price is affordable and it DOES work (for millions!)!! It’s just not working out for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><u>One good thing:</u> I have a list of all the places we tend to eat out at and I now have a healthy option at each of them. THAT I am proud of. Casey, my other Boxer, and I have been taking daily walks (when its not snowing) and playing out in the yard. It is not much, but it's a start. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My chiropractor and my therapist (not mental) are in the same office. The center has the same core values and beliefs I do about health, wellness and man-made medicines. The girls are getting together to support each other with weight loss and wellness, no matter what program anyone follows and my chiro wanted me to come. She knows that my primary care doctor (and her) need me to lose weight in order for me to get my pain under control. Neither wants me to have to resort to surgery. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I can’t say that I blame them.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">As the saying goes, “when one door closes, another one opens.” Although Purge hasn’t visited me in many years, Binge still knocks on the door every now and then. I’ve been to Overeaters Anonymous before, through online meetings. It might be good for me to start doing that again, or checking out the web meetings the groups have on Sparkpeople. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Feeling overwhelmed seems to be the trigger.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I lost it once. I lost it twice. I have to lose it a third.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My three month net loss for round 2 : <span style="color: red;">-3.2</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can see my progress on my stats page: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html" target="_blank">here </a><br />Matt started at 234.6 and he ended at 237. 5. He netted a gain of 3.1. Ouch.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57187120863877903522012-02-21T15:07:00.002-05:002012-02-21T15:08:44.195-05:00Love Inspired: His Country Girl by Jillian Hart<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hubpag048b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004GEAFEC" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">Sierra Baker was a small town girl who grew up with famous rodeo star, Tucker Granger. When her husband walks away, leaving her to care for her sick son Owen, the last thing she wants to deal with is a hot-shot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Owen, having met Tucker once when he was a small boy, decides that his one last wish should he not make it out of the next morning’s surgery is to meet Tucker Granger, one more time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just like all Herlequin books, they are a fun, short read. One thing that was a little different with this one (aside from the cowboy genre I don’t read) was that I really needed to have a few tissues handy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Owen is such a good son. It’s hard being a sick boy, fatherless, and having so much love for your mother you just want to see her happy, even if it means she falls in love with your rodeo star.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This one is sure to pull at your heart, leave you in tears, but show you yet another happy ending.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5170521-10552789" target="_top"><img alt="Save 20% off all Love Inspired Books- Shop Now" border="0" height="125" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-5170521-10552789" width="125" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection</b>: I received this book free from Harlequin as part of their Book Ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51066282142589918542012-02-21T10:14:00.002-05:002012-02-21T19:06:19.588-05:00Writing Opportunity: Sumo Content<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ContentSumo.com - get paid for write articles" src="http://incomebooster.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ContentSumo.png" /> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">NOTE: <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto; word-spacing: 1px;">I have not worked with this website yet and I am not affiliated with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_608182227">ContentSumo.com.</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto; word-spacing: 1px;"><a href="http://www.contentsumo.com/" target="_blank"> </a></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto; word-spacing: 1px;">The site does require you to create your account with a Facebook login. I am not a fan of that as I have too many apps "allowed" on my Facebook network and I am working to clear some of that out before I add any more. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto; word-spacing: 1px;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">In the last few weeks I have noticed many members of <a href="http://workplacelikehome.com/">WorkPlaceLikeHome.com</a> and <a href="http://wahm.com/">WAHM.com</a> talking about the lack of work available for freelancer writers. Here is one that is NOT residual income. I am not sure what the pay is, but with <a href="http://www.howtohint.com/">HowToHint</a> and <a href="http://textbroker.com/">TextBroker.com</a> the most talked about, I am sure the rates are going to come close.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br />Sure, the Panda let lose by Google stirred up a lot of unwanted drama and left many content sites jumping ship, but there are still a lot of great places to write content online. </span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">I like to look at residual sites as my "savers" account. Since I am not going to get upfront money I have to schedule my time writing residual around other up-front paying clients.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">I'm not one of those residual folks who spends a lot of time researching keywords ( I should) and make residual my full-time job (maybe I should do that, too) so I don't have some magic fairy dust to sprinkle your way on how to make residual sites work for you. Some come by it naturally and can easily churn out content to have an extra $1000 a month passive income from residual sites. That's not me, I just can't seem to stay on track and be consistent with it.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">You might be different. I have always told others that you should give these types of sites a trial run with one piece of content. Most of them pay the same, but they all have a different audience and feel to the website. The trick is to not only find one with traffic for your particular niche, but to also be a good fit for you, style wise. </span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">A few things about Sumo Content:</span></span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">Facebook login </span></li><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">Currently for US only</span></li><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">Payment via PayPal</span></li><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">No minimum cash out limit</span></li></ul><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; word-spacing: 1px;">If you take the time to sign up and complete some articles, be sure to drop me a comment and let me know how it works out for you.</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67457276096594103192012-02-20T22:33:00.002-05:002012-02-20T22:38:57.459-05:00Writing Opportunities: Factoidz<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><b>Is your head full of useful (or useless) knowledge?</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><b>Were you a Demand Studios eHow writer and need a new adventure for residual income?</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Check out <a href="http://factoidz.com/create-account.php?referaff=9C42060">Factoidz</a>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><u>NOTE:</u> I do have an account there. I have not posted anything so I don't have much </span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">research to pass your way other than </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">I do know some girls who are writing there </span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">and seem to like it quite well and are paid without problems. The traffic is decent, but not the rate</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">compared to top performers like <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a> and Squidoo. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"></span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">Everyone has their own reason why they do or don't like a particular residual site. </span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">I can't say I have one for this site other than I just don't have time to write for all of them, </span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">but that does not prevent me </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">from passing this information to someone (you!) who might be in need of it.</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><b>From the site:</b></span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">Self -publish easily right form the dashboard.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">No waiting for approvals.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">More content features with Product Reviews and Comparison Reports. </span></li><ul><li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">(These will earn you "bonus" upfront money.)</span></li></ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">SEO capabilities</span></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">Might be worth a try. Website looks clean and simple (a huge plus for me) and I </span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">did not have any problems </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">with navigation. I know that is a problem for some at places like </span><a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">Helium</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">Find <a href="http://factoidz.com/create-account.php?referaff=9C42060">Factoidz</a> on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/factoidz">here</a></span></span></div><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63693958952033607912012-02-20T21:59:00.002-05:002012-02-20T22:07:04.602-05:00Head Trip : One Case of Super Twins by Jack Eadon<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0982495404" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">Head Trip is Book One in the American Drama Series based on the 7 Deadly Sins. Head Trip is based on Envy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not a scientific person by nature. I can appreciate the miracle of creation, even from a Sci-Fi perspective; it was hard for me to get through the first chapter where the author writes about the embryos, how they developed, and how the “super twins” came to be. Won’t be a problem for most, but for me it made for a slow start getting in to the book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Meet “twins” Marcus and Roger. Marcus, the preemie, conceived second, but born first. Then there’s Rodger, the one born last, but conceived first. Marcus was pushed out of the womb, five minutes later Roger showed up. Superfetatoin, or Super Twins are extremely rare. Not wanting their sons to grow up feeling any differently than any other set of twins, the parents Loretta and John told them they were just fraternal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Loretta and John had hoped for a normal life for their sons, but they were anything but. Roger, always jealous of Marcus and so full of hatred spent his life trying to manipulate his parents for attention. No matter what he did, what he tried to do to get the attention away from Marcus it would always backfire giving Marcus more. Marcus did not purposely set out to seek attention from others. He was sort of a loner and spent a lot of time just trying to do things for the sake of doing them. To their parents it looked as if he was the perfect son, despite things in his past. To Roger, he looked like an over achiever who was always trying to show him up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book left me wondering where the father was all the time. Apparently, the mother questions it about midway through and I wonder if he’s sort of just hanging in the sidelines ready for those stories to come out later in the series. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter what life had to throw at Marcus, even when he was forced to undergo brain surgery, he always found a way to persevere. The final blow to Roger was when he had intercourse with the girl Marcus has fallen in love with WHILE he was recovering from brain surgery. When she still spoke to Marcus when he returned home, Roger felt he was never going to win her heart completely and the only thing to do was kill his brother.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nothing ever good comes from being evil or jealous. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It will be interesting to see what happens to Marcus as he follows the path down the seven deadly sins.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The only thing that I did not like about the book was its choppiness. There are a lot of parts where it runs along smooth, then BAM, without warning you are thrust into another storyline with such force you are left wondering what new adventure awaits. In some ways, this is good when you have more in a series, but when you venture off the path too many times, it can actually hinder the authors ability to real in a reader for the entire length of the series for fear all the novels will be written in the same manner. Other than that, I am glad I gave it a go after getting through that first chapter. While some of Rogers’s mannerisms got a bit annoying, you can see their purpose. I’ll been sticking my head in from time to time to catch the next book when it’s available. There’s something about Marcus that sucks you and and doesn’t want to let you go. </div><div class="MsoNormal">When you reach the last page you will be sitting there, craving more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Contest: One lucky winner can win their very own copy of Head Case! The rules are simple. I will select one random person on March 17. All I ask is that you "like" Self Employed Writer on Facebook, follow me on Twitter @ChrystalMahan and leave me a comment. That's it! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book for free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31285434599278232852012-02-07T11:18:00.001-05:002012-02-08T14:17:32.961-05:00RIP Cain : It's So Hard to Say Good-Bye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFsvstu0nos/TzFM1R_b58I/AAAAAAAAArY/9yoDcQZIR6s/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFsvstu0nos/TzFM1R_b58I/AAAAAAAAArY/9yoDcQZIR6s/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This morning I had to say good-by of my beloved Furkid - my Boxer - Cain. He was 8 years old. He's been my baby since he was 6 months old. This photo was taken right before the vet came in to administer the sedative and go to sleep medicine. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">He had his own blog and you can read the story on <a data-mce-href="http://www.cainstales.com/2012/02/sorry-to-have-to-say-good-bye.html" href="http://www.cainstales.com/2012/02/sorry-to-have-to-say-good-bye.html">Cains Tales</a>.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51706673942641351442012-02-06T19:41:00.002-05:002012-08-05T17:12:11.101-04:00Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. IV. No. 1) -- Focus on Abuse Recovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--onZ7xfnWuo/TzBpM5LNmGI/AAAAAAAAArQ/cw2_Y363LdQ/s1600/rtsv4n1_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--onZ7xfnWuo/TzBpM5LNmGI/AAAAAAAAArQ/cw2_Y363LdQ/s1600/rtsv4n1_300.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always been open regarding my past childhood sexual abuse, which started at such a young age that I don’t even remember, until I was 12. I remember that last day like it was yesterday. Forever etched in my mind. Here I am at the age of 36 and it’s so vivid that I can remember what was on TV (The Beverly Hillbillies) what time of day it was (somewhere after 4:30pm on a weekday during the school year), and the exact the words I used and my behavior after. (I screamed, yelled, said my peace, ran up the stairs, and locked myself in my room until my mother came home.)<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In 2005 I went public online regarding my past. Since then I try to keep my story out there with the hopes that it will at least help one person. Over the years I know I have done just that. There is more on my other website :<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/search/label/Sexual%20Abuse%20Survivor" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I saw there was request for bloggers to read and review <i>Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing (Vol. IV. No. 1) -- Focus on Abuse Recovery, </i>I knew I needed to step up to the plate once again and let my voice be heard.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I imagine it goes a little something like this, “Hello, my name is Chrystal Mahan and I am an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse.” <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It should be noted that this is not actually a book but rather a quarterly magazine with personal stories, poems, essays, and education on health related topics, with this issue's focus on Abuse Recovery issues. It is also not entirely about sexual abuse. Other topics include children, violence, mental illness, traumatic brain injuries, safety, cybercrime, disaster recovery, abuse of all types, relationships, grieving, and so much more.<br /><br />More information can be found on Amazon:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=161599128X" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked best about this read is each passage is short. When reading a novel about subjects like sexual abuse it can become sad, depressing, and/or overwhelming to try and get through all 300 plus pages. With this being a little over 100 pages it was easy to keep my attention. I read a passage or two a night, spreading it out so it would give me time to think about it. I found it so powerful that I even wrote in my journal about a few of the articles. There are even a few key sentences/paragraphs highlighted that I plan to share with my husband.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This book came at a perfect time. I have seen a psychiatrist for my sexual abuse. I have not seen her in 4 years because I lost my insurance in my divorce, not only that, I moved 1000 miles away. Since last fall I have been seeing a relationship therapist with my husband. At the time we were not married so it was the only way for me to get my foot in the door. My state could not help me since I was not suicidal. Now that we are married and have insurance she will see me separately and I will see her for talk therapy and the in house psychiatrist for medications. It is a bit nerve wracking to have to start all over with my story, but I know it is the only way I am going to recover from my relapse and get well again.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highlighted many paragraphs with the hopes that my husband would read them, maybe help him to understand a little better what is going on with me mentally.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On page 5, the opening line states, “Recovery from abuse is never an easy road, but a necessary road to health and healing.” It is a hard road, but one I am must drive down. I knew with that opening line these pages were going to speak to me. There was a story about forgiveness, something I am having an extremely hard time doing. Forgiving. For many it can be easy, for me, I tried once, and it was ruined.<br /><br />Leaving me feeling angrier than when I first started. Forgiving is almost as hard as the road to recovery.</div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked is that this little magazine was packed full of so much useful information. I took something away from every article that was published. I also learned that there are many forms of abuse and many stages and types of recovery. My favorite part was the poetry section. I was so inspired by this little gem that I am thinking about submitting some of my own words. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found this to be something close to my heart and I can honestly give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who has been abused, seen trauma, been a victim, is a survivor, and just needs to connect with others, no matter what your story; here is a wonderful, creative outlet to turn to. You are sure to get lost in its pages and hopefully understand that no matter what you past, what your experience, there is a hope and healing in your future.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can find more information on Recovering Self’s <a href="http://www.recoveringself.com/">Website.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend this publication.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51769937444067504662012-01-31T15:38:00.002-05:002012-02-06T18:51:28.575-05:00Done Being Friends by Trisha Grace<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005UEF7NG" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Back in November I posted a review about this book, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/done-being-friends-by-grace-teresa.html" target="_blank">Done Being Friends by Teresa Grace.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I felt bad giving the review that I did. The book was so wonderful, but the author was so excited to get her work published (who can blame her?) that she missed one important step; having an editor proof the copy before sending it to Amazon. It happens to the best of us, we are human and we all make mistakes. I can relate to that. Having self-published a few of my own books I know how hard it can be to try to catch your own mistakes. Your eyes tend to read what you know it is supposed to say.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">You can head over to a great site like <a href="http://www.fiversworld.com/referral.php?r=1434" target="_blank">Fivers World </a>where tasks are available for $5 and find someone to proof, format, and even edit your book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Recently I was contacted by the author with some stellar news; it had been edited. Would I like to re-review it for her? Sure!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It should also be noted that the author does use a pen name, which she has changed from Teresa, to Trisha. I like them both. But just wanted to let my readers know that was not a typo.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Just to give a recap of my review:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The story of two men in love with the same woman and the best friend in love with one of the men never gets old. Each person puts their own romantic twist on the tale. So, while the story and plot itself may ring true to so many other great novels out there, the characters and storyline are different. At least, that is what you hope for when running across something that’s similar to what you have already read.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>In this tale we are given four friends, Faith, Zac, Dylan and Jessica. In this novel we have a typical case of lifelong friend who are blind to the obvious. Faith, the homely boring girl who thinks no one wants her. Jessica is in love with the friend in love with Faith. Zac and Dylan are both in love with Faith and she only seems to have eyes for Zac. All would appear to be spoiled rich kids, until they prove you wrong. Aside from already knowing that about Faith early on, the rest might surprise you.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>When tragedy strikes in Faiths life, she learns the hard way how to run her father’s company, and who she can trust. Faith learns she can look within and actually trust herself. She is strong, she is smart, she is beautiful and loved, and she can accomplish anything in life. What I loved most about Faith was that she is not your typical rich girl. Faith uses her fortune for the greater good of the less fortunate.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>A story like that will touch the hearts of everyone.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>New notes:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The author has 100% redeemed herself. A story like this never gets old no matter how many times and ways you tell it. In the first draft there were a lot of words that should have been capitalized. There were also a lot of words that were not misspelled, but were not the correct word. Spell check would not fix those since it does not know any better. I should note that in my second passing I did not reread the story, but rather took it on from an editor standpoint and did proofing. In doing so, I found myself rereading my favorite parts. I love the story of Zac and Faith. Every woman should be like Faith, and every Faith should have a best friend, lover, and partner in a man like Zac. Sometimes love is blind. Sometimes it’s right under your nose. You don’t have to be a believer in God or religion to get the message that is conveyed within these pages. I raise my previous 2.5 stars to 5 out of 5 stars. The book has a purpose. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The characters are full of life and full of meaning. I could not ask for a more heartfelt story. </div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6373144857298618762012-01-30T21:36:00.001-05:002012-02-20T10:50:10.054-05:00The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PZzQYqNkHI/TydRD5CB3QI/AAAAAAAAArI/0ZMIjJyVnOo/s1600/shadowsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PZzQYqNkHI/TydRD5CB3QI/AAAAAAAAArI/0ZMIjJyVnOo/s1600/shadowsm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">This was one of those books where you are not sure what the author is going to do with you. When I read the description of the book, I had it played out in my mind just how the story would go. Sometimes I am right, this time, I wasn’t. That’s a good thing because the journey that Susan May Warren took me on was nothing short of a wonderful family story.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What do you do when the one you love has amnesia and can’t remember who you are? I could never imagine being in a situation like that. The way Warren writes this book puts you right there with the Hueston family. Their emotions become your own. These are the types of stories I like to read. Descriptive. Heart-felt. A story where you feel a part of the words formed together on the page. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Noelle Hueston was in an accident that caused her to hit her head. No longer remember her husband, her children, or the child they lost, she is forced to live with people who have suddenly become strangers. What follows is a story of love between family members and memories that must be dealt with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How does one go on when so much has been lost? The oldest son watching everything unfold. Wanting to help, not sure how. How do you help someone who thinks you are a stranger? Watching your father sleep on the couch because your mother has become so depressed she can’t imagine life without the daughter they lost. Why remind your mother of that when she has a way out of the pain now?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What would you do?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Susan is celebrating the release of <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414334834/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sprightly-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1414334834" target="_blank"><b>The Shadow of Your Smile</b></a></i> by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/5d/FileItem-182969-tsoys_300x250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/5d/FileItem-182969-tsoys_300x250.gif" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>One grand prize winner will receive:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><div class="MsoNormal"></div><li><b>A $200 Visa Gift Card</b> <i>(Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)</i></li><div class="MsoNormal"></div></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><div class="MsoNormal"></div><li><b>The entire set of Deep Haven Books </b></li><div class="MsoNormal"></div></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, <b><a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/scribbles-blog/" target="_blank">Scribbles</a></b>! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/184436/invites/new%20" target="_blank"><b>FACEBOOK</b></a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/184436" target="_blank"><b>TWITTER</b></a> and increase your chances of winning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/184436" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via E-mail" height="48" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZ-Jn9hhgco/TXqYObD7J_I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/nG5ci6jgwFg/s1600/email_icon.png" title="Enter via E-mail" width="48" /></a> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/184436" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Facebook" height="48" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZBHv5uije28/TXqYfJCLMkI/AAAAAAAAAiU/AVPqG6Tv5W4/s1600/Facebook_icon-300x300.png" title="Enter via Facebook" width="48" /></a><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/184436/entries/new" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Twitter" height="48" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m-99VSwns4U/TXqYmf0klHI/AAAAAAAAAiY/VwREnY_u7TA/s1600/Twitter_button.png" title="Enter via Twitter" width="48" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div></div><br /><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="background-color: #d0d0d0; font-size: 16px;"><b>About the book: </b></span>The Shadow of Your Smile</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future? Read the story behind the story here: <a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/the-shadow-of-your-smile" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.susanmaywarren.com/<wbr></wbr>books/the-shadow-of-your-smile</a><wbr></wbr>. </span></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b><span style="background-color: #d0d0d0; font-size: 16px;">About Susan:</span> </b> Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder <a href="http://ofwww.mybooktherapy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">ofwww.MyBookTherapy.com</a>, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:<a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.susanmaywarren.com</a>. </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Read more of the book reviews on the blog tour: <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13448479" target="_blank">here!</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78776288443350622102012-01-26T08:05:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.375-04:00#Smash365 Create A Space: Nail Salon and Secret Agent Lady<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pfefferminze_natur_peppermint.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="English: A peppermint flower pot on the terrac..." class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Pfefferminze_natur_peppermint.jpg/300px-Pfefferminze_natur_peppermint.jpg" title="English: A peppermint flower pot on the terrac..." width="300" /></a><br /><br />Start with this scene and bring it to life. Write for 10 minutes or create a piece of art.<br /><h3>Place: in a nail salon<br />Character: a lonely old lady<br />Object: a “Top Secret” memo<br />Smell: peppermint</h3><span style="background-color: white;">Yawn.</span><br /><br />Stretch.<br /><br />Back away from the computer.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />I have a little story to tell. Yesterday I decided to take a stroll downtown. When I walked in a nail salon thinking I might get a mani/pedi treatment, I noticed a lonely old lady sitting in the waiting area. She wasn't reading a magazine like most ladies do when they are waiting. Instead, she was hold a manilla file in one hand and a bunch of papers stamped with a "Top Secret" memo inked all over them in her other hand. I for the life of me could not imagine what she was doing in the nail salon, she did not look CIA. I heard my name being called. I thought I would be slick and walk past her, hoping to get a glance at her top secret documents. When I got right beside her I was knocked over by the suddenly strong smell of pure peppermint that my nose started to twitch. Instead of walking past and glancing at her papers, I ended up sneezing all over them instead.<br /><br />How embarrassing.<br /><br /><br /><br />(Note: Sorry it's been so long since I have been creative, or even writing here on this site. I seem to have hit that writer's block wall and just could not seem to bring myself to try to write. Hopefully it's temporary.)<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=709ae2d5-b9c5-487a-827b-311133a0d02f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26019502977780538542012-01-19T16:57:00.001-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.354-04:00#NSNation What Goes Up Must Come Down<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Drum roll please……</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am happy to say that my little bits of exercise here and there paid off. I am down 2.8 lbs this week. Big M on the other hand has gone up 5 lbs this week. He was doing so well, always a lost or at least staying the same. I feel bad for him because I know his job makes it hard on him. At least we keep trying. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A lot of my weight loss was water weight so I am not looking for a loss this new week. Not that I am giving up, but I know how my body is and since I waited two months for Aunt Flow to arrive and then when she did, the loss was pretty significant. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The snow finally came, which put a damper on my walking around the property. I have been exhausted with countless doctors’ appointments these last few weeks that my exercise has been minimal. I am enjoying my glider, I am trying to work my way up to 15min. So far the closest I have gotten is 13. I try to do it after lunch while I watch some tv. I even dusted off my Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds videos. I used to do them every morning for years and years. It was nice to see an old friend again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This week has been incredibly busy with a school project so I have not been diligent about working out. It does not help when my body hurts and when I take meds to combat that the first thing I want to do is lay down and sleep. Pretty counterproductive it seems. I do try to exercise on the pain-free days which are far and few in-between. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am getting ready to start a new <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" target="_blank">Nustrisystem</a> journey. I have been following the Advanced program for the last 2 months, and my new order will contain the new Success program which I am extremely excited to start. I did well with another program in the past, prior to either of my NSNation programs. They had a protein shake implemented in the program. I think it helps a great deal so I am really looking forward to see what the new program has in store for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite things on Nutrisystem is the pizza. I like it plain and I don’t add anything to it. The other night I was a little extra hungry and I had some leftover spinach, so I tossed that fresh, raw spinach on there, then put the sauce and cheese. It was really yummy. I was pretty proud of my creation. I tend to eat a lot of the same things on Nutrisystem. I know what I like and I stick to it. I have learned over time some of the nifty things you can do to spruce things up. I find that the Flame Broiled Beef Patty, Pizza, and the Grilled Chicken are the largest staples in my order because I can do so much more with those. I also do not have a problem with eating the same things often. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6wvwlhYEnA/TxiRjLUZXaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/45BAS-EkLdk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6wvwlhYEnA/TxiRjLUZXaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/45BAS-EkLdk/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to keep pushing forward. Hopefully I will break this up/down yo-yo weight cycle sooner than later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Until next week…..</span></strong></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></strong></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></strong></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></strong></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; 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padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3738442191759940392012-01-11T10:41:00.000-05:002012-01-11T10:41:34.938-05:00#blogboost Day 10 & 11 It's A Quote Sort of DayEmail #10 did not make it to my box yesterday. It seems to be a reoccurring problem, every other email. *laughs* Oh well. Today is a two for one. Not really. It's only about one topic. (sorry)<br /><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Business Blogging:</b></span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Be inspired by a great quote! You could share a quote from someone famous or someone less-than-famous (like your kid, spouse, neighbor, or friend). Quote inspired posts can be inspirational and motivational, funny or sarcastic.</span> <br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Here is My Quote:</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_2csLrlpXo/Tw2tjVX6kKI/AAAAAAAAAqU/azGWfk29LzE/s1600/242068548690861236_STMT4aZn_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_2csLrlpXo/Tw2tjVX6kKI/AAAAAAAAAqU/azGWfk29LzE/s320/242068548690861236_STMT4aZn_c.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thoughts?</b></span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55553166803308237752012-01-10T21:33:00.001-05:002012-01-11T20:17:35.629-05:00I'm Breaking Up With Fiverr<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFfcJ9bC9as/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/ZnEMvLsWWNQ/s1600/th_emooo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFfcJ9bC9as/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/ZnEMvLsWWNQ/s1600/th_emooo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fiverr Is No Longer My Friend<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I know a lot of you enjoy Fiverr, and that’s great. I enjoyed my time there too. But, on the other hand, I also think I should share my experience so everyone knows that they aren’t perfect. Just like any other company, they have issues. I hope that by sharing my experience no one has to go through what I am going through with them now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Having dealt with a $5000 scam and a $7000 one not more than 6 months ago, I will not give up on this even if it is $80. Thankfully I was able to find help and make sure the scammer did not get far with that money.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18px;">You can read about that horrible event <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/10/06/where-ive-been-what-ive-been-doing/" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/11/08/why-we-didn%E2%80%99t-tell-anyone-we-were-getting-married/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(I have since moved all of my business to <a href="http://www.fiversworld.com/referral.php?r=1434" target="_blank">Fivers World</a>. I will be placing gigs on other micro sites soon. That is, the ones I don't already have gigs on. I am also going to be expanding my offers.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I did around $80 worth of these jobs. When I tried to withdraw my money (the $40 plus that was available), I was told it was not a valid PayPal address. I gave them every single email I owned. Had that PayPal email gone to my email listed on Fiverr I would have gotten it.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Duh. It’s obvious my account was compromised and that the PayPal address listed on my account is not mine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe you should not allow Facebook as a login/create an account option. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I tried to explain this to them. We have been back and forth for 2 weeks now. I have talked to 3 different customer service folks who keep giving me the run around. I have had to submit the same documentation 4 times. I even gave them screenshots of all of my emails all of which are listed on PayPal as verified. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> When I gave Fiverr all the documentation (personal information and ID) they requested, they locked me out of my account and have no intention of letting me back in or giving me my money. I had about $50 to deposit, about $20 waiting for verification and I was in the middle of 2 gigs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They requested I send them a PayPal deposit as verification too. I did that. Still not enough proof for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I started to search reviews online, sure enough; there are a whole lot of people like me who have been locked out of their accounts for one reason or another. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I think it is unfair that they will not help me get my account reinstated. It was compromised and I have given proof and documentation that it’s me. Still not enough for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, I turned them in to all of the business agencies I could think of. I don't take too kindly to someone keeping my money.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>So I turned them in to:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Better Business Bureau is where I started, but since Fiverr is actually an international company, I was sent to another site to file a complaint and then I just went forward complaining some more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">econsumer.gov. (</span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you. Your reference # is 34398473</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Federal Trade Commission (reference # </span><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #5e190a; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">34402978)</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">National Consumers League’s Fraud Center<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Freelancers Union<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Judging from the complaints all over the internet, I am not the only one they are keeping money from.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Complaints Board: Fiver Complaints<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/fiverrcom-c375024.html" target="_blank">First Board</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.complaintsboard.com/bycompany/fiverrcom-a231476.html" target="_blank">Second Board</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bizoppreviews.org/fiverr/" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Business Opportunity Review</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (website) Owner had issues with Fiverr ,too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rip Off Report: <a href="http://www.ripoffreport.com/Search/Fiverr.aspx" target="_blank">Fiverr</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Gripe Vines: Consumer <a href="http://gripevines.com/index.php?topic=476.0" target="_blank">Complaint Forum</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>And this list could really go on and on.</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Yes, it is unfortunate that I must break-up with Fiverr. But at this time it is a must.</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Information should you ever need it:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fiverr International Ltd. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">info@fiverr.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Business Contact Information <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Customer Service Email: feedback@fiverr.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Customer Service Phone: +972 972 544 843988<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Country Code 972 is Israel <o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61990339231353013232012-01-10T18:20:00.001-05:002014-08-26T14:58:52.832-04:00#NSNation Just A Little Ditty<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I heard back from the doctor I mentioned in the post </span></span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/01/nsnation.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Week 7 and Doctor Updates</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">. My blood work came back just fine. Nothing alarming there. That is good. Last year when I had things tested, my levels were a little high in my liver and the Doc. was concerned about that. It was due to all the Tylenol I was taking to help manage the pain. She did say my </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">cholesterol</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> was 157. She said it was good. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Her report on the Xrays was that the degenerative disk disease was there (duh) and that I now have degenerative arthritis which would explain the pain. This doc does not have copies of my back Xrays from when I was first diagnosed in 2006. She really has nothing to compare it to.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I took a copy of the Xrays to my chiropractor, who has seen the results from the old Xrays. I also had to give her the Xrays so she could measure the hip placement to see exactly how many inches my shoe insert should be. I would like to get her opinion on those Xrays so I will talk to her when I pick up my spiffy new shoe addition.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Yesterday morning I had a pity party. I wanted to go for a walk. I wanted to exercise. I made it a whopping 10 minutes on the elliptical before my right leg started to collapse and the hip was nagging me.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Ok. Tomorrow is new day.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I wanted to walk this morning. Big M had a headache. I had a migraine at 3am that was starting to go away. I still wanted to walk. Fine. I put my shoes on and dragged him to walk outside with me along our property line. I took my dogs. They need exercise too. Our property is almost 2 acres. It took me five minutes to walk around the outside.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I had a thought.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If I did this a few times during the day, walked the dogs, it would not seem like such a huge chunk of time to take me away from work and school.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Brilliant. I don't have to go far. My restless dogs get to walk. Since I work from home it's good for me to step away from the computer monitor. I can do 5 minutes.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">After the walk I tried the elliptical again. I made it 13 minutes.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Today I went out 4 times. That is 20 minutes worth of walking time. So I made 33 minutes of total exercise today.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I feel ok. A little uncomfortable. Same really.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I noticed the dogs did not seem to pace around so much. Good.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I guess I am just going to keep trying. I have to get the weight down and I am going to have to find a way to exercise that is not going to cause me so much pain and take a large portion of my day away from me. I have school and I have to work.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Short bursts add up, right?</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I guess thats my nonscale victory for this week. Hopefully I have more coming. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; 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outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14284196495141426792012-01-10T11:48:00.012-05:002012-01-11T20:15:54.875-05:00The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0800719875" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>My thoughts:</b></span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am thankful for the book review program in which I belong. Without it I would not have discovered Suzanne as an author. But then again, in time, I may have since I love the Amish books! I was so excited to read and review the newest book, The Keeper. I knew it would not disappoint, and I was right!</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Roman Troyer is the roaming Bee Man. Full of secrets and a life he left behind. Fern was hired by the Lapp family to take care of the children while Amos tends to his ailing heart. Fern and Roman are connected by the past. A past that does not come to surface until the book almost comes to a close. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the beginning I had a hard time getting into the book. For a brief moment I was panicked that I would not be able to get to the end. It was building, and it was a little slow to build at first, but it picked right up. So, if this is you, keep reading. If this makes you leery of purchase, don’t let it. It is very well worth it and once you get through the first few chapters it is easy to see why Suzanne wrote the novel the way she did.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Julia Lapp, eldest daughter, is madly in love with Paul Fisher. Paul has postponed the wedding, again. Julia just can’t seem to understand why. She feels it is her path to marry Paul, but something pulls her off balance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The other children are Menno, Sadie and Mary Kate (M.K.). Uncle Hank also appears and enlightens us with his charm. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was that even though most of the focus was on Julia, there was a lot of attention devoted in the book to the other characters as well. I felt this gave the story more depth and as the series moves forward, we have a good base to start with the other characters. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The tale of The Keeper is one of family, faith, love, support, loss, coming to terms, and growing up. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: #d0d0d0;">About the book:</b></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?</span></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: #d0d0d0;">About Suzanne:</b></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania, as well as to Ohio, a couple of times each year for research.</span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.</span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.</span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Suzanne can be found on-line at: <a href="http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.suzannewoodsfisher.com</a>.</span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b style="background-color: #d0d0d0;">Blog Tour Schedule: <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13447903" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://litfusegroup.com/<wbr></wbr>blogtours/text/13447903</a></b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span><br /><h3 style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's a "honey of a giveaway"!</span></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!</span></span></h3><div style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:</span></strong></span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; list-style-position: inside; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi</span></span></li><span style="color: #333333;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A $25 gift certificate to iTunes</span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A copy of The Keeper</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></li></span></ul><span style="color: #333333;"></span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But wait there's more!</span></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just click one of the links below to enter, then on 1/17 join Suzanne for</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/209723589116292" style="color: #00b0d8; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Keeper Facebook Party</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">! During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!</span></span></div><span style="color: #333333;"></span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/209723589116292" style="color: #00b0d8; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">RSVP</span></a></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">early and tell your friends!</span></span></div><span style="color: #333333;"><div style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tell your friends on</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/183799/invites/new%20" style="color: #00b0d8; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FACEBOOK</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">or</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/183799" style="color: #00b0d8; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TWITTER</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and increase your chances of winning. Good luck and we hope to see you on the 17th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST, 8:00 EST)!</span></strong><br /><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></strong><br /><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am also hosting my own giveaway. Leave me a comment and one random person will win a brand new copy of this book!</span></strong></div></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64169876517086683422012-01-10T06:06:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.327-04:00Yes, the Title is "Blank"No email for me today regarding the challenge. Seems to be a reoccuring problem. One day in, one day out. LOL<br /><br />That's alright, I needed some time to get caught up on some other things I have going on behind the scenes.<br /><br />(check out this cool Valentines Day photo!)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/17731548@N00/388321375" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Valentine's day!" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="240" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/388321375_e2836c9e9d_m.jpg" title="Happy Valentine's day!" width="226" /></a><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=e8760c4e-6cb1-4888-8370-bd5bb44e9f69" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60657962585790030232012-01-09T14:53:00.000-05:002012-01-09T14:53:24.916-05:00#blogboost Day 9 We Interrupt this Scheduled Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSPyhNAZZ2Y/TwIl3--h0nI/AAAAAAAAAps/QPkgvloTxeo/s1600/ultimateblogchallenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSPyhNAZZ2Y/TwIl3--h0nI/AAAAAAAAAps/QPkgvloTxeo/s320/ultimateblogchallenge.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Did you know that today is Static Electricity Day?</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Read more of this story on <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/01/09/blogboost-day-9-we-interrupt-this-scheduled-program/" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50355863547635084652012-01-08T11:24:00.000-05:002012-01-08T11:24:13.864-05:00#blogboost Day 8 Mental Health Awareness<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I lost day 7. I thought it went to SPAM, but it was not there. *shakes head*</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Sorry about the missing post.</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Today's post is on ChrystalMahan and its about<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/01/08/blogboost-day-8-mental-health-awareness/" target="_blank"> Mental Health Awareness.</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77999325519593388212012-01-06T16:55:00.000-05:002012-01-06T16:55:12.164-05:00#blogboost Day 6 : It's Hot Tea Month !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vBf9F2q4TM/TwdqJghoRzI/AAAAAAAAAqE/oV9mX2dmODA/s1600/112590059403840375_9QOfBafe_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vBf9F2q4TM/TwdqJghoRzI/AAAAAAAAAqE/oV9mX2dmODA/s320/112590059403840375_9QOfBafe_c.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Read about Hot Tea Month on my author site: <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/01/06/blogboost-day-6-its-hot-tea-month/" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17179925891210465132012-01-06T16:31:00.001-05:002012-01-09T15:01:30.728-05:00#blogboost Day 5 Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" /></a></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Share a story or a list of social media pet peeves. I know we've all got some. I personally hate when people use social media for personal arguments or feuds. No need to air out in social networks. -</span><em style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sharlene Santana – <a href="http://www.mcssl.com/lnk?46I34Q+tBCM%3D" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://socialbeejunkie.com</a></em> <br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I think this is going to be one of those topics where we are going to have to agree to disagree. Many of these social sites were not established to be networking sites for businesses. The sites were intended as social sites for people. We shared blogs, we wrote posts, we made comments, wrote funny status messages, and we shared our life. In return we met people we otherwise would never have crossed paths with. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Businesses took over. Social media became a way for businesses to communicate with people.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In my reality, my name is my business. My business is writing. In order for you to know whether you like my voice or style is to actually get to know my personality. I am very open about who I am. When something is said on my personal social site that needs to be addressed, I will. It’s my space and place and right to do so. If you don’t like it, you have the right not to read. That’s why we have a browser back button and the close X. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We don’t always have the phone number to the drama queen. Sometimes we have to socialize with her wherever she’s decided to pitch her throne for the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21545253520610700482012-01-06T11:54:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.196-04:00It's Hot Tea Month!<img height="300" src="http://www.scenicreflections.com/files/Hot_Tea_Wallpaper_n9sw0.jpg" width="400" /><br /><strong style="background-color: white;">Personal or Business Blogging:</strong><br /><br />Did you know that the month of January is...<br /><ul><br /><li>National Bath Safety Month</li><br /><li>National Braille Literacy Month</li><br /><li>National Hobby Month</li><br /><li>Hot Tea Month</li><br /><li>National Soup Month</li></ul><br />Holiday list from <a href="http://www.mcssl.com/lnk?nqE34XZr1Tw%3D" target="_blank">http://www.holidayinsights.<wbr></wbr>com/moreholidays/january.htm</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><strong>My Thoughts:</strong><br /><br />Tea is my obsession. I have an entire board devoted to tea on Pinterest called <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/tea-time/">Tea Time</a>.<br /><br />I am not sure where my obsession with tea came. I remember my mother drinking iced tea a lot when I was younger. I know she drank coffee (still drinks!) and it was not until a few years ago that I really started to drink coffee. When I lived in OK it was rare that I would drink this hot coffee beverage. It seems the ex and I would venture out on occasion when it was cold out. It was a nice pick-me-up. Then I discovered this yummy frozen coffee treat at the local coffee shop. These things I can remember. I can’t remember drinking tea.<br /><br />I know I did, because I needed the caffeine and I did not own a coffee pot. I did not like the taste of coffee and back then I had no idea how to make coffee that did not taste like coffee. I do now.<br /><br />I really started becoming a morning coffee drinker within the last 2-3 years. I think it started because I was trying to adjust to MI winters and coffee warmed me up.<br /><br />I always ran back to tea.<br /><br />Did not give me coffee breath.<br /><br />Tasted good without skim milk, splenda, or flavors.<br /><br />I can drink it all day long.<br /><br />Its better for my diet.<br /><br />It might just be better for my overall health.<br /><br />So, I limit my coffee.<br /><br />Last year for Christmas I received a teapot for one set. The teapot and cup fit together. It is really cute, but does not hold enough water for me. I asked for a real teapot for Christmas this year and I got. A really pretty white porcelain one. My collection of tea has grown in a matter of months. I now have 18 different brands/flavors/style in my cupboard. I have bags and I have lose. I feel I have lost my mind.<br /><br />I think about tea all day long. Warm. Comfort. Soothing.<br /><br />It’s weird how something so small can really make an impact on life. Back then I drank it. I know I did. But it was not special enough to me for some reason. Now, it’s special. It’s relaxing. It’s me time.<br /><br />I do have an antique teacup, saucer and spoon. Its white with green shamrocks. It is my pride and joy. But, I have never used it. It’s still wrapped in the paper and in the box from the antque shop in which I purchased it from. I am afraid its going to get broken.<br /><br />I was pretty excited when the email came through this morning announcing it was hot tea month.<br /><br />Yippee!!<br /><br />Now I can share with the world my secret obsession with Pinterest and Tea.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58164882021629848882012-01-04T22:05:00.000-05:002012-01-04T22:05:28.836-05:00#blogboost Day 4: I'm CheatingIt's after 10pm EST and I am extremely tired. It's been a long , busy and yet difficult day.<br />I am going to cheat on the challenge and use the post I made on my other blog the challenge for both websites. I just don't have it in me today to write two separate posts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/01/04/every-so-often/" target="_blank">What I Like Least About Facebook</a> is on <a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">ChrystalMahan.com</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3842739037307932402012-01-04T21:16:00.002-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.401-04:00#NSNation Week #7 and Doctor Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcU36a_PQ9k/TwUIB6rRpSI/AAAAAAAAAp8/nrQ89vHLe_k/s1600/f4164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcU36a_PQ9k/TwUIB6rRpSI/AAAAAAAAAp8/nrQ89vHLe_k/s1600/f4164.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The doctor’s scale said I was 238. I forgot to compare it to mine when I got home. Mine has been saying 238, 240, 268 off and on and back off again. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had an appointment with my new doctor to discuss these issues that I had. I wish they would give you more than an hour, especially when they make you wait in their office for over 30 minutes while they order lunch. I feel like I could have told her more, but at least I got a good start. She was so nice, kind and understanding. You know sometimes you feel like your Doc just isn’t listening to you? I did not feel that way with her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also found out two of my aunts are her patients. Being able to have some family history really seemed to help her.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She has ordered a 1/4in shoe insert for my right shoe and overall exam from my chiropractor. My right leg is shorter due to my hip being so out of what, and that is due to the disk disease. I go see her tomorrow afternoon.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She has ordered a new set of x-rays on my back and I will be doing that is Friday morning. She gave me a prescription for naproxen, which is Aleve basically, to help with the pain discomfort. I can’t have anything stronger because the last set of blood work I had done showed my livers to be very high, mostly due to the aspirin/pain killers so she wants to see how my new tests come out.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She has ordered a full round of blood work so we can rule out any diabetes, thyroid, things like that. That too is Friday morning. Tomorrow night I have to fast all the way until after my appt Friday morning. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">She has ordered that I see our relationship therapist so she can refer me to a psychiatrist in her office since it’s obvious that in the last 4 years since I have seen one that I have relapsed and she’s worried I am no longer manic but bipolar which could explain a lot of my food and weight issues.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dr. S (my new doc) thinks that once we get these dr. appts out of the way that the puzzle pieces will fit together and we can move forward with things. When I asked her about Nutrisystem she smiled and said YES! Stay on it, keep trying, as it’s the best thing I need right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So there’s the update.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will keep on trucking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I bought a new exercise machine. Someone had it on Craigslist for $50, its $100 on QVC. XL Glider. Supposed to be better on my joints and no impact. I was able to do 10 minutes tonight before my back really started to scream at me. But it gave me a good cardio workout and I can feel it in my muscles now as I sit here writing this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I AM going to keep trying. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13818408836340097842012-01-04T11:28:00.003-05:002012-02-21T17:21:55.274-05:00Writing Opportunity: Fire How<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.firehow.com/cmahan/" target="_blank"><img alt="firehow.com" src="http://www.firehow.com/images/ads/writers-needed-firehow.gif" /></a> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">FireHow the eHow alternative.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I have had my <a href="http://www.firehow.com/cmahan/" target="_blank">FireHow </a>account for 2 years. I can't remember the last time I logged in. I decided to try it today. Whola! The logins still work. I had to update my email, websites and photo, but other than that the profile looked like it was good to go. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>Why have nothing posted there?</b></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Well, when I signed up with this account it was because I was seeing the success my eHow articles were having through Demand Studios, where I was a writer at the time. However, I was tired of the cranky editors and I wanted a little more freedom. I found this site through a fellow writers. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>So, why do I think you should write there?</b></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Honestly, I don't know. All of these residual sites are the same. You write, they host, you share the profits. It is up to you to decide which one works the best for you and your niche. Personally, I don't write a lot of "how to" style articles so that could be why I neglected this site, or it could be because I found<a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank"> HubPages</a> and <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a" target="_blank">WebAnswers </a>works out a little better for me with what little free time I have outside of school and private clients. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">You'll need to test the waters and see if the site is a good fit for you and your material.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I really want to branch out with some more residual passive income writing. This might be one of the sites I spend some time on. Not sure yet, but I do have it bookmarked. My list of titles to write is starting to get out of control. Now if I could just sit down long enough to have time to write them!</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>The reason I mentioned it.</b></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I mentioned this company because I recently got an email from them that caught my attention.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1325532751672188" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 800px;"><tbody id="yui_3_2_0_1_1325532751672185" style="width: 800px;"><tr id="yui_3_2_0_1_1325532751672182"><td id="yui_3_2_0_1_1325532751672179" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />We hope everyone had a great holiday break and we wish you an amazing 2012!</i></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1325532751672176" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Throughout 2012, we expect even more growth than last year. Hopefully your earnings will keep growing as you publish new articles and those residuals come in.</i></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Just a quick note, the $10 earnings payout mark is being increased to $15. As soon as you hit that mark, you will be sent your payment at the beginning of the month. Ensure you have the proper tax information filled out so there will be no delay in your payment.</i></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Also, we will be sending out 1099's soon to the users who have been paid $10 or more in 2011. Keep an eye out for those in the next couple weeks.</i></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Kind Regards,</i></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>FireHow Admin Team</i></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I thought the mention of "growth" might mean they have something up their sleeve and perhaps it would be worth getting on board with tossing a few residual articles their way.</span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Interested in more residual sites? Here is my post about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/writing-opportunity-wizzley.html" target="_blank">Wizzley</a></span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77717878628115182522012-01-04T06:10:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.365-04:00My Least Favorite Thing About Facebook<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11762101@N00/2251266697" target="_blank"><img alt="facebook" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2171/2251266697_5304abac74_m.jpg" title="facebook" /></a><br /><br />Every so often I feel the need to give this speech. I am not sure why I always feel the need to stand up for myself or explain my actions. I should not have to. It is my American right to be able to say as I please. But every few years there is this batch of people that come along and want to claim their “I am better than you” attitude.<br /><br />For people that don’t know me, I am full of anger and rage. It’s something I have hidden deep inside that not many people get to see. Thankfully. It’s not something I am happy with. It is also not something I asked for. I am also extremely depressive. It is not anyone’s fault but the bastard that ruined my life for 12 years.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br />You see, I have a mental condition. I suffer from major reoccurring manic depression, post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic attacks. It is because of my manic depression that I am pretty much bipolar in the aspect that my moods go from one extreme to the next. I may look ok on the surface, but on the inside I am boiling. Well, either, boiling or crying, one or the other depending on the events of the day.<br /><br />Back in the day <a href="https://myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik" target="_blank">MySpace</a> used to be my lifeline. I lived in one part of OK, my friends lived in other parts of the state, and some in other parts of the country. I did not have a fancy cell phone like I do now so there was not much texting going on. There was however a lot of Yahoo! IM going on. MySpace and IM were the means of communicating with my friends all at once instead of calling each one individually.<br /><br />The anxieties I suffer from, along with the depression, paralyze me with fear. What if I am bothering that person? What if they are busy? What if they just don’t want to listen to me? I don’t want to bother anyone or be a burden. With the help of my psychiatrist and friends we made a “reach out” system. If someone was in need, we reached out and if someone was available, they would reach back and listen.<br /><br />It worked very well. I knew I always had a friend.<br /><br />Myspace morphed to Facebook. Friends passed away, others came and went. But one thing remains the same, I will always have the “reach out” system for myself and my fellow friends that suffer from the same mental illness problems that I have.<br /><br />If I post things on Facebook that you don’t like or appreciate, the simple choice would be for you to just not read them or remove yourself from my friends list. If the people in my life are aware of my actions and have no problem with it, in reality, that’s really all that matters. You have the choice to not be here. You have the choice to not read it. You will not hurt my feelings because the truth is I don’t need people in my life that aren’t going to understand and constantly ridicule me for my actions.<br /><br />If I need a friend, I am going to talk to them. Whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, my websites, IM, text on the phone, a email or a phone call, it does not matter. Facebook makes it so easy with smartphone alerts. But, I will not apologize for trying to help myself and reaching out to my friends. It works for me. It saves me and it has literally saved my life more than once.<br /><br />If you choose to not post certain things on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social network is to your liking, that is YOUR business. It is your life and I am certainly not going to judge you for it.<br /><br />Calling me out on Facebook or Twitter does not make you any better than me. Going and talking about certain things I post to people in my life, also does not make you any better than me. You are just starting your own drama pot.<br /><br /><b>It is my life, my websites, my words. I will do what I want, say what I please. If being myself bothers you, leave.</b><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=fbd9ac45-07f5-4cd7-8d5c-cd038befd828" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71912357192108583082012-01-03T10:48:00.001-05:002012-01-03T10:52:16.023-05:00#blogboost Day 3 : 10 Random Things About Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmfjFX7lfsY/TVHIb8lz3JI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/4JrrJZF1wn0/s1600/31ideas-girl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmfjFX7lfsY/TVHIb8lz3JI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/4JrrJZF1wn0/s320/31ideas-girl.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Personal or Business Blogging:</strong></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Try a "Top Ten" style post. You can write this one in many different ways and it doesn't necessarily have to be 10, just using a list format can get our brains thinking creatively sometimes. You could share...</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Top 10 Reasons You Should (fill in the blank)</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Top 3 Reasons You Shouldn't (fill in the blank)</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Top 5 Reasons I (fill in the blank)</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Top 5 Blogs You Should Be Reading</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, 'hel vetica', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* The 7 Web Tools You Can't Miss</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* 5 Ways to Succeed at (fill in the blank)</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* The 10 Coolest Places I've Visited</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* 5 Blogs I Discovered Recently</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* 10 Random Things About Me</span> <br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>10 Random Things About Me</strong></div><ol style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><li>I don't like for the dish rag to be left wadded up and sitting at the bottom of the sink.</li><li>I prefer powdered milk. I can make it myself. Full fat milk taste with skim milk calories and fat.</li><li>I prefer tea over coffee even though I drink it almost every day.</li><li>I want to be a Zombie slayer when I grow up.</li><li>I went through a stage where I folded my dirty clothes before I put them in the hamper.</li><li>I would rather read than anything else. (and I will read just about anything...shampoo bottles, the toothpaste tube....)</li><li>I don't care if I am social. </li><li>I prefer peace and quiet.</li><li>I prefer cheese over chocolate...any day....any time.</li><li>I am paralyzed every time I leave my house. Its rare I go out alone (anxiety disorder, PTSD)</li></ol><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">PS - I cheated today. I used the same post on chrystalmahan.com</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31393301785717449522012-01-03T09:01:00.002-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.380-04:00#NSNation Bit of a NSV on Nutrisystem & Tortilla Soup RecipeI tend to be a picky eater, so on <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> I tend to stick to the same things I know I like. To break the boredom, I try to spruce things up a bit.<br /><br />For this one I started with my vegetable soup.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJPmjEsihOA/Tv94e3SzW0I/AAAAAAAAAoM/7eFhsI_yeGk/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJPmjEsihOA/Tv94e3SzW0I/AAAAAAAAAoM/7eFhsI_yeGk/s320/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />I made sure it was boiling. While it was cooking I put <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=lunch&plan=basic&productId=882" target="_blank">Nutrisystem Black Bean Tortilla</a> soup in my bowl.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozdWxAJUKXM/Tv95WEYQWEI/AAAAAAAAAok/KSBNyzCejto/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozdWxAJUKXM/Tv95WEYQWEI/AAAAAAAAAok/KSBNyzCejto/s320/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />Once my soup boiled I measured 2 cups and put it in the bowl with the NS soup mix. I mixed it up and popped it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Then I put 2 tbsp of fat free sour cream on the top.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fC_xi863mZI/Tv95RROZKRI/AAAAAAAAAoY/bE1VIW33JWY/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fC_xi863mZI/Tv95RROZKRI/AAAAAAAAAoY/bE1VIW33JWY/s320/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />Looks a little messy, but it sure tasted good. I found it was an easy way to add my vegetables and change the taste of the soup. I like it as-is, but I also like this method as well. I found that having batches of the soup handy has really helped me stay on track a bit better these last few days. I get bored with salads so this makes a great alternative, especially in the cold winter months!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; 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outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87515265075489872332012-01-03T05:49:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.419-04:0010 Random Things About Me<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Toothpasteonbrush.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="English: Putting toothpaste on a toothbrush. T..." class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Toothpasteonbrush.jpg/300px-Toothpasteonbrush.jpg" title="English: Putting toothpaste on a toothbrush. T..." width="300" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Personal or Business Blogging:</strong><br />Try a "Top Ten" style post. You can write this one in many different ways and it doesn't necessarily have to be 10, just using a list format can get our brains thinking creatively sometimes. You could share...<br />* Top 10 Reasons You Should (fill in the blank)<br />* Top 3 Reasons You Shouldn't (fill in the blank)<br />* Top 5 Reasons I (fill in the blank)<br />* Top 5 Blogs You Should Be Reading<br />* The 7 Web Tools You Can't Miss<br />* 5 Ways to Succeed at (fill in the blank)<br />* The 10 Coolest Places I've Visited<br />* 5 Blogs I Discovered Recently<br />* 10 Random Things About Me<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>My Thoughts:</strong><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><strong>10 Random Things About Me</strong><br /><ol><br /><li>I don't like for the dish rag to be left wadded up and sitting at the bottom of the sink.</li><br /><li>I prefer powdered milk. I can make it myself. Full fat milk taste with skim milk calories and fat.</li><br /><li>I prefer tea over coffee even though I drink it almost every day.</li><br /><li>I want to be a Zombie slayer when I grow up.</li><br /><li>I went through a stage where I folded my dirty clothes before I put them in the hamper.</li><br /><li>I would rather read than anything else. (and I will read just about anything...shampoo bottles, the toothpaste tube....)</li><br /><li>I don't care if I am social.</li><br /><li>I prefer peace and quiet.</li><br /><li>I prefer cheese over chocolate...any day....any time.</li><br /><li>I am paralyzed every time I leave my house. Its rare I go out alone (anxiety disorder, PTSD)</li></ol><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=048f9372-1980-4ce2-86c3-e96cfbf7c1f9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8291615761272436752012-01-02T17:14:00.001-05:002012-01-02T17:15:15.434-05:00#blogboost Day 2 Career Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmfjFX7lfsY/TVHIb8lz3JI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/4JrrJZF1wn0/s1600/31ideas-girl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmfjFX7lfsY/TVHIb8lz3JI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/4JrrJZF1wn0/s320/31ideas-girl.png" width="320" /></a></div>Day 1: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/01/blogboost-ultimate-blog-challenge.html" target="_blank">here</a><br /><br /><strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Business Blogging:</strong><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Imagine and predict the future. What changes and evolution do you see happening in your industry during 2012? What do you think will be different this time next year?</span> <br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>My Thoughts:</b></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Last year Google let Panda out of her cage. Ever since then, writing has changed as far as the so-called "content mills." I am ok with that. Many aren't. I see so many people suffering financially because of the changes that have been made. Many companies had to close their doors. I think it made me stronger. It made me want to take a look at blogging, affiliate, and residual income a little more. Stop writing for others and start writing for myself. I published two ebooks as an indie author at the end of last year. I think there are many out there like me who are walking away from some of these changes and creating a better career module for themselves. I plan to continue with school and spend more time on passive income as well as creating a better business module for myself. I see more people making money on their own instead of relying on companies like Demand Media. I also see a lot of people who were not writing to begin with (and hating every minute of it) realizing they were meant for something more and finding their true calling.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Follow my personal UBC on <a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">chrystalmahan.com</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4963827956953533872012-01-02T12:45:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.278-04:00Pinterest and How it Makes Me Miss Elonna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSPyhNAZZ2Y/TwIl3--h0nI/AAAAAAAAAps/QPkgvloTxeo/s1600/ultimateblogchallenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSPyhNAZZ2Y/TwIl3--h0nI/AAAAAAAAAps/QPkgvloTxeo/s320/ultimateblogchallenge.png" width="320" /></a></div><strong><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong>Personal Blogging:</strong><br />Share a resource that you've found useful, like a website or book. Got a favorite recipe website? Craft site for family time? Gaming site? How about a book that made a difference for you or that you really enjoyed? Tell your readers about it.<br /><br /><strong>Day 1 : <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/01/kick-off-to-ultimate-blog-challenge.html" target="_blank">Gearing Up for The Ultimate Blog Challenge</a></strong><br /><br /><strong>My Thoughts:</strong><br /><br />There is a resource that I have been using for about a year now. It is exciting to me to see so many people using it now that it is out of the beta stage and users are allowed to invite others to join the site. <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> is my new procrastination tool. I like to think of it as the cork board you have hanging in your office that you use a thumbtack to stick everything you cut out of magazines or print off the internet to. I pin almost every day. I have a board for health goals, recipes, exercising, things I wanted for my wedding, things I would like to someday have for my home, and things I just like.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br />Years and years ago when one of my best friends Elonna was still alive, one of the things we mutually enjoyed was photography. In 2005 Photobuckt hit the scene and we were always on the quest for the perfect photo to place in our PaintShop program to spiffy up for a new <a href="https://myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik" target="_blank">MySpace</a> graphic either for our blogs or comments. No matter how sick she got, she was always there right by my side for hours and hours. My first Photobucket account contains over 10,000 graphics. Half of those she helped me find. When Photobucket would ban a photos, saying it was too sexy, we would hunt for hours trying to find an alternative site that would allow for more adult photos. In those years together I collected an entire folder full of photography places and storage sites.<br /><br />I don't visit most of those places. Long gone are the MySpace perfect-graphic day. Elonna passed away in late 2007 after losing her battle with Cancer. But her memory always lives inside of me. The first night I discovered Pinterest, I cried. I cried like the world was going to end. All I could think about was "Elonna would have loved this!" I played around on the website and I could hear her squealing with interest and delight. "OH! look at that one Chrys! No! This one, use this one! We can add this to it and do that to it...." on and on my brain went. Hearing the giggle in my head. She had the quietest voice and the cutest giggle. I can still hear it as I type this right now. As I wiped away my tears I sat down and composed a letter to the owners of Pinterest, thanking them for allowing me to beta test their site, how great I thought it was going to become and how it helped me to reconnect with memories of a friend I had lost.<br /><br />Every time I am on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cmahan" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> I think about Elonna. What she would think of the things I am pinning and the photos she would like. I even made a board for her. Knowing that even though she can't physically be here to pin with me, she is here beside me, on my shoulder, watching me as I do so.<br /><br />I miss my sistagurl so very much. I love being able to have a place to share with her, even if in spirit.<br /><br />Blessings to all of Elonna's family and friends.<br /><br />Together we are strong. Together we made her life better.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51411731099546003162012-01-02T09:24:00.017-05:002014-02-23T14:44:29.484-05:00Getting Your Income Taxes ReadyHello my fellow Schedule C users. Are you ready to file your taxes?<br /><br />No worries, you have plenty of time!<br /><br />Here is a round-up of this years tax articles to help you organize your receipts and get the most out of your business expenses.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2104653306"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/free-list-of-home-business-deductions_23.html" target="_blank">25 Home Business Deductions for Taxes</a><br /><br />Understanding Married Filed Separately<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2104653323"><br /></a><br />Your Income Tax Filing Status<br /><br /><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/those_gifts_may_be_tax_deductable" target="_blank">Tax Deductible Gifts</a><br /><br />Different Types of Taxable and Nontaxable Income<br /><br />Taxable and Nontaxable Part 2<br /><br /><br /><b>Afraid you wont get done in time?</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/tax-filing-deadline-extensions_18.html" target="_blank">How to File an Extension</a><br /><br /><b>To get you started for a fresh new year:</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2012/11/free-bookkeeping-resources-for-writers.html" target="_blank">Free Accounting Sources for Your Work at Home Business</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51416244634208169362012-01-02T09:13:00.001-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.426-04:00#NSNation I Finally Tried Chef's Table™ Citrus Barbeque Glazed Pork<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">I can't quite figure out why my photo is upside down! LOL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7BXj-Rkdbc/Tv97GJ8Dl2I/AAAAAAAAAow/sszFqmfKiDw/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7BXj-Rkdbc/Tv97GJ8Dl2I/AAAAAAAAAow/sszFqmfKiDw/s320/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">So, this has been sitting in my freezer, waiting patiently for me to try it. When I finally did bread down and try it, I forgot to write about it. So here I am, about a week later. Well, better late than never, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">From the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> Website:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=dinner&plan=basic&productId=3610" target="_blank">Chef's Table™ Citrus Barbeque Glazed Pork</a></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">Created by acclaimed celebrity chef Kent Rathbun, this fruit-infused dish is sure to make your taste buds take notice. Tender pork slices in a spicy citrus chipotle sauce are the star of the dish, accompanied by a sweet mango salsa and tasty charred corn. Prepare yourself for a good-for-you dish that's complex and delicious.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tRcW_yGFwk/Tv97rjK9mSI/AAAAAAAAAo8/gRBTAgYuba4/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tRcW_yGFwk/Tv97rjK9mSI/AAAAAAAAAo8/gRBTAgYuba4/s320/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">My plate looks completely different than their photo on the box and the website. But, thats pretty normal for most companies. No big deal really. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I was not impressed with this one (not like the </span></span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/nsnation-new-item-test-chefs-table.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">ricotta crepes from a few weeks back!</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">) because the pork was really tough. I expected it to fall right apart like a nice white meat boneless pork chop, but it did not. I could not just cut it with a fork, I </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">actually</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> had to use a knife. It was chewy when I ate it like a tough piece of meat. The flavor was </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">extremely</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> spicy with just a hint of sweet. I felt the spice was overpowering more than it should. I was raised in the south. I love hot sauce and spicy </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Cajun</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> food, but this was not good in flavor. All I could taste was the spice. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I do have another in my freezer that is for Matt. I doubt he is going to eat it because he does not like BBQ. I wonder if it cooked too long and if I can doctor it up somehow. I followed the package directions, but you know how microwaves are. Before I totally rule this one out I might have to do another test. Cook it a little less and see what I can do to take out some of the spice. I will keep you posted.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52933517000744027902012-01-01T16:44:00.014-05:002012-01-02T17:06:32.201-05:00#blogboost Ultimate Blog Challenge Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSPyhNAZZ2Y/TwIl3--h0nI/AAAAAAAAAps/QPkgvloTxeo/s1600/ultimateblogchallenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSPyhNAZZ2Y/TwIl3--h0nI/AAAAAAAAAps/QPkgvloTxeo/s320/ultimateblogchallenge.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Introduction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is my 3rd or 4th time doing the Ultimate Blog Challenge. It is one of my favorite writing/blogging challenges I have ever tried. I make good friends and get to read some awesome blogs. This round I had planned to do on my other website: <a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">chrystalmahan.com</a>, but I am doing a prayer challenge over there and still trying to do some linking in between posts after moving all of my personal and author related items off of this freelance site. So I am not sure if I will be able to keep up with all of the personal/business posts. But I will give it a shot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Challenges</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the biggest challenges I will face is time management. I am a full-time graduate student and my studies take up a good chunk of my day. I am hoping to get a bit better with keeping school , private clients, promoting my books, and my websites organized.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cheers to getting 2012 off to a good start.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55329902560683786862012-01-01T12:02:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.296-04:00Kick-Off to the Ultimate Blog Challenge<strong style="background-color: white;">Introduction</strong><br /><br />This is my 3rd or 4th time doing the Ultimate Blog Challenge. It is one of my favorite writing/blogging challenges I have ever tried. I make good friends and get to read some awesome blogs. I am not sure if I will be able to keep up with all of the personal/business posts. But I will give it a shot.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><div><strong>Challenges</strong><br /><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">One of the biggest challenges I will face is time management. I am a full-time graduate student and my studies take up a good chunk of my day. I am hoping to get a bit better with keeping school , private clients, promoting my books, and my websites organized.</span><br /><div><br /><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">Cheers to getting 2012 off to a good start.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60662922880576738612012-01-01T08:59:00.000-05:002012-03-12T13:36:44.697-04:00Writing Opportunity: Fivers World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fiversworld.com/referral.php?r=1434" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="99" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rplldNucH2A/TwtGONoBpwI/AAAAAAAAAqM/QKYNR74umeg/s320/Freelancers+for+hire+++Fivers+World.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />There really is not much to say about <a href="http://www.fiversworld.com/referral.php?r=1434" target="_blank">Fivers World</a>. It's just one of many Fiverr style sites. So far, it's my favorite.<br /><br /> I have been having some issues with Fiverr and their staff so I felt it best to seek out some of these other websites. I have had <a href="http://www.fiversworld.com/referral.php?r=1434" target="_blank">Fivers World</a> on my list for quite some time. It was easy to set up and join. I was up and running in a matter of minutes. These little micro job sites are nice because I can do small tasks and meet potential long-term clients. In the week I have been there I have discovered that traffic is a tad slower than Fiverr, but not by much. I think it's worth it to list your writing skills for shorter pieces for $5. I can definitely see the opportunity there. If you are already on Fiverr, just copy/paste your jobs over on Fivers World. Easy as pie. Hopefully it won't take you long to get a job. I had my first one within an hour.<br /><br />Be sure to check out other <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Writing%20Opportunities" target="_blank">writing opportunities</a>!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56115716893066515482011-12-31T11:26:00.007-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.868-04:00Writing Opportunity: Wizzley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ar2qiExNon8/TvzhB0ktffI/AAAAAAAAAoA/PGHw3B40MYk/s1600/Wizzley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ar2qiExNon8/TvzhB0ktffI/AAAAAAAAAoA/PGHw3B40MYk/s1600/Wizzley.png" /></a></div>In my 2012 resolution list I have made a note to make this year my best year for writing income. I plan to push through full-speed ahead on residual/passive income and test out some other types of writing. As a freelancer I am constantly on the lookout for any writing opportunities that I can take or pass along to others.<br /><br /><span style="color: purple;">Having said that, freelance tax work and working on my Master's degree take up a significant amount of my time, so we shall see if I can meet my goals.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The other day I wrote about a paid to blog (post) company called <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/what-is-blogsvertise.html">Blogsvertise.</a> Today I am going to discuss another paid to post opportunity: residual income through adsense.<br /><br /><b>Wizzley</b><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I first found out about Wizzley through Angie, <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/" target="_blank">TheWork at Home Wife</a>. In January she made a post “<i>P<a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/passive-residual-income-what-are-my-options/" target="_blank">assive Residual Income: WhatAre My Options?</a></i>” where she listed Wizzley as one of the choices. I did not really give it much thought, but later that year (in June) she posted about Wizzley again with an post titled “ <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/dofollow-backlinks-wizzley-review/" target="_blank"><i>DoFollow Backlinks: Wizzley Review</i></a>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Something to be said about Wizzley, it’s a relatively new site that was created by a few creators of the popular Squidoo writing site. I signed up around June, but have yet to post anything there. Not because I did not want to, but because I did not really have time to keep up with so many sites. I pretty much stuck to HubPages and hid myself in the world of textbooks. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Since I am trying to make 2012 more of a passive income year, I felt it best to start dusting off some of these sites.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I am not sure of the goal I am going to make for myself. I know I would like to do 3-5 <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/" target="_blank">HubPage</a>s a week, 3-5 <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a" target="_blank">WebAnswers</a> a week, and maybe 1-2 <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> articles a week. I'm also needing to put a few new <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan" target="_blank">eZine Articles</a> up. I think this is a doable goal with the other things I have going on.</span><br /><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">If I was really smart I would figure out a way to use my own websites instead of others. I tend to look at residual income as a retirement account. Building up and saving for my future. On the other hand, I would like to keep working on my eBook publications. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">What I like about Wizzley is that the layout seems similar to HubPages so it should be an easy learning curve for me and anyone not familiar with the setup. The revenue share is a 50% split and it’s still fairly new. I like that it also includes Chitika (only if you don’t use adsense), AllPosters, Amazon AND Zazzle as part of the revenue sharing program. So far, from the companies I have visited, this is the largest amount of options available.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">What I don’t like is that it is still considered new. Sometimes being a new site can be a blessing and a curse. (I should add that it is still growing.) Since the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/getting-back-in-game_19.html" target="_blank">big Google Panda upset,</a> a lot of writers are seeing their traffic go down. Even with the down numbers, many are still making a decent amount of money between all their adsense accounts. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Either way, I am willing to test the waters. I'll be using it to link here and there.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Guess I’m off to finish my <a href="http://wizzley.com/authors/cmahan/" target="_blank">profile there</a> and get it ready for Passive Income 2012!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/what-is-blogsvertise.html" target="_blank">What is Blogsvertise?</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=c5937488-3036-4f8b-89a1-329c52e7d255" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1693349525365305382011-12-30T16:31:00.000-05:002011-12-30T16:31:20.358-05:00Finding Free Content Online<b> Photography</b><br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><a data-mce-href="http://morguefile.com/" href="http://morguefile.com/" style="color: rgb(41, 124, 207) !important; text-decoration: none !important;">Morgue File</a> doesn't have the most pleasant name, but it does have high quality free stock photos.</strong> For the record it is not a website devoted to all things morgue related. The site does ask that you give credit to the photo and link it. You can search for an image by a keyword, or you can just browse. Clicking on a photo that you like will allow you to download it, as well as provide you with the needed link and credit information.</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://photorogue.com/" href="http://photorogue.com/" style="color: rgb(41, 124, 207) !important; text-decoration: none !important;">Photo Rouge</a> puts a new twist on the royalty free photo option</strong><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">. Can’t find what you are looking for? Stop by the Rouge and place your request. They also offer a gallery for you to browse, just in case they already have what you seek. Volunteers fill the request, and it is all free of charge.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12447418_title" style="font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Articles & Other Content</h2><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.articlesbase.com" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/" style="color: rgb(41, 124, 207) !important; text-decoration: none !important;">Article Base</a> is a website directory which offers over 1.5 million free articles and content.</strong>This content can be used on personal websites, content sites, or blogs. Article Base offers writers the chance to submit their personal work for syndication and recognition.</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.articlecity.com/" href="http://www.articlecity.com/" style="color: rgb(41, 124, 207) !important; text-decoration: none !important;">Article City</a> is site devoted to all free content.</strong> Article City is a simple site to navigate offering a plethora of topic content available for reprint. The site is bloated with advertisements, but for free website content it is worth moving around the site.</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.freesticky.com/stickyweb/" href="http://www.freesticky.com/stickyweb/" style="color: rgb(41, 124, 207) !important; text-decoration: none !important;">Free Sticky</a> is another website that offers free content for your website and tools for webmasters</strong>. The theme of the website is “increase the appeal, usefulness, traffic and eventually the stickiness of their website.” Hence, the name Free Sticky.</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.ladypens.com" href="http://www.ladypens.com/" style="color: rgb(41, 124, 207) !important; text-decoration: none !important;">Lady Pens is site packed full of content (and information!)</a></strong>, but you must include all of the original author information and cannot change the articles in any way. It is a great site to read through the content.</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong>Do a search for PLR (Private Label Rights) content and you will find content for any niche you are looking for</strong>. Some offer packaged deal such as 3 for $5, some pay per piece, and there are some that offer free content. In return they ask that you keep all the links intact. This gives the original author or website recognition.</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12447421_title" style="font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">eBooks</h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12447421" style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Searching for some eBooks?</strong> There are plenty of <a href="http://www.free-ebooks.net/1447.html">free eBooks</a> on the net. Going from site to site can be time consuming. So how do you find the right one? <a href="http://www.techsupportalert.com/">Gizmo’s Freeware </a>posts a list of over 100 places to find free eBooks. The books are 100% legal for download.</div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41505671100638239142011-12-29T17:27:00.000-05:002015-01-01T17:55:37.876-05:00Reflections of 2011 <div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JC-LiveUnplugged.jpg" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img alt="Live Unplugged (Jeremy Camp album)" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fe/JC-LiveUnplugged.jpg/300px-JC-LiveUnplugged.jpg" height="300" title="Live Unplugged (Jeremy Camp album)" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: maroon;"><em>He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~ Epictetus</em></span><br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /><span style="color: maroon;">New Year’s Eve is a time for reflection and looking forward. As you reflect on 2011, you can choose how you interpret the events of your life. Even if you struggled with challenges in your life last year, you can choose whether you will focus on the negative or positive aspects of those struggles. There are always two sides. Maybe you had financial difficulties or lost your job in 2011, but you have more time to spend with your family and an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Maybe you are facing health issues that will ultimately, if you choose to focus on the positive, help you become stronger and more aligned with your soul’s purpose.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br /><span style="color: maroon;">As you reflect on 2011 and plan for 2012, rejoice for the experiences you’ve had, knowing that they all lead to your growth and expansion. Focus on the positives in every contrast and rejoice for the abundance in your life.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Reflections of the Past</div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: center;">Reflections</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/02/reflections-of-2006.html" style="color: #bb2188; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">of 2006</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: center;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/reflections-on-2007.html" style="color: #bb2188; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">of 2007</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: center;">Reflections </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/12/reflections-2008.html" style="background-color: white; color: #bb2188; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">of 2008</a><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: center;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/12/reflections-2009.html" target="_blank">of 2009</a></span><br />Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/reflections-of-2010.html" target="_blank">of 2010</a><br /><br />1) Was 2011 a good year for you?<br />It was one giant ball of stress. It had many downs with my depression. However I did complete 9 classes in the first half of the year and graduated with my BA in June. I am now working on my MBA. That is something worth being proud of.<br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year?<br />Getting married again on November 7.<br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?<br /><br /><br /><br />Every time we fight.<br /><br />When I had to rush my mom to the ER.<br /><br />When someone told me Terry was still alive.<br />4) Where were you when 2011 began?<br />In bed. I just can’t seem to stay awake to watch the ball drop anymore.<br /><br />5) Who were you with?<br />The husband was home.<br /><br />6) Where will you be when 2011 ends?<br />I am guessing in bed. But if others have their way I will be elsewhere.<br /><br />7) Who will you be with when 2011 ends?<br />As stated in #6, it’s sort of a toss right now. I want to be in bed. Ziggy the cat sleeps with me. The husband wants me to stay awake. His mother wants us there. His daughter will be with us too.<br /><br />8) Did you keep your new year’s resolution of 2011?<br />I didn’t make any. I know I won’t keep them, so I didn’t bother.<br /><br />9) Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2011?<br /><br />I have to lose weight to save my back. I hurt way too much for someone my age.<br /><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2011?<br />Love is now and forever will be something I clearly do not understand. If you read my years past, or even some of my past writings you can see that is extremely confusing to me. But, I did get married so that must stand for something.<br /><br />11) If yes, with whom?<br />His name is Matt.<br /><br />12) If yes, do they know?<br />He did sign the marriage license. LOL<br /><br />13) Are you still in love with them?<br />I will always have love for him.<br />14) Do you regret it?<br />Every time we fight.<br /><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2011?<br />Nope.<br /><br /><br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2011?<br /><br />In real life? Not really.<br />Online? LOTS of them! *blows a kiss to you all*<br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br />ALL of them.... how can I pick just one?<br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2011?<br />Didn’t have one. They all sort of meshed together.<br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2011?<br />No :(<br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2011?<br /><br />I visited a few different cities within the state, but never crossed state line.<br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2011?<br />Friendships.<br /><br />22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?<br />YES! Both of my grandparents, all my friends and loved ones back in OK, Elonna, Joey, Sean, Lonnie, and Terry.<br /><br />23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2011?<br />Killing Bono<br /><br />24) What was your favorite song from 2011?<br />It was all about Shinedown. I also really enjoyed the new Jeremy Camp and I was introduced to Francesca Bastatelli (sp?)<br />25) What was your favorite album from 2011?<br /><br />N/A<br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2011?<br />Jeremy Camp<br /><br />I know I saw more but I can’t remember off the top of my head.<br /><br />27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2011?<br />Jeremy Camp. It changed me somehow.<br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2011?<br />Not really. I have cut back. Way back.<br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2011?<br />Only those prescribed, and that was a lot between the depression and the back issues.<br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2011?<br /><br /><br /><br />None. He snores. We don’t sleep in the same room. ;)<br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?<br />Letting my weight creep up causing me so much back pain.<br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2011?<br /><br />That I don’t love him anymore.<br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2011?<br /><br />That they don’t lie.<br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2011?<br />Not that I am aware.<br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2011?<br />Someone all the time.<br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2011?<br />You have to have money to spend it.<br /><br />What happened to 37??<br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2011?<br /><br />Don’t really have a moment.<br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2011 and change it, what would it be?<br /><br /><br /><br />I would have waited even longer to get married.<br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2012?<br />Drop weight.<br /><br />Make back stronger.<br /><br />Avoid back surgery.<br /><br />Avoid weight loss surgery.<br /><br />Sell more books.<br /><br />Finish my memoir.<br /><br />Go to OK to see my friends.<br /><br /><br /><br />41) What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?<br />Saw Jeremy Camp live.<br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?<br />Close to me? No. But a few people I know did.<br /><br /><br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?<br />More time to write.<br />44) What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br /><br /><br /><br />November 7 - the day I got married and decided to change my name.<br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br />Graduating college with my BA and starting my MBA.<br /><br />Publishing 2 books.<br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?<br />Still not being able to control my panic attacks, nightmares, depression, anxiety, anger, and PSTD.<br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought?<br /><br />No big purchases this year.<br /><br />48) Whose behavior merited celebration?<br /><br />N/A<br /><br />49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br />His mom. She seriously stresses me out.<br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br />Graduation<br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder? sadder<br />ii. thinner or fatter? fatter<br /><br />iii. richer or poorer? richer in education, poorer money wise<br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?<br />Exercised<br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?<br />Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think, and letting my mother-in-law and his ex get to me.<br />54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br />I wanted to spend it home alone. Did not happen that way.<br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?<br />0<br /><br />56) What was your favorite TV program?<br />Sons of Anarchy, Fringe, Nurse Jackie, Vampire Diaries, Secret Circle<br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br />No. It’s all the same.<br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?<br />I write book reviews. I have read way too many this year!<br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?<br />Francesca Bastatelli<br /><br />60) What did you want and get?<br />Nook Tablet<br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?<br />Cain to be well.<br /><br />Better paying clients.<br /><br />Stress free environment.<br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br />I turned 36.<br />63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br />Finishing my vampire novel.<br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?<br />I don’t have one. I dress for comfort these days.<br /><br />65) What kept you sane?<br />Nothing. That’s why I feel the way I do.<br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br /><br />Gerard Butler<br /><em>Brent Smith of Shinedown.</em><br /><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most?<br />Meh….<br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.<br />I must not eat to feel better.<br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric.<br /><br />This is what I had for 2007 and it seems fitting today:<br /><br />Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.<br />And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.<br />You cannot save me.<br /><br />Well, it's not the time to breakdown.<br />It's not the time to breakdown.<br />It's not the time to break up this love,<br />Keep it together now.<br />It's not the time to break.<br /><br />Read it all, no need for separating here.<br />You see what you want and try to justify.<br />All your little lines,<br />Convictions and your lies.<br />What right do you have to point at me?<br /><br />70) Favorite discovered quote.<br /><br />This is what I had in 2007 and its still my fave even if not new. "I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me."<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=b7eaa316-d1c1-4cf0-a452-e61c856d414a" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63376446237431524662011-12-29T10:16:00.000-05:002011-12-29T10:16:06.126-05:00#NSNation (you should read) The Health Whacko: Fat Me Haunted By The Skinny Me<a href="http://healthwhacko.blogspot.com/2011/12/fat-me-haunted-by-skinny-me_29.html?showComment=1325171697172#c8306480005130653295">The Health Whacko: Fat Me Haunted By The Skinny Me</a><div><br /></div><div>She's not on Nutrisystem, but I wanted to share this post on my friend Jeremy's blog. He had a guest blogger today and her words ring so true to my ears. I know many of you can relate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Chrys<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19439525464697996812011-12-28T19:18:00.004-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.335-04:00Week # 6 Results #NSNation Working With Vegetable Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I would love to tell everyone I had some success, but I did not. I went up 2, now at 242. Matt stayed the same. I am having a difficult time. Last week I was 240. It’s this back and forth battle with those same few pounds. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">On a good note:</span></b> Matt had a follow-up Dr. appt. for his triglycerides and blood pressure. He is off one of his three medications and they are very pleased that he no longer sucks down Ramen noodles like its the end of the world. So he gets a well deserved pat on the back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve peed on two sticks…I am certain it is not that!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is a post I wrote on the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> Forums:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Feeling Defeated. What Do You Do?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Me:<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Beginning of the month :240<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>End of the month: 239.6<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>I went down, up, up, and up.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>My husband:<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Beginning of the month: 234.6<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>End of the month: 227.8<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>He went down, down, down, and stayed down.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>What bothers me most is that I followed the program 99%. He followed the program maybe 60%. I exercised. He didn’t.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>I have struggled all year with my weight. Earlier this year when I was on Nutrisystem, I gained and lost the same 10 lbs over and over. <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>During the summer, even though I was still eating good and going to the gym, my weight still kept going up. My back hurting more.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>I thought it was stress. I thought it was hormones so I went off my birth control. <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>I am still gaining.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>It is depressing because I now have 2 pairs of pants that fit and a couple of shirts. I don’t want to have to buy new clothes. I am the largest I have ever been in my life. I have no idea what I am doing wrong. I have never had a problem losing weight in the past when I followed a program. <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Having said that, I am blessed to have good insurance now, thanks to my husband. I have an appt on the 22nd. It was the first appt. they have available. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this weight gain and get some sort of resolution. I can’t keep living in this body. The strain on my back causes too much pain. Quite literally, it’s ruining my life.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>I don’t want to give up, but I almost feel defeated no matter what I do.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>At this point I am not sure what I should do. <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>What would you do? Stop until you speak with the doc? Keep pushing forward on the program?<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Since writing that I did speak with a few folks on the Nutrisystem forum. The overall report was that I should just keep moving forward. See what my doctor has to say and continue on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I had to reschedule my appt. because I had a migraine that morning and the pain in my back was so severe I was in bed all day. My appt. is now the first week of January. I am making a list of all these issues I want to talk to her about so that I don’t forget anything. I just feel defeated and so unsure. I feel like this is never going to end.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I fell off the wagon over the holiday. I admit it. I eat when I am emotional, which seems to be all the time since I am manic depressive. Pretty much bi-polar. My mood swings are so severe they can wipe me out of all my energy. I don’t feel like doing a damn thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">But I KNOW something has to change. So I am trying to make changes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I made a pot of vegetable soup. I have been making this soup since I was on the other weight loss plan 10 years ago. It seems I never make it the same way twice. It starts with some low sodium chicken stock, vegetable stock or beef stock depending on your taste. Sometimes I skip the stock and will use homemade canned tomatoes from our garden and make it a tomato base. If I used all of my cans, canned from the store works too. I will then throw in whatever is available. This particular batch in the photos is cabbage, carrots, celery, tomato (and base from my garden), green pepper, onion (from the garden), and radish. I tend to throw in what is about to go bad from the salad bin. In the winter it is harder to eat salad. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The only thing I have mixed with this vegetable soup (usually I just eat it as my side vegetable) was the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=lunch&plan=basic&productId=904" target="_blank">Nutrisystem lunch red beansand chicken sausage</a> (which gave me a nice spicy treat) and the last couple of nights I cut up the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=dinner&plan=basic&productId=926" target="_blank">dinner flamebroiled beef patty</a>. Both options were yummy and quite filling. Just a thought for those who need some other options I would share this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am trying to get back on track. My back depends on me to do so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">On a side note my mom bought me Back2Life, which is a back machine that is supposed to help with alignment, pressure, and movement. It was a Christmas present with the hopes of helping me manage the pain. I have used it every day since. Matt purchased a $300 ergonomic chair for me for Christmas with the hopes of alleviating some of the discomfort. I dragged my ball from downstairs to upstairs and went back to the videos my old chiropractor started me on, which are on Sparkpeople. I found a Nutrisytem group there and was thrilled!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQFRjD8ZDi8/TvuvGIbOkGI/AAAAAAAAAno/LLLQjAtgdV0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQFRjD8ZDi8/TvuvGIbOkGI/AAAAAAAAAno/LLLQjAtgdV0/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; 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border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/nsnation-first-week-back-on-program.html" target="_blank">#NSNation First Week Back On Program</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/nsnation-week-2-up-up-and-away.html" target="_blank">#NSNation Week 2 Up, Up, and Away</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/nsnation-wrapping-up-month.html" target="_blank">#NSNation Wrapping Up the Month</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/11/14/im-doing-it-again-nsnation/" target="_blank">I'm Doing it Again (#NSNation)</a> (chrystalmahan.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/nsnation-nutrisystem-holiday-survival.html" target="_blank">#NSNation Nutrisystem Holiday Survival Smarts (and a note from me)</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=8edb0c9c-5ba8-44be-88f6-93ae9994e0c3" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18744854730655038972011-12-28T16:30:00.000-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.643-04:00What is Blogsvertise?<a href="http://www.blogsvertise.com/?rid=b35528"><img alt="Advertise On This Blog" border="0" src="http://www.blogsvertise.com/images/ads/advertising/150x150f.gif" /></a><br /><br />I get asked quite often how to make money from blogging. It seems easy and everyone wants to try it. It isn't for everyone as many find out. It takes hard work and dedication, just like any lucrative job.<br /><br />There are a few ways one can make money blogging. Affiliates , product reviews, and sponsored posts.<br />One of the companies I found two years ago and still use from time to time (I turn down way more than I write) is Blogsvertise. Setting up your account is really easy. Basic user name, information, and information about your blog. I have all of mine listed. I get around 5-10 offers every 2-3 days. The price range is $1-$20. Everyone will be different based on your blog and the advertisers.<br /><br />I highly recommend signing up. Its free, they do pay and you have nothing to lose.<br /><br />Offers will show in your dashboard. You can also set yourself up for email alerts. The advertiser will give you all the necessary information to write your post. You accept or deny. If you accept, you simply insert the blog post url when completed and wait for approval. I have yet to have one not be approved.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33169849028995082872011-12-28T16:18:00.001-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.763-04:00Our Retirement<div style="background-color: #ccffff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">Our Retirement<br /><br /></div><div style="background-color: #ccffff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">The article written by Alonso Kramer<br /><br /></div><div style="background-color: #ccffff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">My husband and I love to travel. We are retired now, and have been saving our whole lives so that we can enjoy this time. Last year we went and spent two weeks in Italy. I think it was one of our best trips yet. We visited vineyards in Tuscany and saw some beautiful historical and ancient sites in Rome. I enjoyed myself immensely, but my husband worried about our home since we were gone for so long and none of our children live close by anymore. When we got back I insisted we get a home security system before our next trip so that my husband could relax a little more. It was a s simple as doing an internet search for <a href="http://www.securitychoice.com/adt-home-security/Michigan/K/Keego-Harbor/">Security System Keego harbor</a> and figuring out what we needed to do to get it set up. We are headed to South Africa this upcoming spring, and I really hope my husband will finally shut up about our home being protected. I’m so excited about the trip I can barely think about anything else, so hopefully he won’t ruin it for me with his worries!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90319268204297568572011-12-25T09:20:00.005-05:002011-12-28T20:40:20.493-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Rachel Hauck & Merry Christmas!!!<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep up with Pearl Girls and our new book project, Mother of Pearl, coming this spring, just <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/" target="_blank">click this link</a> and sign up for our newsletter (lower left sidebar).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Also, just a reminder that today is the last day for the pearl necklace and earrings giveaway!</b> Enter now by filling out this {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}. </b>The winner will on 1/1 at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls blog</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank"><i>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</i></a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Jesus -- The Reason For the Season</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">By: Rachel Hauck</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the world? All right, Mary, way to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” Gabriel said.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Mary’s seems confident and resolved when she responds, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She’d just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God’s power will overshadow her, that she’d become with child even though she wasn’t married, and she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let your words be true.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother. They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like Mary, our situation seems impossible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Listen to Mary’s song later on in the first chapter of Luke.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is his name…”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl’s every day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly said, “Generations will remember me!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered around like Christmas candy. Let’s not take them as just words, but as truth. Let’s be like Mary and embrace God’s favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He’s done great things for me!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him reaching for ours.</i></b> No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. “My soul glorifies the Lord this Christmas!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://www.rachelhauck.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Hauck</a> is an award winning, best selling author who believes God has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and ornery pets. Her next release is Love Lifted Me with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for The Wedding Dress. <a href="http://www.rachelhauck.com/">www.rachelhauck.com</a>.</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72173717036473650482011-12-24T09:19:00.003-05:002011-12-28T20:41:00.519-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Robin Dance<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank"><i>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</i></a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Panhandler's Breath</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">By Robin Dance</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though, baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away where the electric shuttle picks up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting his next prey.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there was no where to run.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind. The Stranger began speaking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he nodded in my and my son’s direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he was saying.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my doubt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">His breath.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his wizened face matched his graying hair.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed his teeth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and God blessed him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We got in the car and blurted first reaction--</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"I didn't believe a word he said."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"That made me nervous."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate. The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every spiritual blessing. E v e r y.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth brush.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn’t that mean generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-glorifying response.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin also confesses mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she’s a recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist, Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes for her own site, <a href="http://www.pensieve.me/" target="_blank">PENSIEVE</a>, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. <a href="http://www.pensieve.me/">www.pensieve.me</a></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32018249394223092542011-12-23T19:49:00.001-05:002011-12-28T20:41:21.273-05:00The Hacker Trilogy by Allan R. Wallace<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hacker School (cyberhug.me)" height="400" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51e%2B4BDO5KL.jpg" width="266" /> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">First rule of Hacker School, you can’t talk about Hacker School.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">There is no Hacker School for you to find. It will find you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Cliché?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A bit I guess.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The Hacker Trilogy is a (super) short story, now in its second edition. It is also the prelude to the new cyberhug.me series.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Oh! That’s like a two for one combo!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Contents:<o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Act One</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">The Haven – Jake and Jane</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Act Two</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Scavengers – David</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Act Three</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Hacker School – Charlene</li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">It is easy to see that with only 3 acts and one section per, the book is not long at all. If you enjoy reading, you’re going to be done before the night even began. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">I admit, when I am reading a book by an author I have never heard of, I enjoy searching the internet for morsels of information. Having a bite or two might give a reader the inside edge to where the author is coming from with their story. No matter how many times an author tells you their work is purely fiction, there is usually an event or something personal to them that brought on the idea of a particular story line. These things can be quite helpful when trying to offer up a proper book review.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">I was poking around GoodReads and Amazon when I noticed quite a few readers whining about the length of the novel. They also want to complain about the character development. I don’t know any writer that can fully develop a character and plot in a few short pages. This is something readers need to be aware of before they decide to write a review of a book. This isn’t a novel. Isn’t meant to be. It’s a short story, part of a series. There is plenty of time for development later. The point it to hook you and real you in with the hopes that you will continue on down the series. If you like the series, perhaps you will venture of your path and check out some of the authors other books. This is a good marketing tactic many writers are starting to practice. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Having said that, I do hope that later in the series the characters and plot do have some more pizzazz and strength. Currently, they are a bit lackluster. Dull. Boring. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">The writer is good, don’t get me wrong and the story is brilliant. It’s just a little soggy. I don’t mind though. It was still a fun read. I would just like to see more strength between characters, perhaps a different point of view is needed from a character. When they all seem to agree, the story can go one way and there is little to none in terms of excitement or wow factor.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">If all the books in the world were never here to begin with, relying solely on the digital world, what would happen if that world was lost? Information is controlled by a small group of people with no room for information exchange. How would you handle that?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">You would become a hacker.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">I think to the right group of people, this series will really reach out to them and they will stir up a great deal of interest. Personally I found it a little hard to fully immerse myself into the story world. For me to do that there needs to be bigger volume within the story. The characters need to have some conflict, making the storyline stronger. The descriptions need to be just that, descriptive. I am hoping there will be more of a development in the new Cyberhug.me If these points are no bother to you, than this is the perfect read.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">I do recommend the book to those who like a good science fiction read. I recommend it even more to young adults, since the characters are rather young themselves. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the author for a paid review. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74435402199727956012011-12-23T17:46:00.000-05:002011-12-23T17:46:17.520-05:00Branded by by D. Perdue Henderson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Branded" height="400" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NF-wLCWqL.jpg" width="266" /> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I first saw the synopsis for Branded, I thought it would be a little different than what it was. I thought it was going to be a mixture of a true story account of a sex trafficking survivor and Room by Donahue. What I found was a cross between neither. Instead I found a nice little treasure that was actually quite comical, despite the topic.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Cat (Amy Collins) is a junior high school student, abducted at the tender age of 12. Amy spent 5 years being drugged, raped, beaten, and forced to live in a sex camp. She grew up faster than most 12 year olds forced to look at her life, choosing to live it “as-is” instead of taking another path. The story tells us what she did to survive those early years. How it changed her. We hear of friends she made along the way and even how she fell in love with Jimmy, the man responsible for her abduction. Amy made the choice to accept Cat as the girl she was. Make the best of her situation and surroundings. I wonder if others would make the same choice or would they choose death instead?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The relationship between Cat and Jimmy, despite the terrible way in which they were united, was actually simple to get involved in. I found myself laughing at them more than once. Having been raised in the south, I loved how the author wrote Jimmy’s accident. I found myself giving him a voice in my head. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, the message is powerful. Child sex trafficking does happen right here in the United States. It seems like every time I open a magazine there is some woman trying to push the crusade to help those in other countries. I can appreciate that. I can also honor and respect that. What bothers me is when it happens right in our own backyard. The book makes you aware, even if it is a book of fiction; you still know these things are happening in the world today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Being a survivor of <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/category/mylife/sexualabuses/">sexual abuse that happened to me for 12years</a>, I can relate to some of the mental anguish Cat experiences for her 5. People often look at you funny, judge you, and are not sure how to treat you. You have to relearn life. Life lessons you missed out on being a child. You learn to accept what happened to you, and how it shaped you. You learn to move forward and make the best of the life you were given.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">People may not always understand or agree. And they won’t until they walk a mile in our shoes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>About the Book:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Amy Collins is your typical everyday 12 year old, awkward, self-conscious, and innocent in the ways of sex and sexual relations. She has problems dealing with a new school, getting to places on time and dealing with a brother that loves to antagonize her. Little did she know that her life was about to change and get a bit more complicated.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="background: white;">One day, as she was walking home from school, she was thrown into a parked van and tied up. Then she was locked in an attic, drugged, beaten, raped, and required to work in a sex camp for the next 5 years, forcing her to grow up faster than expected.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="background: white;">This is a story about her experiences, what she did, how she coped, who she made friends with, and who she fell in love with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free from the author as part of a paid review program. I was not required to write a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8059855181295424762011-12-23T09:18:00.003-05:002011-12-28T20:41:40.184-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Debora M.Coty<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank"><i>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</i></a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a>***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Inside Out Christmas</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">by Debora M. Coty</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My veterinarian friend, Dr. Katie, tells the story about the December when a woman brought a very sick black lab into her clinic. The dog was only ten months old, so she was really just a big puppy, but she’d been vomiting incessantly and her worried owner didn’t know what was wrong.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Why don’t you go on home?” Dr. Katie told the owner. “I’ll need to run tests for about four hours. We’ll give you a call when we’re finished.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dr. Katie’s assistant took x-rays and hung them on the light panel for Dr. Katie to examine. Hmm. Something looked a little peculiar. Dr. Katie called her assistant over.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Is it just me, or does that look like a … a camel to you?” she asked incredulously.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Matter of fact, it does,” replied the astute assistant. “And look, there’s an angel here, a shepherd there, and down there in the colon, it’s Baby Jesus!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At that moment the phone rang. It was the dog’s distraught owner. “I can’t believe this! I just got home and glanced at the coffee table where I put my manger scene yesterday. There’s nothing there but an empty stable!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I thought about this quite literal technique for internalizing the true meaning of Christmas, it occurred to me that sometimes I have the opposite problem. With all the bustling busyness, my inner joy in celebration of my savior’s birth never really makes it to the outside.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, I have plenty of glittery, festive evidences of the holiday in decorations, baking galore, and gifts under my tree. But those things are for show. They’re merely the pretty wrappings, not the gift itself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Can people really see the core-deep joy that radiates within me when I think of the true gift that Papa God sent the world in his son, Jesus? Is my immeasurable gratitude for eternal life evident as I dash through this hectic season?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m afraid all too often, the answer is no.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m just too preoccupied to allow my outside to reflect my inside so that nonbelievers recognize that I rejoice because of the hope that is within me. My joy is obscured by the mounds of clutter. Gratefulness is sucked out of my soul by the vacuum called urgency.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (Psalm 68:3, NLT).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This verse has become my prayer this Christmas season – that I would make the time to give priority to rejoicing, being glad in God’s presence, and letting my inner joy show for those who may be silently desperate to know the giver of true joy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Yep, there’s a better way to internalize the gift of Christmas than the black lab technique. We can lodge the Little Lord Jesus in our hearts rather than our colons.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://www.deboracoty.com/" target="_blank">Debora M. Coty</a> is a humorist, inspirational speaker, and award-winning author of twelve books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed, and coming in March, More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre. Debora would love to swap Christmas hugs with you at <a href="http://www.deboracoty.com/">www.DeboraCoty.com</a>. </i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81999650440792090882011-12-22T09:18:00.003-05:002011-12-28T20:41:58.536-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Tracey Eyster<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank"><i>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</i></a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Simple or Sparkle?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">by Tracey Eyster</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a simple ornament made of thin cheap metal and it looks quite out of place on our CHRISTmas tree. But each year I lovingly and safely nestle it amongst its expensive and sparkly peers, without a care as to how unglamorous it appears.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Many of our CHRISTmas ornaments have a story and an uncanny way of welling up emotion in me, but this certain one causes an intense stir.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You see the ornament is engraved with the name of my grandmother, Sara, and was given to me by my mother, who ordered it from Hospice, after Grandmama’s death. Yes, the months leading up to her death carry memories of a frail and failing grandmama, but that ornament carries my thoughts to sweet CHRISTmas memories of the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">CHRISTmas Eve dinners in her home, laughing, singing, gathering and celebrating a year filled with blessings as we remembered the birth of our Savior. CHRISTmas mornings, she was always there participating with glee, in our raucous CHRISTmas happiness. Her gifts were always bank envelopes gently tucked into the pine needles of our CHRISTmas tree, fresh cut from the property she grew up on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>All memories of my Grandmama make my heart swell. </b>You see she was my Jesus with skin on. She lived her life full of joy, serving others and approached life selflessly with an attitude of, “What can I do for you?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just months before she left us, even as the Alzheimer’s was robbing her mind she shared her love of Jesus with a sweet little old lady friend, who came to know the Lord – a divine appointment. The very next day that little old lady silently slipped away to meet in person the One Sara introduced her to just the day before.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At the time I wept, realizing that regardless of our own frailties and failings, God can still use those of us who are willing to do His work and are well practiced at hearing His voice...no matter our lack of sparkle in comparison to others.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A simple life lived for Him, a simple ornament in memory of Sara...a simple truth for you to ponder. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://www.traceyster.com/" target="_blank">Tracey Eyster</a> wife, mom, relationship gatherer and Creator/Editor of FamilyLife’s MomLife Today is a media savvy mom making a difference where moms are, on-line. Through speaking, writing and video interviews Tracey is passionate about encouraging, equipping and advising moms on every facet of momlife. Her first book, Be The Mom will be released August 2012. You can connect with Tracey at www.momlifetoday.com, her personal site <a href="http://www.traceyster.com/">www.traceyster.com</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter/momblog.com">www.twitter/momblog.com</a></i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11827300229233794282011-12-21T09:17:00.003-05:002011-12-28T20:42:42.561-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Susan May Warren<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank"><i>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</i></a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>***</i></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Enjoy the Ride!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Susan May Warren</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We sit poised on the top of a cliff, a near drop off before us, that falls to a rushing river. In the middle, a bridge of snow and ice hints at our destination. My husband guns the snowmobile engine. “Ready?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ready? For a face plant into a tree, maybe reconstructive surgery? To feel my stomach ripped from my body as we plummet down the mountain? Let’s do it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We live on five acres of woods in northern Minnesota that butts up to a national forest. Hence, our backyard is about a hundred thousand acres. Aside from harboring deer, lynx, fox, cougar and bear, it also makes excellent snowmobile terrain. And not long ago, Mrs. Claus gave her Santa a snowmobile for two.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love snowmobiling. Flying over the snow, catching air over drifts. I love to drive, to be at the helm of the beast as I weave around trees and over hill and dale, my husband sitting behind me. I also love riding behind my husband as he drives, feeling those powerful arms as he’s muscling the snowmobile into the wilds. We follow unknown trails, driven by a Magellan spirit, hoping that we have enough gas to get us back to civilization. I love hanging on, simply trusting him, knowing that wherever he’s taking me, he’s going first.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But there are times, when I see where he’s taking me, and I just have to bury my head in his back. Like straight down a cliff.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, my heart cheers, despite the terror as we gun it down the hill, over the river, up the opposite side. And, if we hadn’t let ourselves go, we would have never discovered the beauty of a winter river, a hidden jewel buried deep in the forest. Nor the exhilaration of facing the challenge together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Further on, we find an enchanted forest of towering white pine. Catch a view of Lake Superior, discover an old cabin in the woods. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It occurs to me that snowmobiling is much like my spiritual life. Occasionally, I drive, and it’s me setting our course, weaving through the trees, getting us hopelessly lost. But when God takes the “wheel” and I hang on, trusting Him for the speed and destination, I see the scenery. I trust him to keep me safe. I trust him to bring me home, where there is an eternal supply of hot chocolate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As Christmas season becomes more hectic, what if I let God drive? Maybe everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and maybe I don’t have to control every tradition, every holiday nuance. What if I just held on for the ride?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll bet I’ll still get there, and I might even enjoy the scenery along the way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>How have you let go, and “enjoyed” the scenery of this hectic, exhilarating Christmas season?</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Merry Christmas!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of <a href="http://www.mybooktherapy.com/">www.MyBookTherapy.com</a>, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41384993878827544482011-12-20T09:15:00.001-05:002011-12-28T20:42:26.491-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Tricia Goyer<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank">Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">by Tricia Goyer</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Have you ever thought about family traditions? As I helped my 1-year-old place ornaments on the Christmas tree this year I imagined her doing the same thing with her children—and maybe even grandchildren—one day. Traditions are beliefs and customs handed down through generations. By sharing meaningful moments with your kids you're sending yourself into the future. How amazing is that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sharing family traditions cause us to slow down from the busy, adult world for a while. We ignore the laundry to set out the nativity set with our kids. We set aside time in our schedules to drive around and look at Christmas lights.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Holiday traditions aren't only fun, they also help strength family bonds. Through traditions kids trust in the security of family unit. They think, “This is our family and this is what I do.” Of course, the most important thing to share isn't just what we do ... but why. Why do we put out a nativity? To remind us the real meaning of the season—Jesus coming to earth. What do the Christmas lights represent displayed on homes and on trees? They represent the Light of the World, Jesus.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Using traditions to bond our families and share our faith isn't new.</b> I love these two Scriptures that talk about that very thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Exodus 12:25 says, “When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What are you're traditions? Here are a few of ours:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Baking a Birthday cake for Jesus</div><div class="MsoNormal">Buying a new ornament every year for each child</div><div class="MsoNormal">Acting out the Christmas story (with props!)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Praying together before opening presents</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What are your traditions? </b>Write a list and appreciate them in a new way this year. Then ask, “If I could add one new tradition this holiday season, what would it be?” I'd love to hear what you choose! It also makes me smile to think of your children's grandchildren doing the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tricia Goyer</a> is a CBA best-selling author and the winner of two American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Awards (Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights). She co-wrote 3:16 Teen Edition with Max Lucado and contributed to the Women of Faith Study Bible. Also a noted marriage and parenting writer, she lives with her husband and children in Arkansas. <a href="http://www.triciagoyer.com/">www.triciagoyer.com</a></i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69710996087322481322011-12-19T09:14:00.001-05:002011-12-19T12:12:01.060-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Shellie Tomlinson<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank">Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Let The Baby Grow Up This Christmas</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">By Shellie Tomlinson</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was a little girl, Christmas seemed to take forever to make its way back to our little house on the end of a dirt road called Bull Run in northeast Louisiana. We kids started counting down the days before the leaves ever began turning. Sure, the adults said it came once a year but I wasn't so sure. Once Santa Claus left our humble abode it seemed like light years before he found his way back to the Delta.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That was a child's perspective. I imagine it hasn't changed all that much for today's kids. On the other hand, I'm operating under a completely different time frame these days. It seems like it was just yesterday when I pulled the boxes down from the attic and began pulling out the nativity scene, the miniature lights, and the keepsake ornaments. And now, just that fast-- Christmas Day is right around the corner. Soon the tree will be striped naked and the piled up presents will all be distributed. After a few more day it'll be hard to remember who got what from whom, and once again, I'll start packing all the decorations away for another year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I was thinking about how bare and cold the house always looks after the holidays when I realized that, sadly, this scene would play itself out in many hearts as well.</b> A lot of people will have had expectations that weren't filled and many of those same souls will be left with hurts that don't seem to heal. Unless this year is remarkably different from past seasons, my bet is, the New Year will bring magazines full of articles on combating depression and the talk shows will have experts on offering ways to fill the long days ahead and cure the winter blues.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm no expert, dear readers, but I'd like to offer you a suggestion that will go far beyond the creature comforts of a nice warm bath or a delicious bowl of hot soup. Your heart doesn't have to be bare and naked after the holidays. Do you want to know the real secret? It's simple, really. Don't pack up Christ with Christmas! As beautiful and special as the Christmas story is, it's only a part of heaven's miracle. The Christ child grew into a man and the man became a Savior.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This year, may we be determined to let the babe from Bethlehem live on in our hearts. If we'll allow Him to become the Messiah He was born to be, the joy of Christmas can be ours all year long.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://www.allthingssouthern.com/" target="_blank">Shellie Rushing Tomlinson</a> is an author, speaker, and radio host from Louisiana. Her latest release Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy was endorsed by Jeff Foxworthy as "laugh out loud funny!" You can find Shellie's weekly southern features, podcasts, video chats and more at http://www.allthingssouthern.com/ Make sure to get by the blog and read about the Super <a href="http://shellierushingtomlinson.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/a-super-christmas-giveaway-to-say-thanks-to-my-readers/" target="_blank">Christmas Giveaway</a> Shellie is hosting for her readers and secure your chance to win a Mort Kunstler print valued between $700 and $1400. <a href="http://www.allthingssouthern.com/">www.allthingssouthern.com</a></i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90519858799905085232011-12-18T09:13:00.002-05:002011-12-19T12:12:22.100-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Deborah Raney<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank">Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Snowflake Party </b></div><div class="MsoNormal">By Deborah Raney</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first snow of winter hasn’t fallen yet, but in our kitchen tonight we’re doing a pretty good imitation. The whole family is circled around the huge old oak table. The snip, snip, snip of scissors is background music as tiny scraps of white paper float down, making our floor look like a giant brownie sprinkled with powdered sugar.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tonight has turned out to be the night for our annual Snowflake Party, a tradition that began when our children were toddlers. There has never been a date blocked out in red on our calendar, but one day we wake up and the brisk autumn air has turned bitter cold. Naked tree branches trace their stark calligraphy on a dull grey sky and we need a taste of the joyful promises of Christmas and snow. It’s the perfect time for a party.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On such a day, one of the kids will fly in the back door, fresh home from school, and declare “Hey, Mom! Tonight would be a good night for the Snowflake Party!” First we round up every pair of scissors in the house. This is one time when sharing is not a virtue. While the kids search for scissors, I cut white paper into squares and fold them caddy-corner multiple times. The resulting triangles are artfully arranged in a basket, awaiting the beginning of the party.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Later, while the supper dishes dry on the counter, I recruit a volunteer to help me stir up a big pot of hot cocoa. For the next hour it will warm on the back burner, tantalizing us with its aroma.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now the fun begins with careful cutting and snipping, shaping plain white paper into intricate works of art. Each snowflake we create seems as unique and spectacular as the genuine variety created by God himself. As each masterpiece is unfolded, collective oohs and aahs go up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When the last dregs of our creative juices are drained, Dad oversees the vacuum patrol while I pour cocoa into generous mugs. We spread our handiwork on the floor around us and sit, quietly admiring our work while we dunk marshmallows and sip rich chocolate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">With empty mugs piled up in the sink, it’s time for the judging to begin. There will be awards for ‘prettiest’, ‘most unusual’, and as many other categories as we need for everyone to be a winner. Dad is the judge because he studied art in college. He also usually wins one of the top prizes––because he studied art in college.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Snowflakes deemed runners-up might be pasted in scrapbooks or hung on the refrigerator. A few even “melt” into the trash that very night. But the winners are taped proudly to the picture windows in the living room for passersby to enjoy while they long for the day when genuine snowflakes will color the world clean and white.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Our oldest daughter went away to college last September. She called just after Thanksgiving to tell me that her dorm window was covered with snowflakes. No, not the real thing, but the ones she remembers from her childhood––paper ones that she spent an entire evening cutting and snipping while sipping hot cocoa.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>That’s the neat thing about traditions: They go with us no matter how far from home we travel.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World</i> <i>Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her books have since won the RITA Award, ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. After All, third in her Hanover Falls Novels series will release next spring from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. Their four children are grown now and having snowflake parties with their own children––and they all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the web at <a href="http://www.deborahraney.com/">www.deborahraney.com</a>.</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27803635194035750982011-12-17T09:12:00.002-05:002011-12-17T14:30:58.371-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Elizabeth Musser<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span></span></b></div><b> </b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank">Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Why I Decorate for Christmas</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">By Elizabeth Goldsmith Musser</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">An old cassette tape of Christmas carols—received in a package twenty years ago when we had first arrived in France as missionaries—fills our den with delightful piano music as I place one more ornament on the already over-laden Christmas tree. This one is a little white wooden rabbit with pink ears that move back and forth. It actually doesn’t look much like a Christmas ornament, but I bought it for our baby Andrew when my husband Paul was in seminary, and I was working for less than minimum wage in the library. This ornament was literally all I could afford.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I hang it on the tree today, I get goose bumps and then a rush of warmth. And that’s why I decorate for Christmas. Not to impress but to remember. I remember those lean, lean years, and God’s faithful provision for us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are the cross-stitched ornaments I made our first year in Montpellier—for the boys (for by now we had two sons) and Paul and me. How I ever had time to do that, I don’t know. I remember our puny little tree—the kind they sold in France back then—in a pot so that it could be replanted later. We perched that tiny tree on a small table out of baby Christopher’s reach. I guess I watered it too much, because about halfway through December, it started smelling and then stinking, and it rotted there on Christmas Day!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I smile with these memories. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I look at the other ornaments on the tree. Many were purchased—one for each boy—when we attended conferences around Europe, and that makes me smile too. Getting to travel on a missionary’s budget to exotic places! There are the waxed red bear and red baby carriage from Wales, the brightly painted clay sun and moon from Portugal, the blue and white porcelain windmill and wooden shoes from Holland, the hand-blown glass Snoopys sitting on gondolas from Venice, and the delicately decorated eggs from Prague.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Other ornaments include the little pinkish shiny ball ornament with Paul’s name written in glitter—I think he made it when he was about six , and the little red velvet bows, bought at Michael’s after Christmas one year for a dollar. They bring a unifying theme to the tree. I say this, smiling, because our tree is, and has always been throughout the years, a hodge-podge of our life. And I like it that way. I don’t think I could ever have a ‘theme’ tree. Mine is a ‘memory’ tree. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The music plays softly in the background and I smile through tears, remembering God’s incredible faithfulness to call and keep us here in France for so many years. Heart-breakingly hard years, overwhelmingly joyful years—the same years, the same amazing God, our keeper.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before we left for the mission field, I memorized Psalm 121 in English and in French, and over the years I have held on tight to those last beautiful words of the psalm: The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (NASB) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course He will. He is God with us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We decorate to remember Christmases past, our lives, our legacy, and mostly, for those of us who have embraced Christ, we decorate to honor and praise Him for coming to us—Emmanuel! We make our homes ready to receive the Christ Child, with soft music and candles burning and the sweet flickering of angel wings on an over-laden evergreen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://www.elizabethmusser.com/" target="_blank">ELIZABETH GOLDSMITH MUSSER</a>, an Atlanta native and the bestselling author of The Swan House, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over twenty years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions work with International Teams. They presently live near Lyon, France. The Mussers have two sons and a daughter-in-law. The Sweetest Thing (Bethany House, 2011) is Elizabeth’s eighth novel. To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, and to find discussion questions as well as photos of sites mentioned in the stories, please visit www.elizabethmusser.com and her Facebook Fan Page</i>. <i><a href="http://www.elizabethmusser.com/">www.elizabethmusser.com</a></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71500844065812742442011-12-16T14:44:00.002-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.485-04:00#NSNation New Item Test! Chefs Table - Whole Wheat Ricotta Crepes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OdlTk0QcU1E/TuuePOYJH7I/AAAAAAAAAnY/gWL7HcQw0Zc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OdlTk0QcU1E/TuuePOYJH7I/AAAAAAAAAnY/gWL7HcQw0Zc/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have not had many crepes in my life. It was not until a few months ago I had one that was filled with something other than sweet breakfast fruit. Matt and I shared a Taco Crepe once at this little French Café in the middle of a German town. A few weeks later we took lil m with us. I tried the Spinach and Feta wrap and have been hooked ever since. I am a huge fan of wraps and lately have been skipping buns and wraps for nice lettuce.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though I am having a war with my scale, I have been making huge strides in what I choose to eat.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, as part of the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> Nation Bloggers Program I was sent a care package with a few new items they are adding to their menu. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tonight, as I type this, I am trying the new Whole Wheat Ricotta Crepes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I loved the new packaging. Very modern and trendy. Part of the new Chef’s Table. For this product Nutrisystem worked with Chef Tony Mantuano. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I paired it with some asparagus spears and some broccoli and cauliflower cooked with just a dash of parmesan cheese, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Then I added a dash of pepper. Yum.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The new packaging of the Nutrisystem meal also included new steam packs. It was pretty fun to watch as the bag airs up like a bag of microwavable popcorn. I kept waiting for it to pop!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I let it rest on my plate for a minute to cool off, and then I had to cut the bag open. It slid right out of the bag and on to my plate. No mess and the smell was amazing. It looks like very nice size portions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The sauce had nice flavor. I think it could have a dash of garlic added to it. The wheat flavor was not overwhelming like it can be with some foods. The crepes were stuffed with ricotta. I give this 5/5 stars. Pretty yummy and filling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVf--g-86fc/TuueNosaR0I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/6VdJz18nOfU/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVf--g-86fc/TuueNosaR0I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/6VdJz18nOfU/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; 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All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/11/14/im-doing-it-again-nsnation/" target="_blank">I'm Doing it Again (#NSNation)</a> (chrystalmahan.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9aeb3006-9cbf-4637-9152-5fad23ee0c36" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24222718596623341702011-12-16T09:11:00.002-05:002011-12-16T14:47:01.732-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Sandy Ralya<div class="MsoNormal">< </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Babbie Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank">Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Where is Comfort and Joy Found?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">By Sandy Ralya</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The year 2006 ushered unwelcome emotions into my life. My husband was unhappy in his job, two of my grown children were making poor choices, my mother-in-law was showing signs of Alzheimer’s, extended-family issues were surfacing, and I was writing a book. Things only got worse. Much worse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Early in 2007, I was asked to represent the mentoring ministry for wives I founded, Beautiful Womanhood, and lead a women’s conference in Uganda, Africa. My husband wasn’t sure if traveling to Africa was a good idea, so we committed it to prayer. While we were listening for an answer, I sensed God asking me to fast from spending, except for groceries, for thirty days. Sometimes you know that you’ve heard God’s voice because you’d never have come up with those words on your own. This was one of those times. I’d never heard of a fast from spending. Tom needed no convincing that a fast from spending came directly from the mouth of God. He still gets excited just thinking about it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During the fast, it became clear I had used spending as a way to gain a comfort fix. When I was spending money, I felt carefree and lighthearted. Instead of dwelling on the unpleasantness in my life, I was thinking of my purchases and how they would bring me pleasure. Not until I stopped spending did I realize how short-lived the fix really was. During the fast, when I felt the urge to spend—to anesthetize my pain—I pictured myself running into the arms of Jesus, the Great Comforter. Oh, what comfort I received!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One night, I told good friends my experience of gaining comfort through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than money. I exclaimed that I had never felt so comforted. One friend then told us about a dream he’d had shortly after hearing about the invitation from Uganda. After the dream, he had awoken and recorded the following thoughts:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“. . . this is for Sandy. Christ’s redemption of women is beautiful. Beautiful Womanhood is a result of redemptive wholeness. The visuals the ministry uses on the books, etc., are like a piece of beautifully veneered furniture. There is something going on with the ministry to the brokenness of abused women. In Uganda, there are hurting, abused women, and something is connecting their need and Beautiful Womanhood. Though there is nothing wrong with veneer, it is only the topping—the covering, and without good structure it is shallow and will not hold up. It is time to add a new depth to the ministry.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then these verses came to my friend’s mind:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NL</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When my friend was finished sharing, everyone in the room broke down in tears, praising God for His work in my life. I’d learned to listen and God had spoken. I’d obeyed, and He’d acted. When He acted, I was changed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Needless to say, I packed my bags and experienced some of the best days of my life in Uganda—offering God’s comfort to His troubled women.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980 and live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have three adult children and a growing number of grandchildren. When not writing and speaking, Sandy enjoys shopping at yard sales for vintage clothing, cooking, travelling, and drinking really good coffee (black is best) with her husband. For more information, contact Sandy at s<a href="mailto:andy@beautifulwomanhood.com">andy@beautifulwomanhood.com</a>. Subscribe to Sandy’s blog at <a href="http://www.beautifulwomanhood.com/blog">www.beautifulwomanhood.com/blog</a>. Find Sandy on Facebook at Beautiful Womanhood. Follow Sandy on Twitter @MentoringWives.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35724209628354226882011-12-15T11:40:00.005-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.391-04:00ICONIC SUPERSTAR JANET JACKSON UNVEILED AS THE NEW FACE OF NUTRISYSTEM<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left; width: 136px;"><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Janet%2BJackson" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Janet Jackson" src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/126/41479585.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Cover of <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Janet%2BJackson" target="_blank">Janet Jackson</a></span></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">CONIC SUPERSTAR JANET JACKSON UNVEILED AS THE NEW FACE OF NUTRISYSTEM<u></u><u></u></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">COMPANY LAUNCHES SUCCESS: MOST COMPREHENSIVE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM IN NUTRISYSTEM’S 40-YEAR HISTORY</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">NUTRISYSTEM TEAMS WITH JACKSON FOR NATIONAL “GET ON IT” AD CAMPAIGN AND NUTRIBANK™ PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVE</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">FORT WASHINGTON, PA</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;"> <b>(December 15, 2011) – </b>Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI), the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">leading home delivery weight loss program</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">, announces today its association with superstar Janet Jackson for the launch of SUCCESS</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">the Company’s most comprehensive weight loss program to date and its most substantial reformulation in years. The program will include a national advertising campaign showcasing Ms. Jackson’s Nutrisystem weight loss success to date and her journey to sustainable, healthy eating. <u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Reformulated Menu with Increased Protein, New Chef’s Table™ Steamer Entrees and Programs to Support Sustained Success<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">The Nutrisystem® SUCCESS™ approach is designed to help take the weight off and keep it off through frequent, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition and low Glycemic Index eating. The SUCCESS program offers the Company’s largest ever assortment of signature artisanal fresh-frozen meals including new Chef’s Table™ dinner entrees, developed by Nutrisystem’s Celebrity Chef Culinary Council using revolutionary advanced steamer technology; new chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee advanced protein shakes; the introduction of a personalized “My Daily 3™” physical activity program; and increased personalization and flexibility through transition and maintenance plans that help consumers manage their weight on their own.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Janet Jackson Succeeds With Nutrisystem<u></u><u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Having written one of 2011's biggest bestsellers which dealt in large part with her own on-going efforts to maintain a healthy body, Ms. Jackson enjoys a special position as an inspirational role model for women everywhere who are struggling with weight loss and body image issues. In her first effort as an author, the international superstar described her life-long efforts to address weight loss and fitness in <i>True You, </i>which went to number one on <i>The New York Times </i>bestseller list. <i>True You </i>and Ms. Jackson have inspired millions of people to face their concerns about weight, fitness and feeling healthy. <i>True You</i> is launching in soft cover to coincide with the announcement of the partnership with Nutrisystem.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">In this new role, Ms. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Jackson will be the iconic new face for the Nutrisystem brand, the focal point of the SUCCESS campaign and the co-founder of a new initiative to help combat hunger. A fresh and inspiring role model for Nutrisystem, Ms. Jackson has never before endorsed a weight loss product and has done little in the endorsement arena. She is very open about her personal weight struggles and will be appearing in a substantial national advertising campaign to help inform and motivate consumers. The ads, which were shot on location in Australia during Ms. Jackson’s recent worldwide tour, will debut before the end of the year. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jake Nava, the campaign features Ms. Jackson in a documentary style format answering a series of questions in her own words. With the tagline “Get On It,” the commercials emphasize the importance of taking that first step toward success and Ms. Jackson’s own admission that the key to effective weight loss was accepting she “couldn’t do it alone.”<b><i><u></u><u></u></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">“Dieting never worked for me, counting calories never worked for me, and denying myself the foods I love never worked for me. I needed a better plan, and I found it with Nutrisystem,” shares Ms. Jackson. “With Nutrisystem I am seeing results already, and I am so impressed by both the thought and the nutritional science behind the program. There are millions of women like me who want to be successful but don’t have the tools to do it on their own. I hope I can help inspire them.” <u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">“Success is our most complete program ever, and we’re really proud of it. There’s no better spokesperson to join us than Janet Jackson,” says</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Joe Redling, Chairman and CEO of Nutrisystem</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">. “Janet’s story is one of a lifelong struggle with weight management and the journey to gain control and acceptance. She has an authentic voice we believe will resonate with consumers,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;"> and we’ve never been more excited heading into a new campaign than we are right now.”<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">According to Mr. Redling, Nutrisystem will also announce a new marquee spokesperson in the men’s market, where the Company leads the category, as a part of its 2012 diet season campaign.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">NutriBank™: Solving Hunger. One Meal at a Time.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Nutrisystem and Ms. Jackson are also announcing the creation of NutriBank (<a href="http://www.nutribank.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.nutribank.org</a>), an innovative new philanthropic effort dedicated to nutrition and solving hunger around the world. NutriBank will work closely with national and international organizations to donate nutritious food and raise funds and awareness for this important cause. Ms. Jackson will serve as co-founder along with Mr. Redling.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;"><br />"Hunger is an issue that is so meaningful to me," says Ms. Jackson. "I've had the opportunity to travel around the world during my career, and I've seen first hand the desperation on children's faces who do not have enough to eat. I believe as a society we have to do better and NutriBank is going to allow me to work not only to provide food for the neediest, but also to use my voice to raise awareness of an issue that simply must be solved."<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">For every pound lost on Nutrisystem in 2012, the Company will match it with one dollar's worth of nutritious Nutrisystem® food to be delivered through NutriBank to those in need. The Company has committed to donating up to $10 million in food contributions to NutriBank in 2012. "NutriBank wouldn't be possible without our customers," adds Redling. "They are taking weight off for all the right reasons, and we're matching that loss with balanced nutrition delivered to the neediest. It's a win-win situation and we're honored to be working with Janet Jackson to have what we hope will be a real impact on one of the most serious issues of our day."<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">SUCCESS: The Most Comprehensive Nutrisystem Program Ever<u></u><u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">The SUCCESS program is built on the following four fundamental pillars:<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Great Taste = Great Results – </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Fresh-frozen offerings will nearly double as the Company has worked with its esteemed Celebrity Chef Culinary Council to develop an exclusive line of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Chef’s Table </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">dinner entrees using a patented new microwaveable steamer bag technology. These signature dishes carry the name of the Chef who created the recipe. <span style="color: black;">Presently, the Celebrity Chef Culinary Council includes: Kent Rathbun, Michael Solomonov, Mark Estee, Carmen Gonzalez and Tony Mantuano.</span><b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">It Works - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Nutrisystem’s reformulation involves advanced nutritional science to deliver a high level of satiety. Macro-nutrient reformulations optimize weight loss and help avoid pitfalls of typical low calorie diets such as hunger, cravings and eliminating entire food categories. The SUCCESS program’s simplified meal planner helps improve adherence and efficacy; those who adhere to the program can expect to lose between 1 –2 pounds per week. Initial weight loss may be more. Importantly, clinically meaningful weight loss can take place in as little as a month, with reductions in the waistline and other markers of health.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Flexibility and Maintenance - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">For the first time ever and as a direct result of customer feedback, Nutrisystem will offer a portfolio of flexible transition and maintenance plans including a la carte menu pricing for customers who want to personalize their programs from over 130 menu items. Nutrisystem’s transition and weight loss maintenance plans were created to guide consumers through different phases of weight loss and maintenance. These phases are now </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">supported by an “At Home Tool Kit” that includes a Nutrisystem Meal Measure, a Healthy Steps</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">™</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;"> Portion Control Serving Set, as well as a low Glycemic Index cookbook, “The Low GI Cookbook—Nutrisystem Edition.” With SUCCESS transition and maintenance plans, customers are now able to create a truly customizable program, combining their own meals with perfectly proportioned Nutrisystem meals delivered right to their door, ready in minutes with no counting points, weighing portions or attending meetings. <b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Exercise Counts – </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">Nutrisystem is also introducing “My Daily 3,” comprised of three 10-minute intervals of physical activity or 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise. Customers can take a short assessment quiz on </span><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">www.nutrisystem.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;"> and receive a personalized two-week sample “My Daily 3” program to get started. The Nutrisystem website offers other valuable information to personalize fitness goals.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">“In developing the Nutrisystem® Success™ program, we wanted to provide customers with personal empowerment while also addressing common dieting pitfalls,” explains Dr. Bruce Daggy, Senior Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Science Officer at Nutrisystem. “People learn by doing, and behavioral and attitudinal changes occur if we repeatedly gravitate toward decisions that are good for us and produce the result we’re looking for. That’s why Nutrisystem’s approach and the science behind its satisfying nutrition is so successful -- both short- and long-term.”<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">In the future, Nutrisystem looks forward to partnering with Ms. Jackson’s culinary consultant, Chef Andre Carthen of ACafe, to develop diet compliant, low glycemic meals that are specifically tailored to Ms. Jackson’s tastes and will become part of the menu items offered through the program. In addition, the Company will be working with Tony Martinez, a noted fitness expert who’s worked with Ms. Jackson for many years, to enhance the “My Daily 3” activity portfolio to include more tips, exercise routines and instructional videos.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">With each new Nutrisystem SUCCESS auto-delivery program order, customers will receive an exciting limited time introductory offer, including a money back guarantee. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 20px;">To order the new Nutrisystem SUCCESS program and other Nutrisystem® products, visit <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/success4u" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.nutrisystem.com/success4u</a>or call <a href="tel:1-888-841-2572" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18888412572">1-888-841-2572</a>.</span><strong><u></u><u></u></strong></div><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><u><span lang="SV" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br clear="all" /></span></u></b><br /><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><strong><u><span lang="SV" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">About Nutrisystem, Inc.</span></u></strong><u><span lang="SV" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="SV" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Nutrisystem, Inc. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(NASDAQ: NTRI) is the number one home delivery weight-loss company. Nutrisystem<sup>®</sup> products are sold direct to the consumer through </span><a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nutrisystem.com&esheet=6297756&lan=en_US&anchor=nutrisystem.com&index=2&md5=727a9a2adc49f3ef0fab8e66c48a6613" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nutrisystem.com&esheet=6297756&lan=en_US&anchor=nutrisystem.com&index=2&md5=727a9a2adc49f3ef0fab8e66c48a6613"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">nutrisystem.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">, by phone, and at select retailers, with convenient home delivery. The Company offers proven nutritionally balanced weight loss programs designed for women, men, and seniors, as well as the Nutrisystem<sup>®</sup> D<sup>®</sup> program, specifically designed to help people with</span><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/d" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://www.nutrisystem.com/d"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> and manage their diabetes. The Nutrisystem program is based on 40 years of nutrition research and the science of the low glycemic index, and offers a variety of great tasting, satisfying, good carbohydrate meals that are designed to be heart healthy. The program was named the "Least Expensive Home Delivery Program” by CBS Money Watch in January 2011. The program has no membership fees and provides weight management support and counseling by trained weight-loss coaches and online and mobile weight management tools free of charge. Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop Diabetes™, as well as to help in increasing awareness of the correlation between weight loss and improvements in diabetes control.<i> </i>For more information or to become a customer, visit </span><a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nutrisystem.com%2F&esheet=6297756&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nutrisystem.com&index=3&md5=98832c15122cf25f21f6df29a2e8a08e" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nutrisystem.com%2F&esheet=6297756&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nutrisystem.com&index=3&md5=98832c15122cf25f21f6df29a2e8a08e"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.nutrisystem.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> or call <a href="tel:1-800-435-4074" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18004354074">1-800-435-4074</a>. For the healthcare professional, please visit</span><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.nutrisystem.com/hcp</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><wbr></wbr>. Follow Nutrisystem on Twitter @nutrisystem and on Facebook at </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/nutrisystem" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">www.Facebook.com/nutrisystem</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 23px;"># # #<u></u><u></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=60121c74-dc72-4fa7-8c1f-f5d7615be321" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66008514501605700762011-12-15T09:09:00.004-05:002011-12-16T14:50:33.839-05:0012 Pearls of Christmas: Sibella Giorello<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank">Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">*** </div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Advent</b></div><b> </b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>By Sibella Giorello</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Consider the bride's walk down the aisle. We all know where that woman in the white is going but somehow waiting for her to arrive at the altar is an essential part of the ceremony. In fact, the waiting is so essential that even cheapskate Vegas chapels include wedding marches.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At Christmas time, we tend to forget this essential truth about anticipation. We're lost to shopping malls and checklists, rushing toward December 25th so quickly that we forget the quiet joy of the month's other 24 days -- and then we wonder why we feel so empty on the 26th, amid ribbons and wrapping paper and our best intentions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And that is why Advent is so important to Christmas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm as guilty as the next harried person. This Advent was particularly tricky because just six hours before it started, I was still trying to finish a 110,000-word novel that was written over the course of the year -- written while homeschooling my kids, keeping my hubby happy, and generally making sure the house didn't fall down around us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It's an understatement to say my free time is limited. But waiting adds meaning, and Advent is crucial to Christmas, so I've devised several Advent traditions that are simple, powerful and easy to keep even amid the seasonal rush.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When my kids outgrew the simple Advent calendars around age 7, I stole an idea from my writer friend Shelly Ngo (as T.S. Eliot said, "Mediocre writers borrow. Great writers steal." Indulge me.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Here's how it goes:</b> Find 24 great Christmas books, wrap them individually and place then under the tree. On the first day of Advent, take turns picking which book to open. When we did this, we would cuddle under a blanket and read aloud -- oh, the wonder, the magic! We savored "The Polar Express," howled with "How Murray Saved Christmas," and fell silent at the end of "The Tale of The Three Trees" (note: some of the picture books I chose were not explicitly about Christmas but they always echoed the message that Jesus came to earth to save us from ourselves and to love us beyond our wildest imagination. In that category, Angela Hunt's retelling of The Three Trees definitely hits the Yuletide bull's eye).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This Advent tradition lasted for about five years. It gave us rich daily discussions about the season's real meaning, without being religious or legalistic, and it increased family couch time. But like the lift-the-flap calendars, my kids outgrew the picture books.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because the wait adds meaning, and Advent is crucial, I prayed for another way to celebrate anticipation of Christmas. By the grace of God, last year I found an enormous Advent calendar on clearance at Pottery Barn. Made of burlap, it has large pockets big enough to hold some serious bounty.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">But my husband and I didn't want the kids focusing only on the materialist stuff for Advent -- we already fight that on Christmas day. We decided to fill the daily pockets with simple necessities and small gift cards. We also printed out the nativity story from Luke 2:1-21 in a large-sized font and cut each verse out. From Day 1 to Day 21, there is one verse to read aloud. The kids memorize it, then get to open their present (again, on alternating days for each person). Then we tape the verse to the wall in order. By Day 22, all the verses are on the wall, in order, and the kids now try to recite the entire nativity story from memory. That's not as difficult as it sounds because they've been memorizing one verse each day. Still, the entire recitation -- verbatim -- usually requires Day 23 and Day 24. Whoever does memorize the entire thing -- without mistakes -- earns a bonus gift of $25.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Does that sounds extravagant?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because we want our kids to understand that God came down and humbled himself and taught us about love right before He suffered and died on behalf of the undeserving -- which is every one of us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"That's" extravagant.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>And in the waiting, we find even more meaning.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://www.sibellagiorello.com/" target="_blank">Sibella Giorello</a> </i><i>writes the Raleigh Harmon mystery series which won the Christy Award with its first book "The Stones Cry Out." She lives in Washington state with her husband and children, and often wishes there were 36 hours in a day.</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10205467355638355882011-12-14T21:06:00.003-05:002011-12-16T14:50:56.102-05:0012 Days of Pearls: Suzanne Woods Fisher<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://christenkrumm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span>!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway!</b> Fill out this simple {<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVFUTJIV1M5bmRvS19QQW5YMlVFQUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>}</b> and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books" target="_blank">Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</a> or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">***</span></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A Christmas of Kindness</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">By Suzanne Woods Fisher</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"You can give without loving, but you can¹t love without giving." Amish proverb</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do it every year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I plan for a simpler, less stressful Christmas season and, every year, by Christmas Eve<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 3';">Š</span> I'm exhausted! After our delicious and very-time-consuming-to-make traditional Swedish meal to honor my husband¹s relatives (think: Vikings), it's time to head to church. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but the last few Christmas Eve's, I have sent my husband and kids head off without me. The pull to spend an hour of quiet in the house feels as strong as a magnet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It's odd. My children are young adults now. Wouldn't you think that Christmas would be simpler? Instead, it's just the opposite. Jugging schedules to share the grandbaby with the in-laws, trying to include our elderly parents at the best time of day for them, dancing carefully around recently divorced family members whose children are impacted by the shards of broken relationships.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The thing is: you can simplify your to-do list, but you can't really simplify people. We are just a complicated bunch.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here's where I borrow a lesson about simplicity from the Amish. It's easy to get distracted with the buggies and the bonnets and the beards, but there's so much more to learn from these gentle people if you're willing to look a little deeper.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, they live with less "stuff" and that does make for a simpler, less cluttered life. But it's the reason behind it that is so compelling to me: they seek to create margin in their life. Not just empty space<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 3';">‹</span>but space that is available to nourish family, community, and faith. Their Christmas is far less elaborate than yours or mine, but what they do fill it with is <span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 3';">Š</span>oh so right.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas comes quietly on an Amish farmhouse. There is no outward sign of the holiday as we know it: no bright decorations, no big tree in the living room corner. A few modest gifts are waiting for children at their breakfast place settings, covered by a dishtowel. Waiting first for Dad to read the story of Christ's birth from the book of Luke. Waiting until after a special breakfast has been enjoyed. Waiting until Mom and Dad give the signal that the time has come for gifts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Later, if Christmas doesn't fall on a Sunday, extended family and friends will gather for another big meal. If time and weather permits, the late afternoon will be filled with ice skating or sledding. And more food! Always, always an abundance of good food. Faith, family, and community. That is the focus of an Amish Christmas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And it's also how the story begins for <i>A Lancaster County Christmas</i>, as a young family prepares for Christmas. A winter storm blows a non-Amish couple, Jaime and C.J. Fitzpatrick, off-course and into the Riehl farmhouse. An unlikely and tentative friendship develops, until the one thing Mattie and Sol hold most dear disappears and then<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 3';">Š</span>. Ah, but you¹ll just have to read the story to find out what happens next. Without giving anything away, I will say that I want to create a Mattie-inspired margin this Christmas season. Mattie knew inconveniences and interruptions that come in the form of people (big ones and little ones!) are ordained by God. And blessed by God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Creating margin probably means that I won't get Christmas cards out until the end of January, and my house won't be uber-decorated. After all, something has to give. But it will mean I make time for a leisurely visit with my dad at his Alzheimer's facility. And time to volunteer in the church nursery for a holiday-crowded event. And time to invite a new neighbor over for coffee. Hopefully, it will mean that my energy won't get diverted by a frantic, self-imposed agenda. Only by God's agenda<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 3';">‹</span>the essence of true simplicity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And that includes taking time to worship Christ's coming at the Christmas Eve service. You can hold me accountable! This year, I will be there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">***</span></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award nominee and is the host of an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. <a href="http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/">www.suzannewoodsfisher.com</a>.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54764381961589826682011-12-13T16:28:00.002-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.436-04:00#NSNation Wrapping Up the Month<div class="MsoNormal">I am sorry for the delay. I have been battling migraines and finals. I think the migraines won. Today is the first day where I was not working on papers or finals and did not have a headache in order to sit long enough to type up a post.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Me:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Beginning of the month :240</div><div class="MsoNormal">End of the month: 239.6</div><div class="MsoNormal">I went down, up, up, and up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>My husband:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Beginning of the month: 234.6</div><div class="MsoNormal">End of the month: 227.8</div><div class="MsoNormal">He went down, down, down, and stayed down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What bothers me most is that I followed the program 99%. He followed the program maybe 60%. I exercised. He didn't.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="Southern-Style Biscuits & Gravy" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/297x220/297x220SouthernStyleBiscuitsGravy.jpg" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">( I have to say the new Southern Style Biscuits and Gravy are to die for!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have struggled all year with my weight. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem">Earlier this year</a> when I was on <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>, I gained and lost the same 10 lbs over and over. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During the summer, even though I was still eating good and going to the gym, my weight still kept going up. My back hurting more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I thought it was stress. I thought it was hormones so I went off my birth control. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am still gaining.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am only 36. I do understand metabolism slows down, but it should not be slowing down like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is depressing because I now have 2 pairs of pants that fit and a couple of shirts. I don’t want to have to buy new clothes. I am the largest I have ever been in my life. I have no idea what I am doing wrong. I have never had a problem losing weight in the past when I followed a program. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Having said that, I am blessed to have good insurance now, thanks to my husband. I have an appt on the 22<sup>nd</sup>. It was the first appt. they have available. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this weight gain and get some sort of resolution. I can’t keep living in this body. The strain on my back causes too much pain. Quite literally, it’s ruining my life. I will also be going to a psychiatrist to help get my mental health back on track too. *cross fingers* Life is such a battle sometimes. We love our relationship therapist, but she focuses on today and I need help with years past. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t want to give up, but I almost feel defeated no matter what I do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At this point I am not sure what I should do. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; 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All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/nsnation-first-week-back-on-program.html" target="_blank">#NSNation First Week Back On Program</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/nsnation-nutrisystem-holiday-survival.html" target="_blank">#NSNation Nutrisystem Holiday Survival Smarts (and a note from me)</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/nsnation-week-2-up-up-and-away.html" target="_blank">#NSNation Week 2 Up, Up, and Away</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/2011/11/nutrisystem.html" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> (uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9002b17a-ed55-45ef-a30f-706c48a7b27a" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10000349589500356192011-12-13T15:40:00.001-05:002011-12-16T14:51:49.071-05:003rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">12 Pearls of Christmas</span> blogging series!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V43RiXJI8xo/TOLWDF2Ol_I/AAAAAAAAAT0/-MH_NFcR_sg/s1600/12+pearls+log.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V43RiXJI8xo/TOLWDF2Ol_I/AAAAAAAAAT0/-MH_NFcR_sg/s1600/12+pearls+log.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th) through Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya, Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and more, share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>If you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers too, just email <a href="mailto:ckrumm@litfusegroup.com" target="_blank">Christen</a> and she'll send you the series.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">AND of course there is a giveaway! Beginning tomorrow you and all your friends can enter to win a PEARL NECKLACE and EARRINGS valued at $450! The winner will be announced on New Year's Day! <i>Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal">***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Just a quick note before the series begins on the 14th ...</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I write this, I imagine that we are sitting at my kitchen table and chatting over a cup of coffee while familiar Christmas carols celebrate the Season. My twelve year old Chihuahua, Pongo, barks for a pinch of pound cake while my Shih Tzu, Lilly, patiently sits by the chair and waits for a crumb to fall.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My name is not Martha Stewart, and I will never receive a neighborhood beautification award. Just look at my front stoop. Yes, my never-had-time-to-carve-the-pumpkin-that-now-suffers-from-frostbite slouches next to the front door which is decorated with a Christmas wreath. I plan to roll this large orange ornament to the garbage pile tomorrow. For now, however, I will pretend that my front stoop is a contemplative modern art exhibit capturing the essence of contrast. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Actually, I love the concept of juxtaposition – placing things together that don’t seem to belong together, yet somehow ultimately make sense being paired. A personal example for me this season is the phrase: “comfort and joy.” Having just completed my manuscript for New Hope Publishers about the aftermath of grief, I fully understand the contrast of those two words. How can comfort bring joy? How can one find joy in loss?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps, dear reader, you have experienced loss this year – loss of a loved one, loss of friendship, loss of health, loss of financial security, loss of trust, loss of love, or loss of direction. Even with the best intent, words of encouragement shared by others can somehow seem insufficient to address an inconsolable loss. A spoken word cannot fully restore joy to a broken heart; however the Word can. And that’s the bottom line message of Christmas! God gave us the most amazing gift: His Son - the Word of God, the Holy Comforter.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp-FgGCMV1A/TuZXgt8WYII/AAAAAAAAAV4/RMrWVXZ_PN8/s1600/jesuspearl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp-FgGCMV1A/TuZXgt8WYII/AAAAAAAAAV4/RMrWVXZ_PN8/s200/jesuspearl.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>You are not alone this Christmas, dear friend.</b> Juxtaposed to the unexpected grit in life is the gift of God’s grace wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This year I purposely placed a pearl in the Nativity scene as a metaphoric reminder. When we place our grit into the hands of the Lord, His grace transforms our pain into a pearl.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i> “Joy to the world!” </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you so very much for sharing the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>JOY</b></span> of the Season with us this year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">God Bless,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Margaret</div><div class="MsoNormal">@mcsweeny</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"> ***</div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage daughters in the Chicago suburbs. She is the founder and director of Pearl Girls. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a>. Margaret is fast at work on several fiction manuscripts. Her book Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace was written to help fund the Pearl Girl Charities. She is also the host of weekly radio show, Kitchen Chat. Connect with Margaret on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/margaretmcsweeney" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/mcsweeney" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57812958579603825122011-12-09T16:33:00.001-05:002011-12-09T16:35:53.452-05:00The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall<h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">About This Book</span></h3><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie’s hopes?</b><br />Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 40px;">Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T_GYH4pZvCk" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">30% off and free shipping on </span><em style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Christmas Singing </em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(and any other title) when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on </span><a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b2d1ed69311affedd82b5702e&id=3d37cc98fd&e=75ae9ee116" style="background-color: #faffff; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">WaterBrookMultnomah.com</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #faffff; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/69473983/The-Christmas-Singing-Chapter-1-Excerpt" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt) on Scribd">The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt)</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.655948553054662" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_66322" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/69473983/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-rgtk38e2713pbbb4tc2" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })(); </script>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16098356845391687752011-12-07T19:06:00.000-05:002011-12-07T19:06:01.111-05:00The Reno Kid: The Beginning by Allen Russell<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0066GNWGG/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0066GNWGG"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0066GNWGG&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0066GNWGG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not much of a Western fan, but that did not stop me from reading The Reno Kid. I am someone who will try to read anything once given a chance. I also try to give all reviews the benefit of the doubt by continuing to read the novel. That is, unless it is bad. I had that problem a few weeks ago when a book review was dropped in my lap. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/done-being-friends-by-grace-teresa.html">The books story was amazing, thewords were not. </a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Basically this little gem picks up where the Cisco Kid (or is that Billy the Kid?) left off. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well…….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sort of.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You see, August Alcazar is the Reno Kid, sort of like the western version of Robin Hood. That is the one thing you don’t seem to find in many western novels. Westerns are generally about robbing and keeping, gun slinging and horseback riding. Brothels and baths. Not usually having a clear conscious about what is right, and what is wrong. For many, it is all morally wrong. Perhaps that is what makes a western a western. No rules, no limits, all outlaws.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reno Kid, he’s different. He has a clear sense of the conscious mind. Knowing what is right and what is wrong. Of course, he is doing the wrong anyway. His story is different. He believes in doing the wrong by whatever means necessary because his wrong is going to cancel itself out and make a right. Alcazar firmly believes he is doing what he should; ensuring good prevails over evil.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Uneducated, but smart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Courageous, but rebellious. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Predictable, but fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Plenty of bad guys and action to keep the pages turning, even for a non-westerner like myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Available on Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0066GNWGG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0066GNWGG">The Reno Kid</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0066GNWGG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 class="productDescriptionSource" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.23em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.375em; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em;">Product Description</h3><div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>The Reno Kid, “The Beginning” is a western novel with incredible twists and turns that crosses over western, political and environmental genres. Whether you have ever read a western novel in your life, it really doesn’t matter. You will enjoy this one.<br /><br />A quick and action packed novel, The Reno Kid, “The Beginning”, follows the life of Augustus Alcazar (“The Reno Kid”), a legendary mountain man and brutal old west gunfighter of the 1800s. Well, yes but much more. Growing up in the mountains of the far west, Augustus matures in his character, becoming a hero to the ranchers of northern Nevada and nemesis of the government.<br /><br />Here is the incredible twist.<br /><br />After Augustus is shot during a raid on the Paiute Indians, young Augustus experiences an unusual phenomenon. A dream? A transformation? The book takes a left turn and goes from the old 1800 western days, fast forwarding to modern day Nevada.<br /><br />The Reno Kid appears as a protector of the Palomino Valley and the Reno Kid Ranch in a modern day conflict which continues to amaze. Conflicts with supposed environmentalists and less than honest politicians drive the action forward. Taking us down this path in modern day times, but, handled in an old style western way.<br /><br />A fictitious conflict whose facts you would not be surprised to read in today’s newspaper. You will not regret this read.</i></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62131384705437724692011-12-07T16:13:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.322-04:00#Smash365: Write - The Ouija Board<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_ouija_board.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="A modern ouija board plus planchette" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="222" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/English_ouija_board.jpg/300px-English_ouija_board.jpg" title="A modern ouija board plus planchette" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Use this prompt to inspire. Write for 5 minutes:</strong><br /><blockquote><em>What did the Ouija board spell?</em></blockquote><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>My Words:</strong></div><br /><div>T-E-R-R-Y</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"Terry! Where have you been?" I scream out.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div></div><span style="background-color: white;">Waiting. Shivering. Not because I am scared, I am never scared in the dark. Shivering because he is the last person I excepted to speak with tonight. Terry, my angel of darkness. Thought to be long gone.</span><br /><br /><div></div><span style="background-color: white;">I wait patiently. Listening to the silence. Wondering if my exclamation has scared him off.</span><br /><br /><div></div><span style="background-color: white;">I wait.</span><br /><br />Silence.<a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>"Damn stomach," I mumble to myself as I hear its loud rumbles shattering the silence.</div><br /><div>I place my hands back on the Ouija.</div><br /><div>I ask Terry to come back. Come back just one more time.</div><br /><div>H-E-L-L-O</div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84445790599228757312011-12-07T15:23:00.004-05:002011-12-07T15:31:59.927-05:00House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JDNTM4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005JDNTM4"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B005JDNTM4&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005JDNTM4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />Sometimes a book lands in my lap where I stay up until 3am devouring each word on every page. I force myself to stay away, pushing my eyes to their limits. It is worth it to me. It is very rare that a book bothers me so bad I can’t finish it. I will read everything and anything. It is just as rare that a book grips me so strongly that I have to stay awake until the wee hours of the morning breathing in all 305 pages. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Meet three sisters; Bailee, Geena and Piper.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Meet the father, work-a-holic.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I always find some sort of emotional attachment when there is a story surrounding a mental health disorder, whether fiction or not. Peterson writes in a way that is raw and real. I guess that is why I felt compelled to gobble every morsel this book had to offer instead of savoring it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Meet the mother, a dead paranoid schizophrenic. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bailee works for a quickly growing publishing company ran by her friend Mark and his father. Mark wants to send Bailee to New York to head their new office there. Before she can even make her decision, her father calls, demanding her and her sisters meet them at the family summer house.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The same summer house that holds the memories and they key to unlock the mysteries of their mothers death.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Memories are dominating in Baliee’s life. She was the oldest, left in charge of the other two. Memories flood her soul before she can even step over the threshold of the summer house. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All three sisters must break through the memories and tear down the barriers that make them the women they turned out to be. Each one entering their own emotional state, each one with questions being answered. The common denominator between the three is that each must heal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Answers become clear, the truth becomes known. A family is shocked and thrown into turmoil, only to find their way back to the center. A family can rebuild the love and trust, and that is exactly what they will do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The love story doesn’t start or end with the family. There are some hidden gems scattered within the pages. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is listed as Christian/Contemporary Fiction as Bailee struggles with her belief in God and Mark shares his love for God. But this is not a preachy book, nor is it full of scripture. I think anyone, believer or not, can enjoy it just the way it is.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JDNTM4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005JDNTM4">Available on Amazon: House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005JDNTM4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br />About the Book:<br /><strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson</i></span></strong><br /><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>At their father’s request, three sisters return to their childhood summer home. However, their reunion turns bittersweet as the familiar landscape brings to the surface memories of their ill mother…and of their father making a desperate choice. The sisters had vowed to keep these memories secret, but is their silence hurting them more than the truth?</i></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a readers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75730781220304344952011-12-07T15:06:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.360-04:00#Smash365: Words<blockquote><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Mark%2BTwain" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img alt="Mark Twain" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="141" src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/126/41534325.png" title="Mark Twain" width="126" /></a><br /><br /><em>The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. ~Mark Twain</em></blockquote><br />Take a single emotion and experience from the last 24 hours and bring it to life on the page. Limit yourself to just 75 words, where each word serves as that bolt of lightning to capture the essence of that emotion.<br /><br /><strong>My Thoughts: </strong><br /><br />Sadness<br /><br />I am sad because my body hurts.<br /><br />If my body did not hurt I could exercise more.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am sad because I am over-weight.<br /><br />If I was not over-weight my body would not hurt as much.<br /><br />I am sad because of my depression.<br /><br />If I was not depressed I would not eat as much and I could exercise more.<br /><br />More than 75 words, but I made my point in 6 sentences.<br /><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em;">Related articles</h6><br /><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><br /><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://interruption-interruption.blogspot.com/2011/11/smash365-statement-attempt-to-answer.html" target="_blank">Smash365: Statement: An attempt to answer two comments from 'Anonymous' on my writing 'Perfection'.</a> (interruption-interruption.blogspot.com)</li></ul><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=0349a0ef-7eb1-4480-9e35-52d65f7978b1" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28652214093763112822011-12-07T14:54:00.001-05:002011-12-07T14:56:24.432-05:00The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EI2E9U/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003EI2E9U"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B003EI2E9U&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003EI2E9U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Poor Saphora Warren. Here is a lady who has it all. With a husband in the medical field, big house, fancy things, and a lot of money, what more does a person need? Of all these things, all she has to show for years of an unfaithful marriage is three kids. Her life is not want she wants. She is lonely, has been. And now that her kids are older, it is time to take care of her needs first. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"> Bender is not the best husband, often cheating and nonexistent in Saphoras life. So when their home is going to be featured in Southern Living Magazine, Sephora can’t enjoy the photo shoot. A event that happens to hold a string of women guilty of having an affair with Bender. Instead, of enjoying herself, she’s upstairs packing her suitcase. She stayed for the wrong reasons and why she finally gets the courage to leave, Bender wants to speak with her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hiding her suitcase so Bender can’t see she is trying to go run to their summer house by the lake, she heads into the office to speak. In her mind all she can think about his her departure when she hears the one word that will change everything, “cancer.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bender wants to live out his days as their beloved summer house. The exact spot she was planning to run free to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saphora finds friendship in the least likely of places. Opening herself up to others in her time of need is not an easy task. It’s never an easy task for anyone to reach out when they are vulnerable, looking at the world in a different way, putting your faith and hope in God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In time Saphora learns how to love her husband again. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are then faced with wondering if Bender was having an end-of-the-life type crisis. Not knowing if his brain cancer was forcing him to make amends, of if he was actually looking at life through another perceptive and truly seeing the wrong. Did he really love Saphora?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s going to be left up to the reader to decide. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EI2E9U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003EI2E9U">On Amazon: The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003EI2E9U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book for free as part of a readers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2841226260160443612011-12-07T12:35:00.001-05:002013-10-15T11:44:25.990-04:00The Soul Reader<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BXYJSA/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005BXYJSA"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B005BXYJSA&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005BXYJSA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">The Soul Reader is the sequel to In-Sight. In the book In-Sight we are introduced to Ward McNulty, man who has it all. Ward writes his own syndicated column, has the love of a gorgeous woman, and powerful friends in very high places. Of those friends is Chet Garner. The story follows through the tale of legal battles, forgiveness, family values, redemption, and impossible odds. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It should be noted that you do not have to read In-Sight in order to enjoy The Soul Reader. Webster adds just enough of the back story for you to understand what it going on. Thankfully there is not an overload of that. Too often authors try to do this and it tends to overload the current story, taking away from its true purpose. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Soul Reader picks up with Ward McNulty wishing he forget the woman he once loved and the man he hated most. During stressful situations, physical rehabilitation, dealing with unemployment, job searching, and hoping to run away from foreclosure, this task of forgetting seams easy. When left alone with his thoughts and nothing else to do, his mind roams back to those same two people. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In time, Ward is faced with having to face that heartbreak head-on when Carrie Hope waltzed back into his life. It’s been a year since his father’s murder and she wants Wards assistance on writing her book about his father’s North Beach Project, the money laundering scheme that resulted in his death. For various reasons, Ward declines. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What follows is a story of learning the truth, learning about yourself, discovering love and life all over again.<br /><br /><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book for free from as part of a readers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15767087722858922362011-12-05T16:17:00.000-05:002011-12-05T16:17:07.161-05:00Daily Christmas Deals for Writers<img src="http://www.writersstore.com/system/0001/1992/vintage-typewriter-key-jewelry_small.jpg?1289008416" /><br /><br /><div id="product_image_and_glance" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td id="product_glance" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/ta.php?lc=052549000010004693&lc_pid=Promo-2163&url=http://www.writersstore.com/vintage-typewriter-key-charm&lcpf=3&lcpi=2163" target="_blank">15% off Vintage Typewriter Key Charm Necklace at Writers Store. Use coupon code 12DAYS5 during checkout. Expires 12/05/2012.</a></h2><h2 style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></h2><h2 style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">At a Glance</h2><ul style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Vintage typewriter key charm on 16" sterling silver ball chain necklace</li><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Choose your letter for the ultimate in personalized writing inspiration</li><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">The perfect accessory for writers</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div id="product_images" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="product_image" href="http://www.writersstore.com/system/0001/2007/vintage-typewriter-command-key-jewelry_medium.jpg" rel="product_image" style="color: #1c5a85; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://www.writersstore.com/system/0001/2007/vintage-typewriter-command-key-jewelry_thumb.jpg?1289087292" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" /></a></div><div class="" id="product_description" style="background-color: white;"><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">Sure to become an instant heirloom, these sterling silver necklaces feature a letter key from a vintage Remington, Smith Corona, Underwood or Royal typewriter. Select a letter of your choosing, or a "command key" to suspend from a 16" sterling silver ball necklace (included).</div><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">Wear one of these necklaces for a classic look, or pile on a bunch for a quirky, modern style. Pick one up for a friend as well for the perfect personalized present!</div><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">These skillfully crafted jewelry pieces are created from antique typewriters, and as such, each one is unique. <em>Please note that since each brand of typewriter has a slightly different typeface, the above image may not exactly match the item you receive.</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.462;">Today on Writers </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">Digest</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.462;"> - <b>FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING!</b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><i><a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/ta.php?lc=052549000010004631&lc_pid=Promo-2150&url=http://www.writersdigestshop.com/category/Holiday_Specials&lcpf=3&lcpi=2150" target="_blank"> at Writers Digest Shop. Expires 12/12/2012.</a></i></span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18704764386711868342011-12-05T15:06:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.183-04:00Smash365: Write<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aussicht.Flugzeug.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View of a jet aircraft while flying above the ..." class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Aussicht.Flugzeug.jpg/300px-Aussicht.Flugzeug.jpg" title="View of a jet aircraft while flying above the ..." width="300" /></a><br /><br /> <em style="background-color: white;">Use this prompt to inspire. Write for 5 minutes:</em><br /><blockquote><em>In the airplane, you hear the pilot announce he’s running out of fuel, and…</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>My Story</strong><br /><br />After hearing the pilot announce we are running out of fuel I look out the window, staring down at the ground. I can feel the heat off my flesh pulsating in rhythm with my heart. I shouldn't panic. Should I? I mean, he's a trained pilot ready to handle these types of situations. But, what plane leaves the airport, knowing where hey are going, without enough fuel?<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Oh God.<br /><br />We are going to die.<br /><br />The pilot has no idea what he is doing.<br /><br />I pull at my collar hoping to let some air travel down my shirt. I look down and see a small, wrinkled hand with arched fingers trying to comfort me.<br /><br />"There, there honey. It will be all over soon"<br /><br />I look at this little old lady, trying to find some comfort.<br /><br />The air in the plane starts to feel old. Like the feeling you get when you open the attic door of your grandmothers house. One that hasnt been opened in years.<br /><br />THAT smell.<br /><br />I look around the cabin. Everyone seems normal. Calm.<br /><br />I can't seem to locate any sense of fear.<br /><br />One last look out the window.<br /><br /></blockquote><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64939640521286541472011-12-05T07:59:00.003-05:002011-12-05T07:59:00.032-05:00Christmas Gift Ideas : Poets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ULOsAh0SL.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I found another item to add to my Amazon Christmas Wishlist. I love writing poetry, but sometimes I get stuck trying to find the perfect words. The Poet Magnetic Poetry Kit is the answer to my poetic writers block. </div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890560014/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1890560014">Magnetic Poetry Kit: Original</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1890560014&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div> </div><br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79732767914435075072011-12-04T11:32:00.000-05:002011-12-04T11:32:58.809-05:00Daily Christmas Deals for Writers<img src="http://www.writersstore.com/system/0002/5914/moleskine-messenger-bag_medium.jpg" /><br /><br />If anyone would like to get me this for Christmas, I will let them! Beautiful. I am adding it my wish list!<br /><br />On sale TODAY ONLY! 20% off<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/ta.php?lc=052549000010004693&lc_pid=Promo-2162&url=http://www.writersstore.com/moleskine-messenger-bag&lcpf=3&lcpi=2162" target="_blank">15% off Moleskine Messenger Bag at Writers Store. Use coupon code 12DAYS4 during checkout. Expires 12/04/2012.</a><br /><br /><div id="product_image_and_glance" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td id="product_glance" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">At a Glance</h2><ul style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Created for a mobile lifestyle with classic Moleskine style</li><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Fits any laptop with a screen size up to 15"</li><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Modular double flap becomes a flexible space for carrying objects</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="" id="product_description" style="background-color: white;"><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">Created for our mobile lifestyle, the Moleskine Messenger Bag is designed to be customized and organized with various add-ons. The modular double flap becomes a flexible space for carrying objects or closing the bag completely. Fits any laptop with a screen size up to 15". </div><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><strong>External features: </strong></div><ul style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Elastic closure Rigid base for standing the bag vertically </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Adjustable strap with concealed sliding buckle </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Modular double flap forms an open pocket on 2 sides </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Snap fasteners to close flap in 3 positions </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Water repellent </li></ul><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><strong>Internal features:</strong></div><ul style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Ivory velour lining </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Lightly padded rear divider </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Fits any laptop up to 15” screen </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">1 pocket with zipper </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Designed to hold Moleskine Storage panel and Multipurpose cases (<em>sold separately</em>) </li></ul><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><strong>Materials: </strong></div><ul style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Matte black polyurethane on a woven support </li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Molded base made from soft-touch polyurethane</li></ul><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Today at Writer's Digest is BOGO off all on </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">demand</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> webinars. Writer's Digest is one of my favorite sites. With the magazine, website and yearly Writer's Market, there is sure to be a great stock of gifts for any writer. My wish list there is even longer than my wish list on Amazon or Barnes and Noble!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I bet you will even find a thing or two for yourself!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/ta.php?lc=052549000010004631&lc_pid=Promo-2150&url=http://www.writersdigestshop.com/category/Holiday_Specials&lcpf=3&lcpi=2150" target="_blank"> at Writers Digest Shop. Expires 12/12/2012.</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/traffic_affiliate.php?lc=052549042729004631&lcpt=0&lcpf=3" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="VIP Program" src="http://www.linkconnector.com/traffic_record.php?lc=052549042729004631" /></a></span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63162899077008219422011-12-03T16:05:00.002-05:002011-12-04T11:23:43.793-05:00All I Want For Christmas Is......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><img src="http://www.officechairsdesks.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Ergonomic-Chair-3.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What would this Self Employed Writer like for Christmas?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really?????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve been reading Angie’s website – <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/home-biz-holiday-wishlist-hop/comment-page-1/#comment-139324">The Work at Home Wife</a>, for almost a year now. She has helped me a great deal and I always want her to know how much I appreciate it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, imagine my excitement when I found out she was asking her reader what they wanted for Christmas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Her readers work from home, with various jobs and companies. Some are freelancer writers, some write for a particular company. Some are affiliate marketers, some bloggers, and others do direct sales. Quite the variety of readers and I always take away something useful from their comments.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You just might, too. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Here is my wish list:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">1.<b> Ergonomic wireless mouse. </b>Had one. Loved it. Now the optical has gone to crap. Reverting back to a standard mouse has my hand tense and fingers in a knot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">2. <b>Edgar Allen Poe</b>. Hands down my favorite writer and now he can be mine. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/12/christmas-gift-ideas-for-writers.html">Pocket sized.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">3. <b>Time.</b> Can one buy time? If so, I need more of it. Bottle it up and send it express mail please. As a full-time grad student trying to also work full time, there just is not enough hours in my day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">4. <b>Virtual Assistant.</b> I need someone to help me market my books. I just don’t have enough hours in the day to do everything.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">5. <b>Ergonomic desk chair.</b> I have degenerative disk disease and it seems to be getting worse. My weight has a lot to do with that, which is why I started back on the Nutrisystem thanks to the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem">Blogger Nation </a>program. My butt sits ALL day. My weight does play a part, but so does sitting in the wrong style of chair. </div><br /><br />What do you need/want for Christmas? Why don't you head over to <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/home-biz-holiday-wishlist-hop/comment-page-1/#comment-139324">Angie's site</a>, drop your link and play along?<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83517670514116920922011-12-03T15:29:00.001-05:002011-12-03T16:04:39.292-05:00Writers Daily Deals for Christmas<img src="http://www.writersstore.com/system/0002/5907/moleskine-writing-set_medium.jpg" /><br />Today the Writer's Store is offering the beautiful moleskin journal and pen! (Add to my list!)<br /><br /><div id="product_image_and_glance" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td id="product_glance" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">At a Glance</h2><ul style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Includes Pocket-sized Black Ruled Moleskine and Black Roller Pen</li><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Designed for true lovers of handwriting, the box is debossed with a letter pattern</li><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Pen has a cap designed to stay attached to your Moleskine notebook</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="" id="product_description" style="background-color: white;"><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><strong>A box, a notebook, a pen. Minimal design to free the mind and prepare you to face the blank page.</strong></div><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><br /><a name='more'></a>Give space to your passion for writing with this Writing Gift Box set. This set features one pocket black ruled notebook and one matte black ABS roller pen with cap designed to stay attached to your Moleskine notebook.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">Designed for true lovers of handwriting, the box is debossed with a letter pattern. The set includes a Pocket Black Ruled Notebook: 192 ruled pages, acid-free paper, 3½" x 5½" (9 x14 cm), expandable inner pocket and one matte black Roller Pen rectangular shape, springy point, refillable black gel ink. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/ta.php?lc=052549000010004693&lc_pid=Promo-2161&url=http://www.writersstore.com/moleskine-writing-set&lcpf=3&lcpi=2161" target="_blank">20% off Moleskine Writing Gift Set at Writers Store. Use coupon code 12DAYS3 during checkout. Expires 12/03/2012.</a></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><a href="http://www.writersdigestshop.com/category/Holiday_Specials"><img src="http://www.writersdigestshop.com/images/slides/653x298_WDwinterDeals.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">Writer's Digest is offering $10 off $75 with code <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">WDS12DAYS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">TODAY ONLY!</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39159872723177991522011-12-03T09:45:00.004-05:002011-12-04T11:42:45.191-05:00The Mirror of N'De by L.K.Malone<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div><b></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825426677/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0825426677"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0825426677&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=freelan09-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0825426677" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></b><br /><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><b> </b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>My Review:</b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="MsoNormal">This was a truly wonderful book. Young Adult Fiction/ Fantasy can be a wonderful thing, even for this 36 year old. I will never outgrow a good book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is so much going on in this book that it is hard to pinpoint one event that really blew my mind because the whole book was a wonderful work of art. The characters were full and well developed. The plot had many turns and twists. Some of it was a bit predictable, but it is a kid’s book after all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked most was that even though this was a fantasy book, the characters were written in a way that young adults could relate to. And, even though the events were not thing that could happen for real here on earth, they could mirror real life events, allowing young adults to see the lessons to be learned.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You have bullying. What goes around comes around so you should be nice to everyone. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Family comes first. Friends are forever. Simple, but yet so delicately scattered throughout these pages.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another favorite thing was the creation of new animals by crossing one with another. Flunk was a cross of a fly and a skunk. When bothered his stink would fly behind him, causing a terrible stench that lasted for days, even after washing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started reading this right after dinner, and I read well into the wee hours of the AM. I could not wait for the next day when I was finished with work and homework so I could finish the book. I savored every word as if it were my last meal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Heartfelt. Beautiful. Fun. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think this is a wonderful book that should be cherished by all ages.</div></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b></b><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>About The Mirror of N'de:</b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In the mythical city of N’de lives thirteen-year-old Hadlay and her people, the Ramash. Scorned and abused by the unloving and absent Emperor, the Ramash are poor people, placed second to the ruling class of the Oresed. Young but bold, Hadlay rages against the injustice in her city. When she is chosen for the honor of serving the Prince in the Tower, she hopes to find a way to right the wrong... but soon discovers that things are worse than she believed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">While Hadlay works to better her people’s condition, she struggles to abide with the abusive Oresed and understand the meaning of her dreams in which a fantastical white horse appears to her and speaks in riddles. When Hadlay stumbles into one of the Tower’s secret rooms, she discovers a hidden mirror that doesn’t just show her reflection, but reveals much more: the horse’s name is Sirach and he has a plan to save the children of N’de, if only Hadlay can bring them to the mirror. Hiding her knowledge of Sirach from the Prince, Hadlay sets out to do Sirach’s bidding. But when Sirach’s presence is revealed, Hadley’s life is in danger and the only way to save her is for Sirach to give up his own.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Crafting powerful narrative and creative characters, author L. K. Malone spins a compelling tale that combines exciting entertainment and the Christian story. In The Mirror of N’de, readers will empathize with the desires of an oppressed people, will anger at the affliction of a cruel adversary, and ultimately rejoice with the revelation of a Savior.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Link to buy the book: Amazon</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825426677/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0825426677">The Mirror of N'De</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0825426677" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>About L.K. Malone:</b></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">L. K. Malone is an insatiable reader who devours nearly a book a day when she isn’t writing. Favorite genres include political thrillers, historical fiction, romance, and fantasy. Some of her favorite reads include the Hunger Games series and the Harry Potter books, which inspired her to try her hand at fantasy with a Judeo-Christian twist. Malone is a Colorado native with a large extended family, which includes two lovely young women who graciously let her mentor them through the Denver Kids program, and a handsome menagerie of pets. </span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Blog Tour Schedule:</b> <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13440685">Here</a></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book for free from as part of a book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56836692492672546172011-12-02T15:54:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.307-04:00I Have to Get Something Off My Chest<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFanGaotJe0/UZ_eMB9y5MI/AAAAAAAACOw/o9mZPFZDzNI/s1600/46584177365231895_UsXbCnd3_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFanGaotJe0/UZ_eMB9y5MI/AAAAAAAACOw/o9mZPFZDzNI/s320/46584177365231895_UsXbCnd3_c.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />This photo has been following me around <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for the last year. I have seen so many comments on it and sometimes it just makes me sad.<br /><br />Sad?<br /><br />Yes, sad.<br /><br />Sad because it is not real.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Sad because no matter how many people I tell it is not real I still see it plastered in all the pretty pins every day. I think there may have been a very brief period where Pinterest had a growth spurt and that pin was lost in La-La land for a time being. Now it is making a comeback.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SiIqtDnBX8g/UZ_eMBM9rTI/AAAAAAAACO0/oVKYLHyeZWY/s1600/46584177365231895_UsXbCnd3_c+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SiIqtDnBX8g/UZ_eMBM9rTI/AAAAAAAACO0/oVKYLHyeZWY/s320/46584177365231895_UsXbCnd3_c+copy.png" width="208" /></a></div>Castle House Island in Dublin, Ireland does not exist. I wish it did because it's pretty cool and with my Irish background and obsession of all things Irish, I know its a place I would want to add to my "to see" list.<br /><br />This photo was submitted to worth1000.com (get it, a picture is worth a 1000 words? Cool huh?) as a Photoshop contest.<br /><br />Sorry to break the bad news. You are going to have to change your bucket list of places you want to visit and things you want to see.<br /><br />Pretty sure the skinny bottom would not be strong enough to hold the weight of the structure on top. Doesn't matter the material, it can still crack. Also, if you enlarge the photo, you can see some photoshop trickery going on.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9871521297954474332011-12-02T15:29:00.000-05:002011-12-02T15:29:51.842-05:00Writers Store Daily Deals of Christmas : Today Only! $20 off Hollywood Creative Directory<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.writersstore.com/system/0002/3598/hcd73-cover_medium.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><div id="product_image_and_glance" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td id="product_glance" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">At a Glance</h2><ul style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Directory for the film, television and new media industries</li><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Puts over 11,000 producers and executives at your fingertips</li><li style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">The Insider’s guide to the Insiders for the past 20 years</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="" id="product_description" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">The Hollywood Creative Directory, commonly referred to as “the phone book to Hollywood,” puts over 11,000 producers and executives (including their titles!) at your fingertips. This information powerhouse gives you a credible source to create a customized contact list with updated information from HCD Online, including:</div><ul style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 1.462;">11,000 producers and studio & network executives</li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">More than 2,000 production companies, studios & networks</li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Credits and studio deals</li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">TV show & staff section</li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Addresses, phone & fax numbers, staff & titles</li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Credits and studio deals</li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">Strict Listing Qualifications</li><li style="line-height: 1.462;">New! Includes Mobile Content Producers</li></ul><div style="line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">This essential book can be found on the desk of every studio executive, director, producer, writer, and actor in the entertainment industry, as well as in college and university libraries.</div><div style="line-height: 1.462; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-top: 1.2em;">Hollywood Creative Directory content is timely, thorough and loaded with the potential to open the doors to your Hollywood future. Pick up your copy today!</div></div></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.linkconnector.com/ta.php?lc=052549000010004693&lc_pid=Promo-2160&url=http://www.writersstore.com/hollywood-creative-directory&lcpf=3&lcpi=2160" target="_blank">$20 off Hollywood Creative Directory at Writers Store. Use coupon code 12DAYS2 during checkout. Expires 12/02/2012.</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31326094706734956442011-12-02T15:16:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.237-04:00#Smash365: Breathings<blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:William_Wordsworth.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Deutsch: William Wordsworth 1770-1850 englisch..." class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="417" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/William_Wordsworth.jpg/300px-William_Wordsworth.jpg" title="Deutsch: William Wordsworth 1770-1850 englisch..." width="300" /></a><br /><br /><em>Fill the paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth</em></blockquote><br />Write for ten minutes about what is in your heart, right now. Send the judge away and write uninhibitedly.<br /><br /> <span style="background-color: white;">I knew I should not have done it. I feel I have made a terrible mistake. Now I have no idea how to get out of it, to fix it, to just fix my life.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />How does one take the steps I need to take? I should know. I have been here before.<br /><br />Sometimes it does not feel so easy. So easy as the last time. Something is different but I am not sure what.<br /><br />I know I want out. Have to get out and run away.<br /><br />My skin is itching.<br /><br />Burning.<a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />I seek the darkness, but there is no longer anything waiting there for me to hold on to.<br /><br />I used to find light in the darkness. No more.<br /><br />Gone.<br /><br />Pitch black.<br /><br />What changed?<br /><br />I know I hold all the answers but I have no idea how to put one foot in front of the other.<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71981104153859100892011-12-02T07:54:00.014-05:002011-12-02T14:55:12.300-05:00Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers : Book Lovers<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FVFZ5CJvL._SS500_.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026162E4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B0026162E4">Knock Knock Personal Library Kit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0026162E4&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><div><br /></div><div>Available at Amazon for $14.99</div><div><br /></div><div>What every book lover needs! Their own personal library kit. (I just added this to my wishlist. Believe it or not, as much as I love my Nook, I still have a ton of books.)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For a bibliophile, there’s no greater pleasure than sharing beloved books, but no crueler pain than losing them for good. Revive old-fashioned library circulation techniques for fun and book retention with Knock Knock's Personal Library Kit. Old-fashioned library circulation techniques for fun and book retention! The kit's self-adhesive pockets, checkout cards, date stamper, and keepsake box will have bibliophiles everywhere channeling their inner librarian. Box Personal Library Kit includes 20 self-adhesive pockets and checkout cards, date stamp, inkpad, and pencil.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UI6cnFvRL._SS500_.jpg" /></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002K7CPFE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B002K7CPFE">Book Lover Bibliophile Degree: Custom Gag Diploma Doctorate Certificate (Funny Customized Joke Gift - Novelty Item)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002K7CPFE&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Available on Amazon for $13.99</div><div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Fully customized with ANY NAME and ANY DATE of your choice!</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Great custom novelty gift with a personalized touch.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Show your uniqueness or celebrate someone's favorite interest, talent or hobby.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Top quality certificate also includes official embossed GOLD SEAL for added appeal.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Personalized certificate makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion.</li></ul></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63102670290387572032011-12-01T07:44:00.000-05:002011-12-01T07:44:00.031-05:00Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers : Writing Muses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">These tiny action figures have been on my Amazon wishlist forever. I would love to set this little folks right next to my computer. When in a pickle, I could ask myself "What would Oscar (or Edgar) do?" Perfect dose of inspiration!</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41lqxWddv1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BY83I6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B000BY83I6">Oscar Wilde Action Figure</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BY83I6&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Amazon $9.45</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oscar Wilde was a writer and lecturer of great accomplishment, but he is most famous for his comedic plays, quick wit and eccentric dress. </span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41H5TjmE3wL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006GKJSG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B0006GKJSG">Edgar Allan Poe Action Figure</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0006GKJSG&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Highly collectible. Available on Amazon through private collections for $39.99</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6581960883142357672011-11-30T15:31:00.002-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.466-04:00#NSNation Week 2 Up, Up, and Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">You know what they say “what goes up must come down?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So the weight loss total goes up, now it must come down. At least it did for me. I had a gain of <b>0.6</b> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_455052154">Matt had a loss of </a><b><a href="http://www.uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/2011/11/nutrisystem-update.html">1.8</a> </b>on the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblogs" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> program.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a little upset with myself. Not because I gained, its life and it happens, but because I knew I made some bad choices and I did them anyway knowing what the result would be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I thought doing the program with Matt would make things easier. It only makes it harder. I am beyond frustrated. He is learning nothing because he will not sit down and read the booklets or even information on the website. Instead, he just wants to ask me. Always wants me to do everything for him. (we have been talking a lot about this in therapy) Not only that, he finds these ways to eat off the program. Then he gloats when he loses, like he is right. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What he does not understand is he’s on medication because of some health problems. If he can control what he puts in his mouth he could go off that medication. The weight loss is a bonus. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I simply can’t do for him or babysit him. He has to do this on his own or he is never going to learn.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know it is easier for him to ask me. This is my 4<sup>th</sup> time on NS, my first being when I was 16 years old. Yes, I understand the program and I can probably recite in my sleep what our meal plan looks like and what a serving is, but he needs to learn on his own, too. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is only adding more stress on my life. I am a full time grad student, work full time, and I have a couple of books that need finished. I take care of the household. I don’t have time to do everything for him. And, this isn’t just about weight loss. This is about our life in general. I have complained about it plenty of times in the past. How I am in school, working, and carrying the load of a household. He works, plays in a band, and plays Airsoft. It’s a struggle to get him to help me; it’s a struggle to get him to do things on his own without having to ask me a million questions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has me questioning a lot of things in my life, once again. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I get stressed, I eat. So even though we have no bad foods in the house, I am just eating another boiled egg or extra turkey on my salad. Calories are calories. I need to stop.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, while I am not upset I had a gain, I am upset at the stress behind the gain.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/nsnation-nutrisystem-holiday-survival.html" target="_blank">#NSNation Nutrisystem Holiday Survival Smarts (and a note from me)</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/nsnation-first-week-back-on-program.html" target="_blank">#NSNation First Week Back On Program</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=bad83d56-36fd-4e77-a1ee-4125d0e73d5a" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56381810254875612182011-11-25T19:06:00.001-05:002011-11-25T19:14:52.802-05:00Rising Power by Joseph P. Ryncarz<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005JUQ0GY" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal">How many times have you sat there and wondered “What if?” What if the world was completely different than it is now. What if September 11 had a completely different outcome? How would your life be? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These days you can find me laughing with my friends and husband about a Zombie Apocalypse and how we would survive (you can thank The Walking Dead for that conversation). But I can’t say I really think about my reality much or toy with the “what if” idea too often.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can remember right where I was the day the planes took down the twin towers. I was home from work, recovering after an immediate gall bladder removal surgery. I had gotten up and went over to my computer to see what was going on within a weight loss forum I was a member of. I was home alone, and bored. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There was an endless supply of posts regarding the twin towers and for the longest time, I thought it all was a joke. After about 30 minutes I made my way over to the television. I remember sitting there for hours. Crying. I can’t even begin to think about the tears I cried. I was glued to the television and the internet for days. I could never imagine what those people were going through, what many of them still go through in life today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But what if things were different. What if somehow, terrorists took over the entire country? Would I survive? And how? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a weird thought to have to think about. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In “Rising Power!” we are given a glimpse of the “what could” after the “what if.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We begin the novel with a prologue, the introduction to the nuclear world. If you have ever believe that this was something that could never happen, after reading this novel, I can tell you it will make you think otherwise. You may not believe 100% that it might happen, but there will be that thought, always swimming around, telling you that it “could” happen. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How does a person, or even the world, rebuild after everything has been ruined. Mother Nature has a funny way of taking care of herself (whether creation or evolution, you decide) and making the changes in order to sustain the population left behind and the population set to come. The human race will carry on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sisters, Sarah and Amanda Richardson live in Auburn Valley. From where they stand, in their almost identical homemade clothing, there is a glow where Seattle once stood. Here, within the first few pages is a description almost enough to make a person want to start building a fall-out shelter and start stocking supplies.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Could it happen? Would it happen?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Young men being forced in to battle. (sound familiar?) Mother’s upset because her other son’s have been taken off and yet they want the last one left. What would you do in this situation?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The story follows on. The war, the fight, the battles and yet, somehow through it all, the human race remains.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A bit of fiction that could easily be non, with well developed characters, leaving you with one question, “What if?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1483393199710379252011-11-25T16:07:00.002-05:002011-11-25T16:53:12.007-05:00I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0615468667" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Note: </b>This is not a paid review or a review from any of the writers program in which I belong. I purchased this book on my own and it is my own opinion, as are all of my honest reviews.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes you find that one thing in life that changes you. Sometimes you are not sure how, or even why. You just know something is different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is how I feel about Jeremy Camp. I was introduced to him around 2003and it was the song “Stay” that was presented to me. I had no idea at that time that Alternative/Contemporary Christian music existed. I thought all that was out there was gospel. When I first heard him I instantly knew he was something special. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the next couple of years I absorbed everything I could get my hands on by Jeremy Camp. During this time I was also starting to walk my own path with God and Lifechurch back in Oklahoma. Every time I felt something pulling at me, I would listen to Jeremy. I would sing at the top of my lungs, knowing no one was around to hear me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy Camp music and I have many memories. Sad. Happy. Loving. Hating. All these memories locked up inside of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I went through a brief period where I had stopped listening. I don’t really know why. Can’t seem to pinpoint it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I picked back up a little over a year ago. Every time I listen, I cry. It seems a flood of memories come rushing back to me. Sad times, but also some of the happiest. I start to think about the life I once had instead of focusing on the one I have now. I cry more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy’s music brings out something in me. He gets me through some of my hardest and most stressful times in life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I cry in church all the time. More than I ever have.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried many times to see Jeremy in concert, but always had a reason I could not go. When I heard he was going to be playing in Lansing, just under an hour away, I knew I had to go. Something was calling me there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made it. I learned he had published a book, and I knew the story only too well. I cried through 90% of the concert. All of those same memories, one right after the other.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My husband thinks it’s the power of God letting me know it’s OK to feel. Something I never allowed myself to do because of my past. It is something I have a very hard time with. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy has quite a story to tell. A tale of growing up poor, marrying the girl he loved, only to have her die shortly after. Falling in love and marrying a year after her death and now raising a beautiful family. A story I always carried around with me. Knowing someone (with what I like to say) who has a direct line to God is being forced to deal with death, just like I had to deal with death (so many in such a short time) makes me look at things in another way. If HE had to deal with it and HE survived, than I need to deal with it too. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I am still not sure I have dealt with mine. It’s a work in progress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just like Jeremy’s book, you too will find he shares many of the same situations you are struggling with. He questioned God, he asked Him all of the say “why” questions that I struggle with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend this book to everyone, believer or non. It’s a wonderful testament to the power of strength and love. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://christiangospelmusicdaily.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/jeremy-camp-to-headline-we-cry-out-tour-this-fall/" target="_blank">Jeremy Camp to headline "We Cry Out" tour this Fall</a> (christiangospelmusicdaily.wordpress.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=dd5b0612-7de1-4e0b-9f9a-d4fce2fc7213" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23086871924880907962011-11-25T13:28:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.207-04:00Darkness Falls is Finally Here!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3E8pXnuWCA/Tq7qE4JxpoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/Pw0v3XDXTJ8/s1600/HardBook1-JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3E8pXnuWCA/Tq7qE4JxpoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/Pw0v3XDXTJ8/s320/HardBook1-JPG.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>Sometimes we have to go through hell and back to find out who we really are. The person we thought we were ends up being a figment of our imagination.<br /><br />Depression can be ugly and sometimes she is not so kind. When she pushes you down into the darkest depths of the well, you feel as if there is never going to be a way for you to climb out.<br /><br />You see the light. Reaching for it does no good. But, you keep pushing. Screaming. Crying. Hoping someone will hear your call.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Someone does. But you have to let them in.<a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />Poetry seems to be part of the story. Memoir seems to make up the remainder.<br /><br />I have been writing poetry for as long as I can remember. My journals are packed with words that may only make sense to me. A few have been published, both offline and off.<br /><br />This particular collection of darkness follows me around (2004-2009) to the darkest depths of depression. Anxiety. Panic Attacks. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nightmare. Death. Destruction. All due to being a survivor of my past.<br /><br />During that time I lost both of my grandparents to cancer. My best friend lost her battle with cancer a few shorts months after my grandmother.<br /><br />There was the best friend who was accidentally murdered by another friend (who was also a friend to the girl with cancer). One was buried, one was sent away to prison. Both fighting over me.<br /><br />Another person, very close to my heart, was brutally murdered on a trip to see me. As if that was not enough to push a person down, I went through a divorce, fell in and out of love (with one of whom was murdered) and moved 1000 miles away from the only life I had ever really known.<br /><br />These words are dreary. They are some of my darkest. They are raw and they are real. Not all of the rhyme or even follow poetic standards, but they are all mine.<br /><br />I like to call it A Poetic Memoir.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">It may not even be very good. But I want people to know that no matter how dark your world has become, there is help and there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to want it and reach for it.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Chrystal Mahan</span><br /><pre></pre><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42248744085295614412011-11-23T21:35:00.003-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.412-04:00#NSNation First Week Back On Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt’s first week: Uncomfortable in Matt's Head - <a href="http://uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/2011/11/nutrisystem.html" target="_blank">Nutris<span id="goog_252850246"></span><span id="goog_252850247"></span>ystem Week 1</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t believe how quickly the week flew by! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There were a lot of events this week, per usual, that made my stress level soar. But, I tried to overcome it, just as I always do. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Just like starting any weight loss plan, there were a few glitches and challenges. All-in-all it was a good week.</span> <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" target="_blank">Nurtisystem</a> and I made it through with a <b>3.6 pound loss! </b>I know most of it is water weight, but I am extremely proud of what I did accomplish over the week. Matthew lost <b>5.8.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b></b><br /><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, we had an Applebees gift card from family as a <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/11/08/why-we-didn%E2%80%99t-tell-anyone-we-were-getting-married/" target="_blank">wedding gift</a>. We decided that since we knew they had the 550 calorie or less meal plan that we would be able to find something to fit within our meal plan. Since we knew we were going to eat there, we looked at the menu and then worked our Nutrisystem day around it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I ended up starting with soup. French onion. No cheese, no biscuit. Just broth and onions. Non-scale victory #1. Then came the salad. I told the waiter no croutons or cheese, just veggies. He told me he could charge me for a side of dinner vegetables and put them on their (not cooked obviously) and that turned out to be the best damn salad I ever ate at a restaurant. Because I do not like their dressings, I opted for full fat ranch, on the side. I dipped my fork every few bits and did not even miss it. My meal was the 550 menu item, Roasted Garlic Sirloin, which was 7oz grilled sirloin, red potato and stuffed mushroom. It was awesome. I had saved some of my proteins and such from Lunch and Snack so I was well within my calories and meal plan. Non -scale victory #2</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I followed (which I found on the Nutrisystem forums when I was on NS earlier this year), was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/day-in-lifemeal-plan_29.html" target="_blank">The Meal Plan</a>, which is based off the Food Guide Pyramid. Makes it easy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, we followed along with the Nutrisystem meals. I did some exercise here and there. Nothing too strenuous since I have my back/hip problems; worse than they have ever been. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday we were faced with Thanksgiving dinner. It was tough. I decided not to deprive myself. I have my turkey as protein, and then took a spoon of everything. 1 piece of my homemade bread, which is like gold to me. I usually put away half the loaf! I was happy with my choices and when I logged my day, I was still under calorie goal (even with dessert). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another Non-scale victory I had the other day, I took some celery with some homemade salsa my mother and I had canned. I used to do this years ago on another program. I never missed the chips. I then had some Wholly Guacamole 100 calorie packs. I dipped the celery in the salsa, and then squirted a dab of guacamole on there. I got veggies and a fat. I did not miss the full fat guacamole, or the salty, fat-filled chips, or even the sour cream. It was so yummy. I love these handy 100 calorie packs. Avocados are my weakness, so this was a really awesome snack for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love not feeling deprived!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t eat Nutriystem meals every day, all day, for the whole month. It’s just not going to work for me. So, while I am on the program, I am teaching myself to make better decisions for those days when I do eat out, because that is real life and right now I have to learn real life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Week #2 starts Thanksgiving Day. I was successful Sunday; I will be successful tomorrow and finish the week strong!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can read about some of my past experiences on the Nutrisystem Plan here on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Self Employed Writer. </a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; 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outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85466026147608135252011-11-22T14:02:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.403-04:00Website Make-OverSometimes you just need help. Sometimes I just don't have time to do it ALL! ( I know, I know. So many of you think I am Wonder Woman!)<br /><br />This blog is not very old, but I already outgrew the theme I had previously made by my wonderful husband, <a href="http://uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Matt.</a> I want to be able to do more with this site, and with the recent publishing of <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/105322" target="_blank">my poetry book on Smashwords</a>, I felt it necessary to make my theme show a bit more of my personality.<br /><br />Miranda Grimm from DMB is giving me a make-over. What you see now, this beautiful, fresh, fall theme is the first of four creations I have coming this way for my site. Be sure to stop by the templates portion of her site to check out some of her work. I can assure you that she will take your vision and perfect it, even adding some wonderful touches that really set it apart from other themes (we are all individuals after all!) She even has some freebies being offered right now and who doesn't love a good freebie?!?!<br /><br />I feel so blessed and thankful to know so many wonderful bloggers willing to share their talents!<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72409133213527528022011-11-16T20:57:00.001-05:002011-11-22T20:42:35.954-05:00Done Being Friends by Grace Teresa<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/company/smashwords" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image representing Smashwords as depicted in C..." height="69" src="http://www.crunchbase.com/assets/images/resized/0001/8037/18037v1-max-450x450.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="250" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 250px;">Image via <a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/" target="_blank">CrunchBase</a><img height="320" src="https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/bookCovers/fc012e545ae8edf2437bef394e856d16a3ceae7a" style="text-align: center;" width="213" /></span></span><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The story of two men in love with the same woman and the best friend in love with one of the men never gets old. Each person puts their own romantic twist on the tale. So, while the story and plot itself may ring true to so many other great novels out there, the characters and storyline are different. At least, that is what you hope for when running across something that’s similar to what you have already read. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In this tale we are given four friends, Faith, Zac, Dylan and Jessica. In this novel we have a typical case of lifelong friend who are blind to the obvious. Faith, the homely boring girl who thinks no one wants her. Jessica is in love with the friend in love with Faith. Zac and Dylan are both in love with Faith and she only seems to have eyes for Zac. All would appear to be spoiled rich kids, until they prove you wrong. Aside from already knowing that about Faith early on, the rest might surprise you. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">When tragedy strikes in Faiths life, she learns the hard way how to run her father’s company, and who she can trust. Faith learns she can look within and actually trust herself. She is strong, she is smart, she is beautiful and loved, and she can accomplish anything in life. What I loved most about Faith was that she is not your typical rich girl. Faith uses her fortune for the greater good of the less unfortunate. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A story like that will touch the hearts of everyone. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This novel has great potential. The characters and story were very well developed. The problem is that there were so many grammatical errors with misspelled words and using the wrong word that it was hard to get past that. I have <b><i>never</i></b> claimed to be perfect in my grammar; this is why I hire an editor. But, it is quite bothersome when someone publishes a book that obviously missed the proofreader and/or editors desk.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Please folks, before you take the time to self-publish, find yourself an editor. I know many of you think that you can do it all yourself. I hate to break it to you. After your eyes have looked at your own manuscript over and over, you know what it is supposed to say. That is what your brain is going to read it as. Do yourself a favor, if your funds are limited, head over to a place like<a href="http://fiverr.com/cmahan"> Fiverr. $5</a> will get you a lot of different things. I used a few folks there to edit and format my own books so I know the quality of work there is outstanding.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I am in no way trying to be rude or take away from a great love story, but it is hard to read. I highly recommend the read to everyone, AFTER the typos have been corrected.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Bookmark <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1015750218"></span>“Done Being Friends” on Smashwords<span id="goog_1015750219"></span></a>. It was available on Amazon when I started reading, at present time it seems to have disappeared.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It’s a great book, story wise and I would love to give it 5 stars, but with the errors (and so many of them) I can only give it 2.5 stars. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=01d18ec5-0817-4799-9608-a20da57c5b50" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78410616566504263832011-11-15T10:05:00.002-05:002011-11-25T19:18:10.370-05:00Launch Out Into the Deep! by Acacia Beumer<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005Y4F872" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">There is something to be said about a book that can so eloquently put scripture, words and poetry into one book. Faith bases or not, everyone should take the time to appreciate a book like this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This book also came at a well needed time for me. The power of Gods work! I am sure He put this book in my path at that exact moment in time for a reason. This book touched me on a personal level. I dove in to each chapter, keeping a journal to answer the questions at the end. I learned a lot about myself and I plan to go through and read it again. I have a lot to learn. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have personally battled depression since I was at least 9 years old, although I did not get treated until I was in my late 20s. It is a demon in my life even now that I constantly have to deal with. This book is full of truth and inspiration and I found I could relate to so much of what was written. What girl doesn’t believe in her fairytale ending? Everyone has gone through some sort of hard times and even though it’s not the sort of thing in which you want to bring people together, it does. And it is nice to know we are not alone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the good things about this book is that you don’t have to be a believer to benefit from its pages. The author takes the time to address real life issues, questions so many have, and gives you the answers in the way that makes sense. I admit, the Bible is not the easiest material to read and understand, but she makes it seem so easy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It does make you look at your own personal relationship with God, this book will help you get where you want to be with Him. One step at a time. There are so many spiritual books out there that set out to teach us about God and how many are disconnected from Him in their day-to-day life. They throw in some scripture and call it good. So many books like this are repetitive. But, not this one. This one gives personal stories, showing you that God is possible in your life. There is nothing that you can’t accomplish in life. Sometimes you just need to slow down in this fast life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you are a new believer, a non believer, spiritual, religious, someone who just loves scripture, or even someone who just fancies some good poetry, this book is for all of you. There is something here for everyone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Want a copy?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/launch-out-into-the-deep-acacia-beumer/1106774870?ean=2940013315020&itm=1&usri=launch%2bout%2binto%2bthe%2bdeep">Nook</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Y4F872/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B005Y4F872">Kindle</a>, and <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97803?ref=cmahan">Smashwords</a></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43754355502548081232011-11-14T15:11:00.001-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.417-04:00#NSNation Nutrisystem Holiday Survival Smarts (and a note from me)I am patiently waiting for the UPS man to bring me my box of presents. I say presents because it is always like Christmas when those big <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> boxes arrive. It takes me about an hour to open, and go through everything. This time around, Matt is doing the program with me, so we have TWO boxes to go through and find a place for them. I have a feeling we will literally be eating out of boxes until we do some rearranging in the kitchen.<br /><br />You can read all about Matt and his progress here, but he will also be posting on his own website: <a href="http://www.uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/">Uncomfortable In Matt's Head</a><br /><br />Pretty excited this time. Not that I wasn't last time, but this is a last ditch effort for me to lose weight and get some of this pain under control with my back. I really don't want to look at the Lap-band unless it is a last resort. My weight has been a battle all my life. I'd really like to end that yo-yo string and just shatter that plastic toy against the wall.<br /><br />So......while you wait for me to begin the program, here is a little something about surviving the Thanksgiving feast. I printed this and plan to take it with me on Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Nutrisystem Holiday Survival Smarts<u></u><u></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">10 Diet-friendly Strategies for Thanksgiving and Beyond<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The holiday season is a dreaded time for many people on a weight loss program, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are ten easy ways you can enjoy the celebration days without feeling punished or sacrificing your Nutrisystem progress.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>1. Have a plan.</b> Think things through <i>before</i> you get to the actual holiday meals and parties. Maybe your strategy is to take tiny portions of different dishes; that’s okay. If you’re cooking, you might want to have your bottle of water with you in the kitchen, so you’re less tempted to snack. Do what you can to stay away from the appetizer table. Plan to avoid anything that’s not homemade. The point is that if you go in with a plan, you’ll be less likely to get caught off-guard.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 0.25in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><u></u>Utilize “<i>The Low GI Cookbook – Nutrisystem Edition</i>,” for cooking up some delicious holiday meals such as the Roasted Pumpkin and Mushroom Lasagna or Pork With Honey Glazed Apples, while staying on track and not depriving yourself of the holiday festivities. The cookbook is available for purchase over the phone or on <a avglsprocessed="1" href="http://nutrisystem.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">nutrisystem.com</a><u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>2. Stay on track. </b>Holidays are not the time to skip meals in an attempt to “bank” calories. That’s a strategy that can backfire miserably. Instead, eat everything on your meal plan leading up to the holiday event, and make sure you’re drinking all your water. You’ll be less likely to overindulge at the big event.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>3. Set a goal. </b>There’s something about holidays that makes people forget what they do the rest of the year. Do you already have weight loss goals set up for November, December and January? If not you can start today. Once you’ve set a short-term goal, decide on a way to reward yourself once the goal has been reached.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>4. Drink smart. </b>Face it, overindulging during holiday events—whether it’s an office party, a family gathering or a neighborhood open house—can add a lot of extra calories to your day. In addition, when you’ve had too much to drink, it tends to weaken your previous resolve and derail any strategies and plans you might have had. Besides, you don’t want to end up as that karaoke-singing family member or neighbor everyone will be talking about for the next month.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>5. Trim the calories. </b>This tip is especially useful if you happen to be the primary cook for an event. In baked items, replace the fat with an equal amount of applesauce and the sugar with a sugar substitute; substitute a quarter cup of egg substitute for every egg called for in the recipe; replace butter with low fat margarine; replace whole milk with 1% milk and sour cream with yogurt; reduce the amount of nuts called for by half. And don’t forget both veggies and salad.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>6. Enlist support. </b>Trying to maintain your Nutrisystem program can be hard at the holidays, but there’s no reason you have to go it alone. Ask for your family’s understanding or even their help, so nobody’s trying to foist “seconds” on you. Nutrisystem counselors can help you strategize, based on your individual circumstances. Or you can go to the Nutrisystem Discussion Boards, where you’ll find people who definitely understand what you’re trying to do. Discuss your concerns; share tips of your own, or join one of the many weight loss challenges. Some of them are specifically geared to the holidays. Introduce yourself well before the event, so you have that support already in place.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>7. Keep moving. </b>Instead of just sitting around after dinner, suggest a family walk, or organize a touch-football game. Most people will be grateful for the chance to move around, and it can keep you on-track with your exercise plan.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>8. Quality <i>not</i> Quantity. </b>If you do plan to indulge in some of the traditional Thanksgiving favorites, use these portions as a guideline:<u></u><u></u></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Turkey—3 oz. white meat, no skin (about the size of a deck of cards)<u></u><u></u></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mashed potatoes—1/3 cup (about the size of half of a baseball)<u></u><u></u></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Gravy—1 Tbsp. (just drizzle it)<u></u><u></u></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Relish made with sugar—1 Tbsp.<u></u><u></u></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Stuffing—2 Tbsp.<u></u><u></u></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Dinner Roll—if not homemade, skip it<u></u><u></u></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Pie—1/12 of a 9” pie<u></u><u></u></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>9. Eat Before You Go</b>. Whether you are hosting or just attending a holiday function, be sure to eat your Nutrisystem entrée before the festivities begin -- that way you won’t be tempted to overeat during the meal and will be able to stay on track.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>10. Embrace the holiday spirit. </b>This last tip may just be the most important: You can get so caught up in all the planning and hoopla that you lose the whole meaning of the holiday season—coming together with friends and loved ones. It’s the time that’s really valuable, not the food and drink.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling </i>1-888-853-4689<i> or by visiting </i><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog</a></b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Disclosure:</b> Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29587721668361576552011-11-14T10:25:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.232-04:00Cleaning Up<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65919269@N00/3007944003" target="_blank"><img alt="Sorry button" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3007944003_2133e1e2a3_m.jpg" title="Sorry button" width="237" /></a><br /><br />I am going to be doing some cleaning up around here. I just imported about 600 posts from another blog that are going to need re-linked, backlined, and inter-linked.<br /><br />Meaning, none of the links to other posts within the blog are going to work. Links going out to other places should still work. It is going to take some time to get everything fixed, so if you click a broken link:<br /><br />SORRY!<br /><br />That is also why the categories are all messed up too. Oh fun, fun.<br /><br />I am going to also be changing the look around here. Give my site a fresh new makeover.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32600390893106577092011-11-14T10:10:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.248-04:00I'm Doing it Again (#NSNation)I have decided to give the weight loss another go. I have to, really. The weight is breaking my back. Degenerative disk disease is nothing to laugh at when you are overweight. It has cause a monumental shift in my hips and within the last couple of months things have gotten worse.<br /><br />If any of you followed along with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">Self Employed Writer </a> you know that I was allowed to join the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" target="_blank">Nutrisystem </a>blogger program earlier this year. I tried so hard to follow the program, but I got so weighted down with the 9 classes I was taking at the time and trying to plan a wedding (that we ended up having to cancel, but got married anyway) that I just did not give my body and health the time that it needed to be taken care of. No one to blame but me and I take the full responsibility for that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><div><strong><em>Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling </em>1-888-853-4689<em> or by visiting </em><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog</a></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><strong>Disclosure:</strong> Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.<br /><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69603383659989789432011-11-13T15:50:00.001-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.893-04:00Happy 100 Hubs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-YLV9alL6E/TsAtVLG8_6I/AAAAAAAAAlk/L71_0UQgDmo/s1600/My+Hub+Statistics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-YLV9alL6E/TsAtVLG8_6I/AAAAAAAAAlk/L71_0UQgDmo/s1600/My+Hub+Statistics.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Last week I earned a new reward from HubPages. Happy 100, you earned a new badge!<br />I have been trying really hard to post a new hub every day. That has not worked, but I am doing the best that I can. Having 100 hubs has brought me from 60 cents a month to 2-30 cents a day (just on Hubs program, not including Adsense). I have a long way to go to get to the $1000 a month club, but I hope I will make it there.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/getting-those-residuals-going_26.html">My plan is starting in January</a>, I am going to start documenting my HubPages progress and add other residual income as well. I will include the Hubpages ad income as well as Adsense since HubPages offers both. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/11/what-is-webanswers_02.html">WebAnswers,</a> my blogs, and anything else associated with Adsense will be included as well.<br /><br />I want to see how well the program works, giving it a year, and by this time next year I hope to see a huge increase in residual income.<br /><br />If anyone would like to join in the year long challenge, feel free to let me know in the comment. Maybe we can start a Yahoo! Group or something to help keep each other accountable.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18941711530125243202011-11-12T07:36:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.464-05:00A Tale of Tease by Jeremy Fink (includes a collaboration with me!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9pabZkVof4/Trxu3TutryI/AAAAAAAAAlU/s2ewVbSTXcI/s1600/c6a307551b133b5efe4a0e69f7afb539896d721f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9pabZkVof4/Trxu3TutryI/AAAAAAAAAlU/s2ewVbSTXcI/s320/c6a307551b133b5efe4a0e69f7afb539896d721f.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So be it from me to toot my own horn (TOOT TOOT) but I just had to let someone know that my friend Jeremy Fink (aka The Crow) has finally released his Tales of Tease on Smashwords for a mere 99 cents.<br /><br />The best part (ok, maybe not the best, but it's still pretty good) is that there is a story in there that Jeremy and I wrote together.<br /><br />Jeremy asked me a few weeks ago if it would be alright to include the story (well, yes!) and I have been patiently awaiting the release.<br /><br />Look for me under my old pen name : Irish Chik<br /><br /><br /><br /><h2 class="fn" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97166?ref=cmahan">Tales of Tease: an Intimate Collection by Jeremy Fink </a></strong></h2>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26831439669580563062011-11-11T20:32:00.001-05:002014-09-25T17:59:34.252-04:00The Weight Loss Journey<br /><div>January 4, 2011After sorting through some old materials I ran across a document from years ago that listed all my stats from Weight Watchers. I decided to post those here as well as dig up my stats from various websites. I am hoping this will hold me accountable in making 2011 the year I finally get to my goal weight. I will post updates here as I go.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Week #/ loss or gain/ Weight/ total loss<br /><br />At Work Meetings<br />Week 1 START: Begin Weight: 209.4, Height 5'9" March 2002<br />Week 2 -6.6 (202.8) 6.6 gone forever<br />Week 2 -2.0 (200.8) 8.6<br />Week 4 -1.4 (199.4) 10.0<br />Week 5 -3.2 (196.2) 13.2<br />Week 6 - 3.2 (193.0) 16.4<br />Week 7 MAINTAINED<br />Week 8 - 1.2 (191.8) 17.6<br />Week 9 -2.4 (189.4) 20.0 (met my 10%)<br />Week 10 -2.8 (186.6) 22.8<br />Week 11 + .2 (186.8) 22.6 YUCK - WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS. My 1st gain<br />Week 12 -2.0 (184.8) 24.6<br />Week 13 - 1.0 (183.8) 25.6 Starting to slow down. Got my 25lb reward<br />Week 14 + .6 (184.4) 25.0 about gave up on myself. Felt really bad about Week 11<br />through Week 13.<br />Week 15 -3.8 (180.6) 28.8 this ends my At work Program<br />Week 16 + .6 (181.2) 28.2 Saturday Community Meetings<br />Week 17 + 1.2 (182.4) 27.0<br />Week 18 - 2.0 (180.4) 29.0<br />Week 19 MISSED<br />Week 20 + 1.2 (181.6) 27.8<br />Week 21 -3.6 (178.0) 31.4<br />Week 22 -2.6 (175.4) 34.0<br />Week 23 MISSED this is where the At Home Program begins. My scale was only 5 pounds off from WW. SO the weights are different, but the loss/gains should be the same.<br />Week 24 MAINTAINED<br />Week 25 -2 (173)<br />Week 26 -3 (170)<br />Week 27 +1 (171)<br />Week 28 SAME<br />Week 29 SAME<br />Week 30 -2 (169)<br />Week 31 +2.4 (177.8) 31.6 Back to Saturday WW meetings<br />Week 32 -1.00 (176.8) 32.6<br />Week 33 -3.00 (173.8) 35.6<br />Week 34 +2.6 (176.4) 33.0<br />Week 35 -0.6 (175.8) 33.6<br />Week 36 -1.0 (174.8) 34.6 12.8 TO GOAL<br />Week 37 -2.2 (172.6) 36.8 10.6 TO GOAL<br />Week 38 +1.6 (174.2) 35.2 12.6 TO GOAL<br />Week 39 MISSED<br />Week 40 -3.8 (170.4) 39.0 8.4 TO GOAL<br />Week 41 MAINTAINED<br />Week 42 -2.4 (168.0) 41.4 6 MORE TO GOAL!!!<br />Week 43 No Weigh In-pass<br />Week 44 +1.6 (169.6) 39.8 :)<br />Week 45 No Weigh In Pass<br />Week 46 -0.6 (169) 40.4<br />Week 47 -2.8 (166.4) 43.2<br />Week 48 -0.4 (165.8) 43.6<br />Week 49 PASS<br />Week 50 MISSED<br />Week 51 -3.2 (162.6) 46.8 total .........POINT 6 from GOAL@@<br /><br /><br />Dr. said I was only 5 6" NOT 5'8 3/4" that I was measured years ago. WHAT???!! I shrunk?? Or the last nurse measured me wrong.<br /><br /><br />Dr. said my weight was good for my height and bone structure and I did not really need to lose any more. But, I should not go below 10 more pounds.<br /><br /><br />Told my leader about height, she said since Dr said my weight was good, and she thought so too, that we would not change it from when I first started WW.<br /><br /><br />Week 52 MISSED<br />April 11, 2003 My 1yr with WW<br />Week 53 -.4 (162.2) 47.2 TOTAL<br />Since I am .2 from goal, and it is noticeable my body is<br />comfortable where it is, we changed my goal to 163 instead of 162. So,I<br />AM AT GOAL!!!!! Now 6wks maintenance!!<br /><br /><br />MAINTENANCE<br />Week 54 -1.6 (160.6) 48.8 total!! Almost to 50!! Week one of Maintaining.<br />Week 55 +0.2 (160.8) 48.6 total. Week 2 Maintain<br />Week 56 + 1.8 (162.6) 46.8 total Week 3 Maintain<br />Week 57 -3.4 (159.2) 50.2 total Week 4 Maintain<br />Week 58 +.4 (159.6) 49.8 total<br />Week 59 +.4 (160.0) 49.4 total…..END MAINTAINING!!<br /><br /><br />HELLO LIFETIME!!!!!<br />Month 1 May 2003 Same (160.0) 49.4 total<br />Month 2 June 2003 +.8 (160.8) 48.6 total<br />Month 3 July 2003 +1.8 (162.6) 46.8 total<br />Month 4 Aug.2003 -.4 (162.6) 47.2 total<br />Month 5 Sept.2003 +2.2 (164.4) 45.0 total<br />Month 6 Oct. 2003 +2.2 (166.6)<br />Check-in 11/1/03 -1.4 (165.2) not recorded<br /><br />Month 7 Nov. 2003 -1.0 (165.6)<br />Month 8 Dec. 2003 -5.8 (159.8) BACK TO UNDER GOAL! Only 0.2 away from my end of maintenance weight.<br />Month 9 Jan 2004 -1.0 (158.6) YAH!!<br />Month 10 Feb 2004 -0.6 (158 even)<br /><br /><br /><br />Doing things on my own now.<br />Start 176<br />June 20, 2004 172.5<br />June 28, 2004 175.5<br />August 1, 2004 178.0<br />August 9, 2004 181.0<br />August 15, 2004 179.5<br /><br />The previous stats I kept track of in real time.As you can see, doing things on my own did not work. I tried various nutrition sites and meal plans over the years. Here are a few of those. I have some random stats from WW online, but I can only retrieve those if I become a paid member<br />again.<br /><br /><br />FITDAY<br />1/8/01 185<br />8/25/01 190<br />2/25/02 210<br />12/20/02 172<br />5/10/03 159.2<br />6/21/03 160<br />9/5/04 188<br />9/16/04 189<br />1/12/07 219.4<br />1/19/07 217.8<br />2/26/07 222.8<br />6/22/09 240<br /><br /><br />SPARKPEOPLE<br />2/26/07 222<br />4/2/07 233<br />5/2/07 237<br />9/28/07 240<br />2/23/08 220<br />1/23/09 233<br />4/29/09 235<br />7/9/09 240<br />9/1/09 245<br />9/15/09 240<br />11/24/09 239<br />12/2/09 238<br />1/2010-6/2010 240-232<br />9/30/10 225<br />11/4/10 220<br /><br /><br /><br />MY FITNESS PAL<br />4/15/10 240<br />12/31/10 220<br />1/5/2010 228 (bah humbug!)<br /><br /><br />Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.<br /><br />January 11, 2011<br />I am proud to say that I am now a member of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. I *should* be starting the program next Monday, January 24, 2011.<br />I will be using this page to record all of my weights and measurements. Follow my blog for related posts.Todays stats:Weight: 231Your Last MeasurementsDate: 01/17/2011 02:00Upper Arms: 16.0Chest: 46.0Waist: 46.0Hips: 48.0Thighs: 28.5****************************************************************************<br />Start 1/17/2011 2<b>31</b><br />Week 1 1/24/2011 : <b>229 Loss: 2 lbs</b><b><br /></b><b>Net: -2</b><br />Week 2 2/31/2011 : <b>233</b> Total Loss :<b> Loss: 0 Gain: 4</b><b><br /></b><b>Net 2</b><br />Week 3 2/7/2011 : <b>Skipped</b><b><br /></b><b>Net 2</b><br />Week 4 2/14/2011: <b>235</b> (Tuesday) 2/15/11 <b>Loss: 0 Gain: 1</b><b><br /></b><b>Net 3</b><br />Week 5 2/21/2011: <b>234.6</b> (Wed. 2/23/11) <b>Loss: 0.4</b><b><br /></b><b>Net 2.6</b><br />Week 6 2/28/2011: <b>232.2 </b> (Saturday 3/5/11) <b>Loss: 2.4</b><b><br /></b><b>Net 0.2</b><br />Week 7 3/12/2011 228.4 (Saturday 3/12/11) <b> Loss 3.8</b><b><br /></b><b>Net - 3.6 total weight loss in 7 weeks.</b><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67796910217541033142011-11-11T13:22:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.338-04:00#Smash365 Write<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_OK.svg" target="_blank"><img alt="Map of USA with Oklahoma highlighted" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="186" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Map_of_USA_OK.svg/286px-Map_of_USA_OK.svg.png" title="Map of USA with Oklahoma highlighted" width="286" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Use this prompt to inspire. Write for 5 minutes:</strong><br /><blockquote><em>Write about three people you haven’t seen in a long time.</em><br /><br /><br /><br />There are more than three people I have not seen in a long time, trying to narrow it down will be rather difficult.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />Stacey and Shannon are two people that I left behind in Oklahoma. I would have loved to have been able to pack them in my suitcase and bring them with me. Shannon and I had not been friend but a year by the time I made the choice to leave my ex-husband and move 1000 miles away. Leaving Shannon was hard as we had just gotten to that point of being able to trust each other with everything. Sometimes friendships take time to bloom. Stacey is someone I had worked with for a couple of years. I actually met her through her mom when I worked in the same office at the bank. I got Stacey hooked up with a job at my moms business when she moved from KS to OK. She was my shopping buddy and I miss her dearly. The third person is Terry. Terry was someone very special to me that was murdered a few years ago. I spend a lot of time sitting and daydreaming about how life would have been if he was still alive today. I shed many tears because he was such a good person and not many got a chance to see that.<br /><br /></blockquote><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40200117831248902842011-11-11T07:14:00.015-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.466-05:00A Beautiful Day by Jeremy Fink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrgSngv3J1k/TrxtdjbWMpI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PPHTJEa91J4/s1600/320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrgSngv3J1k/TrxtdjbWMpI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PPHTJEa91J4/s1600/320.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago I wrote a little <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/superdaddyman-aka-my-friend-crow_15.html">post about Jeremy</a>, and his <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/75833?ref=cmahan">Superdaddyman book</a>. It’s another you’ll want to check out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A Beautiful Day is a beautiful short story written by Jeremy to the love of his life, Carrie. It is a free download available at Lulu. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Having read this the day after I was married brought a tear to my eye. Not because I was all lovey-dovey, but because I have watched Jeremy go through many ups and down in life over the last 6 years. To see him finally be ooohhhhing and ahhhhhing over love gives me chills. I can’t think of anyone more deserving than “The Crow” and I wish him and Carrie nothing but the best in life together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why not download your own free copy and share in the celebration of love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-beautiful-day/18636360?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/4">A Beautiful Day by Jeremy Fink</a> in eBook (epub) form. It's FREE!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1284180062544169612011-11-10T18:56:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.469-05:00Sierra Jensen Collection Volume 1 by Robin Jones Gunn<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B002361KK8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">This collection of stories, Volume 1, includes the first three books in the Sierra Jensen series. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book 1 : Only You. </b>Even though Sierra was introduced to the readers through another of Gunns series, it is this book where we really get to know Sierra Jensen for the 16 year old girl she really is. In Only You, we meet up with Sierra flying home from the UK where she was staying on a mission trip. The trip provided Sierra with an outlet to make some new friends, Katie and Christy. While she was away, Sierra’s parents made the move the Portland, OR. She is anxious and unsure of this move. No teen likes the thought of a new town, new home, new school, and leaving old friends behind. With this story comes the change of life, perhaps a new love, and a reevaluation about her faith and friendships.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book 2: In Your Dreams.</b> Granna Mae has family going out of town. Instead of staying home alone, Sierra is going to watch over her for a few days. It’s never easy for a grandchild to watch the one they love have a memory that comes and goes; it sometime is something they must go through in life. Even though sitting with Granna seems like a simple responsibility, it turns in to something quite larger when it becomes apparent that Granna may need surgery. Sierra used to be the most popular girl in her old school, having to find a job, watch her Granna, and make new friends, why does life have to be so hard?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book 3: Don’t You Wish.</b> Sierra and her sister Tawni are spending Easter break at the beach with Christy, Katie, and some other friends. Tawni gets along fabulously with Jeremy, Katie swoons over Antonio, Sierra struggles with issues of jealousy. Sierra wants a boyfriend too. Christy and Todd are the perfect couple, but even as a relationship, they have troubles too. Sierra takes a look at life and wonders how people can overcome their struggles. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">All books are intended for young adult readers. Being 36 years old, I would have to say that even as an adult I found them a lot of fun to read. I really like how they all have growing, coming of age, life lessons written in such a manner that many can related and understand. I think a lot of young adults can learn a lesson or two from these books.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40740375833236539362011-11-10T18:13:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.471-05:00The Woman by David Bishop<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005VIR5IQ" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />Before reading this book I had read the reviews on Amazon. 8 reviews, all positive words of encouragement and high star ratings. I felt the book was a little slow going and I had a hard time holding on for the ride. I wanted to love it, but I didn't. Usually, when I start to get bored within the first few chapters, I don’t finish.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">One of the reviewers on Amazon labeled this book as “scary.” I would call it far from a scary horror thriller novel, but I would say it ranks within the murder mysteries. Not meant to scare you, but rather to make you think. Who did it, and why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Like many mysteries, there are a lot of turns and twists. I enjoy a good change of scenery, but this novel had a tad too much for my liking. Characters started to melt together in a cauldron, not suitable for sipping. The turns and twists made the book heavy with story. Mysteries don’t need a lot of story. They need a lot of here, now, and why. Stay with the why. Too much of the past, and you have lost your reader. You want to confuse them, but get them back on track, not stuck in the back story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I kept reading because I loved the character, Linda Darby, and her simple life of a day trader in Sea Crest. There was also this “need-to-know” thought running through my head regarding Darby’s past and why her friend Cynthia Leclair had been murdered. It helped that it was a quick read I was able to finish in two nights. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When writing a mystery, that is the authors’ intentions, right? To suck you in for the long ride? The problem was, the book had a lot of boring spots that I felt could have been left out of the novel and you would still know exactly what is going on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what was going on in this quiet coastal town?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the pages we follow Darby on her quest to find answers. What she gets in return is a whole lot of cash, a handful of new identities, men after her life, and perhaps in the end, a love worth holding on to.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The pace really starts to pick up around Chapter 10. Once I got that far, I felt I had really started to get in to the story and appreciate this mystery.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe mystery fans will enjoy this little gem. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure: </b>I received this book for free from the author for a paid review. I was not paid to write a positive review, but a review of my honest opinion. These words are my own opinions. </div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8522398563588790922011-11-10T15:02:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:31.397-04:00Tales of Tease by Jeremy Fink (including a collaboration with me!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9pabZkVof4/Trxu3TutryI/AAAAAAAAAlU/s2ewVbSTXcI/s1600/c6a307551b133b5efe4a0e69f7afb539896d721f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9pabZkVof4/Trxu3TutryI/AAAAAAAAAlU/s2ewVbSTXcI/s320/c6a307551b133b5efe4a0e69f7afb539896d721f.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />So be it from me to toot my own horn (TOOT TOOT) but I just had to let someone know that my friend Jeremy Fink (aka The Crow) has finally released his Tales of Tease on Smashwords for a mere 99 cents.<br /><br /><h2 class="fn" style="background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97166?ref=cmahan">Tales of Tease: an Intimate Collection by Jeremy Fink </a></strong></h2>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30824586345705114692011-11-08T15:33:00.006-05:002014-07-03T18:12:08.368-04:00I'm Back !! (In the #NSNation)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You may remember that <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation.html">back in Janurary I was extremely excited (and grateful) to become a part of the Nutrisystem Blogger program.</a> #NSNation/ <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nustrisystem </a>helped me to lose 10 lbs, but the stress and overload of life caught up with me and I just did not have the time to keep up with it. I wanted to give my spot to someone else that could benefit from it, so when they offered me another 3 month, I politely declined. During that time I was <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/03/12/im-getting-married/">planning a wedding</a> (or at least trying to), taking 9 classes to graduate (I did that in June), and was working my rear end into a frenzy trying to keep up with clients for money in the bank!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=3082458634570511469&from=pencil" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />Life has slowed down, a little. The weight came back, and then some. I did not get to have the church wedding because <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/">Cain, my 8 year old boxer, started having seizures</a>. His first few vet bills alone took a good portion of the money I had saved for the wedding. We then had a business deal go very badly and we were scammed out of $7000. Thankfully we were able to get some of that back, but we still had quite a bit we had to come up with out of our own pockets. Most of the mess is behind us now.<br /><br />Now, I am in grad school, where I only have to concentrate on 1 class at a time. I have some amazing clients lined up for the tax season and beyond. I feel extremely blessed right now as things are falling in to place.<br /><br />We have a gym membership. It expires in a few weeks though. When we first started we went every day (not weekends) for a month. Now, we don't go much. Between his knees and my back/hip it seems like all it does is cause us more pain than anything. I know the saying, no pain, no gain, but I would rather spend my time here with my DVDs, treadmill (even though the electric one is about to die) and various equipment. Then I can get back to doing my back exercises.<br /><br />We can only go first thing in the AM before he goes to work. That's the worst time for my back. Again, just not enough hours in the day! Working out at home is the best option for me right now. I do want to try to get back to the gym and at least finish out our membership.<br /><br /><br />Yesterday I got married. Today I am placing my food order for Matt and I to do Nutrisystem as a team. We have been through so much in life together, now its time to take on the weight challenge.<br /><br />I have a wedding ceremony and honeymoon in about 5 months. I need to be in better shape.<br /><br />You can follow his progress here, as well as his own blog: <a href="http://www.uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/">Uncomfortable in Matt's Head</a><br /><br />Read all the Nutrisystem posts from the past right here on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem">Self Employed Writer</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling </span></i><a avglsprocessed="1" href="tel:1-888-853-4689" style="color: #1155cc; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank" value="+18888534689">1-888-853-4689</a><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> or by visiting </span></i><a avglsprocessed="1" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" style="color: #1155cc; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">http://www.nutrisystem.com/<wbr></wbr>nsblog</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91124744657042981322011-11-08T09:25:00.007-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.475-05:00Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit by Stella Vance<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1466326654" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />First, I have to praise Stella for putting her life out there like that. As I work on my own memoir, I was often struck with bouts of insomnia wondering how to put it together. I thoroughly enjoyed that separated on chapters, divided between decades. We had the 70s, 80s, and 90s. With so much time to discuss, it turns out to be more of an autobiography (all about a person’s life) than a memoir, which is a portion of a person’s life meant to give a point.<br /><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With so many women out there with testimonies of survivor-ship, and millions more who are afraid to speak up Stella shows the world that it is OK to tell your story. <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2005/07/01/my-life-is-an-open-book-putting-my-cards-on-the-table/">(Read my own story here)</a> If anything, it makes me respect her even more. Many will look down on her for her many abortions; others will praise her for standing up for herself and not bringing another child in to this world when one could not take care of it, or adding to the long list of children available for adoption. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9112474465704298132" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">In some ways, we could all learn a thing or two about her. Education. We all need it. No matter how much money you make, or what type of family you come from, you need it and you should take advantage of what it has to offer. Even if you can’t afford a 4 year college degree and loans are not available to you, there are other alternatives. Community college, trade schools, and even adult learning workshops are all available to those who seek it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stella’s education allowed her to travel and see the world. Living in other countries many of us may know nothing about. Traveling abroad is a rich experience, adding to the value of your education. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She shares her tales of eat disorders. Another subject people would rather not hear about and sweep under the rug as if it does not exist. Her tales also include that of many lovers. This is another subject women tend to not speak of when telling their tale for fear the world will instantly label them a “whore” and take nothing they say seriously.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a fickle world in which we live and for one am glad Stella Vance had the courage to stand up for women all over the world and tell every detail of her life. It will make you laugh, cry, and every emotion in between. For the period it took me to read this work, I felt as if Stella and I had known each other all our lives. Her words, her story, become a part of you. It is even more so when there are things in her life that you can relate to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always said that it sucks when there are things like these that bring women like us together, but it helps to know that from this day forward, you never have to be alone in the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have your own survivor story, whether its anorexia, bulimia, laxative addiction, binge/purge, sexual abuse (molestation, rape, incest) or even cancer, whatever your story, feel free to leave a comment or drop me a line at <a href="mailto:cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com">cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com</a>. Your story is yours; you should never be ashamed to tell someone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can purchase Stella’s book on Amazon. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1466326654/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1466326654">Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1466326654&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50806529681628429972011-11-07T08:12:00.004-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.477-05:00Snowmen by James Melzer<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003AZY6FM" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">This is the second book I have read by James Melzer (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/hull-landing-by-james-melzer.html">the first was Hulls Landing</a>), and it does not disappoint.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One this I must say before you download Snowmen, it is a SHORT story. Very short. I had put off reading it for so many months because I had this giant backlog of paid reviews to do. By the time I had a short, free moment, I was worried I was not going to be able to finish it. I had to laugh to myself when I reached the end and I literally said out loud “that’s is?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted more. I did not want the story to end. I need to know what happened. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a bit creepy, but I expected it to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It reminds me of an episode of Alfred Hitchcock or The Twilight Zone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Insert Edgar. A man who lives alone, in an isolated part of town. Every year, when the fresh snow falls, he creates a set of snowmen. Every year he creates a different theme. In the past he has done the manger scene, a scene from <u>It’s a Wonderful Life</u>, and this year, he’s decided on <u>Transformers</u>. One that is sure to please the children. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Children come every year. Their parents come from near and far to see Edgar’s latest creation. When the children come this year, they play on the sculptures and Edgar is having such a good time, he decides to share snacks with everyone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The dark twist is that there is something not quite right about the Snowmen. Some say it’s predictable. Either way, it’s still shocking. </div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78990278251113714922011-11-04T19:53:00.007-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.479-05:00Sacrifice by Nicole Ireland<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0054EX3UG" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to admit, I am a little biased when it comes to Nicole’s writing. I simply adore her. This is my second book to read and review. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/second-chance-by-nicole-ireland_03.html">The first I read, Second Chance,</a> was a story of a mother dying of cancer. The story is sad, it is happy. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry. But most of all, it will just make you think.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sacrifice is a complete 360 from Second Chance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In Sacrifice we are introduced to Harper James, her daughter Avery and son Aidan. The family is living in a run-down mobile home in Chambers, Maine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing the little that I do about Nicole, the thought did cross my mind that perhaps this story could be based on actual people, places and things. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Harper thinks her daughter has a wicked imagination, seeing a man in the mirror at night, until she sees him herself. Little does she know that this man and the events that follow her sighting were set in stone long before her daughter Avery was born. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />How far would you be willing to go to protect your own child? Read along as Harper discoveries her father's secret and what really happened that day.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a little bit creepy. Just the way I like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s hard to write a review on short stories without giving too much of the detail away. If you like horror, scare, a bit of creep and fright, than this book is perfect for you. It’s not too long, it’s not too short. It sucks you in and makes you want to throw a sheet over all of your mirrors before you fall asleep at night. </div><div class="MsoNormal">You can purchase your copy of Sacrifice on Smashwords or Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054EX3UG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B0054EX3UG">Sacrifice</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0054EX3UG&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />) and check out her website <a href="http://nicoleireland.com/">The Evolution on Nikki: Making a DifferenceOne Word at a Time</a>.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27699261120406941052011-11-04T08:05:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.481-05:00Levels of Deception by Susan Schreyer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__iozinzioo/TrHa5uqIUoI/AAAAAAAAAkg/Dfg5dCYPaNg/s1600/51rUBYoRGuL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__iozinzioo/TrHa5uqIUoI/AAAAAAAAAkg/Dfg5dCYPaNg/s320/51rUBYoRGuL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is book two in the Thea Campbell series.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found this book to be rather amusing. It took me a while to really get in to it, but it turned out to be quite good. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thea Campbell, work at home accountant, and Paul, the sexy paleontologist are together, even though he’s in Montana for a dig. The two find themselves right in the middle of a murder mystery when the department chair is found dead and fossils are missing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem with Thea is she is hard-headed, nosy, and an amateur detective. Her sleuthing is getting her into a whole lot of hot water. This romance is not all butterflies and rainbows.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The characters are quirky. The pace keeps up enough to keep you entertained. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I suggest reading Death by a Dark Horse first so that you can get to know Thea and Paul and learn of how they came to be. Even though I have not read it, I have come to love Thea and her quirky ways. I look forward to reading the first in the series.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58837282072293352462011-11-03T09:04:00.004-04:002011-11-12T14:33:33.183-05:00What is Accounting, Anyway?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATbywh46j_w/Tqc7DCGx11I/AAAAAAAAAiw/L_6j_Wzwm_E/s1600/TaxQueen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATbywh46j_w/Tqc7DCGx11I/AAAAAAAAAiw/L_6j_Wzwm_E/s320/TaxQueen1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just love my little Tax Queen graphic. With too much work, too much school, and too many websites, I couldn't keep up. Since most of the subjects on The Tax Queen were all self-employed and Schedule C related, it only made since that the posts be merged here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Working from home does not have to give you a headache when it comes to filing your taxes. With a little help and some pre-planning, your accountant will thank you for it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>So, what is Accounting, anyway?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have ever worked in an office, you know that every company has an accounting department. You may have had to visit this department yourself. Accountants are the people who pay the bills and send invoices so that the business can get paid. This billing and invoicing is what keeps the business running. Accountants do a lot more than that though. “Bean counters” is usually the term that comes to mind when thinking about accountants. Accountants don’t really count beans. Instead they keep their eyes on profits, losses, and costs of the business. Unless you run your own business and act as your own accountant, you would have no way of knowing just how profitable (or not) the business is without some form of accounting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter what business you are in, even if all you do is balance the household checkbook, that is still a part of accounting. Accounting is even part of children’s lives. Saving an allowance, or spending it all at once, these are basic accounting principles. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Farming is a business where accounting is critical. Farmers need to follow careful accounting procedures and have their own set of tax rules to follow. Many farmers run their farms year to year by taking loans out in order to plant that year’s crop. They need to follow their profits and losses to make sure it s a good year, a profitable one, so they can pay off their loan. If they had a bad year and can’t pay the loan, they may have to carry the loan over, accruing more monthly interest. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every business, large or small, needs to have some sort of an accounting system in place. Otherwise, there is a high risk involved of having the finances get the best of the owner. The business owner needs to know what is being spent, whether they can expect a profit or whether there is going to be a loss for the year. Staying on top of accounting, whether it’s a personal checking account necessary for the household budget, or multi-million dollar corporation, is necessary to keep track of the daily finances to know where the company stands. Not doing so can mean anything from a bad check, to a loss to the company’s shareholders. Both scenarios can be devastating. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Accounting is business information, and this information is published periodically in a business and a profit and loss statement or an income statement. But a very important pieces of information to a healthy, profitable business. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69909880178754154112011-11-02T16:37:00.016-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.899-04:00What Is WebAnswers?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPINBTorArQ/Tq8HcpgYN0I/AAAAAAAAAkM/iZwTqs-mKv4/s1600/WebAnswers.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPINBTorArQ/Tq8HcpgYN0I/AAAAAAAAAkM/iZwTqs-mKv4/s320/WebAnswers.com.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />What exactly is WebAnswers? After my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/getting-those-residuals-going_26.html">residuals post on Monday</a>, I received a few questions regarding this fun little website.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers</a> personally reminds me of sites like Ask.com, Yahoo! Answers, and Q&A platforms like Weegy, KGB and ChaCha. All have the same basic concept, someone asks a question and you answer. What makes WebAnswers different is that they pay you based on revenue.<br /><br />In order to participate you must have a Google Adsense account. Sign-Up is easy. Enter a few pieces of incormation, add your adsense account number and start answering questions. If your answer is awarded the best by the asker, your rewards in revenue will be higher.<br /><br />If you like sites that "fill in the blanks" between clients, writing assignments, or just to kill time when watching TV, WebAnswers will do just that.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27207179627247403422011-11-02T09:34:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.222-04:00#Smash365 Love<blockquote><em>We don’t need to justify love; it is there or not there. Real love is accepting other people the way they are without trying to change them. Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements, “The Third Agreement”</em></blockquote><br />Think of a relationship where you are (or were) loved for who you are. Write about the freedom you have to be that whole person, without judgment. What are some of the benefits that come from such an unconditional, <em>real</em> love?<br /><br /><br /><br />The benefits that come from such an unconditional real love is the ability to relax, calm down and just enjoy life without worrying about whether or not the person in your life is going to judge you for one thing or the other. Unconditional love is like freedom.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61638441861337052292011-11-01T08:30:00.021-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.483-05:00The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HN_23YP42d8/Tqhf-F3f2NI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/QKMsTgPSH54/s1600/TheBakersWifesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HN_23YP42d8/Tqhf-F3f2NI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/QKMsTgPSH54/s1600/TheBakersWifesm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unbelievable!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is really all I can say. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book was THAT good.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It left me speechless.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not really.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But it was by far one of the best Christian Fiction books I have read this year. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">About the book:</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody><tr> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">To save her husband and son, Audrey Bofinger must rescue her enemy.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Bofinger family has lost their church ministry in a scandal exposed by Officer Jack Mansfield. Hoping to heal and to restore their reputation, Audrey, Geoff, and their son Ed take over a failing bakery in the small community.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Driving to the bakery one morning, blinded by fog, Audrey hits a motor scooter owned by Jack’s wife, Julie. The mangled scooter is crushed and bloody. But Julie is nowhere to be found. Her disappearance coincides with a sudden illness that nearly cripples Audrey.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jack believes the Bofingers have hurt Julie to take revenge on him, but the evidence dries up and her trail goes cold. At a breaking point, Jack takes the tiny bakery and its patrons hostage, issuing only one demand: Audrey has six hours to return Julie to him, or lose Geoff and Ed forever.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">With only an excruciating and intuitive gift, an ex-con, and Julie’s estranged daughter to help search for clues, Audrey starts the search of her life for a woman who has vanished like the fog.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.erinhealy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ch-1-4-for-Web-Site.pdf" target="_blank">Read an excerpt here.</a></span></span></i></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Murder. Mystery. Lies. Betrayal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Satan has his grip on a community member. His family has fallen apart. Sick wife, wayward daughter, the husband has nowhere to turn, and needs someone to blame. The wayward daughter told a scandalous lie, leaving the pastor’s wife Audrey to become the baker’s wife. What follows is a life of gratitude, blessings and detection.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a good murder mystery. It does not matter if you read Christian books or not. Yes, there is talk of God and a few scriptures, but it does not take away from the tale being told. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Early one morning, on the way to the bakery, Audrey and her son are in an accident. With dense fog, the van she is driving hits a someone, or the motor scooter the someone belongs to. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cops search the scene. No body is found, and nothing seems to match and makes sense. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Audrey has no choice but to find the answer to the question. Where is the owner of the scooter and who did she hit for there to be so much blood?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About <u></u>Erin<u></u>:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Well-known to critics and reviewers, Erin Healy has established herself as an award-winning editor and a best-selling co-author with Ted Dekker. Healy received wide acclaim for her two debut novels <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Never Let You Go</span></i> and <i><span style="font-style: italic;">The Promises She Keeps</span></i>. Her work focuses on the psychological and spiritual, driven by high moral stakes. She lives and writes in <u></u><u></u>Colorado<u></u><u></u> with her family.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">For more information please <a href="http://visit%20www.earinhealy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">visit www.erinhealy.com</a>. <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Link to buy the book:<a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595547525&title=The_Baker's_Wife&author=Erin_Healy"> </a><a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595547525&title=The_Baker's_Wife&author=Erin_Healy">Thomas Nelson</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the contest:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Let the flour fly! Beginning October 24th, Erin's celebrating the release of her latest page turner, <i><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595547525&title=The_Baker's_Wife&author=Erin_Healy" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Baker's Wife,</a></span></i> with an outstanding <a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/165048" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">KitchenAid baking prize package giveaway</a> that includes a brand new KitchenAid Mixer, cook books, and all you need to whip up some fabulous bread or sweets! Then and on November 10th she'll be wrapping up the release of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112996508810661" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-style: italic;">The Baker's Wife</span></i> with an Author Book Chat Party</a> on Facebook! Don't miss a minute of the fun!<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">One grand prize winner will receive:<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><ul style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Empire Red 4.5 QT Ultra Power KitchenAid Stand Mixer<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Black & White Kitschy Apron<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Black Silicone Oven Mitt<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Black OXO Rolling Pin<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u></u><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Wilton</span></span></b><u></u><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> 9X5 loaf pan<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">At My Grandmother's Knee Cookbook</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> by Faye Porter<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Second Helpings with Johnnie Gabriel</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> Cookbook<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Baker's Wife</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> by Erin Healy<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div></div><br /></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"></span></b></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Don't miss a moment of the fun. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112996508810661" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">RSVP today</a> and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 10th!<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Blog Tour Schedule: <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13434589">Read Other's Reviews</a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><br /></b></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46418622874892679672011-10-31T14:55:00.005-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.842-04:00A Whole Lot of Writing Going On!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3E8pXnuWCA/Tq7qE4JxpoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/Pw0v3XDXTJ8/s1600/HardBook1-JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3E8pXnuWCA/Tq7qE4JxpoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/Pw0v3XDXTJ8/s320/HardBook1-JPG.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>I have a whole lot of exciting news! Over on my other website, <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/10/31/a-whole-bunch-of-exciting-news/">Chrystal Mahan</a>, I wrote about most of it. Poetry contents, published poetry, poetry book, some surprises, and more!<br /><br />Over here I wanted to talk about the <a href="http://skyword.com/">Skywords </a>Bounty Program. Yes, Bounty, "the quicker picker upper." The one in the same. It's actually quite fun, easy work, $10 an article plus revenue. If you are looking to put another writing gig under your belt, this might be one for you. Skywords offers a few different company programs. I've done 2, each taking me about 20 minutes to write. So, $20 for less than an hours worth of work? Yes, that is OK with me.<br /><br />Been working a lot with private clients, too.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have not been writing for (what people love to call) content mills much. Most of the companies I did write for have closed down or went to an all revenue sharing program. I few companies let me go because I was not meeting the minimum requirements (you take 9 classes and see how well you keep up. you not you, but you as in the company). I did not cry thats for sure.<br /><br />Instead, I have been focusing my time on residual income. Mostly <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a> and <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers.</a> Right now I am just working on getting a lot of content written while I spend some time reading up on keywords and get a stronger grip on SEO. I have a<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/getting-those-residuals-going_26.html"> goal to write 1 article a day.</a> Starting in January, I think I will do a 365 day challenge and post the earnings as well.<br /><br />I have not checked my actual adsense in some time, but this is just for the HubPage revenue program (they do both). Since its the end of the month, even though yesterday and today will need to be added, this will give you a general idea.<br /><br />I have posted 4 new articles in a week. Last month I posted nothing new.<br /><br />In September I made 11 cents on HubPages ad program. In October, so far, I have made 92 cents, 39 of which being in the last 7 days. That's a pretty huge increase.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7rHZhr7ffI/Tq7t9za_tPI/AAAAAAAAAkE/kpVyWCTCwRY/s1600/october.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7rHZhr7ffI/Tq7t9za_tPI/AAAAAAAAAkE/kpVyWCTCwRY/s640/october.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As you can see, I am not making thousands like so many are. I don't even have 100 articles published. The good news is, I look at this as a savings account. The more I write, the more I make. The more I backlink and learn about good keywords and such, the better writer I become.<br /><br /> Over and over again, I earn. Or, at least until HubPages shuts down, and then I will post my work somewhere else. I have a couple of other revenue sharing sites I use but I feel HubPages offers me the best bang for my buck.<br /><br />I want to reach the $1000 a month club. I will keep working until I get there.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3608264088724393642011-10-28T19:40:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.486-05:00No Credit Checks: Some Truth about Cash Advances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hraTP6asFY/Tqs9ERIqH0I/AAAAAAAAAj0/-vBpw0frams/s1600/cash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hraTP6asFY/Tqs9ERIqH0I/AAAAAAAAAj0/-vBpw0frams/s320/cash.png" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Using cash advances for </span><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/cash_advance_for_Christmas_shopping" style="background-color: white; color: #297ccf; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Christmas shopping</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> is not the only reason a person would find themselves in need of a no credit check cash advance.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">While some may not agree,</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> from a financial perspective, using a cash advance company which has a no credit check policy would be a blessing for many people. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 26px; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/no-credit-checks-the-truth-about-cash-advances?done">No Credit Checks: The Real Truth about Cash Advances</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18563099255210326882011-10-27T19:45:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.488-05:00How to Use Cash Advances for Christmas Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbFbD9QQjuo/TqnsGYaLbrI/AAAAAAAAAjo/4BG-ILPm1Ks/s1600/100_8471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbFbD9QQjuo/TqnsGYaLbrI/AAAAAAAAAjo/4BG-ILPm1Ks/s320/100_8471.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Not tax related, but 'tis financial related)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wanted to share with you my latest HubPage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/cash_advance_for_Christmas_shopping?done">How to Use Cash Advances for Christmas Shopping</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85022048883076807472011-10-27T10:47:00.006-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.490-05:00The Best Laid Plans by Sarah Mayberry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zmCdTSbKEI/TqiqRQvE9oI/AAAAAAAAAjg/FYAZUeeB1RI/s1600/51LZg-vvviL._SX106_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zmCdTSbKEI/TqiqRQvE9oI/AAAAAAAAAjg/FYAZUeeB1RI/s1600/51LZg-vvviL._SX106_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can remember as a younger girl getting bags of read and recycle books (you read, you give to someone else) from my grandmother. Every summer I would make the trip with my family from Oklahoma to Michigan. And every summer I would return back to Oklahoma with 2-3 bags full of books and another bag full of what my grandfather called “trash” magazines. That would consist of publications like Examiner, Sun, and so on. I did not care. If it had words, I wanted to read it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the bags I would return home with would be 90% Harlequin romance novels. Most of them I did not care for, but I read them anyway just to have something to read. As I got older, I started to read them less and less. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the years my reading tastes changed and I started to skip over the old-fashioned romance novels. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Some years ago, Harlequin changed. They began offering different genres of romance. Genres that I actually liked. Murder, Mystery and Paranormal. It was like CSI and Ghost Hunters in a book. This led me to the Ambassador program.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, now for the book. As part of the program we are not given the option to pick books that we want to read. This book is part of the “Super Romance” Series. I wasn’t expecting a great literary work of art. No offense. What I expected was an old fashion, perhaps a little historical, romance novel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What a got was something a little more fun. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Alexandra Knight, corporate lawyer, hears her biological clock ticking. We her sexy, single collegue finds out she’s about to head to a sperm bank…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well let’s just say he’s on the path to offer his own.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What follows are the adventures of the two, forming a relationship, and falling in love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I laughed, I had a few tears, and I thought it was just the cutest book I had read in a long time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well worth the read!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from Harlequin as part of their Ambassadors program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36643528752224263692011-10-27T09:03:00.017-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.492-05:00Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2bQVEFtNlc/TqhdZFaSy0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/fAwwRq3VQ10/s1600/LOTL+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2bQVEFtNlc/TqhdZFaSy0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/fAwwRq3VQ10/s1600/LOTL+cover.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What did I get myself in to? Cowboy hats? Train robbers? The old west?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No. No!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sure, I read the description. Sure, I paid attention. But I did not realize what I was in store for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">About the book:</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It's a</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Battle</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">of Wills ... and Love Is on the Line!</span></i></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked about the book was, here is this character, Georgie Gail; strong, independent, living alone, working, and an animal activist. She holds a job, out of her own home, through the telephone company. So, imagine her attitude when she finds out they have sent a man to work with her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What she doesn’t know is Luke Palmer is an undercover Texas Ranger looking for a train robber. The exact train robber that stopped the train Georgie was riding on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The story takes many twists and turns. Some might make you giggle; others will leave you angry at the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While this is a love story, unlike some other novels, this one has not centered itself around the love story. What I liked was that friendships developed, lives were changed, and birds were saved. The story is typical in the senses that two strangers fall in love, but that’s the only thing that this book has in comparison to others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a bit of history in the book, the author has researched it well. Again, it’s not centered on the historical facts. Just gives you enough to add depth to the words and insight to the characters. I tend to find it hard to read overly historical novels because the history lessons tend to bog down the words and the actual story.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you like love, mixed with a bit of history, and a side of adventure, I think this is a good curl-up-with-a-hot-cup-of-tea book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection</b>: I received this book free as part a readers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">About Deeanne:</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dee--has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She has a very active online community on her website at <a href="http://iwantherbook.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">IWantHerBook.com</span></a> and at</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://facebook.com/DeesCircle" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Facebook.com/DeesCircle</span></a>.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Link to buy the book at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764204092/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764204092&adid=0MVKVNZAFG109QSXN54N">Amazon</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">About the contest:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Love on the Live iPad2 Giveaway and Facebook Party!</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel. To celebrate Deeanne's publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the <i>Love on the Line</i> iPad2 giveaway an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link below to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240526342663236" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">RSVP for Deeanne's rip-roarin' Facebook Party</span></a>!</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">One fortunate winner will receive:</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 45.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Brand New iPad2</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 45.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Signed Copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 45.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7<sup>th</sup>. Winner will be announced at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240526342663236" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Deeanne’s Author Chat Facebook Party</span></a>. Deeanne will be wrapping of the<i> Love on the Line</i> celebration by chatting with friends new and old! So grab your copy of <i>Love on the Line</i> (it’s okay if you don’t have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8<sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia, a sneak peak at her next book, and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(enter Facebook/twitter/email icons here – found in embedded html code attached)</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Don't miss a moment of the fun. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240526342663236" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">RSVP today</span></a> and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 8th!</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Blog Tour <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13433396">Schedule</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66835299009578062112011-10-26T17:18:00.005-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.494-05:00Get Married for Christ’s Sake by Kenny Jackson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get Married For Christ's Sake: The Christian Singles' Call to a World-Changing Marriage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51l-DzmBPRL.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was asked to review this book, I thought it could not have come at a better time in my life.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As some of you may remember, I have called off my own wedding, not once, but twice. Some, for financial reasons, some stress related (thanks to school), <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/04/20/what-you-don%E2%80%99t-see">some due to our differences</a>, some to the baggage he has. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I question this relationship on a daily basis. I feel a relationship should not be hard, no matter how much you love someone. What makes this challenging is that we both suffer from mental illnesses. Mine, much, much, worse than his. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have started relationship counseling, so I thought that this book would be helpful.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I should also mention here that I don’t claim to be a Christian. Some people might find that a little weird since I do attend church. I have a lot to learn, a lot of questions, and will stay in “new believer” mode until I fully accept all things Godly. Until that time, I consider myself to be more spiritual than anything. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate labels anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I know there are some people that look down on us because we live together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Others, even members of the church we attend, don’t care. They feel it’s not their place to judge, and they also know the reasons why we live together (how it started) and why the marriage has not happened yet. I think they are more understanding to the situation than outsiders who only see two unmarried people living together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s a book specifically written for Christian singles who are seriously considering engagement. Regardless of your marital status, single, married, engaged, I think everyone could benefit a little from reading this book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was an easy read. I was able to complete it during one sitting. Good news for those busy folks!</div><div class="MsoNormal">This book forces you to take a step back, giving you a bigger picture of marriage, and a fresh look from a different perspective. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To quote the book cover “ Many marriage crash and burn because the spouses were not careful about whom they became emotionally involved with in the first place. God is the best one to guide us through the relationship maze.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While M and I are working on our relationship, attending church more, trying to be involved more, raising his daughter in our church, and seeing a counselor for our relationship, we still have a deep and true love for each other. We feel we will find a way to come back to the couple that fell in love with each other 3 years ago, and undo the damage that was caused in our childhoods. Events that shaped us into the people we are today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free from the editor. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62601257235590602332011-10-26T16:39:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.496-05:00A Woman's Guide to Fasting by Lisa E. Nelson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWaB85fejeo/TqhtdVUx1II/AAAAAAAAAjY/KehZikjBXaQ/s1600/9780764209024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWaB85fejeo/TqhtdVUx1II/AAAAAAAAAjY/KehZikjBXaQ/s320/9780764209024.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>About the Book:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>A Woman's Guide to Fasting</strong></span></em><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> by Lisa E. Nelson</span></strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 13px;">The <i>Only</i> How-to Fasting Guide for <i>Women</i></b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">When women think of fasting, many of us think of grumbling stomachs, low energy, and high-stress days. But this is not what fasting should be! With warmth and experience, Lisa Nelson provides the step-by-step advice women need for before, during, and after all types of fasts. When you learn how to fast successfully, you can--and will--experience God in a whole new way.</span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is not my usual cup-of-tea style book. I struggle with my weight and it has been documented<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation.html"> here on Self Employed Writer</a> more than once. I did not choose to review this book because I felt it was going to help me shed a few pounds. I wanted to review this book because I wanted to have a better understanding in the biblical fasting. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">What I learned is that fasting does not have to be about that empty feeling in your stomach, the headaches, the lazy feeling, or the high stress that fasting can cause. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">When I thought of fasts in the past, I thought there was no way someone with a full time job, a student, or even a mom could go through a fast when food provided the energy.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In a biblical fast, God provides the energy. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In this book you will learn how fasting can fit in to a busy schedule, how one should prepare their mind and body for a fast, how to spiritually prepare for a fast, tips, things to do, advice to follow, cautions to be aware of, how to end a fast safely, warning signs, when to quit, and how to make the most of a non-food fast.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I also learned that fasting isn’t about giving up food, going on liquids only, or just giving up a certain type of food. It can also be a fast from the internet, television, or other things that are keeping you from listening to God. That is especially useful for people who have diabetes or hypoglycemia and simply can’t be without food. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I recommend this book to anyone who has been interested in fasting spiritually in the past, or those interested now. </span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a writers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44168828924709341952011-10-26T12:30:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.805-04:00My Time With Xpress<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I did not dispute that<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/where-to-begin.html" target="_blank"> Xpress was not wonderful</a>. Quite the opposite. Of all the health discount programs I tested and read about, it offered the most benefits, had the highest amount of doctors, a great price, and a great sales program.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The problem I ran in to was of the 1000s of people I have at my disposal to market the product to were on an extreme fixed income and could not afford the $40 a month fee. Because I could not sign them up, I was not going to make the money to cover my monthly fee on top of the service fee for being a part of the program.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I am fortunate and thankful that I have been able to find 2 doctors that I need most in my life give me a cash discount when I need to see them. I still do not see them as often as I should because I too have a limited to my income since I am a full-time student. I do freelance work, but school takes up a lot of my time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />I don't get much of a medication discount. And I have a lot of them I have to buy. My state has a free healthcare card for prescription discounts. There are also manufactures of meds that have free medication programs. People just dont know to look for them.<br /><br />I also live in one of the states with the highest unemployment rate and recently our state benefits for food and cash assistance was cut. People are going to need help.<br /><br />For me, its seems I can help those people at my disposal with a FREE program vs. a program they are going to have to pay a monthly fee on. Right now they are too worried about feeding their families and paying their bills.<br /><br />So, this is not a personal choice on what program is best for me to USE, its the choice on what program can the people around me benefit from.<br /><br />That is why I am looking at discount cards that are free for me to give away. I have an endless supply of people that can use those. And will.<br /><br />So many people just can't afford a monthly fee and they aren't interested in trying to sell others on the product. Direct sales and marketing is not for everyone.<br /><br />If income was not a problem for me and their was a market in my state for folks who could afford the $40 a month, I would have stayed with Xpress. I simply could not afford the monthly enrollment fee on top of the monthly direct sellers expense fee.<br /><br />My choice was not against Xpress. My choice is to give people what they can use and need.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64307988516049771692011-10-26T08:15:00.020-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.498-05:00Getting Those Residuals Going<div class="MsoNormal">It’s been a while since I wrote about writing. I have been so busy that all of my writing sites have fallen to the wayside. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t stop talking about the first school semester of the year, which was my last as an undergrad. I still can’t believe I managed to fit 9 classes in that one semester. All the hard work paid off. I managed to graduate with a 3.4 on my Bachelors of General Studies with majors in Accounting and Business. I was pretty happy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, my websites and freelance career suffered a bit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent the summer trying to make it right, but got caught in a scam and a bad business deal gone super wrong leaving me with $7000 in issues to take care of. I am still dealing with that mess and have yet to recover completely from it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Where I’ve Been and What I’ve Been Doing Part 1 and Part 2 explain it all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The mess took so many hours of my day. Then, I had to work around the depression.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Still working on all of the mess and trying to put it in the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though I am back in school this semester working on my Masters degree, I am not bogged down with 9 classes. I posted my goals the other day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, I thought I would write about the challenge I have made for myself with residual income.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, I am not looking at a dollar amount. I would like to someday make the $10 then $50 a day mark, working my way up to the $1000 and $5000 a month mark. I plan to start a challenge January 1 and post my accomplishments (or not) along the way. Hopefully this will help me to be a little more accountable.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, my goal is to write 1 post/<a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPage </a>a day. Since I doubt I can get any done on the weekends, I am going to try for 5-7 a week. A couple days a week I can double up. I am working mostly on tax content since tax season is right around the corner.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have also made a plan to link to my blogs more, providing back links for everything. (and add commenting on others blogs)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lastly, at least for now, I am going to go back to <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers</a> to work on some residuals.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow I was thinking I should write a new <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan">EZineArticle</a> for a back link and maybe update my Helium account.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We will see if time permits some of those things because I have to work on upfront paying clients!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31744838795652458432011-10-26T07:53:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:27.142-05:00Looking for a Place to get FREE eBooks?Well you don't have to look any further!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.free-ebooks.net/1447-0-1-27.html" target="_blank"><img alt="get books for free" border="0" height="280" src="http://www.free-ebooks.net/affiliates/banners/Set_336x280.jpg" width="336" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79436308812902655452011-10-25T18:54:00.003-04:002011-11-12T13:52:32.470-05:00Working on Tax Software (The Tax Queen is Back!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccbG_WGlbAM/Tqc8PWHP0sI/AAAAAAAAAjA/zDPemlsaaK8/s1600/AriseLogin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccbG_WGlbAM/Tqc8PWHP0sI/AAAAAAAAAjA/zDPemlsaaK8/s320/AriseLogin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I wrote a (rather long post) regarding my come-back into the tax world. Not that I ever really left, I was still doing taxes for people out of my home and answering tax questions as well as writing tax articles for clients and <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a>. I am excited to say that I have contracted with Arise and Open Door to work this tax season on a tax software company line.<br /><br />I'll still be answering questions and writing accounting related things and working with my private clients. I just miss the fun of tax season, so this will be helping with that and helping me while I work on my Masters degree (which I have just started on this semester).<br /><br />If you missed the memo, I graduated June 2011 with my Bachelors in General Studies with Majors in Accounting and Business. That's why this website got pushed to the back burner for a while.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78050148224780578272011-10-25T18:45:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.370-04:00Working with Arise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVkeBhuZdng/Tqc7kOFV4PI/AAAAAAAAAi4/8CKXW14D_Ng/s1600/AriseLogin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVkeBhuZdng/Tqc7kOFV4PI/AAAAAAAAAi4/8CKXW14D_Ng/s320/AriseLogin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Self Employed Writer has taken the plunge, right back into the world of customer service call center work – at home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If anyone has followed this blog for some time, back in the day before the Self Employed Writer title and url came about, I was just a girl trying to make ends meet have a 1000 mile move and a divorce. Even before that, when I was still living in OK and married, I would find myself between accounting clients and would work for phone lines through Live Ops and West at Home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Live Ops and I have a love/hate relationship. I love that I can pick my own hours and work any time of day. I hate that I am forced to do my first 25 calls on the Direct Response line. Infomercials are not fun. I have worked with Live Ops on 2 separate occasions. Once, around 2002/3 and once in 2009. They never last. I was always stuck in the infomercial line and hated every minute of it. Training was independent and even though they had forums for operators, they did not have live training like some companies do. With LiveOps you are an independent contractor and responsible for all your own taxes and office expenses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also have many years of off and on experience with West. I have to say, I love West. I love the lines they offer and that I am allowed to pick my own schedule and that it was a set hourly paid employee position. Did not matter if call volume was low, I still got paid. I loved every line I was placed with on West.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Training was independent. You did not do mock calls of have training with other operators. The only reason I am still not with them is because when I left OK and moved to MI I lived in a house where having a home office was not possible. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My last experience was with Alpine Access, it was like West in that I was a paid employee rather than an independent contractor position. It was an hourly wage, and it paid nicely. I decided to try another work at home call center customer service job because it was customer accounting and billing. They did have live paid training. However, the program used for the line I worked had a manual that was 1000 pages long and training was 14 days. Some of that was nesting. Nesting is where you are taking live calls, but a line manager sits in and listens with you. Talk about anxiety. I made it through most of the training, then I was stuck with the flu. They were nice enough about it, pretty understanding. However, I was not comfortable going right into calls. I asked if I could go through the next training class. Nope. They then demoted me to a lower paying section of the line if I felt I wanted to go through training again. No thank you. It was not worth any of the stress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Shortly after that experience I swore off all phone lines and started my freelance career with accounting/bookkeeping/taxes and writing. I also do internet marketing, business directory listings, social media and more. It’s much more fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, I caught wind of a very popular accounting and tax software company contracting with Arise. I have looked at Arise in the past, but did not pay much attention to it since I was sick of phone jobs. I do however LOVE doing taxes and tax season. So, I signed up with Arise and the Open Door Multiservice to use as my VCS. I went through the ACP 101 and passed. Today I sat in on a tax class for the program, just to see how things were going to be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Miranda and Lexsine over at Open Door have been extremely helpful in helping me to get started. They have been prompt answering all the questions I have. I never had that with LO, West or Alpine. The customer service is something that needs improvement. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This time, I am home alone during working hours (unlike my last line with West and Alpine) and its TAX! Phone or no phone, its TAX! I mean that is what my past experience is in, my BA is in and I am still taking Accounting classes with my MBA. What difference does it make if I am back in the tax office answering questions in person (even on the phone there) or if I am in my own office on the phone? It’s all the same to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Training for the line starts in December and work starts in January.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am so excited I dusted off The Tax Queen and putting things back together there with the hopes of keeping up with it a little better this time (I think I will be fine since I am not overwhelmed so much with school).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll still be writing and doing my other freelance business, Arise/OD is just another client to add to my vault. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64275762596266265072011-10-24T12:28:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.871-04:00Where to Begin When Researching Discount Cards<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">So, there is Ameriplan, Xpress, Procard and I am sure plenty of others.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I tested Ameriplan years ago and it was not good for me since I lived in a small town and the only accepted Dr. were 45min or longer away. I tried Procard but the whole website and program was very outdated. I no longer pay for the card or the program, but I am still allowed to be an affiliate.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />Here is my recent post about why<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/07/why-discount-health-cards-are-needed.html" target="_blank"> Freelancers Need Discount Cards</a><br /><a name='more'></a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I test drove Xpress, and even though they offered the best package for the money and the best pay out, it was also a little more expensive.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only do you have to pay to be a rep for these companies, you also have to pay your monthly fee for the health savings card. I can't afford the monthly fee. Sorry. And neither can the folks I can market to.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Healthcare is expensive we all know that. Most of the people I was marketing towards could not afford the monthly fee to participate in the program. When people want to save, they don't want to pay $40 a month (give or take) to save. The affiliate payout was a certain % that varied from company to company.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">While reading the newest issue of Home Business Magazine I found a company ad for Free Rx Plus from Discount Benefit Solutions, LLC . This company utilizes the health care benefit card by allowing its affiliates to give away free cards. Who doesn't love a free card to save them money? So you give people your url to print a card or give them a card that comes with your initial investment, and you get 60c every time someone uses the card. Of course this costs to join $125, and there is a $20 month fee for gold affiliates and it looks like its free for those who dont want certain features.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, I found another one that had different membership levels. But the free affiliate level , there was ZERO cost involved. When someone used your card you were paid 25c. Sure the pay is low, but the investment is free. So you sort of have to make up for the smaller amounts.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My question is, why cant I find more information on these companies? Does that make them bad when I can't find any reviews online for them?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And if we have folders here for those companies mentioned first, why not these other companies?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I read what I could about the Free Rx Cut. They offer the same places, scripts, and discounts as the cards I had paid for.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">So why aren't more folks doing these low cost investment companies instead of these one you have to pay so much for?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for your help. I am just trying to decide if giving out free cards to those in need is worth the investment. I have an unlimited resource to get these cards in the hands of folks that need them. My church, my fiances mom and step mom are nurses, his dad is a respiratory therapist, as is my fiance who works for a home health company. So we have an endless supply of patients who could benefit.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the programs even has a pet program! I have a pet blog/website so that traffic would work as well.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Can a program like this be networked easily???</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12805747635963043922011-10-22T06:58:00.017-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.501-05:00Review Baby its Cold Outside by Susan May Warren<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTHmWOB-8z4/TqH7IR65c9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/mR3OpUU3dLE/s1600/Baby+It%2527s+Cold+Outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTHmWOB-8z4/TqH7IR65c9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/mR3OpUU3dLE/s1600/Baby+It%2527s+Cold+Outside.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes it is hard for me to get excited about books that take place in certain eras. This was one of them. I was really excited that it was a Christmas novel and I have never passed up the chance to read a Christmas themed book. I was a little worried about the timeline. Sometimes certain historical events can create more of a problem in a novel rather than add to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Often many writers want to throw those types of subjects in there because they think it will add to the attraction of the book to other audience members they otherwise would not get to read their material. Thankfully this was not the case with “Baby Its Cold Outside.” Warren made sure those historical events did not overpower the story, or the characters. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dottie Morgan, town librarian, also town grump. It’s freezing, and it’s almost Christmas. She has no desire to share her home, or her heart, with her unwelcomed house guests. Dottie lost the person she loved most in the world, her son Nelson, in World War II. Her world has never been kind or loving since. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Gordon, Dottie’s next door neighbor and real true love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jake, somewhat of a friend to Violet, more of a friend to who she thinks she loves, Alex. Alex, the man Violet was writing to during the war. Had fallen in love with, only to find he had passes. Instead of Alex showing up to whisk her away, she got Jake. Jake, full of secrets.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Violet, just trying to get the town star from Dottie. Has enough to deal with in her life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All of these people, stranded in Dottie’s house during the blizzard of the century.</div><div class="MsoNormal">A little boy lost. Found, almost frozen to death.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Each, a tale to tell. Each brought together for a purpose. The purpose of family, forgiveness and love. </div><div class="MsoNormal">A must have book to curl up with during the season!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the book:</span></span></b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Baby, It’s Cold Outside</span></i></b></span></span><b><i><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Hope finds the hopeless when a storm hits.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">It's Christmas weekend 1949, and despite the threat of a storm, the townspeople of Frost are determined to continue their holiday traditions, if only as a means to forget the war that they had all just suffered through. But the suffering hasn't ended for Dottie Morgan who lost her only son in the war. She's preparing to wallow in her isolation for the weekend, when Violet, nearly a spinster at age 29, dares to make a request that will force Dottie to publicly revive the memory of her dead son.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">When a storm traps the two women at home with a strange young man who has an unbelievable confession and a neighbor with more to do with Violet's past than she would like, no one can predict how this Christmas will give them all a second chance.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Read an excerpt here and find out the story behind the novel</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About Susan:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in <u></u>Russia<u></u>, Susan returned home to a small town on <u></u>Minnesota<u></u>’s beautiful <u></u>Lake Superior<u></u>shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of<a href="http://www.mybooktherapy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://www.mybooktherapy.com/">www.MyBookTherapy.com</a>, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Susan makes her home in northern <u></u><u></u>Minnesota<u></u><u></u>, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:<a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/">www.susanmaywarren.com</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">To buy the book</span></span></b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">:</span></span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609362152/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1609362152&adid=1W6V46X88E4D79FGRNE1">Amazon</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Blog tour schedule:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13433361">It's here.</a></span></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36844495025088777032011-10-19T14:49:00.006-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.503-05:00Getting Back in the GameI never realized how hard getting back in the game was going to be. From January to June I was lucky if I wrote one paying article a week. I was so swamped with 9 classes that I just could not keep up with everything. All of my websites and revenue sharing sites became extremely dusty. I have been slowly trying to do some Fall cleaning and get back in to some sort of a schedule.<br /><br />I am back in school, this time working on my Masters, so I will only be in 1 or 2 classes at a time. Never again will I try to cram 9 in to one. In all fairness, I did that so I could graduate.<br /><br />Last week I posted two articles on <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a>. When the big Pando Google Shakeup hint, I was not hit like most were. I did notice more of a shot to the heart on the content sites compared to my revenue based sites.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=3684449502508877703&from=pencil" name="more"></a><br /><br />I still enjoy writing for myself. So I plan to continue forward with HubPages and using other sites for backlinks. I don't plan to give up on this great blogging ride. I have been in the game since 2004. I can see myself pounding away at my keyboard for the rest of my life.<br /><br />So this is my pledge to get the Self Employed Writer back on track.<br /><br /><b>Daily Goals:</b><br />1 new Hub<br />Private Client Work<br />School related work<br /><br /><br /><b>Weekly Goals:</b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">1 new <a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/652747/chrystal_mahan.html">Yahoo Associated Content</a></span></b><br />1 new post on Self Employed Writer<br />1 new post on <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a><br />Assigned book reviews<br /><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/">iPhoneAppCafe</a> assigned reviews<br /><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers</a><br />Demand Studios Titling (when available)<br /><br /><b>Monthly Goals:</b><br />1 new post on <a href="http://www.cainstails.com/">Cains Tails</a><br />1 new <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">Helium</a> (that will backlink to something between all my sites) I used to do better here than anyplace, but once I stopped writing, the revenue stopped. That's my biggest complaint about Helium. You lose writing stars, you lose your share of the pie. On the up side, they now have upfront work.<br /><br />1 new <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan">EZA</a><br /><br />I know it might seem like a lot. It is going to be hard to get back in the swing of a schedule. But I look at revenue share writing as a savings account for my future.<br /><br />I may have to change this up a bit in December when I start training for Intuit Turbo Tax. I will be working the new tax season as a Turbo Tax agent. Pretty excited about that!<br /><br />Stay tuned to see how it goes!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69542034638130568002011-10-15T07:52:00.020-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.505-05:00Zombie Church by Tyler Edwards<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="Zombie Church: Breathing Life Back into the Body of Christ" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VjFPMWiVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“Breathing Life Back into the Body of Christ”</i> the book byline caught my attention. Published in 2011, it (being Zombies) certainly is the topic of our time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Did you ever think you would find a book that had both “church” and “zombie” in the same title? I didn’t. Not exactly the most Christian topic, the walking dead. I picked this book to read and review based on the title alone. The back of the book has its own byline “There are zombies among us.” Really? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I read the description there was a line that caught my attention. <i>“Liars. Hypocrites. Men, women and children who attend church because it’s what they are supposed to do. Just going through the motions. These are the undead – people who are disconnected from the Spirit of God – who are spreading a virus of passivity, or worse. No one is completely immune.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></i></div><a href="" name="more"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></i><br /><a name='more'></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can’t say I have ever witnessed a Christian putting a religious spin on the Zombie topic. But it works. It makes perfect sense to me and I like that Tyler Edwards was able to take a popular book and movie topic and turn it in to something that can be used with a Christian twist. With the rising popularity of zombies, werewolves and vampires, it only seem fitting they eventually cross over. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stephanie Feed, the executive director of Rapha House had this to say: “This is a powerful read, full of hope and challenge for the church to come to life, rise up out of its pews, and be the glorious bride of Christ we are called to be. <i>Zombie Church</i> is ‘dead on.’ “</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I share that because she is right. While many will not see the interesting side to putting a zombie spin on a Christian issue, I most certainly can and I hope that others will want to read it as well. With topics relating to the chapters warning signs, infected, transformation process, the symptoms, the undead heart, lost souls, rotten mind; zombie strength, the disease spreads, zombie community, awakening the undead, and searching for the cure, reads much like a novel about zombies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>About the Author:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;">Tyler Edwards is the lead pastor at Cornerstone Christian Church in <u></u><u></u>Joplin<u></u>, <u></u>Missouri<u></u><u></u>, where he works to help people learn how to live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and look like Jesus—so they carry out the mission of Jesus to the world. He graduated from <u></u>Ozark<u></u> <u></u>Christian<u></u> <u></u>College<u></u> with bachelor’s degrees in both Biblical Literature and <u></u><u></u>Christian<u></u> <u></u>Ministry<u></u><u></u>. He has written articles for <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Lookout Magazine</span></i>, spoken at various campus ministry events in <u></u>Missouri<u></u>, and served overseas in <u></u><u></u>Mbale<u></u>, <u></u>Uganda<u></u><u></u>.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tyler</span></span><u></u><u></u><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">loves cheesy horror films. He is particularly fond of movies like <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Dawn of the Dead</span></i>, <i><span style="font-style: italic;">The Signal</span></i>, and <i><span style="font-style: italic;">28 Days Later</span></i>, where zombies run wild and threaten to infect an entire town. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PastorTylerEdwards%20" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Connect with Tyler on Facebook</a>.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>About the Book:</b></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody><tr><td style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A creative, entertaining approach to resurrecting the undead church. <u></u><u></u></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">There is something missing in the church today. Stuck in a rut of routines and rituals, the church is caught up in doing what it is “supposed to do” but is lacking the true essence of what it is supposed to provide: life. Real faith--and a real relationship with Jesus--is not about playing by the rules, attending services, and praying before meals. Real faith is more than religion.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Believing there is a way to breathe life back into the church, Tyler Edwards adopts a contemporary and entertaining metaphor--zombies--to highlight and challenge the problematic attitude of today’s believers. <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Written for the discouraged, disenfranchised, and anyone unsatisfied with their same-old church routine, Zombie Church challenges readers to turn away from hollow religious practices, which characterize “zombie Christianity,” and turn toward a radical relationship with Jesus.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">While other books have addressed legalism in the church, this is the only book that effectively capitalizes on a popular entertainment genre in order to diagnose and correct the problem. Realizing that even his own church is part of that problem, Edwards has written an accessible and often humorous book that will help believers change the Spirit-draining (or life-draining) habits that stop them from achieving a full, fulfilling life in Christ. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0825424593/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0825424593&adid=1XBB9CNE5N30WACVQ3DX" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Order a copy here</a>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Others on the blog tour are<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13424384"> here.</a></span></span></div></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92051575383380876672011-10-12T16:05:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.430-04:00Where I've Been and What I've Been Doing : Part 2<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/where-ive-been-and-what-ive-been-doing.html" target="_blank">I mentioned Friday about a terrible nightmare I found myselfin.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While that entire ordeal was going on, another one was brewing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And the sad part is it has taken up all of the hours in my day. My eBay and PayPal account are pretty much ruined. I use my PayPal account for my freelance clients. It seems to be the only way most of them pay.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had planned on talking about this situation more, but because there are fraud charges, mail fraud, a pending lawsuit and a warrant out for this guys arrest, I can’t publically talk about it. Plus, honestly, I am just really embarrassed by it all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I worry all day. I worry all night. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just keep praying it will all be over soon, but not everyone has been paid back and I don’t have the money to pay them back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know what to do. It’s controlling my life. It’s ruined so much.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2020995274479090932011-10-07T14:16:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.507-05:00Upgrading Your Body Lukas Odvalil<img alt="Upgrade Your Body: Say Goodbye to Your Old Body and Get a New Lean Healthy Model" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Sc7u9oE4L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-31,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_13065036"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LBN02S">Say Goodbye to Your Old and Get a New, Lean, Healthy Model!</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This book could not have landed in my lap at a better time. With all the stress I have been going through this year, and despite my conscious effort to eat better and move more, the weight loss just is not happening. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>(I am required to disclose that this is a paid book review, however, I am paid for my honest opinion; positive or negative.)</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While reading the introduction there was a few sentences that SCREAMED at me!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">“……………………………………They are overweight and they realize this, yet they just cannot bring themselves do anything about it. Either they don’t have any desire to- they enjoy their food too much to make healthy changes, they don’t know where to begin, or in some cases, they may feel as though they are ‘too far gone’ for any effort to make a difference.” </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I admit, I am a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LBN02S">self-proclaimed food-a-holic</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love food. I enjoy cooking a good meal, especially when my family is involved. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The downside is, I am also a food addict. I suffer from overeating/binge eating disorder. This is a result of what happened to me in my childhood. (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">You can read here.</a>) I did not access to drugs or alcohol at such a young age, so I ate. I ate to feed my emotions. I ate to hide my issues. I ate to feel good. I just ate. Food was my best friend. As a child I was eating to hide what was happening to me. I was an overweight child, teen, lost the weight (as a teen on Nutrisystem), and gained it back, in my late 20s, lost it again. Now here I am in my late 30s and I need to lose it again. I kept the weight off last time with the help of Weight Watchers, running, and I developed purging on top of my ED. I could not make myself throw-up so I became addicted to laxatives. To this day I can’t keep certain stomach helpers in my house for fear of what I could resort to, my intestines are already damaged. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation_14.html">Nutrisystem earlier this year</a>. It could have gone much better, but I was so busy and stressed that I just did not take the proper time to take care of myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I am back in the gym and just trying to make it through one day at a time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have read my fair share of weight loss and health books. My Nook folder on my hard drive is full of them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I WANT to believe that it is never too late. I am 36 and I am on a goal to be in the body and shape at 40 than I have in my entire life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep reading. What is Lukas going to say that I have not read already?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Diets don’t work for the long haul. It’s a lifestyle change. We all know this. We know we have to exercise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a bit factual (although sources were not cited), it’s a bit biographical, but it speaks the truth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s pretty basic. Cut and dry. Which I like. Too many books are so full of literal crap it makes my head spin. I mean how many times can you say “eat les, move more?” And then they get all scientifically. Sorry. We are not all scientist, can you speak in layman’s terms please? I did not feel that way with this book. It was all laid out there in front of me. Sure there are a few key words thrown at you, along with a definition. But, there is a reason, and a purpose. It’s not overkill. It’s all neatly packaged together in a package we can all appreciate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend the $2.99 investment. The author will show you how to easily change the food on the plate and includes a 5 day meal plan with products you can find at your local supermarket. No special diet food here. There are also tips on eating out, making grocery shopping simpler, and exercise tips. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10566111743252273332011-10-06T20:35:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:31.165-04:00Where I've Been and What I've Been DoingSo I dropped off the blogging planet. I whined for months about how I wish I was done with school so that I could devote more time to my writing. That day came at went (June 22, 2011 I graduated!) and I spent the rest of the summer trying to build my freelance business.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Key words being “I tried.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided to expand my freelance business by offering more services. At the same time I had also decided to reopen a business that my mother and I had years ago. <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/dcoutletstore" target="_blank"> DC Outlet.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While searching for jobs on Freelancer.com I noticed some listing for eBay Power Sellers in need of virtual assistants to help them manage the other side of their business. I applied. Meanwhile, I was also applying to other listings asking for eBay Listers. <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Many companies hire listers. It’s a good marketing concept. The more their items are listed on eBay, the more money they are going to make. It’s pretty smart. And it works well when you find that gem of a little company to work with.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since I wanted to reopen my previous business I thought this would be a great way for me to work with some people who would then be my drop shipper while selling products. I would pay their wholesale cost and I would keep the profit. They would pay all eBay and PayPal fees. It was a win-win situation. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The summer was looking up and I was doing really well. I was looking forward to growing my business and helping to get a future established for my & my family, as well as my mother. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then “Jeff” came in to my life. Jeff had a camera business in the UK. I checked out the website and it appeared to be legit. He was initially looking for eBay sellers to handle the eBay side of things while he handled the website and actual store front. He had called me a few times, sent me all the information I needed and I decided to work with him. Since I would be handling all the emails and such, it was almost like a part time job and I was getting decent part time pay. Easy work. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I listed a camera lens. Nikon. Nothing cheap. It sold. I got the money, paid the eBay and PayPal fees out of Jeff’s share, took my weekly pay, and sent the rest to Jeff so he could package the item and send it out. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The buyers name was Benny. Benny from NY. Benny and Jeff had spoken on the phone. Everything was going great. Jeff gave me a tracking number and the trucking company it was being shipped through. We were good to go. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I continued to work on eBay through listings and other Power Sellers. I had put writing on hold, and would only do some DS Title work here and there to keep my logins.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One day Benny became frustrated. Jeff’s phone had been disconnected after their last conversation regarding the late shipment (damaged container, had to be sent back to Jeff and he had to resend a new one) and he was starting to worry. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My internal alarm went off, but I had tracking information. The website was being updated. I had no choice but to wait.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And wait I did.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And waited.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And waited.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And then, Benny filed an eBay/PayPal claim. This was not a small sum of money. Not something I could just whip out of my checkbook. No, this was over $4000. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">(For obvious reason I have to leave some details out because there is still an open international investigation)<br /><br /><b>I didn't want to talk about it because I was extremely embarrassed. </b><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeff was nowhere to be found.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I cried.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, I freaked out.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I screamed. I threw things.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I put holes in my walls.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t remember the last time I was so angry.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, I went to my bed, wrapped up in my blanket like a moth in a cocoon and hid from the world.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My depression was at an all time low.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the first time in my life, I was actually suicidal and I was scared of myself.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also knew that I had to take care of this. Benny should not suffer because of my own stupidity.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I took my anger and turned it into something useful.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started to search for “Jeff.”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He left an internet trail and I followed it as far as I could.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found out the camera website was fake. The address on there to the store was registered to another business in London. The VAT # (think sales tax) was registered to another business, and their business registration number was registered to a used car dealership. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It gets better.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The shipping company – does not exist. I called Companies House in the UK. It is where all businesses must register. There was no such company. Upon further investigation, all of the information on that website also belonged to different businesses.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I dug some more.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I did a WHOIs to see who the domains were registered to.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Both owned by the same person. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This someone was not named “Jeff.”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I launched a full-fledged investigation. I contacted my local and state authorities. I contacted the FBI, FTC, Fraud.UK, and about 8 other organizations to report fraud. Freelancer.com removed all if his identities. I then called PayPal for help.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After weeks of endless reporting , searching, and phone calls I was finally able to get a break in the case.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The email address I sent the PayPal to was not registered to a “Jeff” but rather a lady. I will leave her name out because she is not at fault and scammed just as much as I was. I had sent her an email thinking it was “Jeff” or his partner while I was on the phone with the PayPal girl. I immediately got an email back.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The lady I sent the money to was also hired by “Jeff” on Freelancer.com to work with the investors in his camera company. She was told that investors would be sending her money and she was to field them to another PayPal account. A Merchant Account which has a rolling savings. She would then forward the money to Jeff using her PayPal debit card via. Western Union for a wire transfer. Directly deposited into his bank account. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She called PayPal, told them what was going on. They filed a dispute on her debit card, closed the Merchant account, and got all the money back. She was able to pay me back, so I was able to pay Benny back, cancel the auction and get a credit for the final value fee.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Best part?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He left a trail. A giant hole in his scam. A bank account and a passport.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I handed it all over to the international fraud department and the bank where the account was registered.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Benny is happy.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He should be.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I on the other hand am not.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel violated. I feel stupid. But most of all I am absolutely disgusted.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before using drop shippers, do your homework. I highly suggest you stay within the US, but I know that is not always possible for the best deals. Validate the business no matter what country it is in. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I know I have learned my lesson.</b><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, while this one was going on – there was another.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll leave that tale for tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Webstore Link : <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;"><a href="http://dcoutlet.webstore.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;">dcoutlet.Webstore.com</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;">Ebay Link: </span></span><a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/dcoutletstore">http://myworld.ebay.com/dcoutletstore</a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;">eBid Link : Coming Soon!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;">In the meantime check out all of the wonderful things eBid has to offer. I was surprised after reading the eBay forums how many Power Sellers actually sell on this website. Many have moved off eBay because of all the problems.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-5170521-10941795" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-5170521-10941795" target="_blank"><img alt="eBid. Online Auctions with no listing fees. " border="0" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-5170521-10941795" height="60" width="120" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56044476302727091082011-09-28T12:30:00.003-04:002012-12-04T16:26:01.801-05:00Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msGSSutgsQ8/ToM-d5tC_-I/AAAAAAAAAh4/JEXYjBYTAIs/s1600/_225_350_Book.472.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msGSSutgsQ8/ToM-d5tC_-I/AAAAAAAAAh4/JEXYjBYTAIs/s320/_225_350_Book.472.cover.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was looking through the books to review, I have to admit my heart stopped a minute when I read the description of this book. There in front of me was a story that I actually knew a little bit about. What caught my attention was the quote from Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor of LifeChurch.tv in Oklahoma.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of you may not know this, but I spent most of my life in Oklahoma. The first half, until I graduated high school, in Tulsa, the rest of my time was spent in Stillwater before moving back to my birthplace of Michigan. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am very familiar with LifeChurch as I was part of the family, my ex husband and I were both involved in the church. He served by greeting and ushering, I served by being a part of LifeKids in the 2-3 year old room. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During my time there I had heard stories about people and things they had tried to do to Craig. I am not sure why anyone would make such a big deal over him. But over the years, as LiveChurch grew into a worldwide service, I can certainly understand why he would be the subject of many discussions. Craig took the simple concept of one church, multiple locations to a whole new level. LifeChurch is based in Edmond, OK. It is the largest LifeChurch building in the state, next to Stillwater. This church then had many campus locations throughout the state and surrounding. Taking a live satellite feed of the Edmond campus and broadcasting it to each campus location. While each campus location had an associate pastor that would speak before we would watch Craig, it was Craig who led us all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">LifeChurch grew with every passing day. When I first started going to church, we were in a middle school auditorium for quite some time before we outgrew it. Eventually they found some property and were able to build this massive space. It was an amazing thing to watch as I have never witnessed something like this before. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, it only seemed natural that I be interested in a book that was centered on a plot to kill Craig Groeschel. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Meet Michael Leehan. At the age of 33 Michael made a decision to serve the darkness that had consumed his life for so long. He thought it would make his life easier; instead, he began a downward spiral to ruining his life. Leehan performed ritualistic cuttings; blood scarifies, served some time in jail, lost custody of his children, and lost job after job. He also became estranged from his family and friends. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first half of the book is about Michael’s life. How his parents treated him, the drug addiction, the near death experience. How his met his children’s mother and the relationships that followed. In the middle of the book is where it takes the turn. The darkness tells Leehan he must kill Craig Groeschel when he sees his family becoming involved in the church. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you are a believer or not, the story is a great one to read. LifeChurch is still thriving, and Craig Groeshel is still going strong. Michael Leehan was able to turn his life around, but you’ll have to read the story to find out what happened.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a writers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48045249486411410082011-09-22T05:30:00.000-04:002012-09-07T16:45:30.987-04:00I Will Not Cry for You Demand Studios<br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Oh, Demand Studios. You really think you are something special. You thrive on your throne thinking about how much money you are making off of the general population. You kick back, raking in millions while you pay your writers pennies. Then, you sit there and bitch when your writers give you factual information written at a 10<sup>th</sup> grade level.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">You want your writers to write as if each and every one of them has a Masters in English, or even a Doctorate. But, you are not willing to pay those people what they are really worth. Instead, there you sit, on your throne, sucking the life out of single parents, folks on disability, and anyone else just trying to make ends meet.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">I refused to let you suck me up and force me to bow down to your level. For two years I wrote for you. I wrote for you on a Bachelors degree level. We all followed each and every dreadful guideline that would change at a moment’s notice. I put up with Editors that did not know when to use where and wear. I may not be 100% perfect in grammar, but I don’t care. It’s not my job as a writer.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">It is also not my job to stand up for you, which I did, when others shot you down. Day after day I would read rants from people who complained about trying to write a $15 article with a small child at home. Complaining that it would take them 3-4 hours to write. It did not seem worth it to them. It is tiring trying to tell these folks that perhaps writing is not the job they need. It is tiring trying to tell folks that instead of looking at it in terms of getting paid 1 cent per word, look at it in terms of how much can you make in an hour. If you can’t write fast, this isn’t a place for you.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">You force requirements on writers, editors, titlers, and filmmaker’s but you do not give us employee benefits or wages. You prefer to keep us on independent contractor status so you don’t have to spend your money trying to keep good employees.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">One thing you may not know, as you sit there on your thrown, karma is a bitch and you will get what you deserve.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.883333206176758px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">You will fail in the end. I am sure Google is already working on another Panda take down plan.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43080693839549729902011-09-20T19:48:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.511-05:00Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh<div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how you nicely tell someone you’ve read it before. This was one of those same story, same characters (with different names) and pretty much the same plot. The only difference was, it was each one of those dollar store paperback novels that you quickly grab at the check-out counter for a quick summer read, all rolled in to one story.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The good part is, even though it was predictable and so much the same, I still liked it. It wasn’t as fast paced as I like my stories to be, but it was a nice “cozy up with a warm fuzzy blanket” sort of book. Restless in Carolina is the final book in Tamara Leigh's Southern Discomfort trilogy, and since I have not read the other books in the series, I can’t really say how they all tie in together. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is a widow at 33. Something she is still trying to come to terms with, years after her husband’s death. She is also the person responsible for selling her family’s estate. I prime piece of real estate for the right developer. However, the Pickwicks are not interested in a single -family home subdivision. No one can interest them in anything that will bring in tourist. They want to keep the land as natural and simple as possible.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">J.C. Dirk is a “green” property developer and sparks the interest of Bridget in more ways than one. What follows is a tale of secrets, stories, life, love and happy endings that you have read about in every other novel, but not put together nice and cozy as this one.<br /><br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from as part of a bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84562236944263634302011-09-17T07:10:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.513-05:00A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqMQ7aHO1wM/TnPObkA0TII/AAAAAAAAAho/3eu2SmtDjvo/s1600/ALCCsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqMQ7aHO1wM/TnPObkA0TII/AAAAAAAAAho/3eu2SmtDjvo/s1600/ALCCsm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The temperatures started to really drop here in Michigan. I was a little worried about trying to get in to a Christmas book so early, but with the chill in the air, I curled up with some hot tea and a soft blanket. It was a short, easy read, reading it in a day’s time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jamie has dreams. There has to be more to life than being a photographer at Sears Portrait Studio. An absent father enters her life, promising her an agent. This father is obviously trying to buy her love by getting her expensive clothes, cars and cameras. Perhaps he thinks this is to help with coping after the loss of her mother. C.J., her husband of four years, and his search & rescue dog Tucker, find themselves in the middle of a snowstorm on a journey out of town.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jamie promised her doctor that on her way she would drop off a homemade wooden whistle to 6 year old Danny. Danny lives at the end of town in the Amish community. As Jamie gets out of the car, in an obvious hurry, the car slides back into the snow & ice covered pond.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stranded in the Amish home, Jamie learns of the life between Sol & Mattie Riehl, their son Danny, and teen cousin Zach. The Rielhs, dealing with their own emotional turmoil, quickly make friends with the couple. </div><div class="MsoNormal">While one husband and wife reflect on the other, it is clear that not everyone is perfect. Marriage is hard work and one should not be so quick to want to end it. Between the two familes each are forced to question their faith during a turn of events on the Riehl farm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One Christmas morning, the families are given the best gift of all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though the book is a little predictable, it was still warm and heartfelt. It is sure to be a Christmas treasure to share year after year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection</b>: I received this book free as part of a bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-T-TITm-04/TnPOxzcaWwI/AAAAAAAAAhs/tNSQDwR2xUc/s1600/suzanne11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-T-TITm-04/TnPOxzcaWwI/AAAAAAAAAhs/tNSQDwR2xUc/s1600/suzanne11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the book:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic;">With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, <u></u>Suzanne Woods Fisher<u></u> offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.<u></u><u></u></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About Suzanne:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to<u></u>Pennsylvania<u></u>, as well as to <u></u><u></u>Ohio<u></u><u></u>, a couple of times each year for research.<br /><br />Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.<br /><br />When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Suzanne can be found on-line at: <a href="http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/">www.suzannewoodsfisher.com</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Link to buy the book:<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lancaster-County-Christmas-Suzanne-Fisher/dp/0800719956/ref=sprightly-20" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>Lancaster-County-Christmas-<wbr></wbr>Suzanne-Fisher/dp/0800719956/<wbr></wbr>ref=sprightly-20</a><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-weight: bold;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyXq_041ALU/TnPPd8gHJjI/AAAAAAAAAhw/CRkHWYej0qQ/s1600/ALCC_300x250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyXq_041ALU/TnPPd8gHJjI/AAAAAAAAAhw/CRkHWYej0qQ/s1600/ALCC_300x250.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">To celebrate the release of her first Christmas book, <u></u>Suzanne Woods Fisher<u></u> has teamed up with her publisher, <a href="http://www.revellbooks.com/ME2/Audiences/Default.asp" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Revell</a>, to bring you the "Christmas in September" iPad Giveaway!</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> The winner will be announced on 9/27 at the <i><span style="font-style: italic;">A Lancaster County Christmas </span></i><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215657098490794" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebook Party</a></span></b>! Details below. Tell your friends and join in the fun (9/7-9/27).<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Oh and be sure to follow <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13425768" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">the blog tour here</a> - many of the bloggers have copies of the book to giveaway! </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">(Enter graphic here – attached.)<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Suzanne and Revell will be presenting one merry winner with a Christmas Prize Pack (valued at over $600):</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">A Brand New iPad 2 with Wi-Fi<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">$25 gift certificate to iTunes<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">A copy of<i><span style="font-style: italic;"> A Lancaster County Christmas</span></i><u></u><u></u></span></span></li></span></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">To enter, click here <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13425768" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://litfusegroup.com/<wbr></wbr>blogtours/text/13425768</a>. </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> But, hurry the giveaway ends on 9/26.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">But, wait! There's more!</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> The winner will be announced at the <b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215657098490794" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party</a></span></b> on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *<b><span style="font-weight: bold;">BIG*</span></b> - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><b>THE BLOG TOUR</b></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/7<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Crystal</span></span><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> at Eccentric Eclectic Woman <a href="http://finamoon.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://finamoon.blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Charlene at Quintessentially Quilly <a href="http://quilldancer.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://quilldancer.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe <a href="http://juliearduini.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://juliearduini.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mocha with Linda <a href="http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mochawithlinda.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Wendi's Book Corner <a href="http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://wendisbookcorner.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Pamela at MommieCEOs <a href="http://www.mommieceos.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mommieceos.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/8<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jennifer at Reflections in the Window <a href="http://reflectionsinthewindow.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://reflectionsinthewindow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Holly at Savey Spender <a href="http://saveyspender.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://saveyspender.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Abi at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS <a href="http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://myheartbelongs2books.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Susie QTpies at Scraps of Life <a href="http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://cafescrapper-<wbr></wbr>scrapsoflife.blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Billie the Girl <a href="http://www.billiethegirl.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.billiethegirl.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/9<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer <a href="http://ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrte<wbr></wbr>r.blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mark at Thoughts of a Sojourner <a href="http://thoughtsofasojourner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thoughtsofasojourner.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Valentina at Carabosse's Library <a href="http://carabosseslibrary.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://carabosseslibrary.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Laurie Here Reading and Writing Reviews <a href="http://www.lauriehere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.lauriehere.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/10<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Nise' at Under the Boardwalk <a href="http://nisefunpages.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://nisefunpages.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Maggie at Tethered Mommy <a href="http://www.tetheredmommy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.tetheredmommy.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Heidi at Starts At Eight <a href="http://www.startsateight.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.startsateight.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Janelle at Cole Clan Adventures <a href="http://www.usmajcole.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.usmajcole.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Karla at Ramblin' Roads <a href="http://ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>ramblinroadstoeverywhere.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/12<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Anne at Mommy Has to Work <a href="http://mommyhastowork.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommyhastowork.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ruth at This That and the Other Thing <a href="http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://rannthisthat.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">April’s Lifestyle Show <a href="http://www.aprilslifestyleshow.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>aprilslifestyleshow.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mindy at A Room without Books is Empty <a href="http://detweilermom.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://detweilermom.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mary Ann at A Mom With A Blog <a href="http://www.amomwithablog.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amomwithablog.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/13<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ashley at One of a kind review for Great books <a href="http://ashleyeddins.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ashleyeddins.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Molly at Reviews By Molly <a href="http://www.reviewsbymolly.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.reviewsbymolly.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Leah at Love Grows Best Homeschool <a href="http://www.lovegrowsbesthomeschool.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>lovegrowsbesthomeschool.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Alaina at Dinker & Giggles <a href="http://dinkerandgiggles.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://dinkerandgiggles.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mollie at The Gandy's Home Base <a href="http://thegandyshomebase.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thegandyshomebase.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/14<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Danielle at The Happy Wife <a href="http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://juanshappywife.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Vic's Media Room <a href="http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://vicsmediaroom.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shari</span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> at The Knit Wit by Shair <a href="http://www.theknitwitbyshair.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.theknitwitbyshair.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Caroline at Happy Four <a href="http://happyfour.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://happyfour.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Busy Julie <a href="http://busyjulieblog.blogspot/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://busyjulieblog.blogspot</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Joy at Splashes Of Joy <a href="http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://splashesofjoy.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/15<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Karla at Quiet Quilter <a href="http://www.karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.karla-hanns-karla.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Laurel at Snowflakes to Hotcakes, with Bits of Grace <a href="http://fromsnowflakestohotcakes.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>fromsnowflakestohotcakes.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Bab’s Book Bistro <a href="http://www.babsbookbistro.net/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.babsbookbistro.net/<wbr></wbr>blog</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Laura at Lighthouse Academy <a href="http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lighthouse-academy.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Briana at I Can't Decide <a href="http://briana-icantdecide.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://briana-icantdecide.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/16<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Michelle at Our Little Corner of the World <a href="http://littlecornerofworld.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://littlecornerofworld.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Gretta at The Johns Family <a href="http://grettajohns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://grettajohns.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Christy at Home of OHM <a href="http://www.scrappy2010ramblings.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>scrappy2010ramblings.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Patricia at Dream A Little Dream <a href="http://liveanddreamalittledream.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>liveanddreamalittledream.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Melinda Joy: Living, Laughing, Loving <a href="http://www.reviewsbymelindajoy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>reviewsbymelindajoy.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/17<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shonda at The Knowlton Nest <a href="http://www.jsknowlton.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.jsknowlton.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Karen's Korner <a href="http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://stillmagnolias.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mel at MamaBuzz <a href="http://www.mamabzz.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mamabzz.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Christine at Write to the Heart <a href="http://writing2theheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://writing2theheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Chrystal at Self Employed Writer <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.selfemployedwriter.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/19<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Musings By <u></u><u></u>Lynn<u></u><u></u> <a href="http://www.musingsbylynn.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>musingsbylynn.blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jennifer at Life Happens / A Book Lovers Dream <a href="http://lifehappensmamastyle.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lifehappensmamastyle.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Loren at Heart of A Bookworm <a href="http://www.heartofabookworm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.heartofabookworm.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Paige at Page by Paige <a href="http://thesweetandthesassy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thesweetandthesassy.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews <a href="http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://knitsandreads.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/20<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jodie at Mom's Pace <a href="http://www.moms-pace.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.moms-pace.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Julee at Mommy's Memorandum <a href="http://mommysmemorandum.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommysmemorandum.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Pamela at Daysong Reflections <a href="http://daysongreflections.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://daysongreflections.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Libby's Library <a href="http://www.libslibrary.blogsopt.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.libslibrary.<wbr></wbr>blogsopt.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Andi at Radiant Light <a href="http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.frommipov.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Hattie at Everything Has A Purpose <a href="http://readwithtea.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://readwithtea.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Lizzie at A Dusty Frame <a href="http://www.adustyframe.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.adustyframe.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Marissa at The Review Stew <a href="http://www.thereviewstew.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.thereviewstew.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/21<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Faith at Labor Not In Vain <a href="http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://labornotinvain.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jettie's Ramblings <a href="http://jettiesramblings.blogpot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://jettiesramblings.<wbr></wbr>blogpot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Paula at The Phantom Paragrapher <a href="http://www.thephantomparagraher.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>thephantomparagraher.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Pamela at The Pondering Princess <a href="http://www.livelaughlovewiththeponderingprincess.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>livelaughlovewiththeponderingp<wbr></wbr>rincess.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Cara at The Law, Books and Life <a href="http://blog.caraputman.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://blog.caraputman.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tammy at Tammy Is Blessed <a href="http://tammyisblessed.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://tammyisblessed.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/22<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">My Friend Amy <a href="http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.myfriendamysblog.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts <a href="http://christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>christianchicksthoughts.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sheila at Showcase Sisters <a href="http://showcasesisters.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://showcasesisters.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Maureen at Simply Stacie <a href="http://simplystacie.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://simplystacie.net</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Donna at Books and such <a href="http://bookworm56.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bookworm56.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Staci at 7 on a Shoestring <a href="http://7onashoestring.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://7onashoestring.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/<u></u>23<u></u><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Melanie at So Many Books.. So Little Time <a href="http://melanieski.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://melanieski.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tiffany at A Cozy Reader's Corner <a href="http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://acozyreaderscorner.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ponderings by Andrea <a href="http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://andrealschultz.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Carrie at Farming On Faith <a href="http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://farmingonfaith.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shoopette's Book Reviews <a href="http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://shoopettesbookreviews.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">JHS at Colloquium <a href="http://www.jhsiess.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.jhsiess.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/24<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood <a href="http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.thezenofmotherhood.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Carol at Books Before Food <a href="http://bookbeforefood.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bookbeforefood.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kat at Reviews From The Heart <a href="http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://reviewsfromtheheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tracy</span></span><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">'s Treasure of Books <a href="http://www.tracystreasureofbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>tracystreasureofbooks.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Brynna at Joy Filled Living <a href="http://joyfilledmama.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://joyfilledmama.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Amber at Seasons of Humilityhttp://<a href="http://www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.<wbr></wbr>seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Megan at The joys of life <a href="http://www.raunandmegan.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.raunandmegan.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Lori at Frog's Lilypad <a href="http://lori1971.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lori1971.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tracy</span></span><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">'s Nook <a href="http://www.tracysnook.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.tracysnook.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/26<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Michelle at Life in Review <a href="http://lifeinreviewblog.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lifeinreviewblog.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Marjorie at The Writer's Tool <a href="http://marjorievawter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://marjorievawter.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Linda at Christian Book Reviews <a href="http://www.onedesertrose.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.onedesertrose.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Joyce at Deco My Heart <a href="http://joyanne-decomyheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://joyanne-decomyheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ariel at The Librarian's Bookshelf <a href="http://thelibrariansbookshelf.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thelibrariansbookshelf.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ashley's Bookshelf <a href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ashleysbookshelf.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Anna at The Cross Is All <a href="http://annawood.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://annawood.wordpress.com/</a><wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kristie at Family, Scrapbooks and Coffee <a href="http://needcoffeeplease.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://needcoffeeplease.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> </span></span></div></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21611784990449525682011-09-09T20:09:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.515-05:00The Quotable Rogue by Matt West<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:5.3.10SarahPalinByDavidShankbone.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sarah Palin at the Time 100 Gala, in Manhattan..." height="388" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/5.3.10SarahPalinByDavidShankbone.jpg/300px-5.3.10SarahPalinByDavidShankbone.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:5.3.10SarahPalinByDavidShankbone.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The Ideals of Sarah Palin : In Her Own Words</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not a political person. I tend to be in the middle of either side. There are things about one side I don’t like, but do whether it be democrat or republican. It makes things rather difficult in my head. But, we are not going to get into a political chit-chat about that.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think Sarah Palin, as a person, intrigued me. Here was this strong woman from Alaska. I mean, Alaska! How many people do you know up there who ice fishes? Not only that, but guts, cleans and cooks their fish right on the lake side? Not many. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She’s blunt, she’s true to herself and she’s real. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you believe in her views or not, whether I do or not, does not change the way I see her as a strong individual woman.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first chapter is the author speaking his views on Palin. How he started writing about her on a political blog, and followed her through the campaign. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As soon as he is done, BAM! The abortion chapter rears its ugly head first. Maybe not the topic I would have started with. How about Alaska, or her background, or maybe even her love for Americans?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have problems with someone making my decisions for me. I will not force my thoughts or decisions on someone else. It’s my body, it’s my choice. Does that mean I am for abortion? No. But I am not against it in certain circumstances. I know so many people say “oh so many people out there need a baby” and all I want to say is, do you know how many children are in our foster care and adoption system that patiently wait for a home? Not many do because they don’t want to know.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I am saying though is that I do not want anyone to take my right to choose away from me. It is my life. Would I have one? I doubt it. But I can’t make the choice for someone else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So trying to read through these types of topics that are so “my way is the right way” makes me want to do nothing more than throw my Nook across the room.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">By the end of the chapter I realize I can’t sit here and read a book full of quotes. Nor do I care to pick apart my beliefs vs. hers or anyone else’s. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although I have to admit I was quite tickled on the chapter about living in Alaska. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=7ff8e1f4-48cb-4e45-84ae-1911ecfccde7" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15232648356447713152011-09-09T16:41:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.517-05:00Boscuttis Don Thompson by Stefano Boscutti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80789?ref=cmahan"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjuNGMXQIdI/Tmp5s3rDbcI/AAAAAAAAAhk/35jav5VEFYE/s1600/boscutti-don-simpson-novel-150.jpg" /></a></div>It's wild! It's crazy! It will take you for a ride.<br /><br />No.<br /><br />It really will. Just trust me.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Steve Buscemi was an author instead of an actor? I have.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wondered if his speaking voice would carry through to his writing voice and what that would “sound” like. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book would read something like:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stop.</div><div class="MsoNormal">She wore red.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wait.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Come back.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I like red.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Red is pretty.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It goes with her hair.</div><div class="MsoNormal">End.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just very cut and dry, short stop sentences. No real description because it’s obvious what’s going on.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was given a chance to read a book by <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80789?ref=cmahan">Stefano Boscutti called Boscutti’s Don Simpson (Novel)</a>. Up to this point I had never heard of Mr. Boscutti, but as with all books I will read anything once. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was a little worried when I first started this book. I felt like I was starting to read a screenplay with the first line “Fade up live version of JIMI HENDRIX’S psychedelic ‘Are You Experienced?’ under flashes of ‘Dangerous Minds’ movie poster with MICHELLE PFEIFFER……”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And what’s up with those caps?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every famous person mentioned in this novel is done in all caps. Now, I have read many novels in my 36 years of life but I can honestly say I have never read a novel where there were caps for people’s names. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nor have I read a novel where it feels like you are reading an autobiography turned screenplay. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have now. And I was greedy in absorbing every word of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fade to black.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Simpson">Don Simpson</a>,1943-1996, was the film producer responsible for such hit movies as Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, Top Gun and The Rock. You may know his partners name, Jerry Bruckheimer, more than you might know Simpson.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure why that is. I have seen these movies over and over again, and Simpson was never a name that stood out for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is not a biography. It’s not even a memoir. It’s purely a work of fiction. I have one word for it:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Brilliant. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or in this case it would be BRILLIANT!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Descriptive, but short and to the point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not long.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not all drawn out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s right to the point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So where does Steve Buscemi fit in to all of this? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He’s in my head. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I read this novel I found myself reading it as if the voice was Buscemi because I guess my brain was telling me that’s how Simpson would sound if he were telling his story out loud. Or, if this were happy hour story time, the voice reading to us would be Buscemi. It is what it is, I have no other explanation. Sometimes my brain has a mind of its own.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80789?ref=cmahan">Boscutti picks the novel</a> up the day that Don Simpson went into cardiac arrest for combined drug intoxication. Ouch. What follows is Simpson “speaking” at the beginning of every chapter and then the rest of the chapter is the “story” of the events in Simpson’s life. You get the sense that this is one of those stories that he’s “telling” or remembering in his head as his life fades away. He is alone and there is nothing anyone can do to save him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stories unfold about drug addiction, alcohol, sex addiction, S&M sex fetish, plenty of foul words, prostitution, and a behind the scenes look of the movie business. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it fact or fiction? It makes you wonder. Every time another star is mentioned I start thinking back to that time period and wondering, “Did this really happen”? Do I remember this? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, maybe it DID happen?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it live? Or is it Memorex? Oh, poo. You know I just had to say it. Its so cliché, its perfect.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once you get through the 100 and some chapters, don’t worry, they are short and to the point, you reach the Authors Note. Because I have never read a story written like this I really wanted to find out more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what Boscutti has to say “I’m fairly excitable, brisk-talking person. So, if that’s how I communicate with words coming out of my mouth, that’s how I am going to communicate with my words coming out of my fingers onto the keyboard. I tend to have short sentences, pretty abrupt. Some may call it jarring. I’ll chop out unnecessary words to speed up the text, to accelerate the story. ………chops intro and outro to speed up the story……favor words that can do the job in two syllables rather than three…..avoid literary-type words…..I don’t want to write typical stories that live in books, that live and die on the page. I want to liberate my stories. I want to electrify them. I want to give them life. “</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why suddenly do I feel like giving the finger to half the literary agents I know?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have written like this. Not a full- fledged novel, but rather some web posts and had people bash me for calling myself a writer, well, really I was just a blogger, and telling me I had so style.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, maybe in this day and age there really is no style.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While this was supposed to be a book review, I fear it has turned into more of an author review. But when a novel is good, the author is good and I feel Boscutti’s writing style with Buscemi voice deserves to be noted.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wonder if he needs an apprentice. I could use a short sentenced mentor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well done, Maestro. Well done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80789?ref=cmahan">Now, readers, go!</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I mean RUN!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I guess we don’t run in the virtual world but just click on over to the website of your choice where you get your books and get this book. While you are there, check out some of his others, I know I will.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think Elvis will be entering the building since Simpson just checked out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">©2011 Chrystal Mahan</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11026347151166265912011-09-06T16:56:00.003-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.624-04:00Mat Kearney's : Young LoveI have been a fan of Mat Kearney ever since I heard the song "Undeniable." The thing about Kearney is that he really is not like all the other artists out there. He is a bit poppy, but rather catchy. He does not follow the beaten path when it comes to being a pop tart. That suits me just fine. Britney Spears ruined me forever when it comes to the pop tart music scene.<br /><br />I enjoy the fact that Kearney's lyrics are soulful and you can actually feel them. What I don't like with the new album, Young Love, is that the music sounds a little bit like the past albums. Different words, same music. I certainly hope hes not going to follow in the footsteps of bands like Godsmack and Nickleback who re-purpose guitar rifs for the sake of another hit.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Don't become a sell out.<br /><br />If you enjoy some catchy, easy on the ears tunes, than this is a perfect album for you.<br /><br />I received this CD for free as part of the One 2 One Network. I was not required to write a positive review, just an honest one.<br /><br /><br />For More Information:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Mat Kearney</strong></span>'s third album, <strong><em>Young Love</em></strong>, hit stores last week<span style="color: #ff6600;">debuting on the #1 spot on iTunes</span> Album and Rock charts and is currently sitting at #5!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Propelled by the <span style="color: #ff6600;">sunny handclap</span> and <span style="color: #ff6600;">catchy hook</span> of hit single "<span style="color: #ff6600;">Hey Mama</span>", <em>Young Love</em> is quickly making listeners fall for Mat all over again. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9qUMr6feOI&feature=player_embedded" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Check out the video for "Hey Mama" here</span></a>. And check out his really cool </span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><a href="http://bit.ly/YLWidget" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">thinglink widget here.</span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />Mat Kearney is <span style="color: #ff6600;">an O2O favorite</span> and some of you may have been lucky enough to catch his super fun <span style="color: #ff6600;">performance at BlissDom'11</span> where he did a surprised duet with Michelle Branch.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you aren't familiar with Mat's music you've probably heard some of his previous hits on your favorite TV shows. Past songs have appeared on </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, NCIS, and numerous other television shows.</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mat's been winning over crowds on tours with everyone from John Mayer and Sheryl Crow to Keane and The Fray.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Young Love </em>Tracklisting</span></strong></span><br /><div class="track typeMP3" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 Hey Mama</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 Ships In The Night</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />3 Count On Me</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />4 Sooner Or Later</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />5 Chasing The Light</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />6 Learning To Love Again</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />7 Down</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />8 She Got The Honey</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />9 Young Dumb And In Love</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />10 Rochester<br />11 Seventeen</span></span></div><div class="track typeMP3" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mat on Tour This Fall</span></span></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mat is hitting the road in September playing nearly 40 shows in US & Canada. <strong> Tickets on sale now.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9/14 <span style="color: black;">Jacksonville, FL</span> Murray Hill <br />9/16 <span style="color: black;">Charleston, SC </span> Music Farm <br />9/17 <span style="color: black;">Athens, GA</span> GA Theater <br />9/18 <span style="color: black;">Carrboro, NC </span> Cat's Cradle <br />9/20 <span style="color: black;">Charlottesville, VA </span> Jefferson Theater <br />9/23 <span style="color: black;">Louisville, KY </span> Headliners <br />9/24 <span style="color: black;">Cincinnati, OH </span> Bogart's <br />9/25 <span style="color: black;">Cleveland, OH</span> House of Blues <br />9/27 <span style="color: black;">Interlochen, MI</span> Corson Aud <br />9/29 <span style="color: black;">Urbana, IL </span> Canopy Club <br />9/30 <span style="color: black;"> Milwaukee, WI </span> Turner Hall <br />10/1 <span style="color: black;">Des Moines, IA</span> People's Court <br />10/2 <span style="color: black;">Omaha, NE</span> Sokol Auditorium <br />10/4 <span style="color: black;">Bloomington, IN</span> Bluebird <br />10/5 <span style="color: black;"> St Louis, MO </span> The Pageant <br />10/7 <span style="color: black;">Oxford, MS </span> The Lyric <br />10/8 <span style="color: black;"> Pine Mountain, GA</span> Callaway Gardens </span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">10/9 <span style="color: black;"> Birmingham, AL</span> Workplay Theatre </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />10/20 <span style="color: black;">Nashville, TN </span> Cannery <br />10/23 <span style="color: black;"> Washington, DC </span> 9:30 Club <br />10/24 <span style="color: black;"> Baltimore, MD </span> Ram's Head <br />10/25 <span style="color: black;"> Lancaster, PA </span> Chameleon <br />10/27 <span style="color: black;"> Allentown, PA </span> Crocodile Rock 10/28 <span style="color: black;"> New York, NY </span> Webster Hall <br />10/29 <span style="color: black;"> Philadelphia, PA </span> Theater of LIving Arts <br />10/30 <span style="color: black;"> Albany, NY </span> Northern Lights 11/1 <span style="color: black;"> Northampton, MA </span> Pearl Street<br />11/2 <span style="color: black;">New Haven, CT </span> Toad's Place 11/4 <span style="color: black;">Boston, MA </span> House of Blues <br />11/5 <span style="color: black;">Portland, ME </span> State Theatre <br />11/6 <span style="color: black;"> Burlington, VT </span> Higher Ground <br />11/8 <span style="color: black;"> Montreal, QC </span> Petite Campus<br />11/9 <span style="color: black;"> Toronto, ON </span> Opera House <br />11/11 <span style="color: black;"> Buffalo, NY </span> Town Ballroom <br />11/12 <span style="color: black;"> Pittsburgh, PA</span> Rex Theater <br />11/13 <span style="color: black;"> Detroit, MI </span> St. Andrews <br />11/15 <span style="color: black;"> Columbus, OH </span> Newport Music Hall<strong> </strong></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11/17 <span style="color: black;"> Chicago, IL </span> House of Blues </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong> </strong>11/19 <span style="color: black;">Madison, WI </span> The Majestic</span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11/20 <span style="color: black;"> Minneapolis, MN </span> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">First Avenue</span></span></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63218538506414503402011-08-29T08:40:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:27.490-05:00Outsourcing Can Kiss My A$$<div class="MsoNormal">Outsourcing can kiss my ass.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It can.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not a prejudge or racist person by any means. And anyone who knows anything about my life and my ex husband can testify to that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to rant.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is going to take a bit so you might want to grab a cup of coffee and make sure you are nice and comfortable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Outsourcing can kiss my ass.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I said it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">From January to June I took 9 college classes so I could graduate and not drag it out until Christmas. In that time Google had its big crackdown. I was actually happy about it. There is just too much crap out there and too many people stuffing it with crap just to make a few dollars. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It rattled many of the writing clients I had. At the time I was not concerned with it because school was keeping me busy and I did not have time to really think it over. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, here I am a graduate and I have to compete with people in other countries who will work for 50 cents an hour. I know the exchange rate pretty well and no matter what country you live in, that is hardly going to cover the cost your monthly internet connection.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am smart damn it. So smart that I was accepted into the graduate program, this will start in a few weeks. My time is worth much more than 50 cents, minimum wage, or hell even $15 an hour for that matter and that’s what I have my rates set at on jobs that need hourly payments. My project fees vary. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I can’t seem to land one client in the categories I really want because “I costly.” I kid you not, that was actually a client’s reply to my bid. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of the time I just brush it off and keep looking. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I ran across a man that lives here in the United States. He is looking for someone to work 5-8 hours a day to be his virtual assistant. He may require some Saturdays, too. They pay? Get this, $350.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No, that is not a typo and no, that is not per week. That is per MONTH.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That man should be ashamed of himself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted to bid on the job just to tell him that, but I feared losing my account along with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s just disgusting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t understand how anyone can make a living with clients saturating the boards with this rubbish.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17761319739563277072011-08-28T09:39:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.519-05:00The Cell by Chris Hambleton<object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/anuvlp6xYK8&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/anuvlp6xYK8&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What is wrong with the world today?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I wonder if anyone sits down and really thinks about the state of the world. How many of those people really have the “well I won’t be alive to see it attitude”? Or, if you are like me, you wonder just what one person can really do to change so many things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hambleton has a way of telling a story. It may not be real today, but it could very well be real on the same day, within another year. What we have is a book, with a spiritual theme, and a Sci-Fi genre. Not many can pull of such a task. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I admit it took me a while to actually get in to this book. Once I stopped focusing on the present day and looked at it from a different point of view I was able to read between the lines a little more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“The Cell” is full of colorful characters; John, Najeev Mohammaed, William, the powerful Professor Burkhart who is also the main leading character, who helps John fight the Supreme Court against the Anit-Hate group, FAAHAD, which is completely corrupt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a world where Christianity is abolished. A world where Christianity has gone underground and groups rally to try to save it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every page brought new information. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At times I found it hard to follow along, but I was so engrossed I kept reading until there was an easy stopping point and would go back and scan over previous pages.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Engaging books can be overwhelming to some, but I found it quite enjoyable because I was reading something outside of my comfort box. I tend to shy away from books regarding religion and other countries. I fear too many rely on past events, such as 9/11 to feed their novels. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I did not feel that at all with this one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a book within a book. The author mixes fact with fiction, and it is up to you, the reader, to decide what to do with this information. You will see parallels with his Sci-Fi world and the world which you are living right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1609573528&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>What do you do with this information? Share it? Or pack the book away for safe keeping, as sort of a manual in case you should need it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What would happen if Christianity were to be declared a terrorist group in the world today?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That choice is yours, but you have to read the book first.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the author for a paid review. I was not required to write a positive review. I am required only to write my own opinions. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52868554929046312262011-08-27T12:50:00.013-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.521-05:00Free eBook: The Google Adsense Empire Handbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nkWroXKIsI/Tkarmj0LblI/AAAAAAAAAfs/GC73h9RPpdA/s1600/vae-ebookcover-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nkWroXKIsI/Tkarmj0LblI/AAAAAAAAAfs/GC73h9RPpdA/s1600/vae-ebookcover-small.jpg" /></a></div><br />This was one of the first ebooks I read when I ventured into blogging for money. I have had this blog since 2004. It was not until late 2010 I purchased a domain and changed the name & format. In 2011 I started to set up adsense and a few other affiliates. I put the project on hold while I finished my education and worked on other things. I still work on monetizing this site here and there, but perhaps not as much as I should ;)<br /><br />You can download this adsense book here. <a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/94049682/Building-Your-Own-Adsense-Empire_A-2006-E.zip">Building Your Own Adsense Empire: The Google Adsense Handbook</a><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58541760128829681402011-08-26T15:08:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.523-05:00Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down by Jeremy Kingsley<div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g9P0bSNeL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy Kingsley, the founder of OneLife Ministries has been through his own share of hard times. These days, who hasn’t?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Having to deal with my own stressors, I thought I would give yet another “knock down get back up” themed book a chance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book is a quick read, only a mere 120 pages. I was able to get it read in a few hours. I happily absorbed everything Mr. Kingsley had to say. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked most about this book is he was honest. He let the reader know that we all go through rough times. Each person’s definition about what is rough to them is going change from person to person. But we all have a point in our life where things become hard, for many different reasons. We also all handle those things differently.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another good thing I liked about the book is how each chapter is full practical advice that anyone can follow. The book is more motivational and inspirational. You can have your moment where you throw yourself a pity party. It can’t last. Life does not stop and you must move forward. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What the book does give you is a little bit of guidance to show you what is going on around you. So you lost your job. Sorry and it is awful, but what are you going to do? You are going to treat looking for a new job as if that is now your job. File for unemployment and see if there are any state help benefits you can qualify for in your time of need. Start networking. What you may find is a career hiding right under your nose.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The point is to not dwell so much on what happened to make life tough. We all know it is tough and you know it too. But if you give up, you win nothing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64323142787084251592011-08-26T10:16:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.525-05:005 More Things I have Learned from the Amish<div class="MsoNormal">Guest blog from <st1:personname w:st="on">Suzanne Woods Fisher</st1:personname> for “Amish Values for Your Family” (Revell)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Five More Things I’ve Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Live humbly. </b>This is the basis of the Amish life. They don’t waste, they reuse and recycle, they live simply and without luxury, they provide for each other’s needs. Daily life is embroidered with gratitude for all God has given them. Two prayers bookend every meal—a meal begins with thanks to God for the nourishing food, and ends with gratitude for what was received. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “The blessing of sharing outweighs the blessing of having.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Choose simplicity over clutter. Economy over luxury. And give thanks!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A task takes as long as it takes.</b> It seems like such a paradox—the Amish are busy, yet unhurried. They have a deliberateness in their actions—one job isn’t more important than the other. And they don’t have televisions or computers or radios or telephones—which gives them more time to cook, fish at the lake, enjoy a good book, and spend with their children and grandchildren. They have time to slow down a bit—to smell the roses along their path. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Every day that dawns brings something to do that can never be done as well again.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Reduce the time where attention is focused on electronics (computer! Cell phone! Television!) and strive to be more emotionally present when with others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Success and Size are not related.</b> The Amish have rapidly adopted to the demands of the modern business world. Their self-owned businesses are remarkably successful, but not at the cost of everything else. They view money as a tool, not the goal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Love, peace, and happiness in the home is of infinitely more value than honor, fame and wealth.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Never let ambition destroy life’s better goals. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>They teach us not to seek vengeance but to forgive</b>. The Amish take the Lord’s Prayer seriously—if they are asking God to forgive them their sins, they must be willing to forgive others who have sinned against them. Being a forgiving person is an everyday intention. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “It is far better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> No doubt you’re familiar with the Nickel Mines tragedy. I<span style="color: #111111;">f the Amish can forgive the killer of their children, can’t we forgive a friend for not inviting us to a party? Or a driver who cuts us off? Make forgiveness your default button. A habit. An everyday intention. <br /><br /></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>God has a plan</b>. To the Amish, everything passes through the hands of God. Everything. Joys and sorrows, both. God is sovereign over all—from weather to illness to births to who’s in the White House. They yield to God’s perfect will, trust Him for what they don’t understand, and thank Him for what they do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “God’s hand that holds the ocean’s depth can hold my small affairs. His hand, which guides the universe, can carry all my cares.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Trusting God isn’t passive—it takes a lot of work! But what peace and joy are available to us when we put our faith in the Almighty God. Everything, ultimately, works out for good. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:personname w:st="on"><i>Suzanne Woods Fisher</i></st1:personname><i> is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called <a href="http://toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom">Amish Wisdom</a>. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/suzannewoodsfisher" target="_blank"><b>Facebook,</b></a> <b><a href="http://twitter.com/suzannewfisher" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b> and <b><a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">on her blog</a></b>!<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68680229856571603262011-08-25T09:20:00.004-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.527-05:00Amish Values for Your Family by Suzanne Woods Fischer<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1p6LYBtPEA/TlZfldriStI/AAAAAAAAAf8/9I7wrwU4hDY/s1600/Amish+Values+sm+website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1p6LYBtPEA/TlZfldriStI/AAAAAAAAAf8/9I7wrwU4hDY/s1600/Amish+Values+sm+website.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For most of my adult life I have always been intrigued by the Amish way of life. I love their family unity, how the live, love, and learn from the land. I am amazed by their way of life, how they create, and how they cook. There are times when I wish my life could be less full of electronics and “things” and fuller of unity and appreciation. I crave a simple, minimal life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When it came time to read this book I was overcome with joy. I could not wait to dive in. I wondered how I would be able to incorporate something from the Amish way of life into my life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the very beginning of the book we are given some cold, hard facts:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>children’s free time has declined by 12 hours a week</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>time spent on structured sport activities has doubled</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>family dinners are down 1/3</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>family vacations are down 28%</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how parents keep up. There is too much TV, too many video games, too much time on the internet, and pushing them through too many activities. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what has increased? The Amish. They are the strongest and most stable family systems in the US today. There is a close to ZERO percent of divorce, lower rate of heart disease, lower rate of cancer, and their children are not depressed, no suicidal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What does that tell you?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps there is something to the Amish that we can all adopt in our own way of life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite things I learned in this book was an excerpt regarding their view of the children; Children belong to God, not the parents. Parents raise their children with clear boundaries and healthy detachment. Hoped for, loved, but not adored. It is due to these values that children are always involved in the life of the family, jobs picked and suited to them and their age, but life does not revolve around them (Fischer, 16).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is a terrible problem in my household. Although I do not have any children of my own, my fiancé has a 6 year old daughter. Her mother/his ex wife had two children prior to their marriage, and when the daughter was just about 2, they separated, she had an affair and gave birth to a 4<sup>th</sup> child. The older two have no relationship with their fathers. With the divorce they lost the only father they had known, but they gained a new one eventually with the father of baby #4. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My fiancés mother/the daughter’s grammie seems to think these children are broken, even now after years of separation and divorce. Although she has gotten better about the other two since they are old enough to mouth off to her, she smothers the daughter of my fiancé and therefore she is not being taught the basic meaning to living, such as job, money, chores, responsibility. Instead she wants, cries, whines, and refuses to sit home and play. I feel my fiancé and his mother could benefit from this book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When the daughter is with me, I do my best to teach her to appreciate what she does have and take care of it. If she wants new, she does chores for me to earn her keep, and she donates some of her old to kids in need. My fiancé and I plan to take her to the soup kitchen so she can begin to grasp the real world from a point of view other than her grandmothers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pick chores and have her help me with cooking based on her age and what I know she can do. Funny thing, she loves it. She loves that she can do it! It teaches her so much better than running down the street to buy her something, which I refuse to do. It has been a long struggle for me these last 3 years trying to teach her a better way so she is not so spoiled. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Her father is amazed at her progress and even her mother has praised me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am glad someone is listening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I plan to keep this book as a reference and perhaps give it to his mother to read. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the other things I have just gotten in to that was also mentioned in the book is we make things instead of buying it. I make her father do crafts with us so we can bond and she can learn. Its proved to be an amazing amount of fun! It also reminds me of times with my own mother.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the things I am going to change right now is Christmas Day. One page 38 of the book we are given a story about how each child gets something the same, something they each need, and one small thing they want instead of overloading them with countless gifts the way so many do. My fiancé is a victim of that trap. He feels his daughter will love him less if he spends less and does not have a certain amount of presents. The same for his presents to his mother. I told him this year we are going to have to change that. We simply can’t afford to keep going the way he does. We plan to make a lot of gifts this year, with his daughter’s involvement. I think that is something special to the grandparents that no amount of money can buy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I vow a life with less “things” and more love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/this-weeks-contest-book-giveaway.html">Yesterday I spoke of a contest</a>, you will want to make sure you read about it.</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>I am also doing my own contest and giving a copy of the book away to my readers.</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>To participate you will get an entry for each of the following:</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>Commenting on this blog</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>"Liking" Me on Facebook</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>Tweeting my review</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>Entering the authors contest</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>Please leave me a comment letting me know what you have completed. I will randomly pick the winner on Monday.</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from the publisher as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. I am required only to write my own opinions. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> If you care to follow <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13421895">the blog tour</a>:</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/15<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tea Time with Annie Kate <a href="http://anniekateshomeschoolreviews.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>anniekateshomeschoolreviews.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Crystal</span></span><u></u><u></u> <span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">at Eccentric Eclectic Woman <a href="http://finamoon.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://finamoon.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Abi @ 4 the LOVE of BOOKS <a href="http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://myheartbelongs2books.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mocha with Linda <a href="http://mochawithlinda.bloodspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mochawithlinda.<wbr></wbr>bloodspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sarah at Growing For Christ <a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ohiosarah" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.homeschoolblogger.<wbr></wbr>com/ohiosarah</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/16<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Blossom at North Laurel Home & School <a href="http://www.nlfamily.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.nlfamily.net</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Holly at 2 Kids and Tired Books <a href="http://2kidsandiredbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://2kidsandiredbooks.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tarena at Laughing Family <a href="http://laughingfamily.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://laughingfamily.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Becky at In The Pages <a href="http://inthepages.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://inthepages.blogspot.com</a><wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">April at Heartfelt Homeschooling <a href="http://bzoohomeschool.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bzoohomeschool.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/17<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jill at Book, Books Everywhere <a href="http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bookbookseverywhere.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Leila R All Meant To Shine <a href="http://allmeanttoshine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://allmeanttoshine.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Brenda at WV Stitcher <a href="http://www.kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.kittycrochettwo.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Glenda at Authors Book Corner <a href="http://www.authorsbookcorner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.AuthorsBookCorner.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sharon</span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">'s <u></u><u></u>Garden<u></u> of <u></u>Book Reviews<u></u><u></u> <a href="http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>sharonsgardenofbookreviews.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/18<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jill at Blessed Beyond a Doubt... <a href="http://blessedwith5sons.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://blessedwith5sons.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Anne at Mommy Has to Work <a href="http://mommyhastowork.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommyhastowork.com</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kari at Alas 3 Lads <a href="http://www.alas3lads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.alas3lads.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">V.E. at <u></u><u></u>Duncan<u></u> <u></u>Heights<u></u><u></u> <a href="http://www.duncanheights.com/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.duncanheights.com/<wbr></wbr>blog</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Colleen at The Great Gorp Project <a href="http://www.gorp.typepad.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.gorp.typepad.com</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/19<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Diane at That's What I'm Here For <a href="http://www.dianeestrella.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.dianeestrella.com</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Leah at Love Grows Best Homeschool <a href="http://www.lovegrowsbesthomeschool.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>lovegrowsbesthomeschool.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Vic's Media Room <a href="http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://vicsmediaroom.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shari</span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> at The Knit Wit by Shair <a href="http://www.theknitwitbyshair.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.theknitwitbyshair.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Splashes Of Joy at <a href="http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://splashesofjoy.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/20<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Karla at Quiet Quilter <a href="http://www.karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.karla-hanns-karla.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tonya at Geek Girl Reviews <a href="http://www.geekgirlreviews.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.geekgirlreviews.com</a><wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Laurel at From Snowflakes To Hotcakes, With Bits of Grace <a href="http://fromsnowflakestohotcakes.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>fromsnowflakestohotcakes.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Heather T Servant, Wife, Mother <a href="http://servantwifemother.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://servantwifemother.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Bab’s Book Bistro <a href="http://www.babsbookbistro.net/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.babsbookbistro.net/<wbr></wbr>blog</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/22<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jessica at Farm Fresh <a href="http://farmfreshiowa.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://farmfreshiowa.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Briana at I can't decide <a href="http://briana-icantdecide.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://briana-icantdecide.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Theresa at Frugal Experiments <a href="http://www.frugalexperiments.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.frugalexperiments.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Rhiana at A Frugal Life <a href="http://www.afrugallife.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.afrugallife.org</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Melinda Joy: Living, Laughing, Loving <a href="http://www.reviewsbymelindajoy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>reviewsbymelindajoy.com/</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Elana at The Twinners Reviews & Giveaways <a href="http://www.thetwinners.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.thetwinners.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/<u></u>23<u></u><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ruth at Throughts from a princess <a href="http://ruthkaup.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ruthkaup.wordpress.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Brian at Live Generously <a href="http://livegenerously.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://livegenerously.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Emily at Grace Like Rain <a href="http://writingsofasmalltowngirl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>writingsofasmalltowngirl.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sharon</span></span><u></u><u></u> <span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">at Faith Hope & Cherry Tea <a href="http://faithhopecherrytea.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://faithhopecherrytea.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Deb’s Here <a href="http://debshere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://debshere.blogspot.com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shonda at The Knowlton Nest <a href="http://www.jsknowlton.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.jsknowlton.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/24<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM <a href="http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ramblesahm.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mel at MamaBuzz <a href="http://www.mamabzz.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mamabzz.com</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Christine at Write to the Heart <a href="http://writing2theheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://writing2theheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Maopa at Luscious Deals <a href="http://lusciousdeals.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lusciousdeals.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/25<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Chrystal at Self Employed Writer <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.selfemployedwriter.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Annette at A Well-Watered Garden http:<a href="http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">awell-wateredgarden.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Freda's Voice <a href="http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://fredasvoice.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Musings By <u></u><u></u>Lynn<u></u><u></u> <a href="http://www.musingsbylynn.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.musingsbylynn.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Julie at My <u></u><u></u>Kansas City<u></u><u></u> Mommy <a href="http://www.mykansascitymommy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mykansascitymommy.<wbr></wbr>com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/26<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Robin at Write at Home Mom <a href="http://robinmerrill.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://robinmerrill.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Stephanie at Hungry <a href="http://stephaniemetzger.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://stephaniemetzger.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Julee at Mommy's Memorandum <a href="http://mommysmemorandum.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommysmemorandum.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Catie at Newby at Home <a href="http://www.newbyathome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.newbyathome.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/27<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Hattie at Tea at Book Page <a href="http://readwithtea.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://readwithtea.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Michelle at Beyond The Silver and The Gold <a href="http://www.beyondsilverandgold.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>beyondsilverandgold.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Linda's Lunacy <a href="http://www.lindaslunacy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.lindaslunacy.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Heather at Faith, Family and Fun <a href="http://faithfamilyandfun.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://faithfamilyandfun.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Emily at Blessed Homemaking <a href="http://www.blessedhomemaking.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.blessedhomemaking.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Maureen at Simply Stacie <a href="http://simplystacie.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://simplystacie.net</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/29<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Andrea at Ponderings by Andrea <a href="http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://andrealschultz.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Michele at MommyForward <a href="http://mommyforward.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommyforward.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Carrie at Farming On Faith <a href="http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://farmingonfaith.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sara at Shoopette's Book Reviews <a href="http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://shoopettesbookreviews.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jennifer at For Such a Time as This <a href="http://jennifersikora.com/2011/06/dealing-with-kids-allergies/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://jennifersikora.com/<wbr></wbr>2011/06/dealing-with-kids-<wbr></wbr>allergies/</a> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kat at Reviews From The Heart <a href="http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://reviewsfromtheheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/30<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Cindy's Love of Books <a href="http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://cindysloveofbooks.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Renee at Doorkeeper <a href="http://reneeannsmith.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://reneeannsmith.com/</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Brynna at Joy Filled Living <a href="http://joyfilledmama.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://joyfilledmama.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Amanda at Talbert Report <a href="http://thetalbertreport.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thetalbertreport.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/31<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Debbie at Christian Stay at Home Moms <a href="http://csahm.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://csahm.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Claire at Country Mouse In The City http:\\<a href="http://countrymouseclaire.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">countrymouseclaire.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>\<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">The Literary Mama <a href="http://www.preslaysa.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.preslaysa.com</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Dawn at Guiding Light Homeschool <a href="http://guidinglighths.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://guidinglighths.com</a> <wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Leland at The Cross Is All <a href="http://annawood.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://annawood.wordpress.com/</a><wbr></wbr> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/1<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kristie at Family Scrapbooks & Coffee <a href="http://needcoffeeplease.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://needcoffeeplease.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Prerna at The Mom Writes <a href="http://www.themomwrites.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.themomwrites.com</a> </span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4885565425998047932011-08-23T15:13:00.004-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.529-05:005 Things I've Learned from the Amish<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0800719964&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>As part of this weeks blog tour for "Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can Learn from the Simple Life" today's post is a guest blog from the author of the book, Suzanne Woods Fischer.<br /><br />Be sure to check back tomorrow as there will be a post of my review of the book and the day after I will post another guest blog from Suzanne.<br /><br />Included with tomorrows review is also a contest where I will be giving away a copy of the book!<br /><br />You can read the post regarding the giveaway, posted earlier today, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/this-weeks-contest-book-giveaway.html">click!</a><br /><br />________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="suzanne11.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=190b052cab&view=att&th=131bb18bcad336c7&attid=0.2&disp=thd&zw" />Guest blog from <st1:personname w:st="on">Suzanne Woods Fisher</st1:personname> for “Amish Values for Your Family” (Revell)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Five Things I’ve Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Being Amish is not a lifestyle.</b> Life among the Amish has to do with faith. Faith can’t be squeezed to an hour or two on Sunday morning; it infuses their entire life like a teabag in hot water. What they do and how they do it is rooted in the spiritual question: What is pleasing to God? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Letting go of earthly possessions enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> To pray about my day’s activities and offer them to God, first, for His purposes. And then trusting interruptions (seeing a friend in the grocery store, for example) or de-railings (those days when everything goes wrong!) to be God-managed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Cherish your family.</b> A family that works together, grows together. Amish families spend a lot of time together and try to keep their work close to home. Children are valued as gifts from God, wanted and enjoyed. They’re included in all of Amish life—from barn raisings to three-hour church services.<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span>An Amish bishop once said, "We don't prepare our children for the future, we prepare our children for eternity."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by what we teach our children today.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Involving children in chores and activities may not be the most convenient or efficient way to accomplish a task, but the benefits are long lasting. Look for ways to get everybody involved—cook together, sweep out the garage together, set the table together. And have fun while you’re doing it! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Draw a land in the sand. </b>The Amish want to be good stewards of God’s resources—time, money, material goods. They know that convenience comes with a cost. They don’t want to be dependent on outside sources (such as electricity or gas!). Convenience means loss of something valuable. For example, fast food means less nutrition. More stuff means more maintenance. They’re willing to say no. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Amish proverb: “Things that steal our time are usually the easiest to do.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Lesson: Technology has its limits. And technology isn’t all good. Evaluate purchases more thoughtfully. Think of where a purchase or an added expense will lead your family. More time together or less? More stress or less? Reframe your view of time and money and goods as God’s resources. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Watch Your Words. </b>The Amish continually stress the importance of filtering their speech. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Words break no bones, but they can break hearts” and “Mincing your words makes it easier if you have to eat them later.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Say less. Prayer more. <b> <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Nothing replaces face-to-face visits.</b> Back in the day when telephones emerged on the scene, the Amish bishops made a deliberate decision to keep the telephone out of the house. They didn’t want to interrupt family life. But they drop everything for a face-to-face visit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Use friendship as a drawing account, but don’t forget to make a deposit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Nurture relationships by investing face-to-face time in them. No technology can substitute for the real thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Honor the Sabbath.</b> An Amish person would never think of working on a Sunday. But it’s more than that—they truly cherish their Sabbath. They spend time on Saturday to make Sunday a smooth and easy day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Many things I have tried to grasp and have lost. That which I have placed in God’s hands I still have.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Strive to make Sunday a different day than other days. A day of rest is important on so many levels—time to worship, time to reflect, time to re-energize. A re-charge your battery day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:personname w:st="on"><i>Suzanne Woods Fisher</i></st1:personname><i> is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called <a href="http://toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom">Amish Wisdom</a>. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/suzannewoodsfisher" target="_blank"><b>Facebook,</b></a> <b><a href="http://twitter.com/suzannewfisher" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b> and <b><a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">on her blog</a></b>!<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74315533122078323802011-08-23T15:12:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.531-05:00This Months Contest - Kindle Giveaway!<div class="MsoNormal"><st1:personname w:st="on">Suzanne Woods Fisher</st1:personname> is thrilled to announce the release of <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Values-Your-Family-Simple/dp/0800719964?ie=UTF8&tag=sprightly-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Amish Values for Your Family</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sprightly-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0800719964" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>, her latest non-fiction release. "It offers loving ways to bring your fractured home back to life-Amish style. Read it and apply generously! It’s a beautiful book-funny, charming, soulful, and beautiful." -Mary Ann Kirkby</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13421895">Read the reviews here.</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To celebrate the release of <i>Amish Values for Your Family</i>, Suzanne has teamed up her publisher Revell Books to giveaway a Kindle, and with <a href="http://amishphoto.com/">Bill Coleman</a> (the amazing photographer used on Suzanne’s book covers) to give away a signed Bill Coleman original.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/49/FileItem-107637-avfyf_300x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/49/FileItem-107637-avfyf_300x250.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One Grand Prize winner will receive an Amish Values Prize Package (valued at over $200) and includes:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">* A brand new KINDLE</div><div class="MsoNormal">* A Signed Bill Coleman original</div><div class="MsoNormal">* Amish Values for Your Family (for KINDLE)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><table align="center" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><br /><tr> <td><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/145999" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/60/FileItem-74865-email_icon.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/145999" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/1a/FileItem-74866-Facebook_icon300x300.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/twitter/%3Cst1:personname%20w:st=" on"="">233/contests/145999" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/07/FileItem-74867-Twitter_button.png" /></a></td> </tr><br /></tbody> </table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Click on one of the icons to enter.</b> Winner will be announced on 9/2 at <a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/">Suzanne’s blog</a>. Be sure to stop by the blogs on <b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13421895">Suzanne’s blog tour</a></b> – many have copies of <i>Amish Values for Your Family</i> to give away.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>But, wait there's more!</b> Suzanne is running a Bill Coleman <b><a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/search/label/Caption%20Contest">caption contest</a></b> during the month of August on her blog. Title one of Bill’s gorgeous photos for a chance to win a print from Bill’s <a href="http://amishphoto.com/">Amish Photo</a> site and/or a copy of <i>Amish Values for Your Family</i>.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81363299835050610162011-08-20T12:41:00.010-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.533-05:00Free eBook: Adsense Revenue Exposed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWbQa169too/TkapV9aH3nI/AAAAAAAAAfo/RMcR5oxhcKQ/s1600/AdsenseExposed_Flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWbQa169too/TkapV9aH3nI/AAAAAAAAAfo/RMcR5oxhcKQ/s1600/AdsenseExposed_Flat.jpg" /></a></div><br />Even to this day I still find Adsense a little confusing. This ebook, despite being a few years old, still provided me with quite a bit of information and tips about picking the best adsense set up for my sites.<br /><br />You can download<a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/94030718/adsense_revenue_exposed_ebook.zip"> your free copy here.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13179351544253176152011-08-17T08:11:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:27.726-05:00Writing Opportunities: Write Swap<img alt="WriteSwap Review" src="http://realwaystoearnmoneyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/writeswap-review.jpg" /><br /> I came across Write Swap around 3-4 weeks ago, but was reminded of it recently through Angie (<a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/">Work at Home Wife</a>) and thought I should go ahead and give it a shot.<br /><br />The site it set up similar to <a href="http://fiverr.com/users/cmahan">Fiverr,</a> where I recently set up an account and have done decently in a few weeks time.<br /><br />Setting up my account at <a href="http://www.writeswap.com/user/cmahan">Write Swap</a> was a breeze. Username, email, password and enter the captcha code. Good to go. I'll spend some time testing it out over the next few weeks to see how it goes. I think it will be a good place for my PLR material. I have debated about creating a PLR section here on this site or maybe my other (<a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">chrystalmahan.com</a>) but I just have not had time to set it up. This seems like a much simpler option.<br /><br />I'll keep you posted on the progress.<br /><br />Might be a great place for those of you looking to find some private clients and are tired of the job bidding sites!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-148438505610952842011-08-15T18:58:00.005-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.535-05:00Superdaddyman (aka my friend The Crow)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jeremy Crow" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/274266_747831345_7693757_n.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wrISPC1JkM/Tkmk85u2poI/AAAAAAAAAf4/QoUNkVELbxQ/s1600/510dc863780a85da0b01d40a200359053eacc1ae-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wrISPC1JkM/Tkmk85u2poI/AAAAAAAAAf4/QoUNkVELbxQ/s1600/510dc863780a85da0b01d40a200359053eacc1ae-thumb.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The first time I ever did a book review for a person I knew, I had to admit, I was really nervous. Knowing this person, and her style of writing, I was sure I was going to like what she wrote. But what happens if I didn't? A risk I did not want to take, I made my choice to not review work of people that I knew, either online or off. Of course, that did not stop me from reading Nicole <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/second-chance-by-nicole-ireland.html">(Second Chance)</a> or Jame's <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/hulls-landing.html">(Hulls Landing) </a>book and I was happy to write up a review for them. The wonderful thing about the indie market, we all care about each other. We all want to see the other succeed. Great community to belong to.<br /><br />So, when I saw one of my favorite online personalities finally put out a book, I was beside myself.<br /><br />I met Jeremy in 2005 when Yahoo 360 launched its blogging platform. In our little corner of the blogging world was this very tight knit community. We watched each other struggle through life and we were there for each other when times got tough. We watched laughter, tears, weddings, divorces, births, deaths, and battles with cancer. We weren't just bloggers, people behind a computer screen, we were family.<br /><br />We shared our life. We wrote. We chatted in emails, through IM, and even played online games with each other. At Christmas time we traded cards. The thing that I loved the most about this was the friendships I made then are still with me today.<br /><br />Even though many of us are not as close as we once were, we know they are there if we need them. That holds true with Jeremy. When 360 crumbled we littered the domains of MySpace & Blogger and when we outgrew that we headed to Cherry Tap, which now has another name. <br /><br />Jeremy holds a special place in my heart, for something I will forever be grateful. When I decided to come out of the darkness and share my tale of abuse, Jeremy was right there in the front line. He was the first to comment, and he made sure that not only our little community showed me love, but all of his fans did too. That day I had 100s of comments on one post, and it was like he was there holding my hand the whole way.<br /><br />That post was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">Cards on the Table</a>. The following day I wrote, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/words-can-never-express.html">Words Can Never Express,</a> as a giant thank you. (these were originally published on 360, so all of the comments are gone)<br /><br />I watched the Crow live his life as a single father. I've seen him happy, and I have seen him hate the world.<br /><br />I've even seen his perversions. Somewhere in the vault of writing is a co-authored erotic story he wrote with me.<br /><br />My thoughts on Jeremy are simple. He is a brilliant man and deserves every good thing life can give him. His words may shock some of you, others will laugh till it hurts. I've LOL'ed so much over the years at the expense of Superdaddyman so I know the book will not disappoint.<br /><br />I can never repay Jeremy for his kindness over the years and helping to guide me through becoming a better writer, and writing from the heart, but I can give him a shameless plug. Not only that, he published the ebook on my birthday. ;) Print copy is available through <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/superdaddyman-and-more-from-the-mind-of-jeremy-crow/16527569">Lulu </a>if you do not prefer ebook.<br /><br />So, my dear readers, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to one of the best bloggers I know, Jeremy Crow, who has just released his first book - <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/75833?ref=cmahan">Superdaddyman.</a><br /><br />His website: <a href="http://jeremycrow4life.com/">The Crows Nest</a><br /><br />Now grab your copy today and let me know how you like (or even dislike) it!<br /><br />From Smashwords:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ebook Short Description</strong></h2><span itemprop="description" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For years the artist known as Jeremy Crow has written colorful stories about Superdaddyman and the Evils's for Mental Notes & Random Musings. Now you can get the whole dish on the mind of Jeremy Crow in the first full length book dedicated to the beginnings, the humor, the background and the insanity of everyone's favorite super villain turned super hero. You know you want to.</span><br /><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=3092855514168941143" name="longdescr" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Extended Description</a></strong></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span id="longdescr_full" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Long ago there was a man and his blog. That blogger that many affectionately knew as Jeremy Crow wrote of fantastic tales of an ordinary everyday single father who dealt with life, their kids, and various other issues, until the pretty packages that he wrapped the mundane inside of took on a life of their own. Over time he developed the persona of the Superdaddyman, who traveled the streets of Megalopolis keeping the fair maidens safe from The Terrorist Organization Known as the Evils's. He continued his plight to take on the dreaded Pink Mafia, and even was known to wrestle an EX from time to time, while still demonstrating that he was a normal, albeit far too honest, flawed man most of the time.<br />Be careful what you read out there. Some things can be true and seem far too over the top. Other things can seem quite plausible and have hardly anything to do with reality. The choice has always been up to the reader as to whether the Superdaddyman is truly a hero or just an average human being doing things that could be construed as heroic while still carrying the load of being just another day. Most people just sit and nod their head in understanding as they relate to something no matter how pretty it was made to look, or entertaining it was to read.<br />Please take a moment to enjoy the humor, the reality and everything else that comes with being the Superdaddyman, Jeremy Crow, or even one of the Evils's, in the first full length book to encompass the before, during and after of all that is possible in Megalopolis. With a little imagination, and a lot of free time on your hands you can say or do anything, and the Superdaddyman and Jeremy Crow pretty much have, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse, but always with a frankness that most people don’t expect. Most people actually know to be true, or expect a lot of the time, but rarely anyone expects to see so “out there” for everyone to read.<br />This book will have sexual innuendo, and very foul language. Not always, and not very often, but if it fits the time line of the tales at the time it is in there. There is after all a human face to the entire set of tales.</span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span id="longdescr_full" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45112649567828021762011-08-13T12:34:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.538-05:00Free eBooks: Blogger Adsense Guide: A Newbie's Guide to Blogging for Adsense Cash<img src="http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6668/8430x554.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />I think I am going to make this a regular weekly feature here at Self Employed Writer. You will be able to find all of the books I write about through the "books" tab at the top of the page. If you are just looking for the free eBooks, you will be able to find those over there to the right in the extra category section. I have quite a few master resale and private label rights to share. Since the internet is full of people trying to sell them, I'll make it easy on you and just give them away.<br /><br />All of the books are hosted on my personal <a href="http://www.wupload.com/referral/affiliate/17306">WUpload </a>Account, which is a free storage site. Free to download too.<br /><br />The book is a couple of years old, but I found some pretty useful information out of it. Maybe you will too.<br /><br />Today's free eBook is - <a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/94043044/BloggerAdsenseGuide_ebook.pdf">Blogger Adsense Guide: A Newbie's Guide to Blogging for Adsense Cash</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>English | 2009 | 212 pages | PDF | 54 MB</b></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div>The Ultimate Guide to raking in massive Google Adsense cash with Blogger (Blogspot) blogs.Designed for newbies who need a shortcut. Even if you have no blogging experience and don't know what Google Adsense is, you can still make money!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You'll Discover:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* <b>The Future Of Blogs & Why You Need To Act Now</b> - You're going to discover where the future of blogs is headed, why you need to act now and how you are actually doing yourself a big favor even if you throw up a ugly blog!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />*<b> Setup Like A Breezy Afternoon</b> - I realize that you don't want to learn complicated software, site programming or any of that other confusing stuff so you don't have to! You can get setup in a breezy afternoon while relaxing!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />* <b>Adsense - What Is it*</b> - Here you will learn just what Adsense is and why it's absolutely essential in your plan to profit. You'll learn why it's so easy to make money with and how you can profit with it.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />* <b>How To Entice The Click </b>- You're going to learn how you can entice every person who ends up on your new blog to click links all over your blog earning you income. You'll learn secrets to inviting the click that work like wildfire!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />*<b> Easy Blog Writing</b> - Here you will learn how you can easily write blog content that your visitors love and generates repeat traffic which, in turn, results in repeat clicks and more income for you!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />*<b> Free Services To Use!</b> - You'll learn how you can get setup free. When I say free, I mean absolutely, 100% free!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />* <b>The Ultimate Upgrade</b> - In this advanced section you will learn how you can take your blog that you have built up to a profit and give it the major overhaul it needs to generate even more money faster!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/94043044/BloggerAdsenseGuide_ebook.pdf">Download now!</a> </span><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47788746990812758442011-08-09T07:59:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.540-05:00Elizabeth's Heart<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Elizabeth's Heart" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bwg41FjRL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-46,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">You had me at “mental health asylum.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not the characters in the book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always been extremely interested in reading material regarding insane asylums or mental health clinics. I can’t get enough of those paranormal shows that constantly look for ghosts in all of the asylums around the world. They are always my favorite because I love hearing the history behind all that happened in these places. <br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me assure you it is not because I am sadistic in thinking that those with mental health disorders should be treated the way they were, and perhaps still are in some corners of the world. I am sorry so many people had to suffer and I wish there would have been other ways for doctors back then to figure out what was wrong with people suffering from medical illnesses.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Those who did suffer should not go unnoticed. But, on the other hand, without their pain and suffering so many people would not be healed today. I know it does not make it right, but it is what it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Book reviews of books I become overly excited about tend to always be hard to write because I want to sit here, pounding on my keyboard, and tell you all the good stuff. If I do that, then what would be the point of you getting your own copy to devour? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth. Sweet, loving, beautiful Elizabeth. Thrust into a world where confusion is the norm. Not understanding why she is there it slowly begins to unravel that there are “two” of her. Two become three. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth suffers from multiple personality disorder. Part was due to a traumatic event with the family business and the other part is inherited trait (or learned behavior depending on your view of mental health) from her father. It is her mother that has put her in this awful place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Simon sees things. A gift or curse he can’t decide. Doctor does not understand. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">His method of treatment for his patients? Shock therapy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gardner has written this book in such a way, picking just right descriptive words, making you feel as if you are sitting in the common room with everyone. You can feel their pain, the confusion, the love and friendship that bonds between kindred spirits. You can hear the screams. You become a part of the story.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The story follows Simon who immediately fall for Elizabeth. You will read about their trials and tribulations of a “couple” in a hell where relationships are not permitted. All they want is to spend the rest of their life together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A future is planned. There are twists and turns to keep you engaged. The ending is not what you expected.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I sat up all night reading this book. Once it was over, I wanted more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe you’ll enjoy it too. </div><br /><br /><br /><b>FROM AMAZON:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><h3 class="productDescriptionSource" style="clear: left; color: #333333; font-size: 1.23em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em;">Product Description</h3><div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00589WB1O&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>"Elizabeth’s Heart" is the second book in the "Jonathan’s Cross" series.<br /><br />Set in 1929, Simon Sinclair, institutionalized for having prophetic visions, narrates from inside the Massachusetts Asylum for Feeble Minds and Lunatics. There he meets Elizabeth, a young woman with a shadow personality and a dark, secretive past. Someone Simon knows he is destined to love.<br /><br />As their lives become entwined, they grow so attached to each other that they each begin to believe they are the other's ‘cure’. But from the perspective of outsiders, it appears that each of them are growing more unstable. The harder they try to hold on to each other and their love, the more they are pulled apart.<br /><br />Realizing freedom will be the only way for them to marry and lead a normal life, Simon plans their escape with help from an unlikely hospital source, hiding secrets of his own, and they must be careful not to alert Elizabeth’s other personality, for fear it will expose them.<br /><br />On a dark and frigid night in January, they run.<br /><br />But life on the run turns out to be more challenging and less romantic than either of them expected, testing their resolve and love to the limits. Simon continues to have prophetic visions, and Elizabeth’s hidden personality becomes angry about not being in control. Through repeated visions he neither understands nor likes, Simon realizes that the only way to have Elizabeth forever is to do the unthinkable. Give her up to someone else.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18602584974683744772011-08-05T09:46:00.003-04:002014-07-21T18:12:51.520-04:00Dear ReadersSo yesterday I wrote <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/dear-demand-studios_04.html">Dear Demand Studios</a> and it certainly did not go over well.<br /><br />Most of you know me. I stuck by DS and stood up for them when everyone else was bitching and whining about all of the changes over the years. I had a lot to say a time or two, but never said a whole lot.<br /><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />Most of you also know how busy I was this past spring trying to complete 9 classes so I could graduate in June. I did not have time to work on my business, much less find time for DS. What little work time I had I was using it to build my freelance portfolio. As much as I love writing, content writing is not what I want to do with the rest of my life.<br /><br />SHOCKER!?!?!?<br /><br />I never claimed to be a perfect writer. That's what editors get hired and paid to do. I'm creative and full of ideas. If need be, there is a whole world of ghostwriters out there.<br /><br /><i>The Self Employed Writer is a simple concept, but I think people misunderstand. The = me. Self-employed is because I refuse to ever work for corporate America again and writer means I DO write not that I AM a published author (in a book, I have done magazines). When I changed the name last year from this personal website to a more freelance structure, it seemed appropriate. But too many confuse me with being an author, which I am not. There is a difference between a writer and an author. There is a difference between a blogger and an author and to some degree there is a difference between a blogger and a writer. I have been toying with name changes while I rebuild my freelance business. We'll see what happens. </i><br /><br />Ok, I am getting off track here.<br /><br />A lot of people were complaining about DS the last week and I did not want to complain, but I wanted to free myself from the chains. So I did.<br /><br />Someone out there did not like it.<br /><br />Someone out there hid behind an anon comment, not once, but four times.<br /><br />Someone wanted attention. That is the only reason why I can think of for a person to want to call out someone they don't even know.<br /><br />It made me angry. I just could not understand why someone who say "oh yeah, me too" and then sit there and then rip apart my post.<br /><br />Why? Does it even matter???<br /><br />Did this person even stop to think about who reads my website? Or that quite possibly I use it for school, my family, my business and pretty much everything else that is not on my other websites. Did this person not stop to think that perhaps someone might get the wrong idea?<br /><br />Did this person not stop to think that people might actually figure out who they are?<br /><br />Oh Anon, hiding behind your computer screen. If your grammar is so perfect, why are you writing for DS?<br /><br />Once the damn breaks you can expect a flood. And that it did. I had to deleted, delete, and delete. Finally I had enough and just decided to change the comment settings.<br /><br />I sat there reading these comments and all I could think about was a potential client reading the comments. I can't have that. Even though this site is about me and my life, hiding nothing, I did not want the negativity.<br /><br />Was not worth it to me.<br /><br />Those who really know me understood the letter. Understood it was not real. Understood it was a bit of sarcasm.<br /><br />I don't know why I feel I have to sit here and explain myself. This is MY website after all and I should be able to do whatever I want.<br /><br />To those of you who run around posting on the "hot topic of the week" websites just to stir the pot, go play someplace else. No one is going to give you a cookie. No one even knows who you are. This is my website and I will write how and what I please. YOU will not dictate anything in my little corner of the internet. I did not get let go from DMS just because I made a grammatical error here or there. My ratings were well over 4 like so many. I made the choice NOT to write for them about 6 months ago. If you know anything about the DMS changes, they have also been letting go people who have not produced content in a while. Don't believe everything you read on the internet. My information comes straight from an DMS employee.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />We are all human and even the editors make spelling mistakes. I've had to correct them. So when you come here, pointing out grammatical errors and spelling mistakes instead of just emailing me privately, only makes you look snarky, too.<br /><br />If you would have understood the letter you would have figured out that DSM is still a client. I still hold my titling roles.<br /><br />You should also take the time to think about the other person. You have no idea what the person is going through in life. The wrong words to the wrong person could end up with a not so happy ending. If you were someone who has read here for a while, or even knows me, then you know what I am talking about.<br /><br />Moving on.<br /><br />This case is closed.<br /><br />I have more important things to write about.<br /><br />The End.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75015177399214399672011-08-04T13:21:00.004-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.544-05:00Dear Demand Studios<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Botticelli_Sant%27Agostino.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="St. Augustine writing, revising, and re-writin..." height="459" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/76/Botticelli_Sant%27Agostino.jpg/300px-Botticelli_Sant%27Agostino.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Botticelli_Sant%27Agostino.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedi</a></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Dear Demand Studios,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, let’s get one thing clear:<br /><br /> I chose you.<br /><br />You did not choose me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the late spring of 2009 I applied for a writing position within your company. I was rejected just as so many others were before and after me.<br /><br />I did not give up. I wrote the “How-to” article you so desperately wanted and was hired within 2 hours. I was a quick writer, easily churning out 2 $15 articles per hour. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That was just the beginning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Shortly after I was hired on as a writer your company restructured their titling department doing away with some roles and adding others. One of those said roles was Title Selecting. I was one of the first rounds of hires. To this day I still hold my TS role, although I don’t know why since there is never any work.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />We complained.<br /><br /> So you gave us Dupe Checking to kill the time.<br /><br /> Dupe is no better. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The well has run dry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Demand Studios, oh I see you wanted to be taken seriously. Giving writers bonuses and free swag. Putting writers into enrichment programs, making them feel like they were on top of the world. Becoming a publicly traded company, buying out others. Treating freelancers as if they were employees by giving them rules and limitations, but not wanting to give any benefits.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then you started to chop that cherry tree with your shiny little ax.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I stopped writing. The editors in which you brought in, with their holier than thou attitude, are much too snarky for this type of work. It's content writing. Filling websites full of fluff to make money. I understand they want to be editing that great million dollar manuscript, but like so many, they have been reduced to cents on the word work. Times are hard, but life should not have to be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You made life too difficult for me. I won’t allow that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">More often than not I have had to prove your precious editors wrong. Maybe if you paid them a little better they would be a little happier to report to work. Shame on you. Shame on you for not bringing in editors who are qualified and pleasant to work with. Oh yes, and shame on you for brining in some editors who clearly don’t know what they are talking about half the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Demand Studios, I am sorry you felt you had to break up with me, but as you can see, I am the one who broke up with you months ago. Your underpaid cranky editor turned my $15 article into trash, replacing words that made no sense, adding information that simply was not true, or sending me a rewrite because they needed clarification on what 2+2 equals. My two articles an hour slowly turned in to one article in 2 days. You still rated me mid to high fours.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I moved on long ago. I shed no tears. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry I used you. I needed you then, don’t you see? I needed you to fill my portfolio with words, pay for my bills, and put PJs on my body (so I could work comfortably) while I put myself through college. I quit you long before I graduated. Now that I have graduated and will begin my MBA in the fall, it is safe to say that I am smarter than you. I don’t need you, but you need me. However, I don’t want you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve moved on to bigger and better things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I used you, don’t you see? I ever hated you. I once enjoyed writing about taxes and Quickbooks until you traded for "Money". </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />There is more to life than $15 articles trying to tell someone how to do something.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This thing we had simply can’t go on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You think you hurt my feelings by not choosing me for the Writer Development Program this time around? No. I am the one who is laughing at you for not doing it sooner. I never counted on you like so many I know did. They are the ones hurting, not me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> There were always others. I always had a back-up plan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Breaking up is hard to do. It’s best for us both. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sincerely,<br />The Self Employed Writer<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34643429443888785612011-08-03T07:32:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.546-05:00Endeavor in Time by Chris Hambleton<img alt="Endeavor in Time" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BcMxhahEL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Product Description:</b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Five years after the Challenger disaster, NASA launched their newest space shuttle, Endeavor, in a dramatic return to space. But several moments after lift-off, Endeavor exploded over the ocean, taking the lives of all its crew members, and killing the United States' space program.<o:p></o:p></i><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><br /><a name='more'></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It's 2009, seventeen years after the Endeavor tragedy in 1992, and NASA has been made part of the Department of Defense. America's civilian space program has been permanently discontinued for over fifteen years.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Daniel Marks, the Chief Programmer at a research facility in New Mexico, is working on a cutting-edge electromagnetic device. While developing the controller software for the device, an accident occurs and he suddenly finds himself back in his old life in 1992.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">With his unique knowledge of the future, what should he do with his new life? Should he use his knowledge simply for personal gain, or should he risk his freedom and future to stop a national disaster before it happens?<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>My Thoughts:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the beginning I had a hard time getting in to this book because it starts out a little bit technical and I was not sure what direction it was going to go in. I am not a huge fan of overly sci-fi material. There was a point where I had to put it away for a little bit and come back to it. Sometimes if I try again I am able to really get in to the book. I tried another chapter. This was suddenly going nowhere, fast.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Third time is the charm? Maybe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I gave it one more try. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are introduced to Daniel, an extremely well educated engineer and software developer who lands a project working in New Mexico regarding electromagnetism. Daniel is 37 years old and married to his career. Although content in his little world he often wonders if there is more to life than what he is living.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fortunate for him, life is about to change.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is here the plot thickens (for lack of a better cliché) and the story really starts to take shape. Working on the gravitational experiment one day, he suddenly wakes up back at his parents’ Ohio house, in his old bedroom. The problem is it is 1992 at the tender age of 19.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unsure of what to do with this new life he heads down to Cocoa Beach, FL with the hopes of saving the shuttle from disaster. Back in New Mexico one of the partners on the design team of the Endeavor had spoken to him about the design flaw that led to the terrible explosion.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If he is going to go back in time, retaining his knowledge, may as well use if for something useful, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal">While in Florida, Daniel seeks out the friendship of a friend he had met in his previous life. It is Bill, a Christian; he starts to remember what little faith he had buried inside of him, and starts to question science, time travel, his live and God. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What follows is a tale of life, love, marriage and children.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Daniel was given a chance to re-do his life. Instead of rushing around trying to change things and use his knowledge for something bad, he used it to change himself. He found his faith, made peace with the decisions of his past and fell in love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I felt it a little odd that a Christian based novel would have a sci-fi time travel tale within its pages, Hambleton made it work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22708?ref=cmahan"> this book</a>, not just to faith followers, but to anyone interested one with a time traveling twist. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>If you went back in time knowing all you knew, what would you do differently, if anything?</b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59211893701872944772011-07-29T05:04:00.006-04:002014-07-21T18:12:51.671-04:00We Are All Safe from the Past<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1933651849&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="Safe from the Past: A Story of Hope, Faith and Determination" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BC3V68exL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" />Everyone has a tale to tell, a story about the past that made them the person they are today. For some, like me, it is a horrible tale that you often wonder if it is really your life. I have spent much of my life feeling very alone. We often look to others for strength, support and sympathy. It is hard sometimes for someone who has never been through anything like you have to really understand the type of support you need. Although I hate that these are the types of things that bring people together, I have to admit I get a great sense of satisfaction from reading someone else’s tale of a horrible past and making something wonderful out of their life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Read about my past here: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">Cards on the Table</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/my-survivor-story.html">My Survivor Story</a><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reading a story such as this will make you think about all of those horrible things you only see on television or read about in the newspaper. So many times people look the other way because they do not want to think about the terrible things that are happening in their own backyard. Those who have lived through such an ordeal are glad to be survivors, but not many write a book about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am. And she did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Patricia Miller Mauro’s Safe from the Past: A Story of Hope, Faith and Determination struck a chord inside of me. It gave me hope and I know it will give others hope as well, whether they are a survivor or not. Good people still do exist in this world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Mauro came from a poor, single parent family. She got on the right path by obtaining a job through the federal funded Summer Youth Employment Program. Most would have begged and pleaded with their parents to NOT have to work on their summers off. Instead of complaining, she was looking forward to getting food for her mother and her sister. After reading that I knew Mauro was a special woman. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She made the best of every situation. Doing her job through SYEP the best she could resulted in her getting a promotion from back room clerk to Secretarial Assistant. Through the course of her life, Mauro took every change she could to build on her resume, knowing someday that was going to help her get out of this poor situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things went from bad to worse when her mother married Bill, the raging alcoholic who beat his wife and her children. Once Mauro was able to go to college, despite every obstacle that came her way, she never lost faith and she never quit trying. There were times throughout her college career she had no more than two pennies to her name. She prayed day and night. What would she do? She would “worry about it later” and keep moving forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In college her English professor set her up with word processing training. In those days, not many were educated in that department. To her advantage, by the summer of her junior year she had landed a job at Chase Bank in New York City. Senior year landed her at Merrill Lynch. After graduation a short stop at a temp job landed her at DTC (Depository Trust Company) right in the heart of NYC’s financial district for 13 years. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not too bad for a girl who grew up poor, with an addictive mother and alcoholic step father. Although there is much more to the story in terms of what happened with her sister, her mother, the step father and even her father, I can firmly say that Patricia Miller Mauro wants you to know that just because you feel helpless you still have the power to change your life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Her book is a continuation of that tribute (in regards to a published article about her mother’s recovery from addiction) and serves to spread the message that good news is on its way to those considering higher education but who are afraid to dream.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel everyone, no matter what they are going through in life can benefit from reading this book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from Litfuse as part of their Blog Tour Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</i></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the Giveaway! <u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Safe From the Past</span></i> or share about it on Facebook!<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (<a href="mailto:info@litfusegroup.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">info@litfusegroup.com</a>). Easy. <u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea:<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">TWEET THIS:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> Safe From the Past by Patricia Mauro - inspiring tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships. <a href="http://ow.ly/5FQHA" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/5FQHA</a> #litfuse<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">FACEBOOK THIS</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">: Don’t miss Patricia Mauro’s Safe From the Past - inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships. <a href="http://ow.ly/5FQHA" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/5FQHA</a>. Told in an open, honest voice with the deepest sincerity, the author's life story serves as a rousing inspiration to those with the desire to create a better life than the one they are currently living.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 13px;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About Safe From the Past:</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A kidnapping, the divorce of her parents, the loss of her father, temporary abandonment and extreme poverty are just some of the issues the author dealt with as a young child. </span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Her mother finally tells her she must go to college so she can break out of this cycle of poverty and hopelessness. But how can she when she has no money and absolutely no confidence or self esteem? <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Read this true story to discover what hope, faith and determination can do to change a life.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br />A truly inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships, Safe from the Past makes clear the restorative power of an education.<br /><br />Told in an open, honest voice with the deepest sincerity, the author's life story serves as a rousing inspiration to those with the desire to create a better life than the one they are currently living.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br />No matter how helpless you feel, everyone has the power to shape their own life.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the Patricia Miller Mauro:<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=1491161288548811567" name="1315837daef475d4_LETTER.BLOCK16" style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Patricia worked in </span></span></a><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">New York City</span></span><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">'s financial district for thirteen years in the field of securities operations. At that time, she went on to obtain an MBA from <u></u><u></u>New York<u></u> <u></u>University<u></u><u></u>. She and her husband moved to <u></u><u></u>Dallas<u></u>, <u></u>TX<u></u><u></u> in 2001 where they are raising their two children.<br /> <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">During her time in NY, Patricia wrote an article entitled "A Tribute To My Mother" which was published in "The Recovery Journal" in 1999. Her book is a continuation of that tribute and serves to spread the message to those in similar situations that good news is on its way to children considering a higher education but who are afraid to dream. For more information please visit,<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nqr8necab&et=1106293998304&s=1031&e=001x9_PGyZgpF0fKY0cSwInOIXMzUdmvcwIr_QWEd1neTzwOjOQv-bXvzXakwFKkGVwjP9_o6WVeoUcS_XlODx8aFzeZjvv0RkEXJ-ODO19gC0yJ7qrd8H5VX1_KJcyfOCZ" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nqr8necab&et=1106293998304&s=1031&e=001x9_PGyZgpF0fKY0cSwInOIXMzUdmvcwIr_QWEd1neTzwOjOQv-bXvzXakwFKkGVwjP9_o6WVeoUcS_XlODx8aFzeZjvv0RkEXJ-ODO19gC0yJ7qrd8H5VX1_KJcyfOCZ"><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">www.patriciamaurobooks.com</span></b></a>. <u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Blog Tour Schedule:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> (<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13380085" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://litfusegroup.com/<wbr></wbr>blogtours/text/13380085</a>)<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24664186973194860942011-07-27T11:24:00.023-04:002011-11-11T19:27:27.980-05:00Article Submission<a href="http://www.submiteaze.com/index.jsp?aff=2478"><img border="0" src="http://www.submiteaze.com/img/banners/rectangle_ad.gif" /></a><br />I know there are quite a few of you that do article submission to places like eZine Articles.<br /><br />I recently invested in some software for my Virtual Assistant business called Submit Eaze. WOW! At first I was a little intimidated by it because there is so much there to learn. For the most part it really is a plug-n-play type software but you can also customize it to do exactly what you want it to do.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I currently have some gigs listed on <a href="http://fiverr.com/users/cmahan/">Fiverr</a> and<a href="http://www.ihaveconnections.com/userallgigs.php?uid=337"> iHaveConnections</a>. The software also does directory submissions which is great for those of you who are looking for web traffic and get your website/business listed in yellow page type directories.<br /><br />If you don't want to dish out the money for the software, but this is something you are interested, leave me a comment, find me on one of those websites or send me an email. I would be more than happy to help you out.<br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/what-do-virtual-assistants-do-52-virtual-assistant-services-you-can-offer/" target="_blank">What Do Virtual Assistants Do? 52 Virtual Assistant Services You Can Offer</a> (theworkathomewife.com)</li><br /></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=4c45538e-1358-4b5e-8bb2-a57da9e36a67" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72834763058109901742011-07-26T09:39:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:51.711-04:00*cough cough* Pardon the DustI just wanted to give a quick update and say hello. I am sorry this website has been neglected but I assure you it has not been on purpose. I graduated college in the middle of June and since then I have been trying to get my virtual assistant business up and running again and will be using my other website <a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">chrystalmahan.com</a> for that. I have been trying to figure out a way to bring everything together because I want to include my writing in my VA business as well. Grad school starts in a few weeks and I am finding it very difficult to keep up with two websites. I have so many ideas but not enough hours in the day. I picked up some marketing clients that have been taking up most of my working hours which is nice because content writing was starting to suck the life out of my creative writing and it pays better. Working on a new schedule to include all of my "jobs".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" name="more"></a><br /><br />I have also started a <a href="http://www.procardinternational.com/ChrystalM1524" target="_blank">health savings website</a>, which will be more than what it is now. With healthcare costs on the rise and the possibility of a reduction in benefits I knew there had to be a way to help myself. I went through 4 different programs before I landed on the one I did. Right now savingonhealth.com is just my personal story and the company, soon it will include much more health savings.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67134657371773233792011-07-13T12:57:00.000-04:002013-08-13T11:49:46.419-04:00Why Discount Health Cards Are Needed for FreelancersJust like so many I needed a health care plan that was affordable and useful. In 2007 I had a husband, a job at City Hall, and full coverage insurance. When I made the choice to leave him and my life 1000 miles behind, I lost the insurance (complete medical coverage), too.<br /><br /><b>(NOTE:</b> As an update to this post from 7/13/11, it is now 11/11/11 and I have been married days. I will now have insurance, but these discount programs will help reduce the cost of out of pocket expenses. I am also no longer using the Procard plan, but I am still able to affiliate with it.)<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Since 2007 I have tried to build a business for myself doing freelance work in the field of writing, data entry, and bookkeeping. When I started to research self-employment insurance it was well over $200 a month, $35 - $75 co-pay with at least a $5000 -$7500 deductible. That was for dental and health.<br /><br />How does that save me? While I can appreciate and understand the desire for health insurance, I certainly am not able to deal with those costs.<br /><br /><i>Let me explain that. Yes, I have a job. And yes, I do OK for myself. I also have my share of household expenses to pay for. While I was in school it was hard working long hours so I had to cut back. Right now I only have a small window before Graduate school starts in the fall. I need to keep my expenses to a minimal.</i><br /><br />Besides, how much time can one possibly wait? I don't know about you, but I do have some preexisting conditions. There are only a handful of companies that will allow certain conditions.<br /><br /><br />That began my search for discount and savings plans. I have a primary care physician that M has been seeing most of his life. He only charges $30 an office visit. But my prescriptions for mental health and pain management can get costly depending on what I need refilled.<br /><br />I have seen many come discounts come and go. While reading through member materials for another savings plan I came across <a href="http://www.procardinternational.com/ChrystalM1524">Procard International</a>. Through the web portal I was able to see that the network of doctors and pharmacy's were exactly the same as some of the other more expensive discount healthcare plans! More Doctors means more choices. That makes me feel safer if I should happen to need a Doctor out of town.<br /><br />I tried Ameriplan in 2007 when I lost my insurance. I signed up for the basic plan, I think it was $15 or so. I lived in a very small town and there were no doctors close, they all required 30 minutes or more of driving time. The selection and services were extremely limited. I ended up canceling. I did try to become a rep for the program, but I was new in the state and had no connections. Besides, how could I get others to buy the healthcare savings when I could not really give it "two-thumbs-up"?<br /><br />I also looked at Procard International, but at that time I had zero income since I just moved to MI and no way to pay the monthly fee.<br /><br />As some of you may have seen, I also tested out the Xpress plan on their two week trial. It cost $7.70. It took one week to get my ABO pack, which included nothing but sign up forms and the handbook. I spent half my time searching around trying to find things between 3 different websites and 5 people. To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement.<br /><br /><strike>At time of writing this, I still do not have my health care savings package and my trial ends in 5 days. </strike>My plan was to just purchase the monthly package for my own discount, but when I saw I might be able to help others in the same boat as me, I decided on top of the $40 plan to pay $37 independent contractor fee. I realized I would need 7 people to sign up for an ABO or double that amount in just healthcare plans in order for me to break even.<br /><br />My package did arrive, the day I canceled.<br /><br />What part of discount and poor did anyone not understand? So, in a few days I will be charged $77. No thanks. In the long run, no matter how many times the accountant in me tried to make it work, it just wasn't. I am a writer, not a sales rep. I need a discount, not a business.<br /><br />I thought in 2 weeks I *might* be able to sell it to a few people to cover my costs, but the truth is, I am not a sales rep and I have never been good at direct sales. I have did Avon for 5 years and did enough to cover the things I wanted , I tried Shaklee; mostly so I could get the discount, and Advocare; which I loved, but again, had a hard time selling.<br /><br />I don't have time to run another business. I realize that a business start-up is costly. No matter what option you choose. I just don't have the investment money, or the time.<br /><br />Fast forward to Sunday July 10, 2011. I am pretty excited about the <a href="http://www.procardinternational.com/ChrystalM1524">Procard International</a> plan. I have witness quite a few savings through people who have purchased the plan, I actually know a few people who have it. They use the same Aetna Dental & other provider networks as the other provider companies I looked at. I checked and it has all the same doctors and pharmacies available to me.<br /><br /><b>So why am I so excited about it?</b><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>There is<b> no</b> waiting period. </li><li>Preexisting conditions <b>do not</b> matter.</li><li>There are two very inexpensive plans to choose from.</li><li>It costs nothing if you want to be an independent contractor.</li><li>They actually have *employee* positions too.</li><li>Scam free guarantee. </li></ul><br /><br /><br /><br />I really had no intention of becoming a provider of <a href="http://www.procardinternational.com/ChrystalM1524">Procard</a>, but when I really started to think of it, I knew an entire network of individuals that could benefit from this program. This program is perfect for those who are self-employed with no insurance, employed with no insurance and anyone else who does not have health care. There is a premium package ($19.95/mo, which includes Aetna Dental) and a Deluxe ($28.95/mo).Pharmacy is a must. Vision is a must.<br /><br />You can also pay for an entire year at once instead of having the cost every month.<br /><br />As a rep I get a little bit of a bonus, I pay around $22 a month. If I can save more than $22 by spending $22 then I am breaking even. Anything more than that is a bonus. My medications alone are enough to make me run every time I have to refill them.<br /><br />They also have other programs <a href="http://localdiscounts.com/">localdiscounts.com</a> (there are a lot of goodies available there), <a href="http://pizzadelivery.com/">pizzadelivery.com</a>, and <a href="http://usjunkmail.com/">usjunkmail.com</a> .<br /><br />There are benefits too to those who have traditional insurance. Sometimes it will help cover the out of pocket costs, deductibles and co-pays. I have read testimonials on various websites and through users who were able to use this for added savings. Please check out the site for more information. If you have any questions feel free to ask!<br /><br />Like I said, I suck at sales and I am not really in this to make money, but if I can help someone else in who needs it than I am at least going to try.<br /><br />I know that any of the above options can be just what you are looking for if you have any of these circumstances like I do. It is all going to come down to how much do you want to spend, what benefits do you need, and if you are looking into a program you can make money from. They payouts between the two are very different.<br /><br /> Xpress is MLM. Procard is not, it works on a bonus structure similar to a MLM, but does not have deep levels. Procard also has actual employment opportunities instead of independent contractor if that interests you. Procard pays less, but it also costs less.<br /><br />Procard gives you a free website and printable materials to help you grow your business. Best part, it is free to join. So, if I am going to pay a monthly fee, may as well sign up. Especially if I can help people around me who need it. In my community both online and off I see a real need for savings in the healthcare department. So, I get the same doctors, same discount, cheaper monthly fee AND I can be a rep for FREE?<br /><br />I can answer any questions you may have, and if I don't know, I will certainly take the time to find out for you. Just remember, this is a better option for me. It may not be for you, so please do your homework before making your choice.<br /><br />Remember this is not insurance. This is a discount and savings healthcare plan.<br /><br />If you personally do not feel you could benefit from this, but may know someone who could, please share my blog post link. Thank you.<br /><br />If you are interested in purchasing Procard International Healthcare Plan: <strike>www.savingonhealth.com</strike><br />Procard International - <a href="http://www.procardinternational.com/ChrystalM1524" target="_blank">visit my site here.</a><br />If you are interested in becoming an Independent Agent, follow the same link.<br />If you would like more information you can email me cmahan@lselfemployedwriter.com<br /><br />I am going to be working on savingonhealth.com, so it is a work in process. There will be links there to all the programs and information so readers can make their own choices. I am also going to put other types of health discounts. Right now it just forwards to my Procard website.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76478789485226946052011-07-12T07:48:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.036-05:00Got A Classic You Love? Retell It For This Contest<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.salemlitfest.com/writingcontest">SALEM LITERARY FESTIVAL WRITING CONTEST</a></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Offering a $200 prize for the winning work of short</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>fiction on a theme of A Classic Re-Told. Choose a</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>childhood fairy tale or story from classic literature</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>and rewrite it, or mash-up some old favorites with a</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>modern twist! The winning author will receive a $200</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>honorarium. In addition, the winning author will be</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>invited to read their piece at the Salem Literary</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Festival in September 2011, receive feedback from a</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>literary agent, and will be featured in the Salem Gazette,</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>published in the e-magazine Art Throb, and the winning</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>story will be posted on the Literary Festival website.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Finalists may also be posted on the Literary Festival</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>website.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49621566914211970132011-07-11T08:56:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.056-05:00FREE Download : Tools for Writers - Blog Tracker<img alt="Pay for Blog Tracker" src="http://www.tradebit.com/usr/sors/pub/9002/127020674_BlogTracker.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"Discover How You Can Easily Find Thousands Of Profitable Niche Blogs To Increase Your Search Engines Rankings... & The Results Are Guaranteed!" </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br />What This Amazing Software Does:<br /><br />*Identifies Wordpress blogs with the 'nofollow' tag in the comments field in ANY niche you choose<br /><br />*Saves you time and effort from searching for blogs manually to leave comments on and building backlinks<br /><br />*Shows you the Page Rank of each of the individual blog posts itself and home page of the blogs<br /><br />*Displays the Alexa ranking of each blog (so you know what's the amount of traffic the blog receives)<br /><br />*Tells you if you have left a comment previously on the blog so you can track your link building efforts with much ease.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">*Allows you to save your findings and results for more effective tracking/analysis in the future.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/51926870/BlogTracker.zip">Free Download!</a></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25932367851563028462011-07-11T07:46:00.006-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.073-05:00It's United Planet Day and There's a Writing Contest<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.unitedplanet.org/united-planet-day-contest">UNITED PLANET DAY CONTEST</a></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>NO ENTRY FEE</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The deadline is on the equinox: September 23, 2011.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We are accepting all submissions through our online</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>community: <a href="http://www.upcommunity.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.upcommunity.org</a>. The winners of each</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>category will be granted the choice of either one United</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Planet Volunteer Abroad Quest for up to two weeks to</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>selected short-term locations around the world; or the</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>monetary compensation of $300. The winning pieces will</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>also be published on United Planet's website and in an</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>upcoming newsletter. The maximum length for a written</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>submission is 2500 words. Examples include any fiction,</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>creative non-fiction, or poetry piece inspired by volunteer</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>work, community service, travel experiences, or other</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>personal interactions that deal with the subject of</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>intercommunication and friendship.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76275692841678146102011-07-05T07:26:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.091-05:00Attention Smithsonian Lovers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0032KHQU2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Smithsonian magazine accepts unsolicited proposals from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">established freelance writers for features and some</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">departments.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Please use the<a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/contact-us/article-submit/"> web submission form </a>to submit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">a written proposal of 250 to 300 words as a preliminary query.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Smithsonian Magazine is buying first North American serial</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">rights only. Our article length ranges from a 700-word humor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">column to a 4,000-word full-length feature. We consider</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">focused subjects that fall within the general range of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Smithsonian Institution interests, such as:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> cultural history,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">physical science, </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">art and natural history.</span></li></ul><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> We are always</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">looking for offbeat subjects and profiles. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We do not consider</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">fiction, poetry, political and news events, or previously</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">published articles.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36800977583037606192011-07-02T16:15:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.550-05:00The Summoning Book 1 in the Gatekeeper Series by Wilson Doherty<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004YDU8HO&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></o:p>Do nightmares keep you up at night?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do humans look like demons?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Voices?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">People stop and stare? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Are you overly popular and you can’t seem to figure out why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps, you are just an outsider looking in, or maybe one who just wants to be part of a crowd.</div><div class="MsoNormal">If any of these things are happening to you, it is possible you have been summoned by the Guardian and you should take notice because demons want to take over the land.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Welcome to Chthonic City where a handful of teenagers have become restless, anxious, and a little freaked out over what they are seeing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Who to tell?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No one. They can’t tell. Who would believe them?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Each high school student faced with demonic sites and nightmares has life in which no one knows. The crazy girl sent to a psych ward, the jock, the loner, and the one not called at all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These students have a purpose. They may not realize just how important they are.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book goes on to tell the story of four teens, summoned by another world. The group meets the Guardian who teaches them that together, they can “dream down” and stop the demons coming through the gates of hell. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the process, a fifth follows and although is not called, desperately wants to join. Claire, Janna, Darren, Galen, and Maxim each see the demons in a different way. Each one of the teens holding on to different sense of “power” and called for a purpose. Each called forth to be Gatekeepers. All except for one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Each teen has its own story. Each teen is being neglected by family, most without friends to speak of. Parents too rich to take notice of the child’s thoughts and feelings. Parents who are work-a-holics. Each lonely in their own way. They needed each other more than they knew.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though the whole dream thing was played out with Nightmare on Elm Street it is refreshing to see a new twist on it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend The Summoning for readers of young adult novels to adults. Some of it might be a bit harsh for the sensitive younger readers, so it may be better suited for those age 17 and above due to some events and profanity. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is a story of good vs. evil. It is a story of teens from opposite sides of the track bonding together to form a bond. A bond which would not be broken. So, while some will read the story and follow the teens down the gates of hell to fight the demons trying to cross over, others will see a deeper meaning of friendship and understanding. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Were they able to close the door and stop the demons? You will just have to <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/56163?ref=cmahan">read the novel </a>to find out!</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am anxious to see what turn of events happen in upcoming books. This is one series I will be keeping an eye on.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26342418885284305092011-07-02T10:16:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.133-05:00Last Call! Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Send a poem, 30 lines or less on any subject or send in a short story,5 pages or less, on any topic.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entries can be single or double line spacing, even neatly hand printed </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">or typed.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Entry fees: $5 per poem, $10 per story.</span></div><br /><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Writing Contest First Prize: $500, 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100;</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Poetry Contest First Prize: $250, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000027588026&pubid=21000000000320849" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000000027588026&pubid=21000000000320849" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Postmark deadline: July 31, 2011<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.dreamquestone.com/">Dream Quest One</a><strong> </strong> for details and to enter!</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9393274545062947932011-06-30T10:50:00.002-04:002012-04-11T11:32:06.732-04:00Free eBook : How to Find a Killer Niche & Unlocking the Niche Code<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4-ZgkXFlPQ/TgyGwQ4zvpI/AAAAAAAAAdk/JoWvvG86OY0/s1600/NICHECODEINNER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4-ZgkXFlPQ/TgyGwQ4zvpI/AAAAAAAAAdk/JoWvvG86OY0/s320/NICHECODEINNER.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><u><br /></u><br /><u><br /></u><br /><u>Unlocking the Niche Code</u><strike> (free download).</strike> <span style="color: red;"><i>offer expired</i></span> Unlocking the niche code teaches you how to research the money making capabilities of a certain niche. The ebook offers a simple, step-by-step approach for finding your best niche.<br /><br />Niche is something I still struggle with because I think I have too many of them. I have tried to separate them in to different websites, but then I feel too overwhelmed and can't keep up with everything!<br /><u><br /></u><br /><u>How to Find a Killer Niche</u> <strike>(free download). </strike><span style="color: red;"><i>offer expired</i></span><br />This is one of the first ebooks I read when I was trying to figure out my niche. Of course, it took me forever to realize my niche was right in front of me (writing, taxes, and just being me).<br /><br />But, for someone who is new to the online world of niche writing, this is a very good tool for beginners.<br /><br />Update: 4/11/2012 - this offer has expired. Subscribe to my updates to be notified when the new offers arrive. I'll be making these available again.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36384335306236955152011-06-30T09:11:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.172-05:00“My Real-Life Story Essay Contest”<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0cLR7lL3k85RE?utm_source=zemanta&utm_medium=p&utm_content=0cLR7lL3k85RE&utm_campaign=z1" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Actress Eva Men..." height="150" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0cLR7lL3k85RE/107x150.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="107" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 107px;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images" target="_blank">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com/" target="_blank">@daylife</a></span></span>From <a href="http://glamour.com/">Glamour.com</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">Every woman has an inspiring true story somewhere inside her—and we want to hear yours. Is it about the time you overcame an obstacle, tested your courage or found your passion? Enter our eighth essay contest and you could win $5,000, have your story published in an upcoming issue of Glamour, and meet with a top literary agent. All entries must be received by August 15, 2011. See</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2011/03/glamour-essay-contest-2011-rules" style="color: #660022; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">rules</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">for details</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><br /><br />Read More <a href="http://www.glamour.com/magazine/sweeps/archive#ixzz1Qib9ueC8" style="color: #003399; text-decoration: none;">http://www.glamour.com/magazine/sweeps/archive#ixzz1Qib9ueC8</a></span><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=daaaedab-4cca-405a-a2f0-eb5aac3a83c1" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66471865432761813032011-06-29T15:27:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:51.687-04:00My Poetry in Motion<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bookcover_Wilcox.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cover of the first edition of Poems of Passion..." height="434" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/Bookcover_Wilcox.jpg/300px-Bookcover_Wilcox.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bookcover_Wilcox.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br />I have a LOT of poetry. Sitting in boxes, packed away from prying eyes, sits books of mass quantities.<br />Not just any books, my books. My words. Journals.<br /><br />Inside these journals is the journey of my life. My thoughts. My struggles. My past, present, and future.<br />Each page whispering something, always reminding me of my truths.<br /><br />It is also within these pages I have jotted down lines upon lines of poetic prose.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Not sure if any of it is any good. I have submitted a few pieces to be published and have always received excellent feedback. I do believe I have two that have been published in a anthology. It was so long ago and I never thought about keeping track of those things back then.</span><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I am living a life stuck in limbo right now. Trying to decide my next move. Seeing graduation finally within my reach. Plotting my career right now to the smallest detail. I have been going through this phase of feeling like I am not good enough, building these websites are/have been a waste of time. HubPages, despite the revenue, is going to be a waste of time. Trying to get my erotic published, my self help memoir, or anything else....waste of time.<br /><br />But....in the same breath...I won't know unless I try. Right?<br /><br />I have decided that I would like to take the next step and trying to get my poetry published. My books are not finished and I can send out my poetry while I work on those. I figure I have nothing to lose really. I have also thought about trying to get my collection of poetry published. At least the pieces I have here with me. So, I will be pulling my "Poetry in Motion" poems off my website(s) in order to put them into documents for submission.<br /><br />I have some things that will stay, some that will be transferred to HubPages and even a few that might go on Ezine to provide me with some links and more content there. I know it takes a long time to build websites. My SEW is 6 years old, been through 4 name changes and a couple of moves. This is the first year I have actually tried to make money off blogging. I am still learning.</div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76036253084416075542011-06-29T14:08:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.554-05:00No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcoe<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1400317215&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As a young adult I remember rummaging through the hall closet which contained my mother’s treasured hard back novels. Every time I opened that closet the smell of book pages and bindings would hit me like a great flood coming in from the sea. To this day, it is a smell I treasure. I spent my younger years reading horror by Stephen King and mysteries by Agatha Christie. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Obviously I am no longer a young adult, now into my mid-thirties, but I can still cherish and appreciate a young adult novel. So, when I saw No Place like Holmes was up for review, I snatched it up. Who doesn’t love a good mystery or Sherlock Holmes related novel?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are introduced to Griffin, a young boy traveling from the United States to London to visit his uncle, Rupert Snodgrass. The only problem is, Uncle Rupert has no idea his nephew is about to knock on his door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Griffin learns that his uncle and Sherlock Holmes share the same apartment building 221 Baker Street, he thinks to himself that it won’t be such a bad summer after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When Uncle Rupert finally calms down after the boy gets settled in, he lays down a few rules. Rules that leave the 12 year old boy out on the streets, daily, to fend for himself. Rupert feels Griffin is disturbing his work, which is slime thanks the Holmes, so the money his sister sent will be of use. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The relationship gets off to a rocky start but when Griffin proves himself useful by paying attention to detail and doing a little detective work of his own, the Uncle and Griffin are able to join together to find a missing person. When my mystery unfolds, this missing person has built an explosive device to be placed in Big Ben, leaving London in shambles.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What follows are the twists and turns of a classic mystery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite being meant for the younger generation, I think any mystery lover can appreciate this creative story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do they save London? You will have to read to find out. The ending is not what you think!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a book review program. I was provided no monetary compensation, only the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86045750302515134152011-06-23T09:49:00.005-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.556-05:00Spoon-fed Addiction by Silvano Williams<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/45786?ref=cmahan"><img height="320" src="http://cache.smashwire.com/bookCovers/a5095a73ca71e57950476ec5d982fb01c820b071" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a huge fan of “dear diary” type stories. When I first decided to take on this book review, I had read a few paragraphs of the story and started to dread it. What else could someone possibly say about the life of a drug deal who has obviously cracked? I put the Nook aside and decided to save it for another day.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Having said it before, I will always give a book my best shot. No matter how much it does not entertain me I will at least try especially when the author contacted me for a review. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I finished up school for the summer, I decided to give it a go. I scanned back through the first chapter to refresh my memory.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I then sat up the whole night finishing the book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Meet Adiran, messed up druggie extraordinaire. Typical, and yes, rather cliché. But how else can you describe the main character from a drug addicted novella? You wanted to love Adiran, but you hated him for messing up his life. You wanted him to be loved, to have love, and get out of this train wreck of a life he was living. You wanted to know he was going to clean up his life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That doesn’t happen. There is no fairytale love story hidden within these pages. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, the pages are littered with drug use, drug deals, sex, crimes, and death. After death, there is revenge which does nothing more than create more death and an ending that leaves your ripping out your hair, screaming “I WANT MORE!” It can possibly end just like that. What happened to……</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You will get sucked in. You will find yourself full of emotions and right when you think you have the story all figured out…………..it ends.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am thrilled with the emotional roller coaster ride Silvano Williams took me on. Now I sit here, pounding away at the keyboard wondering….will there be more? When can I find out what happens to Adiran? Do the police catch up with him? Does he overdose? Spend the rest of his life in prison? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or, maybe he falls in love while on the run and heads to Mexico….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hey, a girl can dream (or in this case make up the ending to a story not written)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you love a fast paced adventure, you will enjoy <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/45786?ref=cmahan">Spoon-fed Addiction by Silvano Williams</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80363555766743540902011-06-20T09:48:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.252-05:00A Postcard PoemDo you have a pile of postcards that you have collected over the years? Have you ever wondered what you are going to do with them?<br /><br />Found this idea in the July/August 2011 Writer's Digest Magazine. Might be fun and might just spark some creativity.<br /><br />Now, if only I can remember what box my postcards are in.<br /><br />This has also given me a reason to purchase new postcards when I go places! Once I have a set, I can craft them into a cute book like this photo I found on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/">Pinterest:</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UBvRJswUvU/TfzZ1cDGflI/AAAAAAAAAcU/MREzToOZ2F8/s1600/41041321_iGF7lfWU_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UBvRJswUvU/TfzZ1cDGflI/AAAAAAAAAcU/MREzToOZ2F8/s320/41041321_iGF7lfWU_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The person who does these has a blog: <a href="http://iloveitallwithmonikawright.blogspot.com/2010/11/summer-in-life-complete-look.html">I Love It All,</a> so I want to make sure I give her full credit since her little mini books are popping up all over Pinterest.<br /><br />I have been inspired by these mini books to make one for M and I for all of our mementos we saved from our dates and road trips.<br /><br />This postcard poetry has me inspired as well. Beautiful postcards on one side, poetry on the other.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here is the poetic prompt:</span></b><br /><br />Write a postcard poem. In the short amount of space a postcard allows, write a poem that describes either a place you're visiting or one that you already have. You can address it to a person to make it more personal.<br /><br />Have fun!<br /><br />Once I have mine finished (it might take a while) I will be sure to post photos! If you make one, I would like to see yours as well.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67673039868426137342011-06-18T12:25:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.558-05:00You Have The Power To Rewrite Your RealityI have been trying to change my reality. Trying to juggle school, family, and writing has become extremely overwhelming these last few weeks. I came across this article (there is also a free ebook, download at end of post):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/23210250/Change_Your_Mind.pdf"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ing6-cjF24/TfzRKZDdpvI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/KQaM4AJtlZk/s1600/ChYMpaperbacksmsm.jpg" /></a></div><br />Thoughts have the power to affect each one and the life that one lives. One’s thoughts are very vital tools in creating and shaping the reality that one experiences. Thoughts are responsible for the creation of one’s emotional state, affecting the body, health and one's daily living in general, influencing one’s responses to relationships and to life and determine one’s choices.<br /><br />The power of your thought can enable reality, and all realities. This reality however at times often will have one accept otherwise. Believing that your fate lies in other people’s hands and to the things beyond one’s control, then one looses that basic power granted to him, which is the very power or capability to create.<br /><br />Loosing this power, one then makes it easier for other persons to change and manipulate one’s own world into that which others want it to be, instead of transforming it yourself into that of what you really want it to be. Bear in mind, you and only you have that right and that power to make your world.<br /><br />Creating or rewriting one's own reality will never imply as one being a success in the financial aspect of success. Being poor or rich is not the requirement of this state; however, maintaining a positive and healthy attitude is very much the prerequisite.<br /><br />Remember that every successes stems or results from one’s own capability to attract the positive character of one’s divine Father. One must recognize that every incident that one lives through is intentionally created for one’s enlightenment.<br /><br />Although one has been deceived in succession, one’s illusion constantly builds up like prison gates simply because one was unsuccessful to retrieve the life force of happiness. One must concentrate on certain things that guarantee a positive concept of success. The powerful reason for this is that inside a negative energy compartment, it sustains and encourages only negative energy.<br /><br />Energy streams where it is recognized. A negative energy should stream to its source in order to be alive. So much like gasoline set on fire. Fire is attracted to gasoline until such time that fire consumes everything and dies out. <br /><br />It will not live without something assisting in its formation. Take note that fire will wipe out everything provided that there is still energy feeding it. The moment that fires sustenance is gone, then fire should, by law of nature, distinguish itself.<br /><br />It is this exact law that exists in every person’s thoughts. The energy one produces will feed on the equivalent energy that is in existent in that certain thought. Negative thoughts feeds on negative energy, in the same manner that positive thoughts attract and feed on positive energy.<br /><br />The more negative thought that one has, the more that he creates negative energy all around him. This negative energy in time will build up enormously around one’s life for so many miles literally.<br /><br />That explains why some individuals have negative incidents attached to them. Certain facets go on haunting certain individuals for years to such point that these individuals feels that they are born unlucky or that they are cursed. When in fact, they have created this negative energy and have accumulated so much, feeding them off. <br /><br />You have the power to rewrite this reality, this negative energy that you have nourished. Defeat it with pleasant, positive and inspiring thoughts, all the time, every time. Continuously doing so will distinguish the negative fire within. <br /><br />Here are simple ways to rewrite your thoughts and your reality:<br /><br />1. There is a need and a must to change your beliefs and attitude concerning your present reality. Shift your attention and focus in the direction that you believe can bring you more success and peace. Turn negative thoughts into positive ones; whenever a negative thought enters your mind, block it off instantly with a positive thought. <br /><br />2. Create an image or think of the new and positive reality that you want to achieve and focus on it constantly; should there is a need for you to decide on a certain aspect in your life, refer to that image, to help you in your decision making. <br /><br />3. Heal all your negative thoughts. Look inside you and determine what needs to be done and what you want to do. Keep on focusing to that reality that you want to achieve and never be afraid to take the steps towards it. Remember, fear is negative.<br /><br />Wanting to succeed above every circumstance in your life, means using the power of your thoughts to make the reality that you want. Focus your attention to the thoughts and images that you want to project, that you want to achieve; this, combined with that passionate feeling deep inside you, your thoughts will be able to bring forth what you truly desire.<br /><br />Free eBook: <a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/23210250/Change_Your_Mind.pdf">Change Your Mind, Change Your Life</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22597425748597027092011-06-15T10:10:00.013-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.299-05:0010 Tips for Successful EntriesWhen writing posts regarding submissions and contests I came across this article in <a href="http://www.pw.org/">Poets and Writers </a>magazine regarding these 10 tips for successful entries. Thought I would pass it along.<br /><br />1. Choose your contests wisely. Pick those you would be proud to win.<br />2. Do your research.<br />3. Learn about the judge.<br />4. Make a reading list. Read the last 3 books that have won the prize you are entering.<br />5. Follow the guidelines.<br />6. Submit your best. Write as if it is the last piece you will ever write & your life depended on it.<br />7. Polish your manuscript. For poetry organize your book in coherent order.<br />8. Don't pitch your work. Be confident!<br />9. Try again. Submit until someone takes it.<br />10. Don't give up!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82732589562218121232011-06-14T11:36:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.318-05:00ProBlogger's Guide to Blogging for Your Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blog4Biz_3d book-400.jpg" src="http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Blog4Biz_3d-book-400.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><br />Darren Rowse and his team at <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a> have done it again.<br /><br />It was just a few short weeks ago they released the new "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/new-from-problogger-guide-to-your-first.html">Guide to Your First Week of Blogging</a>."<br /><br />Now there is a release just for those who want to promote their business through weblog.<br /><br /><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><em>A blog is part of your business plan… but where do you start?</em></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">This practical eBook is written for Business Owners wanting to<br />use blogs to help them achieve their blogging goals.<br /><br />It's over 140 pages jam packed full of content from successful<br />business owner, blogger and blog coach - Mark Hayward.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b><br /></b></div><div align="center" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><a class="ec_ejc_thkbx" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&i=952111&cl=11220&ejc=2" style="color: #4280b4; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Download it Now - Blog4Biz.jpeg" height="200" src="http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Download-it-Now-Blog4Biz.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" width="384" /></a></div><h3 style="color: #ce4f00; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><br /><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=952111&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220" target="ejejcsingle">Click here to view more details</a><br /></h3><ul style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ce4f00;"><b> </b></span></div></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71422692799212179962011-06-14T08:05:00.043-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.335-05:00Opportunities for Writers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Poetry</span><br />Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Annual Poetry Prizes<br />DUE: October 11, 2011<br />Website: <a href="http://www.dorothyprizes.org/">www.dorothyprizes.org</a><br />$1000 to $25,000 will be awarded for the finest lyric poems celebrating the human spirit. The contest is open to all writers, published or unpublished who are under the age of 40 by November 6, 2011. Check out the website for more information.<br /><br />2011 Rattle Poetry<br />DUE: August 1, 2011<br />Website: <a href="http://www.rattle.com/">www.rattle.com</a><br />1st prize is $5,000 with 15 $100 finalists. You can submit up to four poems. Entry fee is $18 and includes a 1 year subscription to Rattle magazine. For guidelines, please visit the website.<br /><br />PhatSalmon.com 1st Annual Poetry Contest<br />DUE: June 30, 2011<br />Website: <a href="http://phatsalmon.com/Contest">phatsalmon.com/Contest</a><br />$9,000 in prize money plus publication in the Phat Salmon Journal. For writers who swim against the stream. Entry fee is $20 for 4 poems. $5 each additional. Complete submission guidelines location at the website.<br /><br />Astounding Beauty Ruffian Press<br />2011 Poetry Chapbook Award<br />DUE: August 31, 2011<br />Website: <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/~astoundingbeauityruffianpress/">http://home.earthlink.net/~astoundingbeauityruffianpress/</a><br />Email: astoundingbeautyruffianpress@yahoo.com<br />$10,000 Prize and Publication<br />10-20 pages of original poetry. $20 entry fee.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Book</span><br />Barrow Street Press<br />Book Contest<br />Website: <a href="http://www.barrowstreet.org/">www.barrowstreet.org</a><br />DUE: June 30, 2011<br />Prize is $1000 and publication. Guidelines are located on the website.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82760094083696852872011-06-08T20:33:00.003-04:002014-09-25T18:27:20.012-04:00#NSNation It’s Been a While<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, I fell off the face of the Earth and was MIA for a time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not really.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just extremely busy and honestly with all these school projects I have been working on (June 22!) to push through to graduation I have forgotten about so many things I was supposed to be doing. I had to put wedding stuff on hold because I just could not handle dealing with that and everything else going on in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last time I posted a <a href="http://www.nurtrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> update was on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/nsnation-rounding-out-week-16_19.html">Week 16</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">Week 16 5/16/ 2011 224.8 <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">Week 17 5/23/2011 skipped<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">Week 18 5/30/2011 skipped<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">Week 19 6/6/2011 227 this is weigh in on my scale and not my nurse step-mom in-law Dr. scale so I am sure all my weights are off from one scale to the next.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am still on Nutrisystem and now that the weather is warmer, I am walking a lot more. With the warmer weather come more salads. One of my favorites is the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=dinner&plan=basic&productId=3873&categoryId=356">Nutrisystem Buffalo Chicken Wrap</a>, which I pour on my salad and save the tortilla (sometimes I eat it with the salad) to use with the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=dinner&plan=basic&productId=947&categoryId=356">Nutrisystem Vegetable Fajita.</a>(which is also really good as the inside filling of an omelet, or on top of a salad)</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This will be my last week, Week 20. I still have some food from meals I ate out or ate with my family so I will actually be able to eat a few extra days of Nutrisystem. I have been taking the time the last few weeks to read and study nutrition labels. I found this neat iPhone App called <a href="http://www.fooducate.com/">Fooducate</a>. You can scan the bar code of an item and it will give it a letter grade and some comparable items as well as those that are better. It also explains the nutrition label. This has been a big help for me in finding items at the grocery story that are higher in fiber and protein and lower in calories. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found Sun-Kist makes not just tuna packets, but salmon packets too. Even in flavors. I love salmon but I am the only person in my house that likes it so these little packets are perfect for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">My family is now on a budget because of the vet bills we have accumulate the last few months with Cain’s health problems. He has to have daily meds and I have to work on saving/raising money for his MRI and future care. I am still not sure how to do that. We started a YouTube channel and have a bit of footage we can use; neither of us really have had the time for it. I also set up a <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/">website for him</a>, both from his point of view and mine as well as a fundraising site where you can order magazines and stuff and I get a percentage of the order to <a href="http://www.efundraisingonline.com/helpingcain">Helping Cain</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My grocery budget is $200 a month. 5 days a week it’s just the two of us, on weekends it’s the 3 of us. That might seem like a decent amount for 3 people, but it’s not. Big M eats pretty good sized meals a few times a day when he is home. lil m, for a growing 6 yr old has her days when she just eats and eats. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t have the time or the resources to be like TLC’s Extreme Couponing. I am not interested in all of that stress. I don’t have many coupon resources out here, so what I do get comes from pintables online. So this is something I have been trying to work with. Weight loss friendly and budget friendly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I did have a wakeup call (or was it a weight loss call) when I was summoned for Jury Duty in September. Funny thing, they wanted me to come when I am going away on my staycation short term honeymoon. I advised them of this as well as my health problems and instead of focusing on my health problems they focused on the honeymoon. They then moved me up to July. So, after emails and telephone calls I finally had to go to my chiropractor and get a brand new letter stating my condition.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In that letter my chiropractor pointed out how my lower disks are thinning and it is painful to sit for long periods of time and it flairs up the sciatica. She said for me not to sit any longer than 45minutes and that I am to sit on a Pilates exercise ball. I wonder how the judge is going to like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t sit in a jury box. It will kill me. The pain will be so nasty that I won’t be able to concentrate and I will be fidgeting in my chair. Sure they will love that. And let’s not get into the mental health problems. I sent all that too just in case the chiropractor wasn’t enough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve done my time on a jury board, and in a court room as a deputy court clerk. I don’t think I would be doing any good service to anyone being in the condition I am in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What struck me was that there was a line in the note about when seated the weight being put on my lower back…..yeah, the weight. The chiro has told me more than once I have to get the weight off to reduce the stress on my spine. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is a vicious cycle I am in right now. I have to exercise to lose weight, but the exercise hurts. My back hurts, my hip goes out of joint, and my sciatica flares. I have to go through pain to reduce the pain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh joy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, at this stage and age in my life, I just can’t give up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; 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All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87319911604091149072011-06-08T15:10:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.374-05:00Narrative - Online Publication - Spring Contest<img src="http://www.narrativemagazine.com/files/imagecache/258x258/pages/images/SpringStory258D.png" /><br /><br />About a month ago I was reading my <a href="http://www.pw.org/">Poets and Writers</a> magazine and saw a small mention of the Narrative website. I thought nothing of it. I am not the world's best about chasing down websites I have seen in a literary magazine. Shortly after that I discovered the <a href="http://www.apple.com/">iPhone</a> App. I was amazed by the content and signed up for the newsletter.<br /><br />I received an email from them today and I thought I would pass it along to you.<br /><br /><br /><div id="content-header" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><h1 class="title" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 2em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Spring 2011 Story Contest</h1></div><div id="content-area" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><div id="sidebar-right-small-width" style="margin-right: 130px;"><div class="node node-type-page" id="node-129337"><div class="node-inner"><div class="content"><div style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 1em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="bold_caps" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.1em; margin-left: -1em; text-transform: uppercase;">OUR SPRING CONTEST </span>is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers. We’re looking for short stories, short shorts, essays, memoirs, photo essays, graphic stories, one-act plays, all forms of literary nonfiction, and excerpts from longer works of both fiction and nonfiction. Entries must be previously unpublished, must be no longer than 15,000 words, and must not have been previously chosen as a winner, finalist, or honorable mention in another contest.</span><br /></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;">Prior winners and finalists in <em>Narrative</em> contests have gone on to win other contests and to be published in prize collections, including the<strong>Pushcart Prize</strong>, <strong>Best New Stories from the South</strong>, the<strong>Atlantic Prize,</strong> and others.</span></div><div style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;">As always, we are looking for works with a strong narrative drive, with characters we can respond to as human beings, and with effects of language, situation, and insight that are intense and total. We look for works that have the ambition of enlarging our view of ourselves and the world.</span></div><div style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;">We welcome and look forward to reading your pages.</span></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;"><br /></span></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.narrativemagazine.com/node/129337">Click here to submit your content.</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71545166400612268742011-06-02T17:27:00.003-04:002011-11-12T10:49:05.545-05:00Still in TransistionI am going to be doing a 30 day writing challenge on my author site, Chrystal Mahan. I do hope you will join me over there and follow along. It will be nice to see some familiar faces.<br /><br /><br /><h1 style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal bold 22px/26px Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/06/03/trust30postit/">Self-Reliance Writing Challenge</a></h1><div><br /></div><div>I will also be working on finishing up the move of items off here, to there and revamping this site to include more freelance writing opportunities, materials, as well as getting set up in the freelance world and working from home. That content will stay here of course! </div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14674567203191067002011-05-28T15:00:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.562-05:00Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley<img alt="Breath of Angel: A Novel (The Angelaeon Circle)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sCx2g6w1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This may very well be the longest time frame ever for a book review, at least for me personally. Normally when I receive a book to review, I have it done within the week. This was not the case for this particular book. I received this book in February, and it is now May. I was fortunate enough to get an advanced reading copy, which means it is an uncorrected proof. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do wonder if others reading this book now have the corrected and printed version and if it varies from mine in any manner. Would be interesting to compare copies and see what changes have been made. But, that is not what I am supposed to be writing about. I am supposed to be giving you, the reader, my honest review of this book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me admit something, I am not the biggest fan of Fantasy Fiction. While I can appreciate a good novel that is centered on angels, shape-sifters and priestesses, I do have a hard time with odd made up names and places. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I realize there is an entire section in the bookstores devoted to this type of fiction, I am perfectly happy reading about creatures who roam the world in which I know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my belief that this is the reason why I had tried on three separate occasions to get through this book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry, but I can’t seem to get through the first few chapters. While the book appears to hold a lot of potential for the right reader, it does not hold a lot of interest for me. Another thing worth mentioning, the book is for Young Adults, something the publishing company did not mention upon the arrival of the book, nor does it specify that on the back of the cover where you would normally find this information.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If this sort of novel interests you, I defiantly say, give it a go. Reading the back cover, it seems to have the same theme and story plot as so many other fantasy novels. But, that does not necessarily mean it is badly written.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in giving every book and every author a fair shot. I will try to read anything and for the most part, do. But, when I get a book where I can’t get through the first few chapters, no matter how many times I try to read it, there is no point in me even trying again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I believe in the three strikes and you are out rule.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0307730123&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbooks Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10290981936102943962011-05-28T14:16:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.564-05:00Book Review Temperature Dead and Rising by Adam Santo<img alt="Temperature: Dead and Rising" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418m-dyGhuL._SL500_.jpg" /><br /><br />At first I was a little leery of reading a book that had so much going on. I am glad I actually took the time to sit down and absorb it.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This is not your typical Dawn of the Dead zombie movie, there is a bit of a twist. Comical in nature, the book takes on the feel of the DD counterpart, Shaun of the Dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not dense and that over the top, so you can stop right there with that thinking. SD defiantly is a preference of taste.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A creepy sarcastic comedy. Is there such a genre? If not, there is now. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book opens in a morgue, with Sally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we know from the descriptions where she is, or where some of us might think she is, Sally doesn’t seem to really understand the full effect as to what has happened. She is cold, nude, and has no memory of event that led her into the box of steel. Bo has come to rescue her, and let it be known she is going through an Awakening for the undead. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While trying to grasp the concept that others are not extremely happy with her presence, Sally is forced to deal with being undead, and never being able to go home or be seen my friends and family. She was in a terrible car accident with her friends, who were all killed, just as Sally was.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The rival clan, The Church, want Sally. They want to dominate her to use her powers to control the world of the undead. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sally has been given a gift. The powers that be have chosen her to be the one given the magical gift to raise the dead (known as a Slaver). Once they rise, she has total control over them. This is a huge responsibility for someone brand new to the world of the undead.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It touches on some comedy within the horror of the undead storyline. Imagine finding out your dead, but not. You have to change your appearance, your life, the food you eat and the clothing you wear. Bo left her to take care of things on her own, along with a bag of money.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what is the one thing a woman will do first? Shop. Off to the drug store for basic necessitates. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Deodorant? Yes. Toothpaste. Check. Tampons? Oh, crap. Why would she need those? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Who has time to think about these things when an army of undead are chasing after you?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You are just going to have to read this story to find out.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87086488034205543492011-05-27T07:13:00.022-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.567-05:00Today I am Starting: FeelGooderI know most of you are no stranger to Darren Rowse from <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a>.<br /><br />Author of :<br /><br /><ul><li><u><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&c=ib&aff=154042">31 Days to Build a Better Blog </a></u></li><li><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">Probloggers Guide to Your First Week of Blogging</a></u> </li></ul><div>Is now the author of</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.feelgooder.com/feelbetter/">FeelGooder</a> </li></ul><div><h1 class="entry-title" style="color: #006d9f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 28px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">FeelGooder’s 7 Ways to FeelBetter</h1><div class="entry-content"><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">The spring cleaning’s got your house in order. But what about you?</div><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Don’t you deserve a little attention, too?</div><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><img alt="7 ways feelbetter.png" height="440" src="http://www.feelgooder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/7-ways-feelbetter.png" style="float: right; max-width: 100%;" width="300" /><em>7 Ways to Feelbetter</em> is the pick-me-up you need—and just in time for summer!</div><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></div><h2 style="color: #006d9f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Join the 7-day Challenge</h2><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">This ebook presents a seven-day challenge designed to give you a fresh perspective on seven crucial aspects of your wellbeing:</div><ol style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Exercise</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Save</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Connect</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Eat</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Act</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Play</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Think</li></ol><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Over 36 information-packed pages, <em>7 Ways to FeelBetter</em> guides you through a process of reflection, consolidation, and planning in each area.</div><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&i=943753&cl=170571&ejc=2"><img alt="FeelGooder_AffiliateAd_250x250px_v3.jpeg" src="http://www.feelgooder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/FeelGooder_AffiliateAd_250x250px_v3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Join me!?!?!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49922916083947848832011-05-26T11:14:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.503-05:00I Have a Dream. Do You?I do not make it a habit of using content off of other websites, but I felt this one was worth sharing.<br />I have been a subscriber of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Womans-Day-1-year-auto-renewal/dp/B002V0CJL0?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Woman's Day</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002V0CJL0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> magazine for many years. While reading the April issue I came across an article titled "It's Never Too Late." The article was about women over 40 who went on to follow their dreams. Although I am only going to be 36 this year, 40 is not that far off for me.<br /><br />The first part of the article was about Diana Crosby, 51, with a life dream of being a published author.<br /><br />I wanted to share it because we are never too young or too old.<br /><br />Here is that article (from the <a href="http://www.womansday.com/">wd.com</a> site):<br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>From Fantasies to Reality </b></div><div class="object-right" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; margin-top: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="content-view-embed" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="class-image" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="attribute-image" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img alt="" height="258" src="http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/01-from-fantasies-to-reality/1169856-1-eng-US/01-from-fantasies-to-reality.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; vertical-align: bottom;" title="" width="200" /></div></div></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The first creative writing class Diana Cosby, 51, took three decades ago wasn’t exactly a confidence booster. “I struggled during the entire course,” admits Diana, who’d registered for the college class when she was a 21-year-old naval meteorological technician stationed in Hawaii. “However, by the very last assignment, things started to click.” She thought the short story she’d sweated over for days was the best thing she’d ever written. But when her instructor returned her assignment, a snarky note was red-inked at the top: <i>Whoever wrote this paper gets an A-, but you get a D+</i>. The insinuation: Diana’s writing before that had been so bad, she must have cheated. “I was devastated. Then and there I gave up the idea of writing.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Or she meant to, anyway. Even as she got married in 1988, started a family, bought a home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and worked her way up the naval ranks, Diana kept telling coworkers that she wanted to be a writer. Feeding that desire was a steady diet of romance novels— books Diana enjoyed less for their love scenes than for how the romantic fantasies “inspire hope. There’s always a happy ending,” she says.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In 1996, when the Navy offered her early retirement at age 36, she jumped at the chance to stay home with her three young children, ages 5, 4 and 3, and work on plan B: writing a novel. The family would do fine on her then-husband’s military officer salary. “It felt like I’d come home,” she says.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Her days started at 4 a.m. While the rest of her family slept, she’d quietly creep into the living room to tap out a few pages on her computer. A year later, she had a completed manuscript of a historical romance set in Viking times. “It was horrible!” she laughs. “That’s the thing about being a writer—you always believe your stories are amazing. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t continue.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">At the time, though, confident she had a winner, Diana sent the manuscript off to one publisher after another. When rejection number 100 arrived, she quit counting. “I thought of it as a test to see if I wanted what I said I wanted,” Diana says. And she did, badly. The only thing left to do was work harder. “If my writing wasn’t selling to those publishers, I needed to do more research, take more classes. For me a ‘no’ means to look for other avenues,” she says.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">As her predawn writing sessions continued, Diana transformed herself into an eager student of the craft. To steep her historical romances in realism, she researched the time period. She signed up for online classes taught by her favorite romance writers and followed their suggestions.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Diana’s writing slowly improved, and she finished a second novel, then a third and a fourth. Each amassed its own collection of rejections, in a cycle that went on unbroken for years. Finally, in 2005, more than nine years after she had started writing, Diana got The Call. A publishing house in New York City wanted to buy her eighth novel, <i>His Captive</i>, the first in a series set in medieval Scotland. “I cried,” she says.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The novel came out in 2007, when Diana was 47. Since then, two more have been published, and another is due out in October. “The first time I saw my novel in a bookstore, I stared at it in shock,” she says. “When I noticed someone nearby, I blurted out, ‘I wrote that.’ I’d always dreamed of saying those words.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Lessons Learned</b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Tap into envy. </b>“I stewed over other first-time authors’ novel sales. Then I realized that jealousy was a shortcut to figuring out what I wanted in life. If you envy someone, ask yourself, <i>What am I jealous of? </i>Your answer is your goal.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Set achievable goals. </b>“My military training taught me to dream big, but also to break down goals into a series of bite-size steps. Since churning out an entire novel sounded terrifying, I focused on one smaller, more feasible goal: Write a few pages a day. It’s not as overwhelming.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Find mentors. </b>“Many writers helped me along the way, like Shirley Rogerson. She’d just published her first romance novel when I met her, and we became fast friends. I asked her to critique the book I was writing, and I did the same for her. You can use local groups and your own social network to connect with people who do what you dream of doing. Pick their brain, but make sure to offer something in return.”</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92057613260473255952011-05-25T19:59:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.569-05:00The Skin Map by Stephen R Lawhead<img src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.420.cover.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />When I first read the story line for this book I was extremely excited. I am a huge fan of Dan Brown novels and movies such as National Treasure. There is something about a good puzzle that really tunes me in to a good story.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">That is what I expected when I read the synopsis of this particular novel. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While, there was a little bit of that mixed in, majority of the novel was centered on time travel.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Kit Livingstone is certainly not having the time of his life. Living a life of ho-hum and bored with his existence and girlfriend Wilhelmina he is not sure what to do. Upon paying a visit to Mina, Kit runs in to his great-grandfather, Cosimo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cosimo is a bit out there. He is certainly not your ordinary great-grandfather speaking of time travel and alternate worlds.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cosimo tries to prove to Kit he is telling the truth, taking him across the line, through the portal, and back in time. While Kit eats a meal fit for a king, Cosimo is making a plan to gather the tattoo map. Kit, deciding he does not want to stay, returns to Mina. Problem is, Mina does not believe where he has been.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Determined to show her, the two become separated. Kit, back with Cosmio, Mina in Prague.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While I enjoyed the story, I felt there could have been more character development. Kit, always in the background of the action. The story would shift back and forth. Kit and his great-grandfather searching for the skin map and Mina, while Mina begins to build her life helping a baker make a living in Prague.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I found myself wanting to read more of her story. How she became the coffee queen in this growing town. How she did not miss her old life back in London. It seems Mina had no desire to return home, back to the future. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found this book to just be an Ok read. Nothing really special that makes me want to jump out of my seat and scream in excitement. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74843005199468116692011-05-25T10:20:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.543-05:00Website Customization: What Can It Do?Part 1. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/how-to-have-websites-built-for-you.html">How to Have Websites Built for You the Cheap Way</a><br /><br />Part 2. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/good-design-practices.html">Good Web Design Practices</a><br /><br />Part 3. Website Customization<br /><br />What can it do?<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">The world is a trendy place and some people get very uptight when they do not look entirely presentable. The perfect web design is crucial. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Every individual would definitely want their website to look good, if not, to the best they can. Here are a few things we could look out for when wanting to create a professional looking webpage.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Color Schemes and Themes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">When designing, always choose matching colors. An example of a matching color would be to have a dark background, with visible words and designs. With the dark theme, try not to mix too many bright colors into the design. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">What we should NEVER do, is to mix two very different colors, such as purple and yellow. It would depend on the purpose of the website, but for a general niche site, purple and yellow are just to striking and would hurt the eyes. Keeping the website neutral and simple is best for a professional look.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Themes </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">must always suit the company, organization or individual. If the website was made to cater for a food company, it would be wise to stick to that particular category, rather than to revert to a different theme, such as machinery. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Fonts </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">should be used in regard to the formality of the website. A simple sans-serif font would suffice in most cases. Exceptional cases such as design and art groups might want to use fanciful designs and fonts. Websites that have too fancy of fonts risk losing readers because not everyone has eyes that can handle fancy fonts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Finally, we must always try to think of our visitors, see the way they see. The resolutions and file sizes of the pictures must not be too large in terms of size. This is to allow maximum compatibility and cater our visitor’s needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">So, planning is something we should always do, before beginning a website design.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; tab-stops: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22517477570356553152011-05-23T11:49:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.564-05:00About Me, the Self Employed Writer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN8zAQYUft8/TW_vP9PnncI/AAAAAAAAAUI/0H8TryIAazc/s1600/LookingUPChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN8zAQYUft8/TW_vP9PnncI/AAAAAAAAAUI/0H8TryIAazc/s320/LookingUPChick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I have been writing all my life. My journals go back to when I was nine years old. I know I had another one prior but I tore it apart, afraid someone would find out my secret. In 2005 I started my blogging career. It is then that my journals started to suffer; only writing occasionally, saving the rest for my blog. I shared my life, my stories, and my poetry. In that time I never thought about writing for a living or getting published. I would have loved it, but I never tried to follow that dream because it was just that, a dream. I never felt I was good enough to tell a story. My life is a story. The things I have been through. Many do not come out the same after going through life the way I have. That is a self-help book that someday I might finish.<br /><br /><br />For now, I just tell my story as life unfolds. Sharing bits of me. I made a lot of friends in 2005 through Yahoo 360, then MySpace, Blogger and various other social networking and blog sites. I have seen people come and go, and people with far better writing skills than I. I learned that a true friend does not have to live in the same zip code.<br /><br /><br />As the years went by, I started to blog a little less. It became more of a means of communication with friends and less about telling my story. In 2007 I moved 1000 miles across the states. I went from temp job to temp job. I finally hit rock bottom in my accounting career and realized this just wasn’t working for me anymore. I took a few texting jobs to pay the bills and scoured the internet for ideas on something I could do to make some money.<br /><br /><br />I remembered once a class I took at Oklahoma State, telling us we should always do what we love. If we don’t love what we do we will face burn out and end up searching for something else. I enjoyed accounting and I was good at it, but it was not something I loved. I loved taxes but it was not something that was lucrative year round. What did I love? Reading. Writing. Creating.<br /><br /><br />I found a forum of writers and learned of internet content. Granted, there is a love hate relationship with writers and content mills. I don’t have any complaints. It is a place to start and a place I still supply work for. I was able to pay my bills, take care of my family when they needed me and use the mills to build a portfolio. I moved on to higher paying content and private clients. After about a year I landed my first magazine and finally felt brave enough to start on a novel.<br /><br /><br />That is where this site comes from. Opened in 2000, I started writing in 2005 as an Irish girl trying to find her way in the world and turning in to what you see now. But, even with the person I am now, I still face challenges in life. There are many goals and dreams I want to someday achieve. I know with my words I will make it.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68719157075616670902011-05-21T15:24:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.571-05:00Grandma's Attic Book 1 and 2 by Arleta Richardson<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0781403790&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>As a little girl who lived 1000 miles away from a grandmother she adored, I can related to Arleta and the feeling she would get when she discovers secrets in her grandmothers attic. I would come back to Michigan (another thing in common with Arleta) to visit my family 1-2 times a year. Every year my grandmother and I would find something that needed “cleaning” out. Her house was not one that was built with an attic that had a staircase. Instead, she had a panel in the ceiling that came out, requiring a ladder to climb in to. Treasures were not really stored in the attic.</div><div><br /></div><div>I looked forward to our yearly cleaning ceremony. During this time we would look at what was hidden in the drawer. Treasures she had put away for safekeeping, others she put there to hide and forgotten them. Grandmother always had such beautiful things, at least in my eye. Each one held a story, and every year another story was told.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cherished these pieces of my grandmother and I held on to every word that I could. When my grandmother passed away, my mother held on to a few key pieces for me. Her clauddagh ring she purchased while visiting Ireland. All of her travel maps and postcards from Ireland and her first engagement ring. She also gave me her mother’s (my great-grandmother) wedding ring. Since her passing I have traced my fingers around the line drawn on the map. Someday, I will walk that same path. The wedding rings are put away for safety. The clauddagh I wear daily.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0781403804&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Reading Grandma’s Attic brought back so many memories. My mother likes to tell stories of grandma, especially her keen sewing abilities. My grandmother loved to sew and she made all of the girl’s clothes when they were little. If someone out grew something, it was passed to next in line. Once it made its way around, it was cut up and used for something else.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have always been grateful for the items my grandmother made me, and even more grateful of the purchases my mother did to fill my own closet. I learned at a very young age to be thankful for what I have, not to worry about what I don’t, and to reuse things if I could. These are things that have stuck to me like glue as an adult and make me appreciate what little things I do have.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Grandma’s Attic would be a joy to read for all ages, not just young adults. It should be read to those who are unable to read, and put on the bookshelf to read for years to come. While the stories are cute and fun (who doesn’t love buttons or beautiful shoes?) each one holds a lesson to be learned.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the movie The Christmas Story where the boy is stick to the pole by his tongue? Well, Arleta’s grandmother did that too. Her tongue was stuck to the water pump handle. What a silly thing to do!</div><div><br /></div><div>It is interesting to see, how even over 100 years ago, history sure has a way of repeating itself. Things our grandmother, and mothers did, are surely life lessons to be learned, but we repeated it, just as our kids will do. Perhaps someday, I tell the tales of my own grandmother and mother.</div><div><br /></div><div>For now, I will continue to read up on Arleta. It is hard to believe these books were published in 1974 and 1979 and in their third editions. I have no idea how I did not stumble upon them earlier! A wonderful delight that I will proudly display on my bookshelf and share the stories to young and old.</div><div><br /></div><div>Arleta Richardson is a fun, simple, wholesome writer. It was a breath of fresh air to read the collection of stories.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><em><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection:</strong></em> I received this book free from The B&B Media Group as part of their BookReview Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21562426491387424422011-05-21T10:50:00.007-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.603-05:00You Don’t Have to Be a Mom to Work from Home<img src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=960761310645&id=3e8cf37caf869688c9a495f78877b6ea" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It’s everywhere. Those 4 little letters, W-A-H-M.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I see them in just about every blog I visit related to working from home, even those who write. Sometimes I feel bad for being members of the forums I happily chit-chat on like the virtual water cooler because I am not a mom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the years I have looked (and lurked) high and low trying to find a place just for those who are NOT moms and work from home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nope. Nadda. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have yet to find one and I wonder why that is. I can’t be the old child free person who works from home. It really makes no sense to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a whole market of people that no one is tapping in to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Granted, I can see the lure for marketers to target mothers. They have kids, the kids are young, and they don’t want to go back to work. Maybe they want to home school but still need a little bit of income. Moms become easy targets, also easy prey to scammers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is graduation season. Entering into the workforce is going to be a batch of brand new workers. Many freelancers. Many will be working from home and child free.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to figure this out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What can I do? Where can I build it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do we really need it? I think we do. I think freelancers who are child free need a place they can go to speak with other child free freelancers. I know sometimes I feel like an outside on my various work from home forums.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not that I need another website to manage….but…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Ideas? Thoughts? Feedback?</b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to write more about this. I have to. It’s stuck in my mind now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14750648843330547422011-05-20T22:45:00.005-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.573-05:00Hull's Landing by James Melzer<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004WOWYZO&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">First, I have to give a shout out to my e-friend Nicole (her <a _mce_href="http://nicoleireland.com/" href="http://nicoleireland.com/">website,</a> and book <a _mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WG5L66/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B004WG5L66" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WG5L66/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B004WG5L66">Second Chance</a>) for giving me the heads up on this author. If not for her, I would not have dove into a wonderful world of macabre and horror. (maybe a bit sadistic, oohhh yeah)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Having read my first Stephen King novel when I was about 8 or 9, I am no stranger to the world of the unexplainable (for lack of a better word). I have no problems going into a world where things happen, but no one knows why, and no one cares to explain why. It just does. It just is. And that is the world of Stephen King. King takes you to a land that rarely makes sense and a world where you really have to not think about the normal everyday life in which you live.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If you did, you would be lost and nothing you read is going to wrap around your brain. Not that you really want it to. You really need to have a clear mind. The man, as an author, is brilliant. If I had have the word smarts and idea smarts that he had, I might not be holed up in this little red office of mine, instead, backpacking across the great land of Ireland. Telling my stories from the little Bed &Breakfast up in the hills of green and gold. Or something like that.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Reading the works of King and Dean Koontz, as well as all the true crime I could get my hands on, pretty much leaves my mind wide open. Nothing is gross enough or scary enough for me. Nothing really bothers me or freaks me out. I like to think I am prepared. If the Zombie Apocalypse does happen like the CDC is planning, I won’t be blinded.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Being ready is not going to help me now. James Melzer sucks you in and gives you the obvious, WTF moment before switching channels on you. White shoes? What? White dress? Wait. She really has something to do with it after all?</div><br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I did NOT obtain this book as part of any writing/reader/blogging review program. I purchased the book on my own. I was not required to write a positive review, or even a review at all. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Next is Melzer’s book, Snowmen…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003AZY6FM&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><i><br /></i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85576788376762537242011-05-20T14:37:00.003-04:002014-09-25T18:27:20.024-04:00It's Time for a Fat Rant<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.ibfoods.com/assets/items/large/irish%20oatmeal.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.ibfoods.com/assets/items/large/irish%20oatmeal.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br />I sent my resignation in today for the Nutrisystem Blogger program. I was given an extension, which will end this month. I was offered another extension, which I graciously accepted. Now, I have decided I no longer want to do it. My heart has not been in it for quite some time.<br /><br />I have been going to Weight Watchers meetings for the last few weeks to take advantage of my Lifetime status. On the up side, I get to spend time with D, which I love. She is such an awesome person to hang out with.<br /><br />Once I started going to meetings and having a weigh in, I started to lose weight. Go figure. So, here I am counting points and eating NS food. I am also trying to figure out dinners for me and my family. Trying to make separate meals is/was starting to be a pain for me. I don’t have a lot of spare time as it is.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Another thing, I have noticed I am a lot more sensitive to sodium. My body is retaining water like whoa! I can actually feel the bloat. Something I have never really noticed before. Then, there is the processed food smell. Many of the NS microwaveable meals have a weird smell to them. I can’t get over the smell to get it in mouth.<br />Sorry. I tried. Just can’t. So, I started to only order the things I like and I knew did not have that problem. Well, that only left me a handful of choices. Now I am bored.<br /><br />I just felt with the planning of a wedding, wondering if there is ever going to be a wedding, all the craziness going on in life, my buying a house, getting this semester done so I can graduate, and so on is really running me down. I had to let some things go. Some commitments. So I decided to decline my last two months on NS and allow someone else on the waiting list to begin.<br /><br />In my quest to find things that compare to NS food, I have decided to keep an eye on nutritional labels and serving sizes.<br /><br />This morning I was really in the mood for some oatmeal. I had one packet of NS oatmeal left, Apple Cinnamon, which I was not in the mood for. So, I got out my McCanns Irish Oatmeal and checked the label.<br /><br /><b>Nutrisystem:</b> Calories 130, Fat 1.5g, Sodium 170 gr, Carbs 26g, Fiber 3g, and Protein 4g<br /><b>McCanns:</b> Calories 150, Fat 2g, Sodium 0gr, Carbs 26g, Fiber 4g, and Protein 4g<br /><br />So, even though McCanns has 20 more calories and a half gram more of fat, the carbs & protein are the same, but it has 1 more gram of fiber and ZERO sodium. Makes it healthier to me.<br /><br />Now, D, sees a dietician every couple of weeks, who checks her food while she is on Weight Watchers. She has one because of her Diabetes. She has mentioned the average person should consumer 1200mg or LESS of sodium a day. According the NS website, they average about 1800mg a day on their meals. Makes me wonder if that is the reason why the scale does not move much for me.<br /><br />Guess we will find out after this month.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Please follow along with me on my journey as I make the transition from Nutrisystem back to goal. </div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61758439028108009312011-05-20T13:33:00.001-04:002014-09-25T17:51:15.618-04:00My New Secret Addiction: Pinterest. I'm Officially Addicted.<div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgHsezesz2o/Ukm18UmCp8I/AAAAAAAAFIk/qM7WowWppFk/s1600/5068040_f260.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgHsezesz2o/Ukm18UmCp8I/AAAAAAAAFIk/qM7WowWppFk/s1600/5068040_f260.jpg" /></a></div><br /><h2>My Secret is Out</h2><br /><div><br /><div>Hello, my name is Chrystal Mahan and I am about to come out of the closet.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am addicted to Pinterest. I think about it during the day when I am not on there. Every time I get to a stopping point on a project I find myself clicking the little tab on my bookmark bar to take me to the homepage to see what new pins have arrived.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Once they launched the iPhone app, things became worse. Now, while walking on the treadmill I find myself rushing through my Zombie Farm in order to spend my time looking through all the wonderful pins users are sharing.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I look at people, find new friends. I say hello on the pins I adore. I repin them to my own board, and some I will give a “like” thumbs up. I want to pin all day long.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am obsessed with pretty things, but not just any things; I am obsessed with photographs.</div><br /><div><a name='more'></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><h2>I Was Not Alone</h2><br /><div><br /><div>In 2004 I met one of my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/beautiful%20Elonna" target="_blank">most cherished friends, Elonna.</a> We were bloggers, we were creators. She was a photographer and I the writer. While I wrote what I saw, she photographed what she saw. We each told a story. We would spend countless hours together scouring the internet for the best photographs to make MySpace graphics out of. We crafted, we created, and we bonded. Between a couple of Pixipipeline accounts, Fotki, Flicker, a handful of Photobuckets, and Deviantart. I knew my addiction of pretty pictures was out of control. But I had no reason to stop.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I needed these photographs. I needed to use them to tell my story, taking hours to find the perfect one for my post. I used them for inspiration when I hit writers block. I needed them in my life as much as they needed me to appreciate them.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In 2007 Elonna lost her battle to cancer at the age of 30. A part of me had died to. Long gone were my days of looking at pretty pictures. Sure, I still put photography in my posts on my websites, but I did not appreciate or look at them in the same manner.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>That is, until a few weeks ago.</div><br /><h2>Starting Again</h2><br /><div><br /><div>Enter, Pinterest.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So what exactly is Pinterest?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Pinterest is a virtual pin board where you can create collections of things you love.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Think of it is a giant corkboard full of photograph, scraps of fabric, notes, cards, etc. of things that you love.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My boards consist of things for my pets, old toys I had, crafts I would like to make, art I like, beautiful places, and yummy looking food I would like to make. There are photographs of old typewriters and books, which I love. I have photos that give me ideas for stories. So much beauty and inspiration.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I love being able to click the bookmark bar Pin tab and it takes me right to my board. It is there I see all of these beautiful things. I think about Elonna as I repin. Oh, she would have loved this one! Oh she would have loved to sit with me and pin to her own boards. But, I know she is with me, laughing as I am.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Happy to see me appreciate the simplicity of a beautiful photo.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you Pinterest.</div><br /><div></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34802710073439926772011-05-20T10:24:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.676-05:00Tax Queen Appearence & All About Receipts<img height="300" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/90/235704918_38a95c8b8d_z.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />Just wanted to give a heads up that The Tax Queen made an appearance this week on Direct Sales Help. The article is <a href="http://directsaleshelp.com/2011/05/all-about-receipts/">All About Receipts</a>. Something anyone working from home can benefit from reading.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18782751101110825332011-05-19T11:59:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.650-04:00#NSNation Rounding Out Week 16<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It has been a long journey. Here I am 16 weeks later and all I can see when looking at my weight chart it has been a roller coaster.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though I finally got my electric treadmill working again, and walked the last 4 days in a row, I was still up 1.4 this week. It can get pretty frustrating, especially after being on the treadmill for 80 minutes one day!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I do try to see the positive in the situation. I may be up, but I am getting healthier and stronger every day. I am getting back into the swing of walking. With my hip and back problems I may be sidelined from running for a while. It seems to make the pain worse. It is uncomfortable enough just trying to walk.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Creativity seems to be the key with me. I ordered a whole bunch of <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> Pizza. I love pizza so I have been challenging myself to come up with new ideas. There will be days when I eat it straight out of the box.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I ran across some low-fat turkey pepperoni and put a few slices on there. It was rather yummy.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" alt="Italian Herb Flatbread Pizza" border="0" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I tried sliced mushrooms and a couple of black olive slices. mmmmm and I did not even miss the ham even though I have made it with a piece of ham before (deli sliced, cut up).</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There was a pizza I made last month where I did have some diced turkey and I put a few on the pizza. With the <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem</a> pizza sauce and cheese, the flavor was to die for. I actually liked the diced turkey better than the pepperoni.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The vegi pizza I use mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Sprinkle with reduced fat parmesan cheese. Yes, please!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I know there are plenty of ideas on the Nutrisystem forums. Sadly I don’t have much time to spend over there. All of my online time is school and working. By the time I am done for the day my eyes are going cross and I can’t read anymore no matter how hard I try.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Greek yogurt. Have you tried it? I have tried <a _mce_href="http://www.athenos.com/" href="http://www.athenos.com/">Athenos</a> once, it was on sale. Sadly I did not grab the low fat kind and ended up with a few more calories than I wanted to add to my diet. Also, I purchased the honey flavor. Which, ended up having honey on the bottom, not just some fake flavor tossed. I liked how thick it was. It really filled me up. But again, I was not happy with the calories, or the price.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220LFGranCer.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220LFGranCer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220LFGranCer.jpg" alt="Lowfat Granola Cereal" border="0" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220LFGranCer.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday morning I went grocery shopping at our local <a _mce_href="http://www.kroger.com/" href="http://www.kroger.com/">Kroger</a>. I loaded up on some light yogurt. I really enjoy the dessert flavors and it is even better with 1tbsp of <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=breakfast&plan=basic&productId=861&categoryId=354" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=breakfast&plan=basic&productId=861&categoryId=354">Nutrisystem Low Fat Granola Cerea</a>l sprinkled on top. While picking out my flavor I happened to notice that the Korger brand Greek yogurt on sale for 89 cents. A bit more than the 10/$4 counterpart, but I wanted to try it anyway. They had 2 flavors in the 0% fat; plain and vanilla.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I had the plain with the granola cereal. The plain was a bit bitter, so I added a packed of Splenda. I was so full by the time I got half way through it, I had to put a piece of tin foil over the top and stick it back in the fridge for a while. I did snack on the other half later in the day.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There are some things I just can’t do store brand on. I thought for sure the Greek yogurt would be one of them. I had heard bad reviews on the <a _mce_href="http://www.yoplait.com/" href="http://www.yoplait.com/">Yoplait</a> Greek yogurt.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">So, if you want the best bang for your calories and your bucks, I think Greek yogurt is a good way to go. If you have a Kroger by you, their brand is pretty good. I do plan to pick up a couple more on my next shopping trip.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Also, I know there are many out there who are on a budget, I buy an extra dozen eggs and boil them every week. A boiled egg gets me dairy and protein and controls the hunger. It is one of my favorite staples in my diet. Once it a while I will chop one up to put in a salad. Around here a dozen eggs cost about $1-$1.19. So that’s about 8-10 cents each. I don’t know any healthy snack for that price!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Other than those few things, I pretty much eat the goodies right out of the box. I have eaten the biscotti dessert for breakfast with my coffee. I like to dunk it. Makes me feel like I am at the coffee house. I just had my last one, so I have to make a mental note to order a few more next shipment.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I just had a box delivered Tuesday. It always feels like Christmas when the UPS man comes.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We have been looking at new houses. You see, we live in the country, but our house faces a highway. All day long I listen to motorcycles, car traffic, farm machines and semi trucks. It is not peaceful out here by any means. It is also not safe to go outside and go for a walk. I hate walking down the highway to get to a side street.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">If M did not live here, I would not be here. Why he ever picked this house (I am sure his ex-wife played a part) I do not know. It’s in the middle of a corn field, so the house is dusty all the time. It seems like it is never clean.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I do have a bid on a house. In the country. Out in the small town I l was born in. It’s nice and quiet. We do have neighbors, but there is a pretty good chunk of land between us. It is within walking distance to the library, the old school (now apartments) is across the street, along with a giant playground. It will be good for lil m to make some friends to play with. There is no one out here by us. We have one neighbor and they are an elderly couple.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I hope we get it. There are barns, and an office on the property. The previous owner had his own trucking company. It will be nice to have my own office, and then I will feel like I am “going” to work.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Cross your fingers!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This morning I am starting with a light yogurt, NS granola cereal, a banana and some coffee. Trying to get my day planned out, then its treadmill time.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">So, yeah, I gain. It happens. I just keep trying and keep moving forward.</div><div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87789135723582181072011-05-18T12:00:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:51.748-04:00My Erotica and Other Writing<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.6em;"><div style="font-weight: normal;"><a _mce_href="http://www.sextoyfun.com/fantasyplanet" href="http://www.sextoyfun.com/fantasyplanet"><img _mce_src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Fantasy%20Planet%20Erotic%20Confessions%20Blog/goodgollyaff1sm.jpg" alt="" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Fantasy%20Planet%20Erotic%20Confessions%20Blog/goodgollyaff1sm.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><a _mce_href="http://www.sextoyfun.com/fantasyplanet" href="http://www.sextoyfun.com/fantasyplanet"></a>I debated for a long time whether I should move my Erotica over here. But, after hanging out at Smashwords and seeing the amount of Erotica available for ebook readers.....well, it was an easy decision.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Then, there was the idea of using a pen name. M had suggested in. I thought about it and wondered why. I had been writing Erotica for years and always used my name. I never really saw a problem with it. However, I did think Erin Rose made a great name for an Irish Erotica writer.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Of course, the thoughts started to come regarding my church family. I worried briefly that if any of them did read (which I doubt) then what would they think of me? Would they demand I go straight to Hell and tell me I was a porn addict? Or even worse, I was contributing to the addiction of porn. There could be so many ways some church (of any church, not just mine) members could take this situation.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">In the end, Erotica to me is no different than a painting from the Renaissance period. Romantic. Sensual. Half-naked. One is with pictures and the other is with words. I think both can be done in a tasteful manner.</span><a href="" name="more"></a></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><b>This is me. This has always been me. I don't feel I should have to change just because I go to church.</b><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I have worked really hard to get where I am at today. I am finally happy with my career and comfortable with my words. Although I am still a little self conscious, I am much better than I used to be. I refuse to let anyone take my dreams of writing away.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">There are hundreds of stories for me to sort through. My writing was a bit choppy in those days. I would like to take some time to rewrite some of them. The "My Life as a Text Chat Op" was quite commical and when I had it on MySpace, it got rave reviews. Since I moved everything to Blogger, I never took time to gain readership. I tore it down. I tried to rebuilt, and school took over. I *want* to write my text chat op into a short story and release it with more stories and laughs in eBook form on Smashwords.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">The rest will come in time.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I have just a few more websites projects to finish up on. Then comes the fun part of affiliates, adsense, and money making! LOL This move will reduce my website time, increase my HubPages productivity as well as other freelance adventures and give me time to work on the creative side.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I do have to admit...I am rather fond of Erin Rose!</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><b>UPDATE</b>: May 23, 2011 - after much thought, I am keeping all of the adult material on the adult blog. Not because I am ashamed or care about it being attached to my name, but, because it is adult in nature and I feel because of that reason alone it should have its own website.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I will never be ashamed of what I write or who I am. If anyone else has a problem with that - they should be the one who should be ashamed. </div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81700638192353365562011-05-18T09:37:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.730-05:00Writing Prompt: The Circus<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="302" src="http://blogs.nyu.edu/blogs/lp1013/katep/Women-circus-performers.jpg" width="400" /></div><br /><br />Begin your story with the following sentence:<br /><br />"It was on a bright, starry night that the traveling circus rolled into town."Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12696343480911440122011-05-17T07:44:00.006-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.746-05:00Write an Outsider Poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwXtvExw9zM/TcCT3K72guI/AAAAAAAAAak/YRvAI2cZrpg/s1600/matryoshka_takingflight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwXtvExw9zM/TcCT3K72guI/AAAAAAAAAak/YRvAI2cZrpg/s320/matryoshka_takingflight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Write an outsider poem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Place yourself in the shoes of an outsider, or write a poem as someone who's on the inside sizing up the outsider.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8653084507452420742011-05-16T08:00:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.764-05:00The Five Rules of Social Media Etiquette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" /></a></div>This came down the PR wire the other day, but since Blogger was having it's downtime, I could not share it. I think so many people could learn from these simple 5 things.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/with-internet-friends-comes-internet.html">I am no stranger to online drama.</a><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />~Chrystal~<br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 13px;"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top"><table border="0" style="width: 620px;"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top" width="350"><table border="0" height="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="bottom">ay 12, 2011 02:00 ET</td></tr></tbody></table></td><td align="center" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top" width="80"><br /></td><td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top" width="40"><table border="0" height="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="bottom" width="20"></td></tr><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="bottom"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="right" colspan="4" height="100%" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" width="100%"><form action="http://media.prnewswire.com/servlet/WordpressURLStorageServlet" name="wordpressform"></form></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;"><img alt=" " border="0" height="8" src="http://media.prnewswire.com/en/images/spacer.gif" width="1" /></td></tr><tr><td align="left" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 612px;"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; min-height: 1px;"><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b><span class="headline" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=4610709&access=EH">The Five Rules of Social Media Etiquette</a></span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b><span class="headline" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b><span class="headline" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">LONDON, May 12, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Leading family law firm Bross Bennett is warning just how damaging digital communications can be if used incorrectly, with detrimental effects going further than recipients and online communities, and right into courts of law. </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Only this week a US court has slashed maintenance payments to an ex-wife because of her blog posts. Far too frequently users of social media don't think before they post and don't consider that once they post information, it is out there for just about anyone to see and use. </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Says Sharon Bennett of Bross Bennett; "It's important that everyone thinks about the possible consequences before they type. They don't think about the impact of what they have done, and we have seen first hand just how damaging the written word can be in a court of law, especially in the case of divorcing couples who send aggressive tweets, texts or emails in the heat of the moment. People need to remember that not only can these pour fuel on an already flaming relationship, they can later be used against them as written evidence. Both outcomes are hugely damaging." </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">If used correctly, modern technology can be very helpful. For divorcing couples in particular, texting and emailing can be a great way to help you avoid confrontational verbal conversations. Modern technology allows us the luxury of time to think and create a constructive response that can diffuse a situation and preserve your dignity, something that can be very hard face to face." </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b>The five steps to good social media etiquette </b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">1. Before you post or send anything that may be inflammatory or controversial, wait for 24 hours, after which you'll be able to consider what you're writing more objectively. Try and think how your communication will be viewed if read out of context, perhaps by your child or a Judge. </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">2. Don't respond to or initiate inflammatory language, and resist replying immediately to anything you do receive of this nature. If you feel you have to respond, adopt the 24 hour delay rule. Get your thoughts and feelings down on paper, but give yourself a day or two to reflect on your response. </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">3. Consider getting the input of your solicitor before you send anything other than the most simple of communications. They can give you invaluable and constructive advice and remove any sting that you may not even have been aware was there. </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">4. Do not ever vent your frustrations on Facebook or Twitter, where things can 'mushroom' and get out of hand. Anything of this nature can end up being viewed very unfavourably by a judge in a court of law and your children or family might be very hurt by it. </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">5. Treat correspondence as business-like and straight to the point, rather than emotional - there are better ways and places to express this. </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">http://www.brossbennett.co.uk/ </div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span class="label">Source: </span>www.brossbennett.co.uk</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Sarah Morgan - sm@redleafpr.com; T +44(0)20-7566-6761</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27839335512609829192011-05-14T12:05:00.001-04:002014-09-22T18:57:04.169-04:00My Survivor Story<div><br />First I just want to say, please excuse the mess around here. I have been moving websites back and forth trying to test different hosts, themes, and content choices. My page isn't really up to par (at least to me) but I do hope you will come back, and come back often. ~C~</div><br /><br />Over the years I have shared my words on various blogging platforms (Yahoo! 360, MySpace, FaceBook and Blogger) and in those words I have made the comment a few times regarding my past childhood trauma. I have never shared any gruesome details. My words were generally "I was abused by my father" or replaced the word abuse with molested.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />It has been exactly thirteen days since I shared my first story with readers. I do not have a lot of memories from my childhood, but that one always stayed in my mind.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a _mce_href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/05/trigger-warning-so-afraidreal-life.html#axzz1MLiJ9f2s" href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/05/trigger-warning-so-afraidreal-life.html#axzz1MLiJ9f2s">Bongo is Me: Real Life Series: So Afraid by Chrystal Mahan</a><br /><br />During this time it had become clear to me that I needed to speak out. I needed to stop being so darn afraid of the critiques who might not like my words. I have always been told I needed to use my voice to my advantage. I want to make a difference for those who are trying to survive. I want to be the voice for those who can't find a way to speak out.<br /><br />With that, I wrote another post for the website Finding One's Way. It is here that I share my actual story, <a _mce_href="http://findingonesway.com/2011/05/no-longer-cuffed/" href="http://findingonesway.com/2011/05/no-longer-cuffed/">My Survivor Story.</a> Something I have never put together all in one spot before.<br /><br />I would like to thank Bonnie and Jessica. Together we have separate lives, each sharing our own struggles, but together we are strong. Together we are going to make a difference.<br /><br />You can me my confidence and voice when I needed it the most. Thank you for the shove.....<br /><br />....in the right direction.<br /><div><br />My survivor story can also be found here on my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html" target="_blank">Cards on the Table</a> post.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85175797251870459382011-05-14T09:00:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.811-05:00Opportunities for Writers<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Contest</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bulwer-lytton.com/">bulwer-lytton.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Visit the website to be rewarded for being the worst! Seriously. Craft the most terrible opening line to a novel you can ever possibly imagine and you could win. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>12<sup>th</sup> Annual Writer’s Digest Short Story Competitio</b>n</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://writersdigest.com/short">writersdigest.com/short</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enter your powerful, poignant, hilarious, or heart-rending short story in the 12<sup>th</sup> Annual Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition. The deadline is November 15, 2011 and the entry fee is $20. Entries must be 1500 words or less. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>7<sup>th</sup> Annual Writers Digest Popular Fiction Awards</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://writersdigest.com/popularfictionawards">writersdigest.com/popularfictionawards</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Calling all fans of romance, mystery and more: </u>Enter the competition that celebrates short stories in today’s most popular genres! Entries accepted in romance, mystery/crime fiction, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense and Horror.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Grand Prize:</u> A trip to the WD Conference in NYC, $2500 cash and $100 worth of WD books. The winner will also be featured in the May/June 2012 issue of Writers Digest.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stories must be 4000 words or less and submitted by October 1, 2011</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Margaret Reid Poetry</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://winningwriters.com/Margaret">winningwriters.com/Margaret</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a contest in its 8<sup>th</sup> year seeking entries for traditional verse. $3000 for the top prize, $5500 in total prizes. $7 entry fee for every 25 lines submitted. June 30<sup>th</sup> deadline.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Freelance</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Freelance Copy Writer for Harlequin</b> (mediabistro)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?joid=116495">http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?joid=116495</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Freelance Health, Medical and Fitness Writers</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Health website devoted to food, fitness, and well-being currently seeking freelance writers to join our editorial team. We believe in health through prevention and wellness, and we are building a team of qualified health journalists to produce quality, consistent content.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/wri/2366494048.html">http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/wri/2366494048.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Editor and Proofreader Needed</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">For a new novel entitled: The Protocols of Ascension: Where Love & Romance Collides with the Illuminati. Email <a href="mailto:jsw4@mac.com">jsw4@mac.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44892192592397128332011-05-13T20:48:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.826-05:00The Tax Queen has moved!The Tax Queen has moved to the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/">Self Employed Writer's </a>website. I do hope you will stop by for a visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30449048759702642352011-05-13T16:52:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.840-05:007 of the Best Websites for Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEdiaJo9WVE/TcwrgCZjYoI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/bF9Nrk4H2o4/s1600/tips_for_web_writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEdiaJo9WVE/TcwrgCZjYoI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/bF9Nrk4H2o4/s1600/tips_for_web_writing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/101BestSites/">101 Best Websites for Writers</a> was originally published by Writer’s Digest. I have personally taken the time to go through all 101 of them (ok, maybe not ALL of them. I mean, who has time for that?) and pick a handful of the ones I felt would be most beneficial to those who are work from home freelance writers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> (Note: I did read them all, I just did not visit all the sites)</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Agent Query</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://agentquery.com/">agentquery.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Agent Query is a free one stop shop to find your agent.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Freelance Writing Organization International</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://fwointl.com/">fwointl.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Search 1000s of offers and resources for writings. The website has great information on how to qualify for writing grants. Register and download the nifty toolbar with great writing resources.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Market List</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://marketlist.com/">marketlist.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">100s of listings just for fiction writers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/">jakonrath.blogspot.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thriller writer J.A. Konrath shares all and he has a lot to share!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Writer Beware</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://accrispin.blogspot.com/">accrispin.blogspot.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Raises awareness of scammers and other questionable activities.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Author Tech Tips</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://authortechtips.com/">authortechtips.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This site has become my new obsession! Gives much needed advice and some step-by-step tutorials to build your website.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>United States Copyright Office</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://copyright.gov/">copyright.gov</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Everything you wanted to know about copyrights.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29961810863296431992011-05-13T12:08:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.581-05:00The Fitting Room by Kelly Minter<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1434799859&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Until “The Fitting Room” I have never heard of Kelly Minter so I was unsure about how much I was going to like or appreciate this book. I have a very fine line with myself and faith based books. It is hard to explain, but even though I DO get the point of providing scriptures in Christian books, I think some authors give us scripture overload.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">When I feel overloaded, I am instantly turned off from the book and it makes it hard for me to keep reading. This, sadly, was one of those books. I forced myself to be a trooper and read on. I wanted a spiritual make-over and gosh darn it; I was going to get one!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Kelly Minter has a voice and style that I find cute and quirkily. Although I know there are some that do not appreciate a dry humor, but I do. I have to admit, I let out a little *snort* here and there while reading.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The book is fun and puts a completely different twist on accepting the virtues of Christ. When a person goes shopping, they will try on many outfits going in and out of the fitting room. Sometimes things work, often they don’t. Just like your life with Him, sometimes you just can’t get it to work for you. Instead of trying so many “things” on, allow the One who created you to do the clothing. He is the One who knows you best.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">With a book centered on Colossians 3 you will come to terms with yourself. You are not too fat, you are not too thin, and you are not this or that. You are you and you were created that way for a reason.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Minter has a couple of chapters about Forgiveness. I read them not only once, but twice. Forgiving is something I struggle with on a daily basis. I was abused for the first 12 years of my life. Recently this abuser became ill and it was hard to know whether he was going to live or die. I had forgiven my father once, in my mid 20’s, only to watch him slowly kill himself with drug addiction and lies. Once he had told lies about me, I cut him out of my life. Now, he sits in a prison cell.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I have thought about writing a letter, reaching out one last time. Telling him he should be asking for his own forgiveness. But every time I do, something holds me back. Is this really a door I want to open? It is hard enough dealing with all of the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/my-survivor-story.html">mental illnesses and everything else that comes with twelve years of sexual abuse.</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">So, while I read the chapters for the second time, I really had to think. I am not angry. I do not let this anger or hatred control me. As a matter of fact, I do not really even think about it.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">On the other side, I know I have to forgive and work through therapy if I am every going to have total peace in my life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Thank you, Ms. Minter for reminding me that I love myself enough to have such peace. The best part about it is I know I am not alone. I will be clothed and protected on my journey.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><i><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b></i>I received this book free from B&B Publishers as part of their Book Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8540582111135017872011-05-12T15:25:00.010-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.890-05:00Markets for Food and Wine Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRy5lWuSM2gkLQULK2YJwf52iDkzAXd47uZsA4lcbqyDARqElzF&t=1" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Clean Eating</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://cleaneating.com/">cleaneating.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Email: <a href="mailto:editorial@cleaneatingmag.com">editorial@cleaneatingmag.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Looking for:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recipes and stories straight from Mother Nature.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">How to submit: Send query (include SASE & $5 for postage) to</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Robert Kennedy Publishing</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">400 Matheson Blvd.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">West, Mississauga, ON L5R 3M1, Canada</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Southern Living</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant">southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Email: <a href="mailto:sl_online@timeinc.com">sl_online@timeinc.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Looking for:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Short articles focusing on Southern recipes. “Above all it must be Southern. We need comments on life in this region- written from the standpoint of a person who is intimately familiar with this part of the world.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">How to submit: Send query to</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Southern Progress Corp.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">2100 Lakeshore Drive</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Birmingham, AL 35209</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Wine Enthusiast Magazine </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://winemag.com/">winemag.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Email: <a href="mailto:tmoriarty@wineenthusiast.net">tmoriarty@wineenthusiast.net</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Looking for: Essays, personal experience, humor, new products all covering the life of a wine lover. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">How to submit: Query via email</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70334026261835419992011-05-11T14:47:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.883-04:00Just Not Feeling It<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I didn’t write last week.<br />I promised I would write every week.<br />I broke a promise.<br />Simple.<br />No excuse.<br />I just didn’t.<br />Too many other things going on.<br />Like trying to move this website over to my main site.<br />Too many websites.<br />Too much homework.<br />Too many books to read and write reviews on.<br />I need to make more money.<br />Never enough money.<br /><em><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Last week, my weight stayed the same.</span></em><br />In our meeting we talked about eating out.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Dining Out:</strong><br />(what are some things that make it so hard on us?)<br /><ul><li>the portion sizes</li><li>warm, fresh, bread basket</li><li>alcoholic beverages</li><li>fried foods</li><li>we get there and we are starving, in a hurry, don’t pay attention to menu and order whatever</li><li>ingredients, not sure what’s in it</li><li>preparation, not sure how they cook it</li></ul><br /><br />What we can do:<br /><ul><li>ask for a box with your meal and immediately pack up (over) half</li><li>tell them not to bring the bread, and if they do, ask to remove it</li><li>salad dressing on the side</li><li>ask how they prepare, tell them NO butter when cooking</li><li>make sure it’s dry grilled!</li><li>check nutrition information before going & plan ahead</li><li>share one dessert with the whole table</li><li>drink water (with lemon!)</li><li>start with a salad or broth based soup</li><li>grilled, broiled, and poached is your friend</li><li>fritto, crispy, or breaded is not</li><li>opt for vegi’s as your side item</li></ul><br /><br /><br /><em><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">This week’s weigh in was here at home.</span></em><br />My scale stayed the same (I weigh myself on my scale before I head to my meeting)<br /><br />I did not go to my meetings because my (soon to be) step-mother-in-law was at a doctor’s appointment. I could have gone by myself, but I was in the middle of some giant projects for class and I just did not want to stop and lose my train of thought. Oh well. It’s just a meeting and people miss. Life happens.<br /><br />I will be making some changes. I am not going to quit Weight Watchers. I was offered two more months of Nutrisystem when I sent my last order form. So that gives me a total of 3 more months of food. Right now I am spending $48 on Weight Watchers meetings and the weekly materials which comes with the online etools. Yesterday I made the choice to cancel. That is a lot of money for me right now and with Cain being sick , he needs that money more than I. Plus, I am might be buying a house, so that needs the money as well. I still plan to go with D to the meetings. I am sure that will be fine. I will just use my scale to weight myself, go to the meetings with her so she still has my support. I don’t see the meeting person’s having a problem with it.<br /><br />When I was trying to do the plan on my own, I had downloaded some iPod Touch apps that I have transferred to my iPhone. I also found some new ones. These allow me to do the program through my phone. Between that, the internet and the computer I can do the program without paying the $48.<br /><br />The only thing that is holding me back right now is my crazy busy schedule, which will only last 6 more weeks (I graduate)!! I have been downloading some audiobooks (never been able to pay attention to them while working) with the hopes of motivating myself to go outside for a walk. Hopefully I can get back into my treadmill or video routine since things will slow down a little bit these last few weeks of school.<br /><br />I plan to write about my iPhone apps (most are in the Android market too), I just don’t have time to do that and I want to keep those posts separate. So, hang tight!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76156795378155076122011-05-11T14:23:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.585-05:00How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aX-jLYoWoeI/Tc13l6dnsMI/AAAAAAAAAbU/WimyaWC6l_A/s1600/_225_350_Book.417.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aX-jLYoWoeI/Tc13l6dnsMI/AAAAAAAAAbU/WimyaWC6l_A/s320/_225_350_Book.417.cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Just like so many others out there it has always been a dream of mine to become a published author. I wanted to take English as my major in college but everyone told me there was no money in that, the only job I would get is teaching (no thank you) and that the real money was being published and that was incredibly hard to do. So, I became an accountant instead.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When the economy went into a downward slump, my career went right along with it. Instead of keeping me and my knowledge database, they brought in someone without a college degree willing to work for minimum wage. I wonder how well that worked out for them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know how well it worked for me. I am now a published writer. I do freelance work. Internet content, my own websites, revenue sharing, affiliate marketing, residual income, magazines and smaller publications. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Although I am writing some novels and a self-help book, I can never see myself getting the guts to try to submit a proposal in order to get a book published. I know that is the traditional way of going about doing things, but that is not the only way. I might query. I might self-publish a book; I might just publish it all across the eBook platforms.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was interested in this book because I am naturally interested in all books that have writing as the topic. With this book, I am not sure what makes this one so much different than any other self-help to publish book. This is the first one I have read about writing a book proposal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a pretty easy read. I can’t sit and read all night like I used to. Long hours at the computer prevent me from doing that. It took me two nights to read this, a few hours each night.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book is centered on keeping things short and to the point. Not only should this theme be used in your proposal but it was used in the writing of<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Write-Book-Proposal-Michael-Larsen/dp/158297702X?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> Larsen’s book</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=158297702X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s my kind of informational, how-to, book!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a writer who manages her own websites, I found the chapter on titles to benefit me right now. Often I am plagued with writer’s block when it comes to thinking of catchy titles for my posts. I plan to start using those tips immediately and the 19 questions Larsen tells us to ask ourselves. Hopefully I won’t be blocked as often.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The best part is that Larsen adds his own voice and style to the book, making for a fun read instead of textbook material. I have had a few writing books like that land on my desk, and a chapter later they are sitting on the bookshelf or passed along to someone else that might benefit from it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I recommend this to anyone who is interested in writing and being published. It’s a simple read and is sure to give you a better idea of writing your book proposal. If you are not ready for a proposal (I’m not) I would suggest any writer at any state of their career take some time to check this one out. A lot of information can be applied to other forms of writing as well, not just the proposal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63438920920291041012011-05-11T12:13:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:28.991-05:00New from Problogger "Guide to Your First Week of Blogging"<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/just-released-new-from-problogger-guide.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/just-released-new-from-problogger-guide.html">Just Released! New from Problogger \</a>"Guide to Your First Week of Blogging." I love ProBlogger. Without it, I would not have found some of the freelance clients that I have had, do have, and likely will have.</div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470616342&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I have been through Darren's <a _mce_href="http://31daysblogchallenge.com/" href="http://31daysblogchallenge.com/">31 Days to Build a Better Blog</a> book more times that I can count. Never quite getting through. A few months ago I did a challenge with some great ladies - Lisbeth Tanz from <a _mce_href="http://www.yourwordsyourvoice.com/" href="http://www.yourwordsyourvoice.com/">Your Words, Your Voice</a> and <a _mce_href="http://michelleshaeffer.com/" href="http://michelleshaeffer.com/">Michelle Shaeffer</a> from the<a _mce_href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/" href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/">Ultimate Blog Challenge</a>. I made it 90% through the challenge. Strength in numbers! I plan to do it again in June and the goal is to get through 100% with this website<a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/">.</a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">The next 31DBBB Challenge starts June 1 and the next UBC starts July 1. These are both a great way to get your website in tip top shape and connect with other bloggers.</div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">If you are just starting a blog/website, or you already have and not quite sure where to start, I highly recommend spending $9.95 on the new "<a _mce_href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">Guide to Your First Week of Blogging</a>", sign up for the challenges, and then grab a copy of <a _mce_href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=258839&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=258839&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">31 Days to Build a Better Blog</a> &<a _mce_href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=792140&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=792140&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">Copywriting Scorecard for Bloggers.</a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83956905722911553962011-05-11T07:48:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.012-05:00Just Released! New from Problogger "Guide to Your First Week of Blogging"<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Last week I mentioned that <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/31-days-to-build-better-blog-new.html">Darren had announced</a> he would be increasing the price of his "31 Days to Build a Better" blog book. (did you get yours in time?) With the price increase came the launch of a new book, "<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">Guide to Your First Week of Blogging".</a> The book is currently <b>$9.99, but on May 17 it will go to its regular price of $19.95</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">From Darren Rowse:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Got an idea for a new blog?</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Whether you're a first-time blogger or an old hand, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of starting a new blog.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img align="right" alt="probloggers first week of blogging.jpg" height="375" src="http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/probloggers-first-week-of-blogging.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" width="300" /><i><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">ProBlogger's Guide to Your First Week of Blogging </a>is my answer to that problem.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>This 54-page ebook leads you, day by day, through your first week on a new blog project.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>And for the next week, you can download your copy for just US$9.99--that's 50% off the standard price.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Buy now and you'll also be put in the draw to win a WordPress theme package from Studio Press worth over $850 - the perfect way to kick start your new blog.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Over seven chapters--one for each day--you'll learn how to:</i></div></div><ul style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>set solid foundations</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>publish and build presence</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>concentrate on content</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>understand the blog as a product</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>put yourself out there</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>define and demonstrate quality</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>strategies for success.</i></li></ul><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>It's all the advice I wish I'd had when I started blogging!</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><i>Individual tasks will give you practical experience in:</i></span></div><ul style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>brainstorming</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>niche research</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>content planning</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>social networking</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>post creation</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>audience engagement</i></li></ul><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">ProBlogger's Guide to Your First Week of Blogging</a> shows new bloggers the ropes--and helps develop solid blogging habits that will last a lifetime.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Experienced bloggers can use it to hone their approach, release new blogs more smoothly, and gain time to focus on the advanced aspects of blog launch and establishment.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Of course, Your First Week of Blogging is fully guaranteed. If you're not satisfied after 30 days with the ebook, just let me know and I'll send you a refund.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220"><i>Download Your First Week of Blogging for half price now.</i></a></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>I look forward to the launch of your next blog!</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Darren Rowse</i></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70255057243971687852011-05-10T15:53:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.034-05:00Call for Submissions : Chicken Soup for the Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7fGtMCXb34/TcmXsEmPz0I/AAAAAAAAAa8/LmFOdr525bo/s1600/chicken_soup_for_the_soul-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7fGtMCXb34/TcmXsEmPz0I/AAAAAAAAAa8/LmFOdr525bo/s320/chicken_soup_for_the_soul-show.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Chicken Soup for the Soul series is looking for stories. Pay is not stated on the <a href="http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books">website</a>, but all of the topics deadlines, and instructions are.<br /><br /><b>Topics:</b><br /><br /><ul><li>Brides and Weddings</li><li>Christmas Stories</li><li>Family Caregiver</li><li>Find Your Happiness</li><li>Food and Love</li><li>Home Sweet Home</li><li>Married Life/Marriage</li><li>Think Positive for Kids</li></ul><div>They also have information listed on their<u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChickenSoupfortheSoul?sk=app_10442206389"> Facebook Page</a></u>.</div><div><br /></div><div>According to the <a href="http://write-jobs.blogspot.com/2011/05/paying-market-brides-and-weddings.html">Write-Jobs website</a>, the pay for the Brides and Weddings story is $200. Might be something worth looking at!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35632079207232438322011-05-10T12:24:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.587-05:00Daily Morning Routine<img height="301" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/3904406276_55026fa903_z.jpg" width="320" /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We all have a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a _mce_href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Daily-Morning-Routine" href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Daily-Morning-Routine">Daily Morning Routine</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">, right?</span><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I shared mine, which I have to admit is rather boring. *yawn*<br /><br />The life and exciting times of a freelance writer who works from home.<br /><br /><b><i>Do you have a morning routine?</i></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68848479255529355042011-05-09T13:12:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.877-04:00#NSNation Sometimes It Just Stays the Same<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I played a four day catch up. I have been really sick feeling for a while now and it all came down full force over the weekend. Monday I hardly made a dent in anything.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There is a lot going on in my little world, personally.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">A marriage I am questioning. I don’t know if it is cold feet or something more.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">School is draining me, and I am counting down my last 6 weeks while trying to plan my next step in my education. I will graduate in June, and I still can’t seem to make up my mind on what degree to seek next and where I should go.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Because I have been sick, my eating has not been up to par. Not for lack of trying, mostly for lack of keeping food inside of me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We had some great weather and I missed a lot of it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Homework has piled up.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Work has piled up. I gathered up some ghostwriters to help me and I have not even been able to get things together to get them started. I need help for my help!<br />I am trying to rebuild all of my websites AND merge some of them together. I need to have this complete by June and I wonder if I will make it in time to start the next <a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/31-days-to-build-better-blog-new.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/31-days-to-build-better-blog-new.html">31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">My list of things to do now spans 3 pages and I fear I am not going to catch up this week.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Sucks really.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">But I keep trying. I refuse to quit. Not after all I have been through in life.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">So, I met the scale. The scale had no change. Thank you Week # 15.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I will take it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Onward.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I will be sending my last month’s order in to Merideth the moment I post this blog. I'll be starting on Week #16 and I feel very blessed and fortunate to have been on the ride as long as I was. I learned quite a lot and <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> has given me much to think about, especially on a more spiritual level as I work on some inside junk and come to terms with some food related issues.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This morning I spent some time downloading audiobooks. Because I work such long hours on work and schoolwork, my eyes give out for nighttime reading. I thought it would be good to listen to before bed, but then I got an even better idea! Walking! Now that the weather is nice, I can treat myself to a book, while I walk. I am also getting Big M to rip apart my old electrical treadmill to see if he can fix it. The manual one just bugs me for some reason.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58606907372878140902011-05-09T09:08:00.009-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.112-05:00Writing Prompt: Write a Poem with a Hole in it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/12/18730026_419b2eec9f_z.jpg" width="398" /></div></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Write a poem with a hole in it.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The hole in your poem could be an actual hole, an ode to your holey socks, or the hole could be something as nuanced as a hole (or multiple holes) in logic. Try writing a poem and removing all the verbs or adjectives.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24006291733810164412011-05-07T13:38:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.712-04:00Ruin it For Everyone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyzC2UIDNnk/TZzePTFuV1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/kkD2vy40odQ/s1600/hostable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyzC2UIDNnk/TZzePTFuV1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/kkD2vy40odQ/s320/hostable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will never understand why people have to ruin things for everyone! There are plenty of legitimate, free web hosting providers out there. When a company like Hostable (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/ahostableme.html">here is where</a> I talk about my awesome find) comes along and wants to expand their main company <a href="http://www.brinkster.com/">Brinkster,</a> and offer such a great deal of course it is going to bring out the scammers and spammers.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Awesome.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you world for f-ing it up for the rest of us.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I kept wondering why when I tried to spend some time working on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/continuing-behind-scenes.html">my website today </a>that my photos were not showing, but rather had broken links. Trying to update posts, make categories, test other themes, and looking at other plug-ins had become a nightmare because the page would just go blank like it landed in ghostville, never to return.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I went to the Hostable website to see if the had posted some updates about an event I had missed.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was there I was greeted with a new homepage photo/logo and news of the recent changes.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">From the site: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Free is Better Than 99¢</span></i></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">Our goal is to provide such an exceptional Web hosting experience that you honestly can't believe you're getting it for free! Over the last couple of months, our original 99¢ for 3 years of free hosting became a magnet for people who commit fraud and otherwise abuse their accounts. To maintain our high quality of service standard, we are implementing a new fraud prevention process. During the implementation, we cannot activate new free accounts. We expect to have this completed by early to mid-May. In the interim, you can <a class="home-blue" href="http://www.hostable.com/Plans-Pricing.aspx" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">pre-register for a FREE account</a> (limited to the first 5,000 accounts). If you cannot wait, we do offer <a class="home-blue" href="http://www.hostable.com/Plans-Pricing.aspx" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Premium Web Hosting plans</a> starting at $4.49 per month.</i></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before you paid 99 cents for a service fee, and got three years for free. No ads, unlimited, and they had a cancellation policy. After the 3 years, the rates would be $6.99 a month, billed 3 months at a time. Not a big deal for me. I had no plans to cancel and would stay if the service was good.</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While most things have changed, it looks like their is no longer a cancellation policy, and the billing policy will change. </span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wonder if this means they will be cleaning out the system of the spam accounts and if that is what is causing the delays in my account. </span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are just some things I don't have a lot of patience with and it bothers me that people have to try to scam things.</span></div><div style="color: #606060; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6126619472427860602011-05-06T07:30:00.015-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.178-05:00Thinking About Bringing the Tax Queen Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wc7ef5DjJ3s/Tb9o-WUJc0I/AAAAAAAAAac/PcrRe-Mtx04/s1600/TaxQueen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wc7ef5DjJ3s/Tb9o-WUJc0I/AAAAAAAAAac/PcrRe-Mtx04/s320/TaxQueen1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Hello, my name is Chrystal Mahan and I am a website addict.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have come to the conclusion that I have way too many websites to keep up with. I want to build websites that are full of information that will keep people coming back. I love talking about accounting and finance topics, but my problem is I don't have enough to fill an entire website.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">At first I thought it was just because I was under a time crunch this semester, and even though that is part of the problem, the other part is trying to decide HOW to put all of my websites together to make them better.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Alone, they are not doing so well. But the ones that can be combined would do even better. So began my quest of trying to figure all of that out before I made the move back to self hosting. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have been testing various themes and self hosting companies and although I am not quite there, I know I am going to have to do it soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have a lot of things to move off of Self Employed Writer. This blog dates back to 2000 and it has served its purpose. I want to keep it more of a writing, work from home, freelance, self employed website. I think because 90% of the tax related discussions I have are all related to these categories, I think having a tax section here would be fine. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I think The Tax Queen and Self Employed Write would do better as one. Stronger content and both fall under the self employed category of 1099. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I feel in order for me to get and give the full benefit of the tax website I would have to include a lot of financial items as well that go along with various tax forms. Other than that, there really is not a good amount of affiliates to use on a tax site.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Whether I keep the domain or not, or how I combine the two, I am not sure of just yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Also, another project in the works is to start removing my personal writing and poetry off of Self Employed Writer and switch it over to These Words My Life. It is much better suited for that site. This gives me the theme of “ In Darkness (TWML) and in Light (SEW)” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I do own the domain of my name. I see a lot of authors using their names as the domain that hosts their websites. I have often thought about using mine for that purpose. Right now it hosts a page that links where you can find me. This is another one of those things I am not sure what to do with.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">In my self hosting testing blog I have toyed with the idea of using that for my weight loss website that I have not been able to launch to the public yet because of my contract with Nutrisystem. I had thought about using my name domain for that, and then merging other things together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I came across a website that had one domain, and then all the other websites were filtered in providing tabs across the top of the main website. I like that idea. This makes it much easier for me to post across multiple sites. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Right now, it is a lot to keep up with. Once I graduate, I want to be able to focus more on writing and less time trying to sort and figure things out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I know most people don’t like to put all their eggs in one basket, but I have enough eggs scattered that merging a few websites is not going to hurt me. I think if anything it would make my income better.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is what I own<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">chrystalmahan.com – was a blogger site set up to be a basic page on where to find me. I removed the domain from the blogger page and started using it for my self hosted site. I started with chrystalmahan.info, which is about to expire. I don't want to keep it. The self hosting was doing really good for month, now this last week its been glitchy. Could just be me not remembering how to set things up. So I am going to have to work on it a little more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">selfemployedwriter.com is Self Employed Writer and I want to keep. Out of all the domains I own, I would need to keep this since it is already indexed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">thetaxqueen.com – I think it would be best for me to merge her with my other. One giant self employed writer site.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">thesewordsmylife.com is the other side of me. This is where I share my survivor story, my poetry (since its all darkness) and my personal posts that will come off self employed writer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">my weight loss blog – it has no domain as I am not sure what to call it. I had thought since my nutrisystem was already on self employed writer that I could merge it there, but I would really like for it to be separate. It would do better with keyword and seo if placed elsewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">eringobraugh.com – my Irish site, which has been neglected. This one I am not sure what to do with. Merge it , leave it or delete it. I just wonder if it will be worth the time, but I do want to write a book about my Celtic Wedding, especially from the frugal point of view. So, I may need this site for that purpose, but it could be combined with self employed writer, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">cainstails.com (and cainstales.com) is my new site, launched for the purpose of helping my pooch. Time has not been on my side, so this project sort of sits and waits until I have a free moment. I feel sort of lost when trying to find my voice for this one. For now, I just do what I can, but I think it could be linked with chrystalmahan.com too. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I also have ebooksnook.biz. At one time I had an ebooks site and purchased the domain with the intention of turning that site into an ebook store. I think I am going to let this one go. The ebooks that I plan on selling can easily be linked on chrystalmahan.com</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Then there is thesew.com, purchased on a whim as a shortened version of selfemployedwriter.com. I don't know what I was thinking with this one. I have used it for testing out websites. But, I see no point in keeping it since I don't really need it for writing, and the only other thing I could see it working for is sewing. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">There is the erotic website and domain, both in use, both collecting dust right now. I have decided to start using a pen name. I have always written very short stories, and now I have a real short story in the works. So, these will both be kept. I would like to move this website off blogger and to self hosted wordpress. When I get time. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I guess the accountant in me sees all these domains I pay for and the need to bring in money from each blog. I need to get better with affiliates. Again, I think being able to focus on less blogs will help with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am sort of stuck on what to do and it gets pretty overwhelming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69886694340369089432011-05-05T07:42:00.016-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.198-05:005 Markets Seeking Ghostwriters<img src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=881137356992&id=b80a04297a674477570a3a789c30b4da" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There are many reasons to hire a ghostwriter, as a writer there have been times when I thought about hiring one to help me with a couple of book ideas. I have contracted with ghostwriters to help me with some private clients that had a lot of work for me to share with fellow writers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a writer I can’t say I have ever thought of ghostwriting as a career. With private clients and some content companies, I am a ghostwriter; others allow me to be known.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But what about those who choose to be a ghostwriter for books? Wouldn’t they want the glory that came from writing that piece of work?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not necessarily.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are a few reasons why someone chooses to be a ghostwriter and not an author. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Steady stream of revenue.</li><li>Do not have to spend time promoting.</li><li>Once done writing, the project is done and can move on to the next.</li><li>Easier than authoring a book, less research to be done.</li><li>Ghostwriters work with a “team” (the author).</li><li>Don’t have to worry about the platform or publishers.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Want to try ghostwriting? Here are 5 markets looking for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.ideaplatforms.com/">Idea Platforms Inc</a>. (IPI) </li><li><a href="http://www.jenkinsgroupinc.com/">Jenkins Group Inc. </a></li><li><a href="http://leagueent.com/">League Entertainment Inc. </a></li><li><a href="http://mignoncommunications.com/">Mignon Communications </a></li><li><a href="http://printmattersinc.com/">Print Matters Inc. </a></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18688974619995645862011-05-04T07:22:00.025-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.217-05:00Writing Goodies / Writing OpportunitiesI still have not figured out what to call these posts. "Goodies" just doesn't seem appropriate, or keyword friendly. They aren't really jobs, so maybe I should be calling this writer's opportunities???<br /><br /><b><i>What do you think these post should be called?</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrqKjRJrVGM/TairZrKEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAYs/FiBCLbTiJF0/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrqKjRJrVGM/TairZrKEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAYs/FiBCLbTiJF0/s320/books.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Agents</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Kelly Gottuso Mortimer</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://mortimerliterary.com/">Mortimer Literary Agency</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Signs only publishers not yet published by a traditional house, or those who haven’t been published within the last 3 years. Mortimer looks for manuscripts that are great as is, or really close. For full guidelines visit <a href="http://mortimerliterary.com/submissions.htm">mortimerliterary.com/submissions.htm</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Accepting Submissions</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://yesmagazine.org/about/writers-guidelines">Yes! Magazine</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">YES! Magazine documents how people are creating a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. We welcome submissions that relate directly to this focus. Payment varies, but is typically 25 cents per word. Accepts original material only. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_618851256">Holiday House Inc.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://holidayhouse.com/manuscript.php"> </a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking for submissions in the real life and historical fiction genre. Exclusive submissions preferred.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Conferences</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://travelblogexchange.com/">TBEX ’11</a> June 11-12, 2011<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hosted by Travel Blog Exchange, this conference is for bloggers who want to learn the nitty-gritty of storytelling and journalism, as well as for old-school journalists who would like to get in to travel blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Topics include branding, self-promotion, travel-writing ethics and more. $80 for writers and bloggers. Vancouver Convention Center, BC.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.madelineschool.com/">Madeline Island School of the Arts</a> 2011 Writing Workshops<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Different sessions, dates, times, and prices. June through September. LaPointe, WI</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14496183297298394842011-05-03T15:09:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.591-05:00The Domino Project from Seth Godin<img alt="" src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/domino-project.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=1559247206&Campaign=2020288446&Uid=61673&token=c43b3f3363d326223375db5f764ed61b" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: the Kindle edition of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-Work-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936719010?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Do the Work</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1936719010" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> is currently free on Amazon.com till May 20th thanks to the Domino Project and GE.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;">Seth Godin is the founder of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.thedominoproject.com/" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 200ms; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-in; color: #fa981d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">The Domino Project</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;">and has written twelve books that have been translated into more than thirty languages. Every one has been a bestseller. He writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;">Seth Godin's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Poke-Box-Seth-Godin/dp/1936719002?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Poke the Box</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1936719002" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is going to make you stop everything in your life, and really think. The book expects change, and it will get it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The message is not new. Stop and do something, sounds more like a Nike spin-off than a motivational tool to get your butt moving. Don’t just stop and do something, anything. Stop and do something that is going to make a difference.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #111111;">Seth did. He wrote a book about it and from there became The Domino Project. From that project came </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-Work-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936719010?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Do the Work</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1936719010" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Steven Pressfield. It’s not about the ideas, but the work that comes from the ideas. The ideas are simple. Doing the work is what gets you going on that “something”. Once you start, you have to finish. The points and steps in this book will help anyone complete their idea. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seth gets you thinking about doing, Steven gets that doing rolling and completed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Poke-the-Box-ebook/dp/B004J4XG0O?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Domino Project</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004J4XG0O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>. See what difference you can make in the world. </span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87633840394184591852011-05-03T13:08:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.593-05:0031 Days to Build a Better Blog - New Challenge Soon & Book Price IncreaseI've been a fan of Darren Rowse over at <a href="http://problogger.net/">ProBlogger </a>for years. There was a time when no one in the blogging world had a clue who he was, what the website was about, or the challenge he established. I purchased my copy of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog some time ago (tried to get through it 3 times on my own!), but it wasn't until this year that I went through a challenge with some fellow bloggers.<br /><br />On June 1, this challenge will start again and plan to be a part of it. You can join in all the fun as well, and see just how far you can go with your website. You will be amazed at the changes that will start to develop.<br /><br /><a href="http://31daysblogchallenge.com/">31 Days Blog Challenge</a><br /><br />I have seen a few fellow bloggers mention that their will be a price increase for Darren's book, 31 Days to Build a Better Blog and I had made a mental note to pass that information along to my readers.<br /><br />This morning I received an email from Darren himself!<br /><br />Ok, I am sure it was an auto-generated email sent to everyone on his list that has been a part of the program, but still, it was nice to see it in my email box.<br /><br />The book is currently $19.95 (and well worth every penny!) but the price is set to increase on May 10th to $29.99 so if this is a purchase you have been thinking about, now is the time to check it out. You don't have to do it alone, be sure to join the challenge and get a jump start on your blogging career.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&c=ib&aff=154042" target="ejejcsingle">Click here to visit ProBlogger.</a><br /><br />The book has helped tens of thousands of bloggers, it has helped me, it can help you too!<br /><br />Also, there is a rumor that Darren is about to launch a new bloggers book. I am REALLY excited to hear this.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5460074560242729422011-05-03T12:32:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.824-04:00WAH Adventures and Buttermilk Sky Design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I<img alt="Just Charming Necklace" height="400" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--120000--95880_product_1645166610_3_thumb_large.jpg" width="329" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I don't know how many of you know Miranda over at <a href="http://www.wahadventures.com/">WAH Adventures</a>, but you should really drop by and say hello. Miranda takes the time to review the work at home jobs, not just writing. After you are finished checking out all of the opportunities that can help you work from home, check out her other website <a href="http://buttermilkskydesigns.blogspot.com/">Buttermilk Sky Handcrafted Jewelry</a>. You will find come beautiful pieces. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I don't usually enter contests that other bloggers are running, unless they are a new blog that I don't visit on a regular basis. Miranda ran a little contest. Stop by, take a look, pick a piece and post a comment. When I saw this little green gem, I knew I should take the chance and enter.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">If you have ever visited my other website, <a href="http://www.eringobraugh.com/">Ireland Forever</a>, it is easy to see why.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I was thrilled when she contacted me to let me know that I had won!</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I never win anything!!!</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I will post a photo of myself in this work of art as soon as it arrives. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37467626418194429852011-05-03T07:55:00.009-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.595-05:00Second Chance by Nicole Ireland<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004WG5L66&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">When I started reading Second Chance, my first thought was “here we go, another cancer book, another life after death novel” Ho-hum I have read it all before. How is this book going to be any different?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">It’s not. There are hundreds of books on the market regarding cancer patients, both who have survived, and those who lost their battle. Of those cancer patients that have survived, there are some who faced a near-death experience, but not all of them “saw” the other side.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Then, there are us readers. Those who believe that it is possible for someone to cross over, meet their maker, and then return. Others have nothing of the sort running around inside their brain.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Stories like “Second Chance” are really going to ask you whether or not you believe in situations such as these.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Before I go any further, I do not want there to be any confusion. We have all seen incidents in the past where fellow writers are seen chit-chatting on social media sites and their personal website and a few days later up pops a book review and someone has to make a comment regarding fellow writers doing such thing.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Yes, I know Nicole, the author. No, I do not know her personally. Meaning, I don’t hang out with her outside of the internet world. Although, I would. She seems really sweet and we seem to have a lot in common. Would I consider her a friend? Yes. A co-worker sums it up well too and fellow writer. Nicole is not asking me for a review. I made the choice to do it after I purchased my copy. I support my fellow writers and when she announced its launch, I knew I had to read the final product having followed along on the journey to submission. I saw others were passing along reviews and I thought it would be helpful to her if I did one as well.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I am not being paid. I am not being forced to be nice or to act like I like something. These thoughts and words are my own.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Now that these things are out of the way, I have to admit I am torn over this story.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">While I loved the story itself, the characters, and the plot, I felt the story lacked a little something more. <span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I know firsthand how hard it can be to say everything you want to say without overloading an ebook short story, but I wish there was more. <span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Maybe not so much more length in plot but more depth or volume to the characters and story itself.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost felt as if the author was playing it safe, and I know she is a much better writer than she is letting us see.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">This has nothing to do with the story itself, or even grammar. <span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I don’t want to scare anyone away from purchasing this book.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We meet Annabelle, losing her battle with cancer. There are her parents, the loving husband, and their children. I would have loved a bit more detail to the back stories provided and more in-depth detail to the current events. There were times I could sense what Annabelle was feeling, and the pain everyone else was going through, but little else. When I read a story, no matter how short or long, I want it descriptive so I can transfer myself into the world of the words I am reading. I want to touch, smell, and even taste whatever is going in within the pages of the book.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">(I hope that makes sense.)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Having said all of that, I do give Nicole 5 stars because the story is captivating and beautiful. It will pull at your heart (be sure to grab a tissue when you sit down to read), and I can see some people turning their life around after reading it. Life is too short. Don’t wait until you are handed your death sentence before you start making changes. Make your changes now.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I believe everyone deserves a Second Chance. Having watched so many people around me lose their battle with cancer, I can only wish one of them would have been given a second chance.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I am also thinking it would be nice to read about Annabelle and what she does with her second chance in life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I really recommend this book to anyone, not just those who are connected to cancer somehow, but to everyone because there are lessons to be learned from stories like this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">You can get your copy of Nicole Ireland’s Second Chance at Smashwords or <a _mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Second-Chance-ebook/dp/B004WG5L66?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Second-Chance-ebook/dp/B004WG5L66?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Amazon</a><img _mce_src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004WG5L66" _mce_style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004WG5L66" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial !important; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I think you will fall in love with quirky bookstore clerk Annabelle just like I did. Visit Nicole on her website:<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a _mce_href="http://nicoleireland.com/" href="http://nicoleireland.com/">The Evolution of Nikki – Making a Difference One Word at a Time</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87192071686141405812011-05-03T07:00:00.019-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.311-05:00Writer’s Gifts for the Mother in Your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eB_j-vpBlvo/Tb7mA9cy9TI/AAAAAAAAAaY/0tM6TU-beu8/s1600/mothers_day_3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eB_j-vpBlvo/Tb7mA9cy9TI/AAAAAAAAAaY/0tM6TU-beu8/s320/mothers_day_3b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://etsy.com/shop/mod4arts">Geek Chic</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Make her mouse happy with fabulous fabric colored patterns. They come in floral and damask patters and only $10.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://carolinapad.com/">Stylish Spiral</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">For $5 get your mom a “of this moment” motif from the Simply Chic notepad which has plastic pockets for coupons or recipes. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cargocosmetics.com/">Worth Writing Home About </a>$34</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This grab-and-go Safari Kit “postcard” pouch is bag-pefect with Cargo mascara, lip gloss, eye pencil, shadow and blush/bronzer all inside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fXu6P6DEL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">T<a href="http://www.boxwave.com/">he Manila iPad Leather Envelope </a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Manila interoffice envelopes look vintage because they usually are. Many writers no longer work in an office so on the rare occasion they do come across one it is usually covered with a 1000 names and date back decades. BoxWave brings back a bit of nostalgic style and durable, padded functionality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For total cuteness: the mailer flap lock really works!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The Great Gatsby </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A Great Gatsby poster? Great. *yawn* A Great Gatsby poster created using the entire text of the novel as art? <a href="http://www.postertext.com/">This I have to see!</a> Does it make you weak at the knees? With a slew of books adapted for your walls, meet my new favorite interior decorator: Postertext. Find your moms (or even your own) favorite book and it will be a gift sure to strike conversation for years to come. </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82741479442023515582011-05-02T13:46:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:27:20.004-04:00#NSNation Down to Week 14<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wEyNLHISo/Tb7bZk0HZII/AAAAAAAAAaU/NS1USIwfiCU/s1600/462592922_b932001e80.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wEyNLHISo/Tb7bZk0HZII/AAAAAAAAAaU/NS1USIwfiCU/s1600/462592922_b932001e80.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wEyNLHISo/Tb7bZk0HZII/AAAAAAAAAaU/NS1USIwfiCU/s320/462592922_b932001e80.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wEyNLHISo/Tb7bZk0HZII/AAAAAAAAAaU/NS1USIwfiCU/s320/462592922_b932001e80.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="297" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Even though last week I was up, this week I am down. It’s not much, 0.6, but I will take it! A loss is a loss as far as I am concerned.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">While the <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> forums provide a lot of great idea on how to prepare the food and what to pair it with, I am finding that <a _mce_href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/" href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/">Hungry Gir</a>l also has a lot of helpful ideas. Although she is a <a _mce_href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/" href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers </a>follower, the recipes all fit within the Nutrisystem guidelines and many of the products Nutrisystem offers can be used.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">For example, Lisa (the hungry girl) has a lot of great recipes for breakfast in a mug. Instead of using eggbeaters, Nutrisystem users can use their scrambled egg mix. She has pancake recipes, use the NS pancake mix. The website also has a lot of pita pizza creations; NS users can use their pizza kit. I find the website to be really helpful on giving me new ideas to spruce up some already great food.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The weather is still chilly and rainy so I have not been able to get outside to walk. I wish I lived closer to the city so I could join the mall walker program. But, taking a 30 minute drive does not make it fun for me; it only makes it seem like exercising. <a _mce_href="http://www.cainstails.com/" href="http://www.cainstails.com/">With Cain, my dog, in desperate need to lose some weight,</a> I really need to get walking here. I just wish the weather would cooperate.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The good news, Big M has been switched to 2<sup>nd</sup> shift instead of being there every 3<sup>rd</sup> day. Now he is here to walk with me in the mornings so we can take both dogs and all spend some time together.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I need to see sunshine.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">My “First 10lb” Nutrisystem bear arrived last week for reaching that milestone the week before. He sits on the desk next to me to cheer me on, and reminds me to think before I eat.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31114663089867066582011-05-02T06:56:00.004-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.371-05:00Goodies for Writer's (contests, submissions, classes, freelance)<img height="320" src="http://livelearnloveleave.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/writing1.jpeg" width="400" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Calls for Submission</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/">Writer’s Digest Magazine</a></u> - Submit your own essay reflecting any facet of the writing life. 600 words or less. Email it to <a href="mailto:wdsubmissions@fwmedia.com">wdsubmissions@fwmedia.com</a> with the “5- Minute Memoir” in the subject line. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/"><u>Sourcebooks</u> </a>- Seeking romance novels, series and trilogies in the paranormal, time travel, romantic suspense, historical, contemporary and erotic genres for Sourcebooks, Casablanca. There is also an interest in innovative women’s fiction, as well as international and historical fiction. For submission guidelines visit <a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/our-authors/submissions-guidelines.html">Sourcebooks</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Kitsune Books </u>– perfect for writers whose stories are slightly off the beaten path. Quirky stories with a sense of humor, an ability to transport readers into a story or poem and wordsmithery that music to the ears are appreciated. Submissions are usually open year-round. Literary fiction, poetry collections, nonfiction and memoirs are accepted. Check out<a href="http://www.kitsunebooks.com/submissions.html"> the website</a> for guidelines. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Publishing</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.outskirtspress.com/">Outskirts Press </a> – Writing, publishing, and marketing is available from the full-service support of Outskirts Press. They offer writing services to help you start, finish or edit a book. Publishing packages to help publish and distribute. Marketing packages to help you promote. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Creative Writing Classes</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Gotham Writers’ Workshop</u> – <a href="http://writingclasses.com/">writingclasses.com</a> 1-877-writers</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Contests</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Writers of the Future</u> – L. Ron Hubbard searches for science fiction writers. No entry fee. Winners published in an annual SF & fantasy anthology. Win up to $5000. Winners will participate in a 1 week workshop with professionals in the industry. Awards will be given at a black-tie Hollywood event. Email <a href="mailto:contests@authorservicesinc.com">contests@authorservicesinc.com</a> or visit <a href="http://writersofthefuture.com/">writersofthefuture.com</a> for more information.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Angela Hoy/ Writer’s Weekly 24hr Short Story Contest - 24-HOUR SHORT STORY CONTEST ENTRY FEE - $5 Entry fee and contest guidelines ebook. <a href="http://writersweekly.com/books/678.htm">http://writersweekly.com/books/678.htm</a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Atlanta Review</u> - $1000 grand prize and 20 entrants will be published in the Atlanta Review. Enter online! <a href="http://www.atlantareview.com/">www.atlantareview.com</a> $5 first poem, $3 each additional.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Glimmer Train</u> awards over $45,000 a year for stories, nearly a third to emerging writers. <a href="http://glimmertrain.org/">glimmertrain.org</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><u><a href="http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/ad028/">CHILDREN'S WRITER CONTEST FOR POETRY OR VERSE STORY</a></u><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">NO ENTRY FEE FOR SUBSCRIBERS - $15 FOR NONSUBSCRIBERS.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The contest is for a single poem, collection of poems, or verse story for children of any age, to 300 words. Entries may be serious or humorous, and take any poetic form. Winners will be selected based on quality of verse--including rhythm, meter, word choice, wordplay, imagery, and the use of other poetic devices (rhyme, alliteration, assonance, or others). Above all, the winning entries will have appeal for young readers. Entries must be received by October 31, 2011. Entry fee includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the March 2012 issue. Prizes: $500 for first place plus publication in Children's Writer, $250 for second place, and $100 for third, fourth, and fifth places.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><a href="http://www.accents-publishing.com/contest.html">ACCENTS PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL POETRY BOOK CONTEST</a></u><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">$20 ENTRY FEE<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Two winners will be selected - one by an independent judge, Lisa Williams, and one by the Senior Editor and founder of Accents Publishing, Katerina Stoykova-Klemer. Each winner will have his/her submission published and will receive a $500 cash prize. Additionally, the winners will be invited for a featured reading at a book premiere celebration event. All contest entries will be considered for regular publication with Accents Publishing, as well. DeadlineJuly 31, 2011. The contest is open to any poet writing in English. Submit 60 to 120 pages of poetry.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://adirondackreview.homestead.com/fultonprize.html">THE FULTON PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ENTRY FEE $10</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The winner will receive $400 and publication in The Adirondack Review. Entrants whose stories receive honorable mention will also have their stories published in The Adirondack Review. In addition, they will be awarded an honorarium of $30.Entrants may submit up to three original, unpublished stories. Stories must not have been previously published in either print or on-line publications, and there is a 10,000-word limit. Deadline July 31, 2011.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Freelance Market</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.beadandbutton.com/en/Magazine/Submission%20Guidelines/2001/07/BeadandButton%20Submission%20Guidelines.aspx">BEAD AND BUTTON</a> - Bead&Button, your complete beading resource, is a bimonthly magazine devoted to techniques, projects, and designs of beaded jewelry and accessories. Our readership includes bead and button makers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts who find satisfaction in making beautiful pieces. Our beading designers are skilled artisans (not necessarily skilled writers) who are willing to share what they know. Pays $300-$400 for articles up to 1,200 words. Pays up to $300 for projects. The magazine is 80% freelance but only receives about ten queries per month.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-magazines/bird-talk-2004-03-10-12850.aspx">BIRD TALK</a> - We publish informative articles on the care of birds; photo essays on historical and current events dealing with birds; how-to articles; and human-interest stories. Sidebars to accompany articles are a plus. We do not publish fiction, or stories in which a bird speaks as if it were human. We rarely run stories concerning native wild birds. We use a species article in each issue, but these are assigned to experts in the species or to experienced writers who are familiar with our species profile requirements. The ideal manuscript is an 800- to 2,000-word article accompanied by high-quality color slides, digital images or professional illustrations. Our usual rate of payment is $100 to $200 for short features (1,000 words or less) and $300 to $400 for longer features (1,500 to 2,500 words), including accompanying high-quality photographs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/about-body-and-soul-magazine">WHOLE LIVING</a> - We offer natural solutions for stress, sleep, allergies, and more. Living a green, stylish life is easy with our sustainable ideas. Healthy, delicious recipes are a click away (including desserts). Customized fitness (for body and mind) can be achieved with yoga, Pilates, strength training and cardio routines. Beauty -- from healthy skin care to at-home spa techniques complete the radiant new you. Pays $1 to $1.25/word. Pays on acceptance. Articles 1,500 to 3,000 words. Departmentsup to 1,500 words. Buys all rights. Query first.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18906736983061446562011-05-01T12:50:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:51.526-04:00My Survivor Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjA5BDD5Zeo/UwJLGhWyBiI/AAAAAAAAKcE/A31Jn02ViCQ/s1600/bethevoice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjA5BDD5Zeo/UwJLGhWyBiI/AAAAAAAAKcE/A31Jn02ViCQ/s1600/bethevoice.jpg" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">First I just want to say, please excuse the mess around here. I have been moving websites back and forth trying to test different hosts, themes, and content choices. My page isn't really up to par (at least to me) but I do hope you will come back, and come back often. ~C~</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><br /><br />Over the years I have shared my words on various blogging platforms (Yahoo! 360, MySpace, FaceBook and Blogger) and in those words I have made the comment a few times regarding my past childhood trauma. I have never shared any gruesome details. My words were generally "I was abused by my father" or replaced the word abuse with molested.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />It has been exactly thirteen days since I shared my first story with readers. I do not have a lot of memories from my childhood, but that one always stayed in my mind.<br /><br /><a data-mce-href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/05/trigger-warning-so-afraidreal-life.html#axzz1MLiJ9f2s" href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/05/trigger-warning-so-afraidreal-life.html#axzz1MLiJ9f2s">Bongo is Me: Real Life Series: So Afraid by Chrystal Mahan</a><br /><br />During this time it had become clear to me that I needed to speak out. I needed to stop being so darn afraid of the critiques who might not like my words. I have always been told I needed to use my voice to my advantage. I want to make a difference for those who are trying to survive. I want to be the voice for those who can't find a way to speak out.<br /><br />With that, I wrote another post for the website Finding One's Way. It is here that I share my actual story, <a data-mce-href="http://findingonesway.com/2011/05/no-longer-cuffed/" href="http://findingonesway.com/2011/05/no-longer-cuffed/">My Survivor Story.</a> Something I have never put together all in one spot before.<br /><br />I would like to thank Bonnie and Jessica. Together we have separate lives, each sharing our own struggles, but together we are strong. Together we are going to make a difference.<br /><br />You can me my confidence and voice when I needed it the most. Thank you for the shove.....<br /><br />....in the right direction.<br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />My survivor story can also be found here on my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html" target="_blank">Cards on the Table</a> post.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37661571439615937102011-05-01T07:46:00.013-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.389-05:00Amusing Muses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/-The-Three-Muses--fantasy-582074_800_1131.jpg" width="282" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hang around any author long enough and you will hear the question “where do you get your inspiration?” or “where does your inspiration come from?” Most writers will say they jot down things that come to mind and turn that into a story or poem. Others might say things like nature, reading poetry, the dog, or even conversations with one’s self.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>We never hear things like this:</b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>T.S. Elliot</b> preferred writing when he had a head cold.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Edgar Allen Po</b>e wrote with his cat on his shoulder.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Charles Baudelaire </b>kept a bat in a case on his writing desk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Henrik Isben</b> kept a pet scorpion on his desk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Freidrick von Schiller</b> used to keep rotten apples under the lid of his desk, open in, inhale, and then compose.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tea was said to be stimulation for <b>Dr. Samuel Johnson</b> and <b>W.H. Auden.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Sidonie-Gibrielle Colette</b> first picked fleas from her cat, and then wrote. She had over a dozen cats.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Willa Cather</b> read the bible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Samuel Taylor Coleridge</b> indulged in two grains of opium before working.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Alexandra Dumas</b>, the elder, wrote his nonfiction on rose colored paper, his fiction on blue, and his poetry on yellow.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Rudyard Kipling</b> used the blackest ink available.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Voltaire </b>used his lovers naked back as a writing desk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>And, what is yours?</i></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30593553392952337012011-04-30T07:33:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.409-05:00Writing Prompt: Write a Receipt Poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="114" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.21081717.jpg" width="200" /> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Write a receipt poem.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">The word receipt has several meaning, including the act of receiving, a record of transaction, and more. Your poem can play around with these ideas and concepts, or it can just be a found poem (that is, one documenting a very interesting receipt.)</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">From <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/">Writers Digest Magazine</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21316027034880921632011-04-29T13:54:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.706-04:00A Day in the Life...Meal Plan<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/images/PyramidWebSmall.jpg" alt="Healthy Eating Pyramid" src="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/images/PyramidWebSmall.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />This is what a day should look like:<br /><strong>Breakfast:</strong><br /><ul><li>1 dairy serving</li><li>1 protein serving</li><li>1 fruit serving</li><li>1 carb serving</li></ul><strong>Lunch:</strong><br /><ul><li>1 fat serving</li><li>2 protein servings</li><li>2 vegi servings</li><li>2 tbsp fat free dressing (optional)</li><li>1 carb</li></ul><strong>Dinner:</strong><br /><ul><li>2 fat servings</li><li>3 protein servings</li><li>1 vei <em>or</em> fruit serving</li><li>1 carb serving</li><li>2 vegi servings</li><li>2 tbsp fat free dressing (optional)</li></ul><strong>Dessert:</strong><br /><ul><li>1 dairy</li><li>1 carb</li></ul><strong>Resources:</strong><br /><a _mce_href="http://www.mypyramid.gov/" href="http://www.mypyramid.gov/">MyPyramid.Gov</a><br /><a _mce_href="http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=256&topic_id=1348&placement_default=0" href="http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=256&topic_id=1348&placement_default=0">Food Guide</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1821145104861885172011-04-29T07:31:00.009-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.465-05:00Are You Committed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://billmullins.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/writer2.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">When you have a love for words it can be a difficult choice to decide whether you want to turn an idea into a short story or a novel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The biggest thing to consider when you begin to tap away at the keyboard is the commitment you are about to make.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A novel could take a year or more. The commitment includes a huge chunk of time, energy, emotional strength, and mental strength. If you have a day job, the time spent working on a novel could take you away from your family or extracurricular activities. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If you feel you are ready to make that commitment, there are a couple of things you should ask yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Do you lie awake thinking about your story?</li><li>Do characters come to you at the oddest moments?</li><li>Do you blank out in the middle of a conversation because it has given you an idea?</li><li>Are notebooks and pens scattered all over your house, in your purse, laptop bag and car?</li><li>Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make it your best?</li><li>Are you willing to accept the worst?</li><li>Are you afraid of wasting your time on something that could never get published?</li><li>Do you run from fear?</li><li>Will you regret not chasing that dream?</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Whether you chose a short story or a novel, it should bring you joy. This is your journey and you should enjoy your travels.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63700207516787414852011-04-28T19:21:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.601-05:00Story Engineering by Larry Brooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nTIq7r7cnis/Tbn101FpzgI/AAAAAAAAAZw/8TrRMSYKowo/s1600/_225_350_Book.416.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nTIq7r7cnis/Tbn101FpzgI/AAAAAAAAAZw/8TrRMSYKowo/s320/_225_350_Book.416.cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Engineering-Larry-Brooks/dp/1582979987?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Mastering the 6 Core Competencies of Successful Writing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1582979987" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Larry Brooks</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Endorsed by <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/">Writers Digest</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This book could not have come at a better time for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have not always wanted to write for a living, but I have always loved writing. I started writing my first journal around the age of nine, poetry too. I think it was a way for me to escape some of the things that were going on around me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t until a few years ago I actually started to make money from my words. Now my collection of books went from stacks of other people novels, to stacks of books on how to get my own published. I know how to write, I don’t need a book to tell me that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Putting it all together is another thing. In college I took many English and creative writing type classes. Putting together a short story is one thing, pulling out 50,000 words or more is something completely different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I always felt overwhelmed. Never really thought I could sit down and accomplish something so grand. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Brooks doesn’t give you fluff. He doesn’t tell you it is going to be easy. If you ever pick up a writer’s book trying to sell you on the idea that writing 50,000 plus words is easy, put it down and walk away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What Brooks does give you are tips to master what he calls the 6 core competencies of successful writing and he is going to tell you just how it is. What I like about Brooks is ability to be blunt, straight to the point and brutally honest. The world does not need another book telling us how to write. We learned that in school. Writers need the knowhow of putting together a successful book of storytelling and what to do with it when it’s complete.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter how many times you think it’s complete, it never is. The form must be mastered; the function and the criteria for successful storytelling must be in place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Using Stephen King's (my favorite author) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-10th-Anniversary-Memoir-Craft/dp/1439156816?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">On Writing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1439156816" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> as his sounding board, he makes a valid point. King has published 100s of stories. He is an expert on preparing his OWN stories. For new writers, Kings methods just aren’t going to work. Sorry to disappoint you. I read Kings book, twice. I am not a published novelist. I have no clue how I put together my words or how my thoughts form. King has experience with his own ways. Until I reach the point of finding what works for me, I can’t follow another authors methods. I can take hints, tips, and ideas from other authors for help, but I am unique in my style and way. I have to find myself, just as any author has to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As much as I admire Stephen King, and found the writing book to be a nice reference, I could not follow the advice given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I can follow is the advice Brooks gives on how to put my story together. The rest is up to me because there just isn’t a magic formula. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend this book to any author in any stage of the writing game. If you just can’t seem to get an agent to pick you up, or a publisher to look twice, there could be a reason why.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26110363774076234682011-04-28T07:22:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.521-05:00Novel or Short Story?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzaEoT-Pans/TaiocDXXZyI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OgjZWwRcJVc/s1600/StairsOfSandBinding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzaEoT-Pans/TaiocDXXZyI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OgjZWwRcJVc/s320/StairsOfSandBinding.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You’ve been tapping away at the keyboard all day. You feel like you have your novel complete, then you look down to see the work count spit out a few thousand words. So how do you know your words would do better as a short story or if it can carry enough weight for a novel?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Count your characters.</b> Seems silly, but you need to do it. Write it down and keep it handy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Check your plots and subplots.</b> Short stories tend to only have one plot and a handful of characters. If you want to make your words novel material add some characters. Characters add more action which can add another plot and a half. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What about the time frame?</b> We know a short story runs 1000 – 5000 words, and a novel, well it’s even longer. But what about your time frame? How many days, hours, months, weeks, or even years are you trying to focus on? Hours, Days, and even a week are suitable for a short story. If your words are packing in weeks, months or a year, a novel is what you need.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Got theme?</b> You should. Short story should be short, simple and based around a single theme. A novel could have more than one, but they need to connect.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make a commitment.</b> Most novelists will tell you, want to write a novel? Give it a year of your time. It is a huge commitment with a lot of time, energy, and mental and emotional strength. If that sounds like a bit too much to you, follow the short story route. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35779047428031962272011-04-27T14:09:00.000-04:002013-10-15T09:52:36.537-04:00What’s the best thing going for you right now?<b><br /></b><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How does one answer the question “what’s the best thing going for you right now?” What if you don’t really have anything going on in life? </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My life, although busy, is rather boring. I wake up, I take the dogs outside, I give Cain his medicine and then I feed the two of them. The crabs get fed, next up are the fish, and then here comes Ziggy reminding me that he needs food and fresh water. I kiss my fiancé good-bye as he heads out the door to work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a freelance writer. I have my own websites to run, and then there are a couple that I write for on a regular basis. There are private clients that I have to work around my grueling school schedule. I can’t really say any of this is “going on for me.” They are things I am doing because I have to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Sure, it was me who made the choice all by myself in January of 2009 to go back to school and finish a degree I started 10 years prior. Perhaps some would look at that as an accomplishment. When I made the choice to go back, I made a 1000 mile move after a divorce. I was working in a company doing payroll for 1,000s of employees. The job itself was not terrible, but the owner of the company loved to drop f-bombs all day and make it a disgusting place to work for.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">School seemed like a good option for me to give me the ability to find a better job. The market was tough here, the unemployment rate the highest in the U.S. I needed something that was going to give me the edge over other applicants. An Associate’s degree and all of my experience was not going to be enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I eventually walked out of hell and walked right into another. Thankfully, I held strong on to finishing the degree. I had to. Not only did I need it, I had to prove to myself that I could go without quitting something else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In June I will graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business and Accounting. This summer will also mark my 3 year anniversary of working from home as a freelance writer. I have had work from home jobs in the past; they were nowhere as fun as writing. Also, I have been blogging since 2005, and finally took the leap this year to monetize it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess that is something I have going for myself. Freedom and flexibility of being my own boss. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63868294019187456432011-04-27T08:23:00.005-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.538-05:00Tools Every Writer Needs<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This list will be kept updated on the "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/bloggers-tools.html">Write Tools</a>" page of this website. Be sure to bookmark and check back often!</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>eBooks:</b></span><br /><u>How to Find a Killer Niche</u> (<a href="http://hotfile.com/dl/118818922/f34e994/PLR_MRR_How_to_Find_a_Killer_Niche_V2_Iu4.zip.html">free download</a>). This is one of the first ebooks I read when I was trying to figure out my niche. Of course, it took me forever to realize my niche was right in front of me. But, for someone who is trying to learn, this is a great resource.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Software:</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dJnaEBPJ9Y/TdwjWWfH9kI/AAAAAAAAAcI/GP1KAHD0aCQ/s1600/123ecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dJnaEBPJ9Y/TdwjWWfH9kI/AAAAAAAAAcI/GP1KAHD0aCQ/s1600/123ecover.jpg" /></a></div><u>123 Shortcut Key</u> (<a href="http://hotfile.com/dl/118831273/a931a29/123ShortcutKey.zip.html">free download</a>). Just type a word and this program will automatically replace it with a phrase or paragraph. Perfect for writers.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bloggers Tools:</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&c=ib&aff=154042"><b>31 Days to Build a Better Blog by Darren Rowse</b></a> </u> Darren is the owner/writer at <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a> one of the best and largest websites dedicated to blogging. 31DBBB is a must have tool for any blogger looking to build the best blog possible. The book is broken down into daily chapters. You do one task a day. The end result is pretty amazing if you stick with it.<br /><br /><b><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">Probloggers Guide to Your First Week of Blogging by Darren Rowse</a></u>.</b> Here is another awesome ebook put together by Darren. This book is perfect for beginners as he goes day-by-day step-by-step to show you how to get your blog/website off the ground and running. Topics include finding your niche, social media and website building. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899114&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=48658"><b>Blog Post Promotion.</b></a> We all know that content is king. These days it is merely a minimal requirement to writing. Learn how to produce quality content day after day while boosting your reader base.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Writers Tools:</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=890584&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=17887">Financial Fitness for Freelancers: How to Survive and Thrive on an Irregular Income.</a> </b>The title says it all.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=887021&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=119114"><b>StoryADay.org: Time to Write Workshop</b></a>. Every month story a day has a writers challenge to produce 1 story, every day. The Time to Write Workship includes step-by-step instructions on how to write a story, every day. It will get you motivated to write today, not just "some day". Lessons, workbooks, and timesheets are all included.<br /><br /><img alt="iphone app" src="http://apstylebook.com/images/iphone_app_2010.gif" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apstylebook.com/">AP Stylebook for iPhone</a> (also available for the Blackberry and hardcover book form). We all know the Associated Press Stylebook is indispensable. Now we can carry it with us with this handy iPhone app. The fully updated features include search capabilities and live links. Now I never have to worry about another spiral bound AP book again.<br /><br /><a href="htpp://www.writersdigest.com">Writer's Digest</a> website has become my daily go-to website. I found the magazine to be extremely valuable in my quest to become a better writer and find markets suitable for my style of writing. The website has a store packed full of helpful books and materials.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.writersmarket.com/">Writer's Market</a> website has become my 2nd daily go-to website. The website has a subscription, or you can purchase the book, where you will have thousands of agents and genres just waiting for your submission. Writer's Market is the sister site to Writer's Digest.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Reader's Tools:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img alt="Book Jotter Bookmark - Bookmark" src="http://www.levimage.com/IMAGE/PRODUCTS/PAPER/MISC_PAPER/AB0430_1410.jpg" /></span><br /><a href="http://www.levenger.com/">Book Jotter Bookmark</a>. This product is so simple I am wondering why some of us book lover's didn't thing of it first! This nifty gadget is a beautiful leather bookmark complete with built-in replacement note cards. No need to jot notes in the margins of your books!<br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Personal Tools:</span></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">I know a lot of people might laugh at me for this one. I have found that while writing I just can't listen to music with words. I find it too distracting and it takes me even longer to write. I find that classical music works well, but I prefer white noise. White noise doesn't mean listening to sounds like a fan running, or a light buzz all day long. Many noise machines offer sounds such as running water, the ocean waves, rain, bird chirping, frogs, etc. While some of these are ok, I am one who also likes to multi-task. I found <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&c=ib&aff=154042">Sprudio</a>. Sprudio actually kills two birds with one stone. You get the ocean waves and subliminal messages. They have time management, organization, <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=186378&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=8454">achievement</a>, and <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&c=ib&aff=154042">career </a>related topics. </span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65853032558357193142011-04-26T13:05:00.003-04:002014-11-04T11:33:34.182-05:00Trying to Work from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3CZw4E7KMc/Tbb6qajcqnI/AAAAAAAAAZs/S12EWkilDQ4/s1600/officepod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3CZw4E7KMc/Tbb6qajcqnI/AAAAAAAAAZs/S12EWkilDQ4/s320/officepod.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You have decided you want to work from home. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Want my advice?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Act professional.</li><li>Speak professional.</li><li>Send your resume.</li><li>Treat the company as a professional entity.<a name='more'></a></li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It will go a long way with work at home companies.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have seen it too often.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Complaining. Whining.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>And for what?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the work at home industry you see people needing to make money for so many different reasons. There are those who consider themselves freelancers who act in a much more professional manner than those just claiming to work from home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lately I hear:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Why didn't they hire me?</li><li>How many times do I have to email them before they respond?</li><li>All of their changes are stupid!</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am sorry my friend, but this is not going to get you hired.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am sure they have a reason as to why they did not hire you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Check your resume. Does it suit their needs?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is the company even hiring?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When you apply for a job at a B&M company, do you constantly call, go in, or email the hiring manager? Not likely. So why would you think sending five emails in 2 weeks is going to get you the job with a work </div><div class="MsoNormal">at home company any quicker?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If anything it well be marked as unprofessional and you just cost yourself a job.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t like company policy?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Find a new company to work for.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the business world things are constantly changing. Business models have to evolve with the times. If they slow down, they might lose their momentum, which can cost millions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With the case of <a href="http://www.demandstudios.com/">Demand Studios</a> I hear more people complain about this company than any other writing company out there. Personally, I feel they are one of the better ones. They give back to the community, they offer benefits to their contractors, and they have workshops, meetups, contents and bonuses. They pay better than any content site out there. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yet there are writer’s who want to compare it to <a href="http://www.textbroker.com/">Textbroker</a>. Really? While I can see the ease of Textbroker, the quality of the work and the company does not even come close.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This right here is what separates those who like to write from those who are doing it because they feel they have to. And those are the people who are ruining it for the rest of us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Writers at DS tend to complain a lot about the Editors. Again, I can see where some are coming from. It would be no different than complaining about a co-worker elsewhere. But the fact that so many of the same people are so consistent about their complaints it makes me wonder why they are even writing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps they should be looking for a job in a different field.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe you need private clients instead of content firms.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then there are the tilters at DS. Every time there is an easy work at home job, everyone jumps on the bandwagon whether it interests them or not. People are looking for a quick buck and many abuse the system. Because of this DS has started changing the guidelines and implementing quizzes to make sure their title people know what they are doing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I say BRAVO!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">It irks me when I try to find something to write at DS and the titles are garbage. Most of them should not have been accepted. Too many were being accepted that should not have and DS felt the need to clean up their house. I don’t blame them. I also don’t care about the quizzes. They were easy, I passed them and so should everyone else. If you are really paying attention to your job, there should not be an issue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what are you so angry about? Again I say, maybe this just isn’t the job for you and that you should look elsewhere. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to be a writer, than write. Act professional about it and treat it like a career.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you don’t want to be a writer, then please, step aside so those that do, can. Otherwise you are just going to ruin it for everyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49032132276502286172011-04-25T13:57:00.005-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.812-04:00#NSNation : We Lose. We Gain.<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This was a rough week for me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is no secret that I am an emotional eater and dealing with the <a _mce_href="http://www.cainstales.com/" href="http://www.cainstales.com/">Cain situation</a>, which put me behind with school and work, left me in an eating frenzy.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was Easter.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was very proud of myself. I had a piece of ham and literally cut it to half the size of my palm. I had one scoop of mashed potatoes, one corn, one stuffing and no gravy. I had a nice big salad with fat free dressing. My weakness is my mom’s homemade bread. I ended up with two pieces and treated myself to real butter. I also have a weakness for my mom’s homemade mac and cheese. I was really excited when she made it special for me with 2% cheese. I still ate about a cup. Then, I opted for cherry pie, deviled eggs, and a Cadbury egg later in the day.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am pretty sure I was over my calorie goal and <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>meal plan choices.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was so proud of my plate of food and giant salad. Personally, I feel I am getting much better at making food choices when it comes to eating out and family meals. My weakness was the pie, candy, deviled eggs, and bread and butter. I could have had a smaller piece of pie, shared the candy with someone, left the eggs alone and had one piece of bread with spray butter.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Shoulda, coulda, woulda.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted it. I ate it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I hate feeling deprived; it makes me eat more during the day trying to get over the craving. So, I have learned if I want something, I need to allow myself to have some.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Sadly, with the stress, late hours, lack of sleep, and emotional eating I did prior to Easter and the Easter goodies, the scale went up 1.4 this week.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">*sigh*</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Once I finish this post and today’s homework, before I start on my days work, I am going to exercise and then make a schedule for the rest of the week.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">If only it would stop raining! I miss walking outside.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We win. We lose. We learn. We continue.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47496431557123503212011-04-25T09:17:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.595-05:00Writing Goodies for Monday (contests, submissions, jobs)<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Contents for Writers</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.clarklibraryfriends.com/">SCARE THE DICKENS OUT OF US GHOST STORY WRITING CONTES</a>T</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$5 or $20 ENTRY FEE</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The Scare the Dickens Out of Us ghost story writing contest</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">for 2011 is entering its third year. First place prize of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$1,000, second place prize of $500 and third place prize of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$250 will be awarded this year for the best original, previously</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">unpublished ghost stories 5000 words or less that are submitted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">For younger writers, The Junior Scare the Dickens Out of Us</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">ghost story contest, which follows the same rules, offers $250</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">for first place for writers aged 12-18. This contest is a</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">fundraiser for the Friends of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Lockhart, Texas. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">The main contest requires a $20 entry fee and</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">the Junior contest a $5 entry fee. The contest is privately</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span">funded. All entry fee money goes directly to the Friends where</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">it is donated to the library for library projects. Entries are</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">accepted beginning July 1. The contest postmark deadline is</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">October 1, 2011. No publication is involved. Writers retain</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">full rights to their stories. The contest is open to published</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">and unpublished writers, and to local, national and international</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">writers as well. The only rules are that you write an original,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">unpublished ghost story and that it be 5,000 words or less in</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">length.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.masonsroad.com/features/creative-writing-contest/">MASONS ROAD CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$15 ENTRY FEE</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$1,000 Prize and Publication. Finalist Judge: Sarah Manguso.</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Deadline: May 1, 2011. Theme: Arc - the rise and fall of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">dramatic tension within a piece. Not sure your work fits?</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Let our editors and judge decide! All genres accepted.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Please submit only one document in a genre for each issue, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">limit prose to 8,000 words (double-spaced), and poetry 5 poems.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://besttravelstory.com/">BEST TRAVEL STORY CONTEST</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">NO ENTRY FEE</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Deadline May 30, 2011. One entry per participant. Winner</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">receives $100 and publication. Second place receives</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$50 and publication. All others may receive publication</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">at the judges' sole discretion. This contest promotes cross-cultural understanding, international forum and life-long</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">traveling. The way people travel now-a-days is subject to</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">several options: the travel for work, travel for study</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">(semester abroad, exchange student, travel for an academic</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">event), and travel for entertainment (travel to see a</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">concert, save up and travel a lot). There is also rigorous</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">anthropological work, Peace Corp, and other projects that</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">make traveling an integral part of doing business with them.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">This contest is meant to promote travel as a lifestyle: open</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">people's minds to the possibility of a life-long travel,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">where there is little difference between leisure and work,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">where the work environment is distributed (multinational,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">virtual) and where party, the entertainment that people</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">seek, is disjoint to having to be at any particular</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">location.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://shop.editorial-consultancy.co.uk/shortstorycompetition/">THE FINE LINE SHORT STORY COMPETITION</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">ENTRY FEE £5 ($8/€6)</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The Fine Line's inaugural short story competition is now</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">open for entries. Whatever your taste, style or inspiration,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">submit your tale and you could win £200 ($320/€230) and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">publication in The Fine Line Short Story Collection. A</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">percentage of all entry fees goes to charity so you'll be</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">doing something good while getting your work out there. The</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">competition is open to anyone. Deadline May 31, 2011.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.crabcreekreview.org/contest.htm">CRAB CREEK REVIEW</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$10 ENTRY FEE</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Deadline May 31, 2011. Submit up to five poems, unpublished.</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The winning poet will receive $200 and publication in Crab</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Creek Review. All entries will be considered for publication.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Programs</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discover your unique writing life. Limited to 25 participants. Each gets a $500 scholarship. Summer session starts June 10th. Learn more at www.literaryliving.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Magazine Accepting Submissions</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.legionmagazine.com/en/index.php/contributions/writers-photographers-guideline/">LEGION MAGAZINE</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Legion Magazine is published six times a year by Canvet</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Publications Ltd. for a national readership composed of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">members of The Royal Canadian Legion and their families, as</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">well as serving members of the Canadian Forces, the Royal</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Canadian Mounted Police and the general public. Average</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">article length is between 1,500 and 2,200 words, although</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">stories as short as 600 and as long as 3,000 words are</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">accepted on occasion. The magazine does not accept fiction, poetry, travel writing or simultaneous transmissions.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Manuscript fees for first North American serial rights range</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">from $150 to $1,200, payable after final edit. For the right</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">to post a selected article on the magazine's Web site, the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">magazine pays the author 10 per cent of the manuscript fee.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.guidemagazine.org/aboutguide/writersguidelines.asp">GUIDE</a><br />Guide is a Christian story magazine for young people<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>ages 10-14. The 32-page, four-color publication is<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>published weekly by the Review and Herald Publishing<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>Association. Our mission is to show readers, through<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>stories that illustrate Bible truth, how to walk with<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>God now and forever. Each issue includes three to four<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>true stories. Guide does not publish fiction, poetry, or<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>articles (devotionals, how-to, profiles, etc.). However,<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>we sometimes accept quizzes and other unique nonstory<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>formats. Each piece should include a clear spiritual<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>element. Standard feature-length stories are 1,000-1,200<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>words, but we also accept shorter pieces of 450 words<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>and up. Payment is 7-10 cents/word upon acceptance for<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>first serial rights.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.buzzymag.com/submissions/">BUZZY MAG</a><br />Buzzy Mag is looking for original science fiction, fantasy<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>and horror short stories up to 10,000 words. Thriller,<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>suspense and paranormal tales that cross into traditional<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>speculative fiction are welcome. In addition, we are<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>interested in pieces that may be able to be developed into<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>full length novels for publication by Buzzy Multimedia at a<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>future date. Buzzy accepts submissions from both authors and<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>literary agents. Payment is 5 cents USD per word.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Others Accepting Submissions</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fiction365.com/">FICTION 365</a><br />Send short fiction, under 4k words, in the body of your<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>email (attachments will not be opened). Include a three-sentence synopsis of your story with each submission, and<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>brief biographical statement. We pay a small amount for<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>each story accepted, and reserve only the right to use<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><br />and anthologize. E-mail:<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #3333cc;"><a href="mailto:submissions@fiction365.com" style="color: black;" target="_blank">submissions@fiction365.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thedabblingmum.com/">THE DABBLING MUM </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"><br /></span> <a href="http://thedabblingmum.com/write4us/submissions.htm" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">http://thedabblingmum.com/<wbr></wbr>write4us/submissions.htm</span></a><br />Seeking article reprints for the following areas:<br /><br />Social Networking: Single topic articles that educate and<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>inform small, or homebased, business owners.<br /><br />Customer Service: How to handle difficult customers, how<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>to positively deal with unsatisfied customers,etc. Articles<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>should be geared towards homebased business owners.<br /><br />Host an event: This is geared specifically towards writers<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>with books. How can writers earn money discussing the<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>subject of their books, and still sell their books?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out our site to make sure you understand what we're<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>looking for and that you don't submit a topic that's already<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>been covered. Pays $5 per reprint. Reprints 500-word articles<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>that have also appeared online, but sparingly. Buys non-exclusive electronic (online) reprint rights with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>indefinite archival rights.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ramsfieldpress.com/call-for-short-stories.html">RAMSFIELD PRESS COOKING AND FOOD ANTHOLOGY</a><br />The story must have a cooking / food theme. The maximum<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>length is 5,000 words. It must be your original writing<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>and you must certify that it is. If your story is chosen<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>for inclusion in the anthology, you will receive a flat<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>payment of $25 and three copies of the book. You will<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span>retain future rights after publication. Deadline April 30,2011.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Paying Literary Journals</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please check the website for instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ploughshares - <a href="http://www.pshares.org/">http://www.pshares.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black Warrior Review - <a href="http://bwr.ua.edu/">http://bwr.ua.edu/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Virginia Quarterly - <a href="http://www.vqronline.org/">http://www.vqronline.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Missouri Review - <a href="http://www.missourireview.org/">http://www.missourireview.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Iron Horse Review - <a href="http://ironhorsereview.com/">http://ironhorsereview.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nashville Review - <a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/english/nashvillereview/">http://www.vanderbilt.edu/english/nashvillereview/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hayden's Ferry - <a href="http://www.asu.edu/pipercwcenter/publications/haydensferryreview/">http://www.asu.edu/pipercwcenter/publications/haydensferryreview/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ninth Letter - <a href="http://www.ninthletter.com/">http://www.ninthletter.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gulf Coast - <a href="http://www.gulfcoastmag.org/">http://www.gulfcoastmag.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indiana Review - <a href="http://indianareview.org/">http://indianareview.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A River and Sound - <a href="http://www.riverandsoundreview.org/">http://www.riverandsoundreview.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AGNI - <a href="http://www.bu.edu/agni/">http://www.bu.edu/agni/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jobs</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=98339432&aid=27015391-16411&WT.mc_n=125">WRITER-EDITOR</a></span></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Location Ft McNair, DC</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"><br /></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Deadline May 6, 2011. Edits articles, occasional papers,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">monographs, reports, studies, and books in the fields of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">national security strategy, defense policy and national</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">military strategy for the fundamentals of scholarly research</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">and writing, including clear purpose, realizable scope,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">suitable research methodology, thorough documentation of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">sources, scholarly objectivity, originality, coherent</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">organization, persuasive argument, and logical conclusions</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">or recommendations. Analyzes graduate/postgraduate-level</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">manuscripts in terms of their objectives, intended readers,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">writing style, subject matter, and research methodology.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.higheredjobs.com/search/details.cfm?JobCode=175515437&Title=Writer%2FEditor%203%20%2311789">WRITER-EDITOR</a> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Location Berkeley, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"><br /></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Researches, writes and/or edits high-level communications,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">publications, and web material, often with complex or</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">sensitive subjects, focusing on the internal campus audience,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">but also for broad external audiences via the web, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">publications for parents and other key campus constituencies.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Requires in-depth understanding of each audience and the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">communication strategies that will best serve the institution</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">with each audience. Work often requires political acumen and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">sensitivity and is synthesized from several campus sources,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">including high-level campus leaders.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://monterey.craigslist.org/wri/2322937837.html">GUIDEBOOK WRITER</a> Location Monterey/Carmel, CA<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Avalon Travel is seeking a professional writer to write a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>guidebook on Monterey and Carmel and the surrounding area.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>This is a contract position, not a full-time office job.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The writer should live in or near Monterey or Carmel or must<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have very close ties to the area and go often. The writer must<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>be very knowledgeable about the area's attractions, should be<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>able to provide strategic planning advice for travelers, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>should have previous experience writing about the area. AT<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>writers are compensated with an advance and royalty. </span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>writer selected to be the guidebook author will be responsible<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for updating the book every two to three years. Interested<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>applicants should send a resume, a cover letter, and up to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>five relevant clips to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:avalon.acquisitions@perseusbooks.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">avalon.acquisitions@<wbr></wbr>perseusbooks.com</span></a>.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>In the cover letter, explain why you are the best person for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>this project. Please include "Moon Monterey & Carmel" in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> subject line of your message. The Avalon Travel acquisitions<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>site includes more information about our expectations and the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>work involved.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Residencies</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.ragdale.org/">RAGDALE FOUNDATION</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">There is a residency fee of $25/day. This fee covers food and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">a private room or studio. Fellowships are offered as both</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">need-based and merit-based award packages. These generally</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">cover a portion of the residency cost (e.g. 2 of 4 weeks</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">covered, 1 of 2 weeks covered). Financial Aid and named</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">fellowships are awarded after applicant is accepted. Deadline May 15 and September 15, 2011. Location Lake Forest,</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">IL.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.tskw.org/">THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">There is no fee for visiting artists or cultural managers.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">TSWK provides accommodation, orientation, and some meals.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Travel and other incidentals are the responsibility of the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">residents. Residencies that are associated with a creative</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">project intended for the Key West community are often given</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">production support. This is decided on a case-by-case basis,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">to be arranged in advance according to TSKW's programmatic</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">requirements. Deadline May 2, 2011.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Retreats</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Named as one of the top-ten creative retreats in the world,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Writing Away Retreats is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>connect with and receive feedback from the very best in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>industry. Every writer gets a 10K word detailed MS consult<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>with each staff member (3 editors: Kevin Doughten: Penguin,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Anica Rissi: Simon and Schuster, Katie Gilligan: Thomas Dunne,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>1 agent: Scott Hoffman, Folio Lit. and 1 NYT bestselling author:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>David Corbett) during their 5 day/4 night experience in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rocky Mountains. This unprecedented access allows for an<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>experience that can truly forward your writing career in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />right direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">For further information go to the website:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><a href="http://www.writingawayretreats.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #993300;">www.writingawayretreats.com</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Publishers/Agents Now Accepting Queries</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mortimerliterary.com/about.htm">MORTIMER LITERARY AGENCY</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> Currently accepting queries for:<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FICTION:<br />Action/Adventure- Secular and Inspirational<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Commercial Fiction- Secular and Inspirational<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Paranormal- Secular<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Romance- Secular and Inspirational, Single Title and Category [See exception below.]<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Thrillers/Suspense- Secular and Inspirational [Suspense from page one, please!]<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Young Adult- Secular, All Sub-Genres.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NONFICTION:<br />INSISTS you have a proper proposal, even if you've already<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>written the book. You'll need a killer platform, and/or a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>gigantic hook. [And if you have no idea what that means,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>you aren't ready to submit.] Agent Kelly's open to many<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>categories, as she has numerous interests, from cooking<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to history to sports.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/McMillanAgency/"><span style="color: black;"></span>SALLY HILL McMILLAN & ASSOC, INC.</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">A Southern-based independent literary agency, representing adult</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">literary and commercial fiction and narrative non-fiction.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Member AAR. Query letter first with SASE. Email queries will</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">be read, but not necessarily answered. Do not send science</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">fiction, military, horror, fantasy/adventure, children's or</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">cookbooks. E-mail:</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:mcmagency@aol.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">mcmagency@aol.com</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">. Location Charlotte, NC.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kristagoering.com/index.html">THE KRISTA GOERING LITERARY AGENCY</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> We are interested in nonfiction of all kinds, including:<o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> <span class="apple-style-span">Mind/body/spirit titles of all kinds</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Innovative health/wellness/nutrition/diet books</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How-to books of all kinds<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S<span class="apple-style-span">elf-help titles from top-platformed authors<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Anything that brings an innovative or fresh perspective or</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"> format to long-standing parenting topics</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Books related to college admissions or college survival<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Books about movies or TV<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Narrative nonfiction titles by platformed authors<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interesting, nichey cookbooks<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">We are also actively looking for novels, including mysteries,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>thrillers, paranormals, and romances. If your manuscript is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>exciting, electrifying, and exceptional we want to know more. <i>What not to pitch:</i> Poetry, short stories, novellas, plays,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>screenplays, essays.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7587426989711930782011-04-23T17:20:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.618-05:00How to Have Websites Built For You the Cheap Way<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">In the past, if you want to have a professional design, you had to have designer’s custom build your site. If that is what you want, then you must be prepared to dish out at least a few hundred dollars. You don’t have to do it this way, especially if you know where to find the best deals and the best designs for the lowest price. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some, the bottom line will be zero! Who doesn’t love FREE?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Here are a few tips:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">First, you must understand that it is a rip off (in my honest opinion) to get companies to design a website for you. Have you ever seen those advertisements in newspaper classifieds that offer a 5-page website for $500? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">These companies are established companies with physical locations; therefore they have to increase the amount they charge to pay for some of their overhead. (office rent, designer's wages, advertising costs) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">It would be wise to find freelance designers who work from home. These people are often working from home so they do not have a high operation cost like that of a company. They will be able to design images with quality similar to those of designers from big companies, so it really is a "no-brainer" choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Choose freelancers with care. The best way to do this would be to go to elance.com, guru.com, odesk.com or ask around your favorite work from home forum.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With places like odesk or guru, you can post the abstract of your project and get thousands of freelancers to bid on your project. You are sure to get the best deal. This will allow you to choose the designers based on their experience, past transactions and ratings. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Another route you can take is to design your website yourself. Think about it, if you only need 5 simple pages to present some simple information, why waste hundreds of dollars for it? Just spend a little time to sit down and do it yourself. You'll be able to design your own sites even if you do not know a single line of HTML code with the help of WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) programs such as Microsoft Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">If using software isn’t an option, Blogger, WordPress, Yola, Webs, and Weebly all have free website services that are extremely easy to put together. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36490168030552436012011-04-22T13:58:00.003-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.608-05:00The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.377.cover.jpg" alt="" src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.377.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What initially drew me to this novel was the beautiful cover. My mother always said the same old line we have always heard, “Never judge a book by it’s cover.” Although I am not really one to turn a book away just because it has an ugly cover or one that simply doesn’t catch my attention, I am one who will pick one up just for the beauty of the cover. For me, I try to make it mandatory that I read the back, inside cover, or dust jacket to see if the topic is something that will hold my attention.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I found out the date this book was taken place in, I skipped right over it and went on to some other books that were waiting in the sidelines for me to read and review. Perhaps I was trying to fool myself into thinking I was merely saving the best for last.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I struggled to get through the book. The topic and the plot were very well actionable and thought out, the historical factor was holding me back from really getting the full feel of the book.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Olivia Stewart, a New York City socialite resists an arranged marriage, only to find her own sister, Eleanor ready to marry Harrison Bennett. Just days before the two were to marry; their mother gets word that Eleanor is dead. The death comes as a shock, even more so when the pair find out she died from a drowning.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Olivia has the feeling something isn’t right, and she should feel that way. Eleanor was afraid of water and would not even go near it. There is no way she would have drowned since she would not put herself in dangers way to begin with. Olivia heads to Mercy Falls to find some answers.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Olivia is pushed off the ship before even arriving; she begins to think someone doesn’t want her to know the truth. <span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The irony is the man that ends up saving her is none other than Mr. Harrison Bennett. How? And why? Olivia has not made it known who she is since she is using the family formal English name of Devonworth.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Wanting to know the truth, I kept reading.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Murder and mystery will suck me in every time. I actually found it easy to get through the historical aspect of the novel.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Even though this is the third book in the Mercy Falls series it can easily be read without the back-story of the previous novels.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Suspense. Twists. Turns.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Well worth the read.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54090029976336659462011-04-21T13:17:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.723-05:00Need Help Today? How About a Writing Prompt? Playing With Fire<div style="text-align: center;">We've all been there.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The need to write something.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anything.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But what?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe you've hit your brick wall.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have an idea.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://library.creativecow.net/articles/chao_joe/fire/fire_finish.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A writing prompt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Playing With Fire.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Craft a scene using these four random elements:</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">a house on fire</li><li style="text-align: left;">a stepmother</li><li style="text-align: left;">a diary</li><li style="text-align: left;">true love</li></ul><br /><img src="http://www.emsfloodrestoration.com/images/universal-fire-6-1.jpg" />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2396547169033210652011-04-20T15:06:00.002-04:002014-11-04T11:36:22.534-05:00How I Became a Freelance WriterI was up early this morning, but instead of enjoying coffee and hanging out around the round table of discussion with <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/how-i-became-a-virtual-assistant/comment-page-1/#comment-19706">Angie</a> and Tori, my brain was off in la-la land trying to figure out what I am going to do about my poor baby, <a href="http://www.cainstails.blogspot.com/2011/04/update-on-cain.html" target="_blank">Cain</a>.<br /><br />I have to laugh at myself for how crazy I must sound to people who are non-pet owners or pet owners who view their pet as only that and not as a four-legged child. I don't know how to deal with his future right now, so it is weighing heavy on my mind.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />When I returned from the vet, I was getting started on my day and noticed the round table discussion. In order for you to understand the purpose behind Element Content, you also need to understand where some of us, or perhaps how some of us got our start in the work at home industry.<br /><br />First, here is a little bit of my back story to get you started on my journey.<br /><br />9/21/08 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/09/this-is-why-i-write.html">This is Why I Write</a><br />12/07/10 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/why-i-write.html">This is Why I Write, Again</a>(part2)<br />1/21/11 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/writing-for-reason.html">Writing for a Reason</a><br />1/22/11 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/writing-for-reason-part-2.html">Writing for a Reason Part 2</a><br />1/3/11 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/about-self-employed-writer.html">About Self Employed Writer</a><br /><br />Now that you have a little bit of the writing back story, let me tell you a little bit about my personal back story.<br /><br />I have been in love with words for as long as I can remember. My mother actually went to college for Creative Writing so books were always in abundance at my house. I can remember being 8 or 9 and sitting in the hallway, on the floor, in front of the hall closet spending hours upon hours looking through my mothers book collection. I was an active reader, and I was a smart. gifted child. I only wish I would have applied myself better.<br /><br />While most children my age were outside playing tag or kickball, I was inside with a hardcover Readers Digest reading novels about things I could only dream of. I knew meaning to words that most kids my age couldn't even spell much less even pronounce.<br /><br />I started a journal when I was about 7 or 8. That first journal has since been destroyed. The year I did that, I was too worried about people finding out about my past. I started another one when I was in the 6th grade and I have been writing in one ever since. Of course these days, even though I do have a journal, most of my writing is done online and saved to a flash drive instead of a paper book. I still have every journal even written.<br /><br />Poetry was more my creative writing forte. I have had a few pieces published in the past and plan to spend more time with my words in the future, after graduation.<br /><br />I always wanted to be a writer. All through life my English, Speech, Writing and Creative Arts teachers would always tell me I had a gift. By the time I reached high school the only creative class I stuck with was art. I started to get more into business classes, more specifically, accounting. I wanted to write, but only one in a million get published. That is what I was always told, so I followed the path of accounting.<br /><br />I did that until 2008. In 2007 I had gone through a divorce and a 1000 mile move. Even though jobs were limited where I moved, I was still able to work through a temp agency landing accounting clients. After a year or more of being shuffled around and working for pennies and jerks, I decided enough was enough.<br /><br />In 2004 I had worked phone jobs through West and LiveOps for some extra cash and when I was in between clients. I was a tax accountant then, and business would slow down after the season. In 2008 I went back to those two companies, only this time, I hated every minute of it.<br /><br />Somehow I landed on a website called <a href="http://textilicious.com/textopia/index.php">Textilicious</a>, which is where I first met Tori. From there I landed at wahm.com. Back then, there were content mills, but they were not as well known as they are now. While most of the girls at Textilicious did tarot, adult phone lines or webcam, I did adult text. That is what led me to start my "<a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/2008/08/my-life-as-text-chat-operator-how-it.html">Life as a Text Chat Op</a>" series.<br /><br />I started blogging around 2004, and got into erotica around 2005. Adult texting was no big deal to me. It was sort of fun and provided me with a lot of laughs. They pay was lousy and management was even worse.<br /><br />My path continued. I worked at Cha-Cha, Weebly, KGB, and some other text type jobs. It helped, but the money just was not there.<br /><br />I couldn't tell you how I landed at Demand Studios in 2009, but I did. And, I was rejected my first time. I found out about Textbroker, and <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">Helium </a>and immediately signed up with them. Once I had a few pieces of published work, I tried DS again and this time was accepted. I now write and title for DS. My list of content companies is pretty extensive. You can find most of it on my "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/where-to-find-me.html">Look For Me</a>" page.<br /><br />Basically I used content sites to help me feel confident enough as a writer to walk down other paths. I will graduate college this June with a BA in Accounting and Business. I then plan to follow my dream of obtaining a BA in English/Creative Writing before I go forward with my MBA program. This degree I will take my time with and certainly won't load up on 9 classes a semester like I am right now.<br /><br />These days I tend to write more for myself, here on my own websites and for places where I can share revenue. I enjoy that much more than writing for content sites. When I am done with school this June, I plan to finish up a novel I am working on as well as pursue my poetry.<br /><br />I still write for content sites and do titling for Demand Studios; I still have bills to pay. But these days my writing is less about them and more about me.<br /><br />Working from home just sort of fell into my lap. However, it is a blessing. With the back problems and mental health problems I no longer have to worry about those things getting in the way of my job. I can work around it. I don't have to worry about rude bosses and I never have to answer a phone. The best part? I don't need fancy dress clothes to go to work. I also don't have to take a 30 minute commute. That's a blessing in the winter!<br /><br />Of course working from home does have it's challenges. Mostly from those around me. But we all have to live, learn and adapt.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73039928038338723882011-04-20T14:22:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:12:51.716-04:00Update on Cain<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCeOazvanGs/Ta8Kt0uZfLI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hnSqwJDZ5YY/s1600/4475580_f520.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCeOazvanGs/Ta8Kt0uZfLI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hnSqwJDZ5YY/s1600/4475580_f520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCeOazvanGs/Ta8Kt0uZfLI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hnSqwJDZ5YY/s320/4475580_f520.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCeOazvanGs/Ta8Kt0uZfLI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hnSqwJDZ5YY/s320/4475580_f520.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="240" /></a></div>A project that I had on the back burner is now going to be put to use, only now it has a different purpose.<br /><br />Please follow along on Cains journey with his own website Cains Tales.<br /><br />Here is the update from the vet : <a _mce_href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/update-on-cain.html" href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/update-on-cain.html">Cains Update</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28005817650759759342011-04-20T08:00:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.797-05:00Are You Interested in Writing Contests, Grants, Submissions, and Publishing?I have recently come into a wealth of information for writers of all topics, styles and genres. This information includes grants for writers, publishing houses, agents, calls to submissions, education, conferences, contests, scholarship programs and more.<br /><br />I am thinking about brining those resources here to my website. I see a lot of websites listing work from home writing jobs. Technically these are working from home, but they are not for internet content.<br /><br />Would any of you be interested in this type of information? I would be happy to do write it up over here if there is an interest.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33631849148304314172011-04-17T09:48:00.009-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.837-05:00Search Engine Friendly Pages<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">There is no point in building a website unless there are visitors coming in. A major source of traffic for most sites on the Internet is search engines like Google, Yahoo!, MSN, Altavista and so on. Hence, by designing a search engine friendly site, you will be able to rank easily in search engines and obtain more visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Major search engines use programs called crawlers or robots to index websites to list on their search result pages. They follow links to a page, read the content of the page and record it in their own database, pulling up the listing as people search for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">If you want to make your site indexed easily, you should avoid using frames on your website. Frames will only confuse search engine robots and they might even abandon your site because of that. Moreover, frames make it difficult for users to bookmark a specific page on your site without using long, complicated scripts. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Do not present important information in Flash movies or in images. Search engine robots can only read text on your source code so if you present important words in Flash movies and images rather than textual form, your search engine ranking will be affected dramatically. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Use meta tags accordingly on each and every page of your site so that search engine robots know at first glance what that particular page is about and whether or not to index it. By using meta tags, you are making the search engine robot's job easier so they will crawl and index your site more frequently. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Stop using wrong HTML tags like to style your page. Use CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) instead because they are more effective and efficient. By using CSS, you can eliminate redundant HTML tags and make your pages much lighter and faster to load.<span style="color: magenta;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14171599328466541232011-04-16T08:29:00.005-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.855-05:00Good Web Design Practices<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Your website is where your business resides -- it's like headquarters to an offline company. It is important to practice good design principles to make sure your site reaches out to the maximum number of visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Make sure you have clear directions on the navigation of your website. The navigation menu should be uncluttered and concise so that visitors know how to navigate around your website without confusion. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Reduce the number of images on your website. They make your site load very slowly and more often than not they are very unnecessary. If you think any image is essential on your site, make sure you optimize them using image editing programs so that they have a minimum file size. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Keep your text paragraphs at a reasonable length. If a paragraph is too long, you should split it into separate paragraphs so that the text blocks will not be too big. This is important because a block of text that is too large will deter visitors from reading your content. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Make sure your website complies with web standards and make sure it is cross-browser compatible. If your website looks great in Internet Explorer but breaks horribly in Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera, you will lose out on a lot of prospective visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Avoid using scripting languages on your site unless it is absolutely necessary. Use scripting languages to handle or manipulate data, not to create visual effects on your website. Heavy scripts will slow down the loading time of your site and even crash some browsers (ack!). Also, scripts are not supported across all browsers, so some visitors might miss important information because of that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13171337432645994002011-04-15T08:19:00.003-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.777-04:00Generating Revenue with Good Planning<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/company/google" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image representing Google as depicted in Crunc..." height="99" src="http://www.crunchbase.com/assets/images/resized/0002/9578/29578v7-max-450x450.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="250" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 250px;">Image via <a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/">CrunchBase</a></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">For anything to work well, care must be taken to make firm, workable plans to execute it and the same goes for website designs. With a well thought out website design, you will be able to create a site that generates multiple streams of revenue for you. In fact, many websites turn into online wasteland because they are not well planned and do not get a single visitor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">The crucial point of planning your site is optimizing it for revenue if you want to gain income. Divide your site into major blocks, ordered by themes, and start building new pages and subsections in those blocks. For example, you might have a "job" section, an "grammar rules" section and an "prompt" section for a writing site. You can then write and publish relevant articles in the respective sections to attract a stream of traffic that comes looking for this particular information. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">When you have a broader, better-defined scope of themes for your website, you can sell space on your pages to people interested in advertising on your page. You can also earn from programs like Google's Adsense if people surf to those themed pages and click on the ads. For this very reason, the advertisement blocks on your pages need to be relevant to the content, so a themed page fits that criteria perfectly. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.webpronews.com/google-panda-update-victim-xomba-loses-adsense-ads-too-2011-04">Google Panda Update Victim Xomba Loses AdSense Ads Too</a> (webpronews.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.labnol.org/internet/adsense-earnings/19096/">How Changes to Ad Units Impact AdSense Earnings</a> (labnol.org)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://lbjwebdesign.com/Blog/?p=1118">Your Basic Adsense Information</a> (lbjwebdesign.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=0c9c44f3-fe2c-49c8-acb7-c6492748410c" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55871507536221586232011-04-14T08:18:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.896-05:005 Ways to Keep Visitors Coming Back<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">A lot of successful websites depend on returning visitors to account for a major part of their traffic. Returning visitors are easier to maintain, the more trust they have in that site, the better your chances of repeat visits. The credibility issue just melts away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Test out the following methods to keep your visitors coming back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">1) Start a forum, chatroom or shoutbox<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">When you start a forum, chatroom or shoutbox, you are providing your visitors a place to voice their opinions and interact with their peers -- all of them are visitors of your site. As conversations build up, a sense of community will also follow and your visitors will come back to your site almost every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">If your site does not have the availability of these functions, another option would be to link with a forum you visit regularly. Sometimes forum owners would be happy in a “partnership” because it would mean more web traffic for both.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">2) Start a blog, not just a website of information<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Keep an online (journal) blog on your site and keep it updated with latest news about yourself. Human beings are curious creatures and they will keep reading if you post fresh news daily. Credibility is built since you are proving to them that there is also a real life person behind the website. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">3) Gain interaction with polls and surveys<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Polls and surveys are other forms of interaction that you should definitely consider adding to your site. They provide a quick way for visitors to voice their opinions and to get involved in your website. Be sure to publish polls or surveys that are strongly relevant to the target market of your website to keep them interested to find out about the results. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">4) Try puzzles, quizzes, games and contests<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Just imagine how many office workers procrastinate at work every day, and you will be able to gauge how many people will keep visiting your site if you provide a very interesting or addicting way of entertainment. You can also hold competitions to award the high score winner to keep people trying continuously to earn the prize. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">5) Update frequently with fresh content<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">This one is pretty much a given. But, you would not believe how many do not update regularly. Be sure to update your site frequently with fresh content so that every time your visitors come back, they will have something to read on your site. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11080493439879822722011-04-13T12:03:00.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:29.917-05:005 Important Rules in Website Design<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">When it comes to your website, extra attention should be paid to every detail, no matter how big or small. You will want to make sure it performs optimally to serve its purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Here are seven important rules of thumb to make sure your website performs well. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">1) Do not use splash pages<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Splash pages are the first pages you see when you arrive at a website. They normally have a very beautiful image with words like "welcome" or "click here to enter". In fact, they are just that -- pretty vases with no real purpose. Fancier pages will have a flash video or java intro. Do not let your visitors have a reason to click on the "back" button!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">2) Do not use excessive banner advertisements<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Even the least net savvy people have trained themselves to ignore banner advertisements so you will be wasting valuable website real estate. Almost every browser has an add-in that will block ads when surfing the internet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, provide more valuable content and weave relevant affiliate links into your content, make you visitors feel welcomed so they will stay (and return). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">3) Have a simple and clear navigation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">You have to provide a simple and very straightforward navigation so that even a young child will know how to use it. Stay away from complicated Flash based menus or multi-tiered dropdown menus. If your visitors spend too much time trying to navigate, they will leave your site (and not return). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">4) Have a clear indication of where the user is<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">When visitors are deeply engrossed in browsing your site, you will want to make sure they know which part of the site they are in at that moment. That way, they will be able to browse relevant information or navigate to any section of the site easily. Don't confuse your visitors because confusion means "abandon ship"! Label each page with a title, and make sure a link back to the home page is within eyesight. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">5) Avoid using audio on your site<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">If your visitor is going to stay a long time at your site, reading your content, you will want to make sure they're not annoyed by some audio looping on and on within your website. If you must add audio, make sure users are allowed some control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60125760072223392862011-04-12T17:48:00.006-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.854-04:00I'm Still Hosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ljf9DAVq-4s/TZzgGq9BKbI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/AIybghw8ZF4/s1600/SEWChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ljf9DAVq-4s/TZzgGq9BKbI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/AIybghw8ZF4/s320/SEWChick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you landed on this post, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/ahostableme.html">but missed yesterdays</a>, Hostable, you may want to go back to it before going forward with this post. You are also welcome to visit my testing site, to see how my brain has been functioning behind the scenes here at S.E.W.<br /><br />Note: I am NOT affiliated with Hostable. I am just really excited to have found them!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can see, Self Employed Writer is the main focus. The tabs you see are the other blogs that I currently have running, with the exception of one. When you click those tabs, the posts from the other blogs Ireland Forever, Fat Girl Rants (that I still have not launched), These Words My Life, and The Tax Queen. I plan to forward all of my domains to the one website. That way, if someone types in thetaxqueen.com they will go to the Self Employed Writer site, but it will be the Tax Queen portion of it. The actual url 7599.a.hostable.me/thetaxqueen will appear for those that type in, thetaxqueen.com </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopefully, this process will go smoothly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This will help me be much more productive with adsense and affiliates. I feel this move will give me the time to focus on it as I should. Too many posts and too many blogs make me feel like my posts are not as constructive as they should be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Self Employed Writer is a person (me) and that person writes about these things. I have made categories for all my sites. There are even spots for my book reviews, poetry, and product reviews. I think this will help to keep it tidy too. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is an ebook category. I am not sure how to go about doing this one yet. My previous blog was eBooksNook, I still have the domain for that (dot biz) and I could still use it for forwarding purposes. But I am not sure HOW to sell ebooks on a WordPress site. So, this will take some time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It just made sense for me to do it this way. It may not work best for you if your blogs are not linked together somehow. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So for now, I am just testing the waters. So far, so good.<br /><br />Because I am in the middle of a blog challenge, I am not planning to move right away. I was thinking I would like to have it done by June so that I can use it for the next 31 Days to Better Your Blog challenge.<br /><br /><br />EDIT: (6:37PM Eastern) I have some other ideas rolling around in my head. I might have to play with it a little more before I decide to do what I mentioned here. All I know is I want a clean blog, loaded with all of my goodies. A one stop shop. :)</div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.ashout.com/hostable-com-free-premium-web-hosting-account-at-0-99-3-years/">Premium Web Hosting Account at $0.99-3 Years, Unlimited Plan and Many More Features</a> (ashout.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=bbb400ad-5e12-4aa2-8e75-5b0165e6de0a" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90805029126609464382011-04-12T08:15:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.610-05:00Do you hate spam? Are you tired of dealing with content mills?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><strong>Author:</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">T.S. Redmond-Mize</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: 'Hoefler Text', Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/do-you-hate-spam-are-you-tired-of-dealing-with-content-mills/" rel="bookmark" style="color: black; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 4px; text-decoration: none;" title="Permalink to Do you hate spam? Are you tired of dealing with content mills?">Do you hate spam? Are you tired of dealing with content mills?</a></h2><div class="date" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-family: 'Hoefler Text', Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -1.7em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">April 8th, 2011 <a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/do-you-hate-spam-are-you-tired-of-dealing-with-content-mills/#comments" style="color: #666666; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" title="Comment on Do you hate spam? Are you tired of dealing with content mills?">§ <span class="commentcount" style="color: #aaaaaa;">14 Comments</span></a></div><div class="entry" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.9em; margin-bottom: 4em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden;"><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">I believe that we have the solution for both of those problems.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">If you’ve been freelancing for any amount of time, you know that finding quality clients can be hard.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">If you’ve been working in marketing or a business, you know that sometimes, finding quality freelancers can be hard.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Content mills don’t pay writers and editors what they are worth. They often treat them like just another wheel in a vast machine. Many web-writers are doing so to support their families, to support themselves while writing novels of their own- and writers, you know what? <strong>You deserve better.</strong> You deserve to write for clients that recognize your real value, you deserve to be compensated fairly for that- and most of all, you deserve that it be understood that your time is valuable. Whether that’s time to write your own novel or time to spend with loved ones- you deserve to write for someone who pays you in a way that you have time left for those important things.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Our market research has indicated that those clients are definitely out there. They, just like you, are tired of the Craigslist, bidding site, content mill game of Maybe Quality, Maybe Not.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Searchers and the search engines themselves are tired of the mass quantities of content that is usually produced via the mills. If you’re here because you’re tired of spam- odds are very good someone got paid a pittance to create that annoyance.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">In the wake of Google’s last update- many companies were forced to let writers go, close their writing programs or make vast changes to the way they do things. Most of us in content marketing know this. However, what many do not realize is- it <em>is not finished</em>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">For those who have been in the content creation business and actually valued the content and its writers- this update and any subsequent updates should not be an intimidating thing. I absolutely adored what Malcolm Slade over at<a href="http://www.epiphanysolutions.co.uk/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Epiphany Solutions</a> <a href="http://www.epiphanysolutions.co.uk/blog/panda-farming-for-beginners-demystifying-the-google-panda-farmer-update/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">had to say about the subject</a>. He breaks it down nicely.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">However, if you’re writing cookie cutter content for over-saturated niches- you may want to diversify. Don’t imagine that you’re somehow different, if you’re producing high quantities of content in a niche that pulls up five search pages of the same old same old- you need to do this in order to adapt.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">To get to the point- if you’re anything like many of the freelance writers I know, you’ve been waiting for a content company that actually values you. To us, that seems logical- after all, the writers are the most vital part of the cash flow. All too often, though, we see task masters who simply will not pay for that valuable product.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Annoyed with spam searchers- don’t blame the writers. They are poorly paid often to the point of burnout, and their work is often either churned out, spun, scraped, and splattered all over the web. They are people, just like you, trying to support themselves.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">For businesses, the value return is obvious. Let’s have a for instance here- JC Penney’s, Forbes, and Overstock. Now, you imagine that they could hire search firms that were with it, that understood the trends and knew better. And-<strong> you’d be wrong</strong>. I could not wrangle the losses there, but whatever they paid- they most definitely did not get their money’s worth. That return on investment simply poofed into the ether with one sound Google slap. Now consider all of the search firms and businesses that hired them that got nailed in the Panda update. 1 <em>billion</em>dollars in revenue shift in just a month. One billion.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Our philosophy is that it is well past time that search marketers and businesses broke free from the dependency on search. Business as usual is no longer and will not last. Our benefit to marketers who have embraced this seemingly new line of thought is clear- the value content you need, from writers who are valued. No burn outs, no drama, no excuses, no weeding through countless writer packages- just quality content.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">For our investors, we offer a business model that simply put, is going to offer longevity. Sure, those still clinging to the old ways may still draw a profit, but for how long? As long as I’ve been working with search marketers, they’ve always crowed about how search is “always changing”, “ever evolving”- but <em>they didn’t</em>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Isn’t it time for something better?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Stay tuned- I’ll be explaining just how to make that happen later today. In the meantime, please Like our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ElementContent" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook page- </a>for more news and also, how you can help in our continued commitment in supporting DonorsChoose teachers.</div></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: 'Hoefler Text', Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/how-to-vote-for-element-content-in-the-masschallenge-and-why/" rel="bookmark" style="color: black; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 4px; text-decoration: none;" title="Permalink to How To Vote For Element Content in the MassChallenge- and why.">How To Vote For Element Content in the MassChallenge- and why.</a></h2><div class="date" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-family: 'Hoefler Text', Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -1.7em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">April 8th, 2011 <a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/how-to-vote-for-element-content-in-the-masschallenge-and-why/#comments" style="color: #666666; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" title="Comment on How To Vote For Element Content in the MassChallenge- and why.">§ <span class="commentcount" style="color: #aaaaaa;">12 Comments</span></a></div><div class="entry" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.9em; margin-bottom: 4em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden;"><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Actually, the why can be found at this post:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/do-you-hate-spam-are-you-tired-of-dealing-with-content-mills/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/do-you-hate-spam-are-you-tired-of-dealing-with-content-mills/</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Voting is easy. This is a project which I have really put my heart and soul into, and any support you can give means a great deal to both myself and my entire team.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><code style="font-size: 1.2em;">In order to check out Element Content's elevator pitch, and to vote five stars for us in the MassChallenge, here are the steps you will take:</code></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">First, head on over to:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://www.masschallenge.org/user/register" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.masschallenge.org/user/register</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Once you are there, you will fill in your details- including a valid email. It will also ask you what your involvement will be- as a voter, your involvement will be “supporter”.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><code style="font-size: 1.2em;"><a href="https://masschallenge.org/user/register" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a></code></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><code style="font-size: 1.2em;">Plug in the CAPTCHA, and click on "create account". Once that's done, you'll see this page with this lovely donkey.</code></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/signed-up.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-522" height="168" src="http://rebuildingtori.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/signed-up.jpg?w=300&h=168" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 1.5em;" title="signed up" width="300" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em; text-align: center;">Great! Now check your Facebook for a second while you wait for the coming email. You should get an email with your account details.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Oooh you’re almost there. Now, click that link to log in, and use your information to do so.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">You can now either go to the main entrants’ list here:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://www.masschallenge.org/2011/entrants" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.masschallenge.org/2011/entrants</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">If you have an older computer or if you’re on dial up, this takes a minute to load and may slow your browser down, I’m told.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Or you can go right to our page, here:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://www.masschallenge.org/content/element-content" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.masschallenge.org/content/element-content</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Once there, you’ll see, in the upper right corner, five little stars. For you, they’ll be empty- we all think you’d be mighty awesome if you’d click on the 5th star. (5th star on the right and straight on through til morning, right? Yeah, thought so.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/votepage.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-525" height="225" src="http://rebuildingtori.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/votepage.jpg?w=300&h=225" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 1.5em;" title="Votepage" width="300" /></a>And there you have it, you have voted for us and we really love you for it. Thank you so much!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">But what happens next for us?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Well, once through this round, if we make it- I (Tori) get to either give a pitch via Skype or in person to a panel of judges. Then, assuming that goes well, we move forward in the competition. What’s so great about this?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">First and foremost- the program offers a wealth of knowledge. From mentors, to networking and then some, I feel that my team can gain a strong edge in being able to build a better content company. If we are selected as one of the 15-20 winners, we also receive a prize grant of $50-100k, completely no strings attached. More than that, however, the networking does lead to longer mentor relationships, greater networking, as well as other sources of funding.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">I believe very strongly that we have the unique opportunity to be the high impact company that so many of my fellow work-at-home friends have been waiting for. I do hope that you’ll vote and share with others.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">I thank you so much for your support in this. Words cannot express just how much it means.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55838582268117137612011-04-11T14:30:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.831-04:00#NSNation As We Wind Down 11 Weeks.... (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As we finish up week 11, I am down another 1.2 pounds. That brings my net for Nutrisystem to a total of 8.8 pounds lost.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am actually quite proud of myself. Yes, I do wish my numbers were higher, but I did not put this weight on overnight, it is not going to come off in one night either. I just keep plugging along, moving forward.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As the days go on, there are some things that are getting a little easier. I think I have breakfast down to a science now. Lunch comes rather easy. I still have a hard time with dinner when it comes to finding things that I can eat along with my family on the days we have dinner together. I have been trying some new recipes, and so far they have all been a hit.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have also been making it a point to try new things when we go out to eat, but sticking to plan. It really has been a good experience. There were a few things that I would not order again, but for the most part asking for things to be prepared a certain way, or immediately bringing a take home box with my meal has not made me feel weird.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I feel much more in control.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday we finally got a taste of spring. I spent hours walking around town, in and out of shops next to the river walk. It was a nice family day and just a lot of fun to get out and walk outside. I am tired of the snow and being stuck indoors.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">With the better weather means I can get outside and walk again. I know walking is going to rev up the weight loss process. My challenge is going to be finding some time in between all this homework to get it done.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Where there is a will, there is a way. Right?<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47951026793011534422011-04-11T14:28:00.005-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.614-05:00The Final Summit by Andy Andrews<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.305.cover.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.305.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />The final summit is a story about a man, on a quest to help save humanity.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Are we in a time and place where humanity needs saving?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is to my understanding this book is the sequel to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Young-Travelers-Gift-Decisions-Determine/dp/140030427X?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Traveler’s Gift</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=140030427X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It was also to my understanding that if one did not read the first book, this book would still make sense. And that it does. But it makes me wonder if the characters and theory behind the book could have a deeper meaning than what is provided here.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Have you ever seen the movie <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-Andy-Whitfield/dp/B00111YM5G?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Gabriel </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00111YM5G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />from 2007? This is a story of an archangel who is fighting to bring light back to purgatory. What about the movie Legion from 2010? In this movie God has lost faith in humankind and sends a legion of angels to bring on the Apocalypse. It is up to a bunch of strangers to save the world. Archangels Michael and Gabriel make an appearance. <span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I shall assume most have heard of Dante’s Inferno. Toss in A Christmas Carol. Throw all of these together. That is how I felt with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Final-Summit-Quest-Principle-Humanity/dp/078523120X?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Final Summit.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=078523120X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Within a first few pages of this novel I felt as if I had been through this before.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t say I was confused because I understood just fine what was going on. It was not that I thought the story in itself was bad, because it was not. It just seemed so similar to so many other things. I just wanted it to be different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have read a lot of books in my life. While I do understand that having so many authors and books in the world things will seem similar at one point or another, but they should not be parallel.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The story gives us the character of David Ponder. Ponder is a successful man who worked his way through life giving, and asking nothing in return. When we meet David, he is alone, having lost his wife and in the middle of a life crisis. Ponder mysteriously appears in heaven on a mission to save mankind. The rest of the novel is his journey.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">During his journey we meet some famous historical people of the past. Winston Churchill and Joan of Arc just to name a few. Ponder learns from them, mostly their mistakes. There is but one question to be asked, and the answers just must surprise you.</div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from as part of their BookSneeze Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2411051765279994962011-04-11T09:46:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.718-04:00A.Hostable.Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyzC2UIDNnk/TZzePTFuV1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/kkD2vy40odQ/s1600/hostable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyzC2UIDNnk/TZzePTFuV1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/kkD2vy40odQ/s320/hostable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/continuing-behind-scenes.html">I mentioned a couple of free hosting sites yesterday</a>, most of which left me looking for more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was starting to wonder if there was something out there that was going to work for me without costing me an arm and a leg. It was getting to the point I started looking at very basic accounts that were $3 or so a month.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">That search led me to <a href="http://www.unlimitedtree.com/">Unlimited Tree</a>. I spent a couple of days reading through their forums and I was actually pretty impressed. The admins would help within a matter of minutes; the owner was around a few times a day. They had just relaunched the site a few weeks prior to me finding them. For a free service I was pretty impressed. It was all unlimited. I felt I had scored!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I eagerly signed up for a free account. Imagine the horror I felt when the moment I hit the submit button my account was automatically flagged as fraud with a nice pink banner and terminated. What? Why? I have never used the service before so it did not make much sense. I went back to the forums to ask why. The admin asked if I could please wait for the owner, he could take care of it. That was March 29<sup>th</sup>. It still has not been resolved. Today I posted again. We will see. I would suggest you read the forums, it might just be a place you are looking for.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I continued posting on my blog through Blogger, working on some blog challenges and sorting through some ideas I had for content. I needed a break.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While searching through a coupon website I saw the headline:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.3pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>$0.99 for 3 years website hosting</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.3pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">What? Are they crazy? Where is THAT coupon? I spent the rest of the night reading through 17 pages of forum comments. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I scoured the internet for more information.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My quest for knowledge did not fail me this time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.hostable.com/">Hostable</a> is owned by <a href="http://www.brinkster.com/">Brinkster,</a> a hosting company that has been in business for 12 years. I found some mixed reviews, but nothing terrible. I sometimes wonder if most of these people that complain about all of these hosting companies are actually having user errors and not server errors. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Next came the reading of the TOS. Seems pretty standard of GoDaddy, so I imagine it must be the norm for paid companies. Hostable is rather new. They are offering free hosting for 3 years and charging a 99 cent set- up fee. They fully admit this is also to check your identity. When your 3 years is up, you will be billed 3 months at a time for $20.97 (6.99 a month). If you cancel your account before the 3 year period, you are breaking your contract and they reserve the right to charge you the $250 it would have cost you for use of their service. Hostable is giving away this free service with the hopes that you will like them enough to keep your account. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are no ads. It is 100% free and unlimited. It offers 1-click install for WordPress and cPanel. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m loving it. It’s been almost 3 weeks now and I have not had a single problem. One thing I have noticed it that the hosting servers are fast. When I tested all the other hosts with WordPress, it would take a few seconds to load the themes or plugins. Even GoDaddy. Not here. It zips. That is something I quite enjoy</div><div class="MsoNormal">.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The domain they gave me for my site is:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://7599.a.hostable.me/">http://7599.a.hostable.me/</a> for anyone that wants to check it out. It is a testing site for now, so excuse the construction mess. Once I get it built the way I want it (themes, plugins, overall look), then I will begin the process of moving my blogs over, along with my domain. It will be a while as I am really taking my time with it to make sure I do it right this time. (these thoughts are my own, I am not affiliated with these sites).</div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=40b5971f-a4fa-40aa-aaf9-174bb4f3c5f9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hiot280_rJY/TZzfXaeAj0I/AAAAAAAAAYM/OImblGFb4_w/s1600/Free-Hosting-with-No-Ads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hiot280_rJY/TZzfXaeAj0I/AAAAAAAAAYM/OImblGFb4_w/s320/Free-Hosting-with-No-Ads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24182806858720400022011-04-09T12:24:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.090-05:00Continuing Behind the Scenes<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/vintage_body_spa/BEHINDTHECURTAINlogo.jpg" width="228" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Behind the scenes of Self Employed Writer I have been working on building a new website. This time, it is from scratch. I feel like I am building my own business from the ground up. I am taking my time, doing some testing, and seeing what works for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found a couple of free resources for self-hosting. My first thought was I would get what I paid for. When I searched, I found hundreds if not thousands. I tried to pick the ones that were getting the best reviews. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first one I tried was Byethost. I heard of <a href="http://byethost.com/">Byethost</a> through the <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/">WPLH forum</a>. A WordPress user had great experience with it and had used it for their clients’ websites. I actually signed up for the account last year, but never really did anything with it. Apparently the site had gone through some changes with people spamming the free accounts so they had shut down the hosting packages and revamped with paid packages. The free no longer had 1-click and they made it extremely hard to get WordPress. The FTP seemed to always be down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I went to GoDaddy. Each of my domains has a free hosting package, but the space and bandwidth has a limit on it. Most of the informational sites I had read regarding website hosting stating that most people don’t even use what they are given with free accounts. Many claimed unlimited account, although easy, were pointless. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I downloaded and FTP program and tested GoDaddy. It was pretty easy since that is where my hosting was when I had moved this site the first time. However, nothing had changed. The website seemed to always be down, countless errors and it was extremely slow. Now I know why I stopped hosting there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To my surprise Byethost was actually allowing FTP. I finally got WordPress up over there and tested it for a while. I did not notice a large amount of downtime and it was rarely slow. It was pretty easy to forward to an old domain, using one that was about to expire. The site has been up for about a month now, but the domain is gone. I found Byethost to be pretty easy to navigate around once you got used to their system.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://instanetfree.0lx.net/">Instant Free</a> is another one I tested and it is exactly like Byethost, only with less space. Because of this I ended up deleting my WordPress blog off of there. It was fairly easy to set up, and perhaps would be useful for someone not needing bells and whistles. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, there was <a href="http://www.000webhost.com/">000WebHost</a>. There was nothing I liked about this place. The servers were down a lot, not much help was available, and it was difficult to navigate the site even though it looked like it was set up nicely. I deleted that account.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess for the most part, you get what you pay for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Free= limitation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These are my own opinions, I am not affiliated with these companies. </div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=6a867b88-3d8d-4f47-8e6c-791bea0d26a9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3130439333371684932011-04-08T08:56:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.108-05:00The Plan of Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXDaMb2qc5k/TZzbm2iTzRI/AAAAAAAAAYE/O5UVbVhWnPY/s1600/reading-with-kids-girl-writes-learn-to-read.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXDaMb2qc5k/TZzbm2iTzRI/AAAAAAAAAYE/O5UVbVhWnPY/s320/reading-with-kids-girl-writes-learn-to-read.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/whats-going-on-behind-scenes.html">Yesterday I started talking about what’s going on behind the scenes here at Self Employed Writer.</a> Yes, it’s true I am still up to my eyeballs in textbooks and homework, but I have been getting a little better about organization. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every day for most of this year I have been testing various hosting companies. But not just any hosting companies, free ones. I spent time reading, comparing and signing up for them. I quickly found that most of them were not even worth signing up for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I refused to quit. I was bound and determined to find a hosting package that would work for me so that I could build the website I really wanted. What I felt I deserved to have. I wanted a website that would streamline the process (for me anyway) of blogging. I saw it as a way to drive all traffic to one area. In my eyes, this meant more hits, clicks, and comments. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is getting to hard to figure out where I want to place the things I write. Some of it is pretty obvious.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anything Irish related, Ireland Forever. The drawback on this one is, there are so many Irish websites with all of the same toasts, blessings, recipes and poems that Google will likely stick us with the duplicate content label. Which is fine, but it will not do anything for my page rank or traffic. But, if I link it with another website, a visitor might stick around and look at the other pages. Make sense?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once I get an idea in my head, I will go with it until I find the answers I am looking for.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent the last few weeks testing WordPress themes and customizing them to suite my needs. It has been a slow process and I am still working on it. </div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=d67cda8b-b1d1-4e80-a5f1-c4690d601494" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29991875056548058642011-04-07T05:22:00.015-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.126-05:00What's Going On Behind the Scenes?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img height="293" src="http://www.cgu.edu/Images/writing%20center/openbook.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love writing. That is really all there is to life. I love the social and networking side of it too. On a path to make my websites better, I took a stroll into the world of self-hosting. Although I had weighed my options, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/free-blogger-and-wordpress-vs-self.html">Free Blogger & WordPress vs. Self Hosting</a>, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/more-about-webs.html">Webs</a>, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/weebly-review.html">Weebly</a>, and Blogger I decided to move my five year old Blogger site to self hosted WordPress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The result was not pretty. I really had no idea what was going on, so it took quite a bit of time to figure it out. It was a learning process that now I am grateful for. I decided to try it for a month, using the same domain I had used for Blogger. I was not impressed. I switched back before my bill became due.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The accountant in me yelled “You can’t spend money if you aren’t making money!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t regret it. Setting it all back up on Blogger was pretty easy since I did not take the old one down. Since then I have started a handful of other sites. All of which I was excited about. That excitement has passed. Now, it feels like a chore. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, but I wonder if it would do better if I had presented it in a different way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I came up with a plan and began to put it in to action.</div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=0100561c-d83e-4aa7-90b3-c3f1e56a9e23" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12111672693569865322011-04-06T07:44:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.160-05:00Negative Impact of Poor Time Management<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://users.wfu.edu/faulcd7/g711.gif" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Poor time management at work is likely to have an impact of your public perception, as well as the public perception of your company as a whole.</b> This is due in part to organization. If you do not know how to properly manage your time, you are probably unorganized. Your office desk is a mess and you spend too much time looking for misplaced documents or other important files. When working from home, this can decrease your productivity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Poor time management can also have an impact on your ability to receive a promotion or a pay raise at work.</b> Even if you have what you would call a decent job now, there is a good chance that you do aspire to climb up the career ladder or to make more money. Your chances of doing so are quite slim if you are known as the worker who likes to waste company time. Learning how to make good use of your time at work can prevent that from happening, possibly resulting in your receiving a promotion or a pay raise. If you are self-employed, this could affect your ability to gain new clients, or get higher paying projects.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Having a poor sense of time and use of time at work can also put your job at risk.</b> You need to think about it from the standpoint of a business owner. Why would you continue to pay an employee that performs poorly and who has a poor since of time management when there are many other workers out there who would love to have the same opportunity? Don’t let your inability to properly manage your time cost you your job.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Time management is important if you want to have a happy, healthy, successful, and profitable career. I urge you to take action right away before it is to late. Whether you temporarily lessen your job responsibilities, create daily task lists for yourself, learn to prioritize better, or seek time management training from a professional, you are encouraged to do so. Remember, that your work life can be at risk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63664087573381151242011-04-05T07:36:00.007-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.179-05:005 More Reasons to Have Good Time Management<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.jdsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/time-management-workflow.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Goal setting, to do lists, limiting tasking, prioritizing, and outsourcing are all effective ways to manage your time, but they are also just a few of your options. As for why you should learn and practice proper time management, there are a number of reasons why.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 – It Is Easy To Do<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">You have a number of different options when looking to make better use of your time. These options are all easy and cost effective ways. In fact, creating goals and task lists for yourself is free of charge. Since it is easy for you to learn and practice proper time management techniques, why wait?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 – It Is Important To Your Personal Life<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A poor sense of time management has a number of serious consequences, one of those being your personal life. If you regularly pay your bills late, don’t make contact with friends, or arrive home later than normal, you may be hurting your personal relationships and often in more ways than you could have ever imagined. Friends, spouses, and romantic partners will likely not want to put up with this behavior for long.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3 – It Is Important For Your Job<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Poor time management will not only negatively affect your personal life, but your work life as well. If you do not know how to properly manage your time, you may get easily distracted. This may result in you wasting company time. If you are caught doing so repeatedly, you may find yourself terminated from your current position. This can also have a negative impact on your personal life, as it may leave your finances in serious trouble.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4 – It Is Something That You Can Only Benefit From<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Taking the time to learn and practice successful time management techniques can only benefit you, your work, and your personal relationships. Since no money technically needs to be spent on time management tools or training, you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5 – The Options That You Have<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Focus on the options that you have when looking to learn proper time management. Creating a set of goals and a task list is easy and free to do. Alarm clocks and timers can also be used to help you make better use of your time. You likely already own a traditional alarm, but your cell phone, computer, and television may also come equipped with alarm clocks as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85983823830209494662011-04-04T22:00:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:27:20.030-04:00Folks We Have a Winner (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img _mce_src="http://www.my-favorite-weight-loss-tips.com/images/scale3.jpg" alt="" height="267" src="http://www.my-favorite-weight-loss-tips.com/images/scale3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">I do not know what I did or how I did it, but I am DOWN 2.6 pounds. That is a good way to end week 10 of the <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> plan. That brings my total up to 7.6 for 10 weeks. I have certainly had my ups and downs in the beginning. I think I am finally starting to make a habit out of making better choices.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">*happy dance*</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">You guys have NO idea how excited I was for this.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have become extremely picky about what I eat and cook for my family. When we go out to eat, I have been looking at menus before I go so I can plan my meal in accordance with my plan, ahead of time.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We had one nice day after the snow had melted and I was able to go for a 30minute walk. It has snowed off and on since then.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I for one am certainly ready for it to stop snowing. I can’t wait for spring to get here. I am going to plant a garden and since Big M is working full time now I will be the one tending to it during the week. That will give me some nice exercise. Plus, I will be able to start walking with the dogs again. Sadly, they are on a diet too. LOL</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Another trick that I think worked well for me was not having so much variety. I tend to eat the same things during the week and when I was on my first month of Nutrisystem I picked 1-2 of everything I could to test it. The next month I added more to what I liked and then tested out a few things I had not done before. I realized having too much variety is not a good thing for me, so this month I picked a few things and stuck with those.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34890229414133811002011-04-04T07:27:00.006-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.216-05:00Time Management Tools<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="278" src="http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00OBdQVpihZtrF/Promotion-Gift-Kitchen-Timer.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">When it comes to improving time management, many individuals are surprised with all of the options that they have. One of those options is using time management tools to your advantage. </div><div class="MsoNormal">.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An alarm clock is a simple,</b> yet effective time management tool that you can and should use. What is nice about alarm clocks is that most of us already have them in our homes. Be sure to set your alarm clock to get up in the morning. Consider resetting it five minutes before you must start work, set it for when you want to start preparing dinner, and so forth. Although we often associate alarm clocks with getting up in the morning, they can actually be used for so much more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A kitchen timer can work well for this, too!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A task list,</b> also commonly referred to as a “to do” list, is another time management tool that you can use to your advantage. Task lists are free and easy to do. All you need is a piece of a paper and pencil. Outlining everything that you must do for the day is a great way to make sure that you stay focused and on task, which is an important component of managing your time. If you must, keep separate lists for home and work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Daily, weekly, and monthly planners</b> are great time management tools. The type of planner that you will use will all depend on your own personal preferences. Many individuals prefer daily planners, as they often leave more space to write in. If you do use a daily, weekly, or monthly planner, be sure to keep it with you at all times. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Calendar alert programs</b> are other time management tools that come highly rated and recommended. Calendar alert programs are so much more than just a traditional wall calendar. These time management alert tools can be found on computers and cell phones. What you will need to do is enter in an important date and time. When that date and time arrives you should receive a pop-up message on your screen. Text message and emails may also be sent. These types of programs are often used to remember birthdays, but they can be used on a wide range of other events, projects, and activities.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Finally, another tool that you will want to consider using is that of a time management training seminar.</b> In addition to attending a physical class, you may be able to purchase a seminar in video format. Although some individuals do not consider receiving training a tool, it can be an important tool. Professionals are out there who can share time management tips with you, as well as help you improve your organizational skills.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55478903817480510452011-04-04T07:24:00.004-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.234-05:00My Spouse Signed My Name<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="income tax return, tax documents, organization" src="http://www.thedigeratilife.com/images/income-tax-return.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Today's Question:</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What happens if my spouse signed my name on the tax return? Am I liable for the taxes due?</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My Answer:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No one wants to say the IRS is going to hold anyone responsible for forgery, but the truth is, the IRS does not know your spouse signed the tax papers. <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/taxes/filing-taxes/what-happens-if-my-spouse-signed-my-tax-return-for-me-58d5c5">Check out my web answer </a>for more information regarding spousal signatures. </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5400056034837491282011-04-03T12:01:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.257-05:00Minimum Amount to File<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="319" src="http://www.barrywins.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/fedearl-income-tax.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Today's Question: </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is the minimum you can earn before you need to file taxes?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My Answer:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The minimum amount one can earn before they have to file taxes will vary depending on age, filing status, whether they are student or a dependent on someone else's return. <br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/taxes/filing-taxes/what-is-the-minimum-you-can-earn-before-you-need-to-file-taxes-93f10b">Need more information? </a></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89701649704865666622011-04-03T07:24:00.007-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.292-05:00Improve Your Time Management in 8 Simple Steps<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.srikumar.com/personality-development/Timemanagement.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hope you are finding the time management articles useful. Today we are going to focus on 8 steps that are simple and not time consuming. Some are repeats from<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/5-steps-to-better-time-management.html"> previous posts </a>but they are worth stating again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 – Know That You Have a Problem<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing that you have a time management problem is the first step in changing your behavior. Although it is typical to be late for work or a social event on occasion, it is something that should not be happening on a daily or a weekly basis. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 – Decide To Change<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing that you have a time management problem is important, but wanting to change is even more important. You need to set goals for yourself, as these goals can help to provide you with a source of motivation. Sample goals include showing up to work on time for a whole month, being on time for all dinner dates, and so forth. It helps to write it down!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3 – Stick to Your Goals<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Creating a number of time management goals for you to meet is advised, but it is important that you don’t give up right away or when you are faced with complications. Setting goals simply just isn’t enough; you need to stick with them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4 – Create Daily Task Lists<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Creating a “to do” list for yourself is an easy way to properly manage your time. Outline what you need to do throughout the day. Be sure to list your tasks in order of importance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5 – Rely On Time Management Tools<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Properly managing your time is important, but it can be hard for many individuals to get use to, especially right away. If you are one of those individuals, you will want to consider using time management tools to your advantage</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6 – Learn How to Say No<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are times where you may not be able to refuse a project at work or a task at home, but try to not take on more than you can accomplish. If you must, look into using outside help Never be afraid to ask for help!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7 – Get Organized<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Organization is key to properly manage your time. In the workplace it is too easy to waste time by searching for lost or misplaced documents. The same can be said for the home; if you are unorganized, you can spend hours searching for your glasses or car keys.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8 – Consider Hiring Professional Help<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are overwhelmed at home, you may want to call on a professional housecleaner. In addition to taking this approach, there are other professionals that you can target. There are individuals and companies who specialize in teaching others how to effectively manage their time and stay organized. A professional organizer might be just what you need to help you get started on better time management.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50513326466258224882011-04-02T07:16:00.007-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.322-05:00Personal Time Management Tips<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.srikumar.com/personality-development/Timemanagement.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/personal-time-management-its-importance.html">With yesterday’s Importance of Personal Time Management</a> comes today’s Personal Time Management Tips.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We know that time management can have a negative impact on your personal life. If this worries you, don’t let it. There is good news. There are ways that you can prevent your poor use of time from becoming too much of a problem. The biggest way to prevent this from happening involves learning how to make better use of your time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To help you get started, a number of personal time management tips are outlined below.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An easy way to learn how to make better use of your time involves creating and relying on to do lists</b>. If you have everyday tasks that have become a part of your routine, like getting your kids ready for school, you do not necessarily have to include these items on your list. Other non-daily tasks should be added. These tasks may include running an errand before starting work, attending a child’s sporting event, helping your child with an important school project, going on a date, and so forth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Personally I keep important due dates, appointments and reminders in a daily planner. As for my “to-do” list I use a simple piece of paper making a list of everything I need to get done that day. I cross things off as I do them and add things when something new comes up. At the end of my work day I get a new sheet and write down what I did not finish today at the top of the list. The next day goes just as the previous.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not a paper waster! I use the backside of copy paper that I have printed on the other side and no longer need. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Learning how to prioritize is extremely important when learning to properly manage your time.</b> It is important to remember that the day and its time are limited. If you have a family and a fulltime job, you may find it difficult or downright impossible to get everything done. If that is the case, be sure to prioritize. You can leave the lesser important tasks, such as dusting your house as opposed to doing laundry for later or the following day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The use of time management tools is another easy way that you can go about making better use of your time</b>. There are a number of tools that you can use to your advantage. A to do list was sited as an example above. Other tools that you may be able to benefit from the use of include alarm clock, Focus Booster’s and daily or weekly planners. Since most time management tools are affordable, already in your home, or free to create, you should use them to your advantage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The top reason many end up wasting time is because they are easily distracted.</b> If you feel this is the main source of your time management problems, you will want to determine what your biggest distractions are. For example, do you spend too much time socializing? Social networking sites can be a “must have” marketing tool for your freelance business, but it can also suck us in and make us lose track of time. Set limits on your internet free time.<br /><br /><b>Other posts of interest:</b><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/5-steps-to-better-time-management.html">5 Steps to Better Time Management</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/how-to-make-sure-you-actually-work-when.html">How to Make Sure You Actually Work When You Work from Home</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/misconceptions-of-organization.html">Misconceptions of Organization</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/organizing-your-time-when-you-work-from.html">Organizing Your Time When You Work from Home</a></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13852621406570332912011-04-02T07:11:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.345-05:00State Taxes: What if I Live in One State but Work in Another?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-illinois/GreetingsFromIllinois.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question:</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 11px;"></span></div><h2 class="quesBody" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;">My husband works in Illinois and we live in Indiana. Paid Illinois taxes on his unemployment so we claimed that. Do we have to claim it in Indiana too? If so, the booklet says the following: $2400 of unemployment is not included on Federal return and must be added back. The add back for married couples filing jointly "may" be as much as $4800. Which amount do I use?</h2><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My Answer:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">You need to file a Non Resident state form for Illinois. Your state refund is determined by many factors. You will then file a resident state form for Indiana. There is usually a place on most tax forms that ask you if you received wages in another state. Of course it is here that you would say yes. Again, if you get a refund from Indiana, there would be many other factors involved. You are always required to pay state taxes unless you live in one of the 7 states that have no state income tax. Indiana and Illinois are not included in that seven. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">For more information on the state income tax: <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/taxes/1099-forms/do-you-have-to-pay-taxes-in-the-state-you-live-in-as-well-as-the-state-you-work-in-b1d8b8">click.</a></span><br /><br />Here is<a href="http://www.webanswers.com/legal/i-live-in-illinois-and-work-for-a-company-out-of-new-york-my-payroll-is-direct-deposit-does-my-have-426363"> another one</a> regarding a person who lives in Illinois, but works in New York. This situation is a little different in that the person has direct deposit and does not get a paycheck stub.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40746902527170030162011-04-01T07:04:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.367-05:00Somethings Missing on my Tax Form<img src="http://www.govst.edu/uploadedImages/OIS/ois_file_taxes_230x170.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question:</span></span><br /><b>Health Care Deductions</b><br />I have the 1099-A form to file taxes. What I found that the out<br />of pocket and the co-insurance I payed for the medical is not<br />totally on the form. I was at 100% , which the company<br />payed in full so that had to be over $1,500. and the <br />statement says $662.64 and as I said I met all I owed and <br />more. Why isn't that here? Where would I get this <br />information, I'm going to the tax preparer tomorrow. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My Answer:</span><br />A 1099-A form is for the Acquisition or Abandonment of Secure Property. This form has nothing to do with medical. If you received a form 1099-G, that is for unemployment so no medical will be reported their either. If you received a 1099-MISC, this form is for independent contractors. If you are self-employed and consider yourself an independent contractor, meaning you get a 1099 and not a W-2, then what you pay in insurance as a self-employed persons is a legitimate tax expense and you would get that directly from the insurance company. They should supply you with a statement of account. <br /><br /><br />Check out my <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/taxes/1099-forms/health-care-deductions-68f8e5">web answer for more information regarding the health care deductions.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4009231824105185022011-04-01T07:02:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.391-05:00Personal Time Management & It's Importance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.srikumar.com/personality-development/Timemanagement.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last Friday we discussed a few simple steps (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/5-steps-to-better-time-management.html">5 to be exact</a>) to get you started implementing a better time management plan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How did you do?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. I would like to know if any of you got started on the process of trying to make better use of your time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So let’s get started on today’s topic which is a continuation of Personal Time Management.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Are you an individual who knows how to make good use of your time? </b>If not, you may want to learn some ways to make improvements. Time management can have a negative impact on your personal life, not just your work life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you do not know how to manage your time, there is a good chance that you will be stressed out. Trust me on this one, I’ve been there and I am slowly trying to better manage my own time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When you are stressed, you may also feel a wide range of other emotions, including anger, frustration, and fear. However, if you know how to properly manage time you are more likely to live a happy, healthy, productive, and stress free life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who doesn’t want that?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although we often associate poor time management with missed deadlines and showing up late to appointments, it is important to remember that the same can be said with your social life. Do you have friends? How much do you stay in contact with them? How often do you get together for coffee or lunch? If you do, do you show up for your meetings with friends late or do you forget to make regular contact with them? If you do, you may end up putting your friendships at risk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That is an example of bad time management having a negative impact on your personal life.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In addition to having a negative impact on your friendships, poor time management may also have an impact on your relationship. To have a healthy and happy relationship, time management is important. You need to know how much time you should devote to your spouse, as opposed to spending it working, watching television, or hanging out with friends. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are a parent, having poor time management may also impact the relationship that you have with your children. When you are a parent, you have responsibilities to your children. The most common of these responsibilities is to feed and clothe your children. Depending on their ages, you may also be reasonable for getting them ready and sent off to school or daycare. If you do not have proper sense of time or if you do just choose not to use your time wisely, you can end up hurting your children, by making them late to school or other important events.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Poor use of your time also sets bad examples for your children. Whether your children are teenagers, toddlers, or elementary school aged, they will likely make note of your behaviors. If you want your children to get good grades at school and later get good jobs, it is important that you teach them all about time management and its importance. Children do what they see. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Poor sense of time management can also hurt your credit. Those who have poor time management often have poor credit. Generally, those who are unable to properly manage their time often pay their bills late. With credit cards, this can result in expensive late payment fees added to the minimum payments that just cannot be paid. By knowing when all of your bills are due, you are likely to have better credit, but time management is important.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can see, there are a number of ways that poor time management can negatively impact your personal life. For that reason, take steps to make sure it doesn’t impact yours.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What is the one thing you are going to do today for better time management in the future?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75344516102412398272011-03-31T05:15:00.012-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.978-04:00I'm famous...or infamous?!?<img src="http://www.mclibrary.duke.edu/training/mobiledevices/apple/iphone.jpg" /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Writing for<a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/"> iPhone App Café</a> has been a great deal of fun for me. </span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The other day I sent in a review to my editor for the <a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/zodiachus-the-zodiac-at-your-fingertips/">Zodiachus</a> app. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although I liked the app, my biggest complaint was the video advertising that pops up and does not allow you much of an option to disregard it. I prefer app owners ask me if I want to view an ad, or use the banner ads when trying to break into the free app market. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In a matter of days my editor sent me an email with the subject: <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">You're famous...or infamous?!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Added to that was a forward from the application developers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">They were very respectful of my review, which I thought was very professional of them. They explained that they understood how annoying that ad could be but it was how they made their money. I get it. They also discussed how they had some solutions and would I be willing to provide feedback for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Well of course I would.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">I let my editor and application developers know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Personally, I think it is pretty cool that I might actually have a say-so in the development of a better app.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">I have to say, these last couple of weeks have been very interesting in my blogging world.</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58749172526677428042011-03-30T05:54:00.010-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.505-05:00Add a Little Favi to your Blog<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://webtecker.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/favicon-3d-dots.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh Blogger, look how to taunt me with your bright and bold B icon in my tab. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It does nothing for my website other than scream “HELLO WORLD! I am on Blogger!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was testing this blog out on self hosted WordPress I went through the process of finding a favicon that would go well with my site. I ended up with a little blue book. If I remember correctly, adding it was pretty simple because WP had a plugin to pretty much do it for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Blogger is not so easy. At least that is what I thought. I read the directions. I tried to find a favicon I liked for each of my blogs. I finally just gave up and decided to leave the orange B alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago I received an email from another blog owner who had freely offered to make my favicon for me after landing on my Tax Queen site. It was if he knew my frustration. We exchanged a few emails and he created a customized favicon for this site, the tax site and the Ireland site. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He asked nothing in return. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead of that, (doing nothing) I am now following his blog, left a comment and decided to give him a plug here. I am all about letting others know that there are still nice people in this world willing to help out others.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you need a customized favicon, either for here on Blogger or WordPress, go say hello to Dion on his website <a href="http://www.designontime.net/">DesignOnTime</a> <span class="apple-style-span"> Or <a href="http://www.faviconfixer.blogspot.com/">Favicon Fixer</a> </span><o:p></o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43454560026809567452011-03-29T05:10:00.016-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.521-05:00A Little Blog Lesson Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img height="200" src="http://www.wallpapersbuzz.com/image/462/b_one-minute-to-twelve.jpg" width="320" />Saturday I <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/thank-you-goes-long-way.html">mentioned how a thank you can go a long way </a>in this world. I know some people will just shrug off a small thank you. Maybe they hear so many that it is no big deal, maybe they just don’t care.</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I care. I actually took the time to thank this person who had taken the time out of their busy day to contact me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 7.5pt;">In that brief encounter, <a href="http://sivers.org/">I found a great blog</a>. This person also emailed me a tip that I want to share with all of you.<span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 7.5pt;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Keep it under 2 minutes.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, that’s it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reading time should be no more than 2 minutes. 1 minute is ideal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Derek Sivers has a<a href="http://sivers.org/1idea"> great post on the 1 minute idea</a> where it explains the process in great detail.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If your post is longer, make it in to separate posts. This will bring your readers back to read more and give you more posts.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is something I am going to start practicing. I know I have made lengthy posts in the past. I had a lot to say. But I also know there are times when I come across other blogs and they get rather long and I begin to lose interest. There are also times where I see they are long and end up scanning for key points. So if I do it, there are likely others that do it as well. I am also going to look into a blog theme that will take away from so much scrolling. More of a boxed magazine style. I think this will help clean it up a bit, make it a little more streamlined and tidy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lesson learned. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31095756893903642572011-03-28T21:48:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.757-04:00#NSNation - Down this Journey (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am still a work in progress and I think it is going to take me some time to undo all of the bad habits I have accumulated. <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>has been a great learning tolo. Even though I had some ups and downs with it these last couple of months, it really has been a learning journey for me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was doing some thinking last week and I thought to myself - “self, what was I doing last time that worked?”, “What am I doing now?” and why or why not is that working??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>It was a real eye opener.</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I was on a weight loss journey some year ago, I had easily dropped 50 plus pounds. There were many factors that were different then. I exercised regularly. By the end of my journey, I was running up to 7 miles a day. I did not have a full time job at that point. I did when I first started. I was cooking only for myself. I was pretty much vegetarian. Not vegan, I still ate eggs, fish, and chicken, although I was slowly working myself away from it all and eating mostly Boca, Morning Star, and tofu products. I felt better, inside and out.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am not doing any of that now. This go round, I have a family to take care of. Although Big M does cook sometimes, I still do most of it. I never learned how to make “meals” for a family. I never really learned how to cook with flavor. Then, I was plain and simple. Now, I like flavorful foods. This is my journey now. I work full time, school full time and have many more responsibilities. Exercising is limited. Food has to be budgeted.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The only family style meals I know how to cook are the ones my mother has made for so many years. Despite being budget friendly and yummy, they are not the most healthy for me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I made a vow this week that I was going to start teaching myself to stay away from these large meals I learned how to cook through my mother during my life because they are cheap. I am going to make less meat and more vegetables. My family needs to eat healthier, too. I am going to spend some time looking through my healthier cookbooks to find recipes that are cost effective and good for us all.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">That is the journey I need to be on now.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I might be losing slowly, but I am having plenty of non scale victories to make up for it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">BTW – I am down a pound this week!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63890413233744621932011-03-27T07:30:00.000-04:002012-07-24T19:38:19.103-04:00Rants in my Pants<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Literature" src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/CParish/literature.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Just like last time, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/with-internet-friends-comes-internet_25.html" target="_blank">With Internet Friends Comes Internet Jerks,</a> I let the words of others get to me. Although this new situation was not geared towards me, I did feel the need to stand up for someone else. Not that she needed help.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh I am so fed up with some people these days. It is bad enough that I have to stand up and tell people that just because I write content for other websites that they have dubbed “content mills” I apparently am not a real writer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just because I do not have a degree in English, I have no grasp of grammar or literary terms so therefore I could not possible be a real writer. For the record, I am graduating this June with a double major in Accounting and Business. Shortly after I AM returning to school to work on an English degree, then my MBA.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been printed in a magazine. I have been printed on magazine websites. I do have private clients.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But yet I am still not a real writer?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What is a real writer anyway?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I don’t have a novel publish in hardback or paperback format, I can’t be real.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whatever.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>3/24/2011</b> – This was a post I made on Thursday in reply to a post that made the announcement about a girl who wrote eBooks got picked up for a 7 figure publishing deal. I believe there was a mention of a movie. People got excited. We had talked about this girl a few weeks ago when it was discovered how much money she was making promoting her self published works.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, not bring on the drama. Apparently the fact that this girl got signed ruffled some feathers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is my reply to that:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 13.333333015441895px;">Did you know that Stephanie Meyers, the writer of Twilight actually was sued for plagiarism because her series closely resembled another popular book series? I'm just saying. It happens. There are so many published pieces out there that something always sounds like something else.</span></i></span><i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 13.333333015441895px;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/04/twilight-author-accused-of-biting-vampire-story/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d;">http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/04/twilig...vampire-story/</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2009/12/twilight-eclipse-author-stephenie-meyer-plagiarism-suit-thrown-out.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d;">http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethe...hrown-out.html</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/stephenie-meyer-sued-for-plagiarism/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d;">http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/20...or-plagiarism/</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">And wasn't it just a few weeks ago we were all praising this same girl as in the OP message who self published and was making a pretty large some of money? And people here thought that was great?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/amanda-hocking-2011-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d;">http://www.businessinsider.com/amanda-hocking-2011-2</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285233" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d;">http://www.workplacelikehome.com/for...d.php?t=285233</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">There are published books that are crap. Whether they went to an editor or not.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Your definition of crap and mine could be different just like everyone else in the world.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I agree there is no excuse for grammar errors. Sadly, if your story is good people will still buy and read. There are a lot of people out there who would not even know a grammar mistake if it slapped them upside the head.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Who are we to decide what works for someone?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I would self-publish in a heartbeat if that meant I could get my book out there because I honestly don't have the time to go through the process of finding an agent, editor, and publishing company.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I can guarantee you my book would not be crap.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Stereotypes suck and we should not be using them.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Everyone here has something to say when someone pops off about how people who write for content mills are not real writers. But many of us say we are. Its all about paying the bills. So how is this stereotype about self-publishing, whether in print or ebook form, any different than that?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">OfficeC has written ebooks and we KNOW she is not a crappy writer.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">So you found some that were crappy or you just did not like them. I get it. We have all found a few of those. But that does not mean ALL self-published print or ebook are terrible.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Instead of ranting about the bad we need to be standing up for ourselves and making it good.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I am tired of writers claiming this way or that way is the only path to being a real writer.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">What is a real writer anyway???</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Am I not a real writer because I have never published a novel?</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Am I a real writer then because I have been published in a magazine?</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Is someone not a real writer because they only write for "content mills"?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">WHO CARES?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Am I any less of a writer because my degree is NOT in English?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I think not.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I think I am just as much of a writer as anyone else that writes for a living.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">If anyone can make money off their writing, who am I to judge how am they did it. More power to them and good luck to all.</span><br /><br /></span></i><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 13.333333015441895px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 13.333333015441895px;"><b>3/25/2011</b> – On Friday I felt the need to write some more in reply to all the other dream squashing that was going on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">Writing is NOT about perfect grammar anymore. Hello?!?!? Anyone hear of Twilight? Have you read the book? Or the entire series? I have. Quite frankly I think her writing stinks. People like it. Not because of the grammar and the overall structure of the book, but because she tapped into an audience that was hungry for that sort of material.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">As for eBooks, in case you have not noticed we are in the digital age. What people want, people will get. The good, the bad, and the super ugly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">People say Stephen King is a crap writer. While I think the man is brilliant, I also think he has a couple of books that are crap. His fans wanted him, they got him and no one cared what he spit out.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">As for Danielle Steele, personally I think her style of writing is shit. And do you know why that is? Because she is not a genre that I enjoy reading.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">Everyone has an opinion. We like what we like and we hate what we think disgusts us.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">Again I will say, to each their own. If you are happy, making money, got a roof over your head and food in your belly, you are one step ahead of millions of people in America.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">Everyone wants different things in life. Good for you for stepping out of the box. Good for you for taking a chance on your own future. Good for you for doing what works for YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">People have a chip on their shoulder everywhere you go. There will always be someone who thinks their way is the only way. There will always be that person who isn't where they want to be in life so they make everyone else miserable. There will always be one person in your life who tries to tell you whatever you are doing is not good enough or that you can't do it. It is up to you to rise above it and go for it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">What works for one may not work for another. Do your research, take your time and find your path.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">I think another problem we have here is a wide generation gap. There are the old school who wish the eBook world never existed. They want to stay in their cozy libraries with the overstuffed chair, smelling the leather spines, flipping through brittle pages. And while that is nice and all fine and dandy, the reality is that is not how life is anymore. The new generation wants technology, they want digital, they want to save trees and stop wasting paper. While I know printed books won’t be non-existent, more and more companies are switching to digital format. These last 2 semesters in school, I have had all the textbook companies try to sell me everything in eBook format.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">eBooks are here to stay. Love them or hate them they are want is popular now. I see nothing wrong with marketing yourself and capitalizing on that.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">If someone is a crap writer, don't read them. It really is that simple.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">Whether you self publish a printed book or eBook, that is your choice. If you hire an editor to help you, again your choice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">You do what you have to do to make it work for YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">I am with a lot of others here; I also plan to do both. Right now I am taking 9 classes this semester. I don’t have time to sit and research editors or publishing companies. I just don’t. I do have an editor looking over something that I happen to think will work well for eBook readers. Will I use a pen name? No. And why is that? Well, because if I am not proud to put my name on something I should not have written it in the first place! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">I do have a pen name, and there is only one genre I use it for and the reason I use is it not for the reason most people think.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c0504d;">Stop passing judgment. Let others be. Stop preaching because at the end of the day you are going to do what you want and they are going to do what they want, regardless of what kind of stuff anyone throws at them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Want my answer?</b> If you write and you get paid for it, you are a writer. Bottom line. Does not matter what you write or who you write it for. You are a writer. Tell yourself that and stop letting others say it for you. If you want to find an editor, an agent and a publishing company, more power to you. If you want to self publish and you are comfortable with it or think you are that good, than go for it. Don’t let others decide for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21963857577447855402011-03-26T06:00:00.002-04:002014-07-21T18:12:51.541-04:00A Thank You Goes a Long Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fairytale" src="http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm357/random_rina/notaprincess.png" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This does not happen to me often, so when it does I always feel the need to share it with my readers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The other day I was on the <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/IrishChik/">StumbleOn</a> website. After I had added my own website link I decided to do some “stumbling” to see what came up. I ran across this blog post entitled “<a href="http://sivers.org/drama">Kurt Vonnegut Explains Drama</a>” by Derek Sivers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I read through the post, written in September of 2009. I was very intrigued by it. Normally my A.D.D. starts to kick in and I give up on posts that are rather lengthy. But this was captured my attention and forced me to keep reading.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Once I was done, I went back to read some more. I scanned through some of the comments. Some were brilliant, some….well, not so much. I debated on whether I should leave one or not. I was amazed that a post this old was still getting new comments. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">For some reason I get shy when commenting on random blogs. I like to try to introduce myself at some point, but I did not see an opportunity to do that here. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I left my comment and hit “stumble” and moved on to the next one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Let me remind you, I have no idea who this person is. I did not take the time to roam around the site. I read an interesting post; I left a comment and moved on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So imagine my surprise when there was a nice email waiting for me from a Mr. Derek Sivers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Hi Chrystal -</span></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for visiting my site & commenting on</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://sivers.org/drama" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">http://sivers.org/drama</span></a></span></span></i></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I really appreciate it. Glad you liked it.</span></i></span></div></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I saw</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">selfemployedwriter.com</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">so I know the stuff on your (GREAT) site already. :-)</span></i></span></div></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you tell me anything more about you, where you're at, and what you're working on? Where in Michigan are you?</span></i></span></div></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">The more I know, the more likely I can hook you up with someone that can help, or vice-versa.</span></i></span></div></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks again!</span></i></span></div></span> </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">--Derek Sivers<span style="color: #888888;"> <a href="mailto:derek@sivers.org"><span style="color: #3333cc;">derek@sivers.org</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #888888;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #888888;"> </span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="http://sivers.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">http://sivers.org</span></a></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></div><o:p></o:p></i><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Well that certainly got my attention. When I first read the email I seriously went, who? What comment? I had left a few this week. I did not recognize the website since it was through StumbleUpon I noticed it. So I went back to check out the website to refresh my memory. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It is all coming back to me now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So who is Mr. Derek Rivers?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I’ll tell you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">His Bio<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Derek Sivers is best known as the founder of CD Baby. A professional musician (and circus clown) since 1987, Derek started CD Baby by accident in 1998 when he was selling his own CD on his website, and friends asked if he could sell theirs, too. CD Baby was the largest seller of independent music on the web, with over $100M in sales for over 150,000 musician clients. After he won the 2003 World Technology Award, Esquire Magazine's annual “Best and Brightest“ cover story said, “Derek Sivers is changing the way music is bought and sold... one of the last music-business folk heroes.” In 2008, Derek sold CD Baby to focus on his new ventures to benefit musicians, including his new company MuckWork where teams of efficient assistants help musicians do their “uncreative dirty work”. His current projects and writings are all at sivers.org.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The list of places he has lived is pretty extensive and for those that love a good book review, you should <a href="http://sivers.org/book">check out his</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Why am I making a fuss?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Because he IS somebody in this world. He is a blogger who has 600 plus comments on a post. I was #660 on the one I shared here. Hello!!!! SIX HUNDRED and SIXTY. I am lucky to get six these days. Years ago I could easily get a 100 if my topic was good. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I was humbled by this email and I was greatly honored. It is nice when someone takes time out of their day to say hello and thank you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And yes, I did take the time to send an email back. <o:p></o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80221071966915596602011-03-25T06:37:00.016-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.649-05:005 Steps to Better Time Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.srikumar.com/personality-development/Timemanagement.jpg" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Are you an individual who finds it difficult to properly manage your time? If you are, you may want to look into making some changes. Not having good time management may have a negative impact on all areas of your life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are a number of steps that you will need to take. These steps should have you making better use of your time by taking just a few minutes of your day to implement these techniques. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Set goals for yourself.</b> Setting goals is the most important thing that you can do. Make goals such as getting your home office or work desk organized in two to three days. Another goal that you can set is the goal of starting work a little earlier to make extra time for something small.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Know that there is only a certain amount per day.</b> This is important when setting goals for yourself. You do not want to overextend yourself in life. Instead, create realistic goals that you will be able to meet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Know when to say no.</b> A good part of knowing that there is only a limited amount of time in the day is to know when to say “no.” Although you may not always have the pleasure of telling someone no in the workplace, you should have more flexibility at home. If you can’t take on extra assignments at work, don’t. If you can’t find the time to complete another task at home, like dust or vacuum, don’t. Seek help from your partner, your children, or hire a professional housekeeper.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Create a “to do” list.</b> Depending on how out of sync you are with your time, a daily to do list may be required. In time, you may be able to change to a weekly or even monthly list. It is important to know the importance of prioritizing. Determine which tasks are the most important by checking due dates. That is the best start to putting things in order.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Eliminate or limit your distractions.</b> If you find yourself wasting a considerable amount of time, what is it that distracts you or gets you off task? Is it the internet, socializing with friends, or the television? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If the above mentioned approaches still aren’t able to help you manage your time, you may want to consider hiring the services of a professional. Did you also know that there are experts who can show you how to better manage and make use of your time? Did you know that there are those who can help you get your home or office better organized? Yes, they do really exist. Enlisting in the professional help, knowledge, and expertise of these individuals can never be a bad thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Here are some of my other posts that might be of interest:</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/organizing-your-time-when-you-work-from.html">Organizing Your Time When You Work From Home</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/how-to-stop-procrastination-easy-three.html">Overcome Procrastination in 3 Easy Steps</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/3-easy-tips-to-help-you-manage-your-to.html">3 Steps to Help You Manage Your "To-Do" List</a></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53381218065752775272011-03-24T11:24:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.703-05:00Freelancers: Get Paid!Getting paid can be tough for freelancers. I know, I've been there. Every week Angela Hoy of Writers Weekly puts out an email newsletter in which she has a section devoted to non paying gigs called <a href="http://www.writersweekly.com/whispers_and_warnings.php">Whispers and Warnings. </a><br /><br />I stay clear of anyone on that list. Sometimes we have no way of knowing IF someone is going to end up on that list until it is too late.<br /><br />Getting paid can be tough. It can be easier when invoices are used. There are several programs and tools available for freelances to keep track of payments and invoices. But the easiest way to get an invoice out the door is to use a web based program such as <a href="http://billable.me/">Billable</a>. There is nothing to install, just fill it out and print.<br /><br />In my quest to find helpful resources to get better organized and maybe figure out the<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/ive-been-thinking.html"> direction of my websites</a>, I ran across Billable the other day when using <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/IrishChik/">StumbleUpon</a>. I made sure to bookmark it.<br /><br /><b><i>What are some websites and programs that you use in your business?</i></b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85633347917132925572011-03-23T14:05:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.719-05:0010 Strange But True Federal Tax Deductions<a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/General-Tax-Tips/10-Strange-But-Legitimate-Federal-Tax-Deductions/INF14190.html"><img alt="10 Strange But Legitimate Federal Tax Deductions" src="http://images.turbotax.intuit.com/iqcms/marketing/lib/images/infographics/10-strange-but-legitimate-federal-tax-deductions.png" width="657" /></a><br /><a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/">Efile Online</a> with TurboTax<br /><br />Back to TopChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16638926746791694742011-03-23T12:32:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.637-04:00iPhone App Cafe: Top 5 Free Yoga Apps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 5 Free Yoga Apps For iPhone" src="http://iphoneappcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/YOGA-Free-200-Poses-Yoga-Classes1.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">In case you missed it, I am a writer over at the<a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/"> iPhoneAppCafe</a> website, which I LOVE! What is more fun that writing about fun little apps that you can test out on the phone you love?!?!<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/my-1st-published-piece-with.html"> I really enjoy this writing gig.</a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">My latest article was just published.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/top-5-free-yoga-apps-for-iphone/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Top 5 Free Yoga Apps</span></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3389968650342846242011-03-23T12:26:00.004-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.807-04:00I've Been Thinking<div class="MsoNormal">Thinking.........</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been thinking a lot the last few days about the direction I want my websites to go in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I have:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Self Employed Writer.</b> When I first started this blog 5 years ago it was about life. My life. Over the last year or so it has become a place for me to share my life as a writer, hence the name. I have been trying to post content that I think would help other writers while still using my website for book and product reviews. <br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel overwhelmed and seem to be having a hard time with keeping up with all of my projects. I have thought about dropping the domains back in the bucket (not renewing) cut my losses and just combine everything back in to one. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is possible I have lost my patience. I am spending so much time making new and the old websites work that my other writing is not getting taken care of. I am no longer sure what direction to take things in. I love blogging. I would love it even more if I could earn more residual off of it. As it is, with AdSense alone I average about $5 a month. My affiliates go up and down and the other advertising is a few cents here and there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been spending a lot of time on ProBlogger and trying to figure out a way to make things work for me. For some reason, I must have missed the bus because it’s just not working out for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Tax Queen.</b> I was so excited to start this site. I thought for sure it was going to be a perfect place for me to dump all those questions that people ask, especially those who work from home. It started off OK, but I have fizzled the last couple of weeks and I can’t seem to keep the topics moving. I wonder if I should just have a tax section on Self Employed Writer, combining the two sites. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan.</a></b> This is just a landing page. It is a domain of my name that I don’t quite want to give up yet. Pretty much has a listing of all the places I write and where to find me on the internet. Pretty simple, nothing to it. It’s there if I need it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Ireland Forever.</b> This one is actually a lot of fun. It does not fit in with any of the others, so it should be kept separate. I am just not sure what to do with it, except what I am doing. I don’t know how to monetize it better. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>These Words, My Life.</b> When I purchased this domain it was with the idea that when I was done with school I was going to work on my self-help/bio writing. As many of you have read in past posts, I have to deal with many mental illnesses as a result of things that happened to me as a child. I wanted a place where I could share what I call “the darkness in my head” with others that were interested in reading it. I had another website, Poetry in Motion, that I separated my poetry off SEW and placed it there. I decided that was a bad move and put it all back on SEW and shut down the poetry site. Some of it is rather dark, and I had placed a few of them on These Words, My Life along with a few posts where I talk about things I am not comfortable with talking about on SEW. I have not done much to promote this site. I try, but I just can’t keep up with it all. I feel like I need this one though so I am not sure what direction I should be going in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/">Erotic Confessions</a>. </b>When I first started blogging, everything on SEW and this site were all on one blog. A few years ago I thought it best to separate them out. I have a pen name for this site. I had planned on trying to build a reader base back up when I put my stories back on the site. I cannot figure out how I want to monetize it. Not sure whether I should have stories for sale, or just have ads. Or do both. This will likely sit on the side lines until I have more time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fat Girl Confessions.</b> I have not purchased a domain for this one. It is brand new and I have not launched it yet. I am still unsure about the name. Since SEW has the Nutrisystem reviews, I thought there should be a place where I actually talked about the parts of my weight loss journey that you don’t see. It will also be a place to talk about the program I will be on once my Nutrisystem blogging program is done. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, as you can see, I have my hands full. I need to work on a system to better manage my time. I need help. I make a list of all the things I need to do that day, but nothing really seems to get checked off. School does keep me pretty busy, and in about 2 weeks it is going to get worse. I want time for that, my websites, writing a few Hubs and write for upfront money or title. I am just not sure how to get it all done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think my next “series” of posts will be about organization and time management. I think I would benefit from that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I would like to know what you guys think. Do you have any ideas on how to manage my sites better? Should I combine? Change formats? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How about a schedule? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am open to all opinions and advice that you are willing to share. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28445554275055346772011-03-22T21:37:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.744-04:00Fat Girl Confesses<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The great weight debate has been all in my head. Filling my head more and more every</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">day until I finally just crashed. Yes, I can admit I am overweight. Yes, I can admit I have lost it twice. Yes, I can admit I fell off the wagon and gained it all back, and then some.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I have been here before....<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/07/great-weight-debate_03.html">The Weight Debate</a></span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>No, I refuse to admit I am lazy. I don't understand why the world thinks that everyone who is a little overweight or extremely obese is lazy. That is not always the case.</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With shows like "Heavy" , "Dance Your Ass Off", and "The Biggest Loser" it is no wonder people are stopping at nothing to be thin. The world is telling us we are fat. These T.V. shows are showing us it is possible to lose weight, IF we can stop our lives, take off to a facility, and do nothing but eat and exercise.</span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333;" style="color: #333333;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px;">Sorry. But that is not the real world. Not all of us can afford to take off work for 6 months. Not all of us are lucky enough to be on national television documenting our fat loss. We don't have personal trainers or personal chefs. Our economy has declined. People are poor. Healthier food options cost double the amount of its regular calorie counterparts. And they wonder why America is fat.</span></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">M depression is strong, but I refuse to let it tie me to the bed again. So I push myself, daily. I force myself out of bed, telling myself "the dogs need me, Big M needs me, little m needs me" and forward I go. I keep my nose stuck in my textbooks, online classes to finish my degree, or my writing career. I try to stay focused and not think about what is in the fridge. What am I going to eat today. But sadly, I have to. When I did <a _mce_href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36168&U=465182&M=7669" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36168&U=465182&M=7669">Wonderslim </a>(which I loved & only stopped because I was given the Nutrisystem opportunity) I would start my morning planning out the first half of the day. With Nutrisystem I just opened the cabinet and go "well that looks good, I will eat that" since the meals are color coded for Breakfast, Lunch, Dessert and Dinner. It does make it a little easier, but there still is a bit of planning with the snack and other food options. Since I am also doing Weight Watchers for the sake of the meetings, I am counting the Nutrisystem Points Plus Values as I go along. That way, when the Nutrisystem Bloggers program is over for me, I am already on my way with <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers</a>.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">So you see, I keep busy because I HAVE to, not because I want to. Oh, how I would love to lounge around in bed all day. I do have a laptop; I could if I wanted to. But then I do not feel very productive. In the past I pushed myself because bills needed to be paid. Big M was unemployed and his unemployment income only covered so much. it was up to me to make up the difference as well as pay for my own bills and the other things the household would need, all while trying to finish school. It is a little different now that Big M has a great job. I don't have to work as much right now since I am taking 9 classes in school. I still have to make money. Bills still have to be paid.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/depression-sucks-oh-and-welcome-to-my.html">Being depressive</a> I find it hard to live with, take care of, and love myself. IfI cannot do this, then who is going to do it for me? I have to learn. I am getting married this year and it is hard to think about my self doubt and insecurities.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I have never hid my emotions and for the last six years my life has been an open book to many. I have nothing to hide. I am embarrassed, but at the same time I know it's not my fault.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Yes, NutriSystem worked once. Yes, Weight Watchers worked for a long time. Calorie counting works, this works- that works. The problem is not me following any program. I can follow a program. The problem is I have an addiction. My addiction, my drug of choice is not alcohol (despite being Irish lol). My drug is food. Food was my best friend growing up. <a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book.html">Most of you know my troubles as a child, the things that happened to me. </a>So there is no need for me to repeat it. That is another time, another post. But those bad things affected my outlook on food. I ate for all of the wrong reasons.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I can remember so many times the abuse would happen, after I would run to the kitchen, hoping to find something to save me. I always did. I ate to feed my emotions. Subconsciously, I ate to keep people away. At least that is what my therapist told me many years later.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I can also remember being 7 or 8 and making HUGE (talking salad bowl size) bowls of macaroni and cheese. I would stand there with that huge bowl and spoon and eat it all. I would take huge spoons of peanut butter and mix it in a bowl with gobs of jelly, and just eat it. Bread never even crossed my mind.I have always been bigger than everyone else. That is nothing new. By high school my mother had enough, and we welcomed NutriSystem. It worked. I got skinny, and I got a life. Then came college, the parties, the boys, and the best friends a girl</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">could ever have (I love you guys and miss you so much). I was at a pretty comfortable stage in my life. I was having so much fun living in the present; I had no time to think about the past.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, I still struggled with my weight and self esteem. And that followed me right into marriage, which eventually landed me in a psychiatrist's office. I learned a lot in the years that followed. I went on Weight Watchers, I went to weekly meetings, I walked the dogs, I ran, and I was active. Life was ok. Did I mention I was also medicated? Or, perhaps did I ever mention I became so obsessed with staying thin, I went the opposite direction and instead of just overeating and dealing, I overate/binged and since I could not get myself to</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">throw up, I became addicted to laxatives? I was on Weight Watchers when this happened.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Once I went off the medication, things fell apart. My marriage, my life, my eating. I gained weight, I stopped running, and I realized I have a food addiction.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">In 2005 I attended online Overeaters Anonymous meetings. I really began to see all the underlying problems. With depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders,post traumatic stress and an eating disorder it's no wonder why I always turn to food for comfort.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This not something TOPS, Weight Watchers, Calorie Counting, or any other program is going to help me with. This is something I have to find help for elsewhere. The time is now. It is time for me to go running with my tail between my legs back to therapy. Only, it scares me. I have lived here for 3 years and I have no insurance, or a doctor. I do not look forward to digging up my past again.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>But, I have to. My life depends on it.</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hello, my name is Chrystal, and I am addicted to food. I overeat/binge. I seek comfort in food, it is my drug. It has been my drug for as long as I can remember, and my earliest memories are around the age of 6 or 7. I have an</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">addiction. Dieting is not the problem, food is.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>I have to work on me. I am worth it.</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Laxatives are not kept in my house for this reason. Alcohol is not kept in my house because it only provides me with more ammo to eat. This is an addiction I cannot hide anymore. My body, my health, my self-esteem,</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">my life, and my relationships depend on it.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>So, why am I telling you this?</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Because most of you have watched me struggle for so long that now I feel some sense of relief knowing therapy might just be the answer I have been looking for. Problem is, I do not know what I will be able to go. I just know I need to.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I am also telling you this so you can understand some of the things that go on in my brain.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>I need you to watch me; I need you to help me.</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My mental health is a mess. Medications are in order, Dr. visits are needed. Until that time I am going to continue forward with the Nutrisystem program for a couple more months when my contract is over. I will also continue to go to Weight Watchers meetings for the support and mind training that I need to get my food portions in order. I also need to learn how to cook healthy meals for my family. In the past, it was only me I cooked for.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><strong _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></strong><br /><div _mce_style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;" style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><strong _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><strong _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Life, it is a battle. Mine, is a battlefield.</strong></span></strong></div></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If I could just have everyone's support rather than pity, it would mean a great deal. I just wish I could get those around me to understand that.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That is why I am here, to seek out the friendship and support of others like me. I hope to join with other weight loss bloggers, no matter what program they follow.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Journaling is part of recovery. I will be writing much more. Here, blog, video diary, things like that.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I have a lot going on around me, but until I can accept and love myself, how can I expect anyone else to love and accept me?</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Tomorrow is my meeting with Weight Watchers. I have completed week 1. I am hoping for a loss, no matter how small. I do not want to feel like I have failed myself.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;">I have dusted off my old Weight Watcher materials. I have so many cookbooks and recipe cards that I collected when I was on the program before. I know I have to recalculate points for the new Points Plus, but I don't think that will be too big of a deal. I think there are a lot of recipes in there that Big M and lil m will enjoy.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Putting my best foot forward, and taking this one day at a time.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Slow and steady wins the race, right?</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78725541118560619732011-03-22T11:20:00.004-04:002011-11-11T19:27:30.837-05:00Mortgage Interest<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a forum for people who work from home which I frequent. Work Place Like Home has a writers section where I hang out with my “co-workers”. There is also another section for tax related questions. It was there I found today’s question and thought I would share it with all of you. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today’s Question:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286805">By LilyG on WPLH</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">I've got a question. When we did our taxes Jakson Hewitt I took our mortgage interest and they told us they weren't doing it. I asked like just JH or everyone? They said oh everyone.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I've been meaning to call the IRS and ask them about this, but thought I'd ask some of all as well.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Thanks.</span></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span></i></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Answer:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">If your mortgage interest and other deductions that go on a Schedule A are not over the standard deduction amount then no tax place will do it. There is no point. The point of itemization is to go over the standard deduction. You can’t use both. It sucks that JH did not bother to explain that to you. I don't think they are a very good tax company. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">When I was in college and started my tax training with HR Block, they made me take classes outside of the standard HR Block. It was a franchise and not a corporation like so many are used to going to. I think the franchise I worked for made all the difference because he was also a CPA and it was all in one building. Anyway, in the few years I trained with him I had so MANY people come to us to fix their taxes after JH messed them up.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"> I was shocked at some of the mistakes that were being made. Over the years I have learned that there are tax people doing taxes that should not be. Then there are those who took one class and think they are an expert. Then, there are those who get into it for the wrong reason and just want to make a quick buck and not care about their clients. Those give the others, the ones who do care and go out of their way for their clients, a bad name.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I am sorry for your experience with JH. I wish they could be banned from the business world. Funny thing, the owners of JH used to be involved with HR Block. I want to say they were upper management in the financial offices in KS, where headquarters is. I guess they thought they could make more money when the reality is they churn out tax payers that don’t take care of their clients the right way, or give them the proper training, and every year their sales go down. But yet they don’t understand why and blame it on the economy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">Personally, anyone who has a bad tax experience should report the office and preparer to the IRS. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90654741792821576322011-03-22T10:41:00.006-04:002014-08-14T20:30:51.168-04:00How to Make Sure You Actually Work When You Work from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8U2K1ElH9Q/U-1Ujg9T_NI/AAAAAAAAS6c/BUuxnwg8Ks4/s1600/get%2Bwork%2Bdone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8U2K1ElH9Q/U-1Ujg9T_NI/AAAAAAAAS6c/BUuxnwg8Ks4/s1600/get%2Bwork%2Bdone.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><b>Working from Home</b><br /><b><br /></b>Ahh the glamour. Hanging around in your pajamas all day while you sit comfortable at your desk eating snickers and cheese-its while chatting with your friends in IM. You smell your freshly brewed coffee and realize that you really have no boss standing over you, breathing down your neck.<br /><br />The career we all dream of. No one to watch over us, no cubicle mates gossiping about whom they saw last night and to whom they were out with, and no one making google eyes at the water cooler.<br /><br />Here you are, feet propped up, staring blankly at the computer screen wondering just where you should start with the day's projects. The next thing you know you look at that little clock down in the right hand corner and its noon.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />NOON!<br /><br />Before you know it, 4 hours have passed and you have done nothing.<br /><br />Freedom!<br /><br />That is why everyone wants to work from home, isn't it? To be free to work and do as you please.<br />But sometimes this new found freedom can be a tad bit overwhelming.<br /><br />It is important that you set a daily goal list. In this daily goal list I recommend not only writing down what you would LIKE to get done, but what HAS to be done.<br /><br />Cross things off as you go along.<br /><br />Make a routine. Start work at the same time every day.<br /><br />Spend some time clearing out your email accounts. Get rid of all your spam. Items that do not pertain to your work day should be set aside until later.<br /><br />I find what works best for me is to reward myself once I have completed a task. Then I take a small break and reply to a few personal emails. This way, work has been done, I feel better and I am no overloaded with tons of emails at the end of the work day.<br /><br />Another trick that works well for me is having my IM set to busy:working that way, if someone personal tries to IM me and I give them a "Hey I am working, talk later" message I do not feel so bad for being short. I have work to do as I am sure they do as well.<br /><br />Not only are you the employee you are the boss and you have to act like one. All the responsibilities lie on your shoulders and you can no pass along jobs to someone else.<br /><br />Working from home is almost like book camp, you have to be tough and buckle down.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, it does have its advantages. You don't have to commute, you can work in your PJ's, no one is going to care if you wake up with a huge zit on your head, it is ok to be a few minutes late and no one will be staring at you if you walk in all red eyed from the night before.<br /><br />If I have any words of advice for those about to walk into the world of working from home it would be "Buckle up soldier, you have a lot of work to do!"<br /><br />C.M. Originally published on Helium 5/14/2009. Helium is now closed.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29692385620840012872011-03-22T10:41:00.005-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.750-04:00Weebly Review<div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago I wrote about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/more-about-webs.html">Webs</a> in my search to find other alternatives for those who are entering in to the blogging and website world. There are a few who just are not interested in Blogger or WordPress for various reasons. This made me curious and while on my own journey I wondered if there were other alternatives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I<b> heard about Weebly some time ago.</b> I did not give it much thought since I was already parked in the bloggers world. In the future I have some other projects I would like to be able to work on so I wanted to see what Weebly had to offer. I set up a test site, Chrystal Mahan <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">to play around with and see what I could come up with. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><b>When you log in it takes you to a “control panel” or “dashboard” type screen</b>. From there you can pick the site you want to edit. When you get to the edit screen, you are greeted by a “what you see is what you get” type of interface. You can design you blog and see your changes take place. I always enjoy this type of design so I can see what I am doing. I am one of those who are always afraid of messing stuff up. With the free plan the themes are limited, but you can tweak them up a bit so you don’t end up looking like everyone else.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Weebly is adsense compatible</b>. What I liked most about Weebly was that I was able to build a “home page” and on that page is a tab to take you to my blog. I think this is a great feature for writers who are looking to build a portfolio and more of a personal blog. In the “settings” section there is a complete section just for SEO. There is also an ecommerce section and you can set PayPal up right on your site. Google checkout is the other option. This would be a great for those writers who sell ebooks. There are upgradeable packages which offer more options, including getting rid of ads. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All in all I think Weebly is a great site for someone who is looking for something free and easy to break away from the Blogger and free WordPress platform. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other items you can add: (they call them elements. Sort of like WordPress Widgets <o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">YouTube<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Photo Gallery<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Slide Show<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">An Audio Player<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Video<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Embedded Documents<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Flash<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Google Maps<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Games<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Forums ( I love this feature!)<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Custom HTML<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">RSS Feed<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Survey/Polls<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">RSVP forms<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Contact forms<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Online Bookings<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The more I play around with it I see that they might give Webs a run for their money. Even though Webs has a lot of options too, I think Weebly’s easier set up and design are going to make it more fun and appealing for users. Personally, I feel it has more of a professional look to it than a blog. It would look even better with a forwarding domain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80812759439250888102011-03-21T21:27:00.003-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.986-04:00#NSNation End of Week 8 (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It’s the end of week 8 and this week I am down a whopping 0.4! I know, I should be excited, a loss is a loss but I was hoping for a little bit more. So total weight loss for 2 months is a mere 4 pounds.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I had some medical tests ran last year. Everything came back perfect. I think the doctor was a little shocked that nothing came back abnormal. It is a huge myth that all overweight people are lazy and unhealthy. I did have some problems with my liver something or another being high due to taking too much aspirin. I took a lot for my back pain, but have since switched to non-aspirin. He also did mention my thyroid was a little off but not enough to be concerned about.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I am concerned. I have been trying to lose weight for months now. Even before I started <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>. The thing is, I really don’t go off plan even when I am not eating a Nutrisystem meal. I still count my calories on my My Fitness Pal account so it is always there for me to go back to when I am done with the Nutrisystem bloggers program. I stay pretty close to my calories and when I do go over, it’s not by much and that does not happen often.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have been using the guidelines I found on the Nutrisystem website in the forums.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Breakfast:</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1 Dairy, 1 Protein, 1 Fruit and 1 Carb. Breakfast has not been a problem. It is the easiest meal for me. I stick to it with no problems. I have found a handful of items I like and have been easy for me to put together. With my next month’s shipment, these are the things I picked. I am finding it too hard for me with so many choices. I tend to be one of those people that eat the same thing every morning whether it be oatmeal or cereal.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Lunch:</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1 Fat, 2 Proteins, 2 Vegi, 1 Carb. Lunch usually is not a problem. I work from home and there is no outside influence. The only problem I have found myself having is looking at all the choices and not being able to decide what I want. I took care of this problem in the lunches as well. I selected a lot of bars because I find them easiest to prepare. I am really busy with school and work that there are many days when I eat while I am studying or working.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Snack:</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1 Dairy or Protein, 1 Fruit. There are days when I mix this snack up. Part of it in the AM, part later in the day. I have had some days where I miss it completely, so I add the items in with my next meal.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Dinner:</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">2 Fat, 3 Protein, 1 Vegi or Fruit, 1 Carb, and 2 Vegi. Dinner is where I really have the most trouble. I am the dinner maker. It has been extremely difficult for me to prepare my meal and prepare a completely separate meal for others. Weekdays are easier to deal with. I can usually find something closely related so we can eat together and I don’t feel left out. The nights Big M works late I have a Nutrisystem meal. Weekends are the worst. I have 3 meals to prepare for myself, Big M and little m. Both have different tastes. I struggle. I don’t like to feel left out. I try to make things I can eat too and I stick to the portions and structure of the meal plan like if I was eating out.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We do eat out quite often. In the past I have not always been so smart about what I ordered. I am getting much better about that. We are also trying to cut down our spending since we have a wedding to pay for!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Dessert is given to me by Nutrisystem and really yummy. There are some days when I just do not eat it because I am not hungry. There are days where I am so busy I forget about it. Next thing I know, its bedtime.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Days are crazy. Life is crazy. It goes up. It goes down.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I need to exercise more. I know this is part of my problem. It is frustrating when you see others who do not exercise and still lose 3 pounds a week or more. I know bodies are different. It is still frustrating. You still question yourself.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I do not know what I can do differently. I am trying to make all these changes and have a healthier life. I need more sleep. I have a feeling this is quite a bit of the problem.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that the weather has finally started to break, walking will be happening much more. We did get out and enjoy it Saturday. Took a nice walk. The dogs enjoyed it as well, and even they are on a diet!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to continue pressing forward. The way I see it, even the smallest changes both on the scale and off will add up over time.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Until next week….</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>today or call <a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73566766735944573742011-03-21T08:30:00.002-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.907-04:00Getting Set Up with Google AdsenseFor the last couple of days we have been discussing Google Adsense here at Self Employed Writer.<br /><br /><br />I also published a couple of articles on HubPages regarding Google Adsense:<br /><br /><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/all-about-adsense-adsense-defined">All About AdSense: AdSense Defined</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/All-About-AdSense-What-it-it">All About AdSense: What Is It?</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/all-about-adsense-what-can-it-do-for-me">All About AdSense: What Can it do For Me?</a></span></li></ul><br />Ready to get started with Adsense?<br /><br />I promise you, it is not hard at all.<br /><br /><br />A very important element in the rapid adoption of AdSense is that it has been very easy for publishers to get the ads on their site as quickly as possible.<br /><br />Integrating AdSense in your website takes only a few minutes, and you can be on your way with one or more nicely integrated AdSense ads.<br /><br /><b>The first thing you need to do is navigate to <a href="http://www.google.com/adsense">Adsense</a> and either apply or log in with your existing account and password.</b> What follows is a page presenting the Google AdSense Terms and Conditions which you must agree to in order to proceed.<br /><br />You are presented with a report page which you can use to get a detailed status on how your AdSense advertising is doing. This allows you to improve your site's contents and layout to maximize your AdSense earnings.<br /><br />On the top of your page you also have link to the setup section where you can generate the code that will need to be pasted on your website in order to have AdSense banners on your page.<br /><br />You can use AdSense for text (the said ads), using a search box or with referrals. Your choice among these options depends on how users will navigate your site.<br /><br />Finally, there is a "My Account" tab which allows you to set up details concerning your account, payment and tax information.<br /><br />To add a text ad on your site, go back to the "AdSense Setup" tab and click the "AdSense for content" link. Make sure you have cookies enabled in your browser.<br /><br />You can make a choice between ad units and link units. The former contain text and or images concerning a certain site for each unit, most with a detailed description, the latter only contain links to certain types.<br /><br />Of course, it's a bit hard to know which type you should use so you should probably experiment with both for a while before you decide.<br /><br />You can also view an example of how the unit will look to the right of your page. However, you may only use three ad units and one link unit on any given page. This is believed to be a step which Google takes for quality control.<br /><br /><b>The next step is to choose your add format and colors.</b> You can basically select any color palette you choose with Google offering some of its own if you don't have the time or skill to create one. You can constantly view how the palette will look through the aid of an example. The one that works best in terms of appearance and revenues will vary with the look, feel and content of a website.<br /><br />However, your ad formats are limited to a choice of eleven formats. There's an "Ad Formats" link which takes you to a page that lets you see all even of these in action so you can decide best which one suits your site. Sometimes the most intrusive, doesn’t work best however again, this can vary from website to website.<br /><br />After you finish with customization, you can click "Continue" from the bottom of the page.<br /><br />You are now presented with a section entitled "AdSense for Content". You can click anywhere in the text and that shows the JavaScript required to get AdSense running. This will automatically select the text in the box.<br /><br />You can then copy it and paste it into your pages directly. If you use dynamic pages, you should paste this code within your template so as to ensure that it gets displayed on any page of your website. Some advertisers choose not to display Adsense on every page, and this is understandable. An example of this is a company that has adsense, may also have terms and condition which would inevitably provide legal resources which would probably be deemed inappropriate.<br /><br />What is then left for you to do is get content on your page (provided you didn't have any already). Google AdSense crawlers will soon visit your site, making sure that the ads displayed are relevant to your site's content.<br /><br /><b>And you're all done</b>. For a simple page this should indeed be a matter of a few minutes, which is precisely what makes AdSense the choice for so many. Although it is quick, its mass appeal also makes it the best. Through being the most popular, advertisers and publishers alike see Adsense and Adwords as their natural first choice.<br /><br />You should have optimized niche website templates for best results.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4311705735496556272011-03-20T17:05:00.015-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.827-04:00Google Adsense: Click Fraud, huh?If you're using AdWords or AdSense you must have heard about an emerging practice in the underworld of computing called "click fraud". But what exactly is click fraud and how is it accomplished?<br /><br /><br />AdSense uses a payment mechanism that awards a certain amount of money to a publisher (someone who holds an AdSense banner on their page) every time a person clicks on the said banner. So click fraud is the attempt to have people clicking the ads just so that they can earn a greater income.<br /><br /><br />Believe it or not, there are people setting up sites for the sole purpose of fraudulently generating revenue through Google's AdSense program. These users achieve an incredible number of clicks through many methods, some complex and sophisticated and some rudimentary and simple.<br /><br /><br />One of the most complex is through the use of so called "hitbots". These are automated programs who emulate clicking the links in AdSense banners (there are some that actually click the banners as well).<br /><br /><br />Google's AdSense protection scheme is by no means perfect and nearly anyone can find the details of surmounting the protection mechanism, ironically just by doing a Google search.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Once Google receives a large number of clicks from a single address, the address and the site that had the AdSense banner will be banned, and the illicit behavior might even get the fraudster sued.<br /><br /><br />To prevent this from happening, many people use a large number of proxy servers for the purpose of clicking. These are basically trojans, located on computers throughout the world (though mostly in the US). What's even more daunting is that these clicks will appear to originate from an actual computer so such scams are really hard to detect.<br /><br /><br /><br />Google has a very strict policy regarding click fraud, and it has sued those employing such techniques in the past. But while the search engine giant tries its best to minimize the risk of click fraud there's certainly room for a lot of improvement.<br /><br /><br />It is estimated that more then 20% of the clicks that follow an AdSense link are just done in order to get money from the person paying for the ad. Some people believe the number of fraudulent clicks to be even twice as large.<br /><br /><br />There are a great deal more schemes involving click fraud, such as groups of AdSense publishers clicking each other's links (which is referred to as "clicking rings", or spamming people so that they click such links.<br /><br /><br />Despite Google still holding click fraud on a leash, the phenomenon is certainly raising concerns for the advertisers on AdWords, but despite this advertising with Google's AdSense still remains more profitable for the advertiser, as opposed to traditional untargeted advertising schemes.<br /><br /><br />There are some means of protection against such schemes and all advertisers should be savvy enough to employ them. Many advertisers choose to avoid the content network all together for fear of click fraud.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35190410043229654852011-03-19T11:39:00.002-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.814-04:00Alternatives to Google Adsense<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" /></a></div><br /><br />Many people use Google's AdSense program, but there are some who find it a bit too uncertain or simply not suiting their own requirements from an ad program. Maybe you are just someone who does not want to use Google products or just Adsense.<br /><br />With all the changes in Google, it is nice to have other alternatives. Thankfully there are some alternatives to AdSense.<br /><br /><br /> <b>Here is a list of some that might be worth checking out:</b><br /><br /><b>Amazon Associates</b><br />I decided to post this, but to let users beware that Amazon stated they would be doing away with this program for some users.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://chitika.com/publishers.php?refid=cmahan">Chitika</a> </b><br />Chitika reminds me of a cross between Amazon Associates and Google Adsense. Artificial intelligence to retrieve the most relevant ads for your page. Keywords are selected based upon which previous selections payed off and which didn't. That means there's a constant feedback process that ensures you gain better revenue from your ads. It also supports blocking certain adds and child-safe filtering and many more options.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bidvertiser.com/"><b>Bidvertiser</b></a><br /><br />Like AdSense, Bidvertiser displays text ads in your page. But the difference lies in the fact that advertisers bid over your advertising space, ensuring you earn as much revenue as you possibly can. This also means that bids will increase over time, earning you even more cash. You also get a great way to customize your ads with a very easy to use tool and detailed reports on your site's status.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.advertising.com/publisher/our-network"><b>Advertising.com</b></a><br />Part of AOL advertising<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.vibrantmedia.com/publishers/index.asp">Vibrant Media IntelliTXT</a> </b><br />Vibrant Media IntelliTXT offers user-activated ads, highlighting certain words within the content of the page and presenting relevant ads when a user hovers his mouse over them. It uses a pay-for-performance pricing scheme and can easily be used along with other advertising methods, because it is unobtrusive. It places you in full control, allowing you to easily integrate it within your site with some simple JavaScript.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.miva.com/publishers"><b>MIVA AdRevenue Xpress </b></a><br />MIVA AdRevenue Xpress is targeted towards small and mid-sized publishers. It implements Search Box functionality and also features things like a Category Directory as well as the handling of 404 error pages. It can be integrated with your page using a simple on-line wizard.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.valueclickmedia.com/publishers">Fastclick/ValueClick Media</a> </b><br />Fastclick offers you an impressive 65 percent of what it makes from a click on your website. Payments are done monthly, via PayPal or through checks. The ads can be formatted as you wish, and Fastclick even offers a free support serice for its members and no fees are required to register with the service.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.contextweb.com/sellingdesk">contextWeb ContextAd</a> </b><br />ContextAd offers the possibility of contextual ads for dynamic pages, meaning ads will change as soon as your page does. It's very easy to use and free to sing up for and offers a transparent payment policy. The ads are fully customizable and real-time reports are available 24/7.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adbrite.com/mb/exchange_publishers.php">AdBrite</a><br />AdBrite offers publishers the possibility of integrating text ads in their pages. These are done on your own rates, with the websites you approve by hand so it bares some similarities with a classic advertising scheme. You also have the option of adding a "Your Add Here" button that buyers can immediately click to ad space on your page. It can also be used in conjunction with Google AdSense, maximizing your CTR and offering advertisers the possibility of showing their links in your Google AdSense space. You have full control over the look and feel of your adds and finally, you get an incredible 75% of what the advertiser pays for on every click.<br /><br /><br />So, as you can see there are many offers for this kind of advertising, and many hybrids based on AdSense like advertising. Also, a lot of services can work together with AdSense to earn you an even greater amount of revenue for your ad space.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83462695604605753642011-03-19T06:49:00.004-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.040-05:00Tax Filing Tips<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="240" src="http://www.kfyrtv-videos.com/UploadFile2/taxes(7).jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Mistakes happen. We are only human. Some of these mistakes can be avoided by finding out whats new before starting your return. The tax codes change every year, so check out the IRS website before filling in the blanks. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Check out the<a href="http://www.irs.gov/help/index.html?navmenu=menu3"> FAQ section</a> on the IRS website. Often, the answers to the questions you may have are right there. Many people forget, or just don’t know that the IRS website has help.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Double check your return. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Avoid the following errors:<o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Filling incorrect.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Incorrect taxpayer ID numbers.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Omitting dependent names and social security numbers.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Forgetting to attach documentation which includes W-2’s, supplement forms, etc.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Omitting income items.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Forgetting to sign and date the tax return.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Putting the wrong information.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Putting information on the wrong lines.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Math errors.</li><br /></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If you are unsure about filing your tax return, do not be afraid to ask for help. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IRS sponsored help programs:<o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html">(VITA)</a></li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Tax Counseling for the Elderly <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html">(TCE)</a></li><br /></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other programs:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.aarp.org/taxaide">AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers</a> are trained by the IRS. These volunteers provide free tax preparation to low and middle income taxpayers. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Military personnel and their families worldwide qualify for free tax assistance through VITA. Check with your base for details.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">There are many local libraries and churches that have trained tax preparers trained through the IRS available to help with basic returns. Call your local library or church to ask for details. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29446096798299476882011-03-18T11:49:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.086-05:00Tax Filing Deadline & Extensions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="393" src="http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/TaxDeadline.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">No one likes it when someone sounds like their mother; nag, nag, nag. I am going to have to be the one to break the news to you. The consequences are pretty steep if you owe taxes and do not file on time. You are allowed to file for an extension.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In past years the tax filing deadline is April 15<sup>th</sup>. This year (2011), the IRS has allowed us three extra days (for your 2010 return), making the deadline April 18<sup>th</sup>. You must have your income tax return (or extension form) postmarked or electronically filed by April 18<sup>th</sup> or the fees added to any amount you owe will increase.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a rule there is an additional 5% for each month (full or partial) added to what you owe if you are late. Add to this the interest and your amount owed starts to add up. The maximum penalty they can place on your amount owed is 25%. If you file on time, the penalties drop to a mere 0.5%. No, that is not a typo. That is a pretty significant drop in fees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you can’t pay the IRS contact them immediately. When speaking to the IRS representative, remember, they are not the ones who made your taxes what they are. I hear all to often about people being angry because they owe. It is not the fault of the person on the other end of the phone. Yelling at them will do you no good. Keep calm and be polite when you explain your circumstances. The IRS agent does have the ability to waive the penalty.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79510999940559390192011-03-18T07:23:00.010-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.107-05:00How to Write General Interest Articles<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Let the readers know what is in store for them by the “heat" in your first paragraph of an article</b>. There are two kinds of articles; those which cover things in general and can be published at any time, and current events (things happening right now). The best place to start with these kinds of articles is the local newspaper with a goal of syndication to many other media.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>In order for there to be acceptance by the editor there must be a local twist of personal interest to the readers</b>. The unusual and odd things about people and their vocation give the reader a departure from the daily drudgery of their own life. These are the best and most sellable articles to write. This includes adventure, mystery, murder, money, accidents, discoveries, economy, history, illness, jail, jealousy, obsessions, quacks, struggles, taxes, etc.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Y<b>ou must attract attention from the first words </b>when writing feature stories for a newspaper type publication, where as a novel or short story for a magazine builds to a climax and generally clears up all the loose ends at completion. I like to think of newspapers giving each of us our own personal headline. In that headline you have only a matter of seconds to reel your reader in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>For a magazine article to sell </b>to the publisher "action" in the first and last part is a must, while the body is devoted to narrative or explanations with a number of vital incidents to keep the action alive. Keep the writing "flowing" in such a manner the reader will anxiously read ahead to see what happens next.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>When it is possible to do so,</b> without distorting the truth, add some fiction to your life stories to keep them interesting and alive. Submit 8x 10 glossy print photos if possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often the picture will be the difference between acceptance and rejection. It will pay you to get a good camera so you can snap pictures to go along with the articles.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>When submitting your copy,</b> put your name, address and phone number at the upper left cover of the first page and total number of words contained in the article on the upper right side. If you are submitting an article to the newspaper a title will not be necessary as the editor will usually determine after reviewing the article.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Leave plenty of room at the top of the pages,</b> use double spacing and wide margins so there is plenty of space for editing. Number the pages at the top. Preferable on the right hand side. Type only on the front side of each page. Enclose a self addressed stamped envelope for return. Lay it out so your name always appears with the article so that you will gain recognition as a writer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Writers block?</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>There are millions of things to write about so you should never be without ideas for your articles. </b>You don’t have to limit yourself to newspapers and magazines either. To get the ideas all you need to do is go through the dictionary and write about anything and everything that comes to mind, based on the more practical words. Once you have these words, look for keywords and long string keywords. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28033045475843652862011-03-17T08:56:00.002-04:002012-10-23T17:29:37.792-04:00Google Adsense: The Pros and Cons<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1600377068&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />You have that site on-line for quite a while, its generating a good number of hits every day and you're thinking whether or not to use AdSense advertising on it to make it generate some form of income.<br /><br /><b>There are positive aspects to Adsense and alternatives to consider</b>.<br /><br />AdSense is generally a great tool for webmasters. They use to worry about how to raise enough money to keep their sites profitable, or at least keep them on-line those worries are gone.<br /><br />AdSense allows webmasters to forget about those worries and concentrate on creating good content for their sites. In fact, the emphasis is now on creating quality content (often associated with the top-paying words) which will bring you many visitors.<br /><br />AdSense can also very well integrated with your website, it's easily customizable in terms of colors, size and position which means you can experiment with it in any way you like to maximize your income.<br /><br />AdSense is a very good means of generating a constant revenue on your site. All you need to do is create some quality content and keep it updated constantly and you can literally live off your website. A lot of people are doing just that nowadays with AdSense, so it's become sort of a business in itself.<br /><br />It's also a great program because you can have the same account advertising on all your pages. This is great for webmasters wit a lot of content because it means they don't have to create many accounts unnecessarily.<br /><br /><b>There are some negative aspects to advertising with AdSense and here's a small list of such cons</b>.<br /><br />Clearly the largest negative impact the AdSense program can have on you is through Google closing your accounts. Most of the time this happens because of so called 'click fraud', which means somebody would be producing artificial clicks on your page.<br /><br />There's one really nasty side to that. It doesn't have to be you making those artificial clicks. It could very well be your competition doing this in order to shut you down, or the competitor of whoever is advertising on your page, looking to drive their marketing costs up.<br /><br />The earning AdSense brings you are by no means constant. In fact, they're not even close to that. Anything you do to your site could end up being a big mistake costing you a great deal of money. It's that kind of pressure that has a negative impact on you.<br /><br />You constantly need to make sure your site is in the spotlight of search engines when people are searching for whatever it is your site is about.<br /><br />If you fail to do that you won't have any visitors, and that of course means you won't have any AdSense revenue. In a way this is nothing new, as any form of generating revenue on the Internet with advertising has such a drawback.<br /><br />Another major problem is that you constantly have to feed your site with better and better content. Now, of course, certain sites are very well geared towards doing this but with some types of content this is rather hard to achieve. This is often why the services of a copywriter are employed to generate more and more content.<br /><br />When writing original content, the best thing a website owner can do is research a topic thoroughly and then return to writing with lots of information they can out in their own words, and show their own opinion on.<br /><br />So there are the pros and cons of using the AdSense network for generating profits through advertising. Now the choice of whether or not these work for you is yours.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2017077526949743672011-03-16T09:36:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.257-05:00I Owe, Now What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jx3TW8V8Pds/TVA7fNOA9QI/AAAAAAAAAP0/AXRin7fxQUQ/s1600/TAX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jx3TW8V8Pds/TVA7fNOA9QI/AAAAAAAAAP0/AXRin7fxQUQ/s320/TAX.png" width="320" /></a></div>Owing taxes is never fun.<br /><br />If you owe and are able to make the payment, send payment along with your Form 1040.<br /><br />If you owe and are unable to make the payment, call the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html"> local IRS office</a> line immediately for help.<br /><br />First, go over your tax return and make sure you have claimed all of the available credits and deductions that pertain to you.<br /><br />If you filed out your taxes yourself, and would like to try a second source, check out the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html?portlet=8">free filing places offered by the IRS.</a> Sometimes humans and computers miss things. Check with your local library as many of them have a free tax help program. The local county Department of Human Services generally has them as well to help those in need.<br /><br />After you have tried these options and still owe money to the IRS, call your local IRS office. You will give them all of your information and they can tell you exactly how much you owe. You can tell them that you do not have the money to pay what you own in full. If you are on limited/fixed income, let them know that as well, especially if paying the bill will cause economic hardship.<br /><br />The IRS will request some financial information and may look at past years returns. They will then determine whether you should/could be set up on a payment plan or declare you as "currently not collectible." If you have any means to be set up on a payment plan you should. Being placed on CNC status is not the end of your debt. You will still owe the debt. Penalties and interest will continue to accrue until it is paid in full.<br /><br />If you are near an office, you are allowed to walk in to speak with someone for help.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65714850167219994172011-03-16T09:20:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.276-05:00Are You Ready to File?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qjwc9k-eGWM/TWWMmfLJcVI/AAAAAAAAATU/AIyE6HQzkF8/s1600/4457464_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qjwc9k-eGWM/TWWMmfLJcVI/AAAAAAAAATU/AIyE6HQzkF8/s320/4457464_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It is getting close to the tax deadline. Are you ready?<br /><br /><br />If not, do not worry. The IRS will allow you to<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/taxextension"> file a tax extension</a>. This form is merely one page and very easy to fill out. It is due by the tax deadline of April 15.<br /><br /><br />You will need to fill out <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf">Form 4868 Application for Automatic Extension of Time</a> which will give you an extra three months to file your taxes.<br /><br /><br />You will need to have an estimate of your Form 1040 in order to fill out Form 4868. This extension gives you extra time to file your taxes but it does not give you extra time to pay any taxes due. If you have taxes due to the IRS, you must include a payment along with your Form 4868.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60770329582222735422011-03-16T08:46:00.002-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.295-05:00Taking Advantage of Google Orkut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-opgxJ2wSjfU/TXfnOu-E2YI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/wh7VPty40l0/s1600/200px-Oorkut.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-opgxJ2wSjfU/TXfnOu-E2YI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/wh7VPty40l0/s1600/200px-Oorkut.png" /></a></div><br />According to<a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/product/orkut"> CrunchBase</a> Orkut is not as popular as MySpace and Facebook, nor is it leading in the United States. It IS one of the most visited websites in Brazil (where it is hosted) and India.<br /><br />Now I know you guys are asking me, Chrys, what's the point? Isn't Twitter, LinkedIn, Stumble, Facebook, MySpace and Tumblr enough? Well, it is.<br /><br />I have had my <a href="http://www.orkut.com/Main#Profile?uid=6291804091625338042">Orkut account</a> since 2008. I have never really done anything with it, so my profile is pretty naked. I use sharaholic extension in my Chrome browser. It allows me to share my links on all my social networking sites. I started sharing my blog posts on Orkut. According to Analytics, I am seeing an increase in readers from other parts of the world.<br /><br />This may not be a big deal to some, but it might be to others.<br /><br />Sometimes it is nice to connect with others from around the world.<br /><br /><br />If the name of the website doesn’t automatically draw you in, there is a good chance that the website features will. Like many other social networking websites, Orkut has a number of different member benefits. These benefits are what makes it worthwhile to become a member of this popular social networking website. Google users will find that it is simple to sign up.<br /><br /><br /><br />Orkut, like many other online social networking websites, has a number of different purposes. Of course, the main purpose of Orkut is to allow you to connect with others, but you can do much more than that. Once a member of Orkut, you can easily famialrize yourself with other website members who share the same interests as you do. This will not only help you make new friends, but it may also help with networking. <br /><br /><br />I figure I have nothing to lose. It takes me 1 second to share my links there. If a gain a few readers, it is more than worth my time. I link all of my other blogs their as well when I have a new post. When I have more time I plan to make it a point to add more friends there so when I share my links, someone might actually be reading.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84472732909276295922011-03-16T07:36:00.017-04:002014-09-25T18:27:20.018-04:00The Latest iPhone BlogI am really loving writing for the iPhone App Cafe. It really does help when you write about something you enjoy and love. I loved my iPod Touch, but I am loving my iPhone even more. I feel really blessed to have been able to share my writing and my views with the visitors of this site.<br /><br />I can't place the content I write here, since they own it. But I am allowed to give you guys a heads up so you can go read my work over there. :) No pressure of course.<br /><br /><b>This weeks iPhone app articles:</b><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/5-great-yoga-apps-to-get-you-stretching/comment-page-1/#comment-2075">5 Great Yoga Apps to Get You Stretching</a></li><li><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/zombie-fields-can-you-kill-the-undead/">Zombie Fields: Can You Kill the Undead?</a></li><li><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/zombie-fields-can-you-kill-the-undead/">Documents Free: Any Businesses BFF</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/">Chrystal Mahan, Author (my author's page)</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23590382812701449122011-03-15T07:34:00.012-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.367-05:00Is Writing Your Priority?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oyzYFKg3h0Y/TXfknw5Rv-I/AAAAAAAAAWM/EvlTOzr_Sj8/s1600/Priority.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oyzYFKg3h0Y/TXfknw5Rv-I/AAAAAAAAAWM/EvlTOzr_Sj8/s400/Priority.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Thought I would add a little humor to your day!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57133151610242687362011-03-15T07:19:00.041-04:002014-09-25T18:27:19.843-04:00Kin-Kast: Fast, Easy, Private (& a cool giveaway!!)<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" scrolling="no" src="http://kinkast.com/demo-embed.html" width="400">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://kinkast.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Click here to go to kinkast.com&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It’s no secret. YouTube is overloaded. I am a fan; it does serve its purpose. You can use YouTube to share your videos privately with friends & family giving them a special URL link. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I got my first iPod Touch a few years ago there was a Facebook and YouTube share option in the picture roll. By the time I upgraded to the latest iPod Touch with video and Facetime, then migrated to the iPhone, I figured out how to transfer them off my iPhone and put them on my computer. What can I say, I am technically challenged. Sadly, the share on Facebook option is gone from photos and videos.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In order for me to get videos to YouTube I have to first, record. Then, go in to the Photo Roll, find my video and send it to YouTube. Depending on the size of the video depends on how long I have to wait. While the video is loading I have to fill in a title, description, tag it, and categorize it before I can finish. My YouTube is linked to Twitter and Facebook so once my video is done it is posted on those accounts.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep the hard copy on my external hard drive, a backup is placed on Photobucket through their app and then there is the copy that is on YouTube. I would rather be safe than sorry.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, if you got tired just reading this, imagine how I feel doing it!<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s why when I was offered the chance to review <a href="http://www.kinkast.com/">Kin-Kast</a>, I couldn’t wait. The timing could not be more perfect as I received the invitation the day before <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/weekend-getaway.html">Big M and I were about to head out on our mini spa vacation. </a><o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I downloaded the app on to my phone. Set up my account on the web, and I was off and running. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I used Kin-Kast to record 3 videos that weekend. I was having so much fun that I really did not take the time to record much.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What I liked: <o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">I can email the videos which are stored on Kin-Kast.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">I can share the videos on Facebook.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Kin-Kast is an “all-in-one” type app. I don’t have to go from program to program to get a video loaded.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">A video will load to your internet account in the background. No long wait! <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">It’s quick and easy for iPhone video sharing.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">I can trim (edit) videos within the app.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">I don’t have to provide descriptions, titles or anything else before uploading.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">My data is safe and secure; no one sees it unless I want them to.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">You can upload videos from other cameras to the website.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Basic account is free. For someone who does not take a lot of videos, or has to keep them online for any length of time, this is a great option. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">The icon is super cute!</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Akc7VwWfZ6A/TX6E1OrjiJI/AAAAAAAAAXo/sfdLR0cjJhk/s1600/iTunes-Badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Akc7VwWfZ6A/TX6E1OrjiJI/AAAAAAAAAXo/sfdLR0cjJhk/s320/iTunes-Badge.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What I did not like: <o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">I can’t instantly take the videos off my phone and put them on my external hard drive. Maybe I missed something, but I “tapped” everything that was available to me. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">There is no twitter option within the app.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">I did not put the app on the front page. This of course is my own fault. I am so used to using the built in camera option it was hard for me to tap another app. From what I can tell I have to log in on the website to download from there. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">The free account only hosts videos for a month.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">A premium account is $5 a month.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry folks granted this app is cool and a great time saver, I just don’t see myself paying $5 a month for its use. I’m frugal. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Would you like to decide for yourself?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am giving away to one lucky reading a free, one year Premium membership so you can test it out for yourself.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is what you have to do:<o:p></o:p><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Mandatory Entry:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"><br />Follow me here on Self Employed Writer, either through Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Extra Entries:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"><br />1.) Become a follower of <a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/">The Tax Queen</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">2.) Become of follower of <a href="http://www.eringobraugh.com/">Ireland Forever</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">3.) Become a follower of <a href="http://www.thesewordsmylife.com/">These Words, My Life<o:p></o:p></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">4.) Like<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Self-Employed-Writer/143287295698231"> Self Employed Writer on Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">5.) Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Go-Braugh-com/155997877791719">Ireland Forever on Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">6.) Like T<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tax-Queen/151818668204975">he Tax Queen</a> on Facebook<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">7.) Follow me on Twitter – <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ChrystalMahan">ChrystalMahan</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">8.) Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/KinKast">KinKast</a> on Twitter <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">9.) Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KinKast">KinKast </a>on Facebook</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br />*please comment and let me know what you have done. Provide urls if available.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BONUS<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;">1.) Post about my giveaway on your blog and link back here. (Include url in comment)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"> I will give you 5 extra entries, please post a comment for each entry (your url)<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;">2.) Tweet a link to my blog about this entry. It must include @ChrystalMahan<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"> You can tweet daily, giving you one entry per day. Please post a comment for each with the status (url) l link.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you do not wish to enter the contest, Kin-Kast is available free of charge for a basic account.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Contest ends : March 31. Winner will be Announced April 1.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Disclosure</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> Kin-Kast </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">provided me with a Premium account free of charge, for one year in exchange for writing about my experience as a user of Kin-Kast. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14414312946753190752011-03-14T20:59:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.629-05:00We Be Big The Mostly True Story of Rick and Bubba by Rick Burgess & Bill "Bubba" Bussey<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.358.cover.jpg" alt="" src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.358.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Until this book I had no idea who “Rick and Bubba” were. I grew up in the South, I would have thought at some point or another I would have heard of them. My point of view might be a little different than those who may have been more familiar with them.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone says “God works in mysterious ways.” This story proves it to be true.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first chapter we begin to giggle as we read about Rick and his 4:30am alarm clock and how he gets ready for work. Chapter two becomes Bubba’s story. Each chapter gives us a glimpse into their life and all the paths they took to make it to where they are today. For the longest time each story is told separately, until he two meet.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">In this day and age where everything God related is being stripped from the American way of life, it is nice and refreshing to see two who have fought so hard to be where they are and share their love of God. I may not be within earshot to hear their program, but after reading this book I can tell that these are two shining stars with hearts of gold.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Rick and Bubba are not your typical radio DJ’s. They don’t make fun of people. They don’t make fun of celebrities or report shocking news stories. Instead they share real stories of real family and faith. Rick and Bubba certainly have their share of stories to tell. Some will make you laugh, others will make you cry. It was not an easy path for either to get where they are today.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When that 4:30am alarm goes off and they would rather be sleeping, they are reminded about the good they bring to people’s life. If that is not enough motivation to get up before the chickens, I don’t know what is!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</strong> I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37681306547952949102011-03-14T07:17:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.631-05:00Idea's to Overcome Writer's Block<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Every writer has been there. No matter what your age or what genre you classify your writing as, their will be (if not already) a day when nothing comes to mind. It is every writer's dreadful nightmare and it goes a little something like this:</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">blink.....blink......blink.... ..blink</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Shut up darn it</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">blink.....blink......blink.... .</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Would you stop already, I know what I am going to say.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">To finish this story:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1517352" title="View my Article at Helium.com"> <img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /> </a></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54140553183147807722011-03-14T06:21:00.037-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.477-05:00Misconceptions of Organization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h358/Catpie2/todolistlayout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h358/Catpie2/todolistlayout.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some people were born organized and then there are those of us who struggle with organizing every year at this time. It seems that it’s always at the end of the year when that little annoying bug begins nudging you to clear things up and start the new year organized.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I am someone who has a "to-do" list for my" to-do" list. </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I've read just about everybody’s directions, books, and helpful hints about getting organized (in fact, I’m thinking of writing one myself), and I've got to tell you there are some misconceptions being sent out by every organizational guru. It will be my pleasure to give you the “skinny” on that in today’s post.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Here are some misconceptions that we can all throw out:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Handle paper once</u>.</b> This is not only impossible, but in most cases it’s unrealistic. Instead of handling paper once, get in the habit of doing something with each piece of paper to move it forward. If you get some information about an upcoming seminar/book signing, for example, decide if you’ll attend or not. If you’re to attend then note the date on your calendar and sign up. If not, then toss the information immediately. If you want to wait to sign up, then make a note in your planner to respond well before the deadline and file the paper in your “to-do” file.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Always keep papers stored out of sight:</b></u> Some of us work better when their desk is clear, whereas others feel stifled if they aren't surrounded by stacks of paper. If you’re an “out of sight – out of mind” type, keep papers you use often nearby in files or stacking bins. They’ll be accessible, yet not clutter your desk. When working on a project, spread out the papers related to it, and when you’re done put them away together in one place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Everyone should be organized to the same degree.</b></u> Different people work differently. Don’t feel that you have to work the same as someone else. Find a comfortable level of being organized, and make the necessary changes to maintain that level. I usually draw that line when I’m looking for something and can’t find it; that’s when I know things need to get reorganize.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Soon we’ll be a “paperless” society.</b></u> Don’t you believe it. Experts have been saying that for years, and we won’t be paperless for a long time. It’s not technology that’s the problem, it is human nature that’s the culprit. We’re creatures of habit and used to seeing things in print rather than on a computer screen. The younger generation is now being trained on computers at an early age, so when they join the workforce, the “paperless” society will have a better chance of becoming a reality.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>One planning system should fit everyone</b>.</u> When used correctly, daily planners are an ideal way to stay organized. Keep in mind, however, they are designed by a few for many users. When buying a planner, whether paper-based or electronic, determine what you want it to do and choose a system accordingly. If you can’t find one to suit your system, design your own based on your individual needs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>You have to be born organized to be organized</b>.</u> We learn both good and bad habits at an early age. It’s possible to change any bad habit, including disorganization. Youngsters raised in an organized environment sometimes rebel as adults by being disorganized. The opposite is also true, but neither is carved in stone and behavior can be modified.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>You MUST use a “to-do” list</b>.</u> Planning day-to-day is not realistic for everyone. Someone may do the same task every week, but others find their plans changing daily. Consider your particular need, then plan by the day or the week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Being organized means being a perfectionist</b>.</u> A perfectionist may spend time on insignificant details while disregarding the big picture. When others complete a project quickly and on time, the perfectionist continues to work until the project is perfect. A perfectionist becomes more effective when he/she lowers his/her standards slightly and concentrates on ways to increase productivity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Misinformation, when taken seriously, can hinder you from doing what you want. The next time you hear one of those “Organizational Gurus” ranting one of the above misconceptions, consider its value and work to develop your own style of organizing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are all individuals after all!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3298508357108670432011-03-13T06:18:00.004-04:002011-11-11T19:27:31.537-05:00Get Your Content Published<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Test Your Idea:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">To lead to a sale, your query must convince the editor that you have a clear idea of what you plan to cover in the article, and what approach you ‘re going to take. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">So before writing the letter, think your article idea through carefully, and picture yourself describing the article to a friend.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Find Your Angle:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Finding your angle is often a matter of narrowing your topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A topic like “Sports” is far too general, narrow it to say, “Table Tennis” is better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, reducing the story to a single dimension e.g., focus on a key person, place, or event – gives a salable angle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">When your subject is popular, you must give the editor a fresh approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One way is to take an idea like “Overcoming Failure” and give it a twist to something like “Failure Can Be Good for You.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It needn’t be exotic to sell, something as mundane as “New and Improved” has worked by adding a new ingredient to the usual.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Research Helps:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">While many queries can be written entirely from your own knowledge, a little research can pay big dividends by seducing the editor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Facts sell editors on an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Editors look for queries with many specifics:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t just write that “Last year millions of people suffered from yeast infections.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell how many millions – and why!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Research both the topic and the markets you’re aiming it at. A common reason for rejection is because of inadequate knowledge of the magazine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shaping Your Raw Material:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">After you have the basics:</div><ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">the idea</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">the slant/facts, and</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">the market</li></ol></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">then you’re ready to write your query.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good query starts strong, and never lets up until the editor is sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow the two newspaper dictums; The five W’s (who, what, where, when, why) which explains the story immediately, and “the inverted pyramid” which emphasized putting the most interesting information first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll lose the editor’s interest if you save the best for last, and always remember EDITOR’S CUT FROM THE BOTTOM UP!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3 Main Sections to a Query:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Lead Paragraph<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Summary<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Author’s Bio.<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol></ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Each has a specific purpose: first, tell the editor what the story is, then why she/he should buy it, and finally who is going to write it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b>The Lead </b>– is aimed to hook the editor and make them want to continue reading.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Once you’ve aroused the editor’s attention, move directly to a summary of the article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b>Summary</b> - This section should convince the editor that you know where you want to go with the article; it should outline the points you plan to cover or provide factual information about your topic – giving only enough to prove that your story is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here you can mention your sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell the editor who’ll you’ll be talking to, and if experts are they on the cutting edge of today’s technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also include here a working title for the article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t spend a lot of time trying to get a provocative headline, because titles are often changed by the editor before publication.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b>Author’s Bi</b>o – is where you sell yourself as a writer to the editor now that you’ve sold him/her on the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be bashful; editors expect a bit of sell in the bio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I’m highly qualified to write this article because…” if a convincing reason follows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start your bio with your publishing credits, and include magazines similar to the one you’re pitching if you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18977152020762195302011-03-12T20:37:00.012-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.657-04:00Nutrisystem Review (Yes, It HAS been a while #NSNation)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">It is funny how life just keeps throwing stuff at me. I just keep moving right along at the speed of light.<br /><br />Well,<br /><br />not really.<br /><br />But it sounded cool, right?<br /><br />I am really behind in writing up a food review for <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>and for that I apologize. As I have mentioned in the past I am graduating in June. This is my last semester and I am cramming 9 classes in to get done.<br /><br />Not only that, I am<a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/03/12/im-getting-married/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/frugal-irish-wedding.html" target="_blank"> planning a wedding </a>and my date is September 10, 2011<br /><br />I was recently thrown some job stress as well.<br /><br />Google has changed the internet world with their farmer crackdown on their <a _mce_href="http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/archive/2011/02/25/what-google-s-farmer-update-means-to-your-business.aspx" href="http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/archive/2011/02/25/what-google-s-farmer-update-means-to-your-business.aspx" target="_blank">Panda Mission</a>.<br /><br />My websites are not the only places I write. I have a few of what people call “content mills” that I write for too. Some of these places were hit hard by these changes. Others, not so much. My private clients and magazines, not at all.<br /><br />I had to take some time to reevaluate my situation and go from there.<br /><br />So, I am exercising. Staying on program all week except for one meal out. I felt I followed the program guidelines for that meal pretty good. I guess the scale finally agreed with me. I went down 3.4 pounds. I will take it! Overall in 7 weeks I am in the negative with only a net loss of 3.6. My updated stats are on the <a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/weight-loss/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html" target="_blank">Nutrisystem Stat Page.</a><br /><br />It is my own fault. I am so busy that is is hard for me to plan ahead. My treadmill dying was not my fault, but instead of sitting on my butt whining about it I could have been using one of my many pieces of home exercise equipment. I think my weight loss this week was by the help of the <a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/02/28/a-day-off-and-a-little-bit-of-nsnation/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/day-offand-little-bit-of-nsnation.html" target="_blank">pedaler I bought. </a>I pedal for a little while while I catch up on a DVR show.<br /><br />Enough about that. I am going to keep pushing forward. I have nothing to lose but weight, right?<br />Let’s do a few reviews, shall we?<br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/181x135/181x135CinnBunBar.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/181x135/181x135CinnBunBar.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Cinnamon Bun Bar</strong> – When I tried the actually Cinnamon Bun, I felt cheated. I opened that little package and I kept thinking there had to be more! Although it tasted good, I think it triggered my sweet tooth and did not satisfy it. I will be staying away from that in the future. The Bar was completely different. It had all the tastes of a Cinnamon Bun, but there was more to it. I was quite surprised at the power in this little bar. This is two thumbs up and on my list to order again.<br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/181x135/181x135BluePancakes.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/181x135/181x135BluePancakes.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Blueberry Flavored Pancake Mix</strong> – Just like mom used to make. Seriously. I did not even put sugar free syrup on them. Just some spray butter. These are easy to make, too. I end up making one giant pancake instead of a couple little ones.<br /><br /><br />Obviously I have eaten more than these two items. I don’t want to make this post too long, so I am just going to pick a few and wrap this up! I know you are busy and have things to get to.<br /><br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/lunch/181x135/181x135_Wedding_Soup.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/lunch/181x135/181x135_Wedding_Soup.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Italian Style Wedding Soup </strong>– When you are on Nutrisystem, one thing you will notice is that *most* of the foods do not taste like the *real thing* and, for good reason. That real thing we like so well is what reels us in and makes us go back for more! The Italian Wedding Soup tasted so much like the real thing I could not believe it. This is a new item from Nutrisystem and I hope they keep it around for a while!<br /><br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/lunch/181x135/181x135ChickNoodSoup.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/lunch/181x135/181x135ChickNoodSoup.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Chicken Noodle Soup </strong>– It has been wet, snowy, and rainy here this week. Today I decided to sit down to a nice bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup for lunch. After opening the container, I stirred it before putting the lid back on and placing it in the microwave. When I took the plastic cap off to eat, all of my noodles were stuck together in one giant clump. I tried to stir them apart with no luck. I was bummed, that may have been an epic fail on my part. It tasted pretty good. I have another one so I will have to wait to see if that happens again.<br /><br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/181x135/181x135ChickenPenneAlfedo.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/181x135/181x135ChickenPenneAlfedo.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Penne Pasta & Chicken in Alfredo Sauce</strong> – I do have to be honest here. There are just some things that do not mesh well with my palate. I love chicken, pasta and Alfredo sauce but this did not settle well with my taste buds. In the wonderful world of diet food (as this was a problem with Wonderslim, too) that some of the items that are dehydrated and processed for shelf stability have a weird smell to me. I don’t know what it is, or why. Some people smell it, others don’t. There are some things that make me extremely nauseas smelling, some eating, some not at all. I have been pretty luck with Nutrisystem I have not had too much of a problem. It does not make the food taste bad, it just has an off smell.<br /><br /><br />This would be one of those products. It had that smell when I pealed the corner to put it in the microwave. I could not eat it. The texture and smell were just too much for me.<br /><br />I have to pass on this one.<br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dinner/181x135/181x135ThickPizza.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dinner/181x135/181x135ThickPizza.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Thick Crust Pizza</strong><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/181x135/181x135_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/181x135/181x135_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Italian Herb Flatbread Pizza</strong><br />Who doesn’t love pizza? These have to be the two best things on the menu for me along with the Beef and Chicken Patties. I love the pizza because of all the things I can do with it. The vegi choices are endless. The cheese is good, it melts nice. Good crust and great, strong, Italian seasoning in the sauce. The possibilities are endless and I see a lot more of these in my future.<br /><br /><br />As a matter of fact when I was on Nutrisystem as a teen, I had the pizza twice a week. Back then they did not have all the options they had now, but the pizza is just as yummy!<br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dessert/181x135/181x135PeppCookPatti.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dessert/181x135/181x135PeppCookPatti.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Peppermint Cookie Patty</strong> – This was a nice surprise. I was expecting a York style peppermint patty. This was even better. In side hides cookie pieces. It’s a mint! No, it’s a cookie! It’s both and it’s wonderful!<br /><br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dessert/181x135/181x135PBCook.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dessert/181x135/181x135PBCook.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Peanut Butter Cookie </strong>– Me + this cookie = very happy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; 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padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong>Disclosure:</strong> <a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/saturdays-new-weigh-in-day-and-i-have.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/saturdays-new-weigh-in-day-and-i-have.html#" id="KonaLink5" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; 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All opinions are 100% mine </span><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">and my results may differ from others.</span></span></span><span _mce_style="color: black; 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font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; 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outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Would you like to lose weight and <span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; 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font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">healthy</span></span> on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" _mce_style="border-bottom-color: #cccccc; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #9900ff; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #9900ff; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Nutrisystem</a> today or call 888-853-4689.</span></span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1597298507368871222011-03-12T07:12:00.003-05:002014-07-29T14:42:59.867-04:00About the Child Tax Credit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2v5e7KE6szM/U9fpNxqopFI/AAAAAAAASCY/yfb_uiTktW4/s1600/child+tax+credits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2v5e7KE6szM/U9fpNxqopFI/AAAAAAAASCY/yfb_uiTktW4/s1600/child+tax+credits.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><b>About the Child Tax Credit</b><br /><br />More information can be found at the<a href="http://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank"> Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website </a> and search for Publication 972 Child Tax Credit.<br /><br /><b><u>Overview:</u></b><br /><br />As taxes rise along with the cost of living, raising a family in the new millennium was almost impossible. Many people were putting off having families and others were stopping at one. The government stepped in with The Child Tax Credit to those who have a "qualifying child." The maximum amount given for The Child Tax Credit is up to $1000 per qualifying child. The CTC is there to help those who are trying to raise a family and lessen their income tax liability. The credit will reduce your taxable income, which will lesson your tax liability. The CTC is an ideal credit for low income families. This in turn, could mean a bigger refund!<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b><u>History:</u></b><br /><br />The Child Tax Credit was first enacted in 2001 and has gone through many changes to date. In 2001 the CTC was non-refundable and the amount was $500. This meant it would not be included in the refund if it made the tax liability, zero. The rule was only set forth for those who had 1-2 qualifying children.<br /><br />After the 2001 tax year, a new law was passed doubling the amount to $1000 and this amount will stay in effect until the year 2010.<br /><br />Now there are no limits on the amount of children one can have, but there are limits on Adjusted Gross Income. Those who are married filing jointly the CTC will phase out* at $110,000; for married filing separately the phase out starts at $55,000; and for those who are single, head of household or a qualifying widower the phase out will start at $75,000.<br /><br />*Phasing out for tax purposes means the income limit when your tax credit needs to start being reduced.<br /><br /><b><u>The Facts:</u></b><br /><br /><b>Qualifying Child:</b><br /><br /><u>A qualifying child is defined as:</u><br />Your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them (for example, your grandchild, niece, or nephew), one who was under age 17 at the end of the tax year, one who did not provide over half of his or her own support for the tax year, one who lived with you for more than half of the tax year and one who was a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a U.S. resident alien. <a href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p972/ar02.html" target="_blank">Information on IRS website. </a><br /><br /><b><u>More Facts:</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b><u>Adopted child:</u><br />An adopted child will be treated as your own child. An adopted child includes that child which was lawfully placed with you for legal adoption.<br /><br />Exceptions to time lived with you (a child was born or died in the tax year). A child is considered to have lived with you for all of the tax year if the child was born or died in the tax year and your home was this child's home for the entire time he or she was alive.<br /><br />Temporary absences by you or the child for special circumstances, such as school, vacation, business, medical care, military service, or detention in a juvenile facility, count as time the child lived with you.<br /><br />The IRS also has exceptions and rules regarding kidnapped children and those who are of divorced or separated parents.<br /><br /><u>Qualifying child of more than one person</u>. A special rule applies if your qualifying child is the qualifying child of more than one person. The IRS also has a <a href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p972/ar02.html" target="_blank">set of tiebreaker rules</a> if there are any issues regarding who gets to claim the child for tax purposes.<br /><br /><b><u>Benefits:</u></b><br /><br />If your family claims The Child Tax Credit, you may be able to reduce the federal income tax you owe by up to $1,000 for each qualifying child under the age of 17. <a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,id=106182,00.html%22%3Ehttp://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,id=106182,00.html" target="_blank">This is a credit and not a deduction</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>Instructions:</u></b><br /><br /><u>Claiming the Credit</u><br />In order to claim The Child Tax Credit, you must file Form 1040, Form 1040A, or Form 1040NR. A family must have Earned Income. You cannot claim the child tax credit on Form 1040EZ or Form 1040NR-EZ. You cannot claim the credit if you did not have any earned income. Each child must have an identification number, such as a social security number in order to file.<br /><br /><b><u>References:</u></b><br /><br />"<a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,id=106182,00.html" target="_blank">Can You Claim the Child Tax Credit?</a>" Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved June 1, 2009<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.results.org/website/article.asp?id=381" target="_blank">The Child Tax Credit</a>." The Power to End Hunger: Results. Retrieved June 1, 2009<br /><br />The Child Tax Credit. <a href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p972/ar02.html" target="_blank">Publication 972</a>. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved June 1, 2009<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.760000228881836px; white-space: pre-line;">(C)C.M. - This article was originally published on </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.760000228881836px; white-space: pre-line;" target="_blank">Helium, which has closed</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.760000228881836px; white-space: pre-line;">. Article is no longer published online and has now found its new home here.</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.760000228881836px; margin-bottom: 0.625em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15187789607254228322011-03-12T07:06:00.042-05:002011-11-11T19:27:31.642-05:00Steps to Staying Motivated as a Writer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/mrsmarab/inspiration%20and%20motivation/1264-08-16-2010.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/mrsmarab/inspiration%20and%20motivation/1264-08-16-2010.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1564147754&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Motivating yourself to write, should not be something you do only when the spirit moves you. It’s an ongoing process that should include every facet of your writing life.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This means your mental attitude, physical well-being and appearance, home office atmosphere, your interaction with others (clients and "co-workers"), and your off-the-job environment.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Motivational experts get paid big bucks to tell professionals, striving for success, that they must constantly examine these factors. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>How do you do that?</b><b> </b> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Follow these five tips and watch the changes begin.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></span><u><b>Maintain a Positive Attitude –</b></u> Let’s realize that life is only 10% of what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. We’re responsible for our own actions and attitudes, and changing them when appropriate. When you’re around people/things that are uplifting and positive, you feel that way. You have more confidence in yourself, and know you can change whatever needs changing. If you can make your home office space such a place you’ll find happier feelings and higher production. You might even find yourself rolling out of bed and walking down the hall to work!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></span><u><b>Leave Personal Troubles At the Door -</b></u> Everyone has problems, but they don’t belong in your home office. Turn your attention and energy entirely to your on-the-job tasks. This will actually be good for you because you’ll get a mental break from your troubles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></span><u><b>Create Positive Affirmations -</b></u> The reason for writing goals for your writing business is the same as creating positive affirmations on paper. What your eyes see and ears hear, your mind will believe. Try it! After you’ve written them down, read them aloud to yourself – and do it every morning when you get into your office. You’ll be amazed at what happens. Come up with a set of new ones every month. Statements such as, “I’m an important and valuable person,” or “I know I’ll make good use of my time today.” Repeating them out loud everyday at a set time will help reinforce positive actions.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></o:p></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></span><u><b>Make Sure Break Times Are Really Break Times -</b></u> This is an area where most writers fall down. You become so intense about the content you’re working on that you don’t ease up. You’ll get a cup of coffee and that can lead you right up to quitting time. Regularly adhering to a specified break schedule releases the tension. Since we work on a computer this is even a greater problem because before you realize it – you’ve been working in that same position for hours. The best answer to this is to set yourself a reminder on your appointment calendar for every 2 hours, and let the computer reminder chime send you the alert to move around.<u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></o:p></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></span><u>Exercise, Exercise, Exercise -</u> I know that lately it seems that “exercise” is the cure-all to every physical ailment or your love life, but despite that there is some truth to that ugly word. By “exercise” I don’t mean that you should go out and join a gym and spend your lunch-time, 3-days-a-week there working out. What is really beneficial and workable is that at those chiming alerts from your computer, get up and walk around your desk or room. Maybe go outside and get the mail and enjoy the sunlight (if you’re an entrepreneur that has a home office), or just get up and do a few stretches. Concentrated, tense thinking – typing - plotting plans - or whatever your work, makes all those muscles tighten up and knot up. Then when we move we “ooh” and “ouch” because we’ve knotted up into a ball of tension. Periodic stretching, even at our desk, or just getting up and walking over to the window and getting a different view can help. One of the greatest disservice modern business décor has done to us, is making our offices pristine, sleek, unencumbered spaces. There is nothing more relaxing than getting up from your desk and walking over to a peaceful, serene, seascape or pastoral painting and just drinking it in visually. Momentarily transporting your mind out of work and into that place does wonders. A few good paintings and less shiny chrome in offices would benefit us all.<u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">I use<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2040783-exercise"> Break Pal </a>to help me with #4 and #5. I set it to go off every 30 minutes or so depending on my day. Not only do I get a break, but I get some exercise in as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It only takes a little concentrated effort on our part to keep motivated and productive, which leads to success. I know you’re going to hate hearing this, but it’s true anyway – and that is, “WHEN LIFE GIVES YOUR LEMONS – MAKE LEMONADE!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87683994037627914012011-03-11T08:31:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:31.730-05:00Tax Advantages of a Home Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D4S0AvBbEl0/TXe-ZKfM3WI/AAAAAAAAAWE/5e0FZvpoBr4/s1600/Boss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D4S0AvBbEl0/TXe-ZKfM3WI/AAAAAAAAAWE/5e0FZvpoBr4/s1600/Boss.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Tax deductions</b>, which were once one of the beauties of engaging in a home business, are not what they once were. To be eligible for business related deductions today, you must use that part of your home claimed EXCLUSIVELY AND REGULARLY as either the principal location of your business, or place reserved to meet patients, clients or customers.<br /><br /><br /><b>An interesting case in point:</b> if you use your den or a spare bedroom as the principal place of business, working there from 8:00 to 5:00 every day, but permit your children to watch TV in that room during evening hours, the IRS dictates that you cannot claim a deduction for that room as your office or place of business.<br /><br /><br /><b>There are, however, a couple of exceptions to the "exclusive use" rule</b>. One is the storage on inventory in your home, where your home is the location of your trade or business, and your trade or business is the selling of products at retail or wholesale. According to the IRS, such storage space must be used on a regular basis, and be separately identifiable space.<br /><br /><br />Another exception applies to daycare services that are provided for children, the elderly, or physically or mentally handicapped. This exception applies only if the owner of the facility complies<br />with the state laws for licensing.<br /><br /><br /><b>To be eligible for business deductions</b>, your business must be an activity undertaken with the intent of making profit. It's presumed you meet this requirement if your business makes a profit in any two years of a five-year period.<br /><br /><br /><b>Once you are this far along</b>, you can deduct business expenses such as supplies, subscriptions to professional journals, and an allowance for the business use of your car or truck. You can also claim deductions for home related business expenses such as utilities, and in some cases, even a new paint job for your home.<br /><br /><br /><b>The IRS is going to treat the part of your home you use for business as though it were a separate piece of property. </b>This means that you'll have to keep good records and take care not to mix business and personal matters. No specific method of record keeping is required, but your records must clearly justify and<br />deductions you claim.<br /><br /><br /><b>You can begin by calculating what percentage of the house is used for business</b>, either by number of rooms or by area in square footage. Thus, if you use one of the five rooms for your business, the business portion is 20 percent. If you run your business out of a room that's 10 by 12 feet, and the total area of your home is 1,200 square feet, the business space factor is 10 percent.<br /><br /><br />An extra computation is required if your business is a home day care center. This is one of the exempted activities in which the exclusive use rule doesn't apply. Check with your tax preparer and the IRS for an exact determination.<br /><br /><br />If you're a renter, you can deduct the part of your rent which is attributable to the business share of your house or apartment. Homeowners can take a deduction based on the depreciation of the business portion of their house.<br /><br /><br /><b>There is a limit to the amount you can deduct. </b>This is the amount equal to the gross income generated by the business, minus those home expenses you could deduct even if you weren't operating a business from your home. As an example, real estate taxes and mortgage interest are deductible regardless of any business<br />activity in your home, so you must subtract from your business gross income the percentage that's allocable to the business portion of your home. You thus arrive at the maximum amount for home-related business deductions.<br /><br /><br /><b>If you are self-employed, you claim your business deductions on Schedule C Profit or Loss for a Business</b>.The IRS emphasizes that claiming business-at-home deductions does not automatically trigger an audit on your tax return. Even so, it is always wise to keep meticulously within the proper guidelines, and of course keep detailed records if you claim business related expenses when you are working out of your home. You should discuss this aspect of your operation with your tax preparer or a person qualified in the field of small business tax requirements.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>If your business earnings aren't subject to withholding tax</b>, and your estimated federal taxes are $100 or more, you'll probably be filing a Declaration of Estimated Tax, Form 1040 ES. To complete this form, you will have to estimate your income for the coming year and also make a computation of the income tax and<br />self-employed tax you will owe.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>The self-employment taxes pay for Social Security coverage</b>. If you have a salaried job covered by Social Security, the self-employment tax applies only to that amount of your home business income that, when added to your salary, reaches the current ceiling. When you file your Form 1040-ES, which is due April 15, you must make the first of four equal installment payments on your estimated tax bill.<br /><br /><br />Another good way to trim taxes is by setting up a Keogh plan or an Individual Retirement Account. With either of these, you can shelter some of your home business income from taxes by investing it for your retirement.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34056598653232368962011-03-11T08:30:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:31.752-05:00Finding Your Niche<div class="MsoNormal">When you are considering freelance writing, you want to make sure you find the right topic. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>What do you want to do? </li><li>Are you going to sell something? </li><li>What is your passion? </li><li>What subject or topic do you have a lot of knowledge about?</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me start by telling you that selling an information product online is easier than selling a service. But, selling a service online makes more money with monthly memberships. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before you spend all your time working on a website and writing up eBooks, you want to be sure that your customers are going to be interested in what you are selling. Do your market research. Start by seeing how many competitors you have -this is a good sign. Read through newsgroups, discussion boards, and chat rooms and learn about your target market customer base. If you already have an email list, send them a survey to see what they are most interested in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most internet marketers preach that there are three reasons why a customer will want to buy your product. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Your product has solved a problem for your customer. </li><li>Your product has made life easier or more comfortable for your customer. </li><li>You are very passionate about your product and it shows in everything you do.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">When researching your niche, you may want to use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">www.Amazon.com</a> and find the current top sellers. Find out what people are reading about. You will want to research keywords with keyword tools such as <a href="http://www.wordtracker.com/">www.wordtracker.com</a>. You need to discover which keywords are being searched for frequently. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Doing a little poking around your competitors sites isn’t a bad idea.</b> This is one way to come up with ideas on what would make your company different or better. Take a look at their traffic rankings and their related links. By analyzing this information, you can see how many visitors they have each day and how profitable their company is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Once you find your passion, ask yourself does this serve my customers(if you are writing - your readers).</b> You want to provide an excellent service to each and every person that spends their money with you. This cuts down on complaints and bad press.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88753705865004454952011-03-10T10:30:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:31.809-05:00Record Keeping,Taxes and Accounting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h_YKf4AkTGs/TXeiqx-qnYI/AAAAAAAAAWA/v8qOQfUJVVY/s1600/Chbk1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h_YKf4AkTGs/TXeiqx-qnYI/AAAAAAAAAWA/v8qOQfUJVVY/s320/Chbk1c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>If you have a checking account, of course you balance it periodically to account for any differences between what's in your statement and what you wrote down for checks and deposits</b>. Many people do it once a month when their statement is mailed to them, but with the advent of online banking, you can do it daily if you're the sort whose banking tends to get away from them.<br /><br /><br /><b>As an accountant and a tax preparer I tell my clients to keep track of everything!</b> I know in this day and age with debit cards and online banking many have strayed away from keeping a checkbook register. And that is a shame. Not only does it reduce waste by using a smaller amount of paper, it is much easier to keep track of your deductions and expenses.<br /><br /><br /><b>With paper statements</b>, if you keep them, you will have to look through pages and pages to find your deductions and expenses. With e-statements you do the same thing, unless you print them. Either way you have a large amount of paper.<br /><br /><br /><b>Keeping accurate records</b> in a register saves time, and storage space. I keep these handy with my tax returns in case their is ever an audit.<br /><br /><br /><b>Balance your checkboo</b>k ( I do mine weekly) to note any charges in your checking account that you haven't recorded in your checkbook. Some of these can include ATM fees, overdraft fees, special transaction fees or low balance fees, if you're required to keep a minimum balance in your account.<br /><br /><br />You also balance your checkbook to record any credits that you haven't noted previously. They might include automatic deposits, or refunds or other electronic deposits. Your checking account might be an interest-bearing account and you want to record any interest that it's earned.<br /><br /><br />You also need to discover if you've made any errors in your recordkeeping or if the bank has made any errors. <br /><br />Be sure to use the space provided in your register to note what the credit or debit is. Label it if it is fuel, food, medical, supplies, or any other deduction or expense you need to keep track of.<br /><br /><br />We all dread is the filing of annual federal income tax returns. But with adequate records, you really have nothing to fear.<br /><br /><br />Many people use a CPA to do their returns; others do it themselves. <b>Most forms include the following items:</b><br /><br /><b>Income</b> - any money you've earned from working or owning assets, unless there are specific exemptions from income tax. This will also include self-employment.<br /><br /><br /><b>Personal exemptions</b> - this is a certain amount of income that is excused from tax.<br /><br /><br /><b>Standard deduction </b>- some personal expenditures or business expenses can be deducted from your income to reduce the taxable amount of income. These expenses include items such as interest paid on your home mortgage, charitable contributions and property taxes. These items are itemized on Schedule A.<br /><br /><br /><b>Taxable income</b> - This is the balance of income that's subject to taxes after personal exemptions and deductions are factored in.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62807389425144640492011-03-10T06:28:00.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:31.833-05:00Legalities When Working from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-elW9RLFM3kw/TXe_VpnDJlI/AAAAAAAAAWI/M2Dkk2FTBBc/s1600/homebusiness1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-elW9RLFM3kw/TXe_VpnDJlI/AAAAAAAAAWI/M2Dkk2FTBBc/s320/homebusiness1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Every year, several thousand people develop an interest in "going into business." Many of these people have an idea, a product or a service they hope to promote into an income producing business which they can operate from their homes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you are one of these people, here are some practical thoughts to consider before hanging out the "Open for Business" sign.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>In areas zoned "Residential Only," your proposed business could be illega</b>l. In many areas, zoning restrictions rule out home businesses involving the coming and going of many customers,clients or employees. Many businesses that sell or even store anything for sale on the premises also fall into this category.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Be sure to check with your local zoning office to see how the ordinances in your particular area may affect your business plans.</b> You may need a special permit to operate your business from your home; and you may find that making small changes in your plan will put you into the position of meeting zoning</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">standards.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Many communities grant home occupation permits</b> for businesses involve typing, sewing, and teaching, but turn thumbs down on requests from photographers, interior decorators and home improvement businesses to be run from the home. And often, even if you are permitted to use your home for a given business, there</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">will be restrictions that you may need to take into consideration. By all means, work with your zoning people, and save yourself time, trouble and dollars.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">One of the requirements imposed might be off street parking for your customers or patrons. And, signs are generally forbidden in residential districts. If you teach, there is almost always a limit on the number of students you may have at any one time.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Obtaining zoning approval for your business, then, could be as simple as filling out an application, or it could involve a public hearing. The important points the zoning officials will consider will center around how your business will affect the neighborhood. Will it increase the traffic noticeably on your street? Will there be a substantial increase in noise? And how will your neighbors feel about this business alongside their</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">homes?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>To repea</b>t, check into the zoning restrictions, and then check again to determine if you will need a city license. If you're selling something, you may need a vendor's license, and be required to collect sales taxes on your transactions. The sale tax requirement would result in the need for careful record keeping.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Licensing can be an involved proces</b>s, and depending upon the type of business, it could even involve the inspection of your home to determine if it meets with local health and building and fire codes. Should this be the case, you will need to bring your facilities up to the local standards. Usually this will involve some simple repairs or adjustments that you can either do personally, or hire out to a handyman at a nominal cost.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Still more items to consider: </b>Will your homeowner's insurance cover the property and liability in your new business? This must definitely be resolved, so be sure to talk it over with your insurance agent.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89147262628825191882011-03-09T09:35:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:31.888-05:00Sorry, No Pets Allowed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uaEXmjvLHG4/TXbG2LeZ7CI/AAAAAAAAAV4/v_Mp2kZ4olM/s1600/cica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uaEXmjvLHG4/TXbG2LeZ7CI/AAAAAAAAAV4/v_Mp2kZ4olM/s320/cica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Every tax season I have been asked one simple question repeatedly. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>What about our pets? Isn’t there any sort of deduction for them?</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Food?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Toys?</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Houses?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fenced in yard?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">What about veterinary care? That’s medical, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a pet owner, I wish I could tell you the answer was YES!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But sadly, when it comes to the IRS there is a <b>“no pet’s allowed”</b> policy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unless…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, there is a catch.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>That pet has to be your business.</b> Although, it would not really be your pet at that point, unless its the mom or dad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For example, you breed full breeds, then the cost of that business, which could include food and supplies could be treated as a business expense. Veterinary costs would be an expense, too. This is also true for those that might breed another animal such as horses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The other pet option is for those who need a companion animal.</b> A companion animal would be necessary for those who have certain medical conditions. An example would be a guide—dog or other animal to be used by visually-impaired, hearing-impaired or other physical disability. This is a Medical Deduction that must be itemized on a Schedule A.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24324984563538637672011-03-09T07:22:00.020-05:002012-09-07T17:13:45.858-04:00Organizing Your Time When You Work from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VuHOhjn9s1o/TXbJT98AWII/AAAAAAAAAV8/gJKMGvEIF-U/s1600/maxineorganize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VuHOhjn9s1o/TXbJT98AWII/AAAAAAAAAV8/gJKMGvEIF-U/s320/maxineorganize.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Almost everyone needs or wants more money coming in</b>, and with this desire most would like to start some sort of extra income producing project. The trouble is, not many of these people seem able to fit "a second job" into their time schedules.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It's true that most people are busy, but extra time for some sort of home-based extra income producing project can almost always be found.</b> It may mean giving up or changing a few of your favorite pastimes--such as having a couple of beers with the guys or watching TV--but if you score big with your extra income project, you will have all the time you want for doing whatever you what to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>If you are like me</b>, and working from home as a full time career, organizing can be even more of a nightmare. Client lists, who gets what, where and when? I find it difficult to keep up with at times and it is easy to get overwhelmed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Efficient time management boils down to planning what you're going to do, and then doing it without backtracking.</b> Start by making a to- list of the things you want to do tomorrow, each evening before you go to bed. Schedule your trips to the store or other tasks to coincide with the other things you have to do. If you are working outside the home, plan your trips when you are on your way to or from your other job. For those working from home full time, try to plan as many trips at once. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Whatever chores you have to do at home, set aside a specific time to do them, and a specific amount of time to devote to them. </b>For instance, just one hour a day devoted to yard work would probably make your property the envy of all your neighbors. Don't try to do a week's work in one big flurry. Whether it's painting your house, fixing leaky faucets, or mowing your lawn and trimming your shrubs, do a part of it, or one particular job each day, and you'll be amazed at your progress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Don’t fall in to the trap many of us have.</b> People think just because you work from home that you should be able to do all of the household chores. It just is not possible. Delegate anything you can, if necessary. Break larger jobs down in to smaller ones. In that past I would try to tackle the entire kitchen. I found it would take time away from working at home, and my clients started to suffer. Now, I will do floors one day, dust another, and so on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Take care of all your mail the day, you receive it.</b> Don't let those bills and letters pile up on you. If you're unable to pay a bill immediately, file it in a special place that's visible, and note on the envelope the date you intend to pay it. Answer your letters the same day you get them. If you are Excel savvy, you can always make a spreadsheet. This will help with your work from home business taxes at the end of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Once you start listing and planning what to do, and then carryout your plans, you'll find plenty of "extra time" for handling virtually any kind of home-based income producing project.</b> People in general may not like routines or schedules, but without some sort of plan as to what is supposed to be done, the world would be mired in mass confusion. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The secret of all financially successful people is simply that they are organized and do not waste time. </b>Think about it. Review your own activities, and then see if you can't find a couple of extra hours in each day for more constructive accomplishments.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Do what has to be done immediately.</b> Don't try to get done in a hour something that's realistically going to take a week. Plan out on paper what you have to do--what you want to do--and when you are going to do it. Then get right on each project without procrastination.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Finally, and above all else, when you're organizing your time and your business, be sure to set aside some time for relaxation.</b> Be sure to schedule time when you and your spouse/ family/friends can be together. You must not involve yourself to an extent that you exclude other people--particularly your loved ones--from your life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Taking stock of the time you waste each day, and from there, reorganizing your activities is what it's all about.</b> It’s a matter of becoming more efficient in the use of your time. It's really easy to do, and you will not only accomplish a lot more, you will also find greater fulfillment in your life.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20390145616819357832011-03-07T09:01:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:32.031-05:00How to Use Video Effectively in Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" /></a></div><br />Social media. What is it and why do we need it?<br /><br />At some point in a writers career there comes a time where basic advertising just isn't going to cut it. In the day of the electronic world we have eBook writers making more money that traditional published on paper writers. In order to do this they had to learn to use social media , networking and advertising effectively.<br /><br />Using video is just one of those methods.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 26px; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/how_to_use_video_effectively_in_social_media">How to Use Video Effectively in Social Media</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20302835423020106652011-03-06T06:34:00.010-05:002011-11-11T19:27:32.069-05:00My 1st Published Piece with iPhoneAppsCafeI don't remember if I told you guys or not. While I was on problogger.com I found a blogging position for iPhone users/writers. I have been an iPod user for years, eventually getting an iPod Touch and as soon as Verizon hooked up with Apple to bring us the iPhone on their network, I hit the ground running!<br /><br />I love it. It's my new BFF!<br /><br />I was really excited to join the team.<a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/super-friends-embarras-and-entertain-your-friends/"> My first review</a> was turned in last week. Yesterday was my first Top 10.<br /><br />I would love for you all to hop on over there and check it out!!!!<br /><br /><br /><h1 class="entry-title" style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 2.4em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.286em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/10-best-iphone-apps-for-facebook/">10 Best iPhone Apps for Facebook</a></h1>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82168951624245087012011-03-05T19:45:00.002-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.998-04:00Saturday's the New Weigh In Day and I Have Good News (#NSNation)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/02/28/a-day-off-and-a-little-bit-of-nsnation/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/day-offand-little-bit-of-nsnation.html" target="_blank">Last Monday I took the day off and decided to treat myself.</a><br />I purchased:<br /><br /><ul><li>DVD Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds w/stretchie (all mine are on VHS and it broke!)</li><li><a _mce_href="http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_080V002985274000P?vName=Fitness+%26+Sports&cName=Exercise+Cycles&sName=Upright+Cycles" href="http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_080V002985274000P?vName=Fitness+%26+Sports&cName=Exercise+Cycles&sName=Upright+Cycles">Pedal Exerciser</a> (no place to put an exercise bike, this is perfect size)</li><li>3 new sports bras</li><li>1 new pair of New Balance Running shoes</li><li>2 pairs of Under Armor sweat proof workout socks</li><li>2 new pairs of workout shorts</li></ul><div>I was really excited as everything was on SALE! Bonus!</div><br /><div>I also ordered a new treadmill to replace my one that died. I had her for 10 years. It was going to cost more to fix her than it would for me to buy a new one. It should be delivered by Wednesday.</div><br /><div>This week I started pedaling. Not a lot. In the morning after Big M left for work and I still had a show to watch off the DVR I would pedal while I watched. Another time I took a study break and read a magazine.</div><br /><div>I guess that little bit of movement helped.</div><br /><div>I changed my weigh in day to Saturday. So, today I am down 2.4 pounds. There goes part of the gain of the original pounds lost.</div><br /><div>I am pretty excited.</div><br /><div>As it stands our <a _mce_href="http://www.myregistry.com/public/Chrystal-Mahan-Matt-McConnell" href="http://www.myregistry.com/public/Chrystal-Mahan-Matt-McConnell" target="_blank">wedding date</a> has been set for September 10.</div><br /><div>My original goal was to lose 50 by June 26, the day I finally get to see U2. I don't see that happening, but I would like to have a good amount of weight loss by then.</div><br /><div><a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/weight-loss/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html" target="_blank">Check out my stats!!!!</a> I made a page here just for my <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> stats.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;"><strong>Disclosure:</strong> Nutrisystem is providing their NutriSystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine </span><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">and my results may differ from others.</span></span></span><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> today or call 888-853-4689.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72157823316042298052011-03-05T13:09:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:32.151-05:00Gamblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n223/kvigneault/p48-9-jackpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n223/kvigneault/p48-9-jackpot.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">In the past two days we have talked about various forms of income:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li> Freebies and what to do with them </li><li> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_632029589"> </a>Prize winnings </li></ul><div><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I purposely left out gambling because it is treated a little differently when you have gains and losses.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gamble Winnings<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gamble winnings are defined as proceeds from wagers including events sponsored by charities and comps from casinos. The amount won is fully taxable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gamble Losses<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gambling losses are deductable on Schedule A, but only to the extent of the gambling income (winnings).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>For example,</b> you put $5 in the casino machine. From that you win nothing. You put in another $5, you end up winning $5000. You have to claim the winnings of $5000 as income and you can itemize the loss of $10 on Schedule A as Miscellaneous Deductions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Transportation, meals and lodging expenses are <b>not deductable</b> for nonprofessional gamblers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Adequate records must be kept to support wins and losses. It is in your best interest to keep a log of you activities that include date, location, and wager amount, type of gambling, wins and losses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Also include the following:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Bingo- the number of games and ticket costs</li><li>Horse/dog races – record races and wagers</li><li>Keno- keep copies of the tickets and the casino credit report</li><li>Lottery – keep the tickets purchased; keep payment slips and unredeemed tickets</li><li>Slot machines – not the time, date, machine played, and machine number</li><li>Table games – record the table number</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For more information visit the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108277,00.html">IRS Website</a> or you are always welcome to contact me info@thetaxqueen.com</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56325984664618248452011-03-05T07:39:00.009-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.837-04:00More About Webs<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/if-you-build-it-they-will-come.html">Yesterday we talked a little bit about Webs,</a> a free to premium all-in-one website and host provider. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted to take a moment to give my readers some of the goodies they offer, pricing, and a little bit of a review.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">More about Webs<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Easy to Build<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Webs offers the WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interface that makes adding new content, pictures, and blog posts a snap. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">The 300 plus templates can be fully customized to fit your needs and personality.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Website Building Tools<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">E-Commerce<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Domain Names<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">SEO Marketing<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Social Networking<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Analytics<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Photos and Videos<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Blogs and Forums<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Applications<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Customer Support<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Website Rings<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Applications<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Daily calendar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Arcade games<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Etsy store<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Twitter<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Facebook<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CafePress Shop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Meebo IM<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AllStar Experts<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Guest Books<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Donations<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">and more!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">There is also a Work from Home Projects app for those who outsource<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tracking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clicky Web Analytics<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Google Webmaster Tools<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Free Accounts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Free accounts have limitations, which seem to be the industry standard. The most notable is the advertisement placed on your websites header. Personally, I do not feel it really interferes anymore on my website that the Adsense ads I have on my other websites. For $14.95 a year, I could opt to having the ads removed. Another potential drawback is that your website will not be hosted on your own domain, but rather as a sub-domain at Webs.com. Another downfall for some would be the amount of space for videos, photos, and items that can be placed in the web store.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Paid Accounts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The paid accounts have everything the free account has, and then some. There is also more storage. There is a potential problem that could arise. If you plan on hosting a lot of videos your limitations are based upon the number of minutes rather than the size. However, the Pro account is still very affordable and gets rid of these types of restrictions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Review</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Overall, Webs.com delivers on its promises. The website creation process couldn’t be much easier and the free account offers a lot more features than most other free providers. The paid accounts seem to stack up pretty well against competition in terms of features and overall flexibility. Everything has its pros and cons. Make sure to stick with a host and website provider that offers you what you are seeking. Personally, I feel if you need a free service to get you started, this would be a great choice if you are going to sell a product. All their accounts are Adsense supported, but you have to place the ads on the site yourself. If you have the money, then by all means pay for self hosting and build your website that way. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe tomorrow(or Monday) I’ll write up a review on <a href="http://affiliate.weebly.com/scripts/click.php?aid=4d71173223320&cid=d4aceefd">Weebly</a>. It’s a pretty fun site too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62641203886229404032011-03-04T12:39:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:32.240-05:00If You Build It, They Will Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JYLKmEvdCvc/TXEe0MYiEcI/AAAAAAAAAU4/-TfC9vIGL6Q/s1600/BUILDER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JYLKmEvdCvc/TXEe0MYiEcI/AAAAAAAAAU4/-TfC9vIGL6Q/s320/BUILDER.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Almost everyone seems to have a website today.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span>Maybe you've tossed around the idea of setting one up yourself.<span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">If you are like me, you hesitate and question it. You think it might be a little <i>too hard</i> to design a website and find a suitable host.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">It could be you don’t have any upfront money, or you do not want to build a website to make money.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Maybe you just aren't sure what you should put on it</b>. What do people actually use personal webpage’s for anyway? You’d be surprised at how versatile personal webpages can be. More and more users are creating websites that cater to their interests, opinions, hobbies, personal life, professional life, and businesses every day. If you could get one up and running in as little as five minutes, would that peek your interest? What if you could get started with no money and still get a beautiful website and hosting?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now, I am sure you are going to question this. What if your website needs more space or your business is growing and you need more option? There is still <b>no</b> need to hesitate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thanks to <b><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034681959&pubid=21000000000320849">Webs </a></b><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">(formerly Freewebs)</span></span>, you can start free and go to premium when you are ready. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>With this software you can have your personal or business website up and running in a few easy steps:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1. Select your website template from over 300 available.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">2. Edit the site to add your own personality.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">3. Add additional features like forums, message boards, discussion areas, news-feeds, e-commerce tools, games, events calendars, social networking and much more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">4. Set up your site controls which will allow you to manage your site statistics, user groups, and emails. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Webs is easily one of the funniest multi-purpose site-building tools suitable for both business and personal use. </b>The well-designed templates and eye catching colors will also attract small businesses looking for a creative web presence. Personal users will love the extra site features such as the ability to upload pictures and music. It's easy to learn, and you can start immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Webs is ultimately less expensive and user-friendly when compared with many other website builder choices. </b>Webs packages are priced from Free with ads, Free with no ads for $14.95 a year, Starter package for $3.75 a month, Enhanced for $7.50 a month and the Premium package for $16.67 a month.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Webs free is a perfect alternative for those who want to migrate away from Google’s free Blogger, or free Word Press (not to be confused with self hosting users who have WP on their sites). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As mentioned in a recent post, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/free-blogger-and-wordpress-vs-self.html">Free Blogger and Wordpress vs. Self Hosting</a> all services have their pros and cons. Those who want to have their own website need to make a list of things that they need and what is important to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>With websites like Webs, what you end up paying for is hosting</b>. They just prefer you use their website platform. When you buy hosting elsewhere, you are giving the option to use theirs or bring in your own, which is uploaded through FTP. Many people prefer the 1 click install. Word Press is a favorite because of the customization and widgets. There is also a huge Joomla & Drupal following for the same reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For those who find those to be a headache, websites like Webs, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/places-to-find-free-website-templates.html">Wix, Yola</a>, and <a href="http://affiliate.weebly.com/scripts/click.php?aid=4d71173223320&cid=d4aceefd">Weebly</a>(which is also a really nice site & is a better fit for another website I have yet to launch, but <a href="http://thesew.weebly.com/">you can look at it here</a>)offer an alternative because most of it is all set up for you. What is not already set up is a matter of clicking it to set it up. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>What attracted me to Webs was the built in ecommerce, even for free accounts.</b> Although I used my current website names to test it out, I do not officially have anything launched. I also loved that Webs offers forums. For my new projects I want to have a forum with my blog. Webs may be the site I need to launch since Blogger does not offer a forum feature. With 1 click I am all set, log in, click, and there is my forum. With GoDaddy, I had a giant headache that not even Excedrin Migraine could tackle (LOL)! I get conflicting answers regarding having WordPress and a Forum on one domain and hosting package. I got fed up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>I am one of those people who are picky about the way things look and feel.</b> If a website frustrates me (like WordPress on GoDaddy did), I won’t stay. I need to be able to quickly, and easily, find my way around. I am big on how websites look cosmetically too. I don’t like anything too busy. I prefer clean. Keep it simple. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Here is more from my review on a past post:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.55pt; margin-left: .5in;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034681963&pubid=21000000000320849"><span style="color: #9900ff;">Webs</span></a> is also a host and blogging platform all in one. I have had a chance to play with this one (as well as Weebly) and even though both are great and have good customization, I like Webs much better. They have a control panel that is set up much similar to the control panels within hosting services such as GoDaddy and HostGator. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.55pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.55pt; margin-left: .5in;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here is why, even with a free account you are allowed 5 web store items. I plan on testing this site out more with my ebooks. Setting up the website was extremely easy. I did a test of <a href="http://selfemployedwriter.webs.com/"><span style="color: #9900ff;">Self Employed Writer.</span></a> I have not done anything too fancy. Just set up the site. What I like is it gives me a lot of social networking and SEO features. Not to mention, it’s easy on my eyes. I think this is a great host and website and can see me placing (launching, not necessarily staying) one of my future sites here.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034681963&pubid=21000000000320849" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="Redesign_100x100" border="0" src="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000000034681963&pubid=21000000000320849" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately I jumped the gun as was not breaking even, so I had to go back to free. With the move back to Blogger, I started to look at some other free options to see what was offered. With the launch of<a href="http://www.eringobraugh.com/"> Erin Go Braugh</a> (Ireland Forever) and some others in the works, I am sure there will be a point in time where my earnings have increased enough to pay for my blogging habit. At that point I might look in to self hosting again. At least this time I will know what I am doing! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My journey from Blogger to WordPress (and back)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/making-some-changes-in-blogland.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Making Some Changes in Blogland</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/still-working-on-blog-changes.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Still Working on Blog Changes </span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/lets-play-catch-up-shall-we.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Let’s Play Catch-Up, Shall We?</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/i-cant-believe-i-am-afraid.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I Can’t Believe I Am Afraid</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/yes-i-am-now-on-word-press.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I am Now on WordPress</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/moved-to-wordpress.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Moved to WordPress</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/free-blogger-and-wordpress-vs-self.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Free Blogger and WordPress vs. Self Hosting</span></a></li></ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68927136708049273982011-03-04T07:26:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:32.499-05:00Prize Winnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Gd9KOeYkQA/TW7hcEGuOEI/AAAAAAAAAT4/XzHtfLnVuMo/s1600/Jackpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Gd9KOeYkQA/TW7hcEGuOEI/AAAAAAAAAT4/XzHtfLnVuMo/s1600/Jackpot.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">You hit the jackpot!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you just get lucky?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s nice when you win something, especially when you least expect it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a little bit of bad news, you might want to start planning ahead for the tax that will be owed on it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Questions often come up regarding free gifts, gamble winnings as well as cash and/or gifts from contents. Winning is always good, paying the IRS for what you won, maybe not so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today’s Question:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Where do you file contest winnings? I was interested when you discussed books and product reviews. However, I was curious what happens when you win something online as part of a promotion or contest.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">The Answer:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gambling works a little differently, so we will discuss that in another post.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No one wants to give away something they won. But in these cases, you have to give Uncle Sam a slice of the pie. Cash and prizes are considered a type of income, more closely related to unearned. You must pay tax on the fair market value of any prize that is not cash. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For example, you win a gift card for entering survey. You would report that gift card at face value. So a $25 gift card to Applebee’s would be $25.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you win a prize, such as a MP3 player, the fair market value would be the amount reported.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If your winnings hit $600 or more, the supplier will send you a 1099-MISC form. The value will appear on Line 3 “other income.” The amount goes on Line 21 of the 1040 Form.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19086335399727050462011-03-03T06:35:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:32.630-05:00What to do with those freebies?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes as a self-employed person I am not paid in cash. There are times when I am given a product to test and keep. In return I write something about that product. By keeping the product I am accepting payment for my work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As part of the<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation.html"> Nutrisystem Nation Blogger</a> program I am given a monthly packed of food. In return, I post reviews on the food and talk about my journey. At the end of the tax year I will have to include on my Schedule C Profit and Loss from a Business, in “other income” the fair market value of each month’s worth of product. In this case, every month I earned $300, even though it’s not a cash payment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Books are treated the same. They are pretty easy to manage since they have the retail price printed on them somewhere. I do <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Book%20Review">quite a few books reviews</a> and they send me the book, which I get to keep. The book then becomes my payment for the review.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anything given in return for a service provided is considered a payment. Be sure to keep accurate records of the products you receive, and their value. This will make it easier to report at tax time. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13047746541039842442011-03-01T16:33:00.003-05:002011-11-12T10:52:21.561-05:00Love in an Elevator....Pitch That Is<ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/about-self-employed-writer_03.html">About The Self Employed Writer</a> (who am I and what I do here)</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul><li>What I am starting on now : ProBlogger 31 Days to a Better Blog. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/finally-getting-to-problogger_11.html">This post from Feb. 11, 2011 was my 2nd attempt to get moving on this book. </a></li><li>What I tried to do last year: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/elevator-pitches-what_28.html">Elevator Pitches?!?!? What????</a> on Nov. 28, 2010</li><li>Here I am, trying one more time. This time I am partnering up with a bunch of fellow bloggers for the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/31-days-to-build-better-blog-challenge_27.html">I made that commitment on Feb. 27, 2011</a>. The challenge starts today.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Day 1: Write an elevator pitch for your blog.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Reader. Writer. Blogger Extraordinaire.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">For The Tax Queen, I am having a hard time trying to simplify the purpose of that blog. It is fairly simple, to answer tax questions. Helping you make sense of your taxes. Mostly aimed at those who work from home or are just self employed. But discussion is about everything. </span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61604349408524434742011-02-28T19:14:00.007-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.860-04:00A Day Off....(and a little bit of #NSNation)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Welcome to Monday. lil m ended up staying with us last night instead of grammies, so we are taking her to school this afternoon. I decided to work on as much homework as I could over the weekend because Big M has today off and we have a lot of things to get done today. I thought I would keep this</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">blog simple since tomorrow is the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/31-days-to-build-better-blog-new.html">31 Day Blog Challenge</a>.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I want to go look at some new furniture. We desperatly need new living room and a dining room table. We have hand me downs that Big M got about 7 years ago. The couch, loveseat and chair are old, full of holes and have coloring all over them (thanks to his ex step kids) so we have covers over them. Truth be told, they are an eyesore and not comfy. I don't sit in the living room any more than I have to.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The dining room table, you lean on it and you can feel it crumbling under you while you eat! LOL. Its old, and the chairs were so ugly when I first moved in a spray painted them when I repainted the kitchen, just so there would be some normalcy going on. I try to re -purpose things, but wear and tear pay a factor in these items.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We have a used furniture store we are going to look at today after dropping lil m off. I also have my king size bed that my mother bought me for Christmas when I was 21. It has served me well, and I love it to pieces. Over the years the dogs, cats, and my moving have scratched, dinged, and dented it. I love it, but I have outgrown the style. I bought a nice Queen size bed frame on clearance at Kmart a few weeks ago. Now, we need to buy a mattress. Queen seems more manageable, and budget friendly.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am also going to be stopping by the gym today to see what the facility is, and possibly sign up for a 8 week weight loss challenge and get this weight loss in motion. I think this is what I need to get my rear in gear on this <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem </a>diet once and for all. Big M has promised to get up earlier in the AM so he can go with me. I think $60 for the family is a pretty good price for a place that is open 24 hours and pretty close to my house considering there is not much that is.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">If they weigh me and such today, I will post it later tonight. If I don’t like the people/place or for whatever reason decide against it, then I do have my chiropractor’s office, $25 a month for yoga and aerobics. She is only a few miles away.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am also going to look at treadmills while we are out and about today.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Other than that, the only thing left on my list is to get some seeds so I can start my planting. My egg cartons are washed and ready, the dirt is in the garage. I am just lacking seeds.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Pretty eventful day. Let’s hope it all goes well.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">There is some homework at some point, but I am trying not to think about that right now. My brain needs a rest.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Happy Monday!</span></div><div><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15446781099305696632011-02-28T05:35:00.002-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.641-05:00Calculate Federal Retirement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSSzjtrnocU/TWWL5ubCiwI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Kl5qUHs51QQ/s1600/4475012_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSSzjtrnocU/TWWL5ubCiwI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Kl5qUHs51QQ/s320/4475012_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Are you a government worker ready for or close to retirement?<br /><br />The one thing you need to prepare for right now is learning <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/calculate-federal-retirement">how to calculate federal retirement</a> to start planning.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26250126931813548752011-02-27T13:46:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:32.744-05:0031 Days to Build a Better Blog - Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/31dbbb-125.png" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I decided to take the plunge and join the<a href="http://31daysblogchallenge.com/"> 31 Day Blog Challenge.</a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I have had this book for quite some time, and on 3 separate occasions tried to tackle it and other projects (mainly school) kept me from completing it. So when the girls from the <a href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/">Ultimate Blog Challenge</a> decide to turn this 31 Days into a challenge, I knew this was something I had to get in on.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Why do I have a feeling I will be making some blog changes again??</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Day 1 starts March 1.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>How many of you are taking part in the challenge?</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51375580875388384972011-02-27T13:22:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:32.765-05:00Income Tax: Questions & Answers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e6CANc5GUQ0/TWqVn61aoqI/AAAAAAAAATc/9tIAcxYcwcI/s1600/RiddlerQuestionMark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e6CANc5GUQ0/TWqVn61aoqI/AAAAAAAAATc/9tIAcxYcwcI/s1600/RiddlerQuestionMark.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought I would take a little time today to do sort of a question and answer session. You let me know what sort of questions you need answered and I will take the time to answer them for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With the tax laws, and countless tax forms, there is no shortage of things for me to write about. Today I must be having a bit of writers block because I am not sure "what" to write. So, why not find out?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Today's Question is for you:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>What questions do you have for me? Anything you need help with?</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85110725413829461762011-02-26T05:38:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.643-05:00Its Getting Close! Do You Need to File an Extension??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qjwc9k-eGWM/TWWMmfLJcVI/AAAAAAAAATU/AIyE6HQzkF8/s1600/4457464_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qjwc9k-eGWM/TWWMmfLJcVI/AAAAAAAAATU/AIyE6HQzkF8/s320/4457464_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Before you know it, April will be here.<br /><br />Are you ready?<br /><br />If not, you need to take some time to learn how to <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/taxextension">file a tax extension</a> which can give you until October to file your Federal Income Taxes.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47305060447686511062011-02-26T05:10:00.036-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.848-04:00SEO Glossary Search Engine Optimization Words to KnowWith <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html">Search Engine Optimization Lessons SEO 101</a> finally comes a SEO Glossary!<br /><br />The glossary is not my own work, nor do I claim it be as such. Unfortunately I can't credit the original author because I have no idea who wrote it! What I do know is that there are a lot of us out there that can benefit from this list, so I am passing it along to those who need it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcY6yritk4w/TVXckfiVN3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/SpMApOCnh2w/s1600/4540522_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcY6yritk4w/TVXckfiVN3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/SpMApOCnh2w/s1600/4540522_f260.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/all-about-adsense-adsense-defined">Adsense</a> - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Google Adsense is a way for any website to display relevant Google ads anywhere on their web pages and earn money from clicks.</span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Adwords</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - Google Adwords is a way to advertise online. Your ads are seen in the Google Search Engine Results or on a network of other search engines and content based websites. You are charged Per Click. So it only costs you money if a visitor clicks on your ad and comes to your website. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Algorithm</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a mathematical formulae that search engines use to rank websites. It's based on a number of different factors that weigh a web page's importance.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Anchor Text - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Anchor text refers to the visible text for a hyperlink. For example the following will show up as "This is the Anchor Text" within the webpage and it would take you to www.WebofOpportunity.com... This is the html code for it: < a href="http://www.webofopportunity.com/" ><b>This is the anchor text</b>< /a ></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_411221430">Back Link</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_urls_links"> </a>- This is also referred to as an Inbound Link (IBL). These are links that come from one website to another. If you have 50 Back Links, then you have 50 links pointing to your website.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bot - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is also referred to as a "Spider" or "SpiderBot". These are programs the scan (or Crawl) the World Wide Web. Their main purpose is to index web pages for the search engines.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Click-Through</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is just a term used to refer to the click that occurs on a hyperlink and as a result leads to another web page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Click Through Rate</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is the ratio of impressions shown to the number of clicks you're getting. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cloaking</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a way to trick Sea</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">rch Engine spiders (it can get you banned so don't do it!). It's a way to show or hide optimized content specifically for the purpose to make a page look good to a search engine.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Comment Tag</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a tag that is only found in the "source code" in HTML. It is not meant to be viewed by visitors. It's just for the programmer.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Conversion - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A website that is designed to sell a product or do some kind of action like filling out a form is concerned about converting their visitors. When the action of buying or filling out a form is performed, this is called conversion. It is used in combination with how much it costs to bring traffic to that page or product. You will then ultimately be able to figure out a product or website's ROI. ROI is your Return on Investment. How much are you making in comparison to what you're spending.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Counter</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a program or script that counts hits or visits to a web page. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CPA</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cost Per Action) - This is how much you pay for some kind of action. This can be purchasing something, filling out a form, signing up for something, etc..</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CPC</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cost Per Click) - This is simply how much you are charged for a click on a link to your website from another location.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CPL</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cost Per Lead) - How much you are charged for a lead. A lead is where someone does something like filling out a form.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CPM</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cost Per Thousand) - How much you pay per 1000 impressions.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Crawler</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It is a program used to go through a website to get information from the website and take it back to the originator.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_advanced_linking">Cross Linking</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It's simply linking multiple websites together. Excessive cross-linking can get a website banned from a Search Engine.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CSS</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cascading Style Sheets) - It is a feature that is added to HTML that helps website developers and users have more control over fonts, colors, layout, etc..</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CTR</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Click Through Rate) - It is the ratio of impressions shown to the number of clicks. It's often used in Pay Per Click Advertising like Google Adwords.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dead Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It simply a link that doesn't work. It will normally produce an error called a "404 error (page not found)".</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Directory</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It's just a list of websites that are split into multiple categories for people to search.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Domain</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Domain Name) - This is a name for a website. .</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Doorway Page - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is another way to get banned by a Search Engine. These pages are not designed for the visitors. The are usually optimized for one keyword and only exist to get high rankings in the Search Engines Results Pages. They are sometimes called a Gateway Page.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dynamic Page</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a page that is generated automatically by a hosting servier at the time it is requested (on-the-fly).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Google Everflux</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It's a phenomenon that refers to the continuous changes in the Google search results pages at specific times (during the "Google Dance" for instance). </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">FFA Free For All</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - There is no content on these pages. They are just full of links added by visitors.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Freshbot</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It is a Google crawler that is known that adds pages to the Google index a little quicker than other Bots.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Gateway Page - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is another way to get banned by a Search Engine. These pages are not designed for the visitors. The are usually optimized for one keyword and only exist to get high rankings in the Search Engines Results Pages. They are sometimes called a Doorway Page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Google Bot</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - These are Google's "crawlers". They crawl web pages to index them into the Google Search Engine.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Google Dance - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As of this date it refers to the period of time when Google is performing the update to it's index. Google has multiple datacenters that have different results during this period. This occurs about every month or so.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Header Tag</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is an HTML tag which is most </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">often used for page headers. For example: </span><br /><h1>The Header Tag</h1><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hidden Text</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It is text the is invisible on a web page because it is the same color as the background. You can be penalized by search engines by doing this.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hit</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This occurs when a file is loaded on a webpage.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">HTML</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Hyper Text <st1:personname w:st="on">Mark</st1:personname>up Language). This is a popular language used to format webpages. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">HTML Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a link from one page to another.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">IBL - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(In Bound Link) - This is also referred to as a back link. These are links that come from one website to another. If you have 50 IBLs, then you have 50 links pointing to your website.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Inbound Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is also referred to as a back link. These are links that come from one w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ebsite to another. If you have 50 IBLs, then you have 50 links pointing to your website.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">IP Address </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">- This is a unique number that is assigned to a computer or system.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">JavaScript</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a scripting language (client side).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_411221438">Keyword</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_determine_keywords"> </a>- This is a single word that is used to identify the subject or purpose of a web page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Keyword Density</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This refers to how many times a keyword or keyword phrase is repeated on a web page. It is based on a percentage.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_411221442">Keyword Phrase</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-Getting-Started-on-Keywords"> </a>- This is a group of two or more words that are used to identify the subject or purpose of a web page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Keyword Stuffing</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is when a page is stuffed with all kinds of keywords. There is a lot of repetition in the Meta Tags or anywhere else on the website. It is meant to increase the websites importance to the Search Engine. It is considered spamming by most search engines.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Link Farm</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This involves a set of web pages that have been built for the sole purpose of increasing the number of incoming links to a web site. This type of activity will get you banned from Search Engines.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Meta</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Search</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This type of search will search multiple databases and combine the results for you.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Meta</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Tags</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is content that is found in the code of a website. It is not seen by visitors. It's only purpose is to give information to search engines etc..</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Open Directory Project</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a large directory of websites run by volunteers.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Optimization</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is something webmasters do to their websites to try and get higher positions in the Search Engines Results.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Outbound Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - These are links going from your website to others.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Page View</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is for the number of times a page is loaded.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PopUp</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a window that "pops up" in front of you while viewing another window. It can be triggered numerous ways. Either by an action of yours or something predetermined by the person that programmed it.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PFI</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Pay For Inclusion) - It's simply paying for your website to be listed. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Pop Under</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is the same as a PopUp except it's another window that loads under the page you are viewing. You normally don't see it until you close the page you're on.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Portal - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is normally a term used to describe a website that is the first place people see when using the web.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PPC - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(Pay Per Click) - It is a way of advertising in which you only pay when someone clicks on your ads.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PR</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is Google's Page Rank. It is part of the formula the Google uses to determine your position in the Search Results Pages.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Query</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is simply a search word or phrase submitted to a search engine. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Reciprocal Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is where 2 websites will exchange links from one to the other. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Referrer</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is the page from where a user has come. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Refresh Tag</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a tag which defines how a page will refresh. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Robot</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is basically the name given to a search engine spider or crawler.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Robots.txt</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a file that tells the search engine spiders how to crawl a website. It is often used to tell a spider not to include a page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Search Engine</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - They are used to search the web.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">SEM - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(Search Engine <st1:personname w:st="on">Mark</st1:personname>eting) - This type of marketing includes SEO and various paid advertising like banners and PPC.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_411221446">SEO - </a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-The-Donts">(Search Engine Optimization)</a> - This is what is done to make a website search engine friendly. It is practiced to get the best positions possible in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPS).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">SERP</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Search Engine Results Page) </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Spam - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is when various techniques are used to manipulate the search engines to rank better. One example is keyword stuffing. Websites will be banned for spamming.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Spider</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is also called a "Bot" or "SpiderBot". This is a program used to visit web pages and bring information about that web page back to the source.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stop Word - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">These are just common words that the search engines ignore when indexing a web page or when processing search queries.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Submission</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is simply submitting a website to a search engine or directory. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Traffic</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - These include the visitors and page views that a website gets. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">URL</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - Uniform Resource Locator. The address at which a specific resource can be found.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82682042679125997172011-02-25T19:26:00.006-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.645-05:00Couples Who Pray by Squire Rushnell & Louise Duart<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2hL-HYJRgvg/TWhKLPjMwFI/AAAAAAAAATY/Bi63hk5aqkw/s1600/_225_350_Book.299.cover.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2hL-HYJRgvg/TWhKLPjMwFI/AAAAAAAAATY/Bi63hk5aqkw/s1600/_225_350_Book.299.cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2hL-HYJRgvg/TWhKLPjMwFI/AAAAAAAAATY/Bi63hk5aqkw/s320/_225_350_Book.299.cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2hL-HYJRgvg/TWhKLPjMwFI/AAAAAAAAATY/Bi63hk5aqkw/s320/_225_350_Book.299.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="203" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Oh no! Not another prayer book. There has got to be more to the Christianity book world than another prayer book. Doesn’t the Bible give us EVERYTHING we need?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">If you are like me you often wonder, why do we need another prayer book? There are so many of them out there what else could their possibly be to say that someone else has not already talked about.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>You are right, nothing.</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There is literally nothing left for a prayer book to be exclusive about and this one is no different.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I picked this book for my review because it was “couples” based. My fiancé and I are trying to have a stronger relationship with God and I thought with the problems we have been having these past couple of years that perhaps couples prayer was just the thing we needed.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Reading the reviews of others, I wondered if I made the wrong choice.</strong> I downloaded the book to my Nook immediately after signing up for it. First, I made the choice to read <a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/02/25/book-review-life-in-spite-of-me-by-kristen-anderson-with-tricia-goyer/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/life-in-spite-of-me-by-kristen-anderson.html">Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson.</a> Just then it seems like all my own problems faded and was pale in comparison. But, I knew my relationship needed work.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Getting through the book was just as everyone else had stated. It was more of a book about OTHER couples and how they became couples who prayed together, or how they became that couple.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What it was lacking was prayer structure. I kept reading, and although I did enjoy the couple’s stories, I wondered how long it was going to get to the “how” of this 40 day couples prayer program. What is was not lacking was a bunch of chatter about sex.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Finally!</strong> Chapter 3, Section2 : Taking the 40 Day Prayer Challenge.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have reached that point. I am ready to sit down with Big M and see what he feels regarding a daily prayer, together.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Do you have the proper mind-set to begin exploring the extraordinary manner of renovating your marriage?”</em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">YES!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, wait!! We aren’t married. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/02/engagement.html">Not yet anyway.</a> However I know for a FACT our Pastor would think this would be a great step for us and our relationship.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Are you both ready to make the commitment to giving joint daily prayer a chance to work wonders in your relationship? To help you work through issues that have been bothering you…brining you tangible things you need…while vastly enhancing your love life and communication?”</em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, yes and yes.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Go to Couples Who Pray . com and fill out the couple questionnaire. There is a cost if you sign up, a nominal handling cost. The same questionnaire is in the back of the book as well.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We pray separately, but HOW do we pray together?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TEN TIPC TO START THE 40 DAY PRAYER CHALLENGE</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1. More prayer, more power. Simply talk to God. The more you pray, the more it will come to you.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">2. Make time to pray.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">3. Have an attitude of gratitude and vulnerability.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">4. Confess and request forgiveness.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">5. Pray out loud with your spouse.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">6. Keep it short.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">7. Use everyday language.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">8. Pray for your marriage.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">9. Pray for others and for self.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">10. Expect God to answer your prayers.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">After that little bit it is back to the stories. Are you just as confused as I am?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Another tip: </strong>Journal with your partner.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">After that tip, more stories, theology, science and history of the Bible and Biblical fact.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">*yawn*</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Again, same old same old.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Challenges we may face. I get it, they are the same challenges we face in life when trying to live the life of a Christian or even trying to make time to pray on our own.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where are the 40 days of prayer??</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Shouldn’t a book written about a 40 day challenge offer some sort of program giving us prayers and pages to write on without forcing us to buy other books for journals or website admission?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted so much more from this book, expected so much more. All I got was a frown and some disappointment.</div>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41300121949256696662011-02-25T19:24:00.009-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.647-05:00Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson with Tricia Goyer<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><iframe _mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9iRDt96Lu3Y" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9iRDt96Lu3Y" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>I don’t know what makes me look at a list of books and immediately pick out the one about attempted suicide or anything depressing.</b> I have my own depression to deal with, my own life issues that leave me with more questions than answers. I should know better than to pick something that I know is going to punch me in the gut and force an empathic like me to go through a box of tissues.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Problem was, that should have happened, but did not. I shed a few tears. </b>I defiantly felt Kristen’s story. Having lost people I love close to me, being a sexual abuse survivor, and being an extremely confused teenager, I know only too well the feelings Kristen had. I have never tried suicide. I have thought about it, but the scare and the guilt of it always got the better of me. I have often thought that others would be better without me and all my problems, but….that is a whole other story, one of my own. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Kristen Jane Anderson was the All American teenager. </b>We have all been down that road at one point, no matter what we do, we feel we are not good enough for our parents. We are so misunderstood that nothing is ever going to get them to understand us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Kristen stayed out the night before to be the designated driver for her friends.</b> Doing something good, putting her friends first, and it caused her to be home late. Her parents were less than thrilled. She was grounded until further notice. She took no time trying to explain. Tired of being stuck in the house, she decides to go see a friend. Afterwards, not wanting to go home and face her parents she takes a walk.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">That walk leads her right to the neighborhood train tracks and cargo yard. She sits, she thinks, she debates. With a train approaching it does not take the reader long to figure out what is going to happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Kristen, lays on the tracks, the train runs her over</b>. She should be dead. She SHOULD not have lived. But she did, despite the fact she had crawled away, separating herself from her legs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">What follows are the tears of pain and joy as Kristen tries to overcome her hurdles in life. Now, instead of living life for herself, she is living her life for God.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The story is like so many others we have heard. What makes Kristen’s any better than any other teen who has overcome depression, lived through attempted suicide and found God is beyond me. (<a _mce_href="http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/about-nick" href="http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/about-nick">Anyone hear of Nick <span _mce_style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Vujicic and his Life Without Limbs?</span></a> Granted, his was not suicide, but a story none the less.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Having said that, the story is good. <b>The writing, not so much.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>I do not claim to be the best writer.</b> But this book was horrible to read. Kristen should have more of a voice in this book. This book needs more of her words and her story. Instead we are left with a jumbled up, hodge podge mess of bit and pieces. The style of the voice did not fit Kristen’s personality. <span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were too many grammatical errors for a book of this nature.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This book has HUGE potential, but I think it needs to be rewritten and thrown back to the editors. Kristen is an amazing girl and what she is doing NOW, right this minute for teens and others is something words cannot describe. Visit Kristen Website: <a _mce_href="http://www.reachingyouministries.com/" href="http://www.reachingyouministries.com/">Reaching You</a> for what this beautiful girl is doing for others!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54931305635255788572011-02-25T19:21:00.004-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.649-05:00If God, Why Evil? A New Way to Think About the Question by Dr. Norman Geisler<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0764208128&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>We all think it</strong>. Some of us I am sure have said it out loud.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If God is suppose to be all good, all powerful, all everything, than why would he allow so much pain and suffering?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>Do you know the answer to that?</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If you are like me, you have heard the same answer all of your life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We are never given anymore than we can’t handle.”</em></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I tell you what, I have spent my entire life thinking that was the biggest load of crud I have ever heard.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">No one and I repeat NO ONE should have to go through what some people in this world have to go through.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>Personally, I have been through more than my fair share.</strong> I was sexually abused for the first 12 years of my life. This left me emotionally scarred for life. Even today at 35 years old I have to live with the aftermath of that abuse.<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/my-survivor-story.html"> I am a sexual abuse survivor.</a> I am a rape survivor. I have watched so many people close to me die of cancer. One of my best friends (who I loved deeply) and a man I had planned to spend the rest of my life with, both brutally murdered. These me were taken away from me and everyone else around them far too soon. I found out the man who molested me, was not my biological father. I did find him, only to be told I was not wanted (again).</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">In three years I lost my grandfather and 3 of my best friends, those 2 men included. In one month I went through a divorce, lost my grandmother and moved 1000 miles North to the frozen tundra.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">No one and I do mean NO ONE should have to go through anything that I have gone through in life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">But you know what? I did. I lived. And so will everyone else.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The depression, the anger, the guilt, nightmares, flashbacks, tremors, panic, anxiety, and stress all plague me now.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Who wants to live a life like this? Who deserves to have a life like this?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">No one.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I made the choice to read this book because this is something I deal with every day. Not too long ago a read a book called<a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/01/14/book-review-chasing-elephants-wrestling-with-the-gray-areas-of-life-by-brent-crowe/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/chasing-elephants-wrestling-with-gray.html"> Chasing Elephants: Dealing with the Grey Areas of Life.</a> I thought for sure that was going to be the answer I was seeking.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do I feel this way? Why, why and more why? Sadly, that book did not answer the questions I needed an answer to but it did give me some insight to other areas of my life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">This book was no help either.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">*sigh*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Don’t get me wrong this book was <strong>great</strong> in the fact that it broke down every aspect of evil. It picked it apart like it was a geometry problem and you were trying to prove its points with theorems. <span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>But that is not what I was after. I did not need nor want another book where bible verses were inserted and picked apart giving me the definition of evil.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If that is what you are looking for, than this IS the book for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5289278660638790582011-02-25T05:31:00.003-05:002014-08-01T17:07:51.892-04:00Information about Tax Fraud Penalties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNBz14HWWaQ/TWWLIWQ-HsI/AAAAAAAAATM/0kK5KTSKQqE/s1600/4475185_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNBz14HWWaQ/TWWLIWQ-HsI/AAAAAAAAATM/0kK5KTSKQqE/s320/4475185_f260.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Nobody like paying taxes; but they all have to do it. There are those that try to avoid it and it is not recommended it. Somehow, some way, it seems everyone gets caught sooner or later. As a professional writer you are your own boss. Keeping track of your own tax records is something you must do correctly. This article will show you how to avoid accidentally committing tax fraud.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The government has very <a href="http://www.irs.gov/uac/Failure-to-File-or-Pay-Penalties:-Eight-Facts">steep tax fraud penalties</a> for those who miss payments or report inaccurate information. It is never a good idea to challenge the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by purposely withholding money or lying about income. Audits are extremely common and can expose even the smallest bit of fraud. Getting caught committing tax fraud can affect your life for years and cost you a hefty fine (generally more than you were trying to withhold).<br /><br />Tax fraud penalties are considered felonies. This type of felony can include one year or more in prison and extensive fines. With a felony on your record will be difficult to apply for a job, buy a home, or any other large purchase item. It can also make it difficult to enroll in college. Even if you wanted to better your life after getting caught, you might not be able to.<br /><br />Tax fraud is considered and punishable when: Attempting to evade taxes, failing to file a return when required, failing to pay taxes due, withholding necessary information, making false statements, conspiring to defraud the United States, attempting to interfere with IRS laws, or assisting someone in any of these mentioned actions.<br /><br />Contact a CPA or legal professional if you have any questions about what is covered by tax fraud laws. Penalties are severe and vary depending on the amount of money involved. The higher the amount of the fraud, the higher the fees and the greater the length of time spent in prison (if applicable). Your best bet is to file your taxes completed and accurately the first time.<br /><br />Tax fraud penalties punish those who willfully know. Depending on the situation, those who are aware of someone committing tax fraud but do not report it to the authorities may be guilty of a misdemeanor or felony. If you are aware of any sort of fraud, it is your responsibility to report it immediately. Even if you do not physically help the person committing the fraud, just knowing is severe enough.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21979872518604087672011-02-25T04:59:00.001-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.547-04:00With Internet Friends Comes Internet Jerks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOaevWEVJqc/TWWDUvkNcUI/AAAAAAAAATE/kWK7gR2BGRI/s1600/drama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOaevWEVJqc/TWWDUvkNcUI/AAAAAAAAATE/kWK7gR2BGRI/s1600/drama.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made a post on Wednesday about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/internet-community.html">Internet Friends</a> and how wonderful they are. Today, (mind you it’s not that I really want to) I am going to talk about the drama queens and jerks.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It seems that no matter what direction we choose to go in with our online adventures, we are always going to be greeted by the drama queens and the jerks. You know that person who must have no life of their own and find great joy in stirring the pot because it gives them sometime to talk about. I am sure we have all run across that person. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>There really is no getting away from them. </b>They are like vultures waiting to attack at a moment’s notice. Sometimes they are like bears and hibernate in packs, only to come out when provoked by some act of randomness. They are driven by their egos, they get off on their malicious words and their actions instigate their life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>For the most part I am pretty good at ignoring them</b>. I have generally been the one to click the back button and walk away. I hate drama. If real life had a back button I would use it. I run away from drama all the time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>However, one got under my skin recently.</b> It was a direct blow to me when I was only trying to help. It became personal and it was obvious to me that no matter how many people pointed out the same thing, this person was not going to have it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>BUT WAIT!</b> I am guilty of lashing back. Only by stating the cold facts, that is what I am guilty of. Normally the best course of action is to walk away. I don’t think anyone should feed fuel to the fire. But, I will say choose your battles wisely.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A jerk or a drama queen can really take you by surprise and make your blood boil. </b>There have been times I read something written by someone who felt they had something to gain by being mean, and wanted to punch my fist through the PC screen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can make you want to find his physical address and confront him or her...<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I think the best thing to do is just take a walk.</b> Only this time, I didn’t. I did not scream. I did not verbally abuse, slander, accuse or even say one mean thing. I kept my calm, cool, collected nature. Think drama queen bee cared? Nope. She just kept going like the energizer bunny (not my words)!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Word to the wise, if you are called out in a forum thread, don't look at that thread again. Sometimes you have to defend your territory or something you believe in, but don't get personal back... Just lay out the facts. Which, I did. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">AS LONG as you are in the blogging world and visiting forums, you will have to deal with drama queens jerks.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I used to think that people were generally good to each other</b>. I grew up in the south, in a middle class neighborhood, where everyone helped each other, said hello, please and thank you. No one stepped on each other’s toes. No one took advantage of each other. But the internet is full of so much hatred and rudeness. It’s so childish and high school. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Build relationships. Help others. And don't be a drama queen or a jerk. You have a brand to protect, yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXQW8FC2UtU/TWWD5BpMgyI/AAAAAAAAATI/MT0EgJraYRk/s1600/drama.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXQW8FC2UtU/TWWD5BpMgyI/AAAAAAAAATI/MT0EgJraYRk/s1600/drama.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For those of you who missed i<a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284113">t here is the WPLH: Please Read the Sticky thread. </a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13343121786874819222011-02-24T04:39:00.007-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.477-04:00My Time Has Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TYiBe_lhY8/TWV_GDIk9gI/AAAAAAAAATA/h1n35nWxKpY/s1600/time.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TYiBe_lhY8/TWV_GDIk9gI/AAAAAAAAATA/h1n35nWxKpY/s320/time.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There comes a time when you have been blogging for a while, and this time is going to be different for everyone, but there will be a time when you realize that you know what you need to do in order to succeed as a blogger.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You sit there, staring at that damn cursor blinking back at you. You decide to take that chance; it is your opportunity now. The time is now. You have finally achieved the level of knowledge, inspiration, determination and confidence to make that path clear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All of the little things are over. Only the big things matter. Over the years the secrets have been revealed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now is the time for me to finally make my mark.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a new focus. Or, really it’s an old focus that I am taking a chance on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know what needs to be done and I have finally reached my place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can now officially say I am a paid blogger!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71477858360949357392011-02-23T19:43:00.003-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.890-04:00#NSNation One Month Check In (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">My life can be summed up in one word right now, busy.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I know I have talked about this in past blogs, both personal, professional and in <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem </a>posts. I had hoped a schedule would be made, some sort of slow down would happen, but I guess I was wrong. I do not see life slowing down any time soon.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I spent the last week really thinking about Nutrisystem. Honestly, I even contemplated quitting.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">But then the guilt kicks in.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What sort of loser would I be? What would everyone think of me?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am struggling here.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was SO excited to get back to a program that I know works. I have done it once, yes, it was long ago when I was a mere teenager. And, that was with face to face meetings.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I did Weight Watchers a few years back, lost the weight, again, with face to face meetings.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I did TOPS, but found the meetings to be more about prizes and games that actual weight loss related.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Is that what is holding me back? I need that face to face companionship? I need IRL (in real life) people to kick me in the butt? Someone I can pick up the phone and call?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I KNOW the Nutrisystem forums are there, I know there is phone call and email help. I know there are fellow bloggers out there walking this path with me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The problem is, I don’t have TIME! Time is my biggest obstacle right now. I know people say, I don’t have itme for this, I can’t do that, blah blah. Trust me, I have heard it all. I remember thinking back in my WW days I worked full time; I had a life outside of work. If I could find the time to run 6-7 miles a day, then this person could find the time to squeeze in 30 minutes of walking. I never understood the reality of BUSY until now.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>A typical weekday for me:</strong></div><br /><ul><li>5-6:30am woke up by my Fuzzy alarm clock, Ziggy</li><li>7 am: Get up and around to take the dogs out</li><li>7am-9am : make coffee, make breakfast for me and sometimes for Big M. Think about my day, go over my to do list. Get M’s lunch packed and push him out the door. LOL, except for every 3<sup>rd</sup> day where he does not go to work until 11:30a.</li><li>9am: dogs go out again.</li><li>The rest of my morning is spent going through emails, adding or crossing off my to-do list.</li><li>Then, I start my daily participation points for school. Since my classes are all online we have to check in and reply to our professor and classmates. This can be quite time consuming.</li><li>After that comes daily homework. Again, time varies depending on assignment, but I am usually done with all school related items between 2-3pm.</li><li>Sometime in there I take lunch, take the dogs out a few more times, and maybe take a shower.</li><li>The rest of the afternoon I begin working on my blog, my paid work, and my other writing jobs.</li><li>Sometime around 6pm is dinner.</li><li>Then back to work and/or studying until I am done.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I will walk away from the PC around 9-11pm depending on how long it takes me to finish everything.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is HARD for me to make time to exercise. I DO try. There are days when I get 30min, days where its only 15-20 and then there are days where I have NO time at all.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone keeps telling me I have to make time, but I have no time to make. I have things that HAVE to be done every day.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is a huge misconception that people who work from home can make their own schedules. That is true to a point, but there are still things that have to be done daily, or I don’t get paid.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Oh wait, there’s more.</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em>Now I sound like an infomercial.</em></div><br /><ul><li>I am trying to plan a wedding.</li><li>I am graduating in June.</li><li>I own my own business.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">And…</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I we are going to try and start a family this summer.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have a LOT on my plate.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I NEED to lose weight. I weigh too much to have a healthy pregnancy. My age is already a factor, I don’t need my weight to add to that. My chiro has told me more than once because of my disk disease I really need to get the weight down. Other than that, I am 100% healthy, which seems to baffle my docs. It seems that just because I am overweight I should have a host of problems. I don’t. Thank goodness.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here I am.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">God blessed me with Nutrisystem. He knew I could not afford any weight loss programs right now, and He knew I needed help. He sent me on a path, with a little help from my friend, and a whole lot of prayers, Meredith gave me this wonderful opportunity. She could have said no, she could have kicked me out of the program right now, but she gave me a gift. She kept supporting me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t want to give up this opportunity I have been blessed with.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, I just don’t know HOW to keep going forward. It has been one month (as of Monday) and my weight has gone down, up, and I am pretty much where I was when I started.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It messes with my head. Makes me feel like not only have I failed myself, but everyone else in the process.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This is not a feeling I like. But, at this point, I just don’t know what to do.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Big M and I have talked about joining the Y. The family plan is decently priced and the hours are good so I could go late in the eve or early in the AM. But, it’s a drive. Which I don’t like. However, we can go on weekends as they have a kid’s center so lil m would have some little people to play with! She would love that.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I just wish my treadmill didn’t die.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Stress = eating.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Big M = food enabler.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I feel pretty, for lack of a better word…off. I so wanted to have at least 10lbs gone by now.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I did find out my Worship Pastor, who also happens to be one of Big M’s good friends is on Nutrisystem, so I might poke him on Facebook and see if he could be my NS Buddy.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I also know I should take some time to seek out my fellow Nutrisystem Blogger Nation buddies!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Quitters never win, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72161553308643882792011-02-23T14:45:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.053-05:00Home Based Business DeductionsLast week I had the privilege of writing my first Tax Queen guest post on <a href="http://directsaleshelp.com/">Direct Sale Help.</a><br /><br />I wanted to share that with you since we have been discussing many of these tips here on Tax Queen the last few days.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pkiFeAMKDM/TWVjX11vHhI/AAAAAAAAAS8/M38ih2S1S7I/s1600/665345-ms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pkiFeAMKDM/TWVjX11vHhI/AAAAAAAAAS8/M38ih2S1S7I/s320/665345-ms.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><h1 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://directsaleshelp.com/wp-content/themes/mflat/images/bg_title2.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: -8px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px;"><a href="http://directsaleshelp.com/2011/02/home-based-business-deductions/">Tips on Home Based Business Deductions</a></h1><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31693404624022552422011-02-23T09:21:00.002-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.592-04:00The Internet Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KWzPcHwSLw/TWKgPJ6C3UI/AAAAAAAAASs/ZoCWXFQ4b2Q/s1600/MakingFriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KWzPcHwSLw/TWKgPJ6C3UI/AAAAAAAAASs/ZoCWXFQ4b2Q/s1600/MakingFriends.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyNuFxtC9HQ/TWKgROI4L6I/AAAAAAAAASw/0GI7qcyGgp8/s1600/goofy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyNuFxtC9HQ/TWKgROI4L6I/AAAAAAAAASw/0GI7qcyGgp8/s320/goofy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It's amazing really. </b>The longer you hang out online the more you realize how small the internet community is. I say small, even though it is quite large. But once you land someplace that is sort of a niche for you. That particular community tends to be tight knit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am starting to run into people I know in different forums quite often. I am starting to get emails and private messages.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>That's a good thing.</b> That's part of doing business online. Building relationships, networking, sharing your world... but you also build personal relationships with some. You share personal experiences. You help each other through good and bad times. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It's amazing. </b>It is also something I do not take for granted. In the last 6 years I have met some amazing people. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you haven't already done so, find a good forum to hang around. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Just start hanging around. </b>You'll start to get to know the people. Then you can start participating... or just jump in. Before you jump right in, be sure to at least take the time to get to know the forum rules and some basic behavior skills. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>There are forums for everything.</b> Whatever you're involved in. If you got a career, there’s a forum for it. If you have a hobby, there's a forum for it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hang around mostly in work from home and writers forums.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don't know where I would be today if I hadn't discovered their power. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Beyond relationships you can learn endless things.</b> Not just anything. Things drawing from experience. It's better than a textbook. It's interactive. If you ask there is usually someone waiting with an answer. You can search databases of threads that could contain untold information...<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Experience the Power of Forums... Explore and Grow!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPeEB82gEC8/TWKgtOJrV8I/AAAAAAAAAS0/IDesg3jaOTo/s1600/ab15a768.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPeEB82gEC8/TWKgtOJrV8I/AAAAAAAAAS0/IDesg3jaOTo/s1600/ab15a768.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81369782054118206742011-02-22T08:15:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.103-05:00When Does the IRS Usually Mail Refunds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWYQ1_hgS5s/TUxf716uQxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/sYTiWJqKNnc/s1600/dollar_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWYQ1_hgS5s/TUxf716uQxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/sYTiWJqKNnc/s320/dollar_sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You finally got your taxes filed, now you wait patiently for the refund. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question:</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I didn't want to take over the other thread with my question. The Where's My Refund site says my federal refund will be mailed February 25. Is that usually accurate, or is it like with direct deposit, where it sends out the payment before or after it says it will?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><img alt="" border="0" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/images/smilies/circles.gif" style="vertical-align: middle;" title="circles" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I just want to know if I should expect it this coming week or the following one, basically :)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My Answer:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">That meens your refund will be mailed the 25th. So you should receive it 2-5 days after that. This always depends on how fast the mail runs in your area. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This year direct deposits are being pushed through on Fridays and Tuesdays. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Also, this is not a "set in stone" date with the IRS. This is usually when they "expect" to have payment. There have been times when it comes early and late.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9785309213406450272011-02-22T05:04:00.076-05:002014-09-25T18:27:20.041-04:00Places to Find Free Website Templates OnlineWith so many of us changing blogging platforms, trying to see what is out there and what is going to work best for us, I thought I would reprint an article I had published on Dee's blog. I hope someone find's these useful. After this post this article is going in the vault.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">First, here is a list of some of the other sites I have tried aside from Blogger and both versions of Word Press: </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you are still in need of a website, check out <a href="http://www.wix.com/">Wix</a> for totally free flash websites and designs. They have made it a clean and simple process. Get your website up and running, for, you guessed it, FREE!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.weebly.com/link/pbvrk3">Weebly</a> is another great website builder and host. They have a free option. As your business or website grows, so can their service, for under $50 a year you get more space and more storage. Weebly also has the option to let their designers create a custom website for you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034681963&pubid=21000000000320849">Webs</a> is also a host and blogging platform all in one. I have had a chance to play with this one (as well as Weebly) and even though both are great and have good customization, I like Webs much better. They have a control panel that is set up much similar to the control panels within hosting services such as GoDaddy and HostGator. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here is why, even with a free account you are allowed 5 web store items. I plan on testing this site out more with my ebooks. Setting up the website was extremely easy. I did a test of <a href="http://selfemployedwriter.webs.com/">Self Employed Writer.</a> I have not done anything too fancy. Just set up the site. What I like is it gives me a lot of social networking and SEO features. Not to mention, its easy on my eyes. I think this is a great host and website and can see me placing one of my future sites here. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Last but not least, Yola. I have tried Yola and although it serves its purpose, there really is not much I can say about it that stands out. It was easy to build on, but it is pretty basic. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTFd2--IpYw/TV8mfe_2d-I/AAAAAAAAASk/zX7sXBhYTO0/s1600/2493066577_d1006bcec3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTFd2--IpYw/TV8mfe_2d-I/AAAAAAAAASk/zX7sXBhYTO0/s320/2493066577_d1006bcec3.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Business Support Blog</div><div style="text-align: center;">Free Resource Friday </div><div style="text-align: center;">Originally Posted: February 12, 2010</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Places to Find Free Website Templates Online</b></div><br /><br /><b>The idea is already there, inside your head.</b> You have your website up and you know how you want it to look, the problem is where do you go for templates? Having a template designed just for you can be costly. Perhaps that is something you do not or just can not think about right now. No needs to worry, plenty of places offer free resources, no matter what sort of website you are trying to get set up.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Any Website</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.freewebsitetemplates.com/"><b>Free Website Templates</b></a><br />All of the templates from Free Website Templates are pre-designed and fully customizable to fit you and your website. The templates have been coded in CSS so you will not need to place any link on your website with these templates. Now that's freedom.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://freesitetemplates.com/"><b>Free Site Templates</b></a><br />Free Site Templates offers its browsers creative designs to help you start your web development. Templates are free and categorized for easy retrieval.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Blogger </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />Blogger, owned by the popular search engine, Google, gives its bloggers a wonderful free service to showcase work, write, or advertise their business.<br /><br /><a href="http://btemplates.com/"><b>bTemplates</b></a><br />bTemplates is one of the larger, and totally free Blogger template websites. The collection grows daily.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloggerbuster.com/2009/08/101-awesome-free-blogger-templates.html">Blogger Buster</a><br />Blogger Buster offers 101 of the best Blogger templates, free for use.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Live Journal</span><br /><br />Live Journal offers it’s users a free or paid account. Finding templates for the free account are hard to come by since Live Journal provides standard templates with the free accounts. If you are looking for something just a bit different that what they provide, check out <a href="http://www.createblog.com/livejournal-layouts/">Create Blog</a> for a few different option.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Word Press</span><br /><br />Word Press is becoming the most popular and widely used blog/website interface because of the many options it offers users compared to free sites like Blogger. Word Press does off both a free account with limited use, and a premium paid account.<br /><br />For some free templates/themes check out:<br /><a href="http://wordpressthemesbase.com/">Word Press Themes Base</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wordpresstemplates.name/">Free Word Press Templates and Themes</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wptemplates.org/">Free Word Press Themes</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Type Pad</span><br />Type Pad itself is not a free blogging site, however if you already have a Type Pad account, the free templates are extremely limited. However one blogger posted <a href="http://www.ukbloggersguide.com/tips/2007/09/the-definitive-.html">“The Definitive List of TypePad Templates & Themes”</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50689728177579552132011-02-21T13:31:00.004-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.151-05:00Amended Returns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pU0k6XQVSb4/TWKvF0HR5QI/AAAAAAAAAS4/B6LNjn_N73c/s1600/1040x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pU0k6XQVSb4/TWKvF0HR5QI/AAAAAAAAAS4/B6LNjn_N73c/s320/1040x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Have any of you filed this yourself? I filed my taxes myself however, I got a 1099 I had forgotten all about and need to add it. Can I do that efile too? I'm sure I'm not going to get much if anything back, will have to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;">pay a little I'm sure. I'm just wondering how easy this is or isn't.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My reply:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">You cannot e-file an amended return.<br /><br />Amended forms are really easy. One column is for the current information, the other column is for the new/correct information. You will mail the original 1040 with the amended return. If you amend federal you will have to amend your state too as this will change thing in regards to income and tax. State amend forms are very similar.<br /><br />Here is a little tip: The IRS will not even acknowledge your form until after they are done with the 2010 year. So, mailing your form before April 15 is not going to speed up any extra refund you are due.<br /><br />When I was working in the firm, we would hold the amended returns until after the file date for that year since the IRS does nothing with them until they are done with the current load.<br /><br />You have up to 3 years to file an amended return to claim any extra refund that might be due to you.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">IRS Amended Return: </span></span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85438611170340920922011-02-21T05:54:00.002-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.936-04:00Places to Find Free Affiliate ProgramsThe other day Angie, from The Work at Home Wife, gave us bloggers a<a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/amazon-affiliate-program-alternatives-and-a-day-of-self-reflection/"> list of places</a> to try our affiliate hand at. It reminded me of an article I had written for my friend Dee when she had her Business Support blog. I thought I would share that article with you guys. These might be useful for someone.<br /><br /><br />On a side note there is always <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/All-About-AdSense-What-it-it">Google AdSense.</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Places to Find Free Affiliate Programs</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Free Resource Friday</div><div style="text-align: center;">Originally published: April 30, 2010</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Affiliate programs are a great way to drive traffic to your blog or website as well as provide you with a means for those page hits to make money.<br /><br /><b><a href="https://www.microsoftaffiliates.com/index.html?content=Zune">Zune Pass</a></b><br /><br />Zune Pass is an affiliate program that is offered by Microsoft. Zune is their popular mp3 player which competes alongside the Apple iPod. Affiliates will get paid for obtaining Zune Pass subscriptions. Affiliates can earn high payouts as well as Zune Pass trials and offers. This affiliate program is great for music lovers or those with websites in musical categories.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.liveperson.com/lp/affiliates/"><b>Live Person</b></a><br /><br />Live Person is a wonderful tool that can provide websites with live expert chat. Simply sign up, place the box on your website or blog and let users find the expert they need. Affiliates can earn up to $100 per paid subscription. Minimum payment is $25.<br /><br /><a href="https://publishers.singlesnet.com/register?affiliate=5star&campaign_id=3395&redirected=true"><b>Singles Net</b></a><br /><br />If your blog is about dating and relationships then Singles Net would be a positive addition to your site. The first tier pays $4.50 per lead, with payments going up to $11 per lead. Affiliates can get real time information, weekly payments, customized landing pages, and unlimited calling to customer service.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.100best-affiliate-programs.com/"><b>100 Best Affiliate Programs</b></a><br /><br />Website owners who are unsure of their niche, or perhaps they do not have one, this website give you plenty of affiliate programs in any category you need. Pick and choose the ones that work best for you and optimize your blog.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63924314108675327272011-02-20T07:03:00.002-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.681-04:00How Do You Other Bloggers Do It!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/DanubiusHotels/Danubius%20Health%20Spa%20Resort%20Buk/wellnessservices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/DanubiusHotels/Danubius%20Health%20Spa%20Resort%20Buk/wellnessservices.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what I get for running multiple websites, hanging out in multiple forums and trying to go to school full time! I feel like I have nothing to say today...or it just could be I want to enjoy my day without putting too much thought in to work.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not complaining though... better than being bored. Although, I can’t say that I am bored. I am in the middle of my weekend mini spa vacation getaway. I have never had a spa treatment before. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I'll find something more interesting to say tomorrow. Yes, Monday. I will talk ALL about my wonderful weekend.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Peace. Relaxing. Stress-free. Just what I needed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>How are/did you spend your weekend? Whats new for Monday?</i></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13920178546617049582011-02-20T06:02:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.224-05:00Quarterly Tax Payments: What Should I Be Paying?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ejmb-sd6I4/TV2p-1Trz4I/AAAAAAAAASM/KW6GEs4Snag/s1600/cash-prize-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ejmb-sd6I4/TV2p-1Trz4I/AAAAAAAAASM/KW6GEs4Snag/s320/cash-prize-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quarterly Tax Payments: What Should I Be Paying?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Unsure if you should be setting up quarterly payments? How much should you be setting </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">aside for that end of the year tax return?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, the answer is 30% of your income.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today’s Question:</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow 30% seems like a lot more than I paid this year. Maybe we are in a lower tax bracket. No matter how much it is, I won't get in trouble for not sending it in early right? I can just save and they don't mind as long as they get it in the end?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Answer:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Generally 6.2% is paid by the employer and 6.2% from you for Social Security. Since its all you, that’s 12.4%. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Medicare is usually 2.9% them 2.9% you. That’s 6% all you now. So there is 18%. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other 12% is about a 60/40 split between Federal and your State. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Self Employment taxes are a little higher, not just because you are paying your own SS and Medicare, but overall they are a bit more because of the fact the IRS has taken into consideration that there are expenses that get deducted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">30% for some does not tend to be enough. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">30% of $15,000 is $4500. Looking at the Federal chart, about 2500 of that goes to federal for a single person. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I realize there are other factors, dependents, credits, other income, file status and so on, when you are filling out your Schedule C none of that is taken in to consideration. That’s why 99% of us freelancers who work from home, put away 30%. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, you are not going to get in trouble for not sending in quarterly payments. You don't HAVE to do it, but....if you owe because of SE tax, you could be facing an 8% tax increase.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is some more about that: <a href="http://www.moneyunder30.com/quarterly-estimated-tax-payments-who-needs-to-pay-them-when-and-why">Quarterly Estimate Tax Payments: Who Needs to Pay Them & Why</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3630283012000869452011-02-19T16:29:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:46:44.899-04:00Childhood Dreams<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><strong><img _mce_src="http://citizentom.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/lawyer.png" alt="" height="300" src="http://citizentom.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/lawyer.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400" /></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><strong>Today’s Topic:</strong><br />If you had made a career out of whatever you were passionate about when you were ten...what would you be doing?<br /><br /><strong>Answer:</strong><br />A lawyer. Until I learned how much extra schooling was required, I went with my second choice, Accounting. I was told there were no good jobs for an English Major unless I was going in to teaching.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14503907520497707012011-02-19T04:40:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.301-05:00All About the Internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5AmRYRO9S4/TV2cwsHZQhI/AAAAAAAAASI/mu9gn1ijBc8/s1600/internou0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5AmRYRO9S4/TV2cwsHZQhI/AAAAAAAAASI/mu9gn1ijBc8/s320/internou0.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question: How am I supposed to deduct my internet???</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The problem with deducting your internet is that most of the time, internet is a package deal. For instance, I pay for cable and internet all on one bill. Now, $XX is for internet and the rest is for cable. But then I have to figure out how much of that internet is used for personal and how much for business.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My Thoughts:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">I think this is the norm these days. I know my bill statement has billing for each product, so this is helpful. Most statements, like mine, will break down what is the internet, cable, and telephone portion of the bill. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Keeping track of use time does not have to be difficult. Most often it’s a 50/50 split.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Here’s more:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">My internet right now isn't a bundle, but only because our cable is included in our rent. When we move, it would be bundled.</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">How would I go about figuring if deducting it is worth it? Just playing with the numbers on the tax software? Because that scares me, it really does...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My Answer:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Every expense is WORTH it when it comes to self employment. This being expenses will help reduce your self employment tax. For tax purpose, all you would need is a statement from your landlord saying that internet is included in rent and get a breakdown of the costs. Most landlords are willing when they know you work from home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45462662900107243192011-02-18T06:56:00.002-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.837-04:00Getting Out of the Information Loop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l15/lifeofcletus/The%20Philadelphia%20Story/Information.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l15/lifeofcletus/The%20Philadelphia%20Story/Information.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">This is something I saw being discussed today by some fellow writers on a couple of forums I roam around in. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br />It’s regarding the moment you realize that you know enough. Enough of trying this, enough of looking for that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br />A lot of people get into a trap or this "loop" (sort of like a vicious circle) of buying eBook (or even a printed book for that matter) after eBook and course after course looking for the magic formula to writing success.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b>I think some of us think this online stuff should be easy.</b> So we search in vain for the easy formula. I mean why not? So many out there make it LOOK easy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br />Until that day we realize the formula X uses is never easy and that we already know how to be a success online. We just get so buried in this information we don’t see that the key is right here within our reach.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br /><b> I've seen people who have spent $1000s of dollars looking for the magic formula. But they never find it.</b> Why? Because there isn't one. Or when one emerges it doesn't last long; the market becomes saturated with people running after the opportunity and overnight the opportunity loses its power.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Bum Marketing, The Keyword Academy, they all mean well, but deep down they are all just a spin on the same thing most of us already know.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br />That why I think it is so important to hang out in forums, read all the free stuff out there and then choose a path that is suited to YOU. After you've decided what path is best, then maybe buy a few eBooks (or books) related to that path. But commit to it and don't be distracted because you see everyone else running to the New Big Thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Spend time writing. Honing your craft. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I realized once I spent less time searching, seeking, wishing, and actually started writing, that’s when I started to see the increase in adsense.<br /><br /><br /><b> I'm not saying don't buy any book that looks like it might benefit you and your writing. </b>I am saying focus on a specific area and get to work. Don't get bogged down by purchasing every new thing that comes along or trying every new internet craze. This will never stop. There will always be new products to Google over.<br /><br /><br /><br />So take a look at what you have. Take a look at yourself and make a decision to start acting. Start putting your money into your business instead of info products. <br /><br />Start today!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><i>Let me know how it works for you!</i></b></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72906854615032885412011-02-18T04:31:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.349-05:00What About Multiple Computers?<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17n9NHEe1iU/TV2VpMzZYnI/AAAAAAAAAR8/DKC-1_PSfwQ/s1600/computer-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17n9NHEe1iU/TV2VpMzZYnI/AAAAAAAAAR8/DKC-1_PSfwQ/s320/computer-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As for the multiple computers.... I have 2 for myself, 2 for my DD (if you want to count the old laptop that doesn't work) & DH's laptop. Any of these I could use for work, if I wanted to. I could even dedicate my desktop as my play computer & the laptop for work. How would that work? The laptop is older; it was DH's that we bought 3-4 years ago. Would that old thing even still be eligible for a deduction? Or is that only for new computers???<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My thoughts:</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is only for things you purchase in THAT tax year. You cannot claim any expense from a previous year for the current tax year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> For example anything you buy in 2011, computer, office desk, supplies, things like that, would be allowed on 2011 tax return which you will file in 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Previous years purchases are just not allowed. There is only one exception to this rule and that is if your expenses are significant, then you can always go back and amend that tax return to include your expense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Having multiple computers gets tricky anyway. If you end up buying a desktop and a laptop in the same year, you would only be able to deduct/expense 50% of each. But the IRS might have some issues with the NEED of 2 computers. People do get audited for over expensing. They do value the difference between NEED and WANT. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61879527780232251892011-02-17T10:15:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.376-05:00More on Home Office/Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL167MxKfkA/TVxzYzILZ6I/AAAAAAAAAR4/PoFmmTS1w-M/s1600/modern-homeoffice-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL167MxKfkA/TVxzYzILZ6I/AAAAAAAAAR4/PoFmmTS1w-M/s320/modern-homeoffice-design.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">I've been going over the stuff & I actually made $1,000+ last year!!! I'm a little surprised, I didn't think it was that much. But now I have some questions...</span></b></span><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I don't want to do the depreciation thing, I'd have bought this computer whether I worked from home or not but I was wondering about Internet service. Again, I'd have it regardless, but since I spend a good chunk of my time working (at least half) can I deduct half of the monthly cost on my taxes? I know I can't deduct most utilites though since my computer is in the bedroom, not a separate room.</span></span></b><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Also, how would I count the Amazon Gift Cards I get from some survey sites? Would that be income </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">or something else??? I'm lost! Please help!</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">I can help! They don’t call me The Tax Queen around here for nothing! </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">When you buy a piece of equipment, for example a computer, the depreciation should be for 5 years as that is the “life” of a pc. So, every year you would get a small expense. Many people choose this option </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">because expenses vary every year and this allows them to have some every year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">You can elect a 179 deduction where you can take the entire amount one time. I would not suggest you do this for everything, or do this every year. If your deduction becomes too close to your income, or if your income becomes negative, the IRS will red flag you for an audit. Schedule C filers have the highest amount of audits. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Since PC are generally a 50/50 split in regards to personal and work, 50% is what you should deduct as an expense. Again, this is a onetime only expense and ONLY if you purchased that pc in that tax year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Internet again is prorated for business and personal use. I always suggest to those who are new to filing a Schedule C actually need to keep track of the hours spent online/on the pc and what you are doing. This way, if there is an audit, you are prepared and you will know for sure rather than guessing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">My home office is an office I share. I take the square foot of ½ the office as my home office. You CAN do this for any space that you work in, but it has to be dedicated for home office use. If you travel from room to room with a laptop, this tends to not work. But if you have a space, with a desk, that is yours, you can deduct the square footage of that space. You will need the total amount of your house and when you fill in these amounts to the tax program it will figure the percentage for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Any gift cards for surveys, books for review, or anything else you are given, this goes in to “other income” on Schedule C. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">So, for ALL of you who are doing book reviews now, be sure to keep track of the value of those books. Those books are considered payment for your time and review.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">You can deduct utilities, but ONLY if you have a dedicated home office space. Again, this is where that percentage is needed with the home office sq. ft./total sq. ft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Another great website is <a href="http://shoeboxed.com/">shoeboxed.com</a>, for people who don’t want to keep track of their receipts. It also connects with outright.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">$400 in self employment is right. That is the filing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">requirement</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> amount. Contractors are not required to send you a 1099 unless you made $600 so you have to keep adequate records.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90019057754236268152011-02-17T06:35:00.005-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.402-05:00eZine Link Swap<div><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/" title="Do you Heart EzineArticles.com, too?"><img alt="Do you Heart EzineArticles.com, too?" border="0" src="http://EzineArticles.com/images/heart/heart_11.gif" /></a><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/" title="Do you Heart EzineArticles.com, too?">Do you Heart EzineArticles.com, too?</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just got notification last night that my very<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan"> first EZineArticle was published</a>. That sure did take a while and I was beginning to wonder if they were even going to accept it. *phew* I am not one who likes to be kept waiting on things like that. Not that EZA really matters all that much, there are other places for me to push (LOL) my links at.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know there are many out there who have had great success with eZines, especially those who have a niche. I am still unsure what I am supposed to be doing with EZA, other than putting links in my work for my websites and residual sites without it getting too spammy.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />The gave me expert status right off the bat. I am going to assume everyone becomes an expert with their first article. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who like EZA, I found a website that might be helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">swapezineads.com Here you can track down an EZA related to your own, contact the publish, and swap/trade ads/links with other EZA’ers. <br /><br /><br />It is going to take me some time to get used to another site. With Google starting to crack down the way it is, I am not sure investing a lot of time in EZA is going to be beneficial. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>I thought maybe we could share links to our EZA or would be/coming soon articles and maybe we could help each other out. </i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37472528941482508932011-02-16T08:03:00.004-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.428-05:00Home Office, Expenses and Schedule C<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms-VPU7xPM4/TVA36gWz1kI/AAAAAAAAAPw/mf-c4mb4D98/s1600/taxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms-VPU7xPM4/TVA36gWz1kI/AAAAAAAAAPw/mf-c4mb4D98/s320/taxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All of my expenses are shared between writing and transcription, except in the case of if I need books for writing or books for medical transcription, of which I didn't have either this year.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My DSL, computer repairs, etc. can be used towards both writing and transcription. So, I am gathering I can use one Sched C?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Also, we purchased a home this year and I have my computer setup in the corner of a spare bedroom. I do not have a partition or anything like that around it. This desk and computer are used for my writing and transc. only. I would be able to take the home office deduction, correct?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">My Answer:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It would be easiest to say you were a virtual administrative assistant. Otherwise the writing and transcription would have to be on 2 separate schedules as they fall under different categories. I know the IRS does like to keep different types of jobs separate because they do have their own code they fall under that is reported on the Schedule C. If you have a minimal amount from each, you can group them together as a Virtual Assistant since they pretty much do all of the major online work categories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The DSL (internet) would be prorated, more like a 50/50 split as the IRS assumes that most people use the net for leisure too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Computer repairs are a yes. Make sure you have a copy of the receipt, you will need this in case their is ever an audit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the business use of the home, you need the total sq ft of the home, then the sq. ft. of the space you use for your desk. You don't have to have a partition. Just a designated area. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There will be a question on the Schedule C that asks if their is a business use of home. You would say yes and then it will take you (assuming you are doing your taxes online or with a software program) to Form 8829.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57922776095974968192011-02-16T05:55:00.017-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.453-05:00Can You Build a Successful Online Biz without Google?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx-uHTv5-c8/TVsg_QVY8rI/AAAAAAAAARo/_C7-c7AkWxM/s1600/twoogle_x291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx-uHTv5-c8/TVsg_QVY8rI/AAAAAAAAARo/_C7-c7AkWxM/s1600/twoogle_x291.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It really doesn’t surprise me that <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283395">Google recently announced</a> that they will be seeking different algorithms to seek out content farms. In light of the recent announcement many of these so-called content farms are announcing changes within their systems.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am glad I finally started to build on my <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_advanced_linking">residual</a>s. Although I am a long way from the $1000 a month club, at least I am on my way. I don’t mind writing for some of these places. They are not all so bad. The upfront money can be quite good. What I don’t like are the snotty editors who think they sit on a throne and want to nitpick about how you actually do or do not make a grilled cheese sandwich.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, those of us who count on these sites, even the<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/All-About-AdSense-What-it-it"> affiliate sites</a>, do we really need Google to make money?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what’s it going to take?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_good_content">Good content!</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to share with you this article I found. Right now many of us are becoming obsessed with optimizing our sites, and for good reason. But some are forgetting one fundamental thing. You have to write a site with quality content. You want your visitors to come back don’t you</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Spending too much time looking for links or affiliates?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Doing so could make your site suffer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Believe it or not, if you spent a little extra time making the content good, the end result is not only going to make you happy, it is going to make the search engines happy as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470633956&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I am not saying SEO is not important. I am learning to practice it daily. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This article will show you there is a little bit more to blogging and residual that optimizing. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s not let our websites suffer, we have worked too hard these last few months.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.site-reference.com/articles/Build-a-Successful-Online-Business-%96-Without-Google">Build a Successful Online Business – Without Google</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12658013956963287152011-02-15T08:57:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.477-05:00More about Education Credits: Tax Benefits for Education<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEveWZd_VL4/TVbBLHLVqPI/AAAAAAAAARc/f1HnPs07Av4/s1600/tax-preparation-service7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEveWZd_VL4/TVbBLHLVqPI/AAAAAAAAARc/f1HnPs07Av4/s320/tax-preparation-service7.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf">Tax Benefits for Education</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Qualified Tuition Expense</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #00162d;">A qualified college tuition expense is the tuition required for the enrollment or attendance of the eligible student at an institution of higher education. It does not matter whether the expenses were paid by cash, check, credit card, or with borrowed funds. In addition, the eligible student does not have to be enrolled in a degree program or attend full time for the expenses to qualify. However, only undergraduate enrollment or attendance qualifies. Tuition payments required for enrollment or attendance in a course of study leading to the granting of a post baccalaureate or other graduate degrees do not qualify.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #00162d;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Non Qualified Tuition Expense</b><o:p></o:p></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #00162d; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Tuition paid through the receipt of scholarships or financial aid (For this purpose, financial aid does not include student loans, other loans, and grants that must be repaid either before or after the student ceases attending school.)<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #00162d; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Amounts paid for room and board, insurance, medical expenses (including student health fees), transportation, or other similar personal, living, or family expenses<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #00162d; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Fees for course-related books, supplies, equipment, and nonacademic activities, even if the fees are required to be paid as a condition of enrollment or attendance<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc457.html">Tuition and Fees Deduction </a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">You may be able to deduct qualified tuition and related expenses that you pay for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent, as a tuition and fees deduction.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205674,00.html">American Opportunity Credit</a> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the tax year, you may be able to claim an American opportunity credit of up to $2,500 for qualified education expenses paid for each eligible student.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96273,00.html">Lifetime Learning Credit</a></b> <o:p></o:p></div><div style="mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Lifetime Learning Credit may be claimed for the qualified tuition and related expenses of the students in the taxpayer's family (i.e., the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or an eligible dependent) who are enrolled in eligible educational institutions.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">A taxpayer cannot claim both a Lifetime Learning Credit and a Hope Credit for the same student in the same year.</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></span></div><div style="mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <span class="apple-style-span">This credit allows for a 20% tax credit for first $10,000 of qualified tuition and expenses to be fully creditable against the taxpayer’s total tax liability</span>, making the maximum about $2000.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=177996,00.html">Hope Credit </a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black;">For tax year 2010, the following changes have been made to the Hope and American opportunity credits.<o:p></o:p></span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">The Hope credit is not available for 2010.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">The American opportunity credit is available for 2010 and is unchanged from 2009.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91072543228217806412011-02-15T05:23:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.504-05:00The Writing Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldf8vXBxIFc/TVHJZmqlxDI/AAAAAAAAAQU/YSJRmRSAa5Y/s1600/LookingUPChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldf8vXBxIFc/TVHJZmqlxDI/AAAAAAAAAQU/YSJRmRSAa5Y/s320/LookingUPChick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I spent my Valentines at the eye doctor. Was not fun. Apparently I spend too much time on the internet and have broken my eyes in such a manner that none of my old glasses are in working condition. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, a few hours and $275 later I am now the proud owner of not one, but two pairs of glasses. One pair for when I am working at the computer, and another for everyday use. Oh joy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While I was there, of course you have to fill out the initial paperwork when it’s your first time, my job? Freelance writer. Insurance? No way. To which her reply was – where do you write? Newspapers and magazines?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ugh. Something like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So we talked about my accounting background and how I fell into writing financial content for websites, leading to magazines, leading me in to making my 5yr old blog a revenue sharing site and launching my own tax site.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ohhh she said…that’s neat. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, I visit forums and people are sending me PM’s of tax questions and where do I write at?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">here were go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Links to my Work:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Self Employed Writer</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Tax Queen</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/"> </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/">Erotic Confessions </a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632">Web Answers</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_432880262">Helium</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049"> </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/652747/chrystal_mahan.html">Associated Content</a></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.odesk.com/users/~~d46f66354ca58c74">oDesk</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Examiner</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> – Detriot Depression </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Detroit Frugal Living </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bizsupportblog.blogspot.com/"><span id="goog_432880211"></span>Business Support Group</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_432880206">eHow</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_caca5416-4882-481d-b245-83bf1d6afadf-articles.html"> (through Demend Studios</a>) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Other places I write:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Demand Studio<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Break Studios<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Textbroker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.starreviews.com/blog/cmahan/">Star Reviews </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.experts123.com/users/10396/cmahan">Experts 123 </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">eCopywriters <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Merchant Circle<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b>Other Places to Find Me</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.yousaytoo.com/cmahan/?26812">You Say Too</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrystalmahan">LinkedIn </a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik">MySpace</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_432880244">Facebook</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Self-Employed-Writer/143287295698231"> </a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Twitter – ChrystalMahan</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Tumblr - Self Employed Writer: Chrystal Mahan</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Coming Soon<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/759870">Suite 101</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">EZine Articles</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Break Studios Articles for ManMade.com<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-best-iphone-apps-facebook.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-best-iphone-apps-facebook.html</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-best-iphone-apps-organization.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-best-iphone-apps-organization.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-best-2005-porn-movies.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-best-2005-porn-movies.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-home-stereo-wiring-tips.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-home-stereo-wiring-tips.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-vintage-motorcycle-restoration-tips.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-vintage-motorcycle-restoration-tips.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/chocolate-strawberry-cake-recipes-mothers-day.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/chocolate-strawberry-cake-recipes-mothers-day.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-become-jingle-writers-musician-home.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-become-jingle-writers-musician-home.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-make-pvc-slant-board-ab-workouts.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-make-pvc-slant-board-ab-workouts.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-incorporate-canada.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-incorporate-canada.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-calculate-federal-retirement.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-calculate-federal-retirement.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/tax-fraud-penalties.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/tax-fraud-penalties.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-calculate-federal-retirement.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-calculate-federal-retirement.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/muscadine-wine-recipes.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/muscadine-wine-recipes.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/warning-signs-heart-attack--12.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/warning-signs-heart-attack--12.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/5-best-goose-and-maverick-quotes.html">http://www.mademan.com/mm/5-best-goose-and-maverick-quotes.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Magazines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One Mag - </span><a href="http://www.onemagazineva.com/">http://www.onemagazineva.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <a href="http://religionisdead.com/">http://religionisdead.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <a href="http://tidewaterchurches.com/">http://tidewaterchurches.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5290995684975658262011-02-14T19:19:00.001-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.818-04:00#NSNation Happy Valentines! (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiJv6qmQQaQ/TVfd5MPNEPI/AAAAAAAAARk/5jXzXabuEZc/s1600/f4cff7c9.png" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiJv6qmQQaQ/TVfd5MPNEPI/AAAAAAAAARk/5jXzXabuEZc/s1600/f4cff7c9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiJv6qmQQaQ/TVfd5MPNEPI/AAAAAAAAARk/5jXzXabuEZc/s1600/f4cff7c9.png" alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiJv6qmQQaQ/TVfd5MPNEPI/AAAAAAAAARk/5jXzXabuEZc/s1600/f4cff7c9.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">First, my apologies. I have been so busy with work and school that I STILL have not had time to take some before photos, nor get a video together. *ugh* I have been spread thin and I am extremely stressed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I had to pop over to the NS Forums the other day for some support.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a _mce_href="http://boards.members.nutrisystem.com/showthread.php?t=193458" href="http://boards.members.nutrisystem.com/showthread.php?t=193458">How do you get through a funk?</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I still have food reviews to do, but today I am going to talk a little bit about <span><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;">hat I love best about the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">NSNation and my journey so far, as well as what I love best about being on <a href="http://nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I have had a rough couple of weeks. I actually thought about contacting Nutrisystem and telling them I did not want to be part of the program anymore. Hence, my reason for going to the forums and finding someone to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">talk to. I am in a funk that I can’t seem to break free from.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I don’t want to be in this funk. That is one of the things about Nutrisystem I love, it is right there for me to pick myself up, dust myself off, and just start new again. It is a best friend that will never leave me just </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">because I am having a bad day, or in my case a bad couple of weeks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I have chatted a bit with a few fellow bloggers, mostly exchange of twitter tweets, and find the group to be very strongly bonded as we walk down the same path of this journey. I like the instant connection we all seem to have.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">It is because of that I seem to be letting my best friends down.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I have another busy day today, have to go get my eyes checked because my glasses don’t seem to be effective and my headaches are getting worse. No matter what, I have the stair stepper upstairs now so I don’t hit my head on the basement ceiling and the treadmill is off to the mill grave yard.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Today is a new day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16821315515802122082011-02-14T08:48:00.004-05:002012-01-05T16:57:07.673-05:00Tax Deductions for Weight Loss Programs?<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0471653659&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyone who has been following this website, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/">The Self Employed Writer</a>, will know that I am part of the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation.html">Nutrisystem Blogger Nation</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">. It was because of this offer I put my <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=7669&userID=465182&productID=472675251">WonderSlim</a> plan on hold.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was on the Nutrisystem message forums where today’s question came from. When </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I worked in a tax office I would get asked this question quite often.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Today’s Question:</span> Tax deductions for weight loss programs?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Does anybody know what qualifies for this?<br /><br />I'm guessing Nutrisystem doesn't qualify... It would be nice if it did.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Answer:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is what seems to be floating around the internet, thanks to the Yahoo! Tax channel<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://tax.yahoo.com/tips/deduct/"><i><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Medical Expenses Related to Obesity</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span></i></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b> <span class="apple-style-span">If you pay for a weight-loss program because you are obese, you can deduct the cost as a medical expense. You cannot deduct the cost of low-calorie foods that are a substitute for the normal food you eat, but you can deduct the cost of food if it doesn't satisfy your normal nutritional needs, it alleviates or treats an illness, and the need for the food is verified by a physician.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><i><br /></i></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">The problem is, the little blurb does not go in to details regarding the actually qualifications. To anyone reading this they might think that they are overweight, making them obese so whatever they paid over the course of the year can be tax </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">deductible</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>This is not the case.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502.html">Straight from the voice called the IRS</a>: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tax deductions for weight loss programs would fall under Medical & Dental expenses. You can only deduct qualifying medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (gross income less certain deductions, but before your standard/itemized deduction). So if your AGI is $50,000 you would only be able to deduct medical expenses exceeding $3,750 (the first $3,750 is never deductible). This is a pretty high hurdle for most people to reach.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Second, food is generally not deductible, so NS (neither would WonderSlim or any other meal plan) would not qualify. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">From the IRS publication:</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Weight-Loss Program</b></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay to lose weight if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">(such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><u> </u></span><span class="apple-style-span">as well as fees for attendance at periodic meetings.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses, but you can include separate fees charged there for weight loss activities.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You cannot include the cost of diet food or beverages in medical expenses because the diet food and beverages substitute for what is normally consumed to satisfy nutritional needs. You can include the cost of special food in medical expenses only if:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1. The food does not satisfy normal nutritional needs,</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">2. The food alleviates or treats an illness, and</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">3. The need for the food is substantiated by a physician.</span><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The amount you can include in medical expenses is limited to the amount by which the cost of the special food exceeds the cost of a normal diet.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1253165281318960492011-02-14T08:03:00.027-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.657-05:00Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 101 : The Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcY6yritk4w/TVXckfiVN3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/SpMApOCnh2w/s1600/4540522_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcY6yritk4w/TVXckfiVN3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/SpMApOCnh2w/s1600/4540522_f260.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have put together a 12 part SEO series for beginners.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are the topics (with links) for those who have missed it on HubPages and for those who are interested in checking it out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will be starting a SEO 102 series soon. I have some other beginner series I think I would like to dive in to next. :0 But first, I should spend some more time on financials and taxes before the season is over and help build up some content and links to <a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/">The Tax Queen Website</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.75pt; text-align: center; width: 455px;"><tbody><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_good_content">SEO 101: Good Content</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_check_your_words">SEO 101: Check Your Words</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_urls_links">SEO 101: Your URLs and Links</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-The-Donts">SEO 101: The Don'ts</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-Basic-Link-Structure">SEO101: Basic Link Building</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-Getting-Started-on-Keywords">SEO101: Getting Starting with Keywords</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_advanced_linking">SEO 101 : Advance Link Building</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_determine_keywords">SEO 101: How to Determine Keywords</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_friendly_content">SEO 101: Search Engine Friendly Content</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_friendly_content_seo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>SEO 101: Tips Search Engine Friendly Content </b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo_search_engine_Backlinks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>SEO 101: Backlinking and SEO </b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-Putting-it-All-Together"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>SEO 101: Putting It All Together</b></span></a></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1819424417433269572011-02-13T07:31:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.630-05:00College Students in Credit Card Debt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnYokotJfjA/TVWInxvKobI/AAAAAAAAARE/mZEi76L820o/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnYokotJfjA/TVWInxvKobI/AAAAAAAAARE/mZEi76L820o/s320/01.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Wrapping up the weekend series we are going to touch a little bit on “College Students in Credit Card Debt.”</b> While it is true many students use these credit cards to pay for school or school related expenses, there are those who have no idea how to handle their finances. Walk in to any campus student union and you will likely see rows of tables with free goodies just for signing up for a credit card. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel victim to that game myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>College students are running up an alarmingly large amount of credit card debt these days and it is only increasing with the passage of time.</b> The average undergraduate student carries $2,500 in credit card debt and by the time they graduate from college, they are beginning their new lives in the “real world” with debt that they can’t pay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Students figure:</b> I'll live like I want to now and then when I get a job it will be easy to pay it back. This is often not the case. Lower-than-expected salaries, plus higher-than-expected living expenses and hefty student loan payments, make handling credit card debt all the more difficult for students and recent grads.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>And the worse part about college students having so much credit card debt is that it takes so long to pay it off.</b><b> </b> Even if they are able to make the minimum payments, by sticking to minimum payments it would take a student more than 12 years and $1,115 in interest to pay off a $1,000 bill on a card with an 18 percent annual rate. If students fall behind in their payments, they get slammed with high late fees. And it's easy for things to get out of hand.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1591842980&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Of course, there are two sides to this story.</b> Most college students start out with little and even no credit, so having a credit card seems like a good idea so they can start building a credit history in anticipation of owning a new or better car and even, someday their own home. Except for if they haven’t been warned of the dangers of using credit cards or are especially naïve, this could be a bad move.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Credit card debt for college students affects many, many aspects of their college lives.</b> They can’t pay their bills regularly and find themselves short of cash. Plus, it can affect their ability to secure a student loan which can be crucial with ever-rising tuition rates. And parents should beware of putting their college student on their own credit cars as an authorized user as the same debt can pile up under the parents’ names and cause some serious credit problems.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Armed with the right information, many students are able to establish credit and steer clear of card debt. Even though college students do carry credit card debt, 54 percent of college students pay off their credit card balances every month.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most tend to be responsible and use the card wisely.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1427754640&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>However, some of them don't and they're getting into trouble</b>. If a person makes it through 18 years of life without any financial wherewithal, it's very difficult to change their behavior and that's why it's so important that parents speak to their children about money management. To keep a college student out of credit card debt, the key is teaching students money management skills before handing them a credit card. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are a college student, or you know one, not only should you set yourself up on a budget, but keep all the receipts. Anything that is school related should be kept aside for tax purposes. It could be valuable to your education expense. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24849993185905061632011-02-13T05:03:00.020-05:002014-11-04T11:38:27.877-05:0051 (More) Headline Copywriting Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvP-K_ks2-k/TVWydjeGpTI/AAAAAAAAARM/5pdxxRvy8HM/s1600/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvP-K_ks2-k/TVWydjeGpTI/AAAAAAAAARM/5pdxxRvy8HM/s320/write.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is part two of the 101 Headline Copywriting Tips </div><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/50-headline-copywriting-tips_12.html" target="_blank">Did you miss the first 50?</a><br /><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #b84700; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 36pt;">101 Awesome Headline Copywriting Tips<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 36pt;"></span></div><div class="PreformattedText" style="color: #b84700; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>51) You Are About...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "You Are About..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells of a benefit they will discover if they read the rest of your ad. All they have to do is keep reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You Are About To Discover A New, Amazing Weight Loss Formula!"</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>52) Celebrity</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Celebrity" headline grabs your prospect's attention because a celebrity has that fame and name recognition that brings a lot of credibility. People will believe them. Your prospect figures the celebrity wouldn't want to risk their reputation. That celebrity at least needs to be a considered one or a recognized expert to gain your target audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Joe Blow says, "This autoresponder service blows away the competition!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>53) Metaphor</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Metaphor" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it suggests your product performs, is like or offers the same or better benefit as something they know. It helps the people relate to your product faster and gets them interested in the rest of your ad.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Sitting In One Of Our Chairs Is Sitting In Luxury"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>54) Help Wanted</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Help Wanted" headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people have been raised to help another when asked. At least they will stop to find out that need. That is enough to get them into your text. Never be afraid to ask for help. All the better when telling them of their benefit in helping.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I Need Help! I'm Looking For 200 People That Want To Make Up $5,000 A Month!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>55) Free/Special Report...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Free/Special Report..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people know they are going to receive a reward or benefit for finding out more by reading the text. Even something of value since you are making an issue of it and they could not obtain it elsewhere. It doesn't appear an advertisement but something benefiting them. They will let down their buying defenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Free Report! How To Triple Your Sales In Three Easy Steps!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>56) "by"</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "by" sub headline grabs your prospect's attention because your ad looks like an article instead of a sales letter. That's because most articles have the author's name under the title. It also develops an expertise and credibility since it is an article. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How To Instantly Improve Your School Grades With Little Or No Effort!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">by Larry Dotson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>57) Exclusive...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Exclusive..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people think they will be one of the first or few people to read about it. It gives them a privilege or secret that most won't have. So they will have to read your text to have that privilege<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Exclusive Offer! The First 50 People That Order Will Get $675 In Bonuses!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>58) Revolutionary...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Revolutionary..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds like a major, new and improved way to get their desired benefit! People will think they'll get their benefits easier and faster than before with your help so they will read on to find out. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Introducing: A Revolutionary Diet Plan That Lets You Pig-Out Anytime You Want!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>60) Healthy...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Healthy..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because everyone wants to live a long, happy life. To do it they need good health. The best part is it doesn't have to actually relate to health to grab their attention. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Earn A Healthy Income Pulling Weeds Part Time!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>61) Urgent...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Urgent..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people feel it calls for immediate attention. In the past people have received urgent messages and knew how important they were. It also establishes a need for immediate action.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Urgent! What Credit Card Companies Don't Want You To Know!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>62) You Too Can...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "You Too Can..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells people there are others, perhaps no better than them, accomplishing wonders or earning the money they aren't. So they think, "Why can't I?" It makes them envious or at least curious.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Millions Of People Are Working From Home And You Can Too!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>63) What If...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "What If..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it takes them to a wonderland wherein they already have their desired benefits or goal accomplished. They need to read the rest of your ad to make it a reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"What If You Could Make $10,000 A Month?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>64) Instant</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Instant..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want their desired benefit NOW or as quickly as possible. The word 'instant' is also interpreted as being easy. Fast and easy sell like crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Instantly Triple Your Opt-In List!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>65) Pay Close Attention...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Pay Close Attention..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people will automatically do as told and know some important and possibly detailed information follows that statement. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Pay Close Attention! Never Pay For Lawyer Fees Again!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>66) If You Qualify...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "If You Qualify..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's a challenge to their worth. They can't buy if they aren't good enough or a part of the 'right' group. It might even appear you are not going to offer them the product unless they are right or fulfill some conditions. Those terms could be noted in the text below. You could actually turn their purchase down.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"$2000 Diamond Ring For Only $299...If You Qualify!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>67) Visual</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Visual" headline grabs your prospect's attention because one visual can triggers thousands of eye-catching stimuli. Visuals could be pictures, graphics, online videos, comics, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This Could Be You: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(your visual)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>68) Targeted</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Targeted" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds like you are talking directly to them. You have already created a rapport because you have recognized the type of person they are and established their interest and how you can help.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Attention! Calling All Gardeners To Try This New, Fast-Growing Plant Fertilizer!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>69) Introducing...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Introducing..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people see "Introducing" attached to something or someone they are not familiar with but still important to their benefit. You are doing a good turn for them by showing them something new.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introducing: A New, Absolutely Delicious Sugar Cookie Recipe!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>70) If You're Worried...Don't Be</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The " If You're Worried...Don't Be" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it gives people the comfort and confidence of knowing you have thought about it and offer a solution to their concerns, problems and situation. They want to read the rest of your ad to see why they shouldn't worry!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"If You're Worried About Paying Your Bills...Don't Be!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>71) You're Invited To...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "You're Invited To..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds like a special event instead of an advertisement. It makes people feel special and important. It also takes away risk because of the friendliness of it. No commitment but just see what is offered and how it can benefit you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You're Invited To Experience The Business Opportunity Of A Lifetime!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>72) The Perfect...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "The Perfect..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want their lives to be perfect. They are always looking for the perfect way to attain their desired benefit. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Perfect Bathing Suit To Hide Those Left Over Winter Pounds!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>73) Tested...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Tested..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people feel more confident about reading what you have to say when tests prove the point. It is a more scientific approach not left to chance. If your product is tested and works, then it will work for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Tried And Tested Diet That Allows You To Lose Up To 10 Pounds Per Week!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>74) Breakthrough...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Breakthrough..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people are always looking for that one breakthrough that will solve their problems or give them their desired benefit. Success where other, similar products have failed in the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"New, Breakthrough Formula That Gets Rid Of Dry Skin Forever!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>75) Time-Tested…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Time Tested..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells people that they can trust your business. Your product has been tested over a long period of time and you always deliver what you promise. It and you are reliable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A Time-Tested Investing Formula That Generates A Positive Return 99.9% Of The Time!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>76) Safe...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Safe..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want to be safe and avoid physical pain, to avoid risk too. They also want to avoid harming other people in their life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A Bug Spray That's Fully Safe To Use Around Children!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>77) Serious Inquires Only...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Serious Inquires Only..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you are actually limiting those that can order based upon eligibility. A business-like approach that tells people it is direct and trust-worthy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Lose 5 Pounds Per Week - Serious Inquires Only!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>78) Used By…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Used By..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you actually use some of your famous and/or well-known clients in your headline! It gives credibly to your entire headline and offer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Our Famous, Internet Marketing Course Has Been Used By (some of your famous/respectable clients)"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>79) Free Trial/Sample</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Free Trial/Sample..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it removes their buying defenses. You're not asking them to spend any money and you feel confident enough to give them a sample of your product before they decide to buy or be charged.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"FREE 30 Day Trial Membership To Our Internet Marketing Private Site!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>80) Physical Effects</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Physical Effects" headline grabs your prospect's attention because the result is something they know and is common to that you offer. A pleasurable and emotional issue is developed. It makes your headline come to life. The sizzle effect before the substance.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Our Delicious, Tantalizing Steaks Will Make Your Mouth Water With Anticipation!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>81) Easy/Simple...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Easy/Simple..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people don't want to work hard at acquiring their desired benefit and goal. They want the experience to be as painless as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Simple And Easy Leaf Vacuum System!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>82) Only Source</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Only Source" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's noting the product or the benefit cannot be obtained anywhere else or from anyone else. It's as though you have a monopoly on that particular product or benefit and will dispense it as you will.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You Can't Find Our Odorless Cleaning Liquid Anywhere Else...Guaranteed!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>83) Ordinary People</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Ordinary People" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it states that ordinary or un-advantaged people are getting the same benefits the reader wants. Your prospect will think if others can get it, so can they.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How A Man From Chicago Went From Homeless To Riches In Just 30 Days!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>84) Experience The</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Experience The..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want to experience having their desired benefit. They also seek experiences that bring them emotional rewards.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Experience The Relaxation Of Our Tropical Resort!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>85) People Reactions</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "People Reactions" headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people care what other people think and say. Those close to them can have an influence or even persuade them to buy your product easier than your business can.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Imagine What Your Friends Will Say When You Drive Up In A New Sports Car!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>86) Giving</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Giving" headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want others in their life to be happy. One way people show that they care about those others is to buy them gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Just Imagine The Smile On Your Kid's Face When You bring Home This Cute Puppy!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>87) Tired Of</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Tired Of..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people get tired of the old things in their life. The old just does not give the promise of the new. New has the potential to fulfill their desire for benefits or a goal achieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Aren't You Tried Of Working For Someone Else?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>88) Don't Buy Another...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Don't Buy Another..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it cautions them with some inside knowledge you have affecting their purchasing decision. It creates uneasiness and even indecision that you will thoughtfully remove. You want to help them make the right decision by buying your proven better product. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Warning! Don't Buy Another Toy For Your Kids Until You Read This!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>89) Myths</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Myths..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it will cause them to view some imagined things, myths, fears holding them back from getting their desired benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"8 Myths About Starting Your Own Home Business!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>90) Low Cost<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Low Cost" headline grabs your prospect's attention because people are looking for a bargain and trying to save money. They can either be on a tight budget or thrifty shoppers. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How To Find Low Cost Advertising On The Internet!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>91) Top...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Top..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want to know the top, best or most popular way to get their desired benefit. They want to get the best things in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Top 5 Ways To Reduce You Credit Card Debt!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>92) If You...I'll...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "If You...I'll..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you're actually making a deal and rewarding them for getting their desired benefits. It's a win/win situation for your prospects.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"If You Read My New Copywriting Book, I'll Give You Another Copy For FREE!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>93) Specific</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Specific" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it makes your headline more believable. If there is a specific figure, there must be a good reason for it. It must be true or even understated.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How I Made $17,845.67 By Buying One Solo Ad!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>94) Simile</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Simile" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it compares two unlike things in a combination that amplifies your point. The paradox would bring them into the text of your ad. Most similes use the words "like" or "as" in the connecting term.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Taking Our Marketing Course Is Like Having No Competition!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>95) Analogy</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Analogy" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it compares something known to something different. It provides a new combination or contrast one would not normally see. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How Algebra Can Be Just Like Playing Connect The Dots!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>96) Famous Quote</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Famous Quote" headline grabs your prospect's attention because, if it's by a famous or respected person your target audience knows, it gives your business and product more credibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A Headline That Grabs Your Prospects Attention Can Be Considered A Hypnotic One"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">by Larry Dotson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>97) Don't Read This</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Don't Read This..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it uses reverse psychology. It catches your prospect off-guard and they wonder why they shouldn't read it. They also become more curious by the prohibition.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Don't Read This If You Want To Go Bankrupt!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>98) Miracle</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Miracle" headline grabs your prospect's attention because everyone fantasizes about some miracle that could improve his or her life. Some miracle related words could be…unbelievable, incredible, amazing, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A New, Amazing Traffic Generating System That Doesn't Cost You A Cent!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>99) Confusing<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Confusing" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's a puzzle and unsettling. People are used to certain conformity. If you make your headline a little confusing, or unusual, it may tempt them to find out more to clarify the mystery. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Marketer Cows Money<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>100) Humor</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Humor" headline grabs your prospect's attention because there might be something humorous in your product or packaging. Be very careful in the use however for irony is the best humor to use. Joking, other than tongue-in-cheek can be very counterproductive. What makes people laugh? Some cannot see the humor. Your product could gain in credibility if you are slightly depreciating. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You Might Be Addicted To Internet Marketing If You Start Calling 'TV Dinners' - 'PC Dinners'..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>101) Success Story</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Success Story" headline grabs your prospect's attention because people will place themselves in the same position. Succeeding at great odds. If another can do it, "Why not me?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How An Average Guy From Utah Turned His Hobby Into A Multi-Million Dollar Business!"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b84700; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b84700; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #b84700; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 36pt;"><br /></span></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75235417921340797602011-02-12T08:07:00.004-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.686-05:00Student Loans, Bad Credit, and Private Student Loans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcCkg06xiv8/TVWCalN1o9I/AAAAAAAAARA/HAvfmYM3cxo/s1600/DSC03359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcCkg06xiv8/TVWCalN1o9I/AAAAAAAAARA/HAvfmYM3cxo/s1600/DSC03359.jpg" /></a></div>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/weekend-edition-college-students-in.html">Since yesterday's post</a> I received a few emails regarding student loans and whether that counts as income.<br />The easy answer is, no. It is not income, does not have to be claimed because eventually you have to pay it back.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">But what happens when you have bad credit and you NEED a student loan? This topic is not exactly tax related, but it does raise some questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0874479053&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>What do you do when you have bad credit and you need to get a student loan through a private company?</b><b> </b> It might seem like there’s just no way you’ll be able to get a loan to attend school, but really, there is hope on the horizon. Just because you have bad credit doesn’t mean there’s no way you can get a private student loan.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>You can start by looking into government subsidized loans such as the Stafford Loan.</b><b> </b> These are loans that you can obtain through your school and you don’t have to repay them until six months after you graduate. The interest rate on these loans is usually quite low making it affordable for you to repay after graduation.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Another option for you to look at when trying to find a private student loan when you have bad credit is to have your parents get a PLUS loan.</b><b> </b> This will be in their name and will also be at a lower interest rate. Your bad credit won’t be an issue since the loan approval will be made solely on their credit rating – not yours. Of course, it will have to be paid back – probably by you, but your parents will be responsible for the payments, so you’ll want to make those payments and not risk the wrath of your parents!<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Your parents would get to take this as an Education expense since in theory; they would be the ones paying them back. The school will then issue a 1098-T in their name under your account.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1601382618&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>There are also many private student loan companies you can explore when you have bad credit.</b> Start by contacting your local bank where you have your checking or savings account. Explain to them your situation and why you have bad credit. Since you have a relationship with them already, the likelihood of them approving a loan for you is better than if you work with another financial institution that doesn’t know you at all.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>You can get a private student loan also by having a co-signer with good credit that will offset your bad credit.</b> Most often, this is a parent or grandparent. It works just like any other loan with a co-signer. They are saying that you will make the payments or they will have to if you fail to follow through on your loan agreement. Again, it’s important to make timely payments if you have a co-signer on your student loan as missed payments can affect not only your credit, but theirs as well.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Getting an education these days is certainly expensive, but even if you have bad credit, you can get a student loan with a private company. All you have to do is research your options and then go for it!<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>On a side note:</b> Be sure to keep track of all the related school expenses. This will make it much easier to determine your education expenses, deductions and credits at tax time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86692075287181854352011-02-12T05:46:00.002-05:002014-11-04T11:37:37.444-05:0050 Headline Copywriting Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG6N87EfrXw/TVWyA6R4TnI/AAAAAAAAARI/aYy3o7Sd5oQ/s1600/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG6N87EfrXw/TVWyA6R4TnI/AAAAAAAAARI/aYy3o7Sd5oQ/s320/write.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">On Thursady, Angie at the Work At Home Wife wrote a post titled <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/starting-a-niche-site-where-to-find-blog-topics/comment-page-1/#comment-10602">“Starting a Niche Site: Where to Find Blog Topics.</a>” In that post was another link to CopyBlogger on how to write headlines.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Now there is something I never really thought about.</b> I do have a hard time coming up with a post title. It was never a problem for me in the past, but now that I have learned so much more about SEO and keywords, it tends to hinder my title making abilities.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I thought I should do some digging and see what I could come up with</b>. First place I went was to my online storage account to search through my PLR items. I just knew there had to be something in that mess (I promise I have been trying to organize it!) that would help us out with headlines. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Thankfully, I found something</b>. Since I am allowed to share it at my will, I am going to share it with all you guys since it seems to be something we all could use on our blogging adventure. Or would that be journey???</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here you go. You might want to bookmark this page and come back to it; there are 101 of these gems to read. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #b84700; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 36pt;">101 Awesome Headline Copywriting Tips</span></b></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>1) How To...</b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "How To.." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells their brain they are about to learn something new that could benefit their lifestyle. The headline should get their attention and explain how to get their benefit faster, cheaper, easier, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Get Out Of Debt In 1 Year Or Less!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>2) Unlock...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "Unlock..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because when something is locked-up it's perceived as being more valuable. Your product would of course be the key that will unlock the benefit for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Unlock The Secrets Of Selling High Ticket Items!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>3) Discover...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "Discover..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it gives your prospects a sense of adventure. It's just like in a story when someone discovers a treasure chest or a lost artifact. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Discover 3 Simple Ways To Reduce Your Unwanted Wrinkles!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>4) ...Exposed</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "...Exposed" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds as if somebody was trying to hide something. Your prospects will want to know what was being covered up and why.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Used Car Dealer Sales Tricks Exposed!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>5) ...Explained</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "...Explained" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it will give them a clear picture of a benefit they may not understand how to get. If there is something you don't understand and it could benefit you, wouldn't you want it explained?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Top Search Engine Optimization Strategies Explained!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>6) Breaking News...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "Breaking News..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because breaking news usually happens when it's really important and can't wait until the normal news show time. It's usually something major like serve weather, a terrorist attack, war footage, etc. It makes people stop what they're doing and take notice.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Breaking News! Scientist Finds Breakthrough Weight Loss Formula!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>7) Inside Secrets...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "Inside Secrets..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because your prospects will feel that if they learn more information they'll belong to a select, privileged group of people. It also adds a rareness to your product. Rare is valuable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Inside Secrets Of Millionaires Under The Age Of 29!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>8) Magic...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "Magic..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because almost everyone's fantasy is to have a magic formula or tool that will instantly give them their desired benefits. People want to get their desired benefits with little or no effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"New! A Stain Remover That Works Like Magic!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>9) Finally...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "Finally..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because usually people will buy any number of similar products before they get the exact benefit they want. So, when we find that perfect product we are likely to say or think….FINALLY!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Finally! An Acne Cream That Actually Does What It Says!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>10)...Guaranteed</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "...Guaranteed" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells your prospects there is no harm in reading the rest of my ad and there's no risk. Your prospects will allow themselves to get interested because even if the buy they have nothing to lose. It makes the most unbelievable headline seem believable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"10,000 Web Site Visitors In One Month...Guaranteed!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>11) Time Sensitive...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Time Sensitive!..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because if it's placed in front of their desired benefit, they know they need to promptly read your ad. They'll be worried that they may miss your time sensitive offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Time Sensitive! 5 Ways To Reduce Your Taxes!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>12) Truth About...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Truth About..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people suspect they are being lied to by businesses. It's usually because they have been burnt at least once by another business in their lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Real Truth About MLM Compensation Plans!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>13) Free Bonuses...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Free Bonuses..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people like to be rewarded for buying. Your prospects will read the rest of your ad to find out about the free bonuses and see how much they will have to spend in order to get the free bonuses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Get 7 Free Bonuses Worth $1657!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>14) Which Of...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Which Of..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because it will give them a choice. People like to have choices, it gives them freedom and control. Once they choose, they will want to read your ad to see the results of their choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Which Of These Web Hosting Companies Would You Choose?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>15) Last Chance...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Last Chance..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people usually pay more attention to their last chance than their first chance to buy something. Everyone hates to lose something. It will usually help sell to people that procrastinate about buying. Now or never is a strong motivator.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Last Chance To Save 50% Off This Stunning Ring"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>16) Take Advantage...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Take Advantage..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because most people would rather have an advantage than be disadvantaged. People want to learn about any advantage that will help them get the desired benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Take Advantage Of The Falling Stock Market"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>17) Treat Yourself...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Treat Yourself..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because most people are focused on pleasing and helping their family, friends and employers. It will make them stop and think, "I need a treat once in awhile, too!".<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Treat Yourself To A Delicious, Hot-Fudge Sundae!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>18) Reasons To...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Reasons To..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because when you ask someone to do something, don't they always ask why? It will give them a reason to read your advertisement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"10 Reasons To Start Your Own, Profitable Ezine!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>19) Now You Can...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Now You Can.." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people usually don't have their desired benefit yet if they are even considering reading your ad. Now they can learn how to get that benefit from reading the rest of your ad<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Now You Can Afford That In-Ground Pool!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>20) Proven..</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Proven..." headline will grab your prospects attention because people want products that they know are proven to get their desired benefit. Would you want a product that's UN-proven?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A Hair Tonic That's Proven To Work!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>21) Are You Still...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Are You Still..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people will wonder if they are still getting the most benefit with an older product. It's also a question that they will mentally have to answer then compare to the newer product you are offering.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Are You Still Using That Slow, Old Typewriter?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>22) Never Seen Before...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Never Seen Before..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people usually ignore ads. They think they have seen everything. If your product has truly never been seen before they will want to stop and read about it. NEW is very enticing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Never Seen Before! Tires That Never Go Flat!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>23) Imagine...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Imagine..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people like to leave there own reality. Why do you think TV, movies, video games, music, drugs, alcohol, etc. are so popular? Give them one or more of their desired benefits to imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Imagine Losing 20 Pounds In 14 Days!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>24) They Laughed...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "They Laughed..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because everyone has suffered being laughed at or minimized at least once. So your prospects can relate to it. They won't be afraid to get their desired benefit since you proved the people that laughed at you were wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"They Laughed At Me When I Bought That Run-Down House Until I Sold It And Made $20,000 Profit"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>25) How I...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "How I..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because it's not only showing them to how to get their desired benefit but you, the "I", are telling them, not some big corporation. It is more personal and will draw your prospect into your ad copy. The little guy wins!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How I Made $36,890 In One Week!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>26) Thousands Have...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Thousands Have.." headline grabs your prospect's attention because if thousands of people have bought your product then it must be good. They can't go wrong. Of course you don't want to lie if thousand haven't bought your product. You may also want to use a specific number of people so it sounds more believable. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"3,734 People Have Bought Our Tax Software"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>27) Do You...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Do You..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's asking them (you) a question. People have been taught their whole life to answer questions. It's almost like a teacher calling out your name in school. It also draws out a yes or no answer. Depending on your question, getting them to answer will help get them interested.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Do You Want To Be In Debt For The Rest Of Your Life?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>28) ...Mistake...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "...Mistake..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people don't want to make costly mistakes that could stop them from getting their desired benefit. People also don't want to experience the feeling of being dumb or stupid. Your 'new' way is the 'right' way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Don't Make The Same Tax Mistakes That Cost Me $34,568!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>29) I'm So Mad...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "I'm So Mad..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want to know what caused you to have that particular emotion, and then tell them about it. Of course you could use just about any emotion you want such as happy, excited, sad, depressed, etc. Just not normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I'm So Mad About Being Scammed Again!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>30) I Dare You...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "I Dare You..." headline grabs yours prospect's attention because people consider a dare a challenge. People will like to prove you wrong but they will have to read the rest of your ad and buy your product in order to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I Dare You To Find A Tastier Cookie…If You Do Your Money Back!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>31) Secrets Of... </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Secrets Of...: headline will grab your prospect's attention because people want to learn secrets. It's like someone telling you they know a secret, you just have to pry it out of them. Most people are just plain nosy. The will have to buy your product in order to find out the secrets. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Secrets Of Rich And Famous Writers"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>32) ...Doesn't (Don't) Want You to Know</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "...Doesn't (Don't) Want You To Know" headline will grab your prospect's attention because people want to find out about those things people are trying to keep from them, especially if it stops them from getting their desired benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Top Ranking Secrets Search Engine Experts Don't Want You to Know<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>33) Warning...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Warning..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people have been cautioned their whole life to stop and take notice of any kind of warning. Such as storm warnings, poison warnings, side effects warnings, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Warning! Don't Let False Spam Accusers Take Advantage Of You!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>34) Ways To...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Ways To..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you are going to tell them something they might not know; that which will improve their life and give them the benefits they seek. They will have to learn them all. They will lose if they don't. Even better is to give a numbered amount to your ways….such as "10 Ways To….".<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"20 Ways To Sell Your House Faster!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>35) Step-By-Step...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Step-by-Step..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people don't want to be confused. When they buy a new product or are seeking a desired benefit they want simple take-you-by-the-hand steps or instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"An Easy, Step-By-Step Web Site Design System That Takes Newbies By The Hand!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>36) Testimonial...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Testimonial" headline will grab your prospect's attention because they will likely trust someone else's recommend-<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ations more than the actual business selling the product. It gives your business a trust and credibility that can keep them reading your ad and buying.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I'm in SHOCK! This search engine software took my web site from number 60 to 3 in two weeks!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Young,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Business Owner<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">http://www.-----.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>37) Limited...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "limited..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people consider anything that is limited, or in a limited amount, to be rare and scarce. It may be their last or only chance to get their hands on the product and then have their desired benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Limited Quantity! Only 37 Diamond Pendants Left In Stock!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>38) As seen...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "As seen..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people trust famous, brand name media outlets. Would you buy something from someone you didn't know or trust? If they don't know your business, they may know a famous media source you can identify with.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"As seen in Travelthon magazine! The Luxurious Apple Hotel"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>39) Stop...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Stop..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people have been trained their whole life to stop when they see a "Stop" sign or told to stop. It's a natural reaction. Works better when the word 'stop' is in the red color too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"STOP! How To Reduce You Monthly Gas Bill By 50%!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>40) I'm Looking For...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "I'm Looking For..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it don't sound like an ad. It's sounds like you are asking for their help. Most people have been raised to consider helping people that are in need or ask for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I'm Looking For 200 Lucky People That Want To Help Test My New Traffic Exchange!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>41) Once Upon A Time... <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Once Upon A Time..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's usually the start of a story. People like stories because they are entertaining and allow an escape from the real, everyday things. That's why books, T.V. and movies are popular. You can also use other story related headlines, such as…It Was A Cold, Stormy Night...something to draw them into your text.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Once Upon A Time There Was A Beautiful Woman..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>42) Remember...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Remember..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it triggers their past memories. Your prospects will want to read the rest of your ad to see what other memories and emotions it brings back to them or reminds them of better times. Something to be recaptured.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Remember When You Could Leave Your Doors Unlock?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>43) Uncensored...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Uncensored..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells your prospects that you're leaving nothing out of your ad or product. They feel that they are getting something that others can't normally get. They are a part of a select group you are trusting both with the information and your product.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Internet Marketing Exposed - Totally Uncensored And Uncut!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>44) Everyone Knows...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Everyone knows..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds like they should know even if they don't….everyone else does! Even if they do, it will attract them to read the rest of your ad to confirm it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Everyone Knows That Gasoline Will Only Get Higher, Right?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>45) FACT...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "FACT..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people typically buy products based upon emotion and back up their decision with logic and facts. If something is a presented as a fact after getting them emotionally involved, it will affect their getting their desired benefit and justifying it. They will also read the rest of your ad.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"FACT! 99.9 Of People Buy Based On Emotion!" <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>46) (Source) says... </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "(Source) says..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you have a reputable, famous media source giving you a testimonial about your product. Such as in a magazine or newspaper article. Then used in an ad with that testimonial included. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Rolling Red Magazine says it's "Simply Amazing"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>47) Make Money...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Make Money..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people want to make more money. They usually need some extra to just get by or they want to buy something expensive they can't afford.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Extra Make Money Working From Home!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>48) Save Money...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Save Money..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people want to save money. They usually want to cut their expenses, save some for a big purchase or for retirement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Save $50 At The Grocery Store Without Coupons!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>49) Save Time...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Save Time..." headline grabs your prospects attention because most people want to save time. Even with all the technological advances, people still can't get everything done in one day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Free Up An Extra 2 Hours A Day No Matter How Busy You Are!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>50) New...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "New..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people that see the word "new" think that it's a new and improved way to get their desired benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"New! How To Design A Professional Looking Web Site In Under 2 Hours!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/51-more-headline-copywriting-tips_13.html" target="_blank">51 More Ideas and Tips!</a></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24150863413549466092011-02-11T05:00:00.002-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.725-04:00Finally Getting to ProBlogger<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470616342&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have been hanging around the ProBlogger site for almost two years now. I have had some of Darren Rowse ebooks for about a year now. I have opened them, scanned them, read parts and even started to follow some tips from them only to get sucked in by life and put them on the back burner. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While was sorting through my online storage account, trying to get my PLR and MRR items into categories so I can better manage them and see what I have, I decided to peek in my other section of my storage site devoted to ebooks for my Nook. Believe it or not I have a whole folder dedicated to writing and blogger. I loaded up some books, actually some books on how to better write and publish my erotic stories, I thought I should go ahead and dust Darren off while I was at it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I own the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog and Secrets for Blogging your Way to a Six Figure Income. With the 31 days, I have yet to get past day 4, thanks to life. I think its due time I really sit down and use these books for their intended purpose. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just like everything else, I will likely share it here since the books are pretty interactive. I will work on this as a book review while I wait for my next batch of books to make their way to me.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40765415879902244972011-02-09T19:39:00.004-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.661-05:00Amish Love: Part 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em>Story 2 is entitled What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller, you can read about part 1 here: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/amish-love-part-one-marriage-of-heart.html">Part 1</a></em></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1595548750&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Want to know the cutest thing about this book? </strong>There is a little secret buried within its pages that I had no clue about until I was midway through this story. I don’t know why it did not click sooner, but all three of these stories take place within the same community. I thought that was a really neat quality to have in a book. Generally a three in one combo pack ends up being three different stories by the same author or just in the same genre. They don’t usually intertwine with each other.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><em>What the Heart Sees</em> is a story about Ellie, who was left blind due to an accident 5 years prior.</strong> Her cousin, Isaiah is about to marry her best friend Sarah Lynn. Ellie lost her other best friend, Caroline in the accident, who had been engaged to Sara Lynn’s brother Christopher. Confused yet? So was I. A story unravels here. Isaiah was the one driving the car that included Ellie and Caroline. The Amish way is to forgive, but Christopher could not do that. Because of this, he was eventually banned from the community.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Christopher does come back, years later and learns of his sister’s marriage. He is outraged. He seeks friendship in Ellie. With that friendship comes forgiveness, and love. In this story we learn the truth will always set you free.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>The final story in <em>An Amish Love</em> is entitled <em>Healing Hearts</em> by Beth Wiseman.</strong> In this story we meet Levina and her husband Naaman. While the other two stories center on younger couples, this one is centered on a couple (I am guessing) in their late 40s early 50s. It was a nice change of pace to see another point of view. Naaman left his community to “find his way” only to return a year later. His wife is slowly forgiving him but his children are having a harder time with it.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>This story was a slow read.</strong> It was a little harder to hold interest. Although there is drama with the eldest son, it does get resolved when he sees that he is angry at his father because he too has this feeling of needing to leave. His father helps him through that. As the story goes on we find out that Naaman did not come back sooner because he was actually getting the word of God out to others that needed him.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Learning that, his wife, family, and community fall in love with him all over again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext;" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</span></strong><span><strong><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext;" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> </span></strong></span><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;">I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60207865170871106132011-02-09T19:06:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.663-05:00Blind Hope An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jMBGlVjISo/TVM7MQzZYgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/SODOGXsCO3o/s1600/51sE%252BvpVZ%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jMBGlVjISo/TVM7MQzZYgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/SODOGXsCO3o/s1600/51sE%252BvpVZ%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jMBGlVjISo/TVM7MQzZYgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/SODOGXsCO3o/s1600/51sE%252BvpVZ%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jMBGlVjISo/TVM7MQzZYgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/SODOGXsCO3o/s1600/51sE%252BvpVZ%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Rising-Stories-Rescued-Dreams/dp/1590522699?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1590522699" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />was found in 1995 by Troy and Kim Meeder.</strong> What started off as a piece of property that no one wanted turned in to something others can’t seem to get enough of. Troy and Kim purchased the property with the dreams of something big. While they began to transform the property, abused horses began to transform them. Children came to the ranch; all they wanted was to help, to love, and to be loved in return. The horses changed, the children changed.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Laurie came to the ranch not only for employment, but to escape her own loneliness, sorrow and abuse. Little did she know that she would not learn only from the horses at the ranch, but from Mia, a dog willing to provide unconditional love, no matter how abused Laurie had ever been.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>In the pages of this book are tears of happiness and sorrow.</strong> As someone who has a huge heart for animals, I knew I would be up all night reading this book. I just could not put it down.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Mia’s original owner could not give her the proper attention, nutrition and care she needed. Years of not being properly cared for had taken its toll on Mia. Laurie thought she was about to rescue the most beautiful dog in the world, only to find a dog who was tattered, smelly, and weak.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>How shallow was she to think she did not want this dog?</strong> (Her words, not mine) She knew she had to do the right thing and take the dog and put her in her care. How would it look, working at and animal rescue only to turn away this helpless dog. This loving dog, so full of energy and kisses.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Laurie, helped to nurse the dog back to health, while the dog showed her a thing or two about her own self esteem. We could all take a lesson from the animals around us.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext;" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</span></strong><span><strong><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext;" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> </span></strong></span><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;">I received this book free from </span></span><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 12px;">WaterBrook Multnomah’s</span></span><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"> as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73305119103137911632011-02-09T18:00:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.814-05:00I'm Coming Back Home (To Blogger)<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1430230126&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I debated and debated. I can't find one "real" person who has had their content deleted from Blogger by Google for NO reason. Those who did clearly violated the TOS, although they don't want to admit it.<br /><br /><br />I see no point in paying for another month of GoDaddy hosting. I like Blogger. We have a long relationship and breaking up is really hard to do. It us customizable where I need to be. I know all the tips, tricks and secrets. My blog does not make me that much money. It is the stuff connected to my blog that does. Hosting is $10 a month, $120 a year. Then, there is the yearly cost of the domain. I have 9 of those. There is another $90. $200 a year. May not seem like that much money, but when school takes up 80% of my day, I don't have much time to work for upfront money.<br /><br /><br />I am going to move all my posts from the last 2 months off self hosted blog and bring them back over here. Once all that is done, I will cancel that blog host and this blog will once again have my original domain and life will be much easier.<br /><br /><br />Self hosting, might be for some, but was a huge waste of time for me. Not to mention I lost a TON of blog traffic. That is no joke. In the 2 months I was on WP my traffic dropped! Traffic is ALL about SEO and keywords. I had a huge amount of traffic from blog hops and people hopping blogs on Blogger.<br /><br /><br />Right now, spending more money just is not an option for me. I am going to continue to build my Tax Queen Blog, <a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/">Erotic Confessions Website</a>,<a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049"> Helium</a>, <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages</a>, <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632">WebAnswers</a> and other projects. When I am ready, I am going to move all my blogs at once so that I can get the add-on domain packages. I would like to have more residual come in before I spend anymore money.<br /><br />I feel as long as I am not spamming or violating the TOS, I have nothing to worry about. As a rule of thumb, I always keep a back up copy any way.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65079754475213849322011-02-08T08:00:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.838-05:00Important Changes for 2010 Income Tax Returns<h2 id="12741224_title" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Self Employment Schedule C Changes</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741224" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Self-employed health-insurance deduction:</strong> Only for the year 2010, self-employed workers who can deduct health-insurance premiums also may take them against Social Security taxes on Schedule SE.<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Self-employed health-insurance deduction, non dependent child:</strong> For 2010 and after, self-employed workers who deduct insurance premiums can include those for a child who is under age 27 at the end of year, even if the child is not a dependent for tax purposes.<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mileage rate change for business:</strong><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> </strong>For tax year 2010, the standard mileage rate for business use of a car is now 50 cents per mile (See IRS Publication 17, chapter 26).<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">What counts as an business deduction? How about a list of<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/homebusinessdeduction"> 25 Business Deductions</a> to get you started. Here are <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Free-Accounting-Sources-for-Your-Work-From-Home-Business">some free accounting software</a> choices to help keep track and get you on the right path for next year.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12741243_title" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Itemized Deduction Changes on Schedule A</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741243" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mileage rate change for the deduction of a medical expense:</strong> For medical expenses, the standard mileage rate for medical use of a car is 16.5 cents a mile (IRS Publication 502).<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mileage rate change for moving expenses: </strong>For moving expenses, the standard mileage rate for moving is 16.5 cents a mile (IRS Publication 521).<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mileage rate change for charity work</strong> For charity work, the mileage rate for the use of your car is 14 cents a mile (IRS Publication 526)<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Don't think you will be ready to file by April 18th? <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/taxextension">You can always file for an extension. </a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12741258_title" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Misc. Deductions and Credits</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741258" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">First-time homebuyer tax credit:</strong><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> </strong>There have been several versions of this credit; most taxpayers who claimed it for 2008 purchases must begin repaying it on their 2010 return. See parts III and IV of Form 5405.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></strong></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Adoption credit:</strong> For 2010, the tax credit of up to $13,170 for out-of-pocket expenses for the legal adoption of a child is a refundable tax credit. This credit phases out for joint filers with incomes above $182,520. Adoption papers must be sent with a return. For more information, see the instructions for Form 8839.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sales-tax deduction:</strong> Lawmakers extended (for 2010 and 2011) a deduction for state and local sales taxes in lieu of income taxes. This is primarily used by taxpayers who live in states without an income tax, such as Florida, Texas and Washington.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">No extra standard deduction for property taxes:</strong> Lawmakers didn't extend a provision allowing taxpayers to add as much as $1,000 to their standard deduction if they pay property taxes. This means taxpayers who want to deduct property taxes will have to itemize on tax form Schedule A with their Income Tax Form 1040.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Deduction for higher-education expenses:</strong> Also extended (for 2010 and 2011) was a deduction for as much as $4,000 of higher-education expenses for singles earning up to $80,000 or couples earning up to $160,000. For many students and their families, however, the American Opportunity Credit is more effective because it's a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $2,500 per student per year.</div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12741261_title" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Retirement</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741261" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Charitable IRA rollovers:</strong> Lawmakers also extended (for 2010 and 2011) a popular provision allowing taxpayers over age 70½ to make contributions of IRA assets of up to $100,000 per year directly to a charity. The donation isn't tax-deductible, but doesn't raise reported income that might trigger higher Social Security taxes or Medicare premiums. Amounts donated can count as part of a person's required minimum distribution.</div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12741289_title" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Unemployment</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741289" style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Unemployment pay fully taxable:</strong><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> </strong>In 2009, taxpayers were allowed to exclude up to $2,400 of unemployment compensation from income. That exemption expired, so all unemployment compensation is taxable for 2010.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63246112361117179372011-02-07T18:29:00.005-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.866-04:00Monday: The Day for Starting Over #NSNation<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><strong>My first week on <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> I did REALLY well, I had lost 4 pounds.</strong> I worked out 3 of the 7 days. This last week I did not do nearly as well. I found myself not eating everything I was supposed to in regards to the fruit and vegetables. It was a bad week stress and emotion wise and I was so busy with work and homework I had to force myself to stop and take a shower. Many of my work from home friends will understand that one. It was just one of those weeks.<br /><br />My treadmill started to spaz out so I was only able to get one workout in this week. Most of that was just me not being able to find time to do it.<br /><br />The weekend turned in to a nightmare.<br /><br />I was proud of the few nonscale victories that I had.<br /><br /><strong>The first one being, most of you know we are on food assistance.</strong> We have to stretch $200 out for a whole month for 3 people. It is not easy to do. We like to take 30 minute drive to this city that has a discount food outlet. They sell damaged boxes and cans for about 75% off. They also have meat that is nearing expiration so the stores can’t sell them, but as you know, so long as you get it home and frozen (which they freeze it when they get it) or cook it right away its fine. I have stuff in my freezer that’s months old, and it’s as good as new. Anyway, we were able to get about $400 worth of food for $113. I read every label and was surprised at how many light, low fat, sugar free and lean items they had this time. That was a victory for me. I am learning how to take care of myself after I go off the Nutrisystem program. I am trying to make better meals for me and my family.<br /><br /><strong>I did have another nonscale victory</strong>. I am a huge fan of the UFC and an even bigger fan of Buffalo Wild Wings. I kid you not when I tell you I starting putting my weight back on when BWW came to Stillwater while I was still living in Oklahoma. We would go at least once a week. I had decided I was going to enjoy some wings this night because now that I am in Michigan, the BWW or B-dubs as we call it, is so far away I only get to go once every few months. I think this last time; it’s been about 9 months since I have been there. Big M and I ordered our wings, I think I ate about 5 or 6 before I just did not want anymore. So, I spent the rest of the night munching on celery and I did have a taste of a different flavor or boneless. I also did not drink anywhere near what I used to either. So, yes I went off the Nutrisystem plan, but, the damage was no where what it could have been if I was eating like I did in the past.<br /><br />I am proud of that.<br /><br /><strong>However, not so proud of Bob Evans.</strong> I had total intentions of eating a salad and staying as close to plan as possible. Once he said the country fried steak was back, that had to be my meal. I have not had a country fried steak in the three years I have lived in Michigan. No one makes it like the south. So, I gave it a try. I ate all the grean beans, left the ham pieces. And I ate a biscut, half the taters and half the steak. This is, this was not an overly large portion like most places give you. Bob Evans gives normal portion size, for the most part. And then 3 of us shared a chocolate cake, which lil M ate most of.<br /><br />Bad choice of food, good choice I did not eat it all, nor did I want to.<br /><br />So, I was supposed to go to the Super Bowl party where Big M’s dad and step mother were serving Haggis. I was trying to finish up my daily homework and was going to meet him over there.<br /><br />That did not happen.<br /><br />I started to get really hot and light headed. I spent most of the night puking or going to the bathroom.<br /><br />I don’t know what made me so sick but I never made it to the super bowl.<br /><br />*sigh* and missed the Haggis, a once a year tradition.<br /><br />So, I got up the morning, enjoyed my coffee and Nustisystem breakfast…only to step on the scale and see those 4pounds lost are back on.<br /><br />Funny how just2 meals can make 4pounds come back on.<br /><br />Today is a new day, even though I don’t feel very well I plan to get right back on track.<br /><br />I’ll go over my food reviews for the week in another post, likely tomorrow.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91586249022136098872011-02-07T13:34:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.885-05:00New Computer and Schedule C<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TVA7fNOA9QI/AAAAAAAAAP0/sSP9Lq3wtLU/s1600/TAX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TVA7fNOA9QI/AAAAAAAAAP0/sSP9Lq3wtLU/s320/TAX.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Question:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I bought a new computer for working from home last year. I use it for work over 50% off the time. When I try to put it into my schedule C it wants me to do depreciation. Do I have to do it this way or can I claim the entire purchase amount in another section such as supplies?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Answer:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Since you only use it for 50% use work/leisure you can only take half of the cost.<br /><br />You can depreciate so that you have some expense every year, or you can take it all at once as a <a href="http://www.section179.org/electing_section_179_deductions.html">179</a>.<br /><br />For example, last year I purchased a $1200 laptop for $650 (gotta love black friday). Since I use it for school/work and leisure I took the expense as such. $325 was taken as a business deduction. Some years my expenses are great, and some are minimal. I depreciate so that I know I will have some expense every year. $110 was taken as school expense.<br /><br />If you have TOO much expense, you could be a red flag for an audit. Especially if the income to expense ratio is high. While the IRS does understand that a business will be in the negative, if you do it too many year or break even for too many year, or have a high income to expense ratio you will be flagged.<br /><br />A computer should go in the "office expense" as the supplies is for things such as paper, ink, and so on.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">For more information: <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sc.pdf">IRS Schedule C</a> and <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/homebusinessdeduction">Home Business Expenses</a> are excellent resourced to help manage your home office expenses. If you are interested in some software <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Free-Accounting-Sources-for-Your-Work-From-Home-Business">here </a>are some free resources that are available.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-925111783695655922011-02-07T13:21:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.907-05:00Some of You Get to File Late this Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TVA36gWz1kI/AAAAAAAAAPw/zzy5a0EZY6Y/s1600/taxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TVA36gWz1kI/AAAAAAAAAPw/zzy5a0EZY6Y/s320/taxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, it is true. While we all get the due date of April 18<sup>th</sup> due to weekends and holidays, there are a handful of tax payers that will have to wait to even file their tax returns.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Why is this?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can thank congress for this little gem. You see, Congress took so long trying to make some changes to the 2010 taxes; the Internal Revenue Service has to tell some taxpayers to wait a few days to file their taxes in order to update their computers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For some, this is not going to be a big deal. For others wanting to cash in on their refund, those extra days could make all the difference. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How do you know who this effects?</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">If you itemized your deduction on Schedule A</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Teachers who claim the $250 Educator Expense Deduction</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Those taking Higher Education Credits</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Those taking the Tuition and Fees Deduction on Form 8917</li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Those stuck with a delayed return can start filing February 14<sup>th</sup>. Until then, those of you who fall in to one of these groups will find that some agencies computers won’t be able to accept your return until the updates are complete. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88143508245122994732011-02-05T11:57:00.004-05:002014-09-25T18:27:20.035-04:00Update on The Keyword Academy<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/getting-started-with-keyword-academy.html">So the other day I had mention how I went ahead and signed up for the 30 day free trial of The Keyword Academy</a>. I had been hearing mix reviews, but many of them were good. I figured I had nothing to lose and at least 30 days of knowledge to gain.<br /><br />In the last few months I have been collecting and reading a plethora of business related ebooks (when I have a little bit of free time). Many of these books are about Search Engine Optimization, blogging/writing for money, marketing, social networking, how to backlink and things like that. Once I learned about a subject, I would ask questions from other bloggers, and then try to find a book about it to learn more.<br /><br />Problem was, I was not really doing anything with what I was learning. I am just now starting to do backlinks and linking in general. I am just now searching for keywords to go with a subject I am already writing, and making a list of higher paying keywords for future reference.<br /><br />With all the books I have, I probably have enough to take up reading time for the rest of my life! LOL<br /><br />I decided a few weeks ago to start sorting all of these ebooks. In the middle of that I ran across the ebook for The Keyword Academy. I read through most of it, and really liked how they put it altogether. I wanted to see what else the website had to offer.<br /><br /><strong>The website does have a lot to offer. </strong>I was pretty impressed overall. Everything was in one spot making it easy accessible for others to find what they needed. It is a great training tool and provides many outlets for help. The only problem I had was that 90% of the information on the website was in this ebook. So what am I going to be paying $33 a month for? Access to keyword tools and such when there are free versions online? Or the forums? When they have a million keyword forums online?<br /><br /><strong>I know there are some out there that are making great money off of this program.</strong> In the last few days I have been working on linking 3 blogs together, my <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">Hubpages </a>and <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium </a>along with just starting on <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a/" target="_blank">WebAnswers</a>. I must be doing something right because my adsense has doubled. I plan to keep going forward, using the things I did pick up from TKA and the others books I have read. But my overall opinion is if you are short on time and have money coming in, then pay for this program. Otherwise, seek out materials on the internet or library and read, read, read! Find forums and ask questions. Save yourself a few bucks in the process. It just seemed like there was too much of it that I already knew from various outlets.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59557103738597474072011-02-04T22:09:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:33.953-05:00List of Home Business & Self Employment Deductions for Schedule C<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Original post from Business Support Group Blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Free! List of Home Business Deductions for Schedule C</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">By Chrystal Mahan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TUy_VeEBRLI/AAAAAAAAAPs/7iBDu7p2v7w/s1600/manage-your-expenses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TUy_VeEBRLI/AAAAAAAAAPs/7iBDu7p2v7w/s320/manage-your-expenses.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>One of the many advantages to having your own home based business is the deductions you can claim for Schedule C.</b> You will want to keep extremely accurate records of all money coming in and going out for your home business. Excel is great for this. I use one page for "income" which lists all of my clients. Then I make a page next to it and label it "expenses" and I list all the possible expenses. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470597259&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Advertising (includes: billboards, newspaper, online, business cards)<br />2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bank Fees on Business Accounts<br />3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vehicle Expense<br />4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cost of Goods Sold<br />5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Depreciation on Office Equipment<br />6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commissions and Fees<br />7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dues for Trade Associations<br />8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dues for Trade Publications<br />9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Employee Benefits – for those with employees<br />10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Contractor Payments – for those that hire contractors<br />11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Insurance<br />12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Office Expenses<br />13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Office Supplies<br />14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Interest<br />15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Any Legal and Professional Services<br />16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meals and Entertainment<br />17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rent or Lease Expense<br />18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Materials<br />19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repairs and Maintenance<br />20.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pension or Profit-Sharing Plans – for self or employees<br />21.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Travel Expense – related to business<br />22.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Utilities (for home office portion)<br />23.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cell Phone (only business portion)<br />24.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Internet (only business use portion)<br />25.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some Education Tuition</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>As you can see the list is quite extensive</b>. Keeping track of your expenses will make things easier for you or your accountant at tax time. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your business is to set up and file system. You will need one file for things such as vehicle, utilities, bank statements, advertisement, etc. Once your bill or invoice comes in, you can place it in the appropriate folder. Any purchases you make keep the receipt and place it in the appropriate file as well. Even with the best accounting or bookkeeping software it is best to have a hard copy for documentation.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80562869821793782442011-02-04T21:49:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.667-05:00How to Get a Credit Card Fee WaivedOh, we have all been there. As a freelance writer, times happen when you are waiting for a client to pay you and OOPS you missed a payment.<br /><br />For one reason or another our credit card company has imposed a fee on our account.<br /><br />Ever wanted to know how to have them removed then check out <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1604020-waive-credit-card-fees-credit-card-late-fees-credit-care-over-the-limit-fees">"How to Get a Credit Card Fee Waived"</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3990585639747550482011-02-04T18:37:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.669-05:00How to Get a Credit Card Fee WaivedOh, we have all been there. As a freelance writer, times happen when you are waiting for a client to pay you and OOPS you missed a payment.<br /><br />For one reason or another our credit card company has imposed a fee on our account.<br /><br />Ever wanted to know how to have them removed then check out <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1604020-waive-credit-card-fees-credit-card-late-fees-credit-care-over-the-limit-fees">"How to Get a Credit Card Fee Waived"</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79729289387311432862011-02-04T15:22:00.003-05:002011-11-11T19:27:34.021-05:00$411 to have taxes done--is that high?Today's Question: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><strong>$411 to have taxes done--is that high?</strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">We had them prepared at H&R Block, last year it was $185, this year $411! They said the difference was because we moved so they had to do two states plus we had moving expenses and a 401K we cashed out to pay for our move. Does that sound right?I don't know much about taxes, but I sat there the whole time she did it and didn't look like much work to me. We haven't paid for it yet, I'm going to see if I can find a coupon/rebate type thing.</span></strong></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TUxf716uQxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/BpOySAfp70o/s1600/dollar_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TUxf716uQxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/BpOySAfp70o/s320/dollar_sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>ANSWER:</b><br />It is not uncommon for me to run across questions such as this. So I am going to try to break it down for people who might not understand why companies charge what they do to prepare taxes.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/taxpreperationfee"> How to Determine Tax Preparation Fees</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Having been a tax accountant for years, just with any other product sometimes prices increase.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Having spent some time with HR Block, both corporate and franchise I have insight as to how that works.</div><div class="MsoNormal">When things change, there is a charge. Each state file is a charge. More than 2 W-2? There is a small charge. For every Form or Schedule that has to be added to the 1040 there is another charge and that charge is based on the form and the length of it. A Schedule C is one of the more expensive ones because many people have a lot of various incomes to report and expense deductions. If you depreciate any office equipment there is a charge for that as it is another form. Business use of home? It has a form too. 401k distributions , again another form.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Now then, something else to think about, HR Block also provides clients with rapid refunds. </b>Instead of waiting a week or two like a direct deposit takes (at least until high peak season) these rapid refunds can be same day, next day, or 2-3 days. Because HR goes through a bank for these products there are bank fees added in to the HR fees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you go to a CPA to have them prepare your returns be prepared to pay an hourly fee on top of that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The good thing about using HR Block (their enrolled agents) or a CPA is that if you are ever audited they will stand beside you and help you through it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Tax software is great, but it is not perfect.</b> If you don't know what is supposed to go where it's not really going to help you. If you have a basic return, its fine. The only problem I run in to with most tax products is they do not list EVERY deduction a person can take or credit that they could qualify for. Tax software only gives the basic, most used ones.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It does not hurt to shop around and find what works best for you, and your pocket book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52970759521994744252011-02-04T09:23:00.005-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.858-04:00Free Blogger and WordPress vs. Self Hosting<strong>NOTE</strong>: let me express to you that there are going to be a few that read this blog from WPLH and think that this is poking a finger at them. It’s not. There is one person I am poking a finger at who does visit WPLH, but this person is not really a part of our blogging community. So anyone who thinks this might be a shot at (Angie, Andie, Tori and so on) would be wrong. I just wanted to get that out there because you guys <strong>ARE</strong> helpful and you do speak about <strong>all</strong> the topics available.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oxvsfi3EFc8/TW_kSMIcvmI/AAAAAAAAAUE/pBiusLtCVzg/s1600/Blogger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oxvsfi3EFc8/TW_kSMIcvmI/AAAAAAAAAUE/pBiusLtCVzg/s320/Blogger.png" width="319" /></a></div><br />I have heard all the arguments for free blogs, free self hosting and paid self hosting and against.<br />Been there, done that, still dealing.<br /><br />Personally, I have both.<br /><br />I see a lot of people using Squarespace these days, but I have no experience with it.<br /><br />Blogger and I have had a relationship for a good amount of years. I know I made my first blog with them right before the huge Yahoo! 360 wave hit and that was 2005. When I got on 360 my Blogger went on the back burner. I did delete that blog. I am not sure why I did that. I made another one and put all those years worth of posts back up. Somehow I have collected about 8 blogs. A few deleted, a few replaced. I did have a free WordPress too, that mirrored my original Self Employed Writer Blogger but I did not like it very much. It was deleted about a month ago.<br /><br />Most people leave the free WordPress because you cannot place ads on the site. Not only that the themes and customization is extremely limited.<br /><br />There is a reason why I am talking about this today.<br /><br />I visit about 4-5 different forums. There is only 1-3 I visit on a daily basis. I have noticed over the last couple of months there have been a lot of people asking questions about Blogger and WordPress as well as some of the other free blogging platforms that are available.<br /><br />It makes me sad to see those that completely dismiss options for bloggers. The reality is newbies should be allowed to know and learn about ALL options that are available to them. They should be allowed to test everything and discover what is going to work best for them.<br /><br />When I started I had no one out there to tell me or show me the way. I had to learn it all my own. Of course then blogging for money and content writing was not all the craze that it is now.<br /><br />I understand there are those out there that live and die by self hosting. And for good reason. Trust me when I say “I get it.”<br /><br />I know all the pros and cons of self hosting. I have sat here and made a list of them before I moved my Self Employed Writer blog from Blogger to self hosted WordPress.<br /><br />One thing you have to think about, people looking into starting a blog may not have (or want to for that matter) have upfront money to put in to a blog. For many people, myself included, setting up a free blog, getting your feet wet and learning the process is a good start before moving to a plan that requires money.<br /><br /><strong> It bothers me when I see people who constantly push the paid hosting option.</strong> It makes me even sadder when you learn that person pushing the pay sites ends up being an affiliate. I don’t care when people mention their favorite hosts, I don’t even care if they are an affiliate of that site, IF you are giving the person ALL the options to choose from.<br /><br />I am also not a fan of others who push as if their way is GOD and that it’s the only way.<br /><br />Because it’s not.<br /><br />There are plenty of options out there for everyone. This is NOT a one size fits all industry.<br /><br />I have also noticed that when someone does come in and mentions the free services they are immediately shot down by others who seem to be so self hosted self righteous. Enough is enough already. Let people make their own decisions by giving them all the options.<br /><br />So, we already know most don’t like the free WordPress because the reality is, you can’t make money off of it.<br /><br />The argument for Blogger is that because you are basically hosted by Google they own the content you place on your blog because technically it is their blog.<br /><br /><strong>I think many people misunderstand this.</strong> They don’t own your content the way you think they do. They can use your content to advertise their services or to talk about you in their own blog or news articles. Things like that. They don’t need your permission. They are allowing you use of their service in exchange for this privilege. However, they can’t take your article and reprint it elsewhere for money because they don’t have exclusive rights like that. Make sense? If and when they do use your material, chances are it is for advertising purposes AND it might just be in your favor anyway. (bring you traffic)<br /><br />Then, there is the argument that people get their posts or even their entire blogs deleted for NO reason. No reason huh? Do you really know this person in real life that got their entire blog for no reason? And if so, do you really think they are going to be honest and tell you that the reality is they violated Google’s TOS because they are angry and want someone to blame. So, they blame Google.<br /><br />If you look at the forums all these people are using the same link to the same blog with someone ranting about Google deleting their blog. The SAME person.<br /><br />So how many people out there really have their blog deleted? The number is a lot smaller than you think.<br /><br />I have an erotic blog. Never deleted. Nothing. Ever. Of course I am not selling porn so I don’t really violate the TOS and Blogger does give me the option to mark the blog as “adult” which I have.<br /><br />I personally know two people who had their blogs, the entire thing, had been deleted. Now, here is the beauty. Even IF, and that is a big IF, Google does delete your blog, they still have access to it. So, call them. Find out why. Talk to them about it. Then go check your SPAM box because it’s possible your Violation of the TOS email got pushed there. These two girls called Google and in a matter of hours they had their blogs back.<br /><br /><strong>Google uses a spam filter. </strong>Sometimes things get flagged. It’s no different than an article you wrote getting flagged for plagiarism. You contact them, they review and if you did not violate the TOS, you will be fine.<br /><br />Crap happens, it is life.<br /><br />So you back up your content. You should be doing that anyway and if you are using self hosting you are really going to want to do it.<br /><br />Why?<br /><br /><strong>Well self hosting isn’t without problems people.</strong> They (the company) gets hacked; your blog can get hacked. The servers get overloaded. The service goes down. WordPress gets a bug. The company could fall apart. Anything could happen, so the end result is NO ONE is safe on the internet.<br /><br />You are worried about Google using your content, but what is stopping someone online from stealing your article? I see this happen. Same difference.<br /><br />Risks are all over.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />I admit, when I really wanted to start using my blog as part of my residual income I felt that I had NO choice but to go to self hosting. As time went on, my complaint list about self hosting is 10 fold compared to my free Blogger. I do like some of the WordPress features. Many of them are time savers of things I already learned how to do myself over the years.<br /><br />Want to know something else?<br /><br /><b>My traffic was 75% higher on Blogger than it is now on self hosting.</b><br /><br />Wonder why that is?<br /><br />Let’s think about this.<br /><br />Blogger is owned by Google. Adwords, Adsense and most affiliates we use are owned or through Google. They are going to push their own stuff first.<br /><br /><strong>Another benefit of Blogger</strong>? The readymade community of followers. Do you know how easy it is to blog hop and find blogs that interest you? I can do it blindfolded. Over the years I have collected 1000s of blogs to follow that are loaded in my Google Reader and categorized.<br /><br />WordPress does not really have this feature. Aside from the Google Friend Connect and FeedBurner, those who actually visited my blog through Blogger have been lost since I moved to WordPress.<br /><br />When I moved 900 plus posts from Blogger to self hosted WordPress I lost all my formatting. Do you know how long it would take me to go back and correct all the posts and make them look like paragraphs again instead of one giant letter? Too long.<br /><br />In the last couple of weeks I have learned A LOT in regards to blogging and residual income.<br /><br />Honestly, I see no point in paying for self hosting. It is a personal decision for me and I tested the waters before I made the choice.<br /><br />I just don’t see the justification in paying for a monthly hosting.<br /><br />I tried.<br /><br />I have witnessed Blogger users with 2000 plus followers and you know their affiliate and adsense bring them $2500 and some odd change a month?? They have good content.<br /><br />Never a problem with Blogger.<br /><br />I am willing to take the chance of eventually going back to Blogger with this blog and keeping all my other ones there.<br /><br />It’s faster than my self hosting (I have tried a couple of them now), it is easier to get noticed by other Bloggers, and it so easy!<br /><br />For the record, I am not against self hosting by any means. It just makes no sense for me to do it.<br /><br />I miss the blogging community and that’s the real reason why I blog. The money I might get from it is just a bonus.<br /><br />I plan to spend more time focusing on other residual income projects aside from my blogs and HubPages.<br /><br />Would I ever go back to self hosting? Maybe. But right now I see no point in dishing out money when I don’t need to.<br /><br /><strong>If someone wants to make $5000 a month just from their blog, more power to them</strong>. I don’t have the time to commit to a blog like that right now. Not only that, I don’t want all my eggs in one basket. People that make that sort of money on their blog- well that tends to be all that they do.<br /><br />In the internet world, nothing should be noted as being permanent.<br /><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages</a>, <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a/">WebAnswers</a>, <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">Helium</a>, Infobarrel, Suite 101, Triond, Bukisa, and any other revenue sharing site can go down at any moment’s notice. Blogging, whether hosted through someone or self hosted is no different.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><strong>I have been a huge fan of <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&c=ib&aff=154042">ProBlogger</a> for quite some time. </strong>Many of you know the site and Darren. I have found hundreds of people through various forums that use his site and Blogger and make a nice chunk of change on it.<br /><br />I did my research.<br /><br />The accountant in me is seeing the red line and I don’t like that.<br /><br /><strong>I am seriously considering taking this blog and moving back to Blogger at some point. </strong> Well, my blog is still there, so I would only have to add the new posts from the move to this point that is missing on that blog. Switch the domain back to forward from Blogger. Good to go. Cancel my subscription and hopefully recoup some of the money I have spent on domains and hosting.<br /><br />While GoDaddy is making all their changes in my account I can focus on the tax site. I need to get it loaded with more content so I can add it to my Demand Studios blog syndication.<br /><br /><strong>Wait, I almost forgot. </strong>I know there has been talk about free self hosting. Well, I checked in to those too. For WordPress users the free accounts don’t give you access anymore. Both of my accounts have been stripped of this option and they now want you to upgrade to a paid. Which, is cheap. Cheapest I have seen, but I question the company and whether I can see them being here in the long term.<br /><br />I am sorry if I ruffled anyone’s feathers. That was not my intention, so my apologies. I just really wanted to let people know that they do have options.<br /><h1>For More Information:</h1><br /><a href="http://www.wikisummaries.org/Blogger_Terms_of_Service" target="_blank">A Summary of Google/Blogger TOS (pay close attention to the 5<sup>th</sup> bullet)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/topic.py?hl=en&topic=12444" target="_blank">Blogger’s Full TOS</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=42639" target="_blank">Blogger: Why is my blog disabled?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/content.g" target="_blank">Blogger Content Policy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogbloke.com/moving-wordpress-blogger/" target="_blank">Self Host Blog User Leaves for Blogger</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.warriorforum.com/main-internet-marketing-discussion-forum/327135-free-blogging-vs-self-hosting.html">Warrior Forum: Free Blogging vs. Self Hosted</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19597936842449191812011-02-03T06:54:00.003-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.533-04:00The Snowpocolyps 2011 – I got graphics!So, what did you do on your snow day?<br /><br />Me?<br /><br />I still worked.<br /><br /><strong>Big M got a snow day, so I put him to work.</strong> He spent the day making me some super cute graphics for the Self Employed Writer website and my new The Tax Queen website that is a work in progress. I am so glad he knows how to use Adobe Photoshop, I am clueless! He made it look so easy too.<br /><br /><strong>Right now I am debating on whether I want to start it on Blogger first before I sink money in to hosting.</strong> I am already in the hole money wise in regards to my website as I am not really making any money off of it right now. It is a slow process and I understand that. I know all the good reasons to self host, but I have never had a problem with Blogger.<br /><br />I need to monetize my blog a little better because right now I just can’t justify the cost(s).<br /><br />The free hosting sites that I have accounts for have both revamped their hosting, making it extremely difficult to host WordPress on. Not to mention, those free hosting sites are not going to work when the traffic starts to rise. The now offer some pretty good prices yearly hosting (cheap monthly, too) but I wonder just how stable they are going to be and I wonder about their customer service.<br /><br />Anywho…I am just trying to figure out what I want to do.<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/LookingUPChick.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1536" height="300" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/LookingUPChick-300x300.jpg" title="LookingUPChick" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><strong>I seem to be having some problems with GoDaddy lately in terms of stability. </strong>It seems my site is down more often than it should be and there are times when it times out when I am trying to post or make any sort of changes within the admin panel. Granted, it is for a brief second, but that is seconds I could be missing out on! It is starting to get on my nerves. I need it to be quick. So, I don’t know if it is maybe a plug-in issue on my end or if its GoDaddy servers. This is something that is going to have to be addressed ASAP as I can’t have my blog slow to load for others or giving me issues. I may have to move to a different host. I don’t really want to. I have a feeling it’s going to be a pain in the a$$ to do.<br /><br />I am too the point where I am going to put my tail between my legs and go back to Blogger. We have a five year, going on six, relationship. It’s hard to break up. LOL<br /><br />So later today I am going to spend some time dealing with that. I would like to have the tax site up and running by the end of the day. We will see how that goes.<br /><br /><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/TaxQueen1.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1537" height="269" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/TaxQueen1-300x269.jpg" title="TaxQueen1" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to share the new graphics with you. I will be making icon/buttons and such out of them and there is a couple more in the works.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7403293023405655562011-02-02T05:14:00.002-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.671-05:00Getting Started With The Keyword AcademyThere has been a lot of buzzing in some internet forums that I visit (even a work from home girl needs “co-workers”!) regarding this business venture from Court Tuttle and Mark Butler<br /><br />I am always leery of joining these online programs that claim to help you make X amount of money. The internet is full of scams and it is easy to target people who want to work from home. But this one is getting rave reviews.<br /><br /><strong>This girl has been blogging for the better part of 6-7 years now; perhaps it is time to actually take it seriously.</strong> I have come to the conclusion over the last year that I am tired of writing for someone else to pay my bills. Although I like writing, and I don’t mind the clients I have, I am forced to write their topics and titles if I am expected to get paid. Again, I don’t mind this but it is almost as if I am being forced to write. After a while, the motivation is lost and you start to feel a little run down.<br /><br /><strong>I have had a revenue sharing/residual income site with <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> for over two years now.</strong> When I opened my account there I was just getting in to the content writing world and really had no idea what to expect, not to mention I needed a few articles under my belt before I applied to Demand Studios. <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> has served its purpose. I used it as a depository for articles I did not want to do a rewrite on, or something I wrote that I could not use elsewhere. I never took the time to think about or pay attention to SEO or keywords.<br /><br /><strong>Now, things have changed.</strong> I like writing internet content and I like blogging. But, I want it to me MINE. I want to write with my titles, my thoughts and my ideas.<br /><br />Starting on the residual income path is<em> scary</em> and there is a lot of information out there, it is easy for someone like me to feel somewhat overwhelmed.<br /><br /><strong>Taking the plunge to actually buy my own domain was the first step, moving to self hosting was the next.</strong> Now that I have those out of the way I feel like I am on my way. I opened a few accounts on various revenue sharing sites. So far the only one I have spent any time on is <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">HubPages </a>and I love it. I love the creative aspect of it. I am not much of a “how to” person so some of the other websites likely won’t be my forte. I am also not a huge fan of 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> person writing, that’s too much like forced content writing to me. I do it, but I like to do it my own way.<br /><br />I guess I just don’t want to follow others rules anymore. I literally want to write what I want to write.<br /><br />So I am.<br /><br /><strong>Given my work background and degree, it only seems natural that my niche be business/tax/accounting/financial related.</strong> I will be opening a new website<strong> thetaxqueen.com</strong>, hopefully in the next few days. About 5 years ago I started erotica writing. Then it was IrishChiks Erotic Confessions (irishchik has always been my handle) now, it is just Erotic Confessions. I have had stories on blogger for a while with plans to get it going again. I removed the stories to revamp the website. I just recently purchased a domain <strong>erotic-confessions.com </strong>and will soon move it to self hosting too.<br /><br />I think with 3 websites and a few residual sites I will soon be on my way. There are also some other domains I own (my name, one for my memoir, one to promote my novel, and a shortened version of selfemployedwriter – thesew.com) which in time will all be tied together.<br /><br /><strong>Right now my only obstacle is school. I am in my last semester and it has been a huge time constraint for me.</strong> I am happy that I do have time to start laying the foundation to my future. I look at my websites and my revenue sharing sites as an investment on my future. I would rather spend the time writing and working for myself than make someone else money. I also like the idea of a residual site making money for me even when I decide to take some time off!<br /><br /><strong>This is where The Keyword Academy comes in. </strong>I read the ebook last night and absorbed all 39 pages word for word. I took notes. I got an excel sheet started and I plan to work on it more today. I am going to take advantage of the $1 trial for the website and get started on my first 30 days. I need help and this is where I am going to go to get it.<br /><br />I will be reporting my journey here. I know it is not going to easy, but I do know it will be worth my time.<br /><br />Since we are snowed in today, my fiancé can’t get out of the driveway to get to work! LOL , so I am putting him to work on his Adobe PhotoShop to get started on my graphics, buttons and banners for my tax site.<br /><br />Wish me luck!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20670689874464899912011-02-01T16:02:00.002-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.673-05:00An Amish Love Part One - A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYovxHkmVc/TVMj4LoYCKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Cr7Tzzw69u8/s1600/_225_350_Book.317.cover.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYovxHkmVc/TVMj4LoYCKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Cr7Tzzw69u8/s1600/_225_350_Book.317.cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYovxHkmVc/TVMj4LoYCKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Cr7Tzzw69u8/s320/_225_350_Book.317.cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYovxHkmVc/TVMj4LoYCKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Cr7Tzzw69u8/s320/_225_350_Book.317.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="208" /></a></div><strong>This is going to be a 3 part series as there are 3 volumes in one. </strong>Each volume written by a different author, hence the reason for 3 different blog posts.<br /><br /><strong>First, let me start out by saying I have never read an Amish novel.</strong> I have always been very intrigued by the Amish way of living. So pure, so simple. There have been times when I read an article in a magazine about Amish girls who leave the community and I have always wondered what would I do? I often think I would like the Amish way of living. To live in a simple world where material things don’t matter. A world without television, automobiles, cell phones and internet. Women tend to stay home to raise the family; cook, clean, sew and some help with work. The men tend to the land. Everything is homemade; clothing, food, and in many instances the furniture and homes. Hard work? Yes, I agree. But to live in a world where you don’t miss the things you don’t have and appreciate what you do.<br /><br />Ok, so I love the baking and cooking part and maybe the sewing. I can garden, but I could not tend to a whole plot of land, nor could I stay in a community without venturing into the outside world. Of course, this is what I am accustomed to, so I know what I would miss if I were to leave.<br /><br /><strong>In An Amish Love: Part 1 A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long</strong> – Joseph Lambert knows the best of both worlds. And the worst. Living in an Amish community at young age, little Joseph got a taste of the Amish living. His parents decided to leave, taking his sister and him along. Joseph later split from his parents and his sister went off to college. He found himself caught up in the English world, fighting a drug addiction.<br />Dr. Knepp rescues Joseph, bringing him back to the Amish community.<br /><br /><strong>Abigail is strong willed.</strong> The marriage, forced. As the story unfolds before our eyes, so does the love before theirs. Abigail lost her mother at a very young age. She never learned how to be a proper Amish wife. Every marriage faces trials and tribulations. Hers was no exception. Day by day she learns something new. Not forced, but wanting. She takes care of Joseph when he has an accident and learns she can love, she can be a wonderful wife. Sometimes love really is all you need.<br /><br />I feel the story ended much too soon. I would love to read more about these characters. I will be seeking out more stories by Kelly Long.<br /><br />The next review story will be part 2 in An Amish Love called What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller.<br /><br /><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection: </strong>I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1906197511892671252011-01-31T16:47:00.001-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.680-04:00#NSNation Drum Roll Please….. (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">NS Nation Drum Roll Please…..</span></div>Today was weigh in day and honestly I was not expecting what was in store for me when I stepped on the scale today.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;">My starting weight last Monday: 233</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;">My weight today: 229</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;">That is a total NS loss of 4 lbs!</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span><br /><strong>For anyone interested in joining <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem</a>, they are rolling back prices to 2003!! Get in on it while the price had dropped and try it out for yourself!!!</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br />I can’t complain.<br /><br />Nor will I.<br /><br /><strong>It was not easy.</strong> I had a few times here and there where the mind hunger was very strong. Sugar Free Jello was great to help me combat this as well as a cup of air popped popcorn, eating one piece at a time. No weight loss adventure is ever easy. Physically I was not hungry at all and of the 7 days I only exercised 3 days. I wanted to ease my way back in to it since I had been idle for a few months.<br /><br /><strong>Friday I was really playing mind games with myself.</strong> “Oh I can’t do this”, “I am just going to fail, so why bother” and on and on it went. I had to tell Big M “NO” so many times when he asked me about food. I know it’s a huge change for him too right now.<br /><br />I am just going to keep pressing forward, one day at a time.<br /><br />So, let’s get to the food part shall we?<br /><br />Rather than do each day separately, since I have done day 1-3, I will just bundle the breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks together.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><strong>Breakfasts:</strong></h1><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Golden French Toast (Frozen) </span>– I think I put it in the micro for a second too long. My poor French toast had a tad rubber consistency to it. I did not let that derail me. French toast is one of my all time favorite breakfast foods which I sadly don’t make for our weekend family breakfast. I should. Whole wheat bread, egg whites, and some cinnamon. I know lil m and Big M would love it. This french toast was very similar to that. It had a hint of cinnamon smell and spice taste to it. The piece was nice and thick. I did use some sugar free organic syrup. Not even a tbsp was needed. The toast had really good flavor with just the butter spray. But, with the rubber problem I had, I thought some syrup might help. Big M thought it smelled wonderful and asked if we could have French Toast soon!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Homestyle Pancakes (Frozen) </span>– These were pretty good. I actually like Fiber One pancakes better. I have had the Nutrisystem powder mixed pancakes in the past, those are better too. I am not sure what it was about these frozen pancakes I did not like. I love making pancakes and we make them all the time on the weekends when lil m is here. She loves them. But these reminded me of the frozen pancakes you get at the grocery store, and that is just fake tasting to me. It was not that they were not good, I just like to actually make my pancakes and I think that took away from the experience. These are great for those on the go!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Garden Vegetable Omelet (Froze<span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">n</span></span><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">)</span> – I have to say this little omelet was quite satisfying. I am a huge fan of mixing garden vegetables with my eggs. This had a really nice flavor when mixed with the two cheeses. All of my favorite things on one plate!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Low Fat Granola Cereal w/4 oz skim milk</span> – I have always been a fan of granola cereal. I have sampled a few brands and I am not fortunate enough to live by a Whole Foods or Trader Joes so I am missing out on the lower fat all natural varieties. The closest I can come is Kashi Crunch! Which is pretty yummy. But, I have to say this was a wonderful mix of sweetness and crunch. At first I put it in my bowl and thought, “wow, is that it? I am going to be hungry an hour after eating.” I had wanted to get some light vanilla almond milk which is 60 cals a serving as opposed to skim milks 80. But, my food assistance had not arrived yet. I felt this cereal would have tasted like a little dessert with vanilla almond milk. It makes cereals taste yummy. I measure out 4 oz of skim and put it in my bowl. I took one bite, looked at lil m who was eating Lucky Charms and said, “Diet food is yummy!” She giggled. I am defiantly adding this to my list for next month. Maybe 4, to have one a week.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Cinnamon Bun </span>– Ok, Nutrisystem, really? This is just a tease. I love a good cinnamon roll as much as the next person, but I really need more than two bites to get me over that feeling of wanting one! I was really disappointed with the portion of this. I had such high hopes for it when I saw the photo on the website. But the mini bun was smaller than the palm of my hand and when it sat next to my boiled egg it looked so tiny. I was sad. The taste? Well, I liked the frosting. It was no overly sweet but the bun was really heavy. Likely due to the fiber and protein to give the little gem a lot of punch. I think a lot of people out there will like it. If I had to pick, I would rather have an egg or that yummy granola cereal. I don’t think I will order this again. Big M wasn’t a fan.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><strong>Lunch:</strong></h1><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Tuna Salad</span> – I was a fan of these the last time I was on Nutrisytem. In those days it came in a little can and you were given little wheat crackers that looked like melba toasts, only rectangle. I had no doubt this was going to be good. And I was right. I did not have any wheat rolls (darn food assistance) so I made a really big salad. I did have some Pepperidge Farm Very Thin Wheat Bread. Its 110 cals for 3 pieces. I took 1, toasted it and cut it in half and then half again. It had a nice creamy texture, sort of like relish mixed with tuna. I will be buying this again.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Chicken Quesadilla (Frozen)</span> – This was not for me. The sauce had a funky aftertaste. It did have some nice chunks of chicken. I just could not get past the sauce taste. I would have been happier with just a plain cheese and vegetable quesadilla.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar</span> -<a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/26/nsnation-nutrisystem-day-3/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/nsnation-nutrisystem-day-3_26.html" target="_blank"> When I got word I was going to get PB&J bar to sample and saw the picture I was seriously thinking about how Nutrisystem was going to pull this off. </a>I went to the Nutrisystem forums and others that had already tried it had mixed reviews. I thought the outside looked like some sort of bread type and then jelly on the inside. I must not have paid very close attention. The bar feels a little heavy in your hand, which worries me a bit. Those protein bars are pretty heavy and often, not very good. When I pulled back the wrapper……oh I was in heaven! The outside of the bar was coated in peanut butter! The jelly was just enough to get over the heaviness of the bar (very minimal) and when I got to the end, I wanted more! I can’t wait to order more of these!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Steak and Cheese Melt (Frozen)</span> – Very much like a philly cheese steak lean pocket. This was ok. The crust had a different sort of breading flavor. Big M had a taste; he seemed to really like it.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Roasted Vegetable Pizza (Frozen)</span> – I loved the crust. Like I wrote about the last pizza,<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/nsnation-nutrisystem-days-1-and-2-part_26.html"> the crust reminds me of the delivery pizza I adore</a>. But, there was not much flavor in the vegetable department.<br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><strong>Dinner:</strong></h1><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Homestyle Beef w/ Mashed Potatoes & Gravy</span> – I made steak and baked potato for Big M and this was the closest thing on my Nutrisystem menu. I was a bit sad when I opened the box to pull out the container. I know these meals are portion controlled for a reason, so I don’t know why the disappointment. I think because I wanted a potato so BAD that I thought I was only going g to get one bite out of this container. I pulled back the lid a bit, cooked and let it sit for a moment. I was SO excited when I took the cover off and saw that it was full of all these yummy potatoes. The potatoes were nice and thick, the gravy was nice and had a good full beef flavor and there was just enough bites of meat to keep me happy. I was full! This I WILL be getting again!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Meatloaf & Tomato Sauce w/Mashed Potatoes</span> – I have only had two kinds of meatloaf in my life. My mothers and my ex husband who made an Italian Pizza Meatloaf (oh it was yum!) and I am not the biggest fan of other people’s loaf. Many use way too much ketchup and I like more of a garden tomato flavor. My mother also puts seasoning in her meat and I find a lot of people lack that. So, I never eat other folk’s meatloaf (sorry!). Again, there was excitement for the potato factor. I love those suckers! This had great smell and there was a nice piece of meat. It tasted pretty good, but the potatoes had a different consistency than the beef dinner which did not feel good in my mouth. They had a bit of a different taste. The tomato sauce from the meatloaf may mix too much with them or something. I think Nutrisystem should try a different package, one that has 2 sections to the microwave tray so they don’t mix in the package. I might try this again. It depends on what else I love that I want to order for next month. This is on my “maybe” list. I would be willing to give it a 2<sup>nd</sup> chance.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Ravioli Formaggio (Frozen)</span> – You like Italian? Like Ravioli? You will like this. They are stuffed full of creamy goodness. Nice flavor to the sauce too.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Salisbury Steak w/ Mac & Cheese (Frozen) </span>– I have to admit, this has always been one of my favorite “go-to” meals for something quick prep. We all know that those are not that great (taste and in health) but they are quick and you can add some flavor to kick it up a bit. The Lean Cuisine, Smart One and Healthy Choice variety are *meh* for lack of a better word. Nothing worth writing home about, but they fill the need for the full fat version. The Salisbury steak was one of the best I have ever had. The mac and cheese made me cry. I love cheese more than chocolate. I wanted mac and cheese so badly and there was NO cheese flavor to this. Velveeta 2% shells is better flavor! I ended up using 1 tsp of reduced fat parmesean and 1tsp of molly mcbutter cheese flavored sprinkles to add a little kick.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Mac & Cheese </span>– I was nervous. After the mac and cheese disappointment in the frozen dinner, but I had a craving for mac & cheese and thought…and I thought right! It did not turn out to be a wonderful creation. I added too much water, which was not hot enough. My noodles did not want to cook. *sigh* I almost gave up, and then I got the brilliant idea. I drained the cheese juice and put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. I then added 1tsp of reduced fat parmesan cheese and 1tsp molly mcbutter cheese flavored sprinkles. Success. I am happy to say that my desire for mac & cheese was fulfilled. I will be adding more of these to my list!<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><strong>Desserts/Snacks:</strong></h1><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Orange Crème Bar</span> – I don’t eat orange cream so I was not sure what to expect. It did have a nice creamy orange flavor and it was a really good serving size.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Carrot Cake</span> – I LOVE carrot cake. I could eat it every day. In my quest for healthy eating I have tried every healthy version known to man. Some were fabulous, others were an epic fail. Success! It is a little heavier than a normal carrot cake. I love that it had a great smell and the spice flavor was heaven. This little cake was even full of walnut bits! The icing was just right (not a fan of overly sweet icing) and this will be a regular staple in my house! This would be something I would order al a carte after I was done with the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger program.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">White Chocolate Chunk Cookie </span>– I want cookie, I got cookie. You would never know it was “healthy”.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Cheese Puffs </span>– When I was on Nutriystem as a teen I remember ordering these cheese puffs and they were on my list more often than not. These are nothing like I remember. More air than cheese flavor.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Buffalo Wing Pretzel <span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Bit</span></span><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">s</span> – These are my new favorite thing! I am a huge fan of “buffalo” and anything Cajun spicy. At first they tasted like any old pretzel, but then the flavor it. Try them, and be ready for it!<br /><br /><strong>Ok folks.</strong> There you have it. I am going to try to do shorter posts during the week with the food reviews until I have reviewed everything I have ordered. That way the posts will not be so long!!<br /><br />Thank you for hanging out with me all this time.<br /><br /><strong>Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.<br /><br />Also there is NO compensation AT ALL for any of the other products I may have mentioned. It’s just my opinions.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3660775062847922452011-01-30T07:05:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:34.150-05:00How to Stop Procrastination – An Easy Three-Step Process For Overcoming Procrastination Fast<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/29/3-easy-tips-to-help-you-manage-your-to-do-list/" target="_blank">Since yesterday's blog was about time management</a>, I thought today would be a good day to talk about procrastination. This tends to be my problem quite often. Instead of working on homework A or project X first, I put it off. It always seems to be the project I put off is the one that takes me the longest to do. I seriously need some better organization and time management.<br /><br />So today's article is also brought to you by <a href="http://www.ladypens.com/" target="_blank">Lady Pens</a>. If you have time you should check those ladies out. They have a lot of quick-read articles and I have found so many useful tips the last couple of days.<br /><br />Enjoy your Sunday!<br /><br /><br /><h1><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-stop-procrastination-an-easy-three-step-process-for-overcoming-procrastination-fast/" target="_blank">How to Stop Procrastination – An Easy Three-Step Process For Overcoming Procrastination Fast</a></h1><br />So you’ve been procrastinating again. And chances are you’re beating yourself up about it. Stop that right now. Overcoming procrastination can be a challenge, but if you read this article and act on it, you’ll discover a secret that will make it much easier to stop procrastinating and take action.<br /><br />Think about it. When you think about your to do list, how do you feel? Does it make you feel overwhelmed? Chances are that it has simply far too many things on it.<br /><br />I’ve been there. In fact, I often have the same problem. But my economic survival depends on getting over it, so I’ve found a few things that help. And there’s one thing in particular.<br /><br /><strong>1) Get rid of your huge to-do list</strong><br /><br />You know what I’m talking about: Your huge to-do list that has far more things on it than you could ever complete in a week. And you feel overwhelmed. No wonder you’re procrastinating. That’s your body telling you that you’ve cut off more than you can chew.<br /><br /><strong>So what do you do? Get rid of it.</strong><br /><br />Well, not entirely, but take a few minutes and sit down and go over it. Then pick out a couple of items that really have to get done. Then pick one of those that you can do easily if only you take the time to do it. Start a NEW to-do list and put that item on it.<br /><br />Add item two and three as well and then put the other list aside. Finally, start another new list and only add item number one.<br /><br /><strong>2) Focus on item number one</strong><br /><br />So now you have just one item on your to-do list, you can focus on just one task at a time. Sure, people are singing the praises of multi-tasking, but research as well as experience have shown that it just doesn’t work. So put all the other stuff aside, even item two and three, and just focus on item number one.<br /><br /><strong>3) Divide and conquer</strong><br /><br />If that first item is too big, break it down into steps, and line them up underneath item one. Then tackle step one and cross it off once it’s done. Next, do step two. And so on. The divide and conquer approach makes overcoming procrastination a breeze.<br /><br />In fact, before you know it, you’ll have completed item number one. Give yourself a pat on the back, a break, and maybe a cup of coffee or another reward. Then go on to item number two and repeat the above process.<br /><br />And if you’d like more help with overcoming procrastination, you’re invited to claim Elisabeth Kuhn’s <a href="http://www.easyeft.info/" target="_balnk">FREE introduction to EFT</a> (Emotional Freedom Technique), which is highly effective for helping you stop procrastinating.<br /><br />To claim your free guide, click here now: <a href="http://www.easyeft.info/" target="_balnk">http://EasyEFT.info</a><br /><h3>Last 5 posts by Elisabeth Kuhn</h3><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/traffic-dashboard-kim-roach-a-review/">Traffic Dashboard (Kim Roach): A Review</a> - December 18th, 2010</li><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/extra-income-for-retirees-starting-a-home-based-business-could-be-the-perfect-solution/">Extra Income For Retirees - Starting a Home Based Business Could Be the Perfect Solution</a> - September 24th, 2010</li><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/writing-for-money-three-ways-to-get-started-making-money-writing-on-the-internet/">Writing For Money - Three Ways to Get Started Making Money Writing on the Internet</a> - September 24th, 2010</li><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/manifesting-abundance-which-money-blocks-are-holding-you-back-and-what-can-you-do/">Manifesting Abundance - Which Money Blocks Are Holding You Back and What Can You Do?</a> - July 14th, 2010</li><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/anger-management-techniques-five-strategies-to-take-control-of-your-anger-quickly/">Anger Management Techniques - Five Strategies to Take Control of Your Anger Quickly</a> - July 14th, 2010</li></ul><br /><h2>This is a Free Reprint Article</h2><br />You are welcome to publish this article on your website, blog, ezine (free of cost) as long as the author's resource information remains intact and all links remain live and clickable. This article may be published offline in print, provided the author's name and full link to the author's website are both included. Copyright is reserved by author. Read our full<a href="http://www.ladypens.com/terms-of-service/">Terms of Service</a>.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14128700034030311952011-01-29T07:05:00.002-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.484-04:003 Easy Tips to Help You Manage Your To-Do List<strong>I am running very short on time today</strong>. Just spent my entire morning cleaning house. Big M is sick and being a big baby. I just love (sarcasm coming...) how when I am sick he just leaves everything for me to do and it all piles up. So, when I feel better, there it is waiting for me. *ugh* So, it has gotten to the point now that even when I am sick, I never take a day off. Ever. When he is sick he reverts back to being 5 and expects to be coddled and picked up after and taken care of. What part of "I dont have time" does he not understand. I was sick for the last 3 weeks. Did my world stop? No.<br /><br />I am just so fed up with some of his behaviors. I find myself starting to treat him the way he has treated me the last few years. I don't like it, but its the only way I can make him understand. I believe in equal partnership and therefore all chores should be shared.<br /><br />Anyway, I know we are all having some time management issues the last week or so. I wanted to share an article I got in my email from <a href="http://www.ladypens.com/" target="_blank">Lady Pens</a><br /><br />I hope you guys enjoy your Saturday. I am about to head in the shower and later today go pick up lil m. Her birthday is tomorrow, she will be 6. So we have an adventurous weekend. I think tonight we will all stay in and make homemade chicken noodle soup.<br /><h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 Easy Tips to Help You Manage Your To-Do List</strong></h1><br /><strong>Posted By <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rhonda White</span> On January 21, 2011 @ 4:18 pm In <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Business - Home Based</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Time Management</span></strong><br /><br />It’s so easy to get side-tracked when we fail to sit down and write out a specific to-do list. We end up wasting hours away during our business work hours. And consider this…if you were to get paid for all those lost hours, you might be a millionaire!<br /><br /><em>There seems to be two main extremities among business managers…</em><br /><br />Those that suffer in utter chaos (you know, constantly looking for that lost file on the computer, a forgotten password, or notes scribbled on some little piece of paper somewhere — “It was right there yesterday! Really it was!”<br /><br />On the other side of the coin, there are those that seem to fly through their day. They accomplish so much (it makes your head swirl), and stunningly enough…they even manage to have spare time to get a manicure and read their favorite book. They thrive abundantly in an organized, stress-free manner. Best of all, they don’t have to rush and burn the midnight hours away trying to get caught up.<br /><br />The choice between the two options is really up to us. We all have the same 24 hours every day to get things done, and how we manage to use those 24 hours each day makes a real difference in our business and our home life. As you work from home, it’s more important than ever to organize your business tasks or you may find yourself working endless hours (and addicted to coffee).<br /><br /><strong>Here’s 3 Easy Tips to Help You Manage Your To-Do List:<br /></strong><br /><br /><strong>1. Make a master list. </strong>Create a master list<strong> </strong>of everything you need to accomplish for the entire week. Next, begin to break down your list into a daily “to-do” schedule. When you plan early the tasks that need to be done, you allow yourself more time to accomplish them without being bogged down or overwhelmed.<br /><br /><em>Example:</em> If you’re creating a new report, you can plan to create an outline on Monday, do necessary research on Tuesday, write ten pages on Wednesday, write ten more pages on Thursday, proofread and add final touches on Friday.<br /><br /><strong>*A couple of tips:</strong> Keep in mind those days that are quite hectic and schedule less tasks. Also, determine when your energy is higher and schedule larger tasks that require more focus during those times.<br /><br /><strong>2. Schedule every task (smaller ones as well).</strong> Each task needs to be accounted for, such as responding to email, planning product development, managing your marketing plan, researching, managing your website, tending to customer service, attending meetings, traveling time, dealing with other employees, etc.<br /><br />Scheduling all minor and major tasks allows you to see the whole picture which will help you manage your time better. It’s important to allow yourself <em>adequate</em> time to accomplish those tasks as well as trying to stick to the schedule that you’ve set so that you don’t find yourself lagging behind. You need to feel small steps of success and not constant failure.<br /><br /><strong>3. Determine how much time you have to dedicate for each of your business activities</strong>. Keep a realistic view on your available time. As I said earlier, you want to allow yourself <em>adequate</em> time to complete each task. Also ask the question, “Are there some tasks that could be completely eliminated because they’re not actually productive for your business?”<br /><br />As your business grows, you may need to outsource more tasks. Outsourcing is absolutely a positive action for your business. As you expand your home business, your position as CEO will become more defined as you outsource all the smaller tasks and your main focus now becomes overseeing all the major decisions and planning of your business.<br /><br />Rhonda White is a Christian Work-at-Home Mom. To learn more about managing your home business and keep you motivated, grab your free membership on her blog at <a href="http://mommyrevenue.com/" rel="external">MommyRevenue.com</a> <sup>[1]</sup>.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6167817523227690012011-01-28T16:42:00.002-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.677-05:00Divine Appointments by Charlene Ann Baumbich<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><iframe _mce_src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003EI2EE0" _mce_style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003EI2EE0" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divine-Appointments-Novel-Snowglobe-Connections/dp/0307444724?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Divine Appointments</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0307444724" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is the second book by Charlene Ann Baumbich in the Snowglobe series.</strong> I wonder, had I read the first book if perhaps this one would have been any different. In reading other’s reviews I learned that some of the characters from the first book show up in the second book. Often, when this happens there are things about the character that would make things look differently to a reader if they read the first book.<br /><br />One time in our life I suppose we were all told “never judge a book by its cover” and I try to live by that standard. However, I do love a beautiful cover and I have to say that the artwork on this book is absolutely adorable. It is one of those that you can actually see as a small printed, matted and hung.<br /><br />Sadly, that was my favorite part of the book. I felt that this book was just average. I did enjoy that it was a story that so many could relate to. The book has loneliness, job loss, career moves, honest friendships, and even some sad memories that linger on. The author did a great job in reaching out to write about characters that were a little older. I can’t say I read too many books about single 47 year older, or anyone like Josie for that matter. Josie was cute and she was my favorite character. There are a lot of executive and high power woman that can relate to her.<br /><br />Josie has built her life around her career. She remains single, has very few belongings, and even fewer friends. She has one brother, who lives in France and he is only talked about a few times through the book. Josie never lets herself get attached. She takes contract work so she can travel from state to state, only staying long enough to complete her job at these large corporations.<br /><br />When she lands a contract with Diamond Mutual she has no idea that her life is about to change. It is here that the characters are built. Many of the characters are work related, and although all interesting in their own right, it was hard to follow along when the chapters would stop in the middle and go on to discuss something or someone else. This made it hard to follow for me. You would just get in to the scene only to have it stop abruptly and be whisked away someplace else. For me the choppiness was more distracting than good.<br /><br /><strong>Disclaimer: </strong>.I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This does not influence my words for the review. These words are mine, and mine alone; my own thoughts, ideas, and opinions. I was not paid to give a positive or a negative review.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16178773759980218492011-01-28T06:47:00.001-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.631-04:00Need to Break this Crazy Cycle I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I know it’s not writers block because here I am writing. I just have no ambition to write for “them”. Maybe it’s the lack I titles I am interested in, or maybe I just got burnt out working so much to take care of everything around here. Right now I don’t really have an income. I have not been writing for upfront payment.<br /><br />I have been spending quite a bit of time writing for myself either here on my blog or for residual. I like it so much better. But, I need some upfront money. I can’t seem to doing title selecting either. I always made pretty good money doing that but once they separated regular ehow and ehow h&g the well runs dry more often than not. I can’t sit here and stalk titles all day; I have other things to do. I am sure it is just a matter of time before they take my privileges away from me. I NEED to write I just don’t WANT to. So I am not sure how to go about getting my mind reset. Then, there is school. I cringe at the thought of it. I have a stack of books piled up that are waiting on a review to be done....<br /><br /> <strong>I wake up around 7am every day (actually before, this is when I finally get out of bed).</strong> I make coffee, visit with Big M before he goes to work, then I sit down and have breakfast. Usually I am eating while doing my daily chit-chat on my school blackboard for my participation points. Since I started doing Nutrisystem I told myself I should be allowed to sit down and enjoy my breakfast while watching something I have on the DVR. So I have been doing that this week. Then I head to my office and start school. Every few hours the dogs have to go outside. Then there is the preparation of lunch, and later in the day, dinner.<br /><br />So I do take a few breaks here and there. The last couple of days I have had to force myself to take time to exercise. Most of my day is spent here in the office. I am in here from 9-10am till about 7-10pm depending on what is going on. I don’t get to sleep until after 1am even though I am in bed by midnight. I can’t get my brain to stop thinking about everything I still have to do. Then there is the frequent waking for trips to the bathroom. It seems like a downward spiral I am going on. I feel tired and run down ALL the time. I don’t know how to get off this schedule and still get everything done. Once upon a time I was organized; I don’t know what happen.<br /><br /> <strong>My schedule needs to include: </strong>a workout, 3 meals of food prep, taking the dogs out, school, writing for upfront payment and writing for residual. Then there is the social networking. Of course somewhere in there I have to find time to shower! Somehow I need to figure it out. I need to get more than 3-5 hours of sleep. This is just not cutting it. I am hoping that when these 2 classes end in 2 weeks and the next 2 start that perhaps the workload for those won’t be like the 2 I have now. Since this is supposed to be my last semester, these are my toughest classes so I doubt that is going to happen. After the next 2, I have 3 to take. I know I can’t keep going like this until June. My life is crazy. I used to be organized and have great time management.<br /><br />What happened? Where did that girl go? On that note I must pull myself away and hit the treadmill.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16721077353682145102011-01-27T07:32:00.002-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.509-04:00American Idol and Chris Medina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="zemanta-img separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://www.festivalmagasinet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/chris_medina_2011_290.jpg" width="275" /> <strong>Season 10</strong>. Wow. I can remember the very first episode. Where has the time gone?</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thinking back, I don’t think I ever really wrote much about American Idol. Or, at all. This episode deserves a few words; from me and the rest of the world.<br /><br /><strong>I had to set the DVR to record American Idol.</strong> I have the first few episodes on my laptop that I have yet to watch. This morning I decided to actually sit down and enjoy my breakfast instead of doing homework or working while I eat. I debated about what to watch, The Biggest Loser, some Ghost Hunters International, other random shows, or American Idol. I figured since they were still doing auditions it would not be a big deal to watch it before watching the others.<br /><br />So, I got in my comfy spot on the couch, ate my wonderful Nutrisystem breakfast, enjoyed my Hazelnut coffee and let the television roll. Because it is on the DVR I can fast forward through commercials and the stuff that makes me yawn. Of course, there is not too much of that on AI.<br /><br />I am going through the whole show, couple of girls with that raspy rock store voice that I love. Their voices reminded me of the “Black Velvet” Alannah Myles days…or better yet, one of my all time favorite female vocalist, Janis Joplin.<br /><br /><strong>Every season there is that one person with a back story that makes them stand out in the crowd</strong>. Sometimes they are the terrible singer of the bunch and sometimes they make it to Hollywood. But this episode, nothing really stood out. It is the last 5 minutes of the show and they are recapping those that made it through. I was just about to turn the TV off and get to work when they announced one more person. Chris Medina. I guess it was the save the best for last method. And boy did they!<br /><br /><strong>When you first start to hear his story you think”oh that’s sweet he is so in love”</strong> then he starts talking and my first instinct was he was going to tell us she had passed away. That was not the case here folks. This man is 26 years old. He and his fiancé have been together for 8 years. They have been engaged for over 2 years. A while back ago she was in a sever car accident which left her with significant brain damage and skull injuries. After weeks in a coma, Chris’s prayers were answered when she woke.<br /><br />American Idol Chris Medina Audition <br /><br />You can tell as he is talking that his man is even more in love with her than he was 8 years ago. Her mother and he are her caregivers.<strong> He STILL wants to marry her.</strong><br /><br />In a world where people are quick to run when life gets tough, here is a man that shows us that there is still a lot of good left in this world.<br /><br />Chris has an amazing voice. I am sure he will go far. He has a story that has touched millions.<br /><br />All I know is Karma is on his side and he has a full life ahead of him.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSXbWffIw4Q">Here is a video shot on what was to be there wedding day. He wrote a song for her while she was in the hospital.</a><br /><br /><strong>For more information about Chris</strong>: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OfficialChrisMedina" target="_blank">Chris Medina Facebook </a><br /><br /><strong>Information about his band</strong>: <a href="http://www.theablebody.com/" target="_blank">The Able Body </a><br /><br /><strong>To donate to The Juliana Foundation</strong> : <a href="http://www.laurusfoundation.org/help-juliana-ramos.php" target="_blank">For Juliana </a><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=1c6b285f-b368-46b0-92ba-c5237fbb2b02" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36557702947157522692011-01-26T16:38:00.006-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.771-04:00#NSNation Nutrisystem Day 3<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/nsnation-nutrisystem-days-1-and-2-part_26.html">This is a continuation of Day 1 & 2 (part of 3)</a><br /><br />I got word yesterday that there are <strong>FOUR </strong>new items on the Nutrisystem menu and they are being sent out so that I can try them. I love trying new things so I am excited to have these come.<br /><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">They are:</span><br /><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Scrambled_Eggs_Vegetables.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Scrambled_Eggs_Vegetables.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Breakfast:</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">Scrambled eggs with vegetables (oh....eggsss.....how I love you so!)</div><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Wedding_Soup.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Wedding_Soup.jpg"><br /></a><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_PBJ_Bar.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_PBJ_Bar.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Lunch:</span><br /><strong>Italian wedding soup</strong> (I LOVE Wedding Soup! I can't wait to try this one!)<br /><strong>PB + jelly bar </strong>(Huge fan of PB - not so much the J. It is rare I eat PB&J, so this will be interesting)</div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Popcorn.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Popcorn.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Dessert:</span><br /><strong>Buttered popcorn</strong> (I am deeply attached to my little kernels and air popper. I can have 1c popped as a free food and free foods are limited to 2-3 per day. So, I am not sure this will be something I will use for dessert, but it will be fun trying it out.)</div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="font-size: 1.5em; text-align: center;">Oh happy, happy, joy, joy! There are more eggs! I will review these items once I try them.</h2><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><span _mce_style="color: #008000;" style="color: green;">Now, for today’s meals (Wednesday January 26).</span></h1><span _mce_style="color: #008000;" style="color: green;"><br /></span><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito (Frozen)</strong><br /><strong>Hello eggs, how are you doing today?</strong> I am doing great myself. I pulled this baby out of the freezer, popped it in the microwave and counted down until I could sit down with my water (protein powder), coffee, ½ banana and my breakfast burrito. I joyfully chomped my first bite. Big M goes “well how is it?” To which I scrunch my face and go “There’s BEANS in my breakfast burrito!” Yes, beans. What? I have had a lot of BB’s in my time, but never with beans!! That’s for lunch and dinner. So, I ran back into the kitchen, looked at the picture on the package. Sure enough, there are a few little beans poking out of the egg mixture. Weird. Despite having to get over the fact there were beans in my breakfast, Nutrisystem gets a two thumbs up on this one. Although looking at the eggs they had a weird texture to them, the beans and the seasoning was spot on for a nice Mexican flavor. I think this would be even better with a dash of my liquid of choice: Kens Red Hot! If you love the flavors of Mexico, you won’t be disappointed with this goodie.<br /><br /><strong>Lunch: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Toasted Ham and Cheese</strong><br /><strong>Read the directions silly</strong> (yes, I do talk to myself often), it states TOASTER OVEN or OVEN. Ugh. I don’t have a toaster oven. I also don’t really care to turn my oven on for this little…umm…what is this? Do I call it a pocket? A sandwich? Both? It reminds me of a different shaped hot pocket or even better, it really resembles the shape and size of a pop tart. OH! I can put it in the toaster. Yes. Nooooo I forgot my toaster has been weird and I need to toss it and get out the other one.<br /><br />Uhhhhhhhhh great. I want this. I want to eat it now. I am hungry and in the middle of homework. That’s OK.<br />Off in the micro it goes.<br /><br />Not a good idea. Now I have a hard toasted ham and cheese. I ate it anyway and chugged down water from the gallon jug I have been keeping in my office.<br /><br />Lesson learned. Now excuse me while I LOL all over the place and decide what I want for dinner while I exercise to Leslie Sansone: Walk Away the Pounds – 1 mile.<br /><br /><strong>Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74349996921077572402011-01-26T16:35:00.007-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.972-04:00#NSNation Nutrisystem Day’s 1 and 2 (part of 3)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0471653659&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I had originally planned to write the first day on <a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/14/i-am-now-a-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation/" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/14/i-am-now-a-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation/" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a> to sort of let you know how it was going. As we all know, the first day of change is always the hardest. No one likes to break out of their comfort zone. This blog is going to be a little long, so please bear with me.<br /><br /><br /><strong>I have to admit, I have not exercised Monday or Tuesday</strong>. As I mentioned in a past blog: Just an Update-Why All the Pain? I explained what was going on with my shoulder problem, along with a back issue I will have forever. (Hence the need to lose weight and get strong, my chiro will thank me for it!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/09/just-update.html">Because of that shoulder injury and all the nerve damag</a>e I had, not to mention the medication I was on, there was no way I was going to get on the treadmill. There were days I could not even get out of bed, or even sit up in a chair. So, all the work I had put in on the C25k (downloaded the FREE app from itunes) went down the drain along with my motivation.<br /><br /><br />The nerves have healed, my shoulder better, my back is good although my hips being a little weird, I am still having a hard time getting back on the exercise track. So, I am pledging that as soon as I get this blog posted I am going to pop in Leslie Sansone: Walk Away the Pounds – 1 mile walk. Then, I am going to turn on <a _mce_href="http://www.breakpal.com/affiliate/2392" href="http://www.breakpal.com/affiliate/2392" target="_blank">My Break Pal</a> so that I am getting more exercise and breaks while I am working. So (cross fingers) I am desperately trying to find my bottle of exercise motivation.<br /><br /><br />Big M and I have talked about joining the Y, but with his crazy schedule, mine, and all the exercise stuff we have here, I am having a hard time justifying the monthly cost. Besides I have always been an AM exerciser. Get it done and out of the way.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Monday’s Nutrisystem Menu:</span></h1><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;"><br /></span><br /><strong>Breakfast: Nutrisystem Advanced Chocolate Chip Scone</strong><br />This was pretty yummy and it really started my day off on the right foot. It was like having dessert first. I was not sure what I was supposed to do with it, so I ate it right out of the package. Reminded me of cookie dough. This is something I would eat again (and again)! Later it was mentioned others nuke it in the microwave for a few seconds.<br /><br /><strong>Lunch: Nutrisystem Three Cheese Pasta with Cheese</strong><br />This was even better than I remembered it. Good chunks of chicken, nice cheesy sauce. My only problem was I could not see the water fill line on the container and put too much water in there, so my sauce was a tad runny. When I was on Nutrisystem in the past, there was always some sort of variation of cheese pasta, so I was sure this one would not disappoint me. This one stays on the list to order next month.<br /><br /><strong>Dinner: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Glazed Chicken Tenders</strong><br />When I buy frozen healthy meals, I tend to stick to the ones that have no vegetables. I am not a fan of frozen vegetables so I was a little disappointed to see half of my container had green beans in it. I LOVE green beans and will eat a can daily if I could, but not frozen. No way, no how. So, my dogs got the beans. Green beans are vet approved and they are supposed to be on a diet too! I honestly felt that this dish did not have much flavor. It was really blah. I had to doctor it up with some pepper. The rice was ok, but it had that pasta el dente texture, which I am not a fan of. So, this one, I would rather not have again, but there is another one in my freezer. I guess I am going to have to check the forums for a recipe idea.<br /><br /><strong>Dessert: Nutrisystem Nacho Crisps</strong><br />I love, love, LOVE nacho Doritos. Hmmmmm I can feel them crunching in my mouth now. I will even eat the baked/better for me version. I just love them. So I was excited to try these little gems. I tried the first one, and I thought I was going to crunch my ear drum right out of my ear. If you are looking for crunch, these babies have it. The first few were very yummy. However, when you get a few into the bag, the texture and taste start to get a little weird. After a few more there was a weird taste in my mouth. Not bad, just weird. I had to really sit here at think about these while I was eating them. I did head to the Nutrisystem forums to see what others had said. I found some really good ideas (eat with the chili, dab some FF sour cream on them, use salsa) so I will have to try it. These are just too good to pass up and I will be ordering these again.<br /><br /><strong>The rest of my day was filled with vegetables and fruit.</strong> I ate everything pretty much as is. Sadly, I did get a little twitchy as the day went on. This is the hard part about breaking bad habits and starting new ones. I broke, went off plan and had some peanut butter. *sigh* Made me feel sad inside that I could not even get through ONE day. But, it was a huge adjustment for my body. So, I still felt good that I ate great food and many things that were good for me.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Tuesday’s Nutrisystem Menu:</span></h1><strong>Breakfast: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Ham and Cheese Omelet</strong><br />Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE eggs. Fried, scrambled, omelet, poached or boiled it does not matter. Plain, with cheese, with lean meat, vegetables, or just salt and pepper. I want them. So I was really excited to try this Omelet. It was a nice size and fit my salad size plate well. It reminded me of eggbeaters. The ham was diced really small and for diet cheese, I was surprised it did not have that fake plastic taste. I did add a little pepper and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I found myself really making the connection to portion sizes and I said to Big M “I can make this!!” and I quickly wrote myself a little recipe to have handy after I am done with the program.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Lunch: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Margarita Pizza</strong><br />Yes, I am a pizza-holic. When I was on Nutrisystem as a teen, this was one of those items I would get 2-3 of a week. Not this exact one, just the pizza in general. I remember the girls would giggle and ask me if I was sure I did not want to try something new. Sadly, I wanted to love this pizza and couldn’t. I did like the crust, it really reminded me of my favorite delivery pizza. Nice and crisp, had sort of a butter texture to it. But I did not care to much for the toppings. The ricotta and herb cheese had no flavor, the marinara was bland (maybe I should have put some oregano and Italian seasoning on it), and I felt there could have been more tomatoes to give it some punch. If I was making my menu for next month, I am undecided about this one.<br /><br /><strong>Dinner: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Turkey Medallions</strong><br />My opinion on this one is much like Mondays chicken dinner. The container had a lot of frozen vegetables which ended up in the trash. I did give them the benefit of the doubt since it was carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. I sprayed a little butter spray on there and a dash of pepper. It was no help. I had many 5 chunks of turkey and a few spoons of gravy. I was not really please with the flavor either. I had made Big M open faced hot turkey sandwich with a turkey dinner kit we purchases. I was trying to make something similar for him while eating the groceries we still have in the house. I had to “cheat” as I had 3 pieces (110 cals) of Pepperidge Farm Very Thin Wheat Bread with some butter spray. I put the turkey and gravy on top of this. Then, I made some fresh okra (boiled) and some spinach. I know I was not suppose to have the bread since I am not one with 100 or more pounds to lose, but I did not know what else to do without wasting the turkey. I really do not care to have this meal again.<br /><br /><strong>Dessert: Chocolatey Nougat Bar with Peanuts and Caramel</strong><br />There really is only one word to describe this: YUM! I found it to have very good flavor despite being a weight loss bar. In the past other bars I have tried were flavorless and had a cardboard texture. This did require some water, but I can say this will be on my list of favorites. It has just enough chocolate sweetness, peanut butter, and caramel taste that even satisfy a chocoholic like me.<br /><br />Later this night I felt I should not have eaten that bread. I think it triggered my brain to search out more carbs and I ended up with crackers in my mouth before I went to bed.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;">*sigh*</span></h1>I really am trying. I promise!<br /><br /><strong>Ok, this catches me up to today’s food, which I am going to put in a new post.</strong> I am going to try to post a Nutrisystem blog a day so that I can review the foods I am eating. If I have already reviewed it, I won’t write about it. So, right now, the blogs will be a little longer. By next month I will likely be ordering the same foods so it will just be a matter of telling you how well (or bad) I am doing.<br /><br /><strong>Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40029647307361966262011-01-23T00:02:00.002-05:002012-10-23T17:29:37.821-04:00Things to Ask Yourself before You Start a Freelance Writing Career<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FLOW_CHART_-_LATEST.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Traditional freelance writer work system." height="388" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/FLOW_CHART_-_LATEST.jpg/300px-FLOW_CHART_-_LATEST.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FLOW_CHART_-_LATEST.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday and<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/21/writingforreason" target="_self"> the day before </a>we talked about freelance writing.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Really we just touched on the subject.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Today, its question time.</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">23 Things to Ask Yourself before You Start a Freelance Writing Career</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you are looking for ways to make money at home doing freelance writing, you really need to sit down and make a list.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>1. How much time can I devote?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Timing is everything. I do not look at it in terms of cents per word, but rather dollars per hour.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>2. Do I like writing?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If no, you may need to seek other work at home employment. Writing is not easy and it can get pretty tedious.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>3. Is this long term or short term?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If short term, up front, quick payments might be best for you.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If long term, setting up your own website, blog, and revenue share sites might be best for you.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>4. How well can I meet deadlines?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Private clients, content sites and magazines all have deadlines!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">When writing for yourself you have to make sure the work gets done!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>5. Can I get the job done?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone has guidelines and rules to follow.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>6. How much money do I need to make?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Figuring out your budget will help guide you with a monthly/weekly income goal.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>7. Do I have to have upfront payments?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If yes, look at private clients, magazines, and content.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If no, head in the blogging or revenue share direction.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>8. Should I look at writing as an investment on my future?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If yes, seek revenue share.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Get a grip on AdSense and affiliates.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>9. Can I handle criticism?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If no, you should stick to writing for yourself (blogs, revenue share)</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If yes, then the other options are good for you. Editors DO speak their minds.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What are some other things I/You/We should be asking?</strong></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=782a25f3-4603-48fe-b066-e19cca9fa2b8" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70673226139415845772011-01-22T00:47:00.002-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.705-04:00Writing for a Reason Part 2<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/21/writingforreason" target="_blank">Yesterday I started talking about how my little writing world is changing</a>. Today I wanted to post the message that I posted on the WPLH forum regarding revenue share writing.<br /><br />(mind you, I don’t really use proper grammar when writing in the forums)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The deal with rev sites really is, you get what you put in to them.</strong></div><br /><br /><br />This post is geared more towards newbies who might be lurking in to read more about rev share, niche sites, and their own blogs or content sites.<br /><br /><strong> I am all for making your own niche site, keeping 100% of the profits.</strong> That's awesome. But for someone like me, I don't have a niche. I could take my blog and divide it out for all the different topics (niches) but that would take too much time to try to self promote all these different sites. Been there, done that.<br /><br /><strong> For me, it's not worth it.</strong> At least not right now. I don't have time. I would like to say that maybe I would do it in the future, but again, I am stuck with not really having a niche.<br /><br /><strong> I enjoy my blog.</strong> My life as a writer is my own niche. I promote it, I use ads and it grows daily. I promote it as much as time allows. DS helps me with that since it is now a part of their syndicated network. I have also applied to some other syndication networks. This is what I like to do. Write about whatever.<br /><br /><br />I have other fiction and self help ideas in the works, but those will come after I graduate college. I just don't have the time to start any new, big projects right now.<br /><br /><br />After 2 years of being 80% of our household income, <strong>I no longer have to bust my rear end writing my fingers off to pay bills.</strong> Now, I can spend time working on whatever I want; only needing to make enough money for a couple bills that are mine, and household items.<br /><br />So, I write for <strong>clients, myself, couple magazine, and a few sites in order to have money to spend</strong>. I write on the <strong>rev share sites because I like it</strong>. I actually find them a lot of<strong> fun</strong>. There are things about <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> I enjoy. The more I play on <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">Hubpages</a>, the more I really like it. It is fun! I know a lot of people will wonder how "work" can be so much fun, and it is hard for me to describe. I just love the look and feel of the website. I like how you create your "hub" and I love all the information on the forums. They also have a wonder tutorial program for newbies.<br /><br /><br /><strong> I don't have to do them, but I want to.</strong> Because most of these websites are rather large on the internet, I don't have to worry about doing as much promotion as I would if I had my own niche site. I don't have enough content for one niche, so these websites allow me to write about ALL of the things i like. And, I don't mind sharing part of my income.<br /><br />I would do more rev share on DS, like a few here do, but I have a hard time finding topics I like.<br /><br />I find topics I like on these content sites, and then I end up with an article out of it I can put on rev share. I like titles I can get the most bang out of. Make sense?<br /><br />My rev articles really don't take me much time to write. Some of them are articles that were not accepted elsewhere or I felt the rewrite was not worth my time. Some of them are my own articles rewritten. Often, when I write one article, another stems off the subject. There are times when I am writing something for a topic I see on Helium, and I will bang out 4 others in the process. Taking only an hour of my time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank"> I have 150 articles on Helium. </a>I was submitting stuff quite frequently in 2009. A little in 2010, but the end of the year, nothing. This year I have submitted 3 items, book reviews, that I also have on my blogs. I make about<strong> $100</strong> average a month on there now. When I was writing all the time, it was more. It did drop for a while, but I have been suggesting titles and writing an empty title which gives me a few dollars bonus.<br /><br /><strong> I know a lot of people don't think that is a lot of money, but it was really easy work.</strong> I have a method to how I write my rev share articles (much like how Andie was writing her DS) so they really don't take much time out of my day. Any little bit I make from them is just a bonus.<br /><br />Is rev share sites for everyone? No. But they are a good option for those who don't really have one niche or don't want to deal with their own website.<br /><br />I would be happy with $1000 - $2000 a month in residual, and if it took me a 1000 articles to get there, no big deal to me because I know those 1000 wont take me long at all. My actual goal is to do 2 a day for <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">HP</a>. I may or may not rewrite and place the same article on <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a>. I would like to, but its more of a time constraint for me right now.<br /><br /><strong> I also understand some people need more money.</strong> A few years ago, I did. But, now I changed roles in my household, and my writing is for me. Its for the extra things we might want. Its no longer a have to, it is a want to. So that really has changed my outlook on how and why I write.<br /><br />The private client writing I do, I love. I don't even mind DS when they have something I like to write. So, thats my bread and butter. Everything else is just extra. When I am done with school I plan to focus more on my magazine writing, my fiction, my nonfiction and the rev share. My website- it’s going to be my own hub for all of it.<br /><br />I think when deciding where to write, whether it be rev share or content sites, you need to figure out why you are writing and how much do you need to make? How much time do you have? Those things will really put in to perspective what direction you want to go in.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68768892275098712011-01-21T13:24:00.000-05:002012-09-06T12:18:08.951-04:00Why I Write at HubPages<br /><h2 id="12351676_title" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Writing 'Then"</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://s2.hubimg.com/u/4470277_f120.jpg" /></div><br /><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12351676" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 18.888887405395508px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>My first revenue share writing was January 2000. </strong>Then, I was a Tax Accountant. And although I was good at my job and successful, I had always loved reading and writing. I saw this as a chance to share my thoughts and get paid for it as well. In those days, I did not take the time to perfect my craft. I just wrote and I did not pay attention to any sort of grammar.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"><br /></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">Not good.</strong><span style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">I look over those articles now and I seriously want to vomit. It is funny to me that they still make money. I have rewritten a few but I just do not care enough to fix them. The ones I have rewritten I decided to put on Helium. The revenue was much better there.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong><a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" style="color: #5d7d9d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">I have been an active member on Helium since May 2009.</a></strong> I had looked into other revenue sharing programs, but for one reason or another I just did not seem to “fit “with them, or them with me. I was writing a great deal for sites such as Demand Studios, Textbroker, Experts123, Star Reviews, eCopyWriter, and some other that have came and went. I had private clients, blog work and even a couple of magazine ventures.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">What I really liked about Helium was the bonus</strong><span style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">you would get for suggesting titles and writing empty titles. I would find a few of those and suggest a few. Writing there was extremely easy. The people on the forums were wonderful and Helium really helped me to polish some of my writing skills, which in turn landed me some pretty good clients. Helium has a mentor program which I took advantage of for a little while.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">Life got crazy.</strong><span style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">Something had to go and one by one I took some eggs out of my basket. Helium, although still there, took a serious nose dive in productivity, but I still earn a monthly residual from the content that is still there.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">Sometimes towards the middle of 2010 I started to hear an awful lot about Hubpage</strong><span style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">s from various writing forums. I started to read and listen about all these people that were doing really well with revenue sharing and I wanted so badly to be able to get involved with my own revenue sharing, I just needed to pay bills!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal;">Writing "Now"</span></div><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12351842" style="line-height: 18.888887405395508px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong>Now here we are in 2011</strong>, I decided to spend less time on upfront payments and more time on revenue sharing. I did a little more reading and research about HubPages and was excited to see that people were still going strong. I decided to join and published my first article on January 17, 2011.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">I just have to say, as of writing this </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">that things are going quite well. The best part is I am having</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"> </span><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">FUN!</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"> I get to write what I want, when I want.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">I don’t have to worry about crazy editors and rewrite requests. It is all ME. I am in this for the long haul.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">Some people dive right in</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">. I signed up and then took a few days to read the forums and the tutorials the site offered. THEN, I published my first article.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">Although I am not at the point yet where revenue share is my full-time income, I am well on the path</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">. I write online full time and I am extremely positive that it is exactly where I want to be in life. Between HubPages and my </span><a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #5d7d9d; line-height: 18.888887405395508px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">self hosted blog</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"> I am right on the path that so many others walked down.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">Hopefully I will be in the $1000 a month club in a year. That is my goal.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;">Want to follow me on my journey? Interested in starting your own goal? </span><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.888887405395508px;"><a href="http://wizzley.com/?pr=548" style="color: #5d7d9d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Click here to get started</a></u><a href="http://hubpages.com/_2tsdg0gko0wdi/user/new/" style="background-color: white; color: #5d7d9d; line-height: 18.888887405395508px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">!</a></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18013196804267517102011-01-21T00:52:00.002-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.515-04:00Writing for a ReasonWhile discussing rev share sites on my favorite writing forum (<a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=126" target="_blank">Work Place Like Home</a>) I wrote a post about how things changed for me in terms of my views on how and why I write.<br /><br /><strong>When I first started this little adventure in 2009,</strong> I had no idea where I was going to go with it, but I knew I liked it and it paid my bills. At that time Big M had lost his job and unemployed was a back and forth issue. Even when he did get it, it was such a minimal amount that it became time for me to step up to the plate and take care of my little “family” so I became the head of the household.<br /><br /><strong>Writing was not easy.</strong> I tried to get Bit M in to it, but even as good as a creative writer he is, he just could not deal with content writing. So, I plugged along. I paid bills; I took care of him, lil M, the dogs, the kitten, the fish, and even the crabbies. I took care of household expenses; toiletries, personal items, clothing, and food. I put myself last. I was working as many hours as I could and still going to school full-time. What little social life I had to begin with took a serious nose dive (which I still have yet to come out of).<br /><br />Writing is <strong>NOT</strong> for everyone. I know there are a lot of people doing it just to make money. Generally, those are the people that get burnt out first.<br /><br />You really have to<strong> LIKE</strong> writing in order to stick to it long term.<br /><br />The main thing is to just have <strong>FUN</strong> with it.<br /><br />They always say the best jobs to have are the ones where you wake up in the morning and are excited to go to work every day because you enjoy what you do. Although I am not always excited about my days (mostly because of school) I do enjoy what I do (I used to be an Accountant).<br /><br /><strong>Last fall Big M was able to get a part time retail job. </strong>This helped a little bit with income. Since I was entering my last year in school, things were getting a lot tougher and much more time consuming in regards to homework. I HAD to cut back a bit on writing. I tried to do as much titling as I could to make up for it, but the well would run dry quite often. Of course, right before Christmas, that job went bye-bye.<br /><br />Let's flash forward to 2011.<br /><br /><strong>So far this year is off to a great start.</strong> Big M is back to work full-time, in the field he is going to school for (just waiting to finish his clinicals so he can graduate) and he is pretty much making enough money to carry the household load, which takes a lot of my shoulders. I still have my own bills (cell phone) to pay for, and I still take care of the household items, but the rest is him. WOO!<br /><br />I can now focus on my last (hopefully) semester of school.<br /><br /><strong>This has also given me some time to reevaluate my writing situation.</strong> In 2009 I started my revenue share experience at <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a>. It was a great experience for me. But, as I mentioned, I just did not have the time to devote to it. I could not work for “free”. I have managed to put 150 articles up since then. On a good month I make $100 in revenue, on a bad it’s about $20. I wonder what it would get to if I actually spent more time on there???<br /><br />Somewhere in there I managed a few magazine articles. Couple of private clients.<br /><br /><strong>I am not really burnt out with content writing</strong>; I just have not found any titles I WANT to write. So, I started looking back in to revenue share. I few sites I tested in the past and just did not like. So, after reading reviews I decided to go with <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">HubPages</a>. I have a method to my article writing now.<br /><br />Now that I can divide my time between my blog, my revenue share and content for upfront payments, my writing outlook and schedule has changed.<br /><br /><strong>Tomorrow:</strong> the post that changed it all! (sort of)Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16236318284448279382011-01-18T16:26:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:46:03.518-04:00What Famous Person Would You Go to Dinner With and Why?<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0451172817&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>The name of my favorite book is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Needful-Things-Last-Castle-Story/dp/0451172817?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Needful Things </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0451172817" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />by Stephen King. </strong>I have been reading Kings work since I was a little girl and introduced to him through my mother, who was also a fan. The first book I read was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Special-Sissy-Spacek/dp/B00005K3NR?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Carrie</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00005K3NR" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Every book gets better and better. When I read Needful Things I was touched by the way every person in the story had a story of their own to tell. Everyone needed something in their life, something that was missing. And they got it, only in a bad way. That, in turn, made me feel very sorry for the people. If only they had opened their eyes and saw that all they really needed was a bit of love in their life, no matter what level, it was still needed. Needful Things is generally classified in the science fiction or thriller genre depending on which bookstore you visit. Most of them group Stephen King’s works together and some fall in to both categories.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>I feel this book should be on the top of the list for any of Stephen King’s fans, </strong>and even those who are not. It teaches us the basic concept of not being able to always get what we want, and that possibly there is a reason why we were not given it in the first place. Forcing to obtain these things could have consequences as the grass is not always greener on the other side.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>He is my pick for dinner, if I could pick anyone to go with. </strong>His words are magical and they transport to me a place where I do not have to think about any of the daily stresses of reality. For the time I am reading his words, nothing else consumes me. I am sure it is very cliché to say I would want to ask him to read a manuscript, or give me advice. It would seem to me that those are the questions all writers would want to ask. For me, I just want to know where his words come from. After that conversation, perhaps he could tell me what novel is his favorite and why that is his pick. After dessert, I would pick his brain a little more. What sorts of things inspire him, does his brain ever shut off, is there a topic he would never write about?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">When the night is over, I would offer my hand, in the hopes he would shake it. After grabbing my now signed copy of Needful Things, head home to read it, one more time.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48462900061408993362011-01-17T00:20:00.003-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.640-04:00No, I Will Not Give You the Answer<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t152/zomgspongelolbob/1286590310742.png" title="hainternet" width="400" /><br /><br />Yesterday’s blog sort of brought up some other feelings I have about things.<br /><br /><strong>Yes, I work from home</strong>. Yes, I make money and get to stay at home. Yes, it’s great. Yes, it is nice, thank you.<br /><br /><strong>No</strong>, I will not stop, hold your hand, and tell you exactly where to go and what to do.<br /><br /><strong>This might sound like I am being rud</strong>e, but you know what? That is exactly what happened to me. I was given a few forums to check out, I went, I got a feel of the board and introduced myself. Then I actually took the time to read what others were writing and what was going on. And you know what? It worked! I was able to find jobs.<br /><br /><strong>Yes, I did ask questions too</strong>, but I was not expecting anyone to hold my hand. My questions were general and usually based on the clients and I needed clarification or what someone thought about a particular company.<br /><br />I do the same thing for people who ask me. I tell them where they can begin looking and tell them to read. It really is pretty simple. Right there in front of you, black and white.<br /><br /><strong>No, it’s not Top Secret information</strong>. We aren’t hiding it.<br /><br />Sometimes people don’t want to read and they want a hand out. Sorry, I worked too hard to get where I am at today to just hand over every little bit of information I have had to learn myself. I feel if most would just take the time to read a little bit, most of their questions would be answered.<br /><br /><strong>It just irks me when people demand you tell them things.</strong><br /><br />When you go to a staffing agency, HR department or any other job programs, do you demand they give you information and help you get hired? No, they expect you to go on interviews, show your talent and put yourself out there. Working from home is the same thing. You have to go out into the world and find the job opportunities.<br /><br /><strong>Please, please, please,</strong> if you are looking for work at home jobs visit work at home forums first and just READ! Don’t expect anyone to give you a handout. You will gain much more respect if you research and apply yourself.<br /><br />Ok, I am off my soap box now.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43307859264517079212011-01-16T00:42:00.003-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.625-04:00Ack! Rude much?Ok, I have NEVER been one to start ANYTHING out here in blogville. If something ever happened it was unintentional.<br /><br />Most of you are like my "family” and I would never disrespect anyone.<br /><br />I have noticed these last few months an onslaught of new people on the internet forums which I tend to spend way too much time on. I don't know what it is about some of them, but they really need to stop and think about what they are saying.<br /><br />Whether they are trying to come off as rude or not, perhaps the just should not be.<strong> I have seen a lot of rudeness. </strong>The rudeness does get picked up by the "elders" that have been here a while, and they usually post something snarky. Then the newbie feels attacked or threatened, but yet they continue to do this.<br /><br />Before you click the "submit" button <strong>please read your post and think about how it is going to sound to others</strong>. Every time I write something I constantly change things around because I am afraid that someone is going to take it the wrong way.<br /><br />Maybe this is you; maybe you just do not know how to speak online. I don't know, but I sure hope that is not how you are talking to people around you!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27065416169599566812011-01-14T16:20:00.002-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.738-04:00I am NOW a Nutrisystem Blogger!!!!!!!!!!! - #NSNation<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Yes, it is true.</strong> That is my big news that has kept you all on the edge of your seats!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">Many of you were told about the recent excitement in my writing journey when one of the companies I work for started a blog network. I was picked to join, so my blog is now in syndication. That’s thousands upon thousands more internet traffic!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>I am very excited to be a part of the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem</a> Nation Blogger Program.</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">For those that do not know my back story, this is not the first time I have been on Nutrisystem, but I<strong> AM </strong>hoping to make it my<strong> last</strong>. My journey first began when I was a freshman in high school. My mother would drive me to the centers and wait while I was weighed in, had a meeting with my counselor, picked my food, and had a group class. I always had a lot of fun and the staff was wonderful. I was one of the youngest people at that time. I ended up losing 80 or so pounds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, I think because I was so young, I never really paid attention to the things I <strong>SHOULD</strong> have, such as how to prepare healthy meals.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Over the years my weight has gone up and down</strong>. I did attend <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers</a> meetings and lost 50 plus pounds, got to goal, then in the last 5 years, gained every pound of that back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I called on my old friend Nutrisystem a couple of time, but life always got in the way. Funny how we always go back to what we know. What we are comfortable with. Things we know work!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Not this time. </strong>I have been anxiously waiting to get started. My order should arrive in a week and I will start the last week of January.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">I hope <strong>ALL</strong> of you will help motivate, support, and push me along the way!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">This is good for my health (and my sanity). So please check back because I will be posting my successes and failures along with videos. I will be taking the time to prepare meals the right way for long term success. Maybe big M and little M will get healthier too in the process.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;"><strong>It will be quite a journey</strong>. Healthy cooking. Healthy Lifestyle. All of this while I am trying to work full time as well as going to school over full time status just so I can graduate in June. I know it won't be easy and it is going to be a lot of hard work, but I know I <strong>AM</strong>worth it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;"><strong>I have ordered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Harper-Kettlebell-Cardio-Shred/dp/B004EFCVP4?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bob Harper</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004EFCVP4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />’s DVD set.</strong> You all know him as the trainer from the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Loser-Cookbook-Healthy-Delicious/dp/1594865752?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> Biggest Loser</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1594865752" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I have tried<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> Jillian's 30 Day Shred</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00127RAJY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and a few others along with Biggest Loser. I may have to dust those off! My treadmill is getting cleaned off this evening, since my shoulder injury at the end of summer, it has not been touched. A little cobwebby right now!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">I have hand weights, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bowflex-100141-PR1000-Home-Gym/dp/B001AS697O?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">bowflex </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001AS697O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />type machine, an exercise ball and various types of bands. Between that and all the DVDs I have, I am ready to hit the ground running. My goal is to get through the C25k program and start running again. Another goal is to get back in to Yoga. I know my lower back (disk disease) problems will appreciate that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">Next week I will post before pic, start of my journey video, get the measurements going and for those of you who have not noticed, there is a tab on the top of my blog for my weight stats.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">You never know, I might be the next Marie Osmond ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">She looks great!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">If you would like to join me on my journey, <a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" target="_blank">click here</a> or call: 1-888-853-4689</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong>Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86237743439786792362011-01-14T16:16:00.004-05:002014-07-29T14:26:29.323-04:00Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life by Brent Crowe<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEb-Ud8e4hQ/U9fnRTAZAHI/AAAAAAAASCE/xrOgivKTlMk/s1600/Chasing-Elephants-by-Brent-Crowe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEb-Ud8e4hQ/U9fnRTAZAHI/AAAAAAAASCE/xrOgivKTlMk/s1600/Chasing-Elephants-by-Brent-Crowe.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/book-review-sacred-meal-by-nora.html"><br />After my last book review </a>I was a little bit hesitant to sit down and read Chasing Elephants. The last book was a little bit too “technical” for me to really get the true meaning of the book. I did not want to disappoint myself or others by having a similar experience.<br /><br />Last week I finally decided to take the plunge and start reading. I thought I had some free time, so why not? I will just break the book up in to sections and do a little bit at a time.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />There was no need for that. I ended up staying up and reading the entire book that night. I did not do a book review right away. I wanted to think about it for a little while before I wrote my thoughts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Elephants-Wrestling-Gray-Areas/dp/1615211217?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Chasing Elephants</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1615211217" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is a book that talks about those things you many not really *want* to talk about, but you might have questions about. For others these might be topics they have no desire or need to ask questions. These “gray” areas are the things in life where the Bible does not have a specific word on an ethical or behavioral issue. Chasing Elephants “carefully examines the biblical subject of freedom in Christ and then extracts a set of principles that will act as a theology of belief for the seemingly gray areas of life.”(NavPress)<br /><br /><br />As young children we are taught what to believe, and we are told why we are to believe what we believe. As one gets older, you stop to think, “I never learned how to believe.” Crowe mentions different gray areas in life, but talks specifically about five. Those five are homosexuality, the cyber world, social drinking, entertainment, and humanitarian efforts.<br /><br /><br />The book does not jump right in to the first topic, homosexuality, but rather it begins with a bit of humor and continues to go on using his own personal stories to correlate with freedom and gray areas. I found the book to be a delight to read. Too often faith based authors overload a book with so much copy/paste from the Bible, that you are wondering why you purchased that book in the first place. This was not the case. Although Crowe does give biblical examples, the book was not saturated with it.<br /><br /><br />Chasing Elephants will open your eyes and make you think about many things. It opens your eyes and your heart by giving you solid examples and quotes. The book is good for teens on up and would be good for a book group or bible study as there is much that can be discussed.<br /><br /><br /><em>Disclosure of Material Connection:</em> I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11047701627942639912011-01-14T16:09:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:45:14.221-04:00What’s on My Desk Right Now<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">(update 1/24/2011 - I accidentally deleted the photos out of my photobucket. I thought they were uploaded here directly so I will have to do this post again. Sorry!)<br /><br />My desk is an organized mess!<br /><br />My office used to be my finances ex wife’s son’s room. Hence the bright red walls. This space is now occupied by 2 L shaped desks in either corner. His and mine. His side of the room I won’t even show as there is stuff stacked ALL over. He is a literal mess and never picks up after himself.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Starting on my left side of the desk:<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My wide screen monitor he bought me for Christmas. It is a real eye saver. My accounting textbook, work papers, cell phone, iPod Touch, my USB hub with my flash drive (that I keep all my current writing on) and iPod cord plugged in. Writing caddy. External hard drive where I store all my music. It is a few years old so I have quite the collection in there. Oh yes, and my speakers.<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the corner is my Christmas present to myself, large screen ASUS laptop, which I love. I traded in my Mini and my Desktop for this beauty. I also got this desk and matching bookcase on black Friday. It was a steal! Dayplanner....can't live without it.<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have an Irish calendar, on the wrong day! Tissues. Art project from my fiancés daughter, lotion, voice recorder, 2 pairs of eyeglasses, magazine, books I am suppose to be writing a review on, my file of tax papers, bag of almonds to snack on. This years tax papers are in a stack ready to be filed. Speech textbook, my Torrid discount card, grocery coupons and a stack of Weight Watchers magazine. At the end is my stack of writer’s books and blank journals. Hiding is a brand new 2TB external storage drive he got me for Christmas. I guess I needed more storage space.<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My bookshelf is not organized and we just threw stuff on it. Various books, kiddo’s doll, my Shinedown Nation goodies, blankets (I get cold!) and some other random stuff.<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Usually Ziggy is on the desk someplace, but he seems to have taken a liking to the other desk chair at the moment.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52461914622292396152011-01-12T15:55:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:43:57.352-04:00Letter to the Author<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1451650604&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></strong><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Today’s Topic:</strong></span></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Who would you write to if YOU were to write a letter to an author you admire?</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></strong><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">My thoughts:</strong></span></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></strong><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">For as long as I could remember I have been a fan of Stephen King.</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"> The first book I remember reading was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Stephen-King/dp/0385086954?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Carrie</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0385086954" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> when I was about nine years old after raiding my mother’s book closet. Shortly after that was<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cujo-25th-Anniversary-Dee-Wallace/dp/B000T5O48U?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> Cujo</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000T5O48U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Since then, I have been hooked. Day after day, month after month, year after year, I wait with baited breath for a new release. When Mr. King had his accident a few years back and thought he would never publish another novel again, I was devastated. When he came out with “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-10th-Anniversary-Memoir-Craft/dp/1439156816?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">On Writing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1439156816" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />” I felt drawn to this man who for years had shared his talent, but not so much of himself.</span></span></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></strong><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">I did not know I always wanted to be a writer. </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">It was just something I loved doing, writing that is. But mostly, I loved reading. I had always wished there was a way I could combine the two. It is a slow learning process, but as the days go by, I love my “career” even more.</span></span></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></strong><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">If I could tell Mr. King anything</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"> it would be a thank you, just as I am sure many would say. Thank you for not quitting. If he would have quit, who knows if I would have finally figured out how much I loved writing and that I could actually do something with it.</span></span></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">I have managed to collect every book he has ever written, with a handful of them being first editions. I still have my mother’s first editions of Carrie and Cujo. When there is a time I feel like quitting I look at those books and remember the little girl I used to be and how words meant something. It doesn't take long for me to pick myself up, dust myself off, and continue forward.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></strong><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Trivia Question:</strong></span></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Do you know how many rejection letters Stephen King received before he was published? (I think the answer will shock many of you!)</span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5238519194863951082011-01-11T11:52:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:43:24.151-04:00Chapters<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzaEoT-Pans/TaiocDXXZyI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OgjZWwRcJVc/s1600/StairsOfSandBinding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzaEoT-Pans/TaiocDXXZyI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OgjZWwRcJVc/s320/StairsOfSandBinding.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><strong>Today’s Topic:</strong><br /><br />Be inspired by someone else's writing, for example:<br /><br />Taking a book and writing your thoughts chapter by chapter will give lots of blog posts.<br /><br /><strong>My thoughts:</strong><br /><br />I tried the whole “taking a book and writing your thoughts chapter by chapter” for blog posts last year when I was trying to understand my <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">food addiction and dealing with the eating disorder</a> I used to have. I did this for a few books and I would group a few chapters together. It had its ups and downs. I would certainly do it again in the future, especially for books reviews, but right now I just don’t have the time and it’s not a requirement for the companies in which I review books for. Darn school, takes up all of my time it seems like all I am doing is reading for school or for work and writing for school and for work. These days I am wondering if I will ever get my novel finished. Oh well, there is always NaNoWriMo again in November.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88316558441816457292011-01-10T15:41:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:34.666-05:00Freelancers UnionI am a member and I feel that every freelancer should take a minute to check it out!<br /><br />I have personally found some great things through their newsletters. If not for them, I would not know about co-working!<br /><br />Here is a great article I found that explains it all!<br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/surveygizmo.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1144" height="65" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/surveygizmo-300x65.png" title="surveygizmo" width="300" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.freelancersunion.org/">The Freelancer's Union</a>, a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, supports and represents the quickly increasing numbers of independent workers in the USA from Raleigh, North Carolina to Arvada, Colorado. It addresses the needs and desires of this diverse industry through education, service and advocacy. Approximately 30% of the entire workforce in America is made up of self-employed workers which include freelancers, contingent employees, temporary employees, consultants and self employed people. As the number of self employed grows, the Freelancer's Union endeavers to give them a voice. Many occupations are eligible for membership including Accountant, Medical Transcriptionist, Demolitionist, Gunsmith, Handyman and Shrimper.<br /><br /><strong> How it all Began</strong><br /><br />Former labor attorney, Sara Horowitz, started Working Today in 1995. This was one of the first tentative steps in the direction of meeting the needs of the self employed workforce. Working Today introduced the Portable Benefits Network (PBN) in 2001. The goal of PBN was to provide benefits to independent workers who were in New York City's Silicon Alley. PBN became Freelancer's Union in May 2003 in an effort to better convey the ideals that steer entrepreneurs as well as better reflect the multitude of services that the organization offers including benefits and advocacy.<br /><br /><strong>Benefits of Membership</strong><br /><br />The free membership to Freelancer's Union provides significant benefits to the solo business worker. Insurance is one of the main goals of the Freelancer's Union and in some cases it is being offered. Coverage varies by insurance type and there may be eligibility rules. However, the Union is working to bring insurance coverage in every state. Members also get discounts from companies such as Allworth Press, Staples, The Diner's Deck the YMCA of New York City as well as many others. <br /><br />The Freelancer's Union also facilitates training on various topics including legal, business, financial and taxes. They also encourage lobbying campaigns in an effort to promote [fair taxes, better options for insurance and increased visibility|better insurance, increased recognition and reasonable taxes|better options for insurance, reduced taxes and public relations} for independent workers.<br /><br />Members can also build a profile in the Freelancer's Union's online community and even set up their own listing in the Freelancer's Yellow Pages. They can also log on to the Gigs board to find clients and hook up with other members, other independent workers.<br /><br /><strong>Union Sponsored Events </strong><br /><br />The Freelancer's Union sponsors many helpful events that are planned to help self employed workers network and learn more about protecting themselves and operating a more streamlined business. One of the networking opportunities is through Meetup.com. Members from all over the United States can sign up and connect to each other. Other events that the Union hosts are classes on skill building on both a personal and professional level. Seminar topics can range from Preparing Your Federal Tax Return, Creating a Tool that Works For Your Business, An Overview of Sole Proprietorships, S-Corps, C-Corps, and LLCs to Simple Steps to Help You Improve Your Productivity. There is a complete list on the Union's website.<br /><br /><strong>Advocacy</strong><br /><br />The Freelancer's Union promotes awareness on policies that affect the steadily increasing number of independent workers in America. Issues such as access to health insurance, recourse for clients who don't pay, saving for retirement and employment laws are all on the forefront for the lobbying sector of the Freelancer's Union.<br /><br />The Freelancer's Union is vital for the independent worker. There are certainly benefits to membership and the value is immeasurable.<br /><br />Freelancing website owners can get a 100% unique version of this article at http://endlessfreeplr.comChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5893497257231385142011-01-09T00:02:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:42:40.269-04:00Resources<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="60" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://affiliate.godaddy.com/ad/E46CE8A86361209F3610A92AD83DC770BEA89821797704456C0D307578CD9CED" width="468"></iframe><br /><br />Today’s Topic:<br /><br /><strong>Resources List</strong>. Most online entrepreneurs are interested in how their colleagues run their businesses. Share the top resources that make your day-to-day online life easier.<br /><br />Aside from Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace and Tumblr there really is not much more that I use for writing other than Microsoft Word. I use a Google Chrome extension called Shareaholic that allows me to share the blog links on my social networking sites. The Work Place like Home forum is a place I visit frequently to chat with other writers. GoDaddy is where I get my hosting and domains from and word press is the blogging platform. I guess I would say my business is pretty basic.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85832617939759916412011-01-07T00:01:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:42:14.513-04:00The Spotlights OnToday’s Topic:<br /><br /><strong>Spotlight someone</strong> that you admire or someone that has helped you in life/ business/ school or someone who would be helpful to your readers.<br /><br />I have been thinking about this ALL day. There is not just one person who has helped me, especially in the last year and a half. It has been a whole group of people. This post is going to be pretty short; it is just one giant shout-out to all my writing friends at <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=126" target="_blank">Work Place like Home</a>. We laugh, we cry, we share our rants and raves. We are each other’s co-workers and the forum is our water-cooler. Just like in an office, we have good days and we have bad days. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without the shoulder some of these wonderful ladies to lean on.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75676306730113748382011-01-06T09:13:00.001-05:002014-08-15T17:58:39.778-04:00Book Review: The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher & Phyllis TickleI just got this book yesterday and was anxious to get started on it. Textbooks are about to take over my life so my books review time is going to slow down just a little bit. I picked up this little gem through a blog reading review program. I picked it myself; they did not force it on me. They have plenty of other books to choose from. I get no money, just the eBook.<br /><br />At first I thought I had made the wrong choice. When you first begin to read you start with a Forward written by the General Editor, Phyllis Tickle. While I am all for editors making an appearance in their clients book, I was a little rattled by this one.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I picked this book because I wanted to learn more about Communion and The Sacred Meal. I did not grow up in a religious household, but my mother’s family was Catholic and that is how she was raised. My knowledge of the bible is limited. I picked it up over the years from friends and family, or I picked it up on those days I went to church.<br /><br />I should have skipped this section and when right on to chapter 1. I am not a history fan and I am not one who can sit and read historical books, fiction or non. This Forward made me want to run. While I realize any subject with Jesus, the Bible and Religion are all going to take a historical turn I believe there is a way to go about doing it without making it sound like an encyclopedia or a textbook.<br /><br />I did a speed read and went into the Introduction. I was rather amused that the author was not willing to do this book at first. After much thought and careful consideration, as well as her own quest for knowledge on the practice of Communion she accepted.<br /><br />The book has three parts; waiting, receiving and afterward. There is a brief bit of history about Communion and the various views on it.<br /><br />I had to giggle when I got to chapter 1, its title was “scotch tape and baling wire.” I thought it was a little odd, but I read on. The chapter starts on a sad note of a friend’s daughter who had gone missing on a place. Having that news in her mind, and then asked to do the days Communion made Nora question herself. As people passed through the Communion line one by one, her nerves starting to fade, things started to click as she went through the process in her mind.<br /><br />I was so eager to read more; I ended up staying up the entire night reading the book. (it was only 115 pages!)<br /><br />Nora speaks about her experiences with Communion and goes in to great detail on her thoughts. She tells you a story that is autobiographical and historical with a bit of humor thrown in, but she tells it in a way that the everyday common person can relate to.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53622744765242744042011-01-06T02:33:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:41:42.128-04:00That’s Why I’m Not a Paid Chef<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="198" src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/icecarver777/Iron_Chef_America_005.jpg" title="iron chef" width="396" /><br /><br />Today’s Topic:<br /><br /><strong>Write your opinion</strong> about something you saw on television or read in an article.<br /><br />I have not really had much time to read, aside from the books I reviewed recently. Most of my reading is centered on textbooks. I have about 7-8 magazine subscriptions and the last few months worth are piled up in a basket beside my bed. I would read these magazines when I was walking on the treadmill, or right before I went to bed. It is rare that I even get a minute to watch television, but I did DVR an episode of the new season of Iron Chef. Bobby Flay and Emeril are two of my favorite chefs on The Food Network. The fun part about this show is that the chefs do not know the secret ingredient and must build their entire menu around it. I have a hard enough time trying to come up with something for dinner, let alone take ONE item and use it for a three course meal. No thank you, I will leave it up to the professionals.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40507272505535499582011-01-05T01:32:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:40:50.409-04:00Funny, ha ha..The Zigmaster<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="800" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HIMSELF/Matt/2010%20Ziggy/1b5e3075.jpg" title="Ziggy" width="600" /><br /><br />Today’s Topic:<br /><br /><strong>Write a "humorous happenings" post.</strong> For personal bloggers, you could write about funny things your kids say or something funny you saw today. It could even turn into a series on your blog. For business bloggers, it could be a video blooper or something funny from your business.<br /><br /><strong>Kids</strong>. Well, I don’t have kids of my own and Big M’s daughter is not here until the weekend. That leaves me, the kitty, and the dogs here all alone during the weekdays.<br /><br />I could tell you about how my kitty, who is about 8 months old, likes to sit in the office with me. Normally this is not a big deal and I know it does not sound like a big deal. Ziggy is my baby, I will admit that. I have been cuddling him since he was a tiny baby fitting in the palm of my hand. I share an office with Big M, who is no longer (thank goodness) here during the days like he used to be.<a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />(he finally got a job in his field, at the hospital after being unemployed for two year-minus the few hours a week he worked at best buy for a few months last fall).<br /><br /><strong>Ziggy feels the need to keep my company</strong>. Sometimes he will sit in my lap, often curl up on the desk, right in front of my screen. Usually I can move my chair around him. Until, he stands. I am sure I look rather funny twisting my neck around him to see. I often wonder why he has to site right THERE when I have an entire office for him to find a spot of his own.<br /><br /><strong>My favorite thing that Ziggy does is sit in Big Ms chair. </strong>He will fall asleep there and the last few days has been staying there all day. I think he does it to hide from the dogs. Ziggy will get excited when he hears the printer begin to start. The printer sits on Ms desk right next to his chair. Ziggy will place two paws up on the desk and watch the paper spit out of the printer. When it’s done, he will bat it with his paw, as if he is checking to be sure. Then, turn around, look at me and give me one meow. That’s it. And it happens pretty much every time. Just to say “mom, it printed, here you go”.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43336823956322561052011-01-04T16:10:00.001-05:002014-08-01T17:14:02.982-04:00Book Review:The Jesus Inquest: The Case For and Against the Resurrection of the Christ by Charles Foster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-syHpNwwRgeQ/U9wCswB3Z6I/AAAAAAAASOQ/Kglq7ZOupsE/s1600/jesus+inquest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-syHpNwwRgeQ/U9wCswB3Z6I/AAAAAAAASOQ/Kglq7ZOupsE/s1600/jesus+inquest.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://amzn.to/1pMYWcD" target="_blank">The Jesus Inquest:</a> The Case For and Against the Resurrection of the Christ by Charles Foster<br /><h3>Book Description</h3><br /><em><span style="color: red;">An unbiased examination and compelling courtroom presentation revealing the undeniable facts of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.</span></em><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><em><span style="color: red;">Intelligent, fair, and remarkably compelling, The Jesus Inquest argues the case both for and against the resurrection of Christ. Point-by-point, Foster, in turn as both barrister X and Y, leaves no theological stone or dissenter's rock unturned as he digs for answers and the truth. In the end he is more convinced that Jesus is real, that He did rise again, and that He lives to offer forgiveness and hope to all who come to Him.</span></em><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1pMYWcD" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://amzn.to/1pMYWcD" target="_blank">This book</a> was extremely hard to choke down. Whether you are a believer or not makes no difference in this book. It is extremely factual, showing proof. It reads very historically and I felt like I was reading a law book from college on how to debate sides.<br /><br />I was given this book by Sneeze Press in return for a review and there was no other compensation. I was given a few options to choose from. I picked this book because after reading the short synopsis on the website it sound like a great book for me to read.<br /><br />I do not define myself as being a religious person in nature. I often question what I believe and I do not attend church on a regular basis.<br /><br />I want to know. Just like everyone else. Did Jesus come back after he died on the cross? It is a pretty legitimate question that many seek the answer to.<br /><br />I knew the book was going to be based on facts and I also knew it was going to post arguments for both sides of the debate. I figured that it would be expressed in mere layman’s terms and I would not have a problem following along.<br /><br />I waited for this book to arrive with great anticipation. When I finally got the download link in my email, I immediately loaded it on to my Nook and off I went to find a comfy spot to read.<br /><br />It did not take long before I started to get bored. I desperately wanted to get through this book. It was just so dry there was not much for me to grab on to.<br /><br />The book was presented in such a manner that it was like a giant text copied and pasted directly off the internet and/or an encyclopedia. I was expecting more of a story as opposed to a law book. And that is what it felt like and started to read like, a law school text book. It was very dry, very matter of fact, and very straight forward.<br /><br />Like I said, I knew this was a book based on facts and views; however I was not expecting it to be presented in the manner in which it was.<br /><br />The book does go in great detail to show the reader what those for and against the argument do actually agree on, then points out the differences. Then it shows what they do not agree on and later points out the differences.<br /><br />If you want a scholarly type read, this is a book for you. If you are looking to learn the answer to the question in more of a story format, this will not be a book for you. I am not saying this is a bad book or that I do not recommend it, I just prefer my books in a different written format.<br /><br />After getting through the book I do believe that the answers you seek will be laid out right in front of you. With all the facts, you will be able to see clearly and make your own decision.<br /><br />(c)C.M. Original posted on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Helium has since been removed since the site is closed.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33952717002333944142011-01-04T09:31:00.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:34.838-05:00My First Blog Award!!<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Stylish-Blogger.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1093" title="Stylish-Blogger" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Stylish-Blogger.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="160" /></a></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Wow. I have been blogging for 5.5 years now and never won an award. What a surprise to wait up to today!</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">A big THANK YOU to my friend, Bongo at<a href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong> Bongo is Me</strong></a> for honoring me with such an award.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">It is amazing how something as simple as a blog award can make all the difference to someone like me. Someone is reading, someone is listening, someone understands, but most of all, someone just gets it and cares.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>So here are the rules to getting this award.</strong></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #993366;">Thank and Link back to the person who awarded you the award.</span></em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #993366;">Share 7 things about yourself.</span></em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #993366;">Award 15 other Bloggers.</span></em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #993366;">Contact these Bloggers and tell them about the award.</span></em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><br/><h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>7 Things About Me</strong></h1><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">1. I suffer from a host of mental health problems that I have gotten very good at wearing a mask so no one sees.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">2. I'm a sexual abuse survivor</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">3. I secretly want to be a ghost hunter</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">4. I am a paranormal junkie</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">5. I dream of Ireland & my friends every day</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">6. I'm afraid of going places by myself</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">7. I have to have the food labels facing me, whether it be cans or boxes, on shelves, in the fridge or the freezer and all like things have to be grouped together.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><br/><h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Now for my blog picks:</strong></h1><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Now, lets see if I can gather 15….. I read a lot of blogs, but sometimes I am in such a hurry that there is no time to comment, so this award may come as a surprise to some!</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Some are my friends that I have been following for years.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Some are blogs that are inspiring and important to me.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Others are those that I consider my “co-workers” in the writing world.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">These are in NO particular order.</p><br/><strong> </strong><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;"><br/></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">1. Angie @ <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/" target="_blank">Work at Home Wife</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">2. Laura @ <a href="http://whenasouthernwomanrambles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">When a Southern Woman Rambles</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">3. Sarah @ <a href="http://almostthere.biz/" target="_blank">Almost There</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">4.<a href="http://msbitchcakes.blogspot.com" target="_blank"> B!tch Cakes</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">5. <a href="http://forblogs.blogspot.com" target="_blank">For the Love of Blogs</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">6. <a href="http://thefatchickweigh.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Kreating Kristen</a> </span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">7. Jeremy AKA "The Crow" @ <a href="http://jeremycrow4life.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Mental Notes and Random Musings </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">8. <a href="http://realbloggersunited.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Real Bloggers United </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">9. <a href="http://www.crazysimplelife.com" target="_blank">Crazy Simple Life </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">10. Ross @ <a href="http://painfullyoptomistic.com/" target="_blank">Painfully Optimistic </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">1.1 Daisy @ <a href="http://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Open Space Productions </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">12. Nicole @ <a href=" http://nicoleireland.com" target="_blank">The Revolution of Nikki</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">13. <a href=" http://wahcoholicsanonymous.net" target="_blank">Wahcoholics Anonymous </a> </span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">14 . <a href="http://freelancescribes.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Freelance Scribes </a> </span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">15. <a href=" http://calissaleigh.com" target="_blank">Calissa Leigh </a></span></p>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57756436900011004172011-01-04T02:24:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:39:38.723-04:00Obvious<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/obvious" target="_blank"><img alt="captain obvious Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj208/penguinV/thobvious.png" /></a></div><br /><strong>TODAYS TOPIC: Blog about what you think is obvious because it may not be so obvious to others! You take your talent for granted, and assume everyone sees what you do. But people who aren't as "fluent" in what you do like to have it spelled out for them so they don't have to wonder if they've got it right. It also helps to reinforce their learning, even if they've heard it before.</strong><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br />Today’s topic is a little hard for me to grasp. I am one of those people that tend to make things harder than what they really are. I am just going to run with it and see where it takes me. Something that is obvious to me is my life as an empathic as well as dealing with the mental health issues that I have. Because I have opened myself up over the last few years, I assume that everyone who reads my words knows what is wrong with me. I assume it’s obvious, spelled right out in front of everyone. Perhaps it is not. I guess that not everyone around me is going to go back through five years of posts just to try and figure out why I behave or think a certain way.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>This is the life of a writer.</strong> We pick and choose our words carefully. We do not want to harm others with our words, but at the same time we have to make sure readers understand what we are trying to say. I love what I do. I love writing, I love creating. I feel I had more talent when I was younger but I am doing the best that I can. I may take my talent for granted sometimes, but I am pushed right back in to reality when I have to pick titles and come up with content for a client.<br /><br /><strong>Writing for clients is not the same as writing a novel</strong>. I wish I could have an income that would allow me to spend more time on my novel. We all have bills to pay. For me to write the things I do I need space, quite time, and lots of privacy. Few around me have trouble with that. There is that misconception that I work at home all day I should be able to stop and do other things. This is not the case. I have assignments, clients, deadlines, and so on. Just as if I left my house to go to an office.<br /><br /><strong>I wish others could understand what it is really like to work from home</strong>. It takes a lot of out me. I have to push myself. My income is based on me, not an employer and a time clock.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75613103624454625722011-01-03T18:19:00.007-05:002014-08-01T15:44:32.236-04:00House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IC11HHKEpnI/U9vtaG7QLaI/AAAAAAAASNw/7csgTLH79JE/s1600/dark+shadows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IC11HHKEpnI/U9vtaG7QLaI/AAAAAAAASNw/7csgTLH79JE/s1600/dark+shadows.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div>This is another one of those freebies from Amazon that try to suck you in to the Kindle. Since I already have a Nook I read this little gem on my also little iPod Touch. It is a little easier on the eyes if you make the font bigger; the only drawback is the constant changing of the page. I did not notice the same freebie had been posted on the Nook Books until today; I finished this book in the wee hours of the morning.<br /><br />I read the first chapter weeks ago, apparently I got lost in the holiday madness and forgot about it. That is, until last night when I was trying to finish up <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/book-review-almost-heaven-by-chris.html" target="_blank">Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry</a>. It’s funny how simple things can just escape your mind.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The first chapter hooks you. By the middle of the book you are reading more. Now, I have to admit I felt some of the things that were happening in the story were a bit cheesy and silly, but I read anyway. Little did I know I was reading a book for young adults. What? No wonder there is a long of weird Harry Potter type magic going on.<br /><br />The Kings move into a large house. A house full of secrets and magic. Strange things are happening, things that just can’t be explained by simple logic.<br /><br /> By the end of the book I was angry that it ended so abruptly. There literally was no ending. You are just left hanging there thinking to yourself, what? Wait! It can’t be over. There has to be more. There is more, you just have to buy the next book in the series. I would call this good marketing, but even the best writers have some sort of an ending to the book and the next book follows the main character with a whole new story. One might introduce a few new characters; have some of the old characters reappear. But, apparently not the Kings Series. The next book picks up right where this one leaves off.<br /><br />The last paragraph:<br /> “At that moment, he’d have given anything to redo the past hour. He closed his eyes. Had it only been an hour? An hour to go from his front porch to here?<br /> In this house, stranger things had happened…….”<br /><br />Yep, the end. See you later, good-bye. Of course you are going to have to read the whole book to find out what this last paragraph is talking about. It is rather cryptic isn’t it?<br /><br />I guess this is why it was free. So you would read this far, get hooked and purchase the next in the series. *sigh* Despite some of the oddities, the book is very suspenseful and keep you on your toes. Honestly, you really don’t know what is about to happen next as this story is all over the place!<br /><br />It was a fun read and I can’t wait to read some more.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">(c) 2011</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Poem was originally published on Helium, which is now in </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" style="background-color: white; color: #33aaff; font-family: Copse; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" target="_blank">the closing process.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47529028829697625892011-01-03T13:19:00.001-05:002014-07-28T15:16:05.430-04:00Book Review: Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry (it changed me today)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qz1OLNKwkTY/U9agKrgYkxI/AAAAAAAAR9g/ILtzLp1jIEw/s1600/bb772389a49d1343873c0b095d60ab28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Almost Heaven" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qz1OLNKwkTY/U9agKrgYkxI/AAAAAAAAR9g/ILtzLp1jIEw/s1600/bb772389a49d1343873c0b095d60ab28.jpg" height="320" title="Almost Heaven" width="216" /></a></div><br />It seems it has taken me <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/time-to-read-almost-heaven-by-chris.html" target="_blank">forever to finish this book</a>. I had so many books started I had to really buckle down and get some reading done. <a href="http://amzn.to/1qbs7aw" target="_blank">Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry</a> was a freebie offered through Amazon for the Kindle. I do not own a Kindle (I am a Nook user) I put the Kindle app on my iPod Touch. I was able to read it better by making the font bigger. That left me having to change the page every few seconds.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry started as a slow read. It is because of this reason that I ended up putting it on the back burner to work on some other reviews first. I had debated about even finishing this book. Not that it was badly written, it just was not capturing my attention.<br /><br />I am a firm believer that just because I don’t like something does not mean someone else will feel the same way. I decided I should try to get through the book as best as I could and at least finish what I started.<br /><br />I had no idea what I was in store for. When I first started this book my first impressions was “oh great, another good vs. evil, bad angel vs. good angel, lets save the world” type thing. It made me think of the movie I saw a couple of years ago.<br /><br />Here is a little bit from the Barnes and Noble website:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">Synopsis</span></strong><br /><em><span style="color: #3366ff;">“I suppose you can sum up a man’s life with a few words, but I need to put this story down to fill in the missing pieces. Or perhaps I can convince the people who know me as a hermit that there was some reason for it all. But this is not really for those outside looking in. This is for me.”</span></em></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br /><span style="color: #3366ff;">Some people say Billy Allman has a heart of gold. Others say he’s a bit odd. The truth is, they’re all right. He’s a hillbilly genius—a collector, a radio whiz—and he can make the mandolin sing. Though he dreams of making an impact on the world beyond the hills and hollers of Dogwood, West Virginia, things just always seem to go wrong.</span></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3366ff;">But however insignificant Billy’s life seems, it has not gone unnoticed. Malachi is an angel sent to observe and protect Billy. Though it’s not his dream assignment, Malachi always follows orders. And as Billy’s story unfolds, Malachi slowly begins to see the bigger picture—that each step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful song that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.</span></blockquote><br />I have to say that although I was not impressed with the chapters where Malachi is telling the story I did get fully absorbed with Billy’s story. The book jumps back and forth between the point of view of Malachi and that of Billy. Malachi gives a lot of back story. Where he came from, how he came to be, where he is going and what his purpose is. He tells us the story of little Billy and how his father was killed in a flood. A flood that he also died it. Billy knew that God must have a purpose for him.<br /><br />Billy did not have many friends growing up. He kept to himself most of the time. He was a tinker, and enjoyed building things out of nothing and trying to fix things that were broken. He loved radio and anything put in front of him that was electronic. Blue grass was calling is soul as his father had taught him how to play the mandolin.<br /><br />The story goes through the life of Billy and the people he meets along the way. We learn of his calling, getting the word of God out to as many people as could listen, using the form of blue grass music.<br /><br />Bad things happened to little Billy, which we find out through older Billy’s story telling. It was at this point that I felt connected to Billy, having an experience myself. I began to cry as I frantically flipped page after page finding myself living his story.<br /><br />Billy is unable to let himself be loved due to what happened to him as a child. This mirrors my own life currently. I find myself <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/heart%20Matt" target="_blank">in a relationship full of love</a>, but find myself constantly looking for a way out. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">I was molested for the first 12 years of my life</a>. I never grew like a normal child mentally. My mental well being was compromised and I had to learn to cope by other means. I have a hard time trusting people and keep them at a distance. Because the girl in love with Billy was rape, she too felt she was not worthy of love, that she would never be whole again. I can also relate to her.<br /><br />It is a long road to recovery. I thought I had been there once. In time, I ended up <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/the-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">leaving my wonderful husband after 10 years</a> because I felt he deserved better. I was not worthy of his love. I was broken and I was not ever going to be fixed. No one should have to put up with someone like me. So, in 2007 I left him and started a new life. I find myself in a relationship just over 2 years now, and those same feelings have returned.<br /><br /><b>How does one love someone as broken as me?</b><br /><br />I discussed these things this morning after finishing this book last night. I cried as I connected the dots about my feelings. I was told to start in Matthew. That is on my list to do tonight. I have been on a 6 month hiatus from church, perhaps now is a good time to go back. I have never considered myself as religious, more spiritual. I have questions and I will need answers.<br /><br />There was a lot going on in this story, molestation, rape, sin, saints, old friends, new friends, and a simple man finding true love. Perhaps he is not so different from me. If he was able to make it through, perhaps there is hope for me yet.<br /><br />It was not until I read the final page that I learned this was a true story. I have always wanted to write a story about my life. I think I turned out OK considering all I have been through. I know I have a story to tell. I know my words have helped people in the past when I have revealed my secrets.<br /><br /><b>Right now I feel called, compelled, and open-eyed.</b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86452000609338734172011-01-03T02:00:00.003-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.743-04:00About Self Employed Writer<b><br /></b><br /><br />What sort of questions could I answer about the Self Employed Writer? Do any of you have any questions for me?<br /><br />Sadly, I can honestly say that I have not had someone ask my things about my blog. So, I will give you a little background and we can go from there.<br /><br />I have been writing all my life. My journals go back to when I was nine years old. I know I had another one prior but I tore it apart, afraid someone would find out my secret. In 2005 I started my blogging career. It is then that my journals started to suffer; only writing occasionally, saving the rest for my blog. I shared my life, my stories, and my poetry. In that time I never thought about writing for a living or getting published. I would have loved it, but I never tried to follow that dream because it was just that, a dream. I never felt I was good enough to tell a story. My life is a story. The things I have been through. Many do not come out the same after going through life the way I have. That is a self-help book that someday I might finish.<br /><br />For now, I just tell my story as life unfolds. Sharing bits of me. I made a lot of friends in 2005 through Yahoo 360, then MySpace, Blogger and various other social networking and blog sites. I have seen people come and go, and people with far better writing skills than I. I learned that a true friend does not have to live in the same zip code.<br /><br />As the years went by, I started to blog a little less. It became more of a means of communication with friends and less about telling my story. In 2007 I moved 1000 miles across the states. I went from temp job to temp job. I finally hit rock bottom in my accounting career and realized this just wasn’t working for me anymore. I took a few texting jobs to pay the bills and scoured the internet for ideas on something I could do to make some money.<br /><br />I remembered once a class I took at Oklahoma State, telling us we should always do what we love. If we don’t love what we do we will face burn out and end up searching for something else. I enjoyed accounting and I was good at it, but it was not something I loved. I loved taxes but it was not something that was lucrative year round. What did I love? Reading. Writing. Creating.<br /><br />I found a forum of writers and learned of internet content. Granted, there is a love hate relationship with writers and content mills. I don’t have any complaints. It is a place to start and a place I still supply work for. I was able to pay my bills, take care of my family when they needed me and use the mills to build a portfolio. I moved on to higher paying content and private clients. After about a year I landed my first magazine and finally felt brave enough to start on a novel.<br /><br />That is where this blog comes from. It started five years ago as an Irish girl trying to find her way in the world and turning in to what you see now. But, even with the person I am now, I still face challenges in life. There are many goals and dreams I want to someday achieve. I know with my words I will make it.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77788680314102765872011-01-02T09:25:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:37:47.538-04:00The Real #1<a href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/"><img alt="/" border="0" src="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/31ideas-girl.png" /></a><br /><br />(NOTE: This will be the last day that my blog has the UBC in the title, however remaining challenge blogs will be categorized and tagged as such.)<br /><br />Well, since I was having my own pity party in bed yesterday I was not able to write the blog I really wanted. So, I am going to do so right now.<br /><br />I was so bummed out about something that I caused a giant wave of depression. I am still taking my medication, but I think I need an evaluation because they don’t seem to be working. Anyway, my shoulder, back and hip have all been acting up at the same time. On top of that I have been trying to fight either a cold or a sinus infection. All of that just made me lay in bed all day. I was not a functioning individual, I can tell you that much. Today is a little bit better. Its past 2 in the afternoon and I am still in my jammies. I have no desire to leave my bed still, but at least I have the laptop with me this time so I can try to work on something.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br />As you can see, I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. This will be my 2<sup>nd</sup> time participating but it is my first time with the new blog. As most of you who have been following me for a while will see that my blog has changed. I finally took the leap to leave the blogger free hosting format with my own domain and purchase some hosting and using the word press format. The move was a giant headache, I won’t lie. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I wanted to throw in the towel more often than not. It was however, a learning experience. I did learn a lot. Sadly, I would do it all over again. I still have a few things I need to work on, but that will all come in time.<br /><br />So, here we are, starting a new year and I am starting a new blog. After 5 years I felt it was time. New Year, new journey. Not much about my blog will change. It will still be about me, my life as a writer, and my life outside of the keyboard. It all works together to make me the writer that I am. I have tried one too many times to find a niche, but I just have too many things but they all come back to the same thing, me and writing, hence the title “Self Employed Writer”.<br /><br />At the first of the year we all like to make resolutions. I have made the resolution in the past to not make resolutions. It seems like no matter what I do I never keep them. This year I am resolving to continue moving forward with my writing. I have a novel in the works and would like to finish it this year. If everything goes well this semester (meaning I am able to get in to all of my classes) then I should be done in June. I would like to go to Grad school in the fall, but that will depend on how things go this year. I might need to take a little break from school, but in the same breath it is like I have something to prove to myself.<br /><br />Other than that, I need to become healthy. My mind and my body depend on it. I seem to go back and forth on this one. I don’t know why it has been so hard for me. I did really well on Weight Watchers once. I just need to suck it up, get over the embarrassment and go. I should also go train with Matt a few nights a week just for some ex (meaning I am able to get in to all of my classes) then I should be done in June. I would like to go to Grad school in the fall, but that will depend on how things go this year. I might need to take a little break from school, but in the same breath it is like I have something to prove to myself.<br /><br />Other than that, I need to become healthy. My mind and my body depend on it. I seem to go back and forth on this one. I don’t know why it has been so hard for me. I did really well on Weight Watchers once. I just need to suck it up, get over the embarrassment and go. I should also go train with Matt a few nights a week just for some exercise. I get stuck in this trap of school, work, and taking care of others that I tend to not take care of myself. I KNOW I can lose the weight and start exercising again; I just need to get the motivation and drive to do it, and keep doing it.<br /><br />I would like to go back to Weight Watchers. It seems to be the only thing that really worked for me. I was doing great with the WonderSlim/New Lifestyle program, but it just gets too costly. I have found comparable grocery store items. I still think it’s a great program and the time I was on it I really made the effort to become aware of what I was putting in my mouth and how much.<br /><br />They have meetings, 5 minutes from my house. I just wish I could get over the anxiety of going by myself.<br /><br />Maybe that is a resolution within itself.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50928278831430524042011-01-01T14:25:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:54:48.984-04:00HelloIt has been such a long day. While most people are out enjoying the first day of the year, I have spent my day in bed.<br /><br />Just not having a good start to my year.<br /><br />I decided to leave the laptop in the office so I am using my iPod Touch to write out my first post of this months blog challenge.<br /><br />This is my second time doing the challenge but it is my first time since moving my blog. I hope it is enjoyable for you the readers as it is for me to participate.<br /><span id="BB_SIGN_BEGIN"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78643392004340883162010-12-31T17:43:00.001-05:002014-09-22T18:54:36.512-04:00How Was Your Christmas?<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Working on the website has put me behind in blogging. So much so that this was intended to be Monday’s blog. *shrugs* Well, better late than never, right?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">So, how was Christmas? Did Santa bring you everything you asked for?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Mine was OK. It was very rushed. We only have big M’s daughter, lil M on weekends. He’s a weekend dad and that makes it hard when holidays fall on the weekends. Lil M stayed with us Christmas Eve. We were suppose to get her LAST year for Christmas Eve (suppose to flip flop every year) and her mother would never answer her phone. Then, according to Friends of the Court rules the other parent then gets the child at NOON on Christmas Day. That did not happen either. It was about 7 or 8pm by the time her mother answered her phone so we could come pick up lil M. We ended up having a “special” visit from Santa that night so he could drop off lil M presents. She liked that.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Fast forward to this year, us being the responsible adult that we are followed the rules. We picked up M Friday night and the three of us went to my mother’s for Christmas Eve. We had a wonderful dinner and opened gifts. Lil M got lots of toys which makes her very happy. Big M and I got an electric fireplace. I was so excited!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">My mother also got me a very special gift. When my grandmother passed away in 2007 she had boxes and boxes of jewelry. Most of us had picked out what we wanted and there was a box left. Now, I have been through that box many times just to look and remember certain time when she wore certain things. I guess I must have forgotten the silver bracelet. It’s a wide band, really pretty, but I just CAN’T seem to place it. I did not see my grandmother very often since I lived 1000 miles away at the time, so that could be why.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Mom met a lady who makes custom jewelry. I don’t know where the idea came from or how she even thought of it, but my mother gave her this wide silver bracelet to make something out of it. What she did literally brought tears to my eyes when I opened it. She had cut out rose shapes. Roses were my grandmother’s favorite flower. It’s simply beautiful!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Christmas morning was really rushed. We flew through our presents. Toys, games, Tinkerbell, computer gadgets, clothes, oh my! And went to big M grandmothers where his cousin, father and step mother were waiting for us. We had lunch, opened gifts and had some laughs. Mum (as I like to call her, she’s Irish too!) and Dad got me a Pandora bracelet with my first bead, a shamrock. Again with the tears!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">M’s grandmother has Alzheimer’s and his dad and stepmom take care of her. She had a present to open. It was nice. But it is hard at the same time. Just a few months ago she would peak out from behind the wall (figuratively, not literally) and there she would be and know exactly who you are. Now, she does not even do that. Her body is in full working order, however her mind is not.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Big M had to take lil M home to her mother’s by 2pm. Now, for those of you new here, this part might get a little confusing. Big M has two ex step kids. When he met lil M’s mother she already had 2 kids. The son has never met his father to this day and the daughter knows her father now, and met him once a year or so ago. So, big M is pretty much the only father they know. They still call him dad. The mother has since remarried and had a baby with this guy. I might add that she got pregnant with this baby while she was still married to big M.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Can you see the drama unfold right before your eyes?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Well, it is awkward for me and it makes me uncomfortable. I don’t go there any more than I have to and since they live an hour away, its not often. I know it makes lil M sad sometimes that I do not go to her house with her dad, but when she is old enough, someday she will understand.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">You see, more information to the newbie’s, I suffer from a host of mental problems, one of them being panic attacks and anxiety. Sadly, it’s easier for me to not go.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">So big M took all the gifts for the older two kids and the mother “from daughter” gift and went on his way.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">When big M returned a few hours later we went to the movies and saw Gulliver’s Travels. It was great. Jack Black did a really good job.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Sunday was sort of lazy for the first half of the day, then we went and checked out some after Christmas sales. Headed back to the movie theater and saw The Fighter. Again, we saw another awesome movie.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">So, Monday until now I have been working on switching my blog. I am (so far) please with its progress.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Now tonight is New Years Eve. Lil M is going to being staying with big M’s mom (aka gremmie) who just returned from a month long vacation to Thailand and Australia. Big M has some friends in town, so we may be going out tonight to ring in the New Year.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Happy New Year….</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49096268595181622442010-12-31T17:43:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:12:51.645-04:00Reflections of 2010<h1 style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; line-height: 36px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Reflections of the Past</span></h1><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">In looking over my past “Reflections” it seems as though they all start the same, and not much has changed. I had hoped this year might be different, but something tells me it is going to be full of many similarities.<br /><br /><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflections</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/02/reflections-of-2006.html" target="_blank">of 2006</a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/reflections-on-2007.html" target="_blank">of 2007</a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/12/reflections-2008.html" target="_blank">of 2008</a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/12/reflections-2009.html" target="_blank">of 2009</a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-weight: normal;">1) </span></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0103; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Was 2010 a good year for you?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 58.5pt; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>It was OK. I would not say it was the best year of my life, but it seems I have some highlights that I did not experience the last couple of year.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I am still trying to move on from the past and continue to grow as a person and move forward. This is proving to be extremely difficult, but I keep trying. It is not always easy, and often I want to give up.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">For me, that is something to celebrate (and it seems to hold true every year). But life is constantly changing, again, that’s going to be the same from year to year as well. But, I seem to be actually living life a little better rather than waiting trying to catch up to life.</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Growing as a writer and taking the Polar Express to the North Pole</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-weight: normal;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span></strong><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span></strong><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>All the pain; emotional, physical, and mental (seems to be a trend year after year)</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />4) Where were you when 2010 began?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Our house</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">5) Who were you with?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Matt</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">6) Where will you be when 2010 ends?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>I think we are going to his moms for NYE. She has been gone for a month on a Australian cruise thing, so we are doing Christmas and New Years on that night. I am sure I will be asleep way before 2010 even ends.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">7) Who will you be with when 2010 ends?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Matt</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><img alt="8)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /> Did you keep your new year’s resolution of 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Yes, to take charge of my health. My back depended on me losing some weight, as well as my own physical and mental well being.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">9) Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2011?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">See #8, it pretty much is the same.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2010?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I did not. I was already loving someone.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">11) If yes, with whom?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">12) If yes, do they know?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>He should, or we have problems.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">13) Are you still in love with them?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Still here aren’t I?</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />14) Do you regret it?<br /><strong>At times, I regret that we moved too fast. I think it has damaged our relationship in many ways. There are a minimal of ways that is has made us stronger.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2010?<br /><strong>No.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">16) Did you make any new friends in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Yes, a few.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br /><strong>They are all the best.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">18) What was your favorite month of 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Don’t really have one.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>No <img alt=":(" class="wp-smiley" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">20) How many different places did you travel to in 2010?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Just cities in Michigan.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>I often feel like I have lost a lot of people just because we are all so out of touch. My best friend lost his wife, and even though her and I were not that close, I still feel the loss.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong></strong><strong></strong>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>YES! all my friends back in OK.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Boondock Saints II</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">24) What was your favorite song from 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Oh I have a few: they may not be new in 2010, but they still mean something to me. Not to mention a few were on last year’s list too!</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Second Chance – Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Simple Man – Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I Dare You – Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Not Strong Enough – Apocalypitca with Brent Smith from Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />25) What was your favorite album from 2010?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I don’t even know what was really officially released this year!</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">26) How many concerts did you see in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>A few!</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Shinedown Acoustic in November</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Not really.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2010?<br /><strong>Only pain relievers for my back and when I hurt my shoulder.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2010?<br /><strong>One.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Not really.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2010?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I told myself it didn’t matter and that I did not love him anymore.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>That they did not love me anymore.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2010?<br /><strong>More like the other way around.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2010?<br /><strong>Yeah, I had my moments.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">36) How much money did you spend in 2010?<strong></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Every penny I earned.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Can’t say I really have one</strong><strong></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2010 and change it, what would it be?<br /><strong>I may have went ahead and moved out to save us both from the pain we went through.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">40) What are your plans for 2011?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>To keep writing and build up my websites and portfolios. I hope to graduate in June with my BA, and maybe go on to get my MBA in the fall.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Visit my friends for sure!</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">41) What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Train Ride</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">42) Did anyone close to you give birth?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>My best friend Ron and his wife had a baby in March.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">43) What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Peace, quiet, committment and understanding.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">44) What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">November 24, the night I saw Shinedowns acoustinc concert and came up with the idea for my tattoo.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /><strong>Working as a writer!</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">46) What was your biggest failure?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Depression creeping back up on me, never living up to my own expectations of myself, and my wicked evil self esteem issues that mess with my head.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">47) What was the best thing you bought?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">My new laptop!</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">48) Whose behavior merited celebration?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Kraz. He finally got his life back on track and doing what he loves.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Matt, same thing. Finally, slowly getting his life back on track and doing what he loves.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Yikes! My own – seriously! And Matt’s. It was an up and down battle again this year.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">50) What did you get really, really, really excited about?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Working as a writer, becoming a book reviewer. I love books and writing!</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">51) Compared to this time last year, are you:</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;">i. happier or sadder? <strong>I am about the same as I was this time last year, just for different reasons.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />ii. thinner or fatter? <strong>The same as I was…but I would love to change that…</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">iii. richer or poorer? <strong>richer in so many ways, a little better money wise , but still poor</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />52) What do you wish you’d done more of?<br /><strong>Exercised..LOL..well you asked</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">53) What do you wish you’d done less of?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think, living my life for others, and never putting myself first</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Wow, 51, 52, and 53 really have not changed over the years.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br /><strong>Christmas eve me, Matt and lil M will be going to my mothers. Christmas morning will be the 3 of us, then we will go to his grandmothers to do gifts with his dad and step mom. Then, we have to take lil M home to her mothers and do gifts with her older brother and sister. I plan to sleep the rest of the day.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">55) How many one-night stands?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>None this year.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">56) What was your favorite TV program?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Sons of Anarchy, Rescue Me, Paranormal State, Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, Psych, Fringe, Good Guys</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, there will always be one person I seriously dislike and likely that will never change.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">58) What was the best book you read?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>I really did not get a chance to read much this year. The only thing that is standing out in my mind is the book I am reading right now, Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball. It is so cute.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">59) What was your greatest musical discovery?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Apocalyptica.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">60) What did you want and get?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Nothing. I am still working on getting the things I wanted this year.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">61) What did you want and not get?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>I want peace within me. I am working on that, still.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Matt and I went to dinner, and I had to buy. I was not really all that happy about it.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br /><strong>If Matt would have grown up a little sooner to help clean up the house, do chores, help out, and help with his own daughter more.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Comfortable.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong></strong><strong></strong>65) What kept you sane?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Nothing kept me sane, I have been having insane moments on a daily basis.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><em><strong><span style="font-style: normal;">Brent Smith. Hes not a hottie, or really even that good looking. But, hes a bit southern and has a voice that sooths my soul. He has changed my world with his words.</span></strong></em></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most?<br /><strong>None</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Things are never what they seem.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>69) Quote a song lyric.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I just saw Haley’s Comet, she waved</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Said, “Why are you always running in place?”</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Even the man in the moon disappeared</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Somewhere in the stratosphere</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Tell my mother, tell my father I’ve done the best I can</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I’m not angry, I’m just saying</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Sometimes goodbye is a second chance</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Second Chance- Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">70) Favorite discovered quote.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span class="snippet4"><strong><span style="color: windowtext;">“I’m a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That’s me.” ~Maya Angelou</span></strong></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20841592472543586492010-12-30T16:33:00.001-05:002012-04-27T13:12:10.306-04:00Moved to Wordpress<div style="text-align: center;">I just wanted to let you all know that I have moved this blog (all 900 plus posts) to self hosted Word Press. I took my custom domain with me, so that is why you are now seeing the standard .blogspot.com address.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Come visit me there Self Employed Writer</span></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49576803316323743332010-12-29T17:40:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:35.074-05:00Yes, I am now on Word Press<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">So, this is my first post on Word Press. Not free (dot com), but self hosted (free wp dot org). I decided to take the plunge to getting off the free service and actually making my site a legitimate blogging/business/portfolio site for my writing.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The merge is going to take some time as there are a lot of things that I need to update.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The posts have been imported, but it looks like I have a few missing, so I will have to go through to see which ones it is.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">For the posts that did get imported I am going to have to clean them up a little bit. Word Press smashed it all together so there are no paragraph breaks. I am not sure if I will keep this current theme either. Right now I am still in the learning curve.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Going to update my feedburner now so I can let Demand Studios know of my move. I have had my site down for half the day now and since my blog is networked with them, I know I missed out on some traffic.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I have some posts I am working on so I will try to have those up tonight.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49762159630568718422010-12-28T16:50:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:54:09.165-04:00I Can’t Believe I am Afraid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e272/linleyj/cool3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e272/linleyj/cool3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, I said it. Me. Afraid. Not only am I afraid, I am afraid of something very silly. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am afraid to move my blog. There it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been on Blogger for about 5 year now. I have changed blog names, moved them around, gained readers, lost readers, and grew a business. The time has come where I need to be able to market myself more. Since I am my own boss, I believe it is time to move from free hosting and services to paid hosting and services so that I have the ability to generate more revenue from SEO capabilities and ad placement. Something I can’t do with free services.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is just like advertising. I need people to know I am a writer. I am available for some projects (more so after graduation) and that I have my own projects going. I want to blab about this, that, and the other. I have done a lot of research the last few days.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think I know what I am doing, but I keep procrastinating and I have no idea why.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think it is because I am leaving something that is familiar to me. Something I know and I am comfortable with. I don’t take to kindly to change. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I like it here in Bloggerland, so I don’t know how this move is going to affect me. But I have to do what is going to be best for me in the long run. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">School starts back up for the semester here very soon, so if I am going to do it, I need to do it now and stop being so darn scared. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">*sigh*</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I need to start packing. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15754121856229293422010-12-28T13:37:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:52:27.970-04:00Have You Ever Noticed?<div class="MsoNormal">While doing my bloghop this morning I ran across a blog <a href="http://www.generationgossip.com/">Generation Gossip: The Talk around Town </a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The post was entitled <a href="http://www.generationgossip.com/2010/11/royal-rant-marriage-question.html">Royal Rant: The Marriage Question</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Apparently Oprah opened up a can of worms by having a woman appear on her show who had married a convict. His crime? Her murdered two innocent people in cold blood, execution style. My first thought is, why would someone even WANT to meet a person like that, let alone marry them. Does this woman have such terrible self-esteem that she had to find love through lonely convicts? Now, I don’t know this lady, but I seriously just can’t help but wonder what was going through her mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember when I was a Freshman in college, one of my papers was about the judicial system and those on death row. I read countless reports in order to gather my information before stating my case. In all of that information was countless reports of different prisons and what they offer inmates. Back then it seemed like people would commit crimes just so they could be thrown in jail. I mean think about it, yes I understand you are locked up, forced to follow someone elses rules and time schedule. However, you have your own room, even though small and lacking privacy. You have warm water to take a shower, a bed, roof over your head, and three square meals a day. Would you rather be homeless or in jail? Prisoners are provided shelter, clothing, food, the bare necessities as well as recreation. Many are allowed to be outside, some only an hour. Depending on the crime and level of security the person needs. Prisoners have access to free gym equipment. How many of us get a free gym membership? Not only that, many places are now offering free eduction, and not just GED education, college credits, to prisonsers who can/will/were/are rehabilited and need some training for life in the real world. How many of us get free education??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It would seem that life in jail, at least minimum security is not so bad for some. I guess if they are going to show signs of release and they have suffered for their crime, they I understand they need to be able to cope when they get out. But, really, get married? Especially someone who is a murderer? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is something that never will make sense to me no matter what position I take on it. In this day and age it is sad that homosexuals are not allowed to get married, but a murder can.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42405434710516219822010-12-27T16:34:00.000-05:002012-07-24T16:35:20.154-04:00Let’s play catch-up, shall we?<br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Let’s play catch-up, shall we?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I know I am going to be moving my blog soon, the domain will still be the same, but when you type in selfemployedwriter.com you will be sent to a fresh new site. I am not sure of a template yet. I am going to spend some time tonight looking before I start switching all of my posts and goodies over. I am pretty sure Google will allow me to move the follow box so that it will be there and since my domain is not changing; my feeds should still be the same. But, you know how things are.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Just one more thing to add to my list of things to do. All I know is I want to write. I want to read. And, I want to write about reading. Simple enough I guess. That is my goal in life. To finish school, continue to write for the companies I currently write for while I work on my residual income at Helium as well as my blog. I have signed up with a few companies to do book reviews. I am hoping this turns into a long term program. That would be a dream comes true. For my blog to generate enough income from the book reviews that I can do this job for the rest of my life!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43940002534904138712010-12-24T17:41:00.003-05:002014-09-25T18:27:19.799-04:00Looks Like eBay has Some Competition<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRUhSY6lGHI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Vc-GmS8JIqc/s1600/05be537fbf3cebc1c14bac83de83926d_w150_h100_cp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRUhSY6lGHI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Vc-GmS8JIqc/s1600/05be537fbf3cebc1c14bac83de83926d_w150_h100_cp.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I should have posted this sooner. I really wanted to talk about it, but I got so caught up with the Holiday madness that I did not have much time to sit and compose this blog. Now, I guess you will have to wait until next Christmas to do some shopping on <a href="http://www.bidsauce.com/okirishchik">BidSauce</a>. Kidding of course. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It looks like eBay might have a little bit of competition. For a while now I have been hearing about these ten cent auctions, penny auction, two centers and so on. I never really bothered to check it out because they wanted a pretty good chunk of money just to buy a bid package. I just did not want to risk losing my money.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.bidsauce.com/okirishchik">BidSauce</a> actually has a pretty good guarantee. If you buy a certain bid package and do not win, you can simply email customer service or call them and let them know and they will give you another set of bids, for free. But, they will only do it once. So I decided to give it a try. I purchased 50 bids for $49.95. I sat and watched the auctions to get a feel for how it worked. It seemed like a bit of a bidding war. Not only that, when someone bids at the last minute, the timer goes back up. So, really it is just a matter of who is going to give up first.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I did not get any wins on my first 50 bids. So I contacted live chat immediately. I started to think that it was a bit of a scam, figuratively, not literally. I thought that perhaps only those that purchased larger big packages and had more bids were going to be winners. The customer service rep was very nice and in a matter of seconds I had 50 more bids in my account.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I sat and waited. Then I plotted. That same day I made my first win. 97 cents for a $50 Applebee’s gift card. I tweeted my win and they gave me 2 more bids. The next day I decided to see if I could win something with the remaining bids I had. It was at that point I decided that I would close my account after this because not only do you have to buy bids, you have to pay for the amount you bid/won and you have to pay a service change ($6.89) for them to mail you the gift card. I figured at that rate I was not going to come out even. Well, I ended up winning a $100 visa card for 91 cents, plus the $6.89 cent handling charge. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.bidsauce.com/okirishchik">I paid out of pocket $65.65 for $150 worth of items. I would say I did pretty good.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I went through the check out process and now I was going to patiently await the arrival of my cards.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A few days later I received an email from the customer service department saying they had an error in processing my information. Not really sure what happened. I checked my credit card to make sure I was not billed. I was not. So I went through the check out process again and they gave me another 50 free bids for my troubles.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that’s customer service for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRUhcUs1w2I/AAAAAAAAAN4/XGz4bFjtI7Q/s1600/fairplay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRUhcUs1w2I/AAAAAAAAAN4/XGz4bFjtI7Q/s1600/fairplay.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now because I had such good fortune there I decided to try another one, for10cents.com I purchased the smallest package they had there for $15. So far I do not really like it and it looks like I am going to be out my $15. Oh well, lesson learned, you can’t win all the time.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25972821767447049992010-12-24T14:15:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:53:24.993-04:00Now it’s Complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRTohv9eUDI/AAAAAAAAANw/_jC4scAJjZc/s1600/867ff1f8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRTohv9eUDI/AAAAAAAAANw/_jC4scAJjZc/s320/867ff1f8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The tattoo was finished (I bet you were thinking all the website changes, huh?) last night. I am quite pleased with it and could not ask for anything better. Chad knew exactly what I wanted when I took my stack of photos and ideas in. (thanks Chad) For anyone interested in his work, check out his website, which I have posted in the upper right hand corner of my blogs homepage. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For those who may have missed the original post regarding the tattoo and its meaning <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/another-evening-with-shinedown-tattoo.html" target="_blank">– click here.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, for those who thought I was talking about all the web changes that were about to happen……well…that gave me a headache. LOL I DID merge my poetry blog and eBooksNook blog into this one. Having 3 blogs to keep up with just was too much for me. I will just tag/label them and they will be in the “Labels” list to the right of the blog. Well, I tell you where they are, but if I happen to find another template I like, that might just change. My erotic stories have to stay on their own blog because it is adult content and I have to mark it on Blogger as such. That is why you get an adult website warning when you click the links to go there. I need to spend some more time on that blog. I should not have deleted the first one. Lesson learned. Now I am building it all over. I just have not had time to get the stories posted. I also realized I should not be working for free and some of the more popular stories and any new stories from this day forward will have a paypal link. I thought about eBooks, but I don’t think my stories are long enough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I had planned to move from being hosted on Blogger to being self hosted and using Word Press. I already have a WP blog that mirrors this blog exactly, except that is only posts part of the article with a link back to this blog. I have my own domain, so it masks the blogger address. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My blog was recently picked up for syndication through Demand Studios blog network. I am very excited about this. Yes, I know DS is a content mill, but that mill is paying my bills while I finish school, work on my novel, build my portfolio, and build my residual sites. This recent change made me want to make the move even more. So, I ended up purchasing some hosting yesterday. I went to the company where I had my domain; they gave me a better deal than what was listed. So, I went back to company A to cancel. Had to go through all of that. Now, here I am today and even more frustrated so I then canceled the hosting with company B and said forget it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is too much of a headache right before the holiday, I don’t want to mess with it right now. Blogger is not as customizable and you have to adhere to their TOS or you risk deletion. I have been here 5 years and never had a problem. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep reading that all of these people who really make money with their blogs are those who self host through word press. I am not sure why that is. Maybe more room for ads? I have been trying to figure that out because I have met a few Blogger users that do make money from their blogs. So, I am not sure what the situation is. I do make some money here, but not a lot. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26341081435695085192010-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:43:33.766-04:00A Special Christmas Eve Gift for All of YouMany years ago when we started this blogging venture, we were parked on Yahoo 360 Blogville Lane. It was there I met quite an eclectic group of writers. There was one, The Crow, who I collaborated with on a few of my Erotic Confessions and his own erotica stories. The Crow I admire. He his quick tongued and will not give up or back down. I have seen the trials and tribulations of his life, and yet he always comes out on top.<br /><br />I believe he wrote this blog in 2005, as a tribute to us on 360 who had later joined his blog group. It holds very dear to my heart as so many of my friends are mentioned. Many of these people I am still friends with, 5 years later.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I wanted to share it with all of you as a reminder, that even though many of us only know each other in Blogland, we are still real people forming very real friendships. I am also sharing this for those of you who were around in those day as a beautiful memory of the talent we were blesses with.<br /><br />Without further ado, here is Twas the Night Before Christmas in Blogland, <a href="http://jeremycrow4life.com/">by Jeremy Crow</a>.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">'Twas the night before Christmas, and Superdaddyman Sits</span></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">All the evils’s are sleeping, and wrapping gifts is the pits;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">The stockings in thoughts for Superdaddyman’s a perv,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">In my dreams the women will wear them, it’s what I deserve!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">The evils’s were all wound up and quite lucky they ain’t dead</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Did I mention all the stockings dancing around in this head?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Greektradgedius is whining and Imtoocutus is being great,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">If she thinks she’s fooled Santa, it’s just a little too damn late!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">When, out on the front my porch there arose such a clatter,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Oh Geeze, it looks like Neal, and he’s climbing a ladder?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Away to the window, to open and to holler,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Hey Neal whatcha doin, and red ain’t your color!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">That Portly Old Elf looked down upon me with despair,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“I thought, I’d peek in your neighbors window, the one over there!”,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“But dude! She’s like 80, and her son is a cop!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Dressed as Santa or not, you are bound to get SHOT!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Oh thank you so much, your advice to the masses!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">It was my fault you see the suit didn’t go with my glasses!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">More rapid than lightning his curse words they came,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">For now he has fallen off the ladder and he lays there in pain</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">"Now, &^$%! And, @#$^! And, @#$% and !@*&!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">I hope to god That isn’t the real Santa cuz then I am &^%$#@!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">I looked up upon the rooftop and to my great surprise!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">There was Kayla dressed in a costume far more naughty than nice!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“I thought I’d show up to give you some real Christmas cheer</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Hey look at Neal laying there, I didn’t know he was here!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">So now down the street, a big old </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Lincoln</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"> had just flew</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Damn it slammed on it’s brakes, and it’s backing up with a crew!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Now out of the car came t he passengers who knew?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Looks like Queen Lori, and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Chrystal</span>,</b> and yes it’s Adriana too!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">So around to the back went the queen adjusting her tiara,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Then she opened the trunk, and out popped Shuai and Sancira</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Little Shuai he looked dizzy, and his hair was a mess,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“These crazy women kidnapped me, and I came under duress!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Sancira was fine she looked none the worse for wear</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">By the smile on her face tells you she’s just happy to be there!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Chrystal walks around looking at all of us in in such delight</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">She steps on poor Neal as she’s deciding who to bite!</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Her evil little mouth all drawn back to show her fangs getting wet,</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">She looks around confused and says “Hey where the hell is Brett?”</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">I stood there confused, as I didn’t even know about you all</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">I pull out my cell phone and it’s Brett I do call.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“You’ve reached my voicemail the re Hun, please leave me a shout!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Well I guess he is busy, so you’ll have to do without!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Just then up in the sky, we all heard the loudest noise</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Look it’s Santa Claus and Brett! I knew he was one of his boys!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Hey guys I got called out on business, but I thought you’d understand!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span style="color: black;">Me and Santa we go way back from when we both were in this band!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Up looked Lori, and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Chrystal</span></b>, and Adriana and even Sancira</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">As the reindeer, and Santa and Brett of course came nearer</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">They threw down boxes of presents, many toys that replicated boys</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">And the girls were so delighted as most made a buzzing noise</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">The boys just looked on with a rather puzzled, and made a fuss</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;"> “Let’s get the hell out of here, before they try to use them on US!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">So as the boys that were walking ran away and dragged Neal in tow</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Happy Christmas Blogaholics Anonymous from your friend The Crow!</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4584762263784308152010-12-23T16:32:00.000-05:002012-07-24T16:32:50.023-04:00Still Working on Blog Changes<br />I have finally merged my eBooksNook and Poetry in Motion blogs here to Self Employed Writer. It was getting to be too much of a hassle to keep going back and forth between blogs. I am a writer, all of my writing should be in one place. ;)<br /><br />My blog got picked up by Demand Studios, one of the companies I write content for. They have a new blog network program and I am pretty excited to be proud of that.<br /><br />With more traffic I have been thinking about switching from Blogger to WordPress. I already have a free WP blog that pretty much mirrors this blog. I would like to get in to self hosting so that I do not have to worry about blogs or posts being deleted or photo hosting leaving my photos blank. I just wonder if it is worth the expense and the headache of switching. I do like that self hosting through WP and GoDaddy allows me to have more SEO tools, as well as customization.<br /><br />I am doing a little research. It seams those on WP self hosting make a lot more revenue than those we are set up on Blogger.<br /><br />So, you have to spend money to make money I guess. Sort of like advertising. I am advertising myself.<br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39061227860396168642010-12-23T12:51:00.002-05:002014-07-29T13:59:04.013-04:005 Gifts for Book Lovers<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nraZwblFCI/U9fgqjHnuhI/AAAAAAAASBU/ZruyPlnRVq0/s1600/gifts+for+book+lovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nraZwblFCI/U9fgqjHnuhI/AAAAAAAASBU/ZruyPlnRVq0/s1600/gifts+for+book+lovers.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">Many people think book lovers are the hardest people to buy for. They seem to love books and nothing else. You know nothing about books, other then what is nicely displayed in the local bookstore window. Never fear, plenty of items exist for any book lover on your list. So what are some gifts for people who love books?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><a name='more'></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>1. All book lovers love, well, books!</b> So the perfect gift would be another book, right? Take note of their reading list; note things like genre and author. This will ensure you are purchasing books tailored to their interests. Some wonderful book sites are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.bn.com/">Barnes and Noble</a> , <a href="http://www.borders.com/">Borders</a> and <a href="http://www.bookcloseouts.com/">Book Closeouts</a>.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>2. Membership to a bookstore.</b> Stores such as <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/membership/join.as">Barnes and Noble</a> offer a membership club. For $25 a year members receive 40% off all Hardcover Bestsellers, 20% off all Adult Hardcover's, and 10% off almost everything else. Other benefits include $50 in bonus coupons for new members and many emails containing even more coupons and deals just for members. The card can be used both in store and online. A perk for online users is the reduced rate for shipping.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>3. Bookends are the perfect gift for that book lover of any age</b>. <a href="http://www.justbookends.com/">Just Bookends</a> offers a wide variety of bookends. They offer a special category just for children that contain frogs, planes, fire trucks, animals, alphabets, and sports related. For the adult they offer everything in between from plain to simple.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>4. Book lights </b>are a perfect book lover's gift, especially for those who read in bed or travel a lot. Book lights are small and portable, making them easy for airplane travel. Those that read in bed will love the fact they will not bother their neighbor when staying up to read that new novel. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=1063290">Amazon.com</a> offers a wide variety of book lights sure to suit any book lover's taste.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>5. Audio Books.</b> Often book lovers do not have time to devote to reading a national bestseller. Perhaps the book lover on your list travels a lot, especially by car. Audio books offer a great alternative to those who need a portable way to enjoy their favorite books. Books are available on cassette tape, compact disc as well as downloadable in mp3 format. This is ideal for those with a long commute or even those who enjoy the outdoors with a walk or run. <a href="http://www.audible.com/">Audible.com</a> offers national best sellers to the classics.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16956423052981278182010-12-23T11:45:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.701-05:00Book Review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRN8Vg1elUI/AAAAAAAAANY/FhH4Zs2MsvY/s1600/73246320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRN8Vg1elUI/AAAAAAAAANY/FhH4Zs2MsvY/s320/73246320.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>12/22/2010 7:18pm</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">As of the writing of this blog I have made it through four chapters. My mark patiently awaits me on Chapter 5. I wish I could have read more, but I know if I would have stayed up longer to read, I would have been up all night and would not have gotten any sleep. It is bad enough I don’t sleep enough as it is, thank you insomnia.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The writer introduces us to Cora Crowder, young and single. Cora is on a quest to purchase a book for her uncle from a quaint little bookstore just outside of town on Sage Street. Simon Derrick works with Cora and the two bump into each other at the little bookstore while he is shopping for a gift. The person he is buying a book for happens to be anther co-worker whom he drew for the office party’s gift swap. What a coincidence that Cora just happened to have drawn Simons name.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It just so happens that both are given a ticket to the Wizard’s Christmas Ball. Cora, not taking it very seriously gives her ticket to Simon so that he may take his sister. Cora and Simons paths keep crossing, and a friendship is starting to develop.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I left off with Chapter 4 Simon and Cora were about to leave work. Cora got word her car was ready for her to pick up after her run in with the curb, and Simon was nice enough to drive her. The next morning Simon offers her a better position within the company. Cora is ecstatic, she is finally moving up in the company. Later that night, Simon and his sister venture off to Cora’s place to see her baby kittens that are only a few days old. Sandy, Simon’s sister begins discussing the family’s Christianity. It is there that the chapter leaves off. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am ending this post now. I will return tomorrow morning and update with what I was able to read tonight!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Goodnight Blogland! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Thursday <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">12/23/2010 11:34am</div><div class="MsoNormal">It only took me a couple of hours to finish up the book. I have to say, it was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed every last word. I am planning on looking in to more works from this author,<a href="http://www.donitakpaul.com/"> Donita K. Paul.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It would seem that Sage Street is a bit magical. With the dress shop owners, candy store owners, and the bookstore owners playing matchmaker, Cora and Simon are in for the tale of their life. The way it is played out is quite charming. In a series of events, Simon and Cora continue to cross paths. Every time it happens, one realizes something more about the other. It helps that Sandy, Simon’s sister, really enjoys Cora’s company. Not to mention, Sandy is in love with Cora’s kittens. We continue to read on, as the characters unfold before our eyes. The book truly is a modern day fairytale. There are a few biblical scriptures here and there, so for those who do not care for that sort of thing, you can quickly skim over it, or just pass on the book. With fairies, wizards, ball gowns, ball dances, Christmas cheer, and a few pieces of drama thrown in for good measure, it is sure to be a hit with any reader, any age. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing that really stood out for me was the dust jacket. It is simply beautiful. I know many readers do not give much thought to the covers, but there have been times when I have felt a cover could have been better or that there was a better suited cover for a particular story. This cover fits perfectly and the artist did a wonderful job of capturing what the reader would thing Sage Street to look like.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15286687193556810342010-12-22T13:43:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:41:33.857-04:00My Heart Breaks for Him<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A while back ago I mentioned in a status update about my friend Ron. Ron and I go all the way back to 1996. He was one of the first people I met when I moved from Tulsa, OK to Stillwater, OK. He worked with me and we went to college together at Oklahoma State. We quickly became the best of friends.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ron and I did everything together. We went to parties, movies, concerts, shows, and campus events together. It was not often you did not see the two of us together. We were best friends. We talked about everything, and shared every detail of our lives with each other. When someone needed a friend in the middle of the night, we called each other. When we hit the bars together and there was no one to hook up with, we went home together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ron and I spent many nights together. Always safe with each other and never had to speak a word. We were not dating, we were not a couple, but we DID love each other madly. I am not sure why we never took our relationship to the next level. For the most part we were young and always dating around. At the time, neither of us wanted to settle really. He watched me move from boyfriend to boyfriend, date to date, one night stand to another. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">People did not understand my relationship with Ron, and I really did not care. I felt I was special to have this wonderful person in my life. He meant the world to me, and I would have done anything for him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I know what many of you are thinking….did we kiss? Sure, once in a while. But it was the booze kissing, not us. We kissed on the cheek as friends. In the drunken nights, we would kiss, as more than just friends. We never spoke of it. Ever. We knew there were feelings, we knew the other cared, but NEITHER of us wanted to ruin this wonderful friendship we had.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or did we? I admit, there was a period in time after a few years had passed where I thought I was in love with Ron. What better person to spend the rest of your life with than your best friend. Wasn’t that how it was suppose to be? He was unsure. He was still trying to get over his high school sweetheart and really just wanted to “have fun” while in college. I respected that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well his “fun” in college caught up with him. He was placed on academic suspension. In order to graduate on time he was going to have to transfer to another school for the semester. That news struck me hard. Here it was almost Christmas and I was about to lose the one person that mattered the most to me. We decided to have one last party before everyone left for the semester. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ron and I were at a hotel bar watching the karaoke people. Laughing, having a good time, when a bunch of his fraternity brothers showed up with a few of our other friends. We danced, we sang and we laughed all night long. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been years since I thought about this night. It has been even longer since I really talked about Ron. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That night, changed us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When the party ended we still had 3 pitchers of beer left to drink. They only way they would let us leave with it is if we took it to our room. Since the weather was getting bad, everyone had been drinking, we decided to book a room. Imagine this. 2 beds, 1 room, 1 girl and 8 guys. Sound like fun? Not hardly. The guys got extremely rowdy so Ron and I took off before we could let them kick us out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Back at my place we went through our usual good night routine and headed off to slumberville. While laying there I heard his drunken whisper “hey” and I rolled over to look at him. We started to talk about him leaving. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me explain, this was the first guy I had let get close to me. I had let him in to the darkness, and he was over my wall. He saw me with my mask, and without. I wore that mask, even then. We were in our early 20s. We thought we had the world all figured out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was sad he was not going to be with me the following semester. Not that I really had any choice. We decided at that moment to take our relationship to the next level. He tried anyway. Things just did not work right if you catch my drift.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day, and every day after that life went on as usual. I don’t know if that is what changed us, or the distance. But things were never the same. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometime later I began dating my now ex husband and Ron had met Becky. Life continued on. We went separate directions. We hung out once in a while, called when the mood striked. Once or twice their was a midnight phone call from him. Becky worked 2<sup>nd</sup> shift and he would often go out with his friends after work. By this time everyone had graduated college and had settled in on life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once I asked him why he never wanted to date me, he told me, if I had looked at him the way I looked at Marcus (my ex husband) then he would have known it was real. It took me a long time to truly understand that.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We never spoke of that day. And, we have never spoken of our past together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On March 22, 2010 Ron and Becky welcomed their first child into the world. A son, William. Just a day after his birth Becky slipped into a coma. She never woke. A week later she passed away. My heart broke for him. I cried and I packed. I had called my mother to tell her what was going on. She told me I needed to stay home. I felt horrible. What sort of friend was I if I did not go back to OK to be there for someone who had ALWAYS been there for me? Even though we drifted in and out of touch, we always stayed friends. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I knew she was right. I should stay out of the way and let him do what he needed to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since then, we have only talked through text messages and voice mail. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am terrified of the phone. Always have been. I hide it well. Some sort of anxiety I have with it. I have lost a few friends because of this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With him, I have no idea what to say. I am going through so much darkness and depression in my own life that I have no idea what to say to Ron. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided to send him a Christmas card. He needed to know I was thinking of him and baby Will. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Ron called me last night. My phone was charging while I was in the living room. When I went into my bedroom to start reading, I saw he had called. As I listened to the voicemail the tears began to roll. His voice was shaky, but he still sounded as if I had just met him all those years ago. He said he and Will are as doing as good as can be expected; things are very hard for him right now. This will be Wills 1<sup>st</sup> Christmas, and Becky is gone. It is also Ron and Becky’s anniversary soon, and that saddened him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I get really bothered when such horrible things happen to such good people. That man had not once ounce of mean in his body. He did not deserve to lose his wife. That baby did not deserve to lose his mother.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">His voicemail then went on to say that he remembered me mentioning I was getting married, how was that going? I could hear him start to shake more. Went on to say he was a lucky man and that I was a good woman.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It broke my heart. My heart breaks for him. I held my phone tight against my chest and just cried.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/24339_417093175914_569555914_5577410_1908731_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/24339_417093175914_569555914_5577410_1908731_n.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Monday March 22 @ 8:35am. 8.9 pounds, 21 in long.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">He looks just like his daddy, bald and chubby! And that is proud momma/wife Becky! Welcome to the world William Hugh!!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70002362941037270342010-12-22T13:03:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:49:25.804-04:00And You Call Yourself a Nurse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac192/tracy_bucket_photo/big3842265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac192/tracy_bucket_photo/big3842265.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Forgive me for asking this, but aren’t nurses supposed to be kind and compassionate?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, Sunday night I was not given that treatment, and honestly, it ticked me off. I was already in the dumps and decided, per usual, to just make light of it and post something on Facebook. Anyone who really knows me and know what goes on in my brain would have gotten the idea of what I wrote.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There was one person who really rubbed me the wrong way. There is a girl who I have known since about 5<sup>th</sup> grade. Earlier this year, through a bunch of high school friends, we friended each other on Facebook. Mind you, her and I were not best friends, nor were we really close. We lived across the street from each other, rode the same bus when we were younger, had many mutual friends, and spent very little time together. I have no idea what she is doing or has done with her life other than become a nurse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, my comment of course was about depression and bipolar. She took it upon herself to go outside of her nursing duties to basically tell me that those who are depressed or bipolar do not know to think about what they are or what is wrong with them. When I told her I was diagnosed with it many years ago she proceeded to tell me that shrinks were a joke and it was all a marketing ploy for them to take your money. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHAT?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So basically you are telling me that everything that is wrong with me, all the things that happened to me to make me this way are not real and merely a figment of my imagination?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you really just call yourself a nurse?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She then went on to tell me that everyone has a “bad” day and that’s just “life”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">STFU , TYVM.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/kristina_040/Happy_Pills.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/kristina_040/Happy_Pills.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did she just really say that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It angered me. And then it got me to thinking about how earlier this year I did try to find some help for myself. Matt and I decided to try the new counselor at church. He basically said it was all in our heads and we needed to get over our pity parties. I was extremely angry. I know that there are religious persons who do not believe in depression or the need for medication. But, if you are going to be a counselor, and you have this girl in front of you who obviously needs help, despite the fact she is smiling (cant you see that’s her way of dealing, that is her mask?), shouldn’t you try to help her? Isn’t that what a man of God would do? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, imagine my surprise a few weeks later when the Associate Pastor at the same church posted a Facebook message about someone he knew going through depression……</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Needless to say, I have not been back to church since July. Not that I ever was really a churchgoer. I went for Matt and lil M. I don’t consider myself religious. But, that is another blog post.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can find those here <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/no-religion-in-which-i-follow.html" target="_blank">(2007)</a> and here <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/10/defining-my-religion-again-or-lack.html" target="_blank">(2009).</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was so frustrated I did not sleep well Sunday night. Monday morning I was wide awake at 4am. Around 6am I decided to check in on the Facebook world. I read her words again. I then decided to post a few on my own words about how anyone needed to walk in my shoes for so many years of my life and come back and visit the me today, then talk to me about what you think is real and what is not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just don’t understand how people can speak their words without thinking first. Especially someone who is a nurse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I will never understand people in general.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58433597463617599422010-12-22T11:54:00.000-05:002013-10-04T11:35:00.336-04:00Making Some Changes in Blogland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/BoOkOfMe/Coole%20Bilder/BilderMitText/blogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/BoOkOfMe/Coole%20Bilder/BilderMitText/blogging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night I was writing a blog post on my iPod Touch. Since it was a book review, it went on my eBooks Nook page. It got me thinking about how I did not want to write the whole post again to post on Self Employed Writer and the copy/paste on the Touch is extremely awkward and half the time does not work. The last thing I want to do is sleep with my laptop in case the light bulb moment hits where I need to blog. It is bad enough I have to carry around notebooks for those moments when the light bulb flashes for an idea and I have to jot it down. Sadly, many come to me and I don’t write them down and I hope I remember and I never do! Maybe I need to keep a small recorder with me at all times so I can just speak my ideas when they hit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I am rambling again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was thinking about how I have quite a few separate blogs stemming from my main blog. When I first started I thought it was a great idea. Everything I read about blogging stated I needed to find a niche. Well, I don’t have one, I have many. The harder I try to focus on just one subject, the more scattered my blog, ideas, and my brain become.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is eBooks Nook where I am posting my ebook and book reviews. When I started this blog it was with the intention that once I was done with school in June 2011 I would have more time to devote to my reading and be able to talk about the books I love. I also had the intention of doing an online book club. So far I do not have a lot of action on that site. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I finally came to the conclusion that it is OK! I was posting the links here, on S.E.W. and doing a click through to my eBook blog. It occurred to me that I am sure there are people like me who hate having to click from site to site to site. I know, I am one of them. I hate reading through something only to be left hanging and finding out I have to click someplace else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For my <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> articles, it is a little bit different. I need people to click through! But, I guess I should not post a click through on S.E.W. to go to eBooks, only to make the reader go to Helium.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had another blog, I Dare You to Tell Me, which was going to be all Shinedown. I don't think I have enough posts related to them, as it really is all about me! So I deleted that blog.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another idea I had was Bonus Mom 101, which was going to be a place about being the 2<sup>nd</sup> mom, bonus mom, weekend mom, step mom, or whatever you wanted to call it. After 2 years I have learned a lot and wanted to group together with other girls in my shoes. Honestly, seemed like a good idea, but I already talk about so much of that on S.E.W. that is seems silly to separate it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, it seems silly to separate anything. I have my poetry blog, for Poetry in Motion, something I started five years ago. When I would blog, I would give it that title in the subject, along with the title of the poem. It stuck. I keep my poetry separate for those who only want to read my poetry. But I also link it on S.E.W. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, there is the erotica. Now that, again, started five years ago, started as IrishChiks Erotic Confessions. Over the years I dropped the IC and now just call the blog Erotic Confessions. I have to keep that separate because it is adult material. Again, it is linked through S.E.W.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My landing page is <a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">chrystalmahan.com</a> which links all of my blogs, places I work for and some links to where my content pieces are published. I need to keep that, mostly for business purposes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am trying to figure out a way to simplify things. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hang in there with my while I try to figure things out and make some changes. I *think* I will be doing a lot less linking, but still keep things separate for those who only want to read one thing. Those blogs can be left out in Blogland for those to stumble on, while I just keep promoting my main site. Might make things easier for me, and for blog readers, right? I also need to find a nice blogger template for my S.E.W. that offers a bit more in regards to tweets, and sharing on other social networking sites.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also obtained a copy of Corel Paint Shop 13 and Animation Shop. I have version 9, when it was still Jasc. So we will see how it handles for me. I used to love making my own graphics for blogs and comments. If time permits, I would like to do that again instead of searching photobucket! </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21643306837239106512010-12-21T16:24:00.000-05:002012-07-24T16:24:42.058-04:00On Chapter 5!!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book, so far is really cute and quite magical! I just started to read and I am already on Chapter Five!! I have to stop for the night. It's 11:16pm and I must get my beauty rest ;)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book does have a bit of romance, but thankfully does not read like a romance novel. Not something I am in the mood for. To be honest I am not much of a fan of traditional romance novels. The characters do have a deep connection to God.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I look forward to reading more. There is just something about a brand new hardcover book with a beautiful dust jacket that makes it hard for me to stay away!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">From Amazon:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br /><h3 class="productDescriptionSource" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 1.23em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0.375em -15px;">Product Description</h3><div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><b>Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?</b><br />In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.<br /><br />Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.<br /><br />This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?<br /><div class="emptyClear" style="clear: both; font-size: 0px; height: 0px;"></div></div><h3 class="productDescriptionSource" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 1.23em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0.375em -15px;">About the Author</h3><div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Expertly weaving together fantasy, romance and Biblical truths, <b>Donita K. Paul</b> penned the best-selling, fan-favorite DragonKeeper Chronicles series. After retiring early from teaching, she began a second career as an award-winning author and loves serving as a mentor for new writers of all ages. And when she’s not putting pen to paper, Donita makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys spending time with her grandsons, cooking, beading, stamping, and knitting.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73624690239731143232010-12-21T16:23:00.000-05:002012-07-24T16:23:39.130-04:00Christmas Came Early!!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">It was like Christmas for me today!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px;"><br />I received a book in the mail entitled "Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball" by Donita K. Paul.<br /><br />I am REALLY excited about this little present. Will begin reading tonight even though I have not finished the ebook I started the other night. I would like to read this one since it is so close to Christmas. Keep your eyes open!</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0307458997&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span></span></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34723602373481036132010-12-20T21:24:00.005-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.703-05:00Time to Read – Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1414319576&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So, I have been trying to put time aside to sit and read.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Maybe that was not such a good idea so close to the holidays.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">When I made that idea up in my head, I was just about to finish up finals with school and thought I would have a few weeks before school had to start back up again, so why not try to read a little something during my short break?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Good idea, but I have been so busy trying to get work done and get things ready for the holidays the last thing I do when I am done for the night is read. It makes me sad. I would go through so many books a month it was ridiculous. My ex husband would laugh at me because I would always be on the hunt for something new to read. It was like I had to feed my brain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">When I went back to school 2 years ago all of that changed. I just don’t have time to read for fun. And those few times that I do, I end up falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow (I like to read in bed). I used to be able to sit and read, any time, any place. Not now. It’s too loud and busy where I live now. So, I have to carve out my own quiet time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I found a couple of books on Amazon that looked good. Sadly, because they were free, they were not offered in any format other than<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=kiindle" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Kindle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial !important; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I am not willing to buy a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Original-Wireless-generation/dp/B000FI73MA?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kindle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000FI73MA" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial !important; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /> when I have a Nook, so I ended up putting the Kindle app on my laptop and iPod Touch.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I am able to read a few pages at a time before I fall asleep. Right now, it is better than nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So, the book I have started on is<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Almost-Heaven-Chris-Fabry/dp/1414319576?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Almost-Heaven-Chris-Fabry/dp/1414319576?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1414319576" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I have only made it to Chapter 2. I guess a chapter a night on an iPod Touch is not too bad, considering the size of the screen.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">PS. Not every book I read and write about will be faith based in nature. It just seems that is the books I have picked up on the last few weeks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">From Amazon:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Product Description<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he’d gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=100843&u=465182&m=14766&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/banner120x6015.gif" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29112042583874380452010-12-18T19:15:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:38:58.554-04:00Stuck Inside this Mind of Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQ1M7i0jrZI/AAAAAAAAANI/JpDNoBKAsp8/s1600/descent_into_madness_by_synfuleve-d2yin7k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQ1M7i0jrZI/AAAAAAAAANI/JpDNoBKAsp8/s320/descent_into_madness_by_synfuleve-d2yin7k.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Every year around this time of the year I spend some time contemplating where I am going, where I am right now, and where I have been. For whatever the reason I feel the need to reflect. I do not know if this is really healthy or not, nor do I really care. I do it anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I was thinking to myself how I wish I could get back some of that creativity I had in 2005 when I first starting this whole writing ordeal. I think my trials and tribulations in life have literally sucked that life right out of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I see these old writings and I am wondering where that girl went. I was so creative, so open, and so true to me. These days I find myself having to be my own censor because there are too many people in his world who seems to want to have an opinion about what I have to say.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pretty sure that the last time I checked there was this freedom thing we had where I COULD say exactly what I wanted. I guess people just don’t understand. What they see is on the surface, no matter how many years they know. What they don’t know is what it is like here. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have literally suffered through every type of abuse you can think of, all at the hands of dirty rotten men. Now, I seem to be living in a bipolar environment that I am sure falls into some sort of its own category. Whatever, it’s not really a mentally healthy place to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have had quite a few people come to me the last couple weeks tell me how much of an inspiration I have been. Who me? For what? Just these words that I write? That is pretty amazing, honestly. But, in the same breath, I feel fake. I feel like I have not been true to myself, so how am I being true to them?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How can I give them praise and encouragement when I can’t even deal with the madness that is going on around me? Suddenly I find myself being forced to take off my mask and really search inside myself and think, how can I give advice when I can’t even follow it myself?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last thing I want is for people to see me this way. For so long I have been that little girl lost, confused, lonely, in a world full of darkness. All of those people that helped me get out of the darkest pits of the hell I was in are no longer with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t like the life I am living. But I don’t know how to change it. I know I have to; the alternative scares me even more. I mean once you go there, it’s no turning back. To be on my own terrifies me. Not because I am afraid of being alone in the sense of not having a man in my life, but in the sense that I have never lived alone. I lived with my parents, then my mother while I was in college, up until I moved in with the ex husband. Once we got divorced I moved right back in with my mom, and now here with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reflecting on my past, I read a blog from 2005, about this time. I was about to celebrate my 3<sup>rd</sup> wedding anniversary. We married on New Year’s Eve for those who have forgotten, or just did not know. I am reading the words I wrote. They echo in my head. All of those words were etched in my heart for so long. Those empty feelings I had then are the way I am feeling right now. I did not know why or how to fix it then, so how am I going to do that now?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Am I doomed to always deal with this madness in my head and be the little girl lost, or is there really an answer out there that I am just not seeing??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQ1OlWhnWpI/AAAAAAAAANM/pl7d1NNLsg4/s1600/madness_by_popohuata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQ1OlWhnWpI/AAAAAAAAANM/pl7d1NNLsg4/s320/madness_by_popohuata.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75606439211941944682010-12-17T11:20:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:35.462-05:00Chrome for a Cause<a href="http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/p/cause/#tnc">Chrome for a Cause</a><div><br /></div><div>Google Chrome has a new extension, Chrome for a Cause. Use it until December 19th and for every tab you open they will donate to the charity of your choice from the list provided.</div><div>It started 2 days ago, but I am just not hearing about it or I would have posted sooner!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77598445102976913512010-12-16T11:13:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:37:52.081-04:00This Christmas Take a Moment to Say Thank You<div style="text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letssaythanks.com/" target="_blank"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><b>XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you go to this web site, <a href="http://www.letssaythanks.com/">Let’s Say Thanks</a>, you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a name='more'></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for taking to time to support our military!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, it's never to late to send a gift basket overseas to a soldier.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=175680&u=465182&m=22299&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Send Gift Basket Overseas" border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/468x60_5offcopy1.jpg" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49033816737330386412010-12-15T19:12:00.002-05:002014-09-25T18:28:09.810-04:00Break Pal : My New Fitness Friend<div class="MsoNormal">I’m a writer. I sit at my desk 8-10hrs or more a day. My home office is pretty comfortable, but the hours pass by so quickly that I often have to force myself to take a break or stop for a meal. My meal plan and exercise has fallen to the wayside ever since our UFC trip.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have these bouts where I will be on the treadmill for months, every day, with weekends off. Then, something will happen and I will not do it. Then time passes and I have to start all over again. I need consistency, and I need something easy. I still plan to enjoy my treadmill, when I actually use it, but I needed to find something to help me by being a multi-task product.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please read the rest of the review/story on my Helium Channel!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2040783" title="View my Article at Helium.com"> <img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /> </a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-518091230245325372010-12-15T15:25:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:36:53.410-04:00All Aboard! The Polar Express to the North Pole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/file004666676877.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/file004666676877.gif" height="176" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sunday December 12, 2010 may very well be a day that has changed my life forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ok, it was not that drastic. However, this day, along with other events over the weekend, may have brought back some of my Christmas spirit. Before all of you start bouncing up and down in your seats, notice I said SOME. The holidays still linger with sadness. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Sunday we got up and ready, the weather started to get really bad Saturday night. I had prayed for snow all week hoping the make the Polar Express trip to the North Pole as magical as I could. Our trip was later in the afternoon, so our trip home on the train would be in the dark. This was going to be awesome to see the snow and the way the lights sparkled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We started on our journey in my SUV, Matt driving; we slid all over the place. There was no way I was going to drive, that’s too much anxiety for me. So we turned around after we got down to the next corner and got his car. He has rear wheel drive (or is it front wheel?) and even though I have an SUV, his car actually gets better traction then my Explorer. So, a 45min trip there ended up taking us about an hour and a half. It was blizzard snow.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/2096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/2096.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://michigansteamtrain.com/sri/">The Steam Railroad Institute is located in Owosso, MI</a>. It is there that we board the North Pole Express, otherwise known as the Polar Express. We arrive at the train station, bundled and freezing. Snow blowing, people running, excitement was in the air. Inside you give your confirmation paper and they give you your keepsake tickets. You can walk around the station where they have many model train displays. There is a bit of history scattered about as well. We had a bit of entertainment while we waited, and even had seating that looked like an old train station. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/44b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/44b3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0174.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We did not have to wait long to board the train. We killed some of that time having a “family” photo done. We have photos of the 3 of us, but nothing professionally done. It turned out really nice if I do say so myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When you arrive on the train there is a nice keepsake welcome booklet in your seat. In the welcome book, on the first page it states:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0175.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We are often asked about other Christmas operations that use the name of the movie and how we are different. While other operations around the country pay for the privilege and the rights to use the name Polar Express, #1225 was the ONE and ONLY steam locomotive that was used for the sound and overall image for the movie.”</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0395389496&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I personally had no idea. I knew the movie was actually based on the book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0177.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">From page 4 of the welcome booklet:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">“In 2001, SRI was contacted by Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc. to assist with technical matters on a feature film that was in the works……………… staff responded by sending blueprints, video and still photos of 1225 along with coal samples and sever other railroad artifacts. What followed was a 3yr contract for the SRI to serve as technical advisors during the making of the film The Polar Express……Every sound from the locomotive, cars, and equipment was recorded and later used in The Polar Express.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The train ride was awesome! I mean, that’s really all I can say. The conductor came around to punch our tickets when we first got on. After we started moving, a gentleman came through each car singing Christmas songs. Each car had a volunteer to talk to us, like a guide. Ours was so nice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f243/Lillian_Potter/RP%20pictures/polar-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f243/Lillian_Potter/RP%20pictures/polar-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/13166e85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/13166e85.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> We got hot cocoa (which was the best hot cocoa I ever had!), saw a group of deer (reindeer according to the kids) running alongside the train. It was so pretty and majestic with the snow falling. Once we got to the North Pole and Santa's Village, Santa came out to wave at us when we were docking the train.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is here that my tale takes on a completely different turn. You see, the holidays have not been good to me over the years. I wanted so badly for that to change. I wanted to make sure that somehow this trip was special. I never knew I was going to experience what I was about to, it was not expected. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/9907f81d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/9907f81d.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lil M was SO excited. I have seen her get excited about things, and I have seen her extremely happy. But, there was something different about this. She doesn’t really get excited about the Santa’s at other places. She is really ho hum about it and gets sort of shy and doesn’t really want to go see him. We try, and sometimes she will go just to amuse us and let us take a picture. But (OMG) she was so excited, her eyes were so big. Her little body was just shaking in her boots. I just lost it. I started to cry like a big old baby.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I don’t know what came over me, or even why. But seeing her like that…Wow. I start to tear up as I write this now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/z138715955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/z138715955.jpg" height="73" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember when I was little; Christmas was always special for me, my mom made sure of that. And even though at the time she did not know what was happening to me, this day was MY day and no one was going to take that away from me. We were 1000 miles from our family, so most of the time we were on our own. A few years an aunt and uncle lived in OK, too. As I got older sometimes the neighborhood kids would come over so we could play with our toys. But, I was very much alone inside of my head. Christmas morning I could escape for a brief moment in time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was about 9 when I found, honestly by accident, the “From Santa” packages. I was crushed. Somehow, Christmas did not change too much.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The past few years Christmas time just has not been good to me. And I guess that moment just got the best of me. I was so happy for her and I felt so good that I could do this for us. Words can't even express it.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> It was if at that moment I was seeing myself in her, that excitement I had when I came running down the stairs Christmas morning, that excitement in my eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly I was highly embarrassed for anyone to see me cry. I can’t imagine what those people were saying. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lil M asked me why I was crying and all I could say in between sobs was “I am SO happy!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have questioned this relationship. Wondering if I am strong enough to be a bonus mom to lil M and whether I can handle Matt and all his faults. Questioned whether I can really let my guard down and just finally be me. Is this right for me? Right for us? Where do we go from here and what do we do? While I have been searching for the answers, looking at houses, and yet still trying to work things out, apparently there is love there. This day has changed me, in more ways than one. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp285/lauriemlls41/santa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp285/lauriemlls41/santa2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Santa’s workshop had carnival type food, games, rides, magic shows and some craft vendors. It was really neat. Matt and I had these Italian sausages with onions and peppers that were homemade and just to die for.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> We followed that up with a cinnamon and sugar sprinkled elephant ear (there were no funnel cakes BOO!).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">I have some videos posted on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/okirishchik">YouTube Channel : OkIrishChik</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/okirishchik"></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I guess maybe my Christmas spirit has returned.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> Maybe she will stay this time. Maybe I am finally mourning those I have lost, moving forward, and looking forward to making new memories.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0171.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">When we were leaving, Santa was leaving his chair and lil M spotted him and asked if she could go give him a hug. I said “certainly”. Matt was having a bulb made with our names on it so I walked over there with her and she told Santa she loved him and I started to cry like a big ole baby again.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh good grief.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br />They gave our boarding signal and back on the train we went. Once seating and starting to move, the conductor came back around to punch our tickets again. We had bells in our seats, and yes, the 3 of us could hear ours. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0173.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Every car has a “special” bell and that child gets a gift package from the gift shop. The little boy next to us was the winner and lil M was so bummed. I thought she was going to cry when she realized she was not the “special” one. Sadly, we are working with her to not be a sore loser and play fairly. She tends to get mad, quits, makes up her own rules, and/or pouts. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I did not want this to be a bad ending, so I had Matt act as if he was going potty while she was staring out the window at the lights. I told him to grab a couple packets of the Christmas and train stickers they had in the gift shop. He came back and acted like he did not know he was sitting on them the whole time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I told lil M that when she was hugging Santa good-bye his magic left her a special present.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She then proceeded to wave it in front of that lil boy. *DOH* I had to giggle a bit, but Matt had to tell her to stop. *oye* Poor girl.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/letsgocampingnow/NorthPoleSnowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/letsgocampingnow/NorthPoleSnowman.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Magically we left the North Pole and arrived safely back in Owosso. We then had to leave there; drive all the way to Fenton to drop lil M off at her home and then drive back to Birch Run. Good thing Matt has been driving in this mess all his life. We would have never of made it if I was driving.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="apple-style-span">So much fun to see all the other kids (baby sister, sis, and brother), her mom, her mom’s husband and his brother, as well as Grandma (not to be confused with Grammie, Matts mom). Always a houseful over there and a headache waiting to happen. One minute there and you can understand why lil M has some of the personality characteristics that she does. Her mom did say thank you for taking her, so that was nice of her. She seemed genuinely excited for lil M.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="apple-converted-space"> Sis was feeding me cookies. Baby sis was trying to get me to play dollies with her. Lil M just wanted me to see her room!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><br /><br />The train is rather expensive considering the price of things these days, Adult tickets are $70 and Kids are $40. And for us, it was worth every penny. They also have a new Cocoa Class section, the car is highly decorated, the cocoa is unlimited and they get cookies and a mug to keep. That is $85 and $55. I was going to do that since this was our first time going, but tickets were all sold out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0176.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I did <span class="apple-style-span">I buy us all souvenirs. I really wanted to remember this day. I got Matt and I coffee mugs, got him a Railroads of Michigan history book (go figure). Lil M and I got matching fuzzy kitties. Cinders is the stray that has made himself at home in the train station. The proceeds from his stuffed animal go towards his care as well as funding for the train. I plan to use mine as a Christmas decoration for memories. I got lil M a train set, and Matt a bigger train. No train for me. LOL. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0180.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0178.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0179.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/155572_10150111269115915_569555914_7961879_6073108_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/155572_10150111269115915_569555914_7961879_6073108_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/69550_10150111269155915_569555914_7961880_4290905_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/69550_10150111269155915_569555914_7961880_4290905_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0181.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, all my hard work and dedication to my writing has paid off. Without the stress, backache, finger aches, headaches, and dedication I would not have been able to take my little “family” on this trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Matt says he would like to go again next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/PolarExpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/PolarExpress.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Next year I am wearing my PJs and snow boots like others did </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34005690511015076602010-12-14T18:38:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:36:34.968-04:00Regaining Christmas Spirit that was Lost....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz337/rainbowella42/Christmas/holly/12905731773P4mr5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz337/rainbowella42/Christmas/holly/12905731773P4mr5.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As we grow older, somewhere along the way, our Christmas spirit is not what it used to be. We stop believing in Santa, only pretending for the sake of the children around us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or, if you are like me, so many terrible things happen around the holidays you just give up on Christmas altogether. It is not so much being a Grinch, or Scrooge, but just that the holidays bring me so much sadness.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas got to be a smaller and smaller production as the years went on. Holidays just started to seem too Hallmark and I just did not want to deal with them. I had read this book, and it changed my view on Christmas on so many different levels. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f170/Claw8604/SkippingChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f170/Claw8604/SkippingChristmas.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was married, the ex and I did not have a large family. We made pretty decent money and bought the things we wanted. After being together for 10 years it sort of got to the point where Christmas became a gift from each of us, nothing more and I really did not bother with decorations. Then, winter of 2005 when my Grandfather became ill, we did not celebrate Christmas at all. He passed away in January 2006. The year ended with the death of Lonnie, in December.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas of 2007 was my first one back in Michigan. I had no money, so no real means to purchase gifts. I had no friends, so the only person I got something for was my mother and the guy I was dating at the time. There was really no holiday cheer for me. I did it because I felt I had to. I pretty much spent Christmas in my room. It was then I had to make my peace with Terry as well as mourn my loss of Elonna. The holidays were once again not too kind to me.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y352/cherylkcseether/abstract_fantasy_300x225_58749_-_grinch_grinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y352/cherylkcseether/abstract_fantasy_300x225_58749_-_grinch_grinch.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas 2008, I had known Matt for 3 months, little M even less than that. Because of my Bah Humbug attitude I really tried to hide from all the holiday/family related activities. It no longer interested me and gave me more anxiety than happiness. Although I did get a few things for Matt and little M, I pretty much kept to myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas 2009, by this time I had been living with Matt and (shes here on weekends) lil M for 9 months. I had a lot of anxiety about Christmas. Such a big production that made me want to crawl in to bed and just not deal with it. I spent so many nights crying myself to sleep, unable to find the words to begin to even try to explain to anyone how I was feeling. Somehow I managed to get through the holidays, mask on, hiding my insides from the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning alone. It was a very weird experience to actually have Christmas again. I did dig out all of my decorations and the 3 of us had a family decorating day. Lil M thought that was the best thing ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas shopping was a nightmare. Matt just wanted to buy more and more for everyone, yet it was my money that was being spent. It was hard on me. I had to work double the hours and then he would get upset when I had no time for him, or begged him to help me around the house. I started to feel that same feeling; people do not understand the real meaning of Christmas. It’s not about the amount of money spent, or the gifts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Anyway, Christmas morning Matt and I opened our gifts. I think we both knew pretty much what we were getting. It was fun, but still, I felt weird. As if something was missing. The Christmas spirit wasn’t there. Matt and I went to his moms for breakfast. Then her, I, him, his dad and step mom exchanged gifts. We later picked lil M up, she opened her gifts, and went to my mom’s to open her gifts. Once lil M went to bed that night, I brought a few of the “From Santa” packages out of our hiding space so we could experience a Christmas like morning with her. We told her that Santa made a special trip just for her since he knew she was at her moms the night before. She thought that was the neatest thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the course of the year I watched those toys get tossed aside. Broken. Abused. Not very well taken care of. I wondered why her parents never taught her to take care of her things. How she should cherish those gifts that others give her. She is a bit aggressive with her toys and I am not sure where she gets that from.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided that this year would be different. I was only going to pick out toys I KNEW she would play with. A few bigger things rather than a ton of little things. Things she would appreciate and things that would last. I made a list (yes, I checked it twice) and last week cleaned out her room of all the toys that she was too old for, too big for, and things that were broken or neglected. I packed the good things away neatly in the basement. There was such a huge difference in her room. I organized and separated. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When she arrived this past Friday for her weekend, she was amazed at the amount of space she now had in her room. We had a talk. Santa wanted her to keep better care of her toys, which she needed to put things back where they belonged instead of just throwing them in the toy box where they get broken. She had to prove to Santa that she was going to keep her room clean and her toys in order or he was not going to bring her the things she asked for on Christmas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f260/herts24/santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f260/herts24/santa.jpg" /></a></div>So, Friday night we sat down and made our Dear Santa letters, colored some Christmas pictures and placed them in our mailbox. She did not arrive at the house until 9pm since Matt had to work late. We watched Christmas movies while we colored. Poor kid did not want to go to bed. She just does not get to spend enough time with her daddy. He was suppose to go to a sleep over boy’s party, and did not.<br /><br /><br /><br />When lil M went to bed, she snuggled with him, and in the morning she said “Daddy I am glad you stayed home with us.” Then she went on to say how much she loved us and that she thought we were meant to be together and she wants us to be together forever.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/nessa6085/love%20icons/together_forever1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/nessa6085/love%20icons/together_forever1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes kids just know how to pull your heart in the right direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday we went and saw Tangled. OMG that movie was so awesome!! I loved it. Disney did a very good job with the Rapunzel story. I was a bit worried at first.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k337/crewgirl2007/Not%20Mine/Movies/Disney/Princesses/tangled012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k337/crewgirl2007/Not%20Mine/Movies/Disney/Princesses/tangled012.png" /></a><a href="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/TeRrIBLe_OnE_2007/Tangled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/TeRrIBLe_OnE_2007/Tangled.jpg" /></a></div>On the way home we checked our mail, and there was a letter to lil M from Santa!! (of course, I printed this off the PC since these days it does not seem any town gives you a letter from Santa anymore).<br /><br /><br /><br /> We went home and made sugar cookies with lil M’s dough factory that she got last year for Christmas. They looked cute going in the oven, but became a jumbled mess when they cooked. Oh well, still tasted good. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/f61640c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/f61640c2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday night we toured the Christmas lights. Had some dinner and called it an early night. Lil M was out by 9.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/musefan00/christmaslights02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/musefan00/christmaslights02.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am feeling a little different these last few days. Perhaps my Christmas spirit is slowly starting to return? Although a family friend and a great-aunt just passed away, it still seems to be poking around inside of me. I began to pray for snow…..we are going to be leaving for the North Pole soon.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/file004666676877.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/file004666676877.gif" height="176" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/all-aboard-polar-express-to-north-pole.html" target="_blank">Sunday began our journey on the Polar Express</a> for our trip to the North Pole, and that folks, is tomorrows story!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4041313999940437962010-12-14T15:57:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.707-05:00Which Christmas Trees are Better: Fake or real?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/patco6/Pats%20Pix/Christmas%20Beauties/christmas_tree.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/patco6/Pats%20Pix/Christmas%20Beauties/christmas_tree.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I was younger I would have told you that real Christmas trees are better. Nothing beats the smell of the pine tree filling the house through the holiday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To read what I picked please click my Helium Channel</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2039737" title="View my Article at Helium.com"> <img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /> </a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8336009555714129262010-12-14T15:26:00.003-05:002014-07-28T18:26:17.681-04:00Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt by Todd Harra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sX8iPNjHWoM/U9bL70sG0SI/AAAAAAAAR_Q/3IB4H2lcdwk/s1600/mc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sX8iPNjHWoM/U9bL70sG0SI/AAAAAAAAR_Q/3IB4H2lcdwk/s1600/mc.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I can't quite imagine the child that thought to him or herself "hmmmmm I want to be a mortician when I grow up!" It makes me wonder what sort of childhood they had. It would seem that those who have a father in the business end up taking over the family business. I can see how they get in to it, but what about those that aren't connected by any family member?<br /><br />These are the things that intrigued me when I decided to read <a href="http://amzn.to/1qHQf9R" target="_blank">Mortuary Confidential</a>. I wanted to get inside someones head and learn some answers. First, let me just say: I do not, I repeat, I do not have an obsession with death. What I am, however, is intrigued by those that are different and perhaps do not follow the norm.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Each chapter is really a story. And each story is told by a different mortician. Although death is really no laughing matter, each story is put into the perspective of the teller in a manner that would not disrespect anyone reading as well as the person the story is about.<br /><br />The book is full of firsthand accounts of the day in the life of a mortician. Things do happen: the odd, unusual, scary, sad, funny and uplifting. A couple are sure to make you stop and think, there are those that will make you giggle, and even those that will make you shed a tear.<br /><br />There are stories of those in small towns who awake to find their loved one dead next to them. The author writes of the story as it was told, how the person called the mortician in the middle of the night for help. Had no idea who to call and the mortician went above his call of duty by even taking care of the family pet that had passed away right before the funeral.<br /><br />Morticians are only human, we all make mistakes. There were cases of bodies falling out of the hearse after a pickup, mix up at a hospital morgue, odd makeup and clothing requests.<br /><br />It is amazing to me how wonderful and kind the human spirit can be. Although one deceased's son was irate and picking fights with the mortician over something so minimal, the mortician still took the time to smile, be understanding and continue his job. It is hard to be professional when people are screaming and yelling, but there are those that can keep it together.<br /><br />Despite the odd subject manner of this book, it really is enlightening to see the other side and what it's like as a mortician.<br /><br />(c) CM This article was originally published on Helium.com that is<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank"> now closed. </a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9028191473545756992010-12-10T18:34:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:34:28.857-04:00Another Evening with Shinedown: The Tattoo Version<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQLf0mChMQI/AAAAAAAAANA/soJX9HgVwgs/s1600/79b25867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQLf0mChMQI/AAAAAAAAANA/soJX9HgVwgs/s320/79b25867.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQLf1ZVArAI/AAAAAAAAANE/riX11nS52uw/s1600/86ddc7cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQLf1ZVArAI/AAAAAAAAANE/riX11nS52uw/s320/86ddc7cf.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>In theory, I have spent yet another day with Shinedown. This time, there was no concert, no flashy light, and no screaming fans. Instead, it was me blaring the radio as I drove to the tattoo shop.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK476T5q9I/AAAAAAAAAM8/AoVwLy7V04Q/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK476T5q9I/AAAAAAAAAM8/AoVwLy7V04Q/s320/1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have never been nervous about a tattoo. Never gotten a tattoo this size or with such a significance. Sure, all of my tattoos mean something, mostly my heritage since most of them are Irish related. I do have a tattoo that a friend helped me put together as a memorial for my grandfather, who at that time had passed a few months prior to having the tat done. It says Irish Angel in Gaelic. It became even more special to me later that year because that friend who helped me design it passed away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">On the back of my left leg I have a tribal looking tattoo that was </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">inspired by Terry</a><span style="background-color: white;"> (someone of great value in my life at that time) and even had a ~T~ put into the tat. Sadly, </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/10/terrys-fate-last-good-bye.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">some months later he too passed </a><span style="background-color: white;">away. Tattoos on my birthday, tattoos on St. Patrick’s Day, whatever the day, there was always a reason for it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">This time, there is no special day but rather a special time in my life. Many of you know all the </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">trials and tribulations</a><span style="background-color: white;"> life has thrown at me the last few years. Somehow, I have managed to fight my way through all of that. Even though I am still a work in process, I can see that there is some sort of a light at the end of the tunnel. Graduation is close.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">I remember a time in my life when I was extremely depressed. No amount of love, understanding and medication could help me. As far as I knew, my life was over as I lay in bed, day after day. I never want to return to that person. Depression is a struggle with the anxiety and panic which I must live with every day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">Somehow I found an outlet in Shinedown. So many words have such a profound meaning for me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">I had been thinking about a new tattoo for quite some time. Originally I was going to get the Elonna tribute tattoo, a painting that she had purchased for me before she passed away. Due to finances I just was not able to get it done. These days I am in a bit better of a place and wanted to really do something that would signify “where I am going, where I have been” (for anyone who has been to a Shinedown show, you know this is something Brent says before a song –do you know the song???).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">A few weeks ago Matt and I attended the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/another-evening-with-shinedown.html" target="_blank">acoustic tour of Shinedown.</a> Brent sang all of my favorite songs, and there were a few times a tear came to my eye. Seeing my life a few years ago, what I had been through, where I have been and where I am going now. Bit by bit like pieces of a puzzle my story had started to unfold. Before I knew it, the tattoo had appeared before my eyes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">I began to tell Matt about it, and he looked at me with a quizzical look on his face as if to way “What the f*ck?” because I just had so much going on. But, he knew just the person to call. If anyone would see my vision it would be the guy that did some of his artwork.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">I printed off all the pics, took all my ideas and my own crappy drawing and had a meeting with Chad at Electric Chair Tattoo in Clio, MI (inkyshomepage.com). He too had that look when I started to talk. Or maybe it was just because I was so excited, yet nervous at the same time, I was stumbling over my words.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">A week later I was sitting in his chair. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">One session down, three hours later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">Getting there had been a long road. A road that I wish I did not have to travel, but it retrospect, glad I did.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a long way to go to get where I want to be in life but I have no question or doubt that I will get there.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So here is a little rundown of what is going on with this piece of art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4htU6I3I/AAAAAAAAAMs/xtW0NHaBZbI/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4htU6I3I/AAAAAAAAAMs/xtW0NHaBZbI/s320/5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>1. M.C. Escher – he is the artist I had in mind with my craziness. Google him and you will understand!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>2. Haley’s Comet – she was not done in this session but she belongs in the verse “ I just saw Haley’s Comet she waved, said why you always running in place” from the song Second Chance</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>3. Man in the Moon – the man in the moon follows Haley’s Comet in the song, and as you can see, he is up on my shoulder. His verse is “even the man in the moon disappears, somewhere in the stratosphere” from the song Second Chance.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4moAa3gI/AAAAAAAAAMw/pXwg1v701Bg/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4moAa3gI/AAAAAAAAAMw/pXwg1v701Bg/s320/4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4qgdYY3I/AAAAAAAAAM0/GftzECpPNkk/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4qgdYY3I/AAAAAAAAAM0/GftzECpPNkk/s320/6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>4. Believe – this one, as far as placement, is pretty obvious. Believe originally came from the Staind song Believe. As time went on life shifted and although that was the focal point of another tattoo I wanted to get, it went with the meaning of this one as well. The line from the Shinedown song is “The only thing I still believe in is you” from the song If You Only Knew</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>5. 4:03am – this is the time that is placed under the man in the moon. The verse is “It’s 4:03am and I can’t sleep without you next to me, I toss and turn like the sea” from the song If You Only Knew</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>6. Lightning bolts – this is another part that is not finished, but the bolt of lightning comes from the verse “Wrap me in a bolt of lightning, send me on my way still smiling” from the song Call Me</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>7. The Fly – this one to any Shinedown fan is pretty self explanatory. The verse “Long live that day that I decided to fly from the inside” from the song Fly from the Inside.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>8. The Shindown symbol – this part is not done. The symbol will be placed in the fly’s rear end. That’s why he is not all filled in. Shinedowns music has helped me through many personal and trying times these last few years. I believe without their words (it doesn’t help Brent has that southern voice that I miss so much after leaving OK) I would have fallen into a dark depression.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4wVsndkI/AAAAAAAAAM4/EDXXQmg-Sqw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4wVsndkI/AAAAAAAAAM4/EDXXQmg-Sqw/s320/3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>9. Praying Hands – this part will go on my left shoulder, with more shading. It is also not done. This piece was influenced by a Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song Simple Man, which Shinedown redid. The line is “don’t forget that there is someone up above.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>10. Shooting Star – from the verse “Cause their all witness to a shooting star” from the song Energy.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>11. Using my entire chest as the canvas – from the verse “Paint me a canvas so I become what you could never be” from the song I Dare You</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, there you have it. So many songs to choose from and I had to narrow it down and create a masterpiece. Well, I didn’t create it, Chad did. I just came up with the idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33444305303602291612010-12-10T18:00:00.004-05:002014-07-29T14:30:50.067-04:00Book Review: Chazown: A Different Way to See Your Life by Craig Groeschel<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqPsKTdIPM8/U9fnxAhEoiI/AAAAAAAASCM/Pe-U5-KprnE/s1600/chazown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqPsKTdIPM8/U9fnxAhEoiI/AAAAAAAASCM/Pe-U5-KprnE/s1600/chazown.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br />Wow, 2006. Here it is four years later and I am just now reviewing <a href="http://amzn.to/1lSyBs4" target="_blank">this book</a>. I recently joined a book blogging committee and one of the books listed to review was Chazown. I have held on to this book all this time with the thought that someday I would finish my Chazown. I have read the entire book, however I have not finished it. Meaning, I have not finished the require applications.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I might be a little biased about Craig Groeschel. I was a member of his church, <a href="http://lifechurch.tv/">LifeChurch.tv</a>, the Stillwater, OK campus for many years. I even volunteered with their Life Kids ministry. LifeChurch is an amazing establishment and it has changed the way many view church. Craig was so excited about the release of his first book. We were able to purchase at discount rates, and LifeGroups formed to study the book together as a team. There was also a website <a href="http://chazown.com/">chazown.com</a> where you could journal and use the extra tools to help find your personal <a href="http://amzn.to/1lSyBs4" target="_blank">Chazown</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are not here to talk about Craig, I know this. So I am going to do my best to not talk about him on a personal level, but rather speak about the book. But, I did have to check the website again today to see if my information was still available. The website is completely different and sadly I am no longer registered.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The one thing I love about <a href="http://amzn.to/1lSyBs4" target="_blank">this book</a> is how the author actually takes the time to talk to you as if he was sitting right next to you, telling you a story. It makes the read much more enjoyable. Chazown is the Hebrew word for Vision. And this book is about finding your vision or God’s vision for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book is broken down in to five parts, with each part having three to six sections. The sections are fairly short and very easy to read. At the end are simple thoughts, tasks and questions to help guide you on your vision quest.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first task was to write your own epitaph. I remember how I felt four years ago trying to sit down and write this, to sit and think about one’s own death is not really how I would expect to start a book. I can’t remember how mine went then, now if I was to write one it would be completely different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made it midway through Part 3. I am not sure why I never finished, I just remember being stuck and frustrated. I had a lot going on with life and I was trying to make some personal changes. I think maybe the book put me on the bath to making some of the decisions I had been holding off on, which sent me on a new path on life. I did not realize this at the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQKqt-RvNcI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Ew5Gg1oXQnc/s1600/54004291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #649900; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQKqt-RvNcI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Ew5Gg1oXQnc/s1600/54004291.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a>I took a step to make some changes in life and even those some of those steps I am still working on (I am a work in process) I did take a chance on following my dreams of becoming a professional writer. Even though I do not have a bestselling novel published, I am writing for a living and taking the steps necessary to move forward with this career. I am also about to graduate with my BA in the next semester with plans to go on to graduate school.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, in life, I am in a place where I should give this book another look. There is also a Limited Edition CD in the back of the book that I never opened.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do I recommend it to others? Yes, I do! Especially to those who are searching for guidance or direction.</div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2768941708924224102010-12-10T10:49:00.003-05:002014-08-15T18:11:51.027-04:00Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQJKgARZC0I/AAAAAAAAAMk/A1X-HRln_w4/s1600/51456987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #649900; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQJKgARZC0I/AAAAAAAAAMk/A1X-HRln_w4/s1600/51456987.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div>On September 15, 2010 I started reading this book, according to Barnes and Nobles “What I’m Reading Now” section of my account. I do not remember where or when I actually received this book. Honestly, I believe it was a gift. Gift or not, life has been so busy for me it seems like an eternity before I was actually able to sit down and enjoy the book.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Now, here it is December 9, 2010 and I am just now sitting down to write about it. I need to adjust my schedule accordingly. I need to make sure I have enough hours in the day to accomplish all of the things I am suppose to be doing.<br /><br />I had not planned on posting a review for this book, however I was thinking about topic ideas for this blog and thought about how wonderful it would be to do some Christmas entries in order to be festive for the holidays.<br /><br />Granted, this book is not really centered on Christmas, or the holidays for that matter, but it does have a little bit of significance, especially the winter scene.<br /><br />Problem is, and I have to be honest here, although I really enjoyed the book, I was bored. I skipped through a lot just to get to the good parts. I know many out there think this is a sin, but I assure you I can tell you all about the book without some of those dry parts.<br /><br />This is one of those books where you do have to read through it, or you are never going to understand the full value of the story and what is really going on.<br /><br />This is not my usual type of book, but I read through it like a trooper. Even though I did skip some parts (I did skim them, just did not read word for word) I found this story to be very heartfelt and beautiful.<br /><br />There is always something special about a relationship between a woman and her mother, but when the mother has secrets that she is never willing to open up about, problems can occur over the years. This leaves the daughter with a bitter taste in her mouth. When mother becomes old and fragile, sisters must group together to take care of her, and free her from the thoughts that invade her mind.<br /><br />Would I read the book again? No. But I do recommend it to others. Yes, I know that is weird. Like I said, this is not my usual type of book, but I can appreciate the story and beauty of it.<br /><br />(From barnes and noble)<br /><b>Synopsis</b><br /><i>Can a woman ever really know herself if she doesn’t know her mother?</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time—and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya’s life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother’s life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.</i><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36103240853965341082010-12-07T21:43:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:28:55.222-04:00Why I Write, Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae351/verskey/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae351/verskey/write.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Why I Write (again)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">On September 21, 2008 I posted a blog entitled: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/09/this-is-why-i-write.html">This is Why I Write</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Here it is 2 years later and I find that not only myself, but others are being asked that same question. While doing my usual bloghopping Blogville, USA, I hopped on a blog in the UK. WOW! I am a long way from home! The blog <a href="http://wealie.co.uk/">Wealie’s World</a> had a post entitled : <a href="http://wealie.co.uk/my-art/why-write/#comment-92">Why Write</a> , that made me feel right at home.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I wonder if others are asked, “why are you a teacher?” or “why are you a therapist?” in the same manner that us writers are asked “why DO you write?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">There have been times when someone has asked me that question and I have been rather snippy, saying “well why do you do (insert their profession here)?” I guess it would be the same, sort of. Many people choose their field because they love it, or it was always something they wanted to do. Others just sort of fell in to it.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Me? I have always loved words. I love creating them, good or bad. I like my dark poetry and I like sharing my words with the world. At times it is scary. But, when someone out of the blue sends you an email thanking you for your post, well…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">That is why I write.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Last week I received an email from a person whom I have never met, nor did I even know she was reading my blogs. This person was kind enough to take time out of her day to drop me a note thanking me for being such an inspiration.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">What?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I know my blogs, especially those back some years, tell of my life and how I became the person I am today. But she wanted to thank me for writing. It is nice that something so simple can make someone’s day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I took the time to reply. I am glad I did. She wrote me back with such wonderful words!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I can’t believe my freelance career and writing has inspired someone else. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">There is strength in numbers and if my words help anyone, well that it itself is worth it all.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37988528156820619832010-12-07T20:37:00.005-05:002011-11-11T19:27:35.715-05:00What Would You Do With $20 from CSN Stores? Tell me and you could win!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span></span></span><br /><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What Would You Do With $20 from CSN Stores? Tell me and you could win!</span></h3><div class="post-header" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 520px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Blogland! I have a wonderful giveaway for you this month.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We all need a little something to carry our books in, right? Whether it is textbooks, books we read for pleasure, our e-readers or if you're like me you need a bag just for all your gadgets (laptop, Nook, iPod Touch, personal cell phone, business cell phone, all their chargers, and flash drives just to name a few things). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Perhaps you will use your $20 gift card (given in the form of a promotional code) for a few <a href="http://www.luggage.com/Messenger-Bags-C53104.html" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;">leather messenger bags</a> to give as gifts for the Holidays</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, or maybe you need a new laptop messenger bag for yourself. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about a little something for the home? They have that, too. Kids? With 200+ store I bet you will find something for even the funkiest of children. Or, you could just pamper yourself. You work hard, you deserve it!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With CSN Stores the sky’s the limit. They offer over 200+ shops for your one-stop shopping spree!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of you know I like things a little crazy and funky. Here is one I just love:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><div class="productheader" style="float: left; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 540px;"><h2 style="color: #233477; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal bold 12px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase; width: 540px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">KARAB LAPTOP MESSENGER TOTE IN BLUE SWIRL - 407-902</span></span></h2></div><div class="productinfo" style="float: left; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 380px;"><div class="bodytext" style="color: #202020; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SKU #: KRA1003</span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.luggage.com/KaraB-407-902-KRA1003.html" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TP7fWeqJl4I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/AsNqNzqB-H0/s320/Laptop%252BMessenger%252BTote%252Bin%252BBlue%252BSwirl%25281%2529.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or this awesome leather messenger/laptop bag from Ed Hardy!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="productheader" style="float: left; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 540px;"><h2 style="color: #233477; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal bold 12px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase; width: 540px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ED HARDY SAMMY TIGER LAPTOP MESSENGER BAG IN GRAY/BLACK - UTTEC12SAMTGRG - GRAY/BLACK</span></span></h2></div><div class="productinfo" style="float: left; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 380px;"><div class="bodytext" style="color: #202020; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SKU #: EDH1026</span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.luggage.com/Ed-Hardy-UTTEC12SAMTGRG-Gray-Black-EDH1026.html" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQAT7zS-gqI/AAAAAAAAAMg/O00I-2NGkJQ/s320/Ed-Hardy-Sammy-Tiger-Laptop-Messenger-Bag-in-Gray-Black.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;">MANDATORY ENTRY:</span></b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tell me how you would spend your $20 at <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #35c45e;">CSN Stores</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;">EXTRA ENTRIES:</span></b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Become a follower of my blog or comment if you already are (1 entry)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Become a fan of CSN on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/csnstores" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #35c45e;">Facebook </span></a> (1 entry)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Follow CSN on <a href="http://twitter.com/csnstores" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #35c45e;">Twitter</span></a> (1 entry)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment with a link (3 entries)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That’s 7 chances to win!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;">Giveaway ends December 31, 2010 </span></b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;">at 11:59EST.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Be sure to leave a valid email address otherwise I won't be able to contact you if you win. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No contact = No win!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Winner will be chosen via a random number generator. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If the winner does not contact me within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. </span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have Fun and</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Good Luck!</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please Note: This was originally posted on Dec 7 on my eBooksNook blog. I am in the process of merging my blogs in to one, and this particular blog is in the deletion process. I have copy/pasted the 2 people who have already entered. They are in the comments section. Just an FYI.</span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58243427469940969902010-12-05T12:20:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:28:16.314-04:00Upon Deaf Ears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Purple_darkness/Saz/ear.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Purple_darkness/Saz/ear.bmp" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know why life has to be so hard. Why we are forced to make so many decisions. People around me are so predictable. I hate being an <a href="http://empathic.net/empathic.html">empathic</a>. I hate that I observe people almost to the point of being OCD. I am intrigued by people. A blessing and both a curse. While I like to “study” (for lack of a better word) a person, I also end up feeding off of them. Again, not really sure how to explain that to anyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> The thoughts and feelings they have become mine. Not on purpose. That is just part of being an <a href="http://empathic.net/empathic.html">empathic</a>. It is hard carrying this around. It is hard enough living my own life, but when you have the weight of the others around you on your shoulders and in your every thought. When someone is sad, you become sad too. When they are ill or having some other sort of problem, that all becomes yours too. You don’t ask for this, it just happens. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here I am in life, trying to live my days as best as I can and I am so bogged down with the issues of others I tend to become last on the list. I put others first, my constant need to take care of them. When they don’t put me first, it only makes things worse. I have tried to change this, tried to change the way my life process works, but I can’t do it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">When Elonna was sick,</a> I took on her pain. When <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/what-up-with-chrys-octnov-edition-sean.html" target="_blank">Lonnie was dying in the hospital bed</a>, I felt it. I felt the shot that killed him half way around the world. I feel for Joey and Sean every day. People that are closest to me I tend to feel more. I knew the exact minute that Terry was murdered because I felt it. I felt him. And I did not know until after that I was right when his lawyer contacted me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Weird to you? I am sure. I can understand that. I only wish someone around me could understand. It is tiring. Everything that Matt does affects me and I have tried to explain it to him. I just don’t think he listens. I have tried to get him to help me. Again, not listening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how to get my words upon deaf ears.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to let out this madness in my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp243/nightdarknessflyer/Darkness-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp243/nightdarknessflyer/Darkness-1.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91438786882537522032010-12-04T12:06:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:25:57.252-04:00What Am I Doing Here?What am I doing here? I have been trying to figure that out since the day I step foot across the threshold. If I knew the answer, I might be able to get my feet to move in another direction.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Things are not what that appear. I have tried, and failed, to figure out this jumbled mess in my head. I feel very alone and extremely stuck in this situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have reached a point where working from home is starting to piss me off. Not because I don’t love my job, but because he can’t seem to get it through his head that after two years I HAVE to be left alone or my work does not get done. Same thing with school, I have to be left alone in order to get it done. I have yelled, cried, begged and pleaded with him to give me some space. I have so much homework that’s due on the weekends, I have to cram it in two days since they don’t tell us what it is until Thursday. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have tried to take time on the weekends to do homework, even work, and it is not possible. He does not have the ability to take care of the household and keep her entertained while I work. I have to check in with school every day for participation points.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, while he is being lazy in bed with the dogs, she is running around like a mad child, and here I am trying to do my daily check in before my mother, his step mom and his dad get here to start Christmas activities. Today we are baking cookies and making candy. Tomorrow we are putting up the tree.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I don’t even care about the tree. I have not been a fan of Christmas for a very long time for various reasons.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night, before he left to go pick her up I explained to him he was going to have to play with her after dinner so I can finish up my homework and get a few minor work things done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am behind because of him. Because he begged and pleaded with me earlier in the week to spend some time together. He knows the consequences, but yet he STILL does not give me my space to get things done. But yet, he is the first one to want to spend my money.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So instead of playing with his daughter and spending time with her while she is here, he falls asleep. What a dad he is. These types of things happen more often than not. And then he gets angry because I am angry. If I hear one more sorry come out of his mouth I am going to scream.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent my morning making everyone breakfast. None of us like our items cooked the same. So I pretty much have to cook 3 separate breakfasts. Do I complain? No. But he will be the first to complain when I ask him to clean the kitchen up. Only seems fair to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He doesn’t want me mad, but he sure does push my buttons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have company coming over, I ask him to vacuum. I take a shower, and still not done. Mind you, one of the people coming over is allergic to cats so we desperately need to suck up as much of the cat hair as we can so she can stay longer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Apparently watching cartoons and making an even bigger mess in the living room is more important.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So here I am trying to get them moving and trying to get myself ready.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Story of my life seems to happen every weekend. Quite frankly, I am sick to death of it. I should not have to be the only responsible one in this house. I am tired from having it all on my shoulders.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find myself in a constant state of anger and disappointment. I want this relationship to work out, but I just don’t think it is going to. I keep making excuses to stay. No one wants to live alone. But I think it has just gotten to that point it is not repairable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He has broken me one too many times. I don’t even want to try anymore. So, for everyone around me I put on a happy face and act like it is OK. I have been here before, and eventually I packed up a U-Haul and moved 1000 miles away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe a 1500 mile move is in my future. Rooming with one of my great friends in Dallas sounds really good right about now.</div><br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aX-g2U9Dxok?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aX-g2U9Dxok?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Staring at my reflection I'm becoming numb<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I barely recognize this thing that I've become<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />All alone, in the dark, feel the beating of my heart<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not seem to find my self again<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not find myself.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Buried beneath the surface, pounding in my brain<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />A desperate need for something I can not escape<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />All alone, in the dark, feel the beating of my heart<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not seem to find my self again<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not find myself.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />What is wrong here, I don't belong here<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Save me from myself.......<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />All alone, in the dark<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not seem to find my self again<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not find myself......myself.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34102960959789224422010-12-03T16:03:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:25:25.276-04:00The Druids Thought the Mistletoe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/vrdragon12/druids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/vrdragon12/druids.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This piece is not my own work. Having a Celtic background I find beauty in things relating to the history of the Celts, Pagans and Druids.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20172707747236958452010-12-02T22:33:00.006-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.715-05:00Book Review: Writer’s Retreat By Judy Reeves<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1577315006&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Today I was thinking about a writer’s retreat. I had planned to do this quite some time ago and just kept putting it off. Yesterday late afternoon it started to snow. It kept snowing until early evening today. What a way to start December. It is a cruel reminder that winter is here. Now Christmas is just around the corner. It seems like just yesterday we were taking down the tree from the last Christmas, now here we are ready to put it back up again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This got me to thinking about the gifts I received last year. My mother (who works at a book store in the mall) gave me a boxed book set called “The Writer’s Retreat Kit: A Guide for Creative Exploration & Personal Expression” By Judy Reeves.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1244083722"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">She also got me two boxed book sets on knitting and they come with projects and materials. I tried to knit last year. I made one hat. It hurt my fingers so bad that one hat took me months to make. Those two knitting books are still sitting on the shelf. Maybe if I did not type/write so much my fingers might be a little more co- operable. Maybe I just need to practice more. I would love to knit, and get back in to sewing. Until I finish school, I just don’t have time for those things. Sadly, I don’t even have time to read a good book. A book that is not 1000 pages of textbook material.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">You see, we finally got my office set up today. I had been using a very old Dell desktop, which was here in BFs house already when I moved in. I left mine with my mom so she could have a PC at her house. This Dell was getting bogged down, even after I did an upgrade. I could not do school papers and run multiple programs for work without it lagging. It would lock up enough to cause me to want to throw it out the window. It makes me sad. The PC is good, but not for someone like me who has to have a lot of programs running. Last year I had bought a Mini. I could not afford a laptop so a Dell Mini was a little more affordable and would allow me to work outside of my home office if I needed to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">That was my reasoning for the Mini. So, here I am with a brand new Mini, by Christmas it was a mere 4 months old, and a Writer’s Retreat Kit ready to spread my wings and fly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Sad thing is I never flew.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">I got caught in this trap. I did not want to leave during the week because BF was dealing with his own personal issues which resulted in a lot of lazy time, doing nothing, and not being helpful around the house. I felt I could not trust him to take care of the dogs and the house while I was going and I was going to come back to a giant mess.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">In the past, the few times I left for a day was a disaster when I can home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">I guess I just felt it was easier to stay home and just take care of things myself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">In time I started to build up anxiety on top of my already existing anxiety disorder and I was becoming stressed about it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">I wanted to be able to leave. And I wanted to know things would be OK.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">BF in the beginning was not very attentive to his daughter. We met when he was new to the single dad world, and had relied on his mother for a lot of help in the few months that lapsed before we met. That lasted until I moved it. When I was around on the weekends she would not brush her teeth, takes baths, he would not comb her hair, she would wear dirty clothes. It just was not a good thing. His house was dirty, nasty to the point I had to come in and clean it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">These are the things I have to go on. Past events. How could I think about leaving him alone for a weekend with her here? Her and the dogs? And now we have a cat on top of that. He can’t do it all when I am here how can I expect anything if I am gone?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">So, the anxiety built and the retreat never happened.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Black Friday rolled around and I saw a great deal on a laptop. I had to think about it, and ended up purchasing it right on the deadline. I was able to get a huge monitor, new desk and bookcase on Black Friday as well. This was to be a start of a new beginning. Larger monitor so I can see. Better computer so I can actually work. Bigger desk for school and work and bookshelves for all my books. Yes, I was excited. So, the Mini went up on eBay, the desktop will lurk for a while.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">And now here I am, sitting at my new desk, starting at my extremely large screen with this Writers Retreat box set in front of me. Snow is on the ground. Is it too late? As the BF earned enough trust to leave him alone so I can go? And when could I?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">It makes me sad that here I am a year later, still holding on to the hope that things will change, myself included.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Until that moment in time comes, I will hang on to this box set and continue to hang on to the dream that someday I will be strong and venture out into the world on my own, for my own little retreat.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86436150203952554562010-11-30T19:40:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:25:17.853-04:00Tomorrow is World AIDS Day (RED)<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">TURN THE WORLD (RED) FOR WORLD AIDS DAY, DEC 1.<br /><br /><a href="http://f.joinred.com/nJJ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://f.joinred.com/nJJ</a></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><a href="http://f.joinred.com/nJJ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a><br />Last year nearly 1/2 million babies were born with HIV. By 2015, that number could be zero. Change your profile picture to a (2015)RED image and help turn Facebook, and the world, (RED) for World AIDS Day. </span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><a href="http://f.joinred.com/nJJ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://f.joinred.com/nJJ</a></span></h3><div><br /></div><div>I have been a member of the Project (RED) campaign for quite some time. It really does only take something so small to make something so big. Just a small bit of help can keep the medicine going. I may not be able to do or give a lot, but I know with the support of Bono and his band U2 and millions of people world wide, we can make a difference. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24666929892316182122010-11-30T15:18:00.002-05:002014-09-25T18:28:09.774-04:00Breaking in to the Blogosphere : Weight Loss Friendly<div class="MsoNormal">I am really starting to break back into the blogosphere. When I was really active on Yahoo 360 I would read and post like a madwoman. Oh, the fun times in blogland.I would like to get back in to that. I miss writing, I miss sharing, I miss reading, but most of all I miss the connection I made with others.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think perhaps when I started to have so many deaths around me during that time, friends who also blogged along side of me, blogging just was not the same. It held too many painful memories. I need to put those memories inside my heart, heal, and move forward. It is what they would have wanted. They loved my writing and would want me to continue. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been reading some blogs on blogger for quite some time now, but I do not post comments. I guess I never really thought there was still a bloggers world out there. After the multitude of changes over at MySpace it almost seemed as if my blogging life was over. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can see, it is not. I am fighting-kicking and screaming-for my blogging to continue as I am finding some new inspiration these days. Not only am I now writing for a living (something I would have never thought of doing when I first started blogging 6 years ago) I am almost done with school which gives me more time to create my words. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been extremely inspired as of late by a blog called <a href="http://thefatchickweigh.blogspot.com/">Kreating Kristen</a>. Kristen is on a weight loss journey just like me. I find her posts inspiring and the similarities likely help with my understanding of what she is going through. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In a recent post <a href="http://thefatchickweigh.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-food-disaster.html">“Holiday Food Disaster” </a>could have been transcribed through my own fingertips this week. As you may have read some posts back, I started using New Lifestyle and <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34746&U=465182&M=7669">Wonderslim</a> products to help get my weight loss back on track. I could not go back to Weight Watchers (lifetime member) as they are just too far away for me to drive and I am not a huge fan of the online program. So, I found Sparkpeople and later changed to My Fitness Pal, which I just love. It’s so simple. But my life is hectic and busy (full time student and full time freelance writer) so I needed some help. I did not have time to prepare three meals a day, much less think about them. I did not want to do Nutrisystem (again) or Jenny Craig because they are a little out of my budget and I wanted to be able to eat one meal with my family, at the very least. I find this plan to be very simple. In the first 2 weeks I lost 5 pounds and that’s with no exercise.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ever since the late summers shoulder injury that is just now 100% healed (despite the once in a while numbing of my fingers) I could not exercise and now that I can, I just can’t seem to get back on the treadmill. I made a post in September about the problem, by then I had been dealing with it for quite some time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2010/09/just-update-why-all-pain.html?zx=37810e180eb97428" target="_blank">(Just an Update- Why All the Pain?)</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I was doing a Couch to 5k program, and that ended with the injury. Makes me angry at myself. I see other people exercising and I wonder what happened to my motivation!?!?!?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Kristen, like me has a war with her inner fat chick. The chick that takes over and tells you life is easier without cooking, eat fast food. The chick that tells you, it’s ok to have one more. The chick that says, “Who needs exercise? It’s just a waste of time.” My fat chick has been visiting for about two weeks now. Once my shoulder was healed to the point of no pain while walking, I hopped right on the treadmill. I was extremely frustrated that my running was not up to par. All the work I had put in, gone. My inner fat chick says “eh, who cares. You don’t need to exercise. You need the time free to work.” There are not enough hours in my day right now, so, my healthy chick listens. I “could” be working, but I “should” be exercising. Taking the time for myself because I am worth it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And that is what I have to keep telling myself. I am worth it and I deserve to make time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Food has been a whole other issue. I have been eating out a lot, more for convenience. Ever since our weekend away for the UFC fights in Auburn Hills, I have been craving bad foods even though they make me feel like crap and I wake up in the AM with what I call a food hangover. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here I am, once again, trying to kick fat girl in the ass and get back on program and back on the treadmill!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/emilylovescharles/b41c8c9f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/emilylovescharles/b41c8c9f.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> POW!</span></b></div><o:p></o:p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Take that inner fat chick!</span></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12697343201335234882010-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:25:06.395-04:0011:58 PM - I Should Be Sleeping<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">I should be sleeping. So many things running around in my head and so many blog posts to get caught up on. I spent time with the BF today so I will be playing catch up tomorrow. Hopefully get some of these new posts done.<br /><br /><br />Until then....<br /><br />Good-night<br /><span id="BB_SIGN_BEGIN"></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77106294094129951692010-11-28T21:02:00.002-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.719-05:00Elevator Pitches ??? What ???<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470616342&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>So, I just started reading this ebook called "31 Days to Build a Better Blog" by problogger.com guru Darren Rowse. I also have the other book: "Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a 6-Figure Income".<br /><br />I have not gotten very far with the 31 Days. Why is that? I am stuck on the middle of Day 1 and trying to create an elevator pitch.<br /><br />An elevator for my blog, this should be interesting.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45533332493735228402010-11-28T20:40:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:24:58.245-04:00Another Evening with Shinedown<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0045DO92I&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t believe it has taken me half the week to be able to sit down and write this post. I was so excited about it that I wanted to write it as soon as I got home, but it was Wednesday night (the night before Thanksgiving) and I got home so late that I just could not bring myself to do it. Thursday was a holiday and I just did not have time to compose a blog post, and Friday I was trying to catch up on homework and some articles. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday I did a little bit of work, and hung out with the BF. We watched the Expendables, went to the mall to brave some shopping, then to the new Mexican place I mentioned a few posts back (I plan to write a separate post about this place) and then we came home to watch the Jim Carrey A Christmas Carol. That was the strangest version of the movie I have ever seen. But, that’s not what I really want to write about.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFH2DsWHI/AAAAAAAAAMA/J0lT2f8WN6k/s1600/STRP-IP_26237_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFH2DsWHI/AAAAAAAAAMA/J0lT2f8WN6k/s320/STRP-IP_26237_1.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I really want to write about is my night with Shinedown. I have forgotten how many times I have seen them now. I think this is 6, in the last 2 years. And this is hands down the best I have ever seen them. Brent’s voice was top notch and he sounded well rested. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We had nosebleed seats. I kid you not we were 1 row away from being the last row. I should have opted for the next price range of tickets. I only paid $20 for them, and they were well worth it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The show was awesome. I forgot to bring my camera which has zoom and video features so I had to use my new iPod Touch which has a cam and vid on it. The video is far away and hard to see who is who, but the audio is wonderful. And I guess that’s all we need, right? To hear Brent’s angelic voice. I mean, that’s all I need! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFORAG_qI/AAAAAAAAAME/5kXJ0bcokMc/s1600/BrentSmith-Shinedown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFORAG_qI/AAAAAAAAAME/5kXJ0bcokMc/s1600/BrentSmith-Shinedown.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Click here to see the videos: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/okirishchik"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OKIRISHCHIKS YOU TUBE </span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I warn you, you can hear me sing (badly), scream (happily) and gripe. You see, we sat at the end of the row. BF and I were the last 2 seats on our end. In the middle were 6 people, all together. Meaning, they all came together. 3 couples. Well, they wanted to drink, and pee and drink, and pee some more. I had lost count of how many times BF and I had to get up to let them out. After 20 my legs and back were starting to hurt, I was missing a lot of the show, and I was starting to get cranky. They must have heard me griping to BF because they started to go to the row behind us to get out! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Dear people,</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>When in a closed setting, please keep your drinking to a minimum so you do not have to pee so much. Please be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">COURTEOUS</span> of those around you.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Thank you.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFSWwSfoI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ZZCjxfrMIRk/s1600/SPX-031988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFSWwSfoI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ZZCjxfrMIRk/s320/SPX-031988.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite being an acoustic show, they were still pretty well plugged in. Instead of electric guitars they were playing acoustics. They did many of the crowd favorites; 45, Fly from the Inside, Devour, Call Me, I Dare You, and even my personal favorite Simple Man, which quite literally brought a tear to my eye. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I firmly believe their music has helped me through some of the hardest times of my life these last 3 years and has kept me from falling into that black hole of depression I once lived in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am forever grateful for Brent and his band to have given us all such a gift.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In between each song Brent has always taken the time to say hello, reach out to his audience as best as any musician could. He will tell a story, share his world. In this particular tour, “Anything and Everything” Brent goes behind the scenes to tell us the “hows” and “whys” of a particular song. He lets you in his life, and opens up his world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of my favorite lines from the songs:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I Dare You</b> - <span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Even in madness, I know you still believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trade Yourself In</b> - <span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">You see me and you know I am not the same can’t pretend just to fake a smile<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>If You Only Knew </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 8pt;">- </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">It's 4:03 and I can't sleep</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Without you next to me I</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Toss and turn like the sea</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">If I drown tonight, bring me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Back to life</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Breathe your breath in me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">The only thing that I still believe</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">In is you, if you only knew</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shed Some Light</b> –</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I ’m falling apart again I can’t find a way to make amends I’m looking in both directions but it’s make believe its all pretend so<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Shed some light on me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And old me up in disbelief<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And shed some light on me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And tell me something that I’ll believe in<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Second Chance (the whole song)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">My eyes are open wide<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">By the way I made it through the day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I watch the world outside <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">By the way I’m leaving out today<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I just saw Hayley’s comet she waved<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Said “why you always running in place?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Even the man in the moon disappeared<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Somewhere in the stratosphere”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Tell my mother, tell my father<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve done the best I can<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">To make them realize<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my life<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope they understand<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not angry, I’m just saying<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes goodbye is a second chance<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Please don’t try one tear for me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not afraid of what I have to say<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my one and only voice<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">So listen close, it’s only for today<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is my chance<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my chance<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breaking Inside: <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t wanna live<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">To waste another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Underneath the shadows <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Of mistakes I’ve made<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Cuz I feel like I’m breaking inside<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t wanna fall<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And say I lost it all<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Cuz maybe there’s a part of me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">That hit the wall<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Leaving pieces of me behind<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And I feel like I’m breaking inside<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Call Me:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Wrap me in a bolt of lightning<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Send me on my way still smiling<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe that’s the way I should go<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Straight into the mouth of the unknown<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve said it so many times<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I would change my ways <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">No, nevermind<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">God knows I’ve tried<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fly From the Inside<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I am focused on what I am after <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">The key to the next open chapter<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Cause I found a way to steal the sun from the sky<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Long live that day that I decided to fly from the inside<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is more. I think their might very well be something from every Shinedown song that I apply to some portion of my life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been thinking about a new tattoo for quite some time, and even though I have wanted the photo that Elonna got for me for quite some time now, I am thinking perhaps something else is in order. I have wanted “Believe” for a while. I believe in many things. I believe life will get better. I have to believe. There is a Staind song that is “Believe” that the BF and really feel applies to us. There is also a Shindown lyric “I still believe” which I love. After the concert I had one of those ephifany moments where I just knew what I wanted to do to the “Believe.” I wanted something different, not like everyone else’s. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">SOOOO</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am thinking a shooting star, Haley’s comet, the man in the moon, believe, and the Shinedown symbol all painted in a pretty picture. I think it’s going to be great. Bits and pieces of all these things that mean something to me in my life right now. That’s what tattoos are, a map of life, your journey, where you have been, where you will be. A canvas of art. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Until next time.....</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27939606642309894622010-11-23T20:09:00.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:35.944-05:00Free! List of Home Business Deductions for Schedule C<div style="text-align: center;">Original post from Business Support Group Blog</div><div style="text-align: center;">Free! List of Home Business Deductions for Schedule C</div><div style="text-align: center;">By Chrystal Mahan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of the many advantages to having your own home based business is the deductions you can claim for Schedule C. You will want to keep extremely accurate records of all money coming in and going out for your home business.<br /><br />1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Advertising (includes: billboards, newspaper, online, business cards)<br />2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bank Fees on Business Accounts<br />3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vehicle Expense<br />4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cost of Goods Sold<br />5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Depreciation on Office Equipment<br />6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commissions and Fees<br />7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dues for Trade Associations<br />8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dues for Trade Publications<br />9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Employee Benefits – for those with employees<br />10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Contractor Payments – for those that hire contractors<br />11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Insurance<br />12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Office Expenses<br />13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Office Supplies<br />14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Interest<br />15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Any Legal and Professional Services<br />16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meals and Entertainment<br />17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rent or Lease Expense<br />18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Materials<br />19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repairs and Maintenance<br />20.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pension or Profit-Sharing Plans – for self or employees<br />21.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Travel Expense – related to business<br />22.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Utilities (for home office portion)<br />23.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cell Phone (only business portion)<br />24.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Internet (only business use portion)<br />25.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some Education Tuition<br /><br /><br />As you can see the list is quite extensive. Keeping track of your expenses will make things easier for you or your accountant at tax time. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your business is to set up and file system. You will need one file for things such as vehicle, utilities, bank statements, advertisement, etc. Once your bill or invoice comes in, you can place it in the appropriate folder. Any purchases you make keep the receipt and place it in the appropriate file as well. Even with the best accounting or bookkeeping software it is best to have a hard copy for documentation.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16390765423809413292010-11-22T17:39:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:24:20.706-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 5: Dear .........<div class="MsoNormal">Dear ……..</div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear kid who sat next to me,<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Hats off to you for being such a good side pal. You were nice, courteous and I loved that you were teaching your dad MMA rules as the fights went on. My hat goes off to you. Keep going forward. You will make it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear dude at the end of my isle,<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you for handling my money and beer when the beer man came past. My cup would have remained empty if not for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear real fighters, <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes you. No, not you wanna be I had a bar room brawl, but yes you, pro fighter, make your opponent bleed. We like blood. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear Joe Rogan, <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">People in the audience want to hear you. People at home should not hog you. Please share.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear people watching the pay per view, <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please share Joe Rogan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear Dana White, <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please come back to Detroit. Please share Joe Rogan with the live audience and not just the viewers at home. And thank you for taking time out for the fans. Thumbs up on all the jumbo trons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear one million and one douchebags,<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Find a new hobby before one of the real fighters hear you talking your stupid shit and pop you in the mouth.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You have been warned. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33619995587944854692010-11-22T17:06:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:22:37.591-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 4: Dear Total Douchebag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrnTUPbrII/AAAAAAAAALw/nyhAxORBVMQ/s1600/douchebag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrnTUPbrII/AAAAAAAAALw/nyhAxORBVMQ/s320/douchebag.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Dear Total Douchebag</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I have been to many fights; this however was my first UFC, and likely my last. Maybe. We shall see.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> I prefer watching it on pay per view. Live is a mess, you can’t hear Joe Rogan except when he goes in to the ring to congratulate the fighters. I find much humor in some of his commentary, plus the guy actually knows what he is talking about. Watching it live there is a huge amount of dead air where we are forced to create our own commentary.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Or, for someone like me, you tend to people watch and listen to the words of others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Dear Joe Blow behind me, please keep your mouth shut when you don’t know what the hell you are talking about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Joe Blow to Joe Girl:</b> Yanno Dana White fired Rampage so he ran off to make a movie, which flopped so he went running back to Dana for his job back. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Joe Girl:</b> Really??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Me:</b> WTF? Look on my face. Really? Are you a fan or a jump on the bandwagon I am only here to look cool for my friends/girl when in reality I bought this t-shirt at Spencer’s, my hair gel at Dollar General , I spray tan twice a week, and I really look like tool, but I am trying to prove to the world I am not really a douche. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOro9xgGrBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/Vp70-CbeskE/s1600/douchebaggus-maximus-douchebag-stupid-myspace-demotivational-poster-1234404744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOro9xgGrBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/Vp70-CbeskE/s320/douchebaggus-maximus-douchebag-stupid-myspace-demotivational-poster-1234404744.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*cough cough* I can smell a falsie a mile away. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">A REAL fan would know Dana DID NOT fire Rampage. Yanno? Dana has a pretty tight contract with his guys. Rampage was a perfect fit for Mr. T. and therefore went into “retirement” so that he could make his movie. Which I might add did not flop and made him upwards of $10 million. Not too shabby if you ask me. Once he was done, he entered back in to the UFC and went on with his MMA career. Didn’t Tito, Shamrock, Couture, Liddell and a handful of others “retire?” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I think it is something about testosterone and alcohol that make grown men act like total douchebags. All knowing, all powerful, and they are right, the fighter they like is the best; that is until their fighter loses. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Then all of the sudden that guy sucks and he is off to liking someone else in a blink.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Wow. What a fan. Jump on the bandwagon again why don’t you. True fans stick by the person they are a fan of through highs and lows, just like a favorite sports team.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Will someone please remind Mr. Tool Douchebag how that works. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrpKb8Z80I/AAAAAAAAAL4/ysZCLDY6dIk/s1600/dbbingoboard_v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrpKb8Z80I/AAAAAAAAAL4/ysZCLDY6dIk/s320/dbbingoboard_v1.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I know there are legitimate fans out there. The ones who live, sleep, eat, shit, breath MMA. They have their favorite fighters and they stick by them. They don’t care how many UFC, Tapout or MMA shirts they have in their closet. Hell, they may not even have any at all. Up until last night I did not own a single one, aside from an ex’s mentors training camp (who by the way happens to be Dan Severn. True MMA fans will know who that is) and an IFL try out fight shirt that the same ex got for me. I sleep in them. No one sees them, and I don’t care. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I felt I deserved a nice souvenir from the first ever show in Detroit. So, I bought one. I don’t put gel in my hair, and I can recite you a list of fighters and their stats. A poser I can assure you I am not. Nothing false about me. I am 100% pure MMA addicted, douchebag hater, blood loving, and pain inflicting, female.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrpZ7gmeqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/caDfg2DmQbU/s1600/Girlfight-michelle-rodriguez-609344_1024_768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrpZ7gmeqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/caDfg2DmQbU/s320/Girlfight-michelle-rodriguez-609344_1024_768.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17644392288638640112010-11-22T16:49:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:21:59.757-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 3: Palace of Auburn Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrkjM_KTXI/AAAAAAAAALk/gqVgAS_VyHw/s1600/I+Love+Cage+Fighters+Girls+Shirt+Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrkjM_KTXI/AAAAAAAAALk/gqVgAS_VyHw/s320/I+Love+Cage+Fighters+Girls+Shirt+Pink.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Palace of Auburn Hills</div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We all know by now the UFC 123 made its debut in Detroit at the Palace of Auburn Hills and yours truly sat there proudly. There were six of us all in a row.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you know that Michigan has one of the highest unemployment rates in the U.S.? I guess that makes us pretty poor. Either Dana or the ticket promoters had a kind idea to reduce the prices of tickets. I am not sure what they were supposed to be, I guess about $1000 for the back part of the floor. I guess ours should have been about $500 or so. Wow, we got such a bargain. We were a section away from nose bleeds and we paid $97 per ticket. Ouch. Made quite a dent to the wallet. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">First UFC event in Michigan, first UFC event for me, I felt it was worth it. You never know if they are going to come back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">We got to see quite a few fights before the pre-fight pay per view show started. The seats were not filled, so I wondered if Michigan was in such a bad state with the economy that even with reduced prices people could not afford to come. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">As time went on a few more seats started to fill. By the time the pay per view started and we were live on air, just about every seat was full. At one point Bruce announced that it was sold out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wow! Sold out!! That is awesome. Hopefully Dana will see that and make it a point to come back to Michigan. We might be unemployed and our economy might not be what it is compared to some states, but obviously we found a way to save our money and purchase some UFC tickets. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I really don’t have too much to say in regards to the fights. I am pretty sure I mentioned that in the previous blogs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do have a few things, just random, and really quick.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">An Irish guy fought an English guy and lost. Anyone else see some irony in that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">BJ Penn and Matt Hughes 3 – I only got one word – Mahalo.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry country boy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrlIOFfGDI/AAAAAAAAALo/pDDc9ncDBMg/s1600/rampage-jackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrlIOFfGDI/AAAAAAAAALo/pDDc9ncDBMg/s320/rampage-jackson.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Rampage and Machida – I have only 2 words “Dog Pound!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrlMnrT0II/AAAAAAAAALs/yHdEApcp_UQ/s1600/wenn1450153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrlMnrT0II/AAAAAAAAALs/yHdEApcp_UQ/s320/wenn1450153.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36301093527167707432010-11-22T16:34:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:19:40.864-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 2: Yeah, So??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrhYlXfwNI/AAAAAAAAALg/xx02HMVUQM8/s1600/155kk786.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrhYlXfwNI/AAAAAAAAALg/xx02HMVUQM8/s320/155kk786.bmp" height="256" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, so?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/ufc-123-girls-point-ufc-and-me-part.html" target="_blank">Read part 1 here.</a><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now you have a bit of knowledge about me. I am not a bandwagon junkie. I have sent my dues in to Dana White and his UFC Empire every time I order a pay per view. Every time I go to a fight show, amateur or pro I am giving money to someone, and that someone could be pushing along the next UFC star. I have seen fighters go up, and in the blink of an eye, fall right back into the dirt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I am clearly, not one of those girls.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am however, a girl who is going to speak her mind. So, if I piss you off, too bad. That’s what the comment section is for. If you are going to whine and bitch because my opinion or thoughts don’t match yours, I really don’t care. We were not all created to be exactly the same. What a waste of the human race if we were. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and ideas. I am not going to lose any sleep over someone who thinks differently than I do. Unless, you are just a blatant idiot and it shows. In that case, you are warned, I will call your ass out on it. I am not running around with some pink bow in my hair with matching frilly underwear hoping to make peace. This is not the nightly news.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a matter of fact, this really isn’t even going to be a news article. Who needs another one of those? During every UFC fight my Twitter blows up, so and so says this, that and the other. Oh, this link to this article is great; follow that link.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> OH MY GAWD it’s like the Twitter yellow fucking brick road to oz. All of the articles are the same cookie cutter chewed up and spit out spin off of another article. The internet is full of these. People out to make a few dollars off of a post of someone else’s work. Article spinners us freelancers call them. </div><div class="MsoNormal">What? You don’t have enough imagination or grammar skills to compose your own article? Maybe you should find something else to do with your time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t get me wrong, there are a few legitimate sports writers out there who actually report the good stuff, but these people who spin the article, rewrite it and call it theirs is horseshit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really, get a real job.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80876411795387856782010-11-22T16:21:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:19:07.491-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 1:About Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrdpU5vV-I/AAAAAAAAALc/g7tMiyF_O5o/s1600/five1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrdpU5vV-I/AAAAAAAAALc/g7tMiyF_O5o/s320/five1.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hey, that title rhymes. Was not intentional, trust me. The last thing I want to do now is come across as being so cliché that no one is going to take the time to listen to me. This is not going to be one of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">those </i>articles. You know the ones I am talking about. Someone who jumped on the UFC bandwagon just because it is “hip, chick, popular, cool, trendy, in-the-now” or any other word you want to insert there. This also is not going to be another one of those types of newsworthy sports related articles written by *some* girl. Oh, I have heard every males point of view regarding female sports announcers. I could care less. If a girl grew up in Nebraska or Texas and lives, eats, sleeps, shits football then she should be allowed to write, announce, or talk about it just as much as a man should. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I assure you, I might be a girl, but I have something more important to say than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">those </i>girls anyway. Most of the girls you see at an MMA event only like the UFC because the guy they like/love/dating/married to/or are just simply trying to impress are in to it. And chances are many of those guys are in to it because it’s what’s cool right now, and what testosterone filled man isn’t going to want to watch even more testosterone beat the shit out of each other for pure enjoyment, and like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A bit about me, I am 35 years old and have been in and out of the fight scene since I was, oh let’s see, in Jr. High? I am not so sure you could count junior high whip asses a fight, but certainly street fighting is how a lot of pro fighters get a taste for the thrill. I think, for me personally, it’s in my DNA. Here is where I become cliché. I am Irish. Isn’t that what everyone in the world thinks Irish people do is drink and fight? I have always enjoyed watching a good ass whipping.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember in high school I had a friend who went to another school; we would skip classes quite often and take the transit downtown. Quite often, mostly on Fridays we were able to find a group of guys standing outside a venue, looking all tough and scraggly. It was then we learned about what I will just call a tough man competition. It has been so long ago, I could not really tell you the real name, what the rules were, or how it even came to be. All I remember is guys signed up to beat the shit out of each other and they had them almost every weekend. On Friday nights I would pretend to spend the night with someone and sneak off to watch these fights. The bloodier they got, the more I cheered them on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It should be no surprise that as I got older I became interested in boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, tough man competitions, wresting, and so on. Although not much blood was shed with many of those, it was still a good ass whooping. I remember the early years of Pride, WEC, TapOut, UFC, and the various others that came and went. I remember the picketers trying to tell congress this should not be allowed in state while the rest of the world immediately flipped up that middle finger. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We wanted it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> We liked it and we got it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59251187999807182442010-11-22T16:16:00.006-05:002014-07-29T14:12:21.052-04:00Book Review: The Accidental Exorcist by Joshua Graham - The Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VDawH7N-Q0/U9fivyM5qUI/AAAAAAAASB0/TMnqg4Q5qLQ/s1600/accidental-exorcist-cover-2.1-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VDawH7N-Q0/U9fivyM5qUI/AAAAAAAASB0/TMnqg4Q5qLQ/s1600/accidental-exorcist-cover-2.1-copy.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><span style="color: #649900;"><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1AuZXhO" target="_blank">The Accidental Exorcist by Joshua Graham</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Here is a synopsis of the book from Barnes and Noble.com :</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 12px;">When forensic psychiatrist Abigail Lee meets a baby-killing mother who has been declared criminally insane and acquitted, she discovers something lurking beneath the surface. Something far deeper and more insidious than mere psychopathy. But can she come to terms with her own struggle with science and faith in time to confront it?</span></i></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Did you know that this book is actually listed in the Christian Fiction section? I had no idea when I first downloaded it. As of November 16, 2010 it reached #7 in the ebook downloads on bn.com. Wow, I guess I am not the only one out there intrigued by such topics.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book is a mere 31 pages and it literally took me an hour to read. I am not really sure how to even begin discussing this book. For anyone who does not like the subject of evil, exorcist, or the devil may not want to purchase this book. Although it is listed in the Christian section, there really is not a lot (in my opinion) in regards to religion other than a piece of scripture here and there and of course the plot of good vs. evil.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> Because the book is so short, I am not going to go in to detail about it. It was a good read, you already know the subject, I will leave it up to you as to whether you choose to read it or not.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">12/14/2010- UPDATE (was originally published on Helium. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">They have closed.</a>)</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 21px;">Welcome to the world of state forensic Psychiatrist Abigail Lee. And if that line was any indication as to how the rest of the book was going to be, I might be in for a real treat. You see, I love horror, scary, murder, true crime, paranormal type stories. Anything that has to do with exorcisms intrigues me.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 21px;">The book had great reviews, so I figured I had nothing to lose.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 21px;">If you saw the Diary of Emily Rose and the trial of science vs. religion, and enjoyed it, this book would be a good fit for you.</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35578116146318369302010-11-22T14:25:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:18:48.099-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrC8MQB6PI/AAAAAAAAALU/IKoKuA8Re00/s1600/ufc-123-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrC8MQB6PI/AAAAAAAAALU/IKoKuA8Re00/s320/ufc-123-poster.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started working on this blog<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/the-crown-plaza-hotel-in-auburn-hills.html" target="_blank"> last night after I got back from the weekend trip. </a>I was tired, and I rambled. I rambled on so long it ended up being three typed pages. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided not to publish it, instead I am going to rewrite it today and post it in installments. I wanted to talk about more than just the fights.<br /><a name='more'></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With the fights, there is not much left to say that someone else has not already, so instead of just reporting the news like all the sports journalists out there did, I am going to just talk about some basics and give my little bits of sarcasm and such that I am so good at. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Hopefully breaking it in to smaller chunks will make it much easier to read and follow along with.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have also uploaded some fight videos to my YouTube and you are more than welcome to watch them here:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/okirishchik"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> OKIRISHCHIK’S YouTube</span></b></span></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4563640720047220472010-11-20T12:21:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:18:18.222-04:00The Crown Plaza Hotel in Auburn Hills, MI (UFC 123 Weekend)<a href="http://www.cpauburnhills.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Crown Plaza</span> </a>in Auburn Hills, MI has to be the best hotel I have ever stayed at. (click Crown Plaza to see a slide show of where I am).<br /><br />I have stayed in quite a few hotels in my life. Some really, really gross and some have just been, well, a typical hotel.<br /><br />I am quite pleased with the Crown Plaza. It has the highest ratings and it was actually cheaper than the other hotels in the area. We are on the 8th floor. I have never even stayed at a hotel that even had an 8th floor. Only two floor hotels. The thing that really gets me are the little things. This room was cheaper for us thanks to a AAA discount so in reality it is a little more than the ones around us. This fancy room cost us the same as the Bay Resort in Tawas, which you would *think* would be much more prone to small details. But they are not. Cups are plastic, coffee is plain.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Not here. We get real coffee cups, not those plastic ones that are wrapped in even more plastic. They even gave us travel coffee cups with lids. The coffee is not off brand like most places, instead we are being treated to Wolfgang Puck's brand of coffee which he actually grows on his own land.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />The bed is a nice plush king size bed with a feather bed topper and plenty of crisp clean sheets. Often, a single room has a queen bed. I know this because Matt and I tend to merge to the middle of the bed and there is not much room on either side of us. There are some hotels that offer single rooms with a king bed, but not too many. Most rooms are standard queen beds, either a single or double.<br /><br />I liked the bed, don't get me wrong. Its awesome to sit and relax in. I am actually writing this blog post from the comforts of this bed. I feel like I am being pampered, spoiled. And with the way life has been lately, I deserve to feel this way.<br /><br />Places that pay attention to small details get bonus points in my book. I am huge on customer satisfaction. Must of been all those years I had to work in retail.<br /><br />We have a flat screen TV. Right now I am watching Man on Fire. Last night I watched Avatar. I don't get to watch much TV at home, so this is a pure luxury. No dogs to take out to potty, no worries of work or homework. Even though technically I am working. Here I am posting a blog as well as working on my novel here. Quite and peaceful, not to mention relaxing is a good atmosphere for writing.<br /><br />The hotel bar, O'Malley's was your friendly, Irish Pub. We had a good time. Our waiter was awesome and the Guinness was on TAP! BONUS!! The food was pretty good too.<br /><br />Breakfast this morning was bacon and eggs for me, steak and eggs for Matt. Nothing too fancy, but again they pay attention to detail. Doilies on your plates, orange juice in wine glasses, pots of coffee, jelly, and peanut butter. I have never been anywhere that offered peanut butter packets! Everything just looks so pretty.<br /><br />I know, I am weird. But again, these small things can make all the difference in the world.<br /><br />The water glasses that every room has along with the water bucket are not typical either. The tray and bucket remind me of something that you would see in the den of someone with a lot of money, surrounded by walls of books. Brandy and whiskey bottles surrounding the glasses. These glasses are not plastic, which is what I have always had, like the coffee cups. Instead, they are glass and actually quite pretty. And there it all sits on top of the in room refrigerator. Very cool.<br /><br />I know there is more, but that is all I can really think of right now.<br /><br />The bed, as comfy as it is was not all that fun to sleep in. I had forgotten my pillow at home. I have a special pillow that supports my neck. Helps with all my spinal problems. These pillows, nice and fluffy and plush, and I love them, but my body does not. I woke with a bad headache, stiff neck, my hip had popped out of place where my disk problems are. So I am thinking a trip to the hot tub is in order before I do much of anything else. Not that I have much of a plan for today, except to chill. Tonight is going to be a long, and fun night, but I need to save what little energy I have on that.<br /><br />You see, I did not sleep very well. Although we tried to go to sleep around Midnight, at 3am I was still awake. Every time Matt would move, even just the slightest, the bed would bounce. A little after 3 I was pretty frustrated and he ended up sleeping on the floor. Surprisingly he actually slept pretty good. I did not, I just could not sleep or get comfortable. It was almost 10am before we got up and around. I guess I did sleep a little, Matt said I was snoring. I know I dozed, but I know I did not stay asleep.<br /><br />Friday we did not leave until about 11:30a or so. We stopped for some lunch at Joes Crab Shack, which was yummy per usual. We did some shopping at Old Navy, even though I did not find anything, Matt found a cute little winter hat. We checked into the hotel and hung around until dinner time. Matt forgot , his swim suit so he had to go to Wal Mart to get one while I stayed in the room to finish watching Avatar. We hung out in the Irish Pub, O'Malley's located inside our hotel, for a few hours. Good food, good drinks, and great service.<br /><br />Well, the battery is about to die on my laptop. The cord is around here, but I am thinking I would like to hit the hot tub before I do any more.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55374645879643318092010-11-19T22:00:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:17:07.857-04:00YouTube - At O'Malleys<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O9yp0u9Evg">YouTube - At O'Malleys</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Having food, drinks, Guinness and dessert at the O'Malley's pub inside our hotel. Good times.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58106343977425604442010-11-19T21:58:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:17:05.229-04:00YouTube - Checking out hotel<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDzJU85dNrw">YouTube - Checking out hotel</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Video of Matt hugging the window a little too much LOL</div><div>Checking out our fancy hotel, The Crown Plaza.</div><div>I don't want to get out of this bed, where I am typing this from.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-693084576616338422010-11-19T21:57:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:17:02.739-04:00YouTube - Joes Crab Shack<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03lOY0yQHTA">YouTube - Joes Crab Shack</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Here is a little video of Matt and I eating at Joes Crab Shack checking out my new iPod Touch and the video option!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-288785133793419992010-11-19T11:53:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:16:59.638-04:00UFC 123I am getting ready to head out for the weekend. I decided that even though we only live about 45 minutes away from The Palace of Auburn Hills, we are going to spend the entire weekend down there. The dogs are with mom and Maddy will be with grammie. We should be home Sunday early enough to spend a little time with her.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />The UFC 123 is coming to Michigan. Normally we watch these fights on Pay Per View. Being an MMA fan its almost a dream to actually see it live. This is the 1st time they have come to Michigan. Won't be my first mma fight I have gone to, but it is the first <a href="http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC123/">UFC</a> one. I am really excited. Should be a lot of fun. Dan, Becky, Q and Nicci will be meeting us tomorrow night for the actual fight. We will be meeting up with them since we all sit in the same row. Today is the autograph session and later today is the weigh ins. Should be a fun filled adventurous weekend. *crosses fingers* At least I hope so.<br /><br />Last night we had a pretty bad fight, so we are trying to play nice today.<br /><br />So, I likely won't be blogging this weekend, but Monday I am going to get started on getting some things together and reading up on some blog websites like problogger.com. I would like to see residual income like some of those professional bloggers get. And with this blog and the 4 others that are linked to it, I should be able to really get my own writing off the ground instead of writing for all these other people where my work makes them more money then it does myself.<br /><br />So, see you guys later!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54350977954502670962010-11-18T20:34:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:36.231-05:00Kindle Publishing for Blogs<a href="https://kindlepublishing.amazon.com/gp/vendor/members/kindlepubs/common/landing-page?originatingURI=/gp/vendor/members/kindlepubs/blogs">Kindle Publishing for Blogs</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Did you know, Amazons Kindle has a "publish your blog" program? What a nifty ebook feature.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33850084751526339402010-11-18T12:40:00.004-05:002014-07-29T14:12:48.562-04:00Book Review: Getting Started on The Accidental Exorcist by Joshua Graham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0pKJmNR2kg/U9fiTYBMzMI/AAAAAAAASBs/jc1o7DwT54o/s1600/accidental-exorcist-cover-2.1-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0pKJmNR2kg/U9fiTYBMzMI/AAAAAAAASBs/jc1o7DwT54o/s1600/accidental-exorcist-cover-2.1-copy.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />So I was going through some Nook books on BN.com when I came across their new PubIt section. These are books that have been self published through Barnes and Noble. Featured in the Horror category was this little gem for 99cents. I loaded up my bargain, got cozy on the bed and began to read.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The first line: "I had to do it. They were my babies." - Joshua Graham</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Welcome to the world of state forensic Psychatrist Abigail Lee.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book had great reviews, so I shall return to <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/book-review-accidental-exorcist-by.html" target="_blank">this post</a> when I am done reading to give an update.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 21px;">Now available on <a href="http://amzn.to/1AuZXhO" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle</a></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63212201647756074552010-11-16T12:43:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:36.288-05:00Gifts for Soliders<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=204327&u=465182&m=22299&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas Gift Baskets- International Delivery" border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/22299/234x60.jpg" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62659451260419500832010-11-16T12:05:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:16:31.705-04:00Sharing Your Words With The World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss81/wiido/sdd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss81/wiido/sdd.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Blogging for me is easy, because I enjoy sharing my words. I have been writing in diaries and journals for as long as I can remember. There was one, my first one that I ripped up and shredded, fearful someone was going to find out my secrets. It must have been before I was about 9, because I have that one, and every single one I have written since then. These journals fill about 3 or 4 boxes that are safely tucked away at my mother’s house. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I used to go through those journals, rereading my words of the past. Now they seem to be a distant memory. I still have a diary, but in 2005 I started blogging online. Blogging gave me a way to showcase my writings as well as give me a voice to share my life. In doing so I made an excessive amount of friends. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though my hand written journal has taken the back burner, my blogging has not. It was a little slow the last few years but I think I have finally found my voice and motivation again.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I choose to share my life, my words, because I know that somewhere out there someone has gone through or is currently going through the same things that I have. This is a common bond which can bring people together and form a friendship. The way I see it, a person can never have too many friends. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am inspired by others. I know the amount of talent that is out there to be shared. I, like many, have endured a lot through life experiences. These experience I have written about it all my journals, both on and offline. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sharing your life online to the public is very scary. I debated about reloading five years worth of blogs in to one. So many memories of my past I was not ready to revisit. It left me open and vulnerable.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> It does not matter how many people out there understand what I am going through, or how many support me for there will always be those that want to be a critic. These critics will read a passage, maybe some poetry or even a story and want to pick apart my words. Then, they will post on their own blog some sort of rebuttal and make a mockery of the words. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sharing can be hard. It could also turn around and bite you in the rear end. I am not really sharing anything here that people in my life have not already heard. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you are a blogger or just a reader, remember this when you are in Blogland, no matter how kind, how popular, how pretty, or how talented – putting yourself out there for the world to see takes courage and one should be applauded for that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30089574670298341512010-11-11T19:28:00.000-05:002014-09-22T18:16:15.961-04:00What’s Up With Chrys? November Volume 1<div class="MsoNormal">What’s Up With Chrys? November Volume 1</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">11/11/10<br /><br />First off, this is my blog and it is my freedom and my right to say whatever I want.<br /><br />Ok, continue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I need to get the ball rolling on another blog. The cat is sitting on my lap, refusing to move. Apparently dark time is momma time as well as time for the dogs to go to bed. It’s the same routine every night. So I am going to rush through this because he is really in my way!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been awake since about 5am today. I kept waking up at odd hours of the night and when I tried to go back to sleep this last time I could not. So I just lay in bed until 7am when it was time to get the trash to the corner and the dogs outside for the first potty break of the day. Thankfully, Matt got up to help. He has been setting the alarm clock to get up in the mornings. After over a year of us fighting about it, why now? Why now after all this time are you trying to prove to me that you can or that you will change? And how long is this going to last? It never lasted before, why should I believe this time is going to be any different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find myself at a crossroads, yet again. It is not a very happy place to be and I just do not know what to do any more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When things are good, we make a great team. But, lately things have not been so good. I am in so much turmoil and emotional pain that I pretty much cry myself to sleep every night.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now I wonder, I can’t even remember, some of the good times because they are so far and few in-between anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is hard for me to just pick up and move, for so many reasons. Many being financial. If I do leave, I just want to get out on my own. I don’t want to live with anyone else. I just want to be my own person, free to take care of myself and not worry about everyone else. Work when I want, study when I need, turn my homework in on time. Oh, that would be so nice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, life is hard. This is not what I signed up for. I just want to be happy, and really, I don’t think that I am. Sometimes I seem that way, or I might feel that way, but it never seems to last. Always short lived and that makes me sad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been building my writing business and I bust my tail end doing the best that I can with that. I work more than 40 hours a week sometimes. I am in school full time. My days are spread thin. I have to get the cat fed in the AM, take the dogs out (he is now starting to share the AM, but still forgets the day time), I cook all of my own meals and often dinner for us both, and weekends I do the cooking, cleaning up, and so on. I start Maddy bath, give it over to Matt and then he just makes her cry and I have to finish it. I never get to rest during the week, or even on the weekends. I literally work in some way, shape, or form daily. I don’t get a break and no one is taking care of me. But there I am, helping Matt because he is only working 12-18 hours a week. Just handing over money like it is growing on trees. I do and pay more than my fair share. But, I should not have to. There is no reason why he can’t spend more time doing these household and fatherly things since he has more free time on his hands.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why do I have to be the one stressed to the limits daily?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here I am, a 12 hour work day. And where is he? Out shopping with his mommy. Been gone for hours now. He had all these things that yesterday he promised he would do today, that isn’t getting done. And by the time he gets home he will have to head straight over to jujitsu.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He wants to act like I am the bad guy. Oh I am so mean. Whatever. I am mean because I ask for and deserve help? The problem is his mother babies him so he never has to do anything and that carries over into this house. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I kid you not, if child services saw this house before I moved in, there would have been NO way they would have allowed Maddy here on the weekends. Not to mention he did not bath her or comb her hair. That was done by his mom and did not start here until after I moved in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He needs to be the responsible one. She belongs to him. I think he needs to grow up, man up, whatever up.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My job and my school are just as important as everyone else’s out there in the world. I should be treated with the same respect. If I have to work, end of story. If I have to study, end of story. I should not get a guilt trip about a child I did not give birth to. Working from home changes nothing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And don’t get me started on his mom. We can’t go through anything as adults without her holding his hand. She is nosy. Calls 4-5 times a day. Always nitpicking at him over stupid shit. She is bossy. Overbearing. Every time I am around them they fight. And she wonders why I don’t come around. He does not tell her what’s going on here. He has everyone believing he is the perfect man and does everything right. He does not want to admit that he is part of the problem. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is the first one to take my money, the first one to always want to go do things, and those all cost money. Which I pay for. But yet if I get a headache or just don’t want to go, or, even ask for help, I am the bad guy.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am always tired. Always stressed. I work hard. I give all that I earn. And yet I am the bad guy?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is something wrong with this picture. And I am really angry about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t believe he is going to change. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wish I had a lot of money so I could just pick a place, pack it up, and go.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14840624486564293792010-11-03T13:39:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:15:57.482-04:00Moving On<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k1bxlDAjGCo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k1bxlDAjGCo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">I'm movin' on</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">At last I can see life has been patiently waiting for me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">And I know there's no guarantees, but I'm not alone</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">There comes a time in everyone's life</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">When all you can see are the years passing by</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">And I have made up my mind that those days are gone</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">~ Rascal Flatts</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></span><br /><div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4308040337637067" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You know, I thought we had finally reached a point where things were going to work out. A point where we had come to a mutual understanding. We had talked about and planned a future. In a matter of minutes, that was all shattered as I was once again asked about something that I have already explained more times than I can remember. I don't think the parties involved are just ever going to get it. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4308040337637067" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4308040337637067" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4308040337637067" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just like every semester my classes always have an assignment due on Saturdays. Sometimes, even Sundays. And this semester looks to be no different. I can see my classes, just not the actual assignments. Because I am so close to graduation and in senior classes the work load is higher than it ever has been.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For those that don’t know, I attend college online through a local in state college. It is an accelerated program and each session last 6 weeks and each semester has 2 sessions. I usually take 4 classes in a semester, 2 each session. We end up covering 3-4 chapters a WEEK! I have to post to the online forums 5 out of 7 days. The week starts on a Thursday, and I have no idea why, but homework is plentiful.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Just like every semester I have to bust my ass on Thursday when the school week starts to get all the study/reading (2 classes means about 6 chapters) on top of working and maybe starting the weekend assignment if I have time. Fridays are the same, I bust my ass getting work done so I can start on the homework Sometime I have homework on Fridays. I HAVE to get Saturdays done by Friday night because there is NO way their will be time to work on it on Saturday and get it done before the deadline. I have too many work related deadlines during the week to try and shift my schedule around. Having Maddy on the weekends prevents any work or homework getting done. I have tried and it always turns into a nightmare.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not only is there work and school, I have a writer enrichment program for the next two months for Demand Studios. It was a huge opportunity for me to be picked, I am not going to screw that up. I have lost a lot of clients because of this living situation and Matt being home so often during the week. I can't do that anymore.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So long as I am in school I will </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NOT </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">be able to watch Madison if/when he works Friday nights and likely not on weekends either. It is not fair to me when I have my own work and school. Its not fair that just because its all online that I am the one who gets pushed. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are a couple of choices. Matt can prearrange it with Angie that any Friday night he has to work she just stays with her mom that night and we go get her Saturday morning. And prearrange any weekend things that might come up. It should first go between the two of them since they are the parents.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">OR</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Matt can have his mom watch her and we'll get her Saturday morn since it will be after 11p by the time he gets home. And they can work out weekends if need be.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before I moved in Matt was working 2 jobs. He has a weekend job and she was more than happy to help then. She always wants to take Maddy so why is this any different now? Just because I live here does not mean I am at their disposal. I have work as well. Everyone is so willing to work with him around his school, at least they were. So how come my school and work don’t seem to be as important?d</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My mother is not an option. She works daily, often 9-10 hours a day. It is not fair that I ask her to watch Maddy on her time to rest. More than likely, since shes in retail, she is working the same as Matt so its a mute point.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone needs to understand that if Matt is working Friday NIGHT that generally means he will be home during the day. And since he only working 2-3 days a week, that means I have to work even harder when he is gone to make up for when he is here because my income and productivity drop to 1/4 of what it is when he is gone all day. I have tried everything to combat this.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have deadlines that I HAVE to meet as well as weekly quotas. Just because I work from home and my classes are online does not mean I have the freedom to do what I want. I still have to treat it as if I was going in to the office every day and driving to campus every day. It is a huge misconception that working from home is easy. It is not, by any means. You have to be productive and you have to be willing to work hard to get things done. You can’t procrastinate. You are your own boss and motivator. I have had to change my schedule around so many time in the last year, I have lost count. Why always me?? What is the fairness in that???</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IF</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- neither of these options is workable for Matt, then it is his responsibility as her father to find and likely pay a weekend babysitter.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another option</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is to change his availability at work to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MW</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> open to ?, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">F</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> open to 5, and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TuThur</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> open to 5. No Friday nights, Saturdays or Sundays. Legally they cannot fire him if he tells them "I have my daughter ONLY on the weekends" and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">do not </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">have a babysitter. If they do, he could sue them for job discrimination for having a child because he has other available hours to work. And they have other people that can work weekends. I know quite a few people who have won this type of case when they took it to the labor board. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, he does have options and things he can do. He just need to figure it out. I am tired of being the dump on person. Just like he has a work and school life, so do I. He’s her father so its his responsibility to work things out. I was in school when we met, so hecknew this coming in to the relationship. I do everything I can to make sure him and Maddy are provided for, that the bills get paid, the animals are taken care of and that we have money for other things, and I always put myself last. Not only to I have to pay for my things and our things, I have to make up for what you are lacking with less hours at work.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can't do that anymore. I can't let my career and my school suffer. I have to take care of me since no one else will. Matt gets to take off here and there on weekends to be with his friends and airsoft. Not once since I moved in here have I gone out alone on the weekends. It's not fair.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If he continues to not understand and try to work it out on his own, and this type of thing continues to happen, then I have no choice but to move out so that he has no choice but to deal with it. He has to stop pushing his stuff on me. I can't take on any more responsibilities right now. I have enough of my own.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm tired of having to feel like I always have to move out in order for him to understand whats going on but I fret that is what I am going to have to do. I have run into a brick wall with apartments because of the dogs. So, I have found a few houses that interest me and have contacted the agent as well as filled out some mortgage applications. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do not want to be kept around here for the wrong reasons and its starting to feel that way.</span></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42875287817800139882010-11-02T12:42:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:15:40.961-04:00So many ebooks, so little time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I have been downloading a lot of ebooks these last few weeks. Sad thing is- I don't have much time to read them right now. I think I have enough books to keep me going until I am 60.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I was thinking about starting an online book club. I could use this blog for it. That might motivate me to actually take some time out of my day to read for fun, but with school and work it is hard to say when I would actually have TIME for this!</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27010383187767816922010-11-01T16:39:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:15:28.235-04:00Oh, the Guilt!<div class="MsoNormal">Oh, the Guilt!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Digging up past blogs is giving me the need to blog again. Perhaps I have finally found my voice. Problem is, I am not going to be posting my blogs in a million different places so I won’t get feedback and comments on them like I used to. I am going to have to take the time to boost my blog ratings, but that will come later. I have a lot on my plate right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is sort of a continuation of this morning’s blog.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well we will see how long my talk to Matt last as well as his talks to his mom. I just do not want to be pushed around anymore. I don't wait to be made to feel guilty and cave in. They made their bed; they should lay in it, not me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pretty much told Matt it was on the wire as far as his making choice. Not so much that I am asking him to pick me over those two kids, but he has to choose whether he wants to stay with me knowing there is a chance I may never accept those kids as his, or even close to how I accept Maddy. That is what he needs to understand. I do like Cielo, she’s a great kid, however, not my responsibility. I think, if Matt would have helped me more in the beginning of our relationship instead of pushing me to do it and take care of Maddy so much I might not be so angry and hesitant or hurt about it and maybe might be more willing to have Cielo and maybe someday Ashton come out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just think the two of them (matt and his mom) are stubborn and slow to learn. Neither likes to deal with reality. The main problem with Sue is, last year when Matt’s half sister Katie came out she stayed with Sue. She also brought her 2 kids (she has 3, one lives with his dad.) Anyway, when Sue and Dean got married, Katie pretty much stayed with her mom, as well as Meredith. According to what I have been told, Sue was not very nice about them coming out on weekends and such. In time their mom moved back to Arizona and Katie went with her. By this time Meredith was in high school here and wanted to stay so she moved in with Sue and Dean and kid brother Matt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sue has talked about some very terrible issues her and Meredith had. Matt has talked about how they would fight and how when Katie would come for the summer it was hard at times. There is one story about how Sue pulled Meredith by her hair across the room because she called her a bitch. Since then she has “found God” again. I guess.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Anyway, when Katie was here she said something to Sue about how she was not very nice to her when she was little but she was glad they were friends now. Well of course she would say that ending since Sue paid for her to fly out here for her trip AND let her and the kids stay at her house. She pretty much paid for everything. And the cat was let out of the bad, I am not supposed to know this but Dean was pissed about it. Not only that, Sue was giving Katie money to live off of while she went to nursing school and looked for another job. I guess he does not feel like it’s her place to take care of his daughter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, basically you would think Katie is using her. I don’t want to think that, Katie seems nice enough, but on the outside looking in, it could appear that way. Anyway, Sue felt guilty about being mean to the girls and now I think psychologically that guilt is what is feeding her to try to run the show in terms of Maddy and trying to be perfect as well as take on the other two. She feels its Gods work for her to take care of those kids now. Ugh, whatever. All she is doing is smothering us, smothering Maddy, refusing to let her son grow up, and being taken advantage of. Sometimes I feel bad for her. Other times I feel she deserves it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think she also has detachment issues. I know she wanted more kids, but she and Dean had so many problems and they hid it from Matt and stayed together for him. Of course these are just stories I have heard and puzzle pieces put together. They split as soon as he graduated. It's a little weird how she hangs out with him and Deb ALL the time. My mom thinks Sue is still in love with Dean and that’s why she became friends with Deb, so she could still be a part of his life. I also know for a fact she is not the only one who thinks this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a messed up world I seem to have gotten involved in.<br /><br /><b>And once again I have to say:</b><br /><br />Now, before everyone starts bashing me, let me explain something to you. My own father abused me for the first 12 years of my life. I did not tell my mother until I was 16. They/we tried to be a family again. They ended up divorced by the time I was 19. When I was 26 I found out I was adopted by him and my biological father was floating around in Michigan somewhere. At the time I was still living in Oklahoma. I eventually found my biological father, however after 2-3 months of letters he decided he could not tell his secret and for me to never contact him again. I have had to live with this all this time. There are days when I want to meet my father, for him to just give me a chance. For me to spill the beans and just get it over with. I have a half brother and sister, only a few years younger than I. Now that I am back in MI I have thought many times about reaching out to them, feeling as if they have a right to know.<br /><br />So, I DO understand the feelings involved regarding Matt with Ashton and Cielo. So do not for one minute think I DO NOT put myself in his shoes and think of his or their feelings regarding this matter. But, I have been burned by Matt and his ways so it makes me extremely hesitant about brining other peoples children into our relationship. Especially when these kids really need to bond with their new step dad, Aaron. He deserves that.<br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24271147132933223542010-11-01T16:33:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:15:06.110-04:00Cast of Characters and Timeline<div class="MsoNormal">I have come to realize that many of you are new to my world and may not even know who the heck I am venting about. So, here is a cast of characters of the people in my life. Not just those I am venting about, but everyone in general. This is basically a list regarding those I share with Matt. I will make another list of other people as needed.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Donna </b>– my mother</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I moved to Michigan July 2007.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Marcus</b> – my ex husband, divorced November 2007.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mike(aka Kraz)</b> – a guy I dated from September 2007 to about July 2009, now my ex but also one of my best friends here in MI.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt</b> – my boyfriend or fiancé, whatever you want to call him. September 2009 to present.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Madison </b>– Matt and Angie’s Biological daughter, age 5.5.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ashton</b>- Maddy’s half brother, Angie’s biological son, Matt’s ex step son, age 10.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cielo</b> – Maddy’s half sister, Angie’s biological daughter, Matt’s ex step daughter, age 9.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ava</b>- Maddy’s half sister, Angie and Aaron’s biological daughter, age 2 Born August of 2008.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Angie</b>- all 4 kids biological mother, Matt’s ex wife. Matt met her when Ashton was a little over a year old and Cielo was only a matter of month. They dated a few years, got married in 2004, got pregnant and Maddy was born in 2005. Matt moved out in 2007. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Me</b>- Matt’s new interest. We met in September of 2008, he had just moved back in to his house and Angie & Aaron had moved into another house. I moved in March of 2009. His divorce was final November 2009. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Aaron</b> – Matt’s friend, had baby with Angie will she was still married; now they are married as of April 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sue</b> – Matt’s mother</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dean </b>– Matt’s father</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deb</b> – Matt’s step mother</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Meredith </b>– Matt’s half sister, Dean’s daughter. Married, 2 kids, lives in AZ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Katie</b>- Matt’s half sister, Dean’s daughter. Divorced, 3 kids, lives in AZ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dan & Becky w/Aidan, Nicci & Q w/ Lilly, Tim & gf Jessica w/Noel, Mario, and Chris</b> are Matt’s friends from high school and/or airsoft. There are others, but these are the main ones.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69107567463962222722010-11-01T14:49:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:14:11.940-04:00Just Venting<div class="MsoNormal">Just Venting</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What a great way to start November, with a giant vent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The weekend turned in to a giant fight fest with Matt. The whole Cielo thing (just like I said it would) got way out of control. His mom started to plan all this stuff on Friday, which pretty much resulted in Matt having to go get Cielo himself. We try to get that planned with Angie, so they were going to meet, get Cielo and go to Friends of the Court to get papers signed in order for Matt to stop paying child support since she’s not getting that money anyway. Since she gets disability money, not only for herself, but the kids as well as full state benefits for all of them, she has more than Matt. So his money goes in to a state fund and his child does not see it. So Angie, for whatever she has up her sleeve reason, thought she could say they share equal parenting time and he won’t have to pay child support. This, since his mom has Maddy quite often during the week, seems fair. Well, once again, for the 2<sup>nd</sup> or 3<sup>rd</sup> week in a row it fell through, and now she is saying she will have her lawyer draw up the papers. Uh huh. I smell a rat now. So, Matt and his mom get in to it, she ends up waiting around to get Cielo and then is calling every 5 minutes to make sure Matt is going to be there in time because she has to be at so and so’s house by 5pm. Great, since at 4:30p she was still in Flint. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I got so pissed and pretty much said I was sick (which I was, headache, sinus but I stretched it a bit) and I was not going to deal with it. His step mom and Dad did not want to deal with it either; they went to Canada for the weekend. I knew they would bail out as soon as they knew Cielo was going to be coming to the family pumpkin patch. Sad, since we have all gone together for the last two years. But, can’t say I blame them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, Friday night Matt took the girls to the high school football game and I told him not to come home. I don’t want the pressure, the noise, or hell to even deal with it in general. It’s been ruined in my eyes. Not to mention I was not even told about the football game. So, he can just stay at his mom, who was apparently out on a date and was so bitchy about making sure we picked them up in time. I can’t stand her more and more. She’s such a hypocrite and her son acts just like her. When we ask her to watch Maddy, we are bad and when we don’t give her Maddy we are bad. It’s never right with her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So Saturday rolls around and once again, woke up for the 4th day with a sinus headache. Took some pills and lay back down. Ended up calling him since it was almost 11am and my phone has yet to ring. Of course I am still angry, so I was like fuck it. I really don't care what they think anymore. I am tired of being pushed. So, I told him he was on his own. So he, the girls and his mom went to the patch alone. Good for them. Of course he wants’ to make me feel guilty by posting pictures on his facebook of the girls at the patch and how one was missing and I was missed. I get tired of the guilt trips too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This whole thing with Cielo is so fucked up no matter how you look at it. I understand Matt raised her from the time she was a few months old until she was 6. She is now 9 and he has not been her dad for 3 years. Now, all of the sudden he decides he misses her and wants to be her dad again. The poor kid is already confused and now it’s’ making Maddy confused. Apparently she was being a little brat and she got in trouble. Matt spanked her and put her in a corner, to which she started yelling for grammy and she went to step in and Matt stopped her. Again, another reason why she annoys us. It’s HIS damn kid. And she is starting to piss me off even more every week. She needs to put her reality glasses on and get the point that this is HIS daughter and not hers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, he comes home Saturday night and we talk. He tells me all the stuff that happened and how he and his mom got in to it. Oh goodie, that’s always fun. I keep telling him he needs to act like a damn man, a father and stop bowing down to his mother. It’s up to him to make the changes. She needs to know that WE make the plans, NOT her and she will get Maddy when we say so. If it’s not convenient for her then that’s just too bad. Then I guess she doesn't get her that weekend. It’s ridiculous she feels she is entitled to have Maddy as much as she does. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You know, I have been around A LOT of people who have kids and are divorced or the father is just not in the picture for whatever reason. I have NEVER in my 35 years of life met a family like Matt and his mom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I told Matt if we have kids, she can forget it. I am NOT going to allow her to run my life and claim control of my child. She will get a hard dose of reality from me. I would love to stick it to her now, but since Maddy is not mine, it’s not really my place. And oddly enough, each and every one of Matt’s friends and even Angie warned me about his mom. She is overbearing, dominate, and nosey. It is sad to think I would break up with him because his mom is such a mess that she can’t let her son grow up and live his own life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So now, Matt wants me to start talking to his mom so that maybe she will start getting the point about making plans without telling us and inviting other children. Oh great. That just makes her go crying to Deb. Which, since she ruined that friendship, I am not worried about it anymore. I have gotten to the point where I just don’t care anymore. I have become pretty numb to all of them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I DO understand Cielo and Matt and likely Ashton too all miss each other. Please don’t think I am heartless, cold and without feelings. I would be sad too. However, I am a realist and I see things for what they are. But, it is no longer Matt's place or my responsibility to take on these kids. I should not have to work twice as hard when I get so little help from Matt as is it. I tried to tell him this but it did not sink in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday night we put it all aside, I took some Benadryl and Tylenol 3 and we headed over to Dan and Becky's annual Halloween party (pics on facebook) and it was a lot of fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Sunday I actually got to sleep in, but had no desire to go to church (again). So Matt went to his moms and took the girls. Then I have no idea what they did. Apparently Angie came to get them around 4 because she decided she wanted them this year for Halloween. No big deal to me, we had Maddy last year. Of course Matt got mad because plans got changed at the last minute. So, I pointed that out to him. OK he can get mad, but when it happens to me and I get mad he says I am out of control and need to settle down. WTF? A bit hypocritical don't you think?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess Maddy got in trouble again and now he sees that with this weekend and the previous weekend Maddy behavior with Cielo around is NOT good. Hmmm and he wonders why I don't want to deal with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here I am in bed, trying to get rid of my headache, yet again. Thinking OK, Matt and I can spend Halloween together in bed watching stupid old scary movies. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The phone rings just as I am about to pass out and he’s calling so I can talk to Maddy. WTF? Are you kidding me? Did I not tell you this morning I had a headache? Did you not see how much pain I was in when you left? All curled up in the bed still half asleep? Surrounded by pill bottles? Could you not just tell her I am sick and sleeping instead of calling me and making me hear noise while my head hurts? Do you even stop to think? And one thing led to another and we are back into the whole Ashton and Cielo drama, to which I hung up on him twice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I should not and I will not be responsible for anyone else's kids. Matt really ruined that for me when I first moved in. Even ANGIE told Matt that if she were me she would not take on Ashton and Cielo. So what does that say when the kid’s own mother would not do it either?? And everyone I have talked to feel the same way. Even his own father and step mother don't care to deal with those kids! And Deb has told me more than once she has tried to talk to Sue about bringing those kids around.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I have no problem with them coming out ONCE in a while, but not every weekend and certainly not every other weekend. We don't even have a place for them to sleep and personally I think Cielo is too old to be sleeping with Maddy. And neither him, nor his mom are going to push me into doing anything. She wants Cielo, she keeps her. And it’s on Matt to talk to her and explain to her why. And now his dumb ass is allowing her to call him Dad again which is confusing to Maddy and her. She should not be calling him Dad anymore. If she is not comfortable calling Aaron dad, then the only person she should be calling dad is her biological father. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt needed a dose of reality and I gave it to him. He was pissed, but I was like dude you have GOT to get out of la-la land. Welcome to the real world. You knew going in to the relationship they were not your kids and if something ever happened with you and their mother you run the risk of losing them. You did not raise them until they were teens or even adults. You made the choice to leave their mother and she came to you more than once to work things out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I tell you what if we have kids and my child goes without because he feels some damn guilt and obligation due to those two I will rip out his testicles and throw them in the trash!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel him and his mom are playing with fire and opening Pandora's Box. They should have just left well enough alone. Whatever guilt they feel they need to get over and I think both of them need to go to counseling. And yet he has the nerve to ask me what the big deal is about her coming to stay or about her calling him dad. Really. You really want to get in to this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh honey, we went up one side and down the other.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And then, he has the nerve to come home and act like NOTHING is wrong.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whatever. I sat in the bedroom and watched a movie, he came in and we really didn't speak for a while. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, it just all went away, per usual. I just decided to make the best of it and have fun. When we have fun, it’s when I realize how much and why I do love him. But I tell you what, when we fight, its hell. And I have a feeling this child mess is not over. Not by a long shot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And I told him, I may never accept those two the way I accept Maddy and he’s just going to have to live with that. I am not trying to keep him from them, but he needs to understand they are no longer his kids. Not his responsibility and he should not be giving them false hope or the wrong idea. Nor, should he be standing in the way of Aaron bonding with them they way they should be bonded. I mean it’s been THREE years already!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I went off my diet. Trying to get back on track. Actually had a GNC shake for breakfast. Trying to finish the can off as I hate to waste anything. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I don't know what to do. I am really confused about my life right now and stress does not help for good eating! LOL</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think if Matt and I did not fight so much about all this baggage he has I might be more inclined to think about my future and the new memories. He is such a good guy, he really is, but his baggage is what brings us down (mom, kids, ex). But I try to keep pushing forward hoping everyone is just going to have an aha moment and all will work itself out. Seems like Angie is going through hers right now, she really has not been too much of a problem lately.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, in the end I question whether or not this is the life for me. I question whether I am strong enough to continue, or whether I even want to continue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stay or go. Love or be alone. Get married, not. Have a baby, not. Too many hard choices. <br /><br />Now, before everyone starts bashing me, let me explain something to you. My own father abused me for the first 12 years of my life. I did not tell my mother until I was 16. They/we tried to be a family again. They ended up divorced by the time I was 19. When I was 26 I found out I was adopted by him and my biological father was floating around in Michigan somewhere. At the time I was still living in Oklahoma. I eventually found my biological father, however after 2-3 months of letters he decided he could not tell his secret and for me to never contact him again. I have had to live with this all this time. There are days when I want to meet my father, for him to just give me a chance. For me to spill the beans and just get it over with. I have a half brother and sister, only a few years younger than I. Now that I am back in MI I have thought many times about reaching out to them, feeling as if they have a right to know.<br /><br />So, I DO understand the feelings involved regarding Matt with Ashton and Cielo. So do not for one minute think I DO NOT put myself in his shoes and think of his or their feelings regarding this matter. But, I have been burned by Matt and his ways so it makes me extremely hesitant about brining other peoples children into our relationship. Especially when these kids really need to bond with their new step dad, Aaron. He deserves that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24445164843109321902010-10-31T15:45:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:25:36.374-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 33 - Thank You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Write a blog post to your readers and thank them for reading your blog!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you to everyone who stopped by my blog during the 30 day challenge. I hope you found my blog to be entertaining and I hope you will continue to drop by now and then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I appreciate each and every one of you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I have a new blog project in the works so I would like to invite you to add me to your blog roll so you can have the first look at the new pages!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55456575233296935992010-10-31T15:40:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:25:14.785-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 32 - Three Guilty Pleasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m408/blossom61photos/Coffee/ththstarbucksaddict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m408/blossom61photos/Coffee/ththstarbucksaddict.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Three guilty pleasures you couldn't live without.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>1. My Nook.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I was completely against an e-reader for the longest time. I love books. The look, the feel, the smell, and the whole process of going to the book store or library and picking out the perfect one. In 2007 I moved to a pretty small town which was a pretty remote area. The dinky library was not enough for me and the closest book store was at least a 30 minute drive. My reading suffered a great deal. The only books I read were those that were passed down to me from friends and family. I started to feel out of the loop. In July 2010 I decided to ask for an e-reader for my birthday. I loved that I could just download a book and go or I could use the wifi and pick a book right off the store website. I have found it to be extremely useful these last few months and now I can’t imagine life without my Barnes and Noble Nook.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>2. My iPod Touch</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I used to have the old iPod, click wheel style, limited edition U2 model. I loved it and we went everywhere together. It was my number one weight loss tool as I used it when I went running or walking. After my divorce in 2007 I was in desperate need for money. This was the last thing my ex husband purchased for me before we divorced. I kept it because it was my favorite band and important to me. But I had to let it go. For Christmas last year I received an iPod Touch as a gift. I use it not only for music on the treadmill, but games and work as well. I carry it around with me everywhere and has become my go-to tool for many tasks I do throughout my day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>3. Coffee.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Where would life be without the wonderful aroma of fresh ground coffee beans perking in the coffee pot? </span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2755580125677580722010-10-31T15:30:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:13:14.335-04:00Not the Life for Me<div class="MsoNormal">Not the Life for Me</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is not the life I had planned for myself. And lately I have been thinking a lot about the past. I think a lot of that is because I have been digging up past writing and such trying to get everything together. Mostly my poetry because I would like to get it printed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think a lot of my emotions right now are because Matt and I just aren’t right. I know on the surface most of the time things look fine and we don’t really discuss too many of our problems. But, there is an entire vault full of problems that never seem to get dealt with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not my fault. Matt is not one to deal with things. He just wants to pretend there is no such thing as reality and he can just go from day to day and not think about any of the things that should be dealt with. All that does is cause the files in the vault to stack higher and higher until they all come tumbling down. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I started to date after my divorce, I was very particular about dating people with kids. Honestly, I did not want to deal with baby mama drama or even daddy drama for that matter. Also, it is very hard to date a guy with kids because 99% of the time they are weekend dads which pretty much interferes with dating and building a real relationship. I did date a few guys with kids. Most of them were older kids and their was not much drama with the mom. One of them only saw their kid when it was mutual between him and the mother to set up a day. So this was not a every weekend dad. Then here comes Matt. When he met his ex wife Angie she already had two kids. One was a little over a year old (Ashton) and the girl was just a few months old (Cielo). They dated for a few years and got married in 2004. Madison was conceived on their wedding night and was born January 2005. Matt left Angie in 2007. They had not been getting along for quite some time so he moved in with his mother. Apparently, she as having an affair with Aaron before Matt even moved out. She became pregnant and in August of 2008 Ava was born. I met Matt in September. His divorce was not even final until November of 2008. Now, mind you, he has not been a dad to Ashton and Cielo for three years now. Only Maddy comes on the weekends. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Aaron is now their father figure. He and Angie got married earlier this year. Ashton has no idea who his real dad is and Cielo’s real dad is in Iowa somewhere and has nothing really to do with her aside from a few phone calls here and there. Within the last few months Matt’s mom (who is a huge problem in our relationship) has been taking the liberty upon herself to bring Cielo out with Maddy and not really bothering to discuss it with us. And that started to cause some problems.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made it very clear to Matt I was not really interested in dating someone with kids. At the time Angie was withholding Maddy from Matt so she was not even around. He made it clear to me the other kids would not be a problem, but obviously I would at some point have to get to know Maddy. I liked Matt enough to give it a shot. He lived close by so it was easier for us to spend time together during the week and Maddy was young enough that it would be a little easier to deal with than an older kid with a chip on its shoulder. Maddy and I got along just fine and hit it off on our first “date.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, something many don’t know about, when Matt and I first met he was going through some police issues because Angie alleged that Ashton and Cielo were molested by Matt. So that was tough for me to have to deal with, given my own past issues with fathers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a lot of issues with these older two children. Matt hasn’t been their dad for the last three years and that family has moved on. So, why now all of the sudden does him and his mom want to disrupt that over some stupid guilt they have? Sue has this guilt about when she first met Matt’s dad Dean, he already had two girls. Katie and Meredith. Well apparently she was not very nice to them and now she feels guilty about it. So she’s trying to solve that guilt by making sure Ashton and Cielo don’t grow up all messed up. Well if they do, it’s going to be because their mom has 4 kids all with different dads, not because Matt and Angie got a divorce. And I don’t know what Matt’s guilt is about, I am starting to think its guilt over leaving their mom, even though he assures me it was rough for a long time and he was looking for a way out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not so cold and heartless that I don’t understand Matt loved those kids as if they were his own. But the reality is, when you take on someone else’s kids, that’s the risk you take. His job as a father is over and those reins have now been handed to Aaron.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel now all him and his mom are doing is standing in the way of those kids bonding correctly with Aaron’s family and confusing them, as well as Maddy even more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not feel I should be obligated to take care of Angie’s other children when they are not Matt’s. And SHE does not even think I should. She even told Matt the other day that if she were me she would not open her door to the kids that were not his. So what does THAT tell you if their own mother is going to say that? So if she can put herself in my shoes and understand how awkward it is, then why can’t Matt??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have put myself in his shoes and I realize it’s hard to have kids you love taken away from you. But it’s been three years now. It is time to move on. It’s just life. As shitty as it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But we do not see eye to eye on this issue. I am not against Cielo coming out once in a while to be with her sister, but it’s not going to be every weekend. Our house really isn’t set up for any kids other than Maddy anyway. I have even offered to go get all the kids in Fenton and take them to dinner some night. Apparently that’s not enough for Matt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, we are at a crossroads. As if the fighting over him being lazy and not helping around the house like he should isn’t enough problems, now here is this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not comfortable playing weekend “mom” to any more kids. Certainly not kids that are not his. I should not be pushed in to it either.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are at a crossroads and I think right now, for me personally it is now just reached a point that it is best I just move out. I am not going to deal with this crap every weekend. I am tired of crying. Tired of fighting and tired of no one taking care of me or understanding me when I need it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This relationship is so far out of control I don’t think there is anything I can do to save it anymore. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88425176554139977252010-10-29T12:03:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:24:34.097-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 31 - Nook Book Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af291/syakirin_ferrari/Book_Club_logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af291/syakirin_ferrari/Book_Club_logo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">A club you belong to or would like to belong to and why!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The only clubs I belong to currently are writing clubs, if you want to call them that. I belong to these clubs because they help me as a writer. If I had more free time I would be more inclined to maybe join a book club or something reading/writing related as those are really my only hobbies/interests. I do like to do crafts, but I do not have one set thing I like to do. For example I know many women who have scrapbooking clubs. I am not really in to scrapbooking or any other one craft enough to join a specific club for it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think it would be great to join a book club. Have the meeting at someone’s house, or mine, or perhaps a nice little coffee shop. We could decide as a group what to read and discuss it weekly. I think it would be a lot of fun to meet some new people, especially those with the same literary tastes as my own. I also think it would be a lot of fun to start a Nook Book Club for those who have a Barnes and Noble Nook. I have one and simply adore it. I have a few friends who have them as well. It would be a good starting point for a club. With a Nook I think it would be fun to make it an online group so we could gather from all over! </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3303143465167972182010-10-28T21:07:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:12:37.620-04:00Digging Up the Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Digging Up the Past</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thursday October 28, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have spent the last few days going over old blogs from Yahoo 360 that is now Yahoo Pulse. I never did anything with those blogs for the longest time. Many of them had been deleted for various reasons. Mostly because my friends were being censored, having blogs deleted, and eventually many of them left. Most of us followed to MySpace where I blogged for a while. I had a Blogger, deleted it, and brought it back. So, there is this huge gap of time missing because of the lack of Yahoo 360 and Myspace Posts. I felt I was ready to relive the past and star getting those up. Many of my creative works, stories, and poems are in all of that so it was important to me to get it all up in one spot. Makes it much easier to be creative, to get your voice back, find another blog group and following as well as a place to showcase my words.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I thought I was ready. You would think after years of space away from it I would be OK with it.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess not. I have been feeling sort of sad the last few days. Reliving my grandparents dying, friends come and go, the dissolve of my marriage, my 1000 mile trek across the states, the murder of Lonnie, the feud with Sean, the loss of Elonna to that bitch cancer, the love and then the murder of my wonderful Terry and all the trials and tribulations Michigan held for me in the short time I have been here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So much pain and sadness.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I decided to stop at Halo burger after visiting my mom. I know, not good diet food, but sometimes (especially me) you just have to eat what you want otherwise you will continue to find something to eat in the cabinets. I was talking to him about these things and how I just think that maybe I never really took the time to heal properly. We started to talk about my ex husband and some other things, and I just started to cry. Looked at him and said “we have to go, yep let’s go now!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the way home I just let it flow. I feel like it’s my entire fault. Lonnie would still be alive if I would not have been griping to Sean about him. How Elonna would still be here if I would have taken her to the doctor myself sooner. How Terry might actually be here with me had I would not have dragged my ass and left Marcus sooner. All of these deaths I seem to blame myself for and hold so much guilt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how to get over it. All I know is I have a giant case of the sad’s. I miss them all so much. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The task of getting all the Yahoo 360 blogs moved is over. Now, I am working on all the old MySpace stuff. It’s hard. It is constantly choking me up and I have to push back the tears. The other day I was bawling about Lonnie, last night over Terry, today over all the blame and guilt. I still have a ways to go for the MySpace move to be complete. Then, I have a few random ones on Facebook to move over and then a few on my USB flash drive that need posted as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It will be nice to have all of my writing in one place. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Blogger has this nifty print option, which is one of the reasons I decided to put everything together. I have journals of my entire life, up until I started blogging. My journals fell to the wayside. I still journal now and then, but nothing like I used to. I also want the poetry and stories printed so I can use them as works for possible publication. So, I do have reasons as to why I have to dig up the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess, in a way, a bit of me is happy, I am also aware of the good times I had and how far I have come in the last few years. I came to Michigan with nothing. Now, I am almost done with school. I have made my own business doing what I love – writing! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I, we fight. We have a lot of problems. More so, he has a lot of problems, a lot of baggage. And that’s hard for me to deal with. I try. But I question it a lot. Right now, he’s all I got so I just try to make the best of it. I love him, but most of you know how I feel about love.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48320771821976992562010-10-28T11:49:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:23:50.663-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 30 - Tony's I-75 Birch Run, MI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.travelpod.com/cache/city_maps/Birch_Run.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.travelpod.com/cache/city_maps/Birch_Run.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Write about the best thing about your town.</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I live in a very small town in Michigan, called Birch Run. Birch Run is famous for its Outlet Mall and Tony’s restaurant, which is known Nationwide. Tony’s is best known for its BLT where you literally get a pound of bacon to yourself. When you order eggs and bacon, you get a whole pound of bacon on its own plate. Their omelets use anywhere from six to a dozen eggs. Hash browns fill the plate and a banana sundae is about 2 gallons of ice cream. It is NOT a diet friendly stop, but it certainly is worth the calorie overload. When I was younger, living in Oklahoma my parents and I would travel up here to Michigan every summer to visit family. It was tradition for my grandmother to take us here. Once a year was enough for me. Now that I live here I don’t think about it much. I have been back in Michigan for a little over three years now and I think I have been to Tony’s maybe five times. Birch Run is a pretty quiet little town. There really is not much here. Where I live I am a few miles from Frankenmuth which is a quaint little German town. They always have something fun going on there over the weekends. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I found this video on YouTube, I have no idea who the people are, but at least you can get an idea of the amount of bacon they like to share with you!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6u6zw6RyzjQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6u6zw6RyzjQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This one is of a girl eating a turkey sandwich, again enough to feed a family of four!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KtEzRTBRC_c?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KtEzRTBRC_c?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />And this video is more like a commercial, showing many of the menu items.<br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oswFTZPBZl8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oswFTZPBZl8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71106243889771340682010-10-27T21:35:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:23:26.795-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 29 - News Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/christinability/books/f4a569fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/christinability/books/f4a569fa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Take a few minutes to surf a news website and then blog about your take on one of the news articles.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I despise the news. Honest. If that makes me a bad American, then so be it. I don’t have time to watch TV and when I do, it’s going to be something that entertains me, helps me to unwind from my day. Watching the news only makes me anxious, angry, and/or bored. It seems only 5 minutes is good and the rest is bad and chocked full of boring commercials. No thanks. I will pass.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Online news articles are no different. If I can’t watch them in front of me, I am sure to not have a good time trying to read them. Sometimes I will see something that interests me on the Yahoo page when I go to check my mail. I will click and give a quick scan. I just don’t have time for news reading in between school and work. When I do have time for leisure reading, I want it to be something entertaining. I don’t want to read about who is getting a divorce in Hollywood, how many people were shot, how angry another country is, or any type of celebrity gossip. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just don’t have time for it in my life. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51206873426450068052010-10-27T21:06:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:22:53.836-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 28 - Hello Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;">Today’s Challenge:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">What moment from childhood do you remember where you overcame a fear or accomplished a dream? Blog about it. Or blog about a challenge you've faced as an adult and how you got through it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Because of some not-so-good things that happened to me as a child, many of my childhood memories are forgotten. The things I do remember I was always a scared little girl, for the longest time. I have a fear of love, being hurt so many times in life. I have seen many that I love die in a very short period of time. I question love. Wonder if it is the right thing or I am just going to get hurt again. I don’t want to be that scared little girl anymore. I want to love openly and not worry about the things that I worry about. I have been in a relationship for two years now and I am still scared to death. Literally every day I think I should move out, to save myself from the pain later in life. So many things I am still trying to live through.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38949594877729822252010-10-26T19:24:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:12:01.178-04:00Yahoo 360 Import CompleteThe importing of what was left of the Yahoo 360 blogs is complete. I had forgotten that I deleted a LOT of them when others were getting deleting for (so they say) violating the Yahoo 360 T.O.S. I still have most of those blogs saved and will import those either later tonight or tomorrow. I am now going to start on the MySpace blog. All the other blogs I have started over the years have been deleted either by me, or the website company (Ning, ie blogs, Cherry Tap, Multiply, Hi5 and more). Most of the content was the same as my other blogs anyway. I might have a few oddballs on Facebook.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have also been thinking about posting the blogs from Terry, Sean and Lonnie's blogs as many of the correlated with my blogs and since they are no longer with us (with the exception of Sean and Joey) readers can not go to their blogs to read. Besides, it would take to much work to read here, then go to MySpace to read theirs.Also, perhaps a handful of Joey and Elonna's as well. Many of them will help make sense to so many of mine.<br /><br />Once I finish MySpace, Facebook and those on storage this Blogger blog will be complete with all of my writings. This is going to help me get my blogging voice back.<br /><br />Now everyone can know the whole story of me.<br /><br />Then I can continue forward with this blog and begin rebuilding my Erotic Confessions blog. The time is now for me to start being myself again. I miss that girl. I miss that girl with so many words.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40125334346573721362010-10-26T13:29:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:11:48.238-04:00Past Blogs - Learn Something NewA while back ago I made a post regarding my old Yahoo 360 blogs, that I had imported to my MySpace, which shortly after got deleted. I did make a new MySpace. All of this was in 2005. Yahoo 360 is now no longer but those blogs are still on my profile on their new Yahoo Pulse.<br /><br />I did start putting those blogs here on this Blogger. I had them all on Blogger at one time as I did Yahoo along side Blogger since Blogger was safe and the Yahoo 350 police had the habit of deleting your posts whenever they felt like it. But keeping up with MySpace, Yahoo and Blogger got to be too much for me at that time in my life.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Now, I see that Blogger is a very useful tool and with all this website integration that is available now I can post once and share to all my other blogs and social network sites.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Since I would really like to have all of my blogs in one place I really want to move those old blogs here.<br /><br />I debated about this for a while, thought it might confuse the new readers (what few) I have.<br /><br />Well, no need to worry now! Silly me, after years on this site I am just now learning (DUH!) that I can post date these blogs so they fall within the correct timeline and dates of when they were originally posted.<br /><br />WOOHOOO! That will make this blog look much nicer and less cluttered with old posts being new posts.<br /><br />Yes, I know, I am a dork and shame on my for not knowing that trick. And if I knew it in the past, I must have forgotten how to do it!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57624462776798498582010-10-25T22:23:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:22:16.561-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 27- Hodge Podge of a Blog(aka My Blog Needs Help)When I first started my blog I had some ideas of where I wanted it to go so I set up about 6 other Blogger blogs to keep my ideas separate. But, that has not happened. They sit blank. Instead I have used my Self Employed Writer for everything except my erotica, which has its own blog and I have not really touched it since one who shall remain nameless died. That stuff is obviously under a pen name.<br /><br />I think I had gotten a little burnt out after the whole ordeal with someone close to me accidentally murdering a friend. I tried to keep it my blogging up, but eventually deleted the blog. I tried to make a comeback with my words as so many people enjoyed them, but I just could not bring myself to work on it. I tried. Someday I would like to move forward with that blog as well.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br />Anyway, my blog is really about the life of a self employed writer, me. It is a catch all of all the things I have to go through to be a freelance writer, including working at a desk, being sedentary, <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">gaining weight and now losing it</a>. I also talk about the things that interest me as well as products that help me along the way. I might rant or rave about a company or client I work for and a time or two I write a review about books I have read. I even use it as a business tool to showcase my writing. These are all the things that make up ME! So, I have not turned my blog into a one niche only for this reason. The niche is my life.<br /><br />I am still trying to figure out a way to make my blog better. I have signed up for blog challenges and paid to post sites. It's just not doing what I would like it to do.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10389361374305543702010-10-25T14:06:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:18:23.518-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 26 - What Do You Collect?<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you collect something? Write about it and why you started collecting.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMXHG_Ab_sI/AAAAAAAAAJo/1EMogMmKNCU/s1600/2007irishdance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMXHG_Ab_sI/AAAAAAAAAJo/1EMogMmKNCU/s320/2007irishdance.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was younger my grandmother gave me my first porcelain doll that played music. I think I was about 8 or 9. I collected these dolls until I was 32. I guess when you are a little girl all you really want to do is sit in your room and play with your dollies, whether it be playing Barbie’s or playing house. I had to grow up rather quickly due to events in my life and I think I hung on to that childlike quality of having an appreciation for dolls. These days, many of those dolls are packed away in the attic. I just don’t have the room or a place to display them. I do have to admit, often I miss looking at my pretty dolls. Even though I did not play with them, I did cherish them by keeping them save in a protective case. Every doll tells a story about a place I visited or an event in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">At one point in my life I collected dolphins, which last about 4 years. I can’t say I really collect anything right now, except eBooks for my Nook.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55974853624862287632010-10-25T12:44:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:11:25.729-04:00Gotta Love the Nook<i>This is an original post from my eBooks Nook blog. It is in the process of being merged with this blog as I am finding it too hard to keep up with multiple blogs.</i><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I can't believe it has taken me this long to get this blog started. I have had my Nook since my birthday in July and I had every intention of talking about it as well as the books I find and read.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><img alt="" border="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMVuIe9hyzI/AAAAAAAAAJc/_S57HRfHT9k/s288/My%20Uploaded%20Photos.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; height: 300px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 400px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I can only dream of having an office or study like this some day.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44280043546332161262010-10-25T08:54:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:11:10.183-04:00Trying an AppSo here I am this morning with a terrible headache and the last thing I want to do is get the laptop, much less go into my office and sit at the desktop. I have tried other blog apps when I first got my Touch and was not impressed. I got to thinking that maybe something new and better came along.<br /><a name='more'></a> So far I like this one I am using now, but it does not allow me the option to add videos or photos. The one I did find that allowed me to do that was lacking one important thing- the ability to write a new post. It seems it only allows you to post the video and photos to existing posts. I guess I could keep them both since they are free. I tried one I had used in the past hoping it got better since earlier this year, but it had not. It seems it did not want to even update posts from the last time I used it until now. Oh well, no loss. At least I have something to use when I am away from my computers. Seems my Touch is always close by.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMV_MMzyhNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/QgsWOHROBZQ/s288/My%20Uploaded%20Photos.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 400px;" />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7359078540223276952010-10-24T14:18:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:18:08.340-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 25 - OrganizationsIt is going to be short and sweet today.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What causes do you care about? Pick one and blog about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have two main cause topics, Cancer and Animal Welfare. The groups/organizations I donate and try to help with are things relating to Breast Cancer Awareness, American Cancer Society, PETA, ASPCA, and USHS. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I watched Cancer take too many people I know and love. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As for the animals, I feel someone needs to speak for those that can’t speak for themselves. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56851172250465430112010-10-23T16:16:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:17:49.309-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 24 - Are You Scared?<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge: <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Go leave a comment on an interesting blog post then write a post on your blog about why you picked the blog post you did to comment on and link to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://killerhobbies.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Killer Hobbies</b></span></a> is a blog that is on my Google reader and a blog I am following through blogger. The writer, Betty Hechtman, had told a little story regarding reading books and letting her imagination getting the best of her. She then asked if anyone else had a similar problem or story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>This is my reply:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love watching shows like Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and Paranormal State. Paranormal Activity, the movie I know, it is not real but it still makes me think. The other night I decided to use my Barnes and Noble gift card to use on my Nook and purchase Ryan Buell's book Paranormal State. My imagination got the best of me and the two nights it took me to read it I became very aware of the noises and shadows around me. LOL, Needless to say, I did not sleep much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I picked this particular blog because the newest post caught my attention since my recent experience when reading my new Nook book. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66711691181999219552010-10-22T11:57:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:17:21.764-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 23 - Bookworm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMG0XBjWaJI/AAAAAAAAAIw/aR33pB0MjWQ/s1600/readingicon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMG0XBjWaJI/AAAAAAAAAIw/aR33pB0MjWQ/s1600/readingicon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.9207026499789208" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today’s Challenge:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Write about your favorite hobby.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite hobby is reading. Their is nothing better to me than cuddling up in bed with a nice warm blanket, a hot cup of tea and a good book. Now that I have a Nook I have book overload, but I am in school and do not have a lot of free time to read for fun. Not much you can say about reading a book!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70070509688128812312010-10-22T11:44:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:16:56.420-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 22 - Erie Calling<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.7633428475819528" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today’s Challenge: </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you had one day free to spend any way you wanted, how would you spend it? </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMGyKvKolFI/AAAAAAAAAIo/JpbxSiL2ibE/s1600/lonnie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMGyKvKolFI/AAAAAAAAAIo/JpbxSiL2ibE/s1600/lonnie1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMGyQeKN40I/AAAAAAAAAIs/PGJWJt2pEMM/s1600/thiwillrememeryou.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMGyQeKN40I/AAAAAAAAAIs/PGJWJt2pEMM/s1600/thiwillrememeryou.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To anyone that knows me, they are going to know the answer to this one. You see, I had a really great friend pass away a few years ago. Although I have always had a dream to travel to Ireland, once he passed away that dream became something I HAVE to do. My great friend happens to be buried in a cemetery in Dublin, Ireland. It is extremely important to me to pay my final respects to a great friend.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2879112829073248192010-10-20T12:48:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:16:27.550-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 21 - Reality<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:</b> Review a TV show or movie you've seen recently.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is rare that I watch TV shows at the time slot that they are on. I have my DVR set to record a numerous amount of television shows. Some are just for me. Others for my finance and some are for both of us. Right now I am stuck on reality shows, mostly weight loss shows such as Thintervention and The Biggest Loser. I had also watched Losing It in the past. Right now these shows are important to me because I am on <a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">my own journey to a healthier lifestyle</a> and when I see others going through the same struggles that I go through and they are able to make it, that tends to give me a boost of confidence and motivation. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82519009061874099822010-10-19T09:27:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:15:48.295-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 20 - Magazines<b>Today's Challenge</b>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Write about a great article you read in a recent magazine.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Today's post is going to be rather short. Sadly, it has been quite a while since I have read any magazines. I do have a few subscriptions, but the last few months have piled up. Once school starts for the semester I have very little free time to read. I try to read while I am walking on the treadmill, but not even that seems to make a dent in my ever growing pile of magazines. So, there they sit, in the wicker basket, waiting until I can get time to dust them off and read them over before the head to the recycle bin. I should at least read the November issues that I have now, before November gets here! </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66907630480411963702010-10-18T10:38:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:15:28.528-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 19 - My First Time (on the Internet)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLxbw0UZ0II/AAAAAAAAAIk/43k07rUHiSw/s1600/internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLxbw0UZ0II/AAAAAAAAAIk/43k07rUHiSw/s320/internet.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:</b> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you remember the first time you accessed the internet? Why did you go online? Blog about that, or about an early internet memory.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">My first taste of the internet was at Oklahoma State University my Freshman year. We had a computer lab where we could go for research if we had papers to write, and we were allowed to visit other places on the internet. This was around 1994, long before filters were placed on certain websites. I had set up my Hotmail address, which I still have and use for a catchall. I learned about IRC and met some pretty interesting people through that. About a month later I was over a friend’s house who had internet access, she showed me a live chat, I got on, started to talk, hit refresh, talk some more. I think I started about 7 at night and went until 4 am. Long after he and her boyfriend went to bed. I was so awestruck but this tool that allowed me to talk to people all over the world. </span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28036049398445049012010-10-18T10:27:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:14:07.903-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 18 - Blogs of Three<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:</b> Pick three of your favorite blogs to read and share them with your blog readers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.thriftygrl.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">ThriftyGrl :</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Her blog is chocked full of steals, deals and freebies. Something new daily! What more could a girl ask for?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://jeremycrow4life.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>The Crows Nest :</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Crow’s Nest is a catch all for the blog collection of Jeremy Crow. I have known Jeremy since 2005. We met each other through the now closed, Yahoo 360 Blogging community. We are both erotica writers and have done a few collaborations. His writing ability is remarkable and I still cannot figure out why he is not published! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://everythingisbetterwithcheese.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Everything is Better with Cheese : </span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not remember how I came across this blog but I am sure glad I did. As the title states, life is much better with cheese. Meal plans and recipes are given to the reader. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35719917311921510182010-10-18T09:59:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:13:18.551-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 17 - A Dud<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:</b> Choose a product you've purchased and share your feedback about it. If you purchased it from an online business (like at Etsy or Hyena Cart shop) be sure to link to the seller -- they'll appreciate it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it sad that I do not really have a product to review? I don’t buy “things” outside of what we “need” these days. The only thing I can think of to write a review about would be the weight loss products I recently purchased, but I have already reviewed the items that I have tried. I have to laugh at myself, this blog is going to be a dud. I am ok with that. haha</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49794169715124108442010-10-15T11:40:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:12:34.687-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 16 - Quote Me<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36443095887079835" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Today’s Challenge</b></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36443095887079835" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have a favorite quote? Share it and why you like it.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite quote is: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” - Eleanor Roosevelt</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has been years since I first heard this quote, but it has always stuck with me. I have a habit of taking things that people say personally and worrying too much about what others think. It consumes way to much of my time and thought process. Often I have to slow down and remember, I am the one in control of my feelings and emotions, not others.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51283343146974681912010-10-14T09:55:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:12:08.446-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 15 - Life in General<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8553002269472927" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Today’s Challenge</b></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8553002269472927" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Just write!</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has always been hard for me to come up with topics to write about. There is always so much going on in my life at any given moment, but who wants to read about that boring stuff? I am not sure their are too many people out their who want to listen to me go on and on about the headaches being in college causes me, or the same old same old of my freelance writing gigs. Not only that, the ups and downs of my relationship and life in general. I tend to stick to general topics that everyone might be able to relate to. I tend to write a lot about random things because this is just my life as a freelancer. Having a desk job all these years, depression, and back problems has caused a weight gain. I have been trying to get healthy again and it has been a struggle. Because I know many out there struggle too I feel a sense of community when we can all share our experiences. I just want to talk about life and all the things in it.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34181414552427606682010-10-14T09:30:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:11:50.008-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 14 - Books Galore<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span id="internal-source-marker_0.3534447643905878" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Today’s Challenge</b></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.3534447643905878" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What books have you read recently? Blog about one or two and link to their Amazon pages.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Right now I have about three books in the process of being read. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. On my Nook I have been reading a fun little book called Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich. I am enjoying the quirky tale of cupcake baker Lizzy and her tales of mischief and magic. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00434T8KW&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Recently I was mailed a copy of Food Cures by Joy Bauer. I love Joy. She has such a great personality and gives a fresh twist on eating healthy with grocery store food. Unlike these other health writers who expect you to find items that only exist at far away health food stores. I have been flipping through the pages and read a few parts, but plan to sit down and really read it.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="" name="more"></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1594864667&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. The last book I have started to read is<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Your-Lifestyle-Hamilton-Erridge/dp/B00429EWXQ?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Creating Your New Lifestyle by Hamilton C. Erridge.</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00429EWXQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I received a copy of this book, for free, with a packet of weight loss materials I had ordered. The New Lifestyle Diet has a sample package available for you to try their products, right now they are including a copy of the founders book. I have only read the first few pages and it is nice to see a author write about those things an overweight person has to deal with, but never wants to talk about.</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55516153832417931082010-10-12T16:05:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:10:41.091-04:00The Ultimate Blog Challenge - 13- My Jenna<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLS_duav0TI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NyiqAoyGQic/s1600/besties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLS_duav0TI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NyiqAoyGQic/s320/besties.jpg" width="320" /></a><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8958455750253052" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Today’s Challenge:</b></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8958455750253052" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pick a friend or family member and write a blog post about the quality you most admire in them.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of my closest, yet far away, friends is my Jenna. Her and I met shortly after I arrived in Stillwater, OK for a job relocation. She instantly took me in and showed me around the town. From that first day we have managed to build a friendship that has taken us here, there, and everywhere. The one thing I admire most about her is her ability to overcome everything that comes at her and her ability to love those, even with their faults. She is never judgemental or selfish. That is a quality I admire the most, and for that I will always love her and she will always be a part of me. Our lives have taken us in different directions, but when we are together it is as if no time has ever passed between us.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39765851798922069852010-10-11T13:24:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:10:21.242-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 12- It's a ShayTard world!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLNIEHWl__I/AAAAAAAAAIU/SA7RFHRImd4/s1600/default.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLNIEHWl__I/AAAAAAAAAIU/SA7RFHRImd4/s1600/default.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today’s Challenge: </b>Share one of your favorite YouTube videos and your thoughts about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t really have one favorite YouTube video as I am not on their very much. When I am, I tend to look for videos to songs I like. Over the years I have followed a few people who produced videos that made me laugh, but those people tend to come and go. Shay Carl is not one of those. Shay Carl has the ShayTard channel, along with his children, who also follow the Tard name (babytard, princesstard) and his wife, as well as their dog. Shay has been filming videos for a few years now and it was not until last year when he put himself on the 1 video a day challenge that he really started to form a following. Basically Shay films his life (radio DJ) of work, play, and being a dad. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/SHAYTARDS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Not really much to say about it, you will just have to watch it to understand. </span></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2809300022027674062010-10-11T13:13:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:10:03.032-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 11- Relaxing? Who Me?<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1400599997&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today’s Challenge:</b> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">What do you do to relax and unwind?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Are you serious? This topic should be null and void for me. I NEVER, well not really never, but RARELY get a chance to relax and unwind. My days start as early as 6 am and I go until 9-11pm depending on just how worn out I really am. During the week I am working on school stuff, reading text, writing papers, doing homework. After that, I have even more to write because I have clients and deadlines to tend to. Having my brain in active overdrive all hours of the day is very tiring. I don’t think people realize just how exhausting being a student and worker really is. As for relaxing on the weekends? That is not going to happen with my boyfriend’s 5 year old daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">On that rare chance I do get to relax and unwind, I do absolutely nothing. I like to lay in my bed and just sit in silence. Other times I read a book, or read a book on my Nook. That is usually when I am on break from school. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67217099927337727552010-10-11T13:04:00.000-04:002013-10-04T11:09:15.777-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 10- Purses, Wallets and Bags, OH MY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLNCyDMtLWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/iDMlPoh5FNA/s1600/il_570xN.182060618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLNCyDMtLWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/iDMlPoh5FNA/s320/il_570xN.182060618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today’s Challenge:</b> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Go window shopping at Etsy.com or Amazon.com and pick out something to blog about. Might be something you dream of owning, or something you'd love to give as a gift, or even something crazy you didn't know existed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love Etsy.com because I have a friend who knits and she has put some of her projects on there to sell. I do have to admit that I have not really visited the website to see what else it has to offer. I am a HUGE fan of purses, although my addiction has somehow faded in the last three years. I can still appreciate a nice bag. I decided to take a little time browsing the handbag section to see what the etsy artists can deliver. I am always looking for things that are not carbon copies of something else. Meaning, I don’t want to walk in to a place and see eight others that have the exact same bag, shoes, and glasses and so on as me. Etsy seems to fulfill that need. I only had time to glance at a few pages, and this little gem stuck with me.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58593270/small-pleated-shoulder-bag-and-organizer?ref=v1_other_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Bags By Laura has been added to my favorites list!</span></a> I love the colors as well as the organization. The price is even very reasonable. Looking at this site has made me want to dust off my sewing machine…well, only if I had time! </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31718992639958073512010-10-08T13:51:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:58:41.883-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 9 - The Way Life Goes<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Blog Challenge: </b><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Blog about whatever's on your mind today. With the thousands of thoughts that go through our heads, I'm sure you've got one or two rattling around in there that's worth sharing? Did something brighten your day today? Or do you need to rant about something?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It seems the topic that has been weighing heavily on my mind is my future. More importantly, my future with my boyfriend. There is a lot of love between us, but I often question whether love is really enough, whether it is the strong hold glue that is going to keep us together for the long haul.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to vent, and it is likely going to be a long one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We were supposed to get married this month. Oddly enough, I do believe today was the day we had planned. We have talked about rescheduling for another time next year. The idea of it sounds great, but the actual thought of doing it really makes me say “no way!” and if I am saying that in my mind then I certainly do not need to be getting married.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To put it bluntly, he is lazy. For the last two years I have busted my rear end going to school and working. When I moved in here I was instantly pushed into being a weekend mom. Boyfriend had no direction with being a single father, and he certainly needed some help. Kiddo had some adjustment problems as well as Boyfriend. In time, it became to be that the entire world was on my shoulders. While Boyfriend sat around playing video games, I was working, going to school, cleaning the house and taking care of all the chores and cooking as well as taking care of him and Kiddo, not to mention the dogs and now a cat, fish and crabs. In time, the longer it went on, the more resentful I became. It seemed he had no desire to even find a job, and when he finally got one, he gets 3 days a week. It is hard for me to do homework, study, and work while he is here so my own income is not what it should be. I am stressed and I just do not see a way to work it all out. I try to work around his schedule, but it does not always work out to the best. I can’t really do anything on the weekends, even though I have school assignments due every Saturday, which means I have to double up on school during the week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Due to all the stress, the resentment started to build. He wanted my attention, I pushed him away. Kiddo wanted me to give her a bath, I made Boyfriend do it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I don’t work, we don’t have extra money for household items or to be able to go out on the weekends. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel unappreciated, underpaid, overworked, and just flat out angry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I admit it, I am angry at the world and the only reason I am not screaming right now is because I am finally back on my anti-anxiety and antidepressants. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The holidays are upon us and I already dread it. There is so much pressure from Boyfriend and his mom to always do these things, and there are just not enough hours in my day to get everything done. On Thanksgiving they are lucky I can even go to one place, I have school, I am in the accelerated program. I DO NOT get days off for holidays. Never mind me trying to go to more than one place on Turkey day. It is not going to happen. Christmas? Why should I have to go to 4 different places just to make everyone else happy? All I can think about is my assignment that is due the next day and how I really should be studying or working. I loathe the holidays with a passion and have never been very fond of the Hallmark days. I just cannot get Boyfriend and his mom to understand me and my life. I don’t feel she should be the one dictating his life. It seems as though every weekend there is always some sort of drama, and honestly, I am about to crack. I can feel it. Last weekend was a huge ordeal and I am forced to think that this is going to go on every weekend for the next 15 years. Is this really the life that I want?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, Batt and I fight. We scream, and it all boils down to the same thing. I resent him for making me do everything around here, which makes me so run down and tired that I just don’t care if I ever leave the house. All I can think about is sleeping or what I have to do next.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In time, I feel like I am going to be a weekend mom to his ex step kids as well. I understand that he helped his ex to raise her kids. But, the reality of that is, you divorced their mom, you are no longer their step dad. She remarried, so now they have a new dad. This is something that Boyfriend and his mom have a hard time with. The oldest son is at the age (10) where he just hates everyone, so he has no desire to come out here. But, Kiddo older sister has been staying with Boyfriend's mom once in a while, which is becoming more and more. The bad thing is, she doesn’t bother to tell Boyfriend that she is coming, which is causing problems for us. I don’t want to be mean to Kiddo’s sister, and I don’t mind if she stays once in a while, but it is certainly not going to be an every weekend thing. Honestly, I don’t want it at all. I don’t trust the ex one bit. It is a recipe for disaster that I am sure is going to bite me in the ass in the long run. I know Boyfriend misses her, and she misses him, and I am not totally heartless, but it bothers me that I am going to be the one doing all the work of taking care of the girls all weekend. Yes, there is that resentment again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Due to this, I don’t feel this is a relationship made in heaven. There are just too many factors that are altering my thoughts. I often feel stuck. I could always move back home, but that is not something I really want to do. I have looked in to getting a place of my own, but it has been difficult with the dogs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We did tell Kiddo a few weeks ago that I was likely going to move out and, according to Boyfriend, she was beside herself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t let Kiddo be the reason why I am staying. That is no better than parents who stay together for the sake of the kids. Kids see right through that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So here I am, up against brick wall, bashing my head trying to figure out what is wrong or right. I can’t think about marrying him, or even starting a family with him because all of this other stuff is clouding my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wish I knew the next step.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />And that my friends is the life of the Self Employed Writer.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79824953046275880562010-10-07T15:08:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:53:14.906-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 8- The Zigmaster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TK4arqBBUpI/AAAAAAAAAIM/9oFrJmWVH2A/s1600/use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TK4arqBBUpI/AAAAAAAAAIM/9oFrJmWVH2A/s320/use.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Today’s Blog Challenge</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Think of something cute, funny or interesting that your kid, neighbor, family member or friend has recently done and share it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is always something cute, funny, or interesting going on around here, especially if you love animals. I work from home, and a cat and <a href="http://www.cainstails.com/" target="_blank">two dogs</a> join me on my daily commute to work. The five steps to the office. The cat is only a few months old, so I guess technically he is still a kitten. The dogs and him have been slow to get to know each other, however the cat knows no fear. He will dart around the house, spring loaded, as if there are no other creatures roaming the floors. He will sit on top of the fish take, high out of reach of the dogs, just looking down. I wonder how long it will take him before he figures out how to get the fish, or, when he grows so big he can no longer perch on the fish tank out of the dogs reach. It is quite comical when <a href="http://cainstales.com/" target="_blank">Cain</a> will come over and Ziggy is on my lap. Ziggy will give Cain a little pat and then lick his head as if to say Hello. When Casey comes over, the story is different. She gets batted at, claws out, and often, her ear bitten. She just looks at the cat like WHAT? What did I do?? If only the world could see the facial expressions of the Boxers that I get to see every day, especially now that a cat has been introduced to the family. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54388106454591898282010-10-06T12:55:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:52:30.726-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge -7- I wanna be a Toys R Us kid!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKyp_QCs0DI/AAAAAAAAAII/D2nBzSAjS9Q/s1600/toys_r_us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKyp_QCs0DI/AAAAAAAAAII/D2nBzSAjS9Q/s320/toys_r_us.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Today’s Blog Challenge:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> What was your first job?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">My first job was opening up a brand new Toys R Us store. It was fall of my sophomore year, I had just shed 80 pounds and my parents got me a 1976 black Camaro with an Edlebrock racing engine as my first car (mind you, I graduated high school in 1993). I remember saving my lunch money in order to have money to put gas in the tank. That car was such a gas hog, but I LOVED it. To this day I was I never had to get rid of it. When I interviewed for the TRU job the weather was just starting to get chilly. I wore my best dress anyway. It being my first job, I was unsure of what I was supposed to do or say. I just answered his questions and got a call back about a week later. </span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The building was there, but the inside of the store was empty. It was our job to put up the shelves and racks to get that store opened in time for the holidays. I worked as much as I could. I would get home from school, run home, grab a bite to eat and head out to work for a few hours. Most of the time I would have to be to work at 5 and I would go home about 9 or 10pm. One of the perks of the job, my long time crush and his best friend also got hired on. Since we already knew each other, we had instant break time friends. We would sit in the break room, talking about the cheesy job. I didn’t care; it was money in my pocket. There were a few times where I took my crush home when his ride did not show. The more time I spent with him, the more I asked myself why I even liked him. Underneath that cute face was nothing that interested me. We had nothing in common, he was nice enough, and so friendship came easy. In time he ended up getting fired and his friend quit shortly after. I spent the holidays alone at the TRU store. It made me sad. After a while they wanted me to run register on top of roaming the floors to help customers. I guess my personality was only going to get me so far. I was deathly afraid of the register, and I have no idea why. They were starting to cut down hours and lay people off. They wanted me to stay, which is why I had to pull double duty. I did not want it, and right after Christmas I was let go. I still think about that job every so often. I still have my paycheck stubs attached to my tax return. I still remember my crush and the times we had. </span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51862360269230163652010-10-05T15:11:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:51:53.971-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge -6- East Tawas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKt4K6oJozI/AAAAAAAAAIE/b56wuiw2_N4/s1600/31111_1478966539967_1407887874_1281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKt4K6oJozI/AAAAAAAAAIE/b56wuiw2_N4/s320/31111_1478966539967_1407887874_1281.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today’s Blog Idea:</b> Where do you like to vacation and why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been so long since I have taken a real, weeklong vacation that I have forgotten what it is like. While growing up in Oklahoma, family vacations meant drive up north to Michigan every summer and Christmas break if we could. Now that I live in Michigan, working full time and a full time student, I just do not have the time to take very many days off. The one place I like to go just to get away for a couple of days is East Tawas. It is a small, cute, little beach town about an hours’ drive away. The Tawas Bay resort sits right on the beach and water with the downtown area right across the street. The ice cream shop my grandmother would take us to, and the dock we would walk after still stands. Every time I go back, I think about my grandmother. It is tradition to head across the street for ice cream at the shop, fudge at another shop, and pizza for dinner. Then, at night, we head to the old town movie theater for 50 cent popcorn and a flick, followed by some night time music in the streets. We love this local shop, we can talk to the owners for hours about Celtic relics and swords. After a couple of days, you have seen it all, and you can feel ready to go home. The photo is a picture I took at the Tawas State Park. I loved it so much, I used it as my theme when redoing the bathroom. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35131436424113659762010-10-05T14:59:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:51:10.180-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 5- Scenery<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today’s blog challenge:</b> Find an interesting photo and write about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKt1Xe6HNWI/AAAAAAAAAIA/nT7mA2_V2Uk/s1600/IMG_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKt1Xe6HNWI/AAAAAAAAAIA/nT7mA2_V2Uk/s320/IMG_1209.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Could you imagine living in a house, located at the very top of a cliff? With the waves crashing on either side of the dam boats would not be able to travel to the cliff in order to bring its residents supplies. In the distant view we can see how calm the water is, one might think there is a boat dock which we cannot see. I visualize this as an amazing writers retreat. Take a long, brisk walk across the top of the damn. Look at the ocean; listen to its wave’s crash against the rocks. Write about it. Write about the solitude and the silence. The weather looks a bit overcast, perhaps it is chilly.<br /><br /><b>What are your thoughts?</b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28893864418638449582010-10-03T16:17:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:50:32.079-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 4 - Waiting<div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">What is the longest time you ever waited for someone or something? Why did you wait?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The longest I ever waiting for someone was my ex boyfriend. Here I was, 1000 miles from everything I had ever known, thrown into a world where I was forced to let others see me, let others get to know me. One of the first people I had started to date was QT Patootie. I do not know why I was so attracted to him. He was not my usual type, but he certainly made me smile and laugh. Our first date was simple enough, but yet I never laughed so hard. When we were together, we were good. When we were apart, we were not so good. There would be times when I would not hear from him for days. After a few months things really started to come unraveled. One night, we spoke on the phone and made plans to meet up the next day. He never called. He did not call me for 9 days. That is the longest I ever waited for someone, and I vow to never do it again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/10/the-ultimate-blog-challenge-2-of-30-keys.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/10/the-ultimate-blog-challenge-3-of-30-joy.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a> are using The Pocket Muse. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1582973229&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-572323079161118182010-10-01T18:21:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:48:37.793-04:00The Ultimate Blog Challenge - #3 of 30 - Joy Ride<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="The Pocket Muse" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kV-QOOzdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: white;" /><br /><br />Like I stated <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/10/the-ultimate-blog-challenge-2-of-30-keys.html" target="_blank">in post #2</a> (just in case you are not reading in order) weekends are really hard for me to post. Living with my fiancés has its challenges, but on the weekend his little one lives with us and I like to give her all of my attention since we only have her for 2 days. I am doing Saturday and Sunday’s post early. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here is post #3 of 30</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1582973229" target="_blank">The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Write about a long, fraught ride in a car.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">*I honestly had no idea what fraught was, I had to look it up. According to m-w.com it means 1) full of or accompanied by something specified —used with with and 2) causing or characterized by emotional distress or tension : uneasy <a fraught="" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" relationship=""></a></div><a fraught="" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" relationship=""></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal">So, there you go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a fraught="" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" relationship=""><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now all I have is the movie Joy Ride playing in my head. I might have to think about this one over the weekend and come back to edit it Sunday night. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a fraught="" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6379442664050842979" relationship=""><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I am going to have to get creative because I don't really have a personal story to relate to this. </b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85336408802862016502010-10-01T18:05:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:46:15.430-04:00The Ultimate Blog Challenge - #2 of 30 - The Keys<div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="The Pocket Muse" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kV-QOOzdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: white;" /><br /><br /><br />Weekends are really hard for me to post. Living with my fiancés has its challenges, but on the weekend his little one lives with us and I like to give her all of my attention since we only have her for 2 days. I am doing Saturday and Sunday’s post early. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here is post #2 of 30</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1582973229" target="_blank">The Pocket Muse By Monica Wood</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Rescue a stray key from that junk drawer in the kitchen. Put it on the desk next to your computer. Try to remember or imagine what this key once unlocked. Start writing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“My key is still so shiny.” I think to myself. So shiny it is just like the day I brought it home. Nice snow white in color. The first thing I was able to buy for myself after the divorce. It was mine. All mine. And I bought it myself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The 2003 Grand Am was nothing special. It drove fast, and I drove it far. I cried when I had to let it go. But that car led me on the path I am on today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things were not going so good for me in 2007. I had just lost both my grandparents, one of my best friends was murdered accidentally by another friend, another best friend was battling cancer, my favorite cat had died, and I left my husband. We were together for 10 years and to this day I am still trying to figure out why I made the choice to leave him. I loved him. Had love for him. But I fell out of love. We were just different people. I wanted him to be happy and find the love he deserved. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I packed up my life and left the only home I ever knew in Oklahoma. Said good-bye to all my friends, who had become my family. I traveled 1000 miles with the belongings I entered into the marriage with and my <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/" target="_blank">two Boxer dogs</a>. I left the cars, the house, and many other things behind. I tried to make it easy on him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Starting life over in MI was not fun. Work in my field was scarce. It did not help I lived in the country and was not too keen on a 30 minute commute. Within the first 6 months of being a MI resident, I went on countless interviews while battling a relapse in my depression. Life as I knew it was over and this was it for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had lost my best friend to cancer. A man I had grown to care for and love was gunned down. How could I handle so much death? I felt so alone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">By January 2008 I was able to get a part time job working for a chain company I had worked for in the past. It was only a seasonal job. I then landed at a place I like to call HELL. I cried every morning about how I did not want to go to work. I was so miserable there. I would cry every night when I got home. But I needed the money. Life was a literal hell. I worked for a man who was a pompous ass. Excuse my language. He would literally run down the hallway after people screaming the F word if something did not go his way. It was too much stress. When he tried to push me into something I was never trained to do, I walked out. My panic attacks were happening too much and the anxiety was just too much for me to handle.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During this time I was using other people’s cars. About a month before I quit I was able to save up enough money for a down payment on my own car. The first thing I bought for myself after the divorce. It was mine. I did not have to share it with anyone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>My own car was the start of something new. The start of a new beginning. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Eventually I had fallen off the job path again. One temp job after another and when the last one finally ended and I could not find work, I eventually lost my car too because I could not afford the payments. I was sad to see it go. This car had become such a part of me. A part of a learning and growing experience. Losing that car motivated me to find a job I would love with a passion. What is my passion? Writing. Pure and simple. So now, here I am. Holding this shiny key in my hand, remembering how that car felt when I drove it. I how independent I felt buying it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I toss the keys back into the jar. I have since bought a new car, paid in cash, in full. And started the life of a writer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It is not such a bad life after all. </b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63489475720134566142010-10-01T17:38:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:39:36.069-04:00The Ultimate Blog Challenge: About Me - #1 of 30<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">I tend to write about a lot of things. My blog is basically a place for me to talk about my life as a Self Employed Writer. I talk about places I work for, the sort of work I like, and even share my struggles. On occasion I share some of my creative works. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Recently I started talking about my weight loss, <a href="http://moretolifethanchocolate.com/" target="_blank">or at least my desire to lose weight</a>. Having a desk job and working long hours can sure take its toll on you. But I find myself not really able to keep up with posting. So, I decided for the month of October to take a 30 day blog challenge.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the next 30 days I will be posting 30 blogs. Pretty much 1 a day, unless something comes up, then there will be an extra one or two posts in a day. Because I am not sure what to write about, I decided to use the book The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood. Within its pages are hundreds of ideas to get a story, or in this case, a blog going. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1582973229&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, for the next 30 days, let the creativity flow!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Ultimate Blog Challenge</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/">http://ultimateblogchallenge.com</a> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10439437297848875962010-09-03T20:27:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:10:30.902-04:00RepostingI have a lot of blogs that were from the original Yahoo 360 that got moved over to the new Yahoo Profile. 360 started long before my blogger days so I am going to repost some of them here.<br /><br />My original MySpace was hacked and deleted in 2005. I have tried to rebuild, but I think these blogs were lost from there as well. Because of this I have decided to repost the blogs on that site too.<br /><br />This might help a lot of you who are new to my blogs get caught up on my life from the last few years. Some of the newer blogs will defiantly make more sense.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50316983216598120502010-09-03T20:24:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:10:06.867-04:00Words, Thoughts, Feelings - Bah Humbug!<div class="MsoNormal">Lonnie’s birthday has come and gone and I made no remark in regards to it. I once though celebrating helped me to heal. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">This time it is just a painful memory.</a> I want to remember the good times we had. The good times we all had for that matter. Now, as I embark on a weight loss journey with U2 as the prize, it has all become very real to me that I will never have a group of friends like those I lost. U2 was something we often shared, and knowing they are not here to share this with me breaks my heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Often, I feel myself just counting down the days until I can be with them again. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/beautiful%20Elonna" target="_blank">Elonna</a>, Lonnie, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank">Terry</a>….the world seemed complete with them. They were taken away from me too soon. Way too soon. With them, the world was not so big and scary and I did not feel so alone. Sean has buried himself in life, trying to forget the past. Joey is around when he can be. I do hang on to that small inkling of hope that someday Joey and I will get to share that pint, after everything. I look forward to that day when he is free to roam, I can cross the big pond, and we can visit Lonnie’s grave, together. Sometimes that thought is the only thing that keeps me going in life. Steven, the adopted member of the Pirate Gang, it has been so long we spoke, but I have a feeling all is well in his world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The way I see it, I don’t really have much else. At the rate Matt and I are going, we aren’t likely to ever get married. There are just too many “issues” at hand and quite frankly I am too old and too tired to deal with it anymore. I am not getting any younger, so, me having kids is pretty much a mute point as well. I guess I have come to accept that as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of you who have known me for any length of time know how hard love is for me. I always seem to find myself with either not enough, or smack dab in the middle of a love triangle. All I want is for it to just all shrivel up and go away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been thinking the world is cruel. There are things about me (anxiety, panic, depression, PTSD) that just can’t be changed. I have tried. Sometimes, you just can’t kill the disease no matter what you do. I think, at this point, it would be better for everyone if I embarked on the rest of life’s journey alone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The world is big, the world is scary and I am not a fan of moving forward alone, I just see no other choice. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61346192954360384882010-08-30T18:51:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.827-04:00About The Weight Loss Apps I UseI have been getting asked a lot about the iPhone/Touch apps that I use so I thought it would be useful for me to compile a list for everyone.<br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>In the beginning I started with Sparkpeople.com. They have an app to keep track of your weight and calories as well as a separate app for recipes. I found these extremely helpful when I first started this journey and it was initially the reason why I wanted a Touch for Christmas instead of a regular iPod. Both apps are free.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Currently I use <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calorie-counter-diet-tracker/id341232718?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal</a> to track my activity and calories. This app is free and also syncs with the website, just as SP does. I find MFP to be much simpler, easier to use and has a cleaner interface.</div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.davoliapps.info/iphone/iwatchr/" target="_blank">iWatchr </a> is 99 cents, with a 99 cent upgrade package. I purchased this program last week to keep track of my WW Points. I was having issues with the WW website syncing between my desktop, laptop and Touch so I felt it was not worth the money to spent $20 a month when it was not doing what I wanted it to do. Using iWatchr with MFP gives me a few extra steps, but for $2 it is well worth the price. It does take a bit to get used to, but so far I like it quite well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dottis-food-score/id371335878?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">Dotti</a> is known to those is the WW world as DWLZ, or dottiesweightlosszone. She has been a standby website of mine since I started WW in 2002. Her site lists all the point values for just about every food item as well as restaurants. Her app is fairly new, and for $2.99 could stand to use a bit more work. I really like that the points are listed for the places I like to eat out at. So, for me, since canceling my WW membership it was worth the couple of dollars. The website claims there will be upgrades and the app is new.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>iTracker is also 99 cents and is an app I just downloaded yesterday. After reading reviews I wanted to see if it was better to use than iWatcher. They both do the same thing, counts points. But the both do something different as well. iTracker keeps track of water, fruits/vegi where as iWatchr does not. I have not played with iTracker enough yet to really give it a good review. Between iWatchr and iTracker it really depends on what all you want to keep track of and how you like the looks of the program.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>This morning I spent another 99 cents and downloaded an app called <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/get-running-couch-to-5k/id319043985?mt=8&uo=4" target="_blank">Get Running</a> which is a couch to 25k program. I have not used it yet, however it had great reviews and it looks really fun.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Eat What? Is another free program that will give you the nutritional value for the grocery store and for eating out. This is a great program for checking the nutritional value before you make your grocery list or go out to eat.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Those are really the only apps I use right now. I have looked at other apps for websites such as Calorie Count and for a free program, its pretty good. I just prefer MFP.</div><br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1623433046902274242010-08-27T14:41:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:07:31.173-04:00The Boring Book Blog Post : Freedom From Addiction<br /><div>Boring!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Addiction-Successful-Busting-Approach/dp/1899398465?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Freedom from Addiction: The Secret behind Successful Addiction Busting (Human Givens Approach)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1899398465" height="1" width="1" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have never been so bored trying to read a book in my entire life. Not even a darn college textbook was this bad! I was really hoping for something fresh to pick my brain, but all my brain got was one giant ache. I was excited to load this on my Nook last night, clicking through page by page as I watched a DVR of America’s Got Talent. First thing this morning, I deleted it off my Nook. *two thumbs down*</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>*yawns*</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Not very motivated today for a blog post. Not really sure what to write about.<br /><br /><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10836693817348752112010-08-26T18:50:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:07:08.330-04:00A New Outlook Thanks to U2<div>Yesterday I was able to get tickets to the U2 show next June here in MI. I am SO excited as I have never been able to see them. None of my friends in OK were really fans, and of course my ex-husband Marcus would not go. Even so, they never came to OK so we had to go to Dallas and the one time I tried to get tickets, it sold out within the hour. Bono fell and broke his back so they had to cancel a lot of shows. To make up for it they rescheduled and added some dates for next year. They are coming to Lansing, which is about 45min away from me. I had two tickets and went to check out - $550! WHAT?? So I pouted and one of my U2 twitter pals said hey, they have cheap ones, click this and this to get them. So I did, and was able to get crap tickets for $75. I don't care, I just want to go. So, now I have a new goal to lose 50lbs by June 2011. :)</div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>I have no idea why I feel the need to get to goal by that date, I just need a goal date and that seemed like a good choice. What a better way to celebrate getting to goal!</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>I have decided to go back to what I know, what is familiar, and what has worked for me. I have spent way too much time these last few months looking for that helpful tool that will help me. Cookbooks, weight loss programs, diet foods, and new exercise tools. I need to stop looking. The answer really is right in front of my face.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I bought a home gym to go along with the bikes, roller skates/blades, walking shoes, exercise videos, hand weight, bands, straps, and balls. Oh, and let’s not forget my treadmill. I have plenty here to work off the weight.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am going back to Weight Watchers. Yes, I am. I am doing it today. As soon as I post this I am entering my credit card information into the website. I am doing this for ME and no one else. My health is worth the $20 a month. I was worth it in the past, I am worth it now.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am a Lifetime member. I am PROUD of that. Not so proud that I let the weight came back.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Lifetime means, I have to work the program for my entire life. Or at least be aware of my food for my life. Sounds scary, but really it is not. What is scary to me is trying to add up calories in and calories out every day. I realize that Weight Watchers is the same thing, just another way of counting calories in and calories out. I am not dumb. I am however investing my health in a program that I know works for me. We are all different; we all have different ways of dealing with things. I get that My Fitness Pal (MFP) and Spark People (SP) are free (who doesn’t love free, right?) and I love them both for different reasons.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think because they are free they are not motivating me to get my rear in gear, literally. I seem to just shrug it off, “Oh I went over my calories today” or “oh, I didn’t exercise today” and I just continue on.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I started to get serious about my weight in January, although it has been an up and down, constant trying, since the weight started to come back on. This year I have lost about 17lbs total. And I keep gaining and losing those same pounds. I can’t keep doing that. I have already wasted half the year now. If I would have done what I was supposed to do, I would be at my goal weight by now.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Being a Lifetime member has its perks. One of them being you get to attend meetings for the rest of your life, for free! We like free, right? Problem is I am over my goal weight by more than 5lbs. Because of this, I would have to pay the weekly meeting fee and even though it is discounted for Lifetime members, it is still cheaper for me to do Weight Watchers Online.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You could say I am back on my Weight Watcher bender. I LOVE (didn’t I mention that?) SP and MFP, but I think because they are free, I am just very, “eh, oh well about it” (think I mentioned that, too). MFP does not have a lot of action going on in the forums (compared to other sites), especially people sharing recipes and stuff like that (at least the kind I need). I seem to find a lot of people I have nothing in common with. SP has a lot of WW groups and forums so it is a good place to be, but there is not a lot there of what I need.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I need help trying to figure out how to cook for a family and I know there has to be a way! And MFP is not helping me with that. Neither was SP. I need some motivation and I think WW will help. Actually, I know it will since I am paying for it. Plus, all my old information is still stored on the website, so that will be helpful to see my stuff from years past (I used eTools for meeting members).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I just hate the thought of having to pay for it!! (What can I say, I am poor and I am cheap!) And I think that is my problem. But when I open my cupboards it is hard for me to put things together based on calories, in the past I would just write points on all my boxes and cans so when I opened the cupboard I could add quickly to make a meal. I think that is what I am going to do this time.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It the past it was easy, all I had to do was cook for myself. My ex husband worked 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> shift for most of our relationship, and he was a health freak so when we did eat together it was not hard to whip something up. Now, I have a Matt and a Madison (on the weekends) and we do eat a lot of meal together. I need the help and the motivation to get us all on the healthy path.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, I made a deal with the boyfriend. He allows me to spend $20 a month less on groceries and put that towards a WW online membership. I lose 50lbs by June 2011, we go see U2 happy and healthy and I will buy us a flat panel TV for the living room. He HAS to help me and he has to sort of follow along too. He has to eat what I make, walk with me, work out with me, and help me budget/prepare meals.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I told him we needed to go to the store and get a large poster board and make a weigh-in chart as well as post goals on it. WW has a 10% mark and you get a magnet or something, then so many pounds after that you got charms and stuff. We would get stars for every 5lbs that went on a bookmark. I kept all of that, and it was a good motivational tool. Since I am doing it online I won’t have that, but online is easier for me since I have the iPod Touch the online program has a free app. I already get the WW magazine and I have a lot of ebook WW Cookbooks that I can load on to my Nook. I knew I saved all this stuff for a reason! LOL</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We make this board, weigh in every week and chart the loss or gain. Glue pics of the rewards and stuff. Somehow get kiddo involved too so she doesn't feel so left out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>They have a 3 month initial payment of $65 after the 1st week free trial. So, I figure I would give it the 3 months and see. With the recipe builder and such I think I can make it work for a family. The forums are much more active, there are more people there that I have things in common with.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So that is my plan. I am still going to log in to MFP because I don't plan to pay for WW forever. This way my losses and such will also be logged in to MFP for future reference. Once I stop paying for WW I lose a lot of the journals, recipes, and such. There is very little available on the site for free.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div> I just think if I pay for it now I would be more inclined to use it and the weight will come off quicker. And since it worked so well for me in the past, seems like the logical choice instead of trying to figure out if this or that will work for me. And I think in 3 months I might get the hang of cooking on a budget and learning to cook for a family instead of myself, and then I can go back to doing the program on my own and using MFP.</div><br /><div>I do think once I am closer to my goal I would go back to the meetings and have that interaction again to keep me motivated as a Lifetimer.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I also signed us up for a 5K walk that our chiro is doing to raise money for the parks here in town. It is at the end of September. I can walk 3 miles no problem, but I am still going to "train" for it. Going to sign us up for a AIDS charity walk that is in October as well. We can just pull Maddy in her wagon.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I could keep talking about this forever, but my reality is that I need to get to work and make money off my words.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Will blog more later.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77152824483801668062010-08-23T14:39:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:01:14.459-04:00I’m in a Food Coma….Sending Out an SOS<div>Please send help.</div><br /><div>Sending out an S.O.S.</div><br /><div>Today I am going to try *cross fingers* to detox from carb and sugar overload.</div><br /><div>I have discovered that remodeling a bathroom causes stress.</div><br /><div>Remodeling a bathroom causes me to not be able to work as I should.</div><br /><div>Oh, the joys of working from home.</div><br /><div>Stress causes me to eat.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>Eating causes me to feel gross.</div><br /><div>Today, I feel gross.</div><br /><div>Today is another day of bathroom remodel.</div><br /><div>It is taking a lot longer than it should have.</div><br /><div>Captain A.D.D. can’t seem to stay away.</div><br /><div>It is so much easier to eat junky. Junky food is cheaper too.</div><br /><div>Anyone else notice that besides me?</div><br /><div>No time to blog.</div><br /><div>Must work.</div><br /><div>Must focus on not stressing.</div><br /><div>Damn that bathroom remodel!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47541173662662016112010-08-12T18:44:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:05:29.718-04:00Chinese Buffet Horror<br /><div>Yesterday was not a good day. I meant well. It started well.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>My home gym still lays in pieces on the basement floor. Matt and my mom spent yesterday ripping the walls down in our bathroom for the great remodel of 2010. Mom brought pulled pork over for lunch. It was good and that was going to be my one meal of the day. I logged it in to myfitnesspal.com and with the two ears of fresh out of the garden corn on the cob; I still had a nice amount of calories left for a snack and my Total Lean shake.</div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>After my mom left the boyfriend and I ventured to Kroger to pick up a few items they had on sale. We actually did really well. I had my whopping $16 of food benefits. I bought everything on sale and even used coupons. We have about 7 bags of groceries and I paid $26 out of pocket. We had a few non-food items like bleach and laundry soap. I was pretty excited about it.</div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>Before we hit Kroger we decided to stop at the Panda King Chinese Buffet. Normally when I go eat there I stick to a small amount of rice, have some chicken and some sort of vegetable whether it be mushrooms or green beans, and some salad as well as baked fish and sushi. For whatever reason all of the stress of not being able to work much yesterday made me want to feed my emotions and I picked one of every fried item they had. It has been so long since I had anything fried like that. There were only 4 things, but those 4 things made me feel horrible all night. Not just the guilt of eating them, but my body did not like me eating them, not one bit. It has been that way since 2001 when I had my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Intestinal%20Issues" target="_blank">gallbladder surgery and then a few years after that the intestinal one.</a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I felt awful all night last night. Let this be a lesson learned.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I am hoping for a better day. Waiting on my mom to go do some more budget shopping and look for a few things for the bathroom while Matt and his uncle do a bit of work on it. Once I get home it will be back to work. Oh joy.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think tonight I am going to spend a little more time looking at this book I have on my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barnes-Noble-NOOK-reader-3G/dp/1400599997?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Nook</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1400599997" height="1" width="1" />.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I also just recently downloaded The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. One of these days I will get around to reading it.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69706869622157033882010-08-11T18:42:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:03:07.243-04:00Oh Taco Bell, Why Do You Taunt Me?<br /><div>Hello, my name is Chrystal and I am a Mexican Food Addict.<br /><br /><br />I have been trying to be very serious about moving more and eating less. For the last few days I have been following the GNC Total Lean weight loss plan. It is the typical “replace two meals with two shakes a day” and have a couple of snacks and a lean meal.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />It has been hard, I won’t lie. I love food and I love to eat. Not only that, I really enjoy cooking even though sometimes it is just a chore. I find it rather relaxing most of the time. At the same time, I like having the meals all planned out for me. It helps me obsess less about food and I don’t have to think so much about what to eat. I have also learned that there are some alternatives I can eat that have the same amount of calories as the shakes, but honestly, the shakes are easier. They don’t leave me feeling like I am starving in an hour, like most meal replacement shakes do. I have done Slim Fast many, many times in the past. I find myself constantly snacking on something because I feel like I am starving within 30 mins of drinking the shake. The snack bars have a few flavors that I really like, and the meal bars are ok. For some reason I find them way too sweet for me to eat these days so I had to find another plan that I could try. I figure it does not hurt to try, and I have nothing to lose but a few pounds. Today is Day 3. The first week seems to be the hardest. And they say it takes 21 days to keep a habit. We shall see. I have no desire to drink my meals forever. I just need a little help in the weight department right now and this plan is decently affordable.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br />I know it won’t last, liquid diets work for some, but not for me. I get bored quickly, even with 6 flavors to choose from and hundreds of options to spruce them up.<br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />So, last night the boyfriend comes home from work. He brings me 2 Taco Bell Meximelts. My favorite, and they were not fresco style. Oh well. I happily ate them. It was as if he read my mind as I was craving Taco Bell a few hours prior to his arrival. Trying to watch what I eat, I would not have asked for them. After I ate them I started to beat myself up. Why would he bring those to me when he knows I am dieting??? Ugh. And why did I just not save them for lunch today and incorporate them in to the day's meal plan.<br /><br /><br />I will tell you why. I am addicted to Mexican food and I have never been able to say NO to it. I can say no to a lot of things, but never Mexican food. Especially anything with avocados. I am a sucker for the creamy blended goodness of guacamole. I honestly think I would die if I did not eat one avocado a week.<br /><br /><br />So my quest continues for the ultimate scale reduction.<br /><br /><br />I have not been reading any weight loss or nutrition related books. I had a few novels to finish up so I could pass them along to my mom. I also got the lovely<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barnes-Noble-NOOK-reader-3G/dp/1400599997?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> Nook </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1400599997" height="1" width="1" />for my birthday that I have not really read anything on since I am still in paperback land. I have a low-calorie, low-fat nutrition book loaded on to it and I plan to post anything useful on it.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />This week will also begin the frugal grocery shopping. I have coupons and sales flyer's ready to go. There is also a really cool place in Bay City that sells food super cheap so I am planning a trip there to stock up on some can and boxed items. I believe there is a bread outlet on the way there. I know I can shop cheap, question is, can I feed the boyfriend cheap? LOL</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14126549986102163152010-08-06T16:29:00.000-04:002011-11-12T16:31:05.953-05:00My Week as a Mahalo Half Guide Training<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Now, to some that have worked with Mahalo this might seem a little silly and trivial, but for those of us who have no experience with the website and/or their writing styles it is a little bit more important.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I applied for a Guide, was told no thank you since I had no Mahalo experience. A few days later I was asked if I would like to work for Mahalo as a half guide and if I did, here were some weeks to pick from for training.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I picked my week for training, which was this week. It was a paid hourly wage ($7.50) for 5 hours a day. For me, that is WAY less (yes I know, not proper grammar and I really don't care right now) than I generally average in an hour.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Our training was supposed to go a little something like this:Monday: How to Write a Mahalo General Topic Page Tuesday: How to Write a Mahalo General Topic Page Wednesday: How to Write a Mahalo How to Page Thursday: How to Perform a Complete Update Friday: How to Answer Questions Effectively</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Well, it went NOTHING like that.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">First, I assumed since I had sent in a writing sample and was picked for training after sending in that sample that the job was mine and I was going through a training process to learn the ropes of the Mahalo site. It was not until a few days in to the training we were made aware of the process. This is not the case. You are given grades for your work and then they pick who they want to bring on based on this. They are having 3 other sessions for training and will pick from those as well. Not everyone gets hired.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Having suffered through the week, I am positive Mahalo and I are not a good fit. I was so irritated for so many reasons. This is my personal experience and my little vent. Of course, as with all other writing places it is different for everyone. Having said that, I expected quite a bit from training.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">You have to log into a training chat every day, and stay logged in. I think of training as a way to teach us. Not send us off on a wild goose chase, which is exactly what happened.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Monday</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> we were sent an email. In that email contained a 5 page print out. Basic guidelines of Mahalo. And when I say basic, I mean very basic. I write for Demand Studios and private clients. I am used to step by step detailed instructions being laid out right in front of you. Even Break Studios, TextBroker and Experts 123 gives you more details in their instructions. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Monday I was able to write TWO of their given topic pages. I had to read the handout she sent and when that did not help me I had to search the site. I found little information. I know I was not the only one having problems. And she seemed almost irritated and made comments about how we should be able to figure this out. Trying to figure out their website and all of these little extras they want was a total nightmare and it literally gave me a headache. I am a fairly good writer, it should not have taken me so long to write something so simple, but it is hard when you are playing the guessing game. We are given a handful or topics to choose from. None of them interest me, none of them are things I really know about. As we all know, trying to force ourselves to write about something we have no desire to is like pulling teeth. It was not an enjoyable experience for me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I was ready to start a new day. I just figured Monday was a case of the first day blues, trying to work out the kinks to a new program and system. It happens. However today the teacher had an accident and was laid up in bed with a back ache. So instead of working on more Topic pages we had to do the Question and Anwers that were scheduled for Friday. These are a lot like DS Tips. You find a question and answer it in 100 words plus a video. These were on Mahalo sister sites. We had to do 10 of them. I had these done in about an hour or so. So my training was done for the day. We were told not to work on yesterday’s items. So I just went over my questions to make sure the answers were really good. I wanted to get paid for my day. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">ended up being a giant gripe fest about how we should be able to get these things done in X amount of time and how all these mistakes were being made and blah blah. It was really starting to turn me off at this point. All I kept thinking was if we had better instructions it might help. The trainer even mentioned she did tell the higher ups that we really needed training materials (videos) to help us. Sadly, they will not have those for our training session. I made all the corrections she asked me to from Monday. They still were not good enough for her. I felt like I was now dealing with the nightmare CE at DS that everyone complains about. I can handle rewrites. I can handle constructive criticism. But I cannot handle telling me something is wrong when there is no rules stating what is or is not acceptable and you are left to figure it out for yourself. First there was to be no list, needed facts only. I got facts and that was now to be a list. Confused? Yes, me too. I was ready to throw in the towel at this point. And then I really started to do the math in my head. The time it has taken me to write these two simple articles was ridiculous. So, I spent more time on the Mahalo site looking for help and answers. Anything that would help me with my damn subject (Jewelry Supplies and Jewelry Making Supplies) and help me move it along. I was so frustrated with myself at this point.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">ended up being exactly like yesterday! I kid you not. Again, not good enough, complete rewrite only this time I swear she wanted me to do exactly what I had done Monday that had to be corrected. When I tried to call her out on this all she did was give me a link to the Mahalo How to Guide on writing for the company. I just kept saying to myself, one more day. One more day. So, I made the corrections, noted them on our Google Doc sheet, which I kept a copy of for myself in case she was makig changes and trying to say she did not ask for this and that if I decided to take her up with corporate. She was totally contradicting herself on a day to day basis and it made me wonder if she knew what she was talking about. I know some of the other girls were having a lot of problems as well, the guys in the training were not as vocal. I took my two titles and rewrote them again, as directed, for two brand new articles.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Friday</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> I was oh so happy to see an email from the trainer asking me where I was yesterday and how I would not be paid! WTF? You have got to be kidding me. Ok, so I said hello first thing in chat when we started and spent the entire time focusing on my articles and my Mahalo pages. I would check the chat and all it was were others asking for help. I had no questions and nothing to say. At 5 I logged my work and ended my day like she said to do. Apparently because I did not say goodnight I was in the wrong and apparently not working for the day. I almost did not go through training today. I was so pi**ed off that I decided it was not worth it. All the rewrites, so little guidance. I have never had to rewrite so much, ever!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Then, I finished my same two pages up yet again today. Same requests, same changes. I had to send an email to the trainer noting my work for Thursday. I mean she graded my evaluation how in the world can she say that I was not working. Today we were sent lose on a How to page. Should be easy enough, since I write them on DS. Mahalo is MUCH more technical and they want a lot more stuff added to their pages. I only had 30 minutes left of my day, so I did not get much of mine done. Again, only a handful of titles to choose from and when I asked her about how we get titles she said they do not have 1000s to choose from like DS does. I feel it is going to be more like TB where you have titles to pick from, but nothing really interests you but you do it anyway because you have to. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">You know, I really wanted this to work out. I thought it would be a fun egg to have. I think they want/expect too much for way too little. So today, I did the math.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">MAHALOHalf Guide $500 a month$125 a weekHAVE TO write per week:12 pagesDo 6 updatesWrite 5 answers to questions</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">DEMAND STUDIOS$420-$720 a month (based on what Mahalo wanted us to do per week, one can certainly make more)$105-$195 per weekCAN write per week (this is comparable to their topics and how to)12 articles $7.50 OR $15 = $90 - $180Rewrites included if you get them5 Tips (comparable to their Q&A) $3each = $15</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">So, for me DS is better. I can also do titles with them for more money. So, I will just stick with them.Mahalo might be a good fit for someone else, but personally I can make more with my private clients, magazines and demand. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">We should know next week whether we are hired or not. I am guessing by the amount of rewriting I was asked for, I will not be picked. And, I am ok with that.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42640746190853991952010-08-04T18:40:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:00:26.059-04:00Getting Healthy on a BudgetMy blog is going to take on a new theme. I will always have the Self Employed Writer. It is what pays my bills after all, and now, it will be paying for my groceries as well.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I have never been too proud to ask for help when I needed it and the day I moved to Michigan, I needed it. No job, no unemployment, I needed something. My income has never exceeded the single person limit for benefits.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>For whatever reason my benefits were reduced from $200 a month to a measly $16 a month. I don’t know why and I am not sure I even want to hear the reason. My income has not changed since my last evaluation six months ago.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>What IS going to change is how, and what I eat. I have been talking for some time now about using my blog to journal my journey of weight loss on a budget. $200 was a budget when healthy food items cost twice as much as its fatty counterpart. Now, who is going to be able to budget $16 a month? Not me. But I am going to have to get creative on meals. Especially when trying to feed the boyfriend and kiddo.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>While I continue to save for a video camera so I can vlog as well, I will be filling up these pages with ideas on how to eat healthy on an extreme budget. At least I am going to try.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The first thing I am going to have to spend some time doing is getting organized.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I need a meal plan.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I need a budget.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I need a food price list.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Coupons, eh…</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I need low-cost healthy meal recipes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But, right now…I need dinner.</div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36842448156934825072010-08-03T21:29:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:59:31.514-04:00For My Cousin and Her Husband<div class="MsoNormal">For My Cousin and Her Husband</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have all heard the phrase “Life is too short” over and over again. I know you have also heard the one where things can change “in the blink of an eye.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This past weekend, both proved to be true.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">16 weeks in she began to miscarry and Conner Ryan King was still born. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My heart goes out to her.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61556403860860886622010-07-28T18:32:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:59:13.066-04:00And now we are ready for Chapter 3. Or, are we?And now we are ready for Chapter 3. Or, are we?<br /><div><br />(<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/07/lets-dive-in-chapter-two-recognizing.html" target="_blank">Chapter 2</a>)<br /><br />It has taken me some time to write these reviews because although I CAN admit that I binge, overeat and/or have an addiction to food, what I CANNOT sit here and do is believe that Kay Sheppard’s book and perhaps the overall 12-Step OA program is the “plan” or way for me. It works for many, and that is great. I think OA and any of the 12 Step programs are wonderful for those who need that type of recovery program.</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>In the same breath, we are all different in our needs, wants, and desires. And this really is not it for me. I will give more explanation in a minute. Right now, I want to talk about Chapter 3 and move forward with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Addiction-Knows-Revised-Expanded/dp/155874276X?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Food Addiction: The Body Knows.</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=155874276X" height="1" width="1" /></div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a></div><br /><div><b>In Chapter 3</b>: The Progression of Food Addiction we discover the possibility that refined carbohydrates, since introduced to us at a very early age put us right in the path of destruction. Apparently these carbs are one giant trigger.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Stage One of Food Addiction: Early Signs </b></div><br /><div>Preoccupation with Food</div><br /><div>Sneaking Food</div><br /><div>Stealing Food and Money</div><br /><div>Discomfort in No Food Situations</div><br /><div>Keeping Secrets</div><br /><div>Concern about Weight</div><br /><div>Self-Loathing</div><br /><div>Eating After Others Stop</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Stage Two </b></div><br /><div>Loss of Control and Attempts to Control</div><br /><div>Self- Deception and the Deception of Others</div><br /><div>Making Excuses</div><br /><div>Lethargy, Irritability and Depression</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>The Final Stages </b></div><br /><div>Efforts to Control Binging Fail Repeatedly</div><br /><div>Loss of Interest in Family, Friends, and other Pursuits</div><br /><div>Work and Family Problems</div><br /><div>Emotional, Physical, Moral and Mental Deterioration</div><br /><div>Neglect of Good Nutrition</div><br /><div>Food is the Main Source of Security</div><br /><div>Panic: Obsession and Compulsion Take Over</div><br /><div>Complete Defeat</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>No one wants to admit they are a food addict, especially me. I have found myself going through many of these stages, many of these actions. Enough is enough.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Chapter 4</b>: The Primitive Brain-Seat of Addiction is merely a scientific breakdown of the chemicals in our brain and why food addicts crave the foods that they do.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is my problem; I do not crave just one type of food. As a matter of fact, I don’t really crave anything. I just start to eat something, anything, and it can turn into a binge. I don’t binge because of the food; I binge because of the emotion I was feeling before I even started to eat something.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Chapter 5</b>: The Addictive Foods is a chapter that focuses on food. Highly refined carbohydrates, wheat and flour products are all highly addictive in nature.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Chapter 6</b>: Consequences of Food Addiction is pretty self-explanatory.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Chapter 7</b>: Methods that Fail is a basic discussion as to why diets don’t work for a food addict. The last thing a food addict needs is to be told what they can and cannot eat, right? Making a food addict feel deprived is only going to make them want it more, resulting in another binge. Diet make the food addict obsess about food.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This brings me to my whole rant about <b>Chapter 8</b>: A Lifetime Eating Plan.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is why I have a serious problem with this book, in her eating plan which she recommends to all OA members (and many I know do follow) is restrictive. There is a long list of foods to keep out of your house.</div><br /><ol start="1" type="1"><br /><li>Abstain from ALL forms of flour.</li><br /><li>Eliminate ALL high-fat foods.</li><br /><li>Avoid ALL forms of chocolate.</li><br /><li>No alcoholic beverages.</li></ol><br /><div></div><br /><div>She claims she is not a 12 step program, but she does recommend them, highly.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now then, the things a food addict CAN eat are very plain and extremely simple. However, she makes sure you understand that EVERYTHING has to be planned, measured, and written down.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, not only are we being restricted to the foods we can eat, we have to plan, write down, talk about, measure, and follow this so-called non-diet, diet plan??</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Can you now understand why this book and program is NOT for me?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I will NOT being following the advice in this book. I am also opting out of OA. Does the description of a food addict fit me? Yes, absolutely. Am I ready to go to the extremes with abstinence the way Ms. Sheppard recommends? No way! No one can be prepared for this type of extreme eating. It would completely take over my life, and I don’t need that. All this program does is simply (and quite literally) replacing on addiction for another. There is that constant worry of whether there is sugar or flour in something. Constantly wondering can I eat this? NO? Well, what about this? Or that? All this does is create more craziness and obsession. I have tried to do this once, when I did OA the first time back in 2005. All that did was lead me to guilt, endless frustration, and just wanting to be normal with my food.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Currently I am working to find peace with food, ALL FOOD! I will not allow any person or program brainwash me in to thinking foods are bad, or good, or some clean or dirty.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Like I said, some people might need this, and, it might just work for them. I am not one of them. I prefer to make peace with my past, my food, and live a normal, healthy life.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I got a Nook eBook reader for my birthday last week. I downloaded a sample <i>of Freedom from Addiction: The Chopra Center Method for Overcoming Destructive Habits, by Deepak Chopra.</i> I read it and have to say, it is more of a match for me that Food Addiction was. It is geared towards those who do not fit with the Key Sheppard or the OA 12 Step Method. I am a huge fan of natural healing and think this book is going to be an insightful read. I plan to add the entire book to my Nook right after I finish reading <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Addiction-Successful-Busting-Approach/dp/1899398465?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Freedom from Addiction: The Secret behind Successful Addiction Busting by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrell.</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1899398465" height="1" width="1" /></i> What can I say? It was a freebie.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59410817622829533132010-07-26T20:00:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:57:41.365-04:00The Circle of My LifeI can’t work when the boyfriend is here. I try. I fail. It takes me 3X as long for 1/3 of the pay.<br /><br /><br />I need money to pay bills and do things.<br /><br /><br />No money, no things.<br /><br /><br />Have to make up for those days which means giving up on fun things just so I can have the house to myself to work.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />Giving up on fun things is always surrounded by a huge guilt trip.<br /><br /><br />What about me? Why is it always about you?<br /><br /><br />I don't work hard enough or make enough money. I am not giving enough things. I am not doing enough.<br /><br /><br />I should be able to do it all. Work, school, all the housework, take care of Big M and lil m.<br /><br /><br />Who is taking care of me? I sure don’t have time.<br /><br /><br />I try, and I get overwhelmed, run down and tired. I fall apart. <b>I seek food for comfort.</b><br /><br /><br />He want’s more, more , more!<br /><br /><br />Why can’t they be happy with what they have?<br /><br /><br /><b>I eat to mask these emotions. </b><br /><br /><br /><b>I gain more weight.</b><br /><b><br /></b>Too much focus on what I don’t do or don’t give and no blessings or appreciation for what I DO!<br /><br /><br />I remember the mean things people said to me over and over. Horrible. I want to hide all over again.<br /><br /><br /><b>I turn back to my one friend, food.</b><br /><br /><br />I exercise, but its not enough. I feel its pointless. I am worthless and never going to get past this.<br /><br /><br />I am not good enough, I should not be in this relationship. It is too hard. He is never going to<br />understand. I will never get the space I need to work, to make money, to buy things, to do things, to have free time.<br /><br /><br />I am misunderstood. I am overworked and under appreciated. I am pushed more than I should be.<br /><br /><br /><b>I eat more, for comfort.</b><br /><b><br /></b>I hide. I don’t go places. I stay home. Safe and comfortable. Free from harm.<br /><br /><br />More guilt. <b>More food.</b> More mental breakdown and more hiding.<br /><br /><br />If I just lose the weight again, maybe it will all just go away.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88656664522835305112010-07-26T18:31:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:49:56.101-04:00MemoriesIt is funny how one small thing can open up a whole door to things forgotten. My mother was over the other day helping the boyfriend with our bathroom remodel. I had taken a break from working to cook dinner. Mom and I were in the kitchen chatting. I honestly do not remember what we were talking about exactly, but I had told her about how certain people in my family used to tease and make fun of me for being the fat kid. I had forgotten about most of it. Bringing up that subject opened the door for all of these memories to come flooding back. Mean and nasty things were said to me. Things that no child should ever hear. It was bad enough I was trying to hide what was going on with me in my home life (those dad issues), it was bad enough I was trying to hide the fact food was my medication (although the weight certainly showed something), it was bad enough kids at school teased me relentlessly, I should not be hearing these things from my own family as well.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><br />I lived in OK for 30 years. When I was younger we would take our family vacation, every summer, every year, for the 1000 mile drive to MI to visit family. I remember hiding from a lot of my family. The only person I really wanted to be around was my grandmother. She protected me. She always told me not to listen to them and no matter what, always thought I was beautiful.<br /><br /><br />I felt bad for my mom the other day, she had no idea. At the time I only remembered one certain person and all their mean comments. As the days have gone on, others have come to surface.<br /><br /><br />I am having one of those light bulb moments. This, along with the dad shit, is why I have never felt comfortable around my family. I always feel like the outsider. I feel like I have nothing in common and afraid to even try for the fact someone might say something mean again. It has been unclear to me, until now, why I never felt comfortable in my own skin.<br /><br /><br />It is hard growing up being the fat kid everyone made fun of. I can still hear many of those childhood comments today. Now that I have gained all of the lost weight back, and then some, all of those thoughts come back to me.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am a prisoner in my own body. I eat to cure the pain, which only makes things worse. The only place I feel safe from the mean comments and peoples stares is at home.<br /><br /><br />This has to be what causes some of my panic attacks! Starting at such an early age, being faced with all that nastiness. I have pushed it all inside to try to forget about it, but it is still there in my subconscious pushing at those panic buttons.<br /><br /><br />Friday night we had a birthday dinner for myself, I had such a bad panic attack that as I was cutting tomato's for the salad, I began to feel hot, flushed, my site started to fade to black and I lost my balance. I thought I was going to pass out. I grabbed the tomato so tight I squished it, and I had the knife in the other hand praying to God not to let me fall. If I fell, I would have stabbed myself. All I could think about was “I can’t let kiddo see me like this!” God please help me.<br /><br /><br />I didn’t tell the boyfriend about it until Saturday.<br /><br /><br />And now, here I am at 35 years of age and slowly starting to connect all the dots. The dots of why.<br /><br />The boyfriend doesn't understand why I like to stay home, stay hidden. I have tried to explain it to him, and all he can say is to him I am beautiful and no one else matters. That may be the case, but what I think matters. And what I see in the mirror, I do not like. I do not like it when people look at me. I fear they are whispering and laughing about me. Talking about me and my weight. Saying mean and nasty things, just like those around me have always done.<br /><br /><br />He also does not understand that these thoughts and feelings I have are not going to go away over night. Quite often I think he is just better off without me.<br /><br /><br />Somehow I have to regain control over my life. Somehow I have to win.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18873403535179169382010-07-26T17:32:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:49:30.928-04:00My Apologies<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">I'm sorry I am sick. I am sorry I am one with the illness. I am sorry that it is not my fault. And yet, somehow I am sorry it ruins YOUR life.</span></h3>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72550728429275092372010-07-20T18:29:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:49:23.879-04:00Let’s Dive In: Chapter Two – Recognizing the Disease<br /><div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/07/i-can-admit-i-like-food.html" target="_blank">I have to admit, I thought I had food addiction all figured out. </a>You become addicted to food much in the same manner an alcoholic does alcohol or a drug addict to the drug of their choice. Food becomes the drug of your choice. What I really question is do all food addicts overeat? Do they binge? Do they all go hand-in-hand?</div><br /><div>Let’s dive into the DSM-III-R list of eating problems (American Psychiatric Association)</div><br /><div></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><b>Rapid Binge/Purge:</b> recurrent episodes if binge eating (rapid consumption of a large amount of food in a discrete time period.)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On page 14 Kay points out that “large amounts of food” vary from person to person.</div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a></div><br /><div><b>Inconspicuous Eating </b></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Secret Eating:</b> eating in isolation</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Rapid Eating:</b> the food is gobbled down quickly, with little to know chewing.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Fear of Loss of Control:</b> there is a feeling of lack of control over eating behavior during the binge. It is here that Kay states the binger who has lost control, or has a feeling of no control in regards to quitting the binge; the eater has crossed the line into addiction.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Purging, Fasting, Exercise:</b> laxative, extreme exercise or vomiting are used as a means to prevent weight gain.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Frequent Binging:</b> an average of two binge eating episodes a week for at least three month.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Over-concern with Body Shape and Weight </b></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Self-Diagnoses Checklist</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>These are the questions in Kay’s book and these are my answers:</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="1" type="1"><br /><li><b>Has anyone ever told you that you have a problem with food? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. No, my psychiatrist told me I had an addiction to laxatives, never an issue with food. Odd now that I think about it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="2" type="1"><br /><li><b>Do you think food is a problem for you? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. I don’t think it’s the food. I think it’s my mental disorders. Food is the drug that stabilizes the chemicals in my brain when medication is unavailable.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="3" type="1"><br /><li><b>Do you eat large amount of high calorie food in a short period of time? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. I have. I have done so when I was in a hurry, trying to overcome a mood swing and I have even done this on low calorie foods like carrots and celery.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="4" type="1"><br /><li><b>Do you eat to overcome shyness? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. No, I am not shy. I have anxiety disorders, but I am not shy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="5" type="1"><br /><li><b>Do you eat when you are disappointed, tense, or anxious? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. Yes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="6" type="1"><br /><li><b>Can you stop eating without a struggle after one or two sweets? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. I can. This question is almost like a trick question. I can eat a piece of candy and be fine. I can eat a brownie and walk away. Some days, I can’t.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="7" type="1"><br /><li><b>Has your eating ever interfered with a any part of your life? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. Yes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="8" type="1"><br /><li><b>Has being overweight ever affected any part of your life? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. Yes. Now I am wondering why this question is put in here when we are talking about food. We are overweight because we eat too much and move too less. It does not make me like food more or less.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="9" type="1"><br /><li><b>Do you weigh yourself once or twice (or more) a day? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. No.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="10" type="1"><br /><li><b>Do you eat more than you plan to eat? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. Not really. I plan my meals during the day and because I am currently counting calories I am pretty good about staying within my calorie range.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="11" type="1"><br /><li><b>Have you hidden food so that you would have it just for yourself? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. Yes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="12" type="1"><br /><li><b>Have you felt angry when someone ate food you saved for yourself? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. Not until I moved in with Matt. And because he eats so much, I get angry when he eats my share too, not saving any for me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="13" type="1"><br /><li><b>Do you worry that you can’t control how much you eat? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. I do now.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="14" type="1"><br /><li><b>Have you felt frantic about your size, shape, or weight? </b></li></ol><br /><div>A. Ever since I put the weight back on, yes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><ol start="15" type="1"><br /><li><b>How many of these methods of weight loss have you tried in the past? </b></li></ol><br /><ol start="1" type="a"><br /><li><b>Self-induced vomiting?</b> I have tried, but can’t get myself to throw up.</li><br /><li><b>Laxatives?</b> I was addicted to laxatives, just ask my shrink. I went to Weight Watchers, and I was more obsessed over stepping on the scale with a gain. I could eat a carrot and still drink the stuff as I was so worried I was going to gain.</li><br /><li><b>Diuretics?</b> I pee enough as it is, I don’t need them.</li><br /><li><b>Fasting?</b> I like food too much.</li><br /><li><b>Compulsive Exercise?</b> I hate to exercise as it is.</li><br /><li><b>Amphetamines?</b> Not since the speed frenzy days of high school</li><br /><li><b>Cocaine?</b> Never.</li><br /><li><b>Over the counter diet pills, gum, and/or caramels?</b> Yes.</li><br /><li><b>Sorbitol?</b> No.</li><br /><li><b>Chewing and spitting food.</b> Again, I like food too much.</li><br /><li><b>Acupuncture, Acupressure?</b> No.</li><br /><li><b>Hypnosis?</b> No.</li><br /><li><b>Urine Shots?</b> No.</li><br /><li><b>Special food, drinks and supplements?</b> No.</li><br /><li><b>Weight loss programs?</b> Yes</li><br /><li><b>How many?</b> 4 or so</li><br /><li><b>How often?</b> Seems all my life.</li><br /><li></li></ol><br /><br /><ul><br /><li><b>Have you ever felt so ashamed of the amount you eat that you hide your eating?</b> Yes, I have.</li><br /><li><b>Have you ever been so upset about the way that you eat that you wished that you would die?</b> No. No matter how bad I have ever been I have never thought I wanted to die. I have however, thought that others around me would be better off if they did not have to deal with me.</li><br /><li><b>Do you overeat more than twice a week?</b> Sometimes.</li><br /><li><b>Do you invent plans in order to be alone to eat?</b> No. Never really need to</li><br /><li><b>Do you seek out companions who eat the way you do?</b> No.</li></ul><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ok, so there you go. Me, in a nut-shell.<br /><br />And I do not feel any closer to understanding myself.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Next up, Chapter Three – The Progression of Food Addiction.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17934033891132445172010-07-18T18:28:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:48:58.563-04:00Chew on This: Something More<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/07/i-can-admit-i-like-food.html" target="_blank">Yesterday I wrote a post my BFF wanted to comment on.</a><br /><div></div><br /><div>My friend Jenna has been in my life since I moved to Stillwater,OK back in 95. On one hand it seems just like yesterday. On the other hand, it really does feel as if it has been 15 long years. So much has changed and life has taken us in different directions. We have been there through some of the worst, and some of the best. And even though we are miles apart it seems as if we still have so much in common.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />For whatever technical issue the internet tends to provide us she was unable to comment on my actual blog post and made the gesture to share it with me through Facebook. It really made me think about things from another point-of-view and I wanted to share that here. I have edited some very personal information that I am sure she would like for me to not share.<br /><div>In bold is my original post, in italics is her reply. I have made my own notes in red.<br /><br /><b>According to Sheppard, food addiction is – the compulsive pursuit of a mood change by engaging repeatedly in episodes of binge eating despite adverse consequences (Sheppard, pg3).</b><b> </b><b><br /></b><br /><i>Ok, Ms. Sheppard, but there are other addictions to food besides binge eating. I can be addicted to food and not binge eat. What if I eat 5-7 small meals a day. I am still eating all the time and like food, but look, no binge. </i></div><br /><i><br /></i><div>I have often wondered this myself. I feel very torn down the middle of this subject. There are times when I go out to eat and feel like I have to be a member of the “clean plate club” and some would view that as overeating. I just like the food, it tastes good and I hate the thought of not only wasting food, but money as well. Now, I am trying to make the sound decision to order appetizers instead of meals, or asking for a to-go box in order to enjoy my meal again, the next day, eating half at a time. My food choices are (more often than not) based on my moods. Sometimes I graze all day. I have to admit I am a but puzzled by the whole food addiction thing. However, having said that, I know (for me personally) when I get extremely emotional I feel the need to do something. Sometimes I start to clean. I have to keep my hands moving, and other times I feel the need to eat. There are times when I can easily stop, and there have been times when I get so deep in to it that I just can’t. The food gives me a high. I get high, I crash and I burn. So, is it really the food I am addicted to since it just about any food I can eat, or is it the chemicals in my food? Could it just be the actions that I am addicted to? Does that make sense to anyone? How do you know it’s actually the food itself and not the emotions, thoughts or feelings surrounding the binge?<i><br /></i><br /><br /><b>Those consequences? Food addiction is chronic, progressive and ultimately fatal (Sheppard, pg 3).</b><b> </b><b><br /></b><br /><i>Duh! but do we really need the dramatic effect. Any addiction can be fatal because anything not done in moderation can hurt you and ultimately kill you.</i><i> </i><i><br /></i><br /><b>"instead they have a metabolic, biochemical imbalance which can cause the symptoms of food addiction."</b><b><br /></b><br /><i>It couldn’t possibly be, I xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx because I have never seen it as anything other than something that hurts me. It can't possibly be that my food addiction is less now because God has healed many of those hurts or is healing them and for the first time. Maybe if she realized there is freedom from food addiction besides obsessing over it by tracking everything you do with it? I can finally see myself the way God does, and that helps more than her book or diet plan will. I can see myself as beautiful and desirable because He says I am.</i></div><br /><div><i><br />I don't need her perfectionist nature or critical spirit to define my identity. My identity is in Christ so all the old stuff including my food addiction has passed away and because I believe what Jesus says about me, all things are new!<br /><br /><br />That is all I have to say for now, but I could say so much more!<br /><br />Love ya,<br />Jenna </i></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>That’s my Jenna! We have both struggle with food and body issues. Why do we need a book, another diet plan that claims to not be a diet plan, a way of life that tells us what we can or can’t eat? Why can’t someone just say, “you know what, bad things happened to you at such a young age you did not learn the proper way to deal. You dealt the only way you knew how. You ate. Your body became big. You hid. Bad people stayed away. You were safe. In the process the relationship with food was the love of your life.”</div><br /><div>Or something like that.</div><br /><div></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28029400526682627162010-07-17T18:23:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:48:16.813-04:00I can admit: I like food.<div>I can admit: I like food.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am going to pick apart this book. It is not going to make some people happy. It may not make anyone happy. I was given the freedom to say what I want and therefore, I am going to do just that.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/07/why-is-this-happening.html" target="_blank">I stated in a past blog</a> that I had picked up a copy of Kay Sheppard’s book: “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155874276X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=155874276X" target="_blank">Food Addiction: The Body Knows</a>” as a recommendation from someone who goes to Overeaters Anonymous groups meetings. The book itself is relatively short at a mere 176 pages including references and such. It did not take me long to read, I finished it in three days. I would read a bit on the treadmill and some before I went to bed.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>The book is pretty short, but I have some things I want to say. Some things I have learned about myself as well. I don’t want to make the blog posts extremely long so I plan to do one or two chapters at a time. Out of respect for authors, I will not be posting entire chapters. That would just be silly. I just have some things I want to point out and comment on!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Chapter One: </strong>What is Food Addiction?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Do you know what food addiction is? I thought I knew. I thought it was just a replacement for another addiction such as alcohol or drugs.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>According to Sheppard, food addiction is – <i>the compulsive pursuit of a mood change by engaging repeatedly in episodes of binge eating despite adverse consequences (Sheppard, pg3).</i></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Those consequences? <i>Food addiction is chronic, progressive and ultimately fatal (Sheppard, pg 3).</i></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>DEATH!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yes, you read correctly. Those with a food addiction are really killing themselves.</div><br /><div>Great. That makes me feel so much better.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>She goes on to say food addicts are not weak-willed (thank goodness for that!) or immoral, the do not have a bad habit or a behavioral problem (Say what??) instead they have a metabolic, biochemical imbalance which can cause the symptoms of food addiction.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(insert sarcasm here)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Really. Is that all?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ok, sarcasm over. Honestly, I figured that much. It is funny how when I was on my anti-depressants my relationship with food became a little better. The binges were not as bad, the laxative addiction went away. However, I still had a habit to eat too much (aka – overeating).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, does food addiction cause you to overeat? Would it cause you to binge as well? Eating disorders, binging, purging by whatever means, overeating, food addiction – OH MY! I feel so confused and overwhelmed by all of this.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I just want to run right to Jenny Craig and have her tell me exactly what to eat and when. Don’t leave it up to me, don’t make me decide. Just tell me, and I will do it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>According to Kay, food addicts also suffer from obsession. Preoccupation with food is shown by constantly thinking about <i>buying, preparing, and eating food (Sheppard, pg3)</i>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You telling me that I am not normal? I have to admit, I think about what I am going to make for lunch and dinner. I have to figure it out to take it out of the freezer. I have a set time I try to eat every day. I try to stick to a routine as it is easier to work around. I have to think about what time my boyfriend is going to be home from work so that I know what time I should start dinner. I have to know when kiddo is going to be with us so I know what to make for her. I did not realize this made me obsessive. Obsessive might be someone who thinks about food 24/7. I actually allow other thoughts to enter my brain. So maybe I am not so obsessive after all.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(again with the sarcasm here) Riiiiiiiight.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am pointing this out because later in the book Kay seems to contradict herself in talking about how once you follow her food plan (although OA stresses they are not a diet group) you must plan you meals, make your meal, measure your meals, follow the food plan, call your sponsor, and report all your meals to your sponsor. To me, that seems a bit obsessive in nature as well. One might argue that you are just replacing one obsessive behavior with another.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We’ll talk more about that when we get to that chapter.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have you ever enjoyed something you were eating so much that you lost control and were unable to stop eating after ONE bite? If so, that is compulsion. One bite? Really? If you want to be skinny as well, there is a slimness obsession on top of the compulsion. Oh, what a partnership that makes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Honestly, I am not trying to make light of the situation, but I am not sure if I can agree with the one bite thing. Maybe the person did not WANT to stop.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Maybe I am in denial. Don’t know how that could be since I have already admitted what I go through.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I want to be thinner. I want to be able to shop and find clothes that fit me. Plus size clothes cost more, which is so unfair! I get the fact that there is more material, but come on! A few dollars more is one thing, but I have been to stores that charge $15 more for the exact same item in a 1X compared to an XL.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In the last paragraph of Chapter 1 Kay states <b>“Do you think your body is who you are? Food addicts become so focused on body weight, body size and shape that we begin to forget that we are the sum total of our body, mind and spirit (Sheppard, pg 12). “ </b></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know I am overweight. I have rolls I don’t like. My arms continue to wave for 5 minutes after I have told someone goodbye. Clothes don’t fit. It feeds my depression. My depression needs medication. I eat. I feel better for a while. Then, I feel guilty. This feeds my depression. It’s a terrible circle. I don’t look at my body in mirrors. I don’t really enjoy shopping anymore. Right now, I do feel like my body is a reflection of myself. I know I am a good person, but who is going to take the time to see that when they can’t get around what my outside looks like?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I’ll leave you with that.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Next up- Chapter Two: Recognizing the Disease</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Reference:</div><br /><div>Food Addiction: The Body Knows</div><br /><div>1993. Kay Sheppard</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28964650421460492202010-07-16T18:20:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:46:35.501-04:00Why is this happening?<div>My trigger is not food, my trigger is my emotions. However, I use food as medication to feed my emotions. One step to abstinence it to remove emotions and events that cause me to overeat.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have learned that is easier said than done. It is going to take a long time for me to win this battle.</div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div>Living with the boyfriend is one giant trigger. There are things about him that remind me of my dad. It is trigger central around here at any given moment. Not his fault, I realize that, but try to tell my brain that. Sights, sounds, smells. They are all triggers for me. It is because of this there has been a relapse in my remission of mental health. All these triggers make me want to eat. Food is my medication.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><br /><br /><div>I have cried. I have screamed out in anger. I have tried going back on medications. Because there has been a relapse in my mental health, that means a relapse in all aspects of it. So, now there is the relapse in my eating disorder as well. Obviously since food is my medication of choice.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>And I sit here wondering, why? Why me? Why does this have to happen now? All I want out of life is to be free from all of these diseases. I want to be healthy inside my brain and inside my body. I am so overwhelmed I just want to cry. The more I try to talk to my boyfriend, the more he seems to run away. I don’t have many friends and I have not been very good at reaching out to anyone anyway.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am trying to cure myself of something I am not even sure there is a cure for. Looking back, there once was a time I was in remission. I was! I know I was! I went through Weight Watchers. I lost the weight. And I gained an addiction to laxatives in the process. Brilliant! I went through therapy. I went on medication. I gained weight back. Awesome! And I have continued to gain and lose.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Boyfriends’s friends know; he eats a lot! I try my best to cook healthy things. But once I close up kitchen for the night, we watch some TV and I head off in to the bedroom to relax, unwind and read he goes right back into the kitchen to eat some more. It is hard having eating problems and living with someone who overeats pretty much on a daily basis.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I spend my days obsessing over food. What to buy. What to eat. What to prepare for us, and kiddo on the weekends. Are they going to like it? How many calories are in that? Then I think about the mess I am going to have to clean up. How long is that going to take? Somehow, I have to clear my brain and work in between all of this obsessiveness.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Why can’t someone else do this?</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I know you are asking yourself the same thing I have asked myself many times. Why do you live with someone that causes you so much pain? That answer is pretty easy. It is not his fault. It is not his fault I grew up the way that I did. It is not his fault that I have these problems. Is he insensitive? Sometimes. And sometimes he causes me more problems. But that is another blog post. I have thought about moving out. Made plans to move out. Every time I think about it I am crippled with fear. How do I know putting myself in another environment is going to be any better?</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>In an honest effort to try and get a grip on my problems I started to read a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155874276X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=155874276X" target="_blank">Food Addiction: The Body Knows by Kay Sheppard</a>. The book was written in 1989 and revised in 1993. It is a bit outdated and could probably stand to be updated again, but there is quite a bit of useful information within its pages. I have been reading it while I walk on the treadmill.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>There is so much in that book that is yelling at me, it is scary. Rather than make this blog post longer than it already is, I am going to break it up into smaller sections. It might help you understand me and someone else that is going through this and it helps me by journaling. Even if it is in public, I am a writer after all.</div><br /><br /><div>One of the first things I had to do is remove myself from triggers, and remove the triggers from my environment. Not only do I have to remove the triggers, but I have to remove the bad foods out of the house. Not fun, and not easy.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>A few blog posts back I had made the announcement that I was going to have to do this. I made the call that there would be times I would not be able to eat with you.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>For too long I have worried about others, taken care of others, and neglected myself. Boyfriend is selfish enough; I can’t be surrounded by any more selfish people. So, if my steps to recovery do not fit into your plan of life, then perhaps you need to be rethink being in my life. Right now I need friends who are willing to understand and if not, take the time to understand. Friends who are willing to come down to my level and hang out with me in an environment that is safe.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Is that you? If so, then, THANK YOU!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>If that is not you, then, I am sorry to see you go. I understand. But this has to be about me now. I have to take care of me.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24172140143530829392010-07-13T16:31:00.000-04:002011-11-12T16:32:30.195-05:00Restaurant chain reviews: Applebees<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1890119-weight-watchers-applebees" style="background-color: white; color: #3366cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">Restaurant chain reviews: Applebees - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Applebee's has always been one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers so I am always looking for healthy alternatives.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39330176310654860052010-07-13T14:33:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:46:16.539-04:00A Small Step ForwardWe had lil m Saturday night and I kept her on Sunday while Big M went off to work. For those of you who know what we go through, you know this is a big deal. I love to teach her things that my mother taught me, and one of those things is baking.<br /><div></div><br /><div> I have done a very good job over the years of replacing sugar with Splenda, oil with applesauce and things like that (thank you Weight Watchers for teaching me that).</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Big M and I had bought a Betty Crocker Low Fat Brownie about 2 months ago. It had been a while since lil m and I baked so I thought it would be OK. Of course, she licked up half the batter. LOL.</div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />We made it as healthy as you can make a brownie mix. I added a bit of Benefiber, used Splenda and applesauce. It turned out pretty good. While the brownies were cooking we also made some banana bread, replacing the same ingredients. It turned out really yummy as well. Although I have to say, she fell asleep shortly after! Too much fun makes for a tired five year old.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDydNSAwpVI/AAAAAAAAAHs/qHvHMt0Uwik/s1600/34338_454136080914_569555914_6525300_174695_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDydNSAwpVI/AAAAAAAAAHs/qHvHMt0Uwik/s320/34338_454136080914_569555914_6525300_174695_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have not binged on it. I am thankful for that. I enjoyed one piece on Sunday, one yesterday and one today. Same with the bread. A small slice with breakfast.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, today, it was too strong. Calling at me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>EAT ME! You know you want me. EAT ME!</b> (does your food talk to you???)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I tossed that banana bread in the trash.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I cut out one piece of brownie so Big M could enjoy another piece when he gets home from work, and I took my own piece. I ate it. And I ate it quickly. I felt that feeling return, I proceeded to eat another, and I stuck my fork in the pan, ate a bite, and said NO! I threw the rest in the trash.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>DIE BROWNIE! DIE!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I feel so much better. Of course I feel guilty that I had to throw it away. We are on food benefits and just cannot afford to toss out food, but I can't have it in my house.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>NO! NO! NO!</b></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, I requested a small cup cake pan for my birthday. One that only holds 4 cupcakes. I will make smaller batches, cook 4 for our treat that day, and freeze the rest of the batter for the next weekend she comes. That way, it’s not in the house, she still gets the joy of baking and we can all enjoy a taste.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Lesson learned.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>At this moment, I was almost powerless over food, but I WON!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for letting me share.</div><br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63013912614147466462010-07-07T18:13:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:45:33.657-04:00I Keep Trying<div>July 6, 2010 7am</div><br /><div></div>Yesterday did not go as well as planned. It was not a total wash either. I knew what I was going to make for each meal (Lunch and Dinner) but I was trying to eat a bit healthier. I should learn to just eat what I want (in moderation) instead of trying to derail the craving with something else. All it does is make me crave the food more making it harder to resist.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>MyFitnessPal has my calories set at 1700 calories per day to lose 1/lb per week. Some days I am under, some days right on target, and some days I go over. Some days I exercise, some days I don’t. It just depends on the day.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>The boyfriend was home yesterday morning, he did not have to go to work until 2:30p. I had thawed out a nice steak for us to have for lunch. I broiled the steak, some seasoning, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Beautiful steak, with hardly any fat, which I don’t eat anyway. I broiled it in the oven in a cast iron skillet. He decided to tend to the potatoes (sliced, out of a can) and the green beans (French style, no salt added, out of a can). Seems pretty healthy, right? Well, dude being dude loves to add his spices. Which is fine, however I am trying to watch my salt-intake. Not a big deal. We have light margarine and are almost out of butter spray. I was not able to watch how much light margarine Matt was putting in the green beans and potatoes. I felt bad as I know he was just trying to help. He served up my plate. It was so pretty. On my plate were lots and lots of green beans (1c), some slices of potato with cayenne pepper (1/2c), and a few small bites of steak (roughly about 3oz). Because the light margarine is 1tbsp = 50 calorie and I know he was putting it in by the spoonfuls, I sort of had to guess what my nice healthy meal turned in to. It did put me over my count for lunch. I tend to eat more later in the day, so I try to save my calories for those times. I try to limit breakfast and lunch to 400 cals. or less.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>It was yummy and I was very appreciative that he was helping. He did help clean the oven while I cleaned out the refrigerator. So I figured I would just try to get by on a really light dinner and make some air popped popcorn to snack on.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Dinner time rolls around. We have not done our grocery shopping yet. Because we are on food benefits we have to wait until our monthly allowance comes. I started to search for something low in calories. I did have chicken legs and thighs thawing since I had originally planned to make those for dinner. I decided to go ahead and make them as planned so Matt could have dinner when he got home from work and I could make myself a plate to have ready for lunch today.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I found a can of Healthy Selections from Campbell’s. The minestrone soup had 160 calories for the whole can. I thought a grilled cheese (light bread, ff cheese) would be good with it but I opted for peaches instead.</div><br /><br /><div>I prepared the chicken with some Meijer brand shake and bake. It was baking away in the oven, making the entire house smell like KFC Fried Chicken (I kid you not!) and I just kept thinking, “I should have just at the chicken!” I did take the skin off the thigh that I had planned to eat for lunch today. Taking the skin off saves SO many calories. I also prepared some Cajun Chicken rice. I set aside 1/2c for today (160cals). The house smelled wonderful.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I ate my peaches, which were very sweet and yummy. Went to eat my soup and could not eat anything after the first bite. GROSS! Tell me again why I just did not eat the chicken? So what if I was a few calories over for my day. I resorted to a Lipton Cup of Soup-Chicken Noodle (60cals). It was good, but was not really what I wanted. I was trying so hard to stay within my calories.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I was so angry that my soup tasted like crap I immediately went into the kitchen, got 2 slices of Kraft Fat Free cheese singles, 3 slices of Meijer brand light bread and the light margarine and made myself a double grilled cheese.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Fine. I ate it. I am over the whole nasty soup ordeal, time to move on. I went back to work to keep myself busy. I started to get tired. I started to get weak.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I got myself a little plate, grabbed a chicken leg (about 184 cals) that had some shake and bake coating (30 cals) and ¼ cup of Cajun chicken rice. I enjoyed every bite of it. I am not a huge fan of chicken legs. Many years ago I became semi-vegetarian. I only ate chicken breast, cheese, fish, and eggs. I had a bad experience with a chicken leg and that pretty much ruined it for me. Kiddo and boyfriend love chicken legs and thighs. I have tried so many recipes, which they all love, but I have not been able to get past the leg ordeal (Hot chicken wings are different; we will talk about that another time). I don’t know why I picked a leg last night, I guess because it was the smallest piece of chicken on the tray.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>For the first time in a long time I actually slowed down and enjoyed every bite. The chicken was nice and crispy (I will be removing skin in the future) and I have a new respect for baked “fried” chicken legs.</div><br /><br /><div>So, despite the fact I was about 150 cals over my total yesterday, something good came out of it. I was able to stop a binge. I was able to recognize some behavior. And, I was able to respect the chicken leg again.</div><br /><br /><div>I meant to take a photo, but forgot. I will take one of today’s lunch and post it later.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am not sure what the day has in store for me today, but I am ready.</div><br /><br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41879178177762662582010-07-06T18:11:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:45:13.511-04:00I survived the weekend, binge free!Just a short check-in this morning to welcome you (and me) to Monday morning (7am). As I write this I am enjoying my breakfast of 2 pineapple slices, 1c skim milk and 1 fiber one bar. One this has been posted I will be heading downstairs to visit my BFF, the treadmill.<br /><div></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div>Friday, Saturday and Sunday I survived each day/night binge free. I attended 4 (I think) online OA meetings. I ordered the 12 Steps of OA book and Food Addiction: The Body Knows: Revised & Expanded Edit 1993 by Kay Shepherd. She comes highly recommended in the OA world.</div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div>FYI – Higher Power can be any God/HP that you believe in.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDG7p5HcTSI/AAAAAAAAAG8/uqx5pTZB1uA/s1600/logo.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDG7p5HcTSI/AAAAAAAAAG8/uqx5pTZB1uA/s320/logo.gif" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I pretty much have completed <i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over food — that our lives had become unmanageable. </span></i></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. </span></i></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I put in to acceptance over the weekend. I was not able to make it to church yesterday (New Covenant (www.cliochurch.com) but thankfully my old church back in OK (LifeChucrch) has church online(www.lifechurch.tv). It was just what a needed. The topic was "You are good enough" and it really spoke to me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>After that, I followed through with <i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. </span></i></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last night I began <i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.</span></i></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>as well as 5-7</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. </span></i></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. </span></i></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. </span></i></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>So this is where I am starting today:</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. </span></i></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am finding it difficult to know who I hurt, aside from my ex-husband. I hid it from everyone else. I hurt myself. And right now, it could be hurting Matt. I have gotten really good in my life at putting on a mask and pretending everything is alright so no one worries about me. This step might be harder than it sounds.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51330750062501590982010-07-04T17:20:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:44:37.283-04:00The Beginning of a New MeThe other day I declared it to be a new day, the new day of the rest of my life.<br /><div>I have ditched all of the weight loss programs lurking in my house. Bye-bye TOPS, see ya later Weight Watchers. It’s going to be alright Special K and Slim Fast.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>In the last three days I have attended five Overeater’s Anonymous meetings, online. I take a break from writing, log in, read/listen and share. I have already made some friendly connections and soon I will start looking for a sponsor.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Just like Alcoholics’ Anonymous members have a sponsor to help them stay on track and not go back to drinking, OA members have sponsors to help keep them from overeating/binging which helps them to break the food addiction.</div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>I am doing this journey publicly because I need to. I want to. If my words can reach out to someone and help them in some way with their own journey, then that is my purpose in life. God gave me the gift of words for a reason. This could be my reason. To share my world, share my life, and help or touch someone along the way.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am only human, I am real. I am going to fall and I am going to make mistakes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Despite that hard road I am about to follow, I will mend. I will heal. I will begin to feel comfortable in my own skin.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>These photos I want to share are just some photos of my home gym. You do not need a lot of money to get moving. I do not have any money to spare. I am not going to let that stop me from regaining my health, mentally and physically.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Things I will be using along the way:</b></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Pedometer.</div><br /><div>Treadmill (MY BFF).</div><br /><div>Exercise Ball (also serves as my desk chair on occasion).</div><br /><div>Ab Lounge (also serves as my inversion table for my back problems).</div><br /><div>Old TV to help pass the time on the treadmill.</div><br /><div>Good pair of shoes.</div><br /><div>iPod Touch for games and music , again to pass treadmill time.</div><br /><div>Various exercise videos.</div><br /><div>Wii and various games.</div><br /><div>2 Dogs</div><br /><div>Yoga Mat.</div><br /><div>Hand weights.</div><br /><div>Various resistance bands.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have to eat on a budge. I will be blogging about some low cost, low calorie foods. I am going to prove to myself that I can do this. I do not need to spend a lot of money to do so. I can achieve anything with what God has already given me. That is my goal. This is my mantra, if I can do it, so can you.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I don’t have a video camera so digital photos will have to do for now.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you follow my blog, I will return the favor.</div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKjXnPq0I/AAAAAAAAAGE/q2yQB9fkQIU/s1600/DSCI0119.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKjXnPq0I/AAAAAAAAAGE/q2yQB9fkQIU/s320/DSCI0119.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKpFV-_2I/AAAAAAAAAGM/nR2YiXZtJ5U/s1600/DSCI0123.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKpFV-_2I/AAAAAAAAAGM/nR2YiXZtJ5U/s320/DSCI0123.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKv8AOBsI/AAAAAAAAAGU/ObeNeREf-8s/s1600/DSCI0124.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKv8AOBsI/AAAAAAAAAGU/ObeNeREf-8s/s320/DSCI0124.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br />Me on the treadmill today!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDK14ouReI/AAAAAAAAAGc/QoXw5MrnrFE/s1600/DSCI0125.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDK14ouReI/AAAAAAAAAGc/QoXw5MrnrFE/s320/DSCI0125.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br />Yeap, I look rough in the morning!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDK6-T6BjI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7feVX7g9x24/s1600/DSCI0126.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDK6-T6BjI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7feVX7g9x24/s320/DSCI0126.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br />But at least I am doing it!!<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53505900417218195712010-07-04T13:21:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:43:58.182-04:00The Doll Restoration Project<div class="MsoNormal">Many (oh so many) years ago I got on this kick to restore old cabbage patch kids. I had so much fun and I ended up donating over 100 to the children’s burn unit and the Children’s Medical Center and various other originations. Many went to children who lost all their toys in that year’s tornado's.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Packed away at my mom’s is an entire scrapbook full of the Cabbage Patch Kids I restored. I will have to get that book and scan some of the photo's in as well as add to it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While trying to think of a hobby I could do to keep myself busy at night when I do not want to work and am caught up with school, I thought of reading! I simply adore immersing myself into a great novel, and that works. However, after I have been reading/writing online all day for work, sometimes it is hard for me to read. I try to save that for the last few hours before I go to bed. So, I need something to do after work ends and before rest/read time starts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Becky, bless her heart tried to teach me knitting. I made it through my first hat. My hands hurt way too bad for that after typing all day. Next on our list is tatting.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There has to be something else. And then it hit me after looking at a doll I had given to Madison from my own collection. I had a cabbage patch look-a-like that was in desperate need of restoration that I had never gotten around to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And so, the doll restoration begins.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She is getting new hair. She originally had brown hair in pony tail that had been cut off so short no rubber band would hold it together. She is now going to be blonde. I think I rescued her from Goodwill many years ago. She has traveled all the way from Oklahoma. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I plan to document my journey. I also have an American Girl look-a-like doll that I purchased for a few dollars that is going to get restored as well. She will make her debut later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This will keep me busy and I will be less likely to use my hands to pick up food. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCc-EZMKI/AAAAAAAAAFU/OWfiBSOA-ng/s1600/DSCI0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCc-EZMKI/AAAAAAAAAFU/OWfiBSOA-ng/s320/DSCI0111.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCe-KbnXI/AAAAAAAAAFc/HtdgU_d7xiQ/s1600/DSCI0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCe-KbnXI/AAAAAAAAAFc/HtdgU_d7xiQ/s320/DSCI0112.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCg2uU4TI/AAAAAAAAAFk/DqGxef57pGU/s1600/DSCI0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCg2uU4TI/AAAAAAAAAFk/DqGxef57pGU/s320/DSCI0113.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCnSDNV3I/AAAAAAAAAFs/Eptft2diYZo/s1600/DSCI0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCnSDNV3I/AAAAAAAAAFs/Eptft2diYZo/s320/DSCI0122.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCtFQIe_I/AAAAAAAAAF0/tYz2vgJKh2Q/s1600/DSCI0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCtFQIe_I/AAAAAAAAAF0/tYz2vgJKh2Q/s320/DSCI0120.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCxWIc_4I/AAAAAAAAAF8/UmrMriOpe6A/s1600/DSCI0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCxWIc_4I/AAAAAAAAAF8/UmrMriOpe6A/s320/DSCI0121.JPG" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89911475915142735462010-07-03T14:27:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:42:44.387-04:00The Great Weight Debate<div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8p0RVAwCY/T0_y1u0m4AI/AAAAAAAAAus/F8YqqydPm-w/s1600/249212_230116317029885_150281615013356_635275_3223065_a.jpg" /></a></div><br />The Great Weight Debate<br /><br /></div><br /><div>The great debate has been all in my head. Filling my head more and more every day until I finally just crashed. Yes, I can admit I am overweight. Yes, I can admit I have lost it twice. Yes, I can admit I fell off the wagon and gained it all back, and then some. No, I refuse to admit I am lazy.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Depression is strong, but I refuse to let it tie me to the bed again. So I push myself, daily. I force myself out of bed, telling myself “the dogs need me” and forward I go. I keep my nose stuck in my textbooks, online classes to finish my degree, or my writing career.</div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>I keep busy because I HAVE to, not because I want to. Oh, how I would love to lounge around in bed all day. I do have a laptop; I could if I wanted to. But then I do not feel very productive.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a></div><br /><div>Being depressive I find it hard to live with, take care of, and love myself. If I cannot do this, then who is going to do it for me?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have never hid my emotions and for the last five years my life has been an open book to many of you. I have nothing to hide. I am embarrassed, but at the same time I know it’s not my fault.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yes, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">NutriSystem</a> worked once. Yes, Weight Watchers worked for a long time. Calorie counting works, this works- that works. The problem is not me following any program. I can follow a program. The problem is I have an addiction. My addiction, my drug of choice is not alcohol (despite being Irish lol). My drug is food. Food was my best friend growing up. Some of you know my troubles as a child, the things that happened to me. So there is no need for me to repeat it. But those bad things affected my outlook on food. I ate for all of the wrong reasons.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I can remember so many times the abuse would happen, after I would run to the kitchen, hoping to find something to save me. I always did. I ate to feed my emotions. Subconsciously, I ate to keep people away. At least that is what my therapist told me many years later.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I can also remember being 7 or 8 and making HUGE (talking salad bowl size) bowls of macaroni and cheese. I would stand there with that huge bowl and spoon and eat it all. I would take huge spoons of peanut butter and mix it in a bowl with gobs of jelly, and just eat it. Bread never even crossed my mind.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have always been bigger than everyone else. That is nothing new. By high school my mother had enough, and we welcomed NutriSystem. It worked. I got skinny, and I got a life. Then came college, the parties, the boys, and the best friends a girl could ever have (I love you guys and miss you so much). I was at a pretty comfortable stage in my life. I was having so much fun living in the present; I had no time to think about the past.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Don’t get me wrong, I still struggled with my weight and self esteem. And that followed me right into marriage, which eventually landed me in a psychiatrist’s office. I learned a lot in the years that followed. I went on Weight Watchers, I went to weekly meetings, I walked the dogs, I ran, and I was active. Life was ok. Did I mention I was also medicated? Or, perhaps did I ever mention I became so obsessed with staying thin, I went the opposite direction and instead of just overeating and dealing, I overate/binged and since I could not get myself to throw up, I became addicted to laxatives,</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Once I went off the medication, things fell apart. My marriage, my life, my eating. I gained weight, I stopped running, and I realized I have a food addiction.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In 2005 I attended online Overeaters Anonymous meetings. I really began to see all the underlying problems. With depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress and an eating disorder it’s no wonder why I always turn to food for comfort.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This not something TOPS, Weight Watchers, Calorie Counting, The Best Life Diet, or any other program is going to help me with. This is something I have to find help for elsewhere.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Hello, my name is Chrystal, and I am addicted to food. I overeat/binge. I seek comfort in food, it is my drug. I have an addiction. I am visiting Overeaters Anonymous again. I am tossing aside all my other weight loss materials. Dieting is not the problem, food is.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Laxatives are not kept in my house for this reason. Alcohol is not kept in my house because it only provides me with more ammo to eat.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is an addiction I cannot hide anymore. My body, my health, my self-esteem, my life, and my relationships depend on it.</div><br /><div>So, why am I telling you this? Because most of you have watched me struggle for so long that now I feel some sense of relief knowing OA might just be the answer I have been looking for.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am also telling you this so you can understand some of the things that go on in my brain. I also want you to know that if we go out to eat, we may have to share. If I come to your house for a dinner party, I may not eat. Or I will eat very little. Does not mean I do not like your food, it only means I am trying to control my addiction.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I need you to watch me; I need you to help me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My mental health is a mess. Medications are in order, Dr. visits are needed and thankfully I know where to go this time. Yes, I was on meds, but the ones the doc put me on made me agitated, angry and suicidal. For those of you who missed that, will tell you about it later. I had to wait for all of that to clear my system before I could be put back on the one that works for me, the one I was on while still in OK.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><b>Life, it is a battle. Mine, is a battlefield.</b></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If I could just have everyone’s support rather than pity, it would mean a great deal.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Journaling is part of recovery. I will be writing much more. Here, blog, video diary, things like that.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have a lot going on around me, but until I can accept and love myself, how can I expect anyone else to love and accept me?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Please, take my hand and walk this journey with me. Please, do not walk away. I need all the friendship and support I can get right now.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>~Chrys~</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Step 1. We admitted that we were powerless over food - that our lives had become unmanageable.</div><br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84997059806856805622010-06-30T10:03:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:42:25.424-04:00And People Wonder Why I Just Can't "give away" My Dogs<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, before everyone jumps my case and asks me "Why are you getting rid of Cain and Casey?" The answer is "I AM NOT!" I have had Cain since he was 6 months old, and I rescued Casey when she was less than 5 months old.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />There was a time when I thought I had to give them a new home. That was one of the hardest moments of my life.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/01/the-boxer-blog-letting-them-go.html" target="_blank">Letting Them Go</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/02/mastering-art-of-letting-go.html" target="_blank">Mastering the Art of Letting Go</a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cain was purchased by a friend of mine through a registered AKC breeder. Him and some friends rented a house who later said - NO DOGS. Cain went to live with my mom and our two dogs. Lady and Big Girl. Big Girl is now 13 years old, and still living with my mom, although her days are numbered. Interesting fact, Cains daddy name is Zeus. Anyway, Casey I got from the Stillwater Humane Society. They found her on the side of the road, left for dead. It was obvious someone dumped her in the woods to fend for her life. It is also likely that she spend quite a few months out there before the summer heat kicked in, making it harder for her to find food and water. I can remember how she looked the day I picked her up. Fly strikes all over her skin. Nothing but a bag of bones. No nutrition, making her brittle. She shows no signs of this today, other than her teeth never grew in completely. Now, why would I take on these dogs, loving them as if they were my children only to get rid of them? If I was going to do that why didn't I just leave them with my ex-husband?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life is hard with two dogs. They have to go outside every few hours for exercise and potty breaks. Since we do not have a fenced in yard, I can't just leave them out there. They have to have water all day and they get fed twice a day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, as most of you know Matt and I have been having some problems and I have contemplated moving out. My wonderful cousin and her husband have offered more than once to take the dogs if I needed to find them a new home. That is comforting to me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A friend of mine once said I needed to just get rid of the dogs. With them in tow I was never going to be able to find a place to rent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That friend was wrong, I have found places to rent, they just cost more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Matt has offered to keep the dogs here. I would rather they stay with me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I first moved to Michigan and had such a hard time finding work, I could not afford to keep them. I went through the Michigan Rescue for Boxers and they found them a new family. I thought it would be perfect. The boxer they had just passed away. They did not understand Cain and Casey knew no other parents but me. I was their momma. The only other person they had spent the night with was my mom, and a friend of my ex-husbands that was their babysitter when we would travel up here to MI. Cain and Casey were scared and confused and these people had no patience. They called me the next morning and asked me to come get the dogs because they went potty on their floor and cried all night, they had no patience for that. Obviously the husband had no patience. I called the rescue and told them what happened and they apologized for not doing a better job of screen applicants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well I should say so!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only was I traumatized, so were Cain and Casey. I just do not think I could put them through that again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, if things do not work out with me and Matt, me and the dogs will be a packaged deal, or they will stay with someone they already know and trust.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please read the following article, it will change your view on a lot of things.<br /><br /><br />**********************************************<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">LETTER FROM A SHELTER MANAGER: "I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. ...As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will. First off, all of you people who have ever surrendered a pet to a shelter or humane society should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would stop flagging the ads on craigslist and help these animals find homes. That puppy you just bought will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. Just so you know there's a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it’s dumped at? Purebred or not! About 25% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays", that come into a shelter are purebred dogs.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />The most common excuses: "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog".<br /><br />Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door. Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are.<br /><br />If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long . Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because the shelter gets paid a fee to euthanize each animal and making money is better than spending money to take this animal to the vet.<br /><br />Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down". First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room", every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 shelter workers depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a shelter worker who we call a euthanasia tech (not a vet) find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff". Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves. You see shelters are trying to make money to pay employee pay checks and don’t forget the board of directors needs to be paid too, so we don’t spend our funds to tranquilize the animal before injecting them with the lethal drug, we just put the burning lethal drug in the vein and let them suffer until dead. If it were not a “making money issue” and we had to have a licensed vet do this procedure, the animal would be sedated or tranquilized and then euthanized, but to do this procedure correctly would cost more money so we do not follow what is right for the animal, we just follow what is the fastest way we can make a dollar. Shelters do not have to have a vet perform their euthanasia’s so even if it takes our employee 50 pokes with a needle and 3 hours to get the vein that is what we do. Making money is the issue here not loosing money.<br /><br />When it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? Or used for the schools to dissect and experiment on? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right!<br /><br />I hope that those of you who still have a beating heart and have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head, I deal with this everyday. I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and start educating the public. Do research, do your homework, and know exactly what you are getting into before getting a pet. These shelters and humane societies exist because people just do not care about animals anymore. Animals were not intended to be disposable but somehow that is what they are these days. Animal shelters are an easy way out when you get tired of your dog (or cat), and breeders are the ones blamed for this. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are making a hefty profit by keeping this misconception going.<br /><br />Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you - as a pet owner can stop it. I just hope I maybe changed one persons mind about taking their dog to a shelter, a humane society, or buying a dog without researching.<br /><br />For those of you that care--- please repost this to at least one other craiglist in another city/state. Let's see if we can get this all around the US and have an impact.<br /><br />PROMISE A FUTURE - and DON'T FAIL THEM! PETS ARE FOR A LIFETIME!!!</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63329049125166352272010-06-28T21:08:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:36:47.825-04:00A Girl Can Dream Right?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TClHYXS5IRI/AAAAAAAAAFM/m8VLjzz5iGY/s1600/4343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TClHYXS5IRI/AAAAAAAAAFM/m8VLjzz5iGY/s320/4343.jpg" /></a></div>The shores of Ireland - If only I could make this dream real. <span class="more">..</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33539569814530397852010-06-26T15:23:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:36:39.611-04:00So embarrassed! American Literature and Plagiarism, seriously?<div style="background-color: white; color: black; counter-reset: __goog_page__ 0; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 6px; margin-right: 6px; margin-top: 6px; min-height: 1100px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">American Literature and Plagiarism, seriously?<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For those of you who do not know, I attend Baker College. I am finishing my degree online. I hate winter weather and I hate driving in it even more. There are no colleges close enough to me, so that was a huge factor when trying to decide where to go to school. I initially wanted to finish my BA in Accounting since I started it so long ago at Oklahoma State. Now, I want to finish my Liberal Arts degree that I later transferred to and started at the University of Oklahoma Online. Baker did not offer that. Since I was working at H&R Block after I got here to MI it seemed like a good choice to finish up my Accounting degree. I quickly became bored of it, school and work. As the years went by, so did the job market here in MI. I ended up creating a career for myself doing my hobby, something that I love - Writing. This led me to change my degree at Baker to a BA in General Studies with majors in Accounting and General Business so that I was able to take more general classes and less accounting classes.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have been filling those spots with more English and Writing related classes.</div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The online college system at Baker runs in regular tradition semesters since they do have on-campus programs. For those of us in the online world instead of taking 4 classes in a 12-16 week semester, we take 2 classes in a 6 week session to be full time. So, every 6 weeks we take classes. This is my first summer break since I went back to school. I decided I needed a break. I have about 8-10 more classes to go, depending on what I take and how many credits they are. I am enrolled for fall.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">However, I am looking at the possibility of being kicked out of Baker and losing my financial aid.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Why?</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For plagarism.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Yes, you heard me right.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This last session I took American Literature 1. I have taken Lit classes in the past and have found them to be extremely interesting and fun. This class however started off with a bad taste in my mouth due to it taking a huge historical perspective. Blah. I am NOT a fan of History and if I wanted to take it I would have been a History major. Being the good student that I am, decided to take on the challenge and push through it. </div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I struggled and it sucked. The writing was not the problem, it was the amount of reading that was crammed into 6 weeks that I had a hard time keeping up with as I was so terrible bored with it. I really felt like I was in a history class based on writers. In the past classes have been about reading works of art and critiquing them. </div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002IKKINE&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>For my final paper, worth 1/3 of my grade I had to write about Americanism and how it is seen in Willa Cather's novel My Antonia. Easy enough, the novel was good and I got great reviews on the rough draft I had turned in the week before. What was missing what the direct quotations as proof from the novel. I always write my papers first, then find the information in the book/text to cite. We also had a textbook that had some of Cathers other works that I used. </div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My reference list contained these two books as well as various internet sites.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I got a email today from my professor saying she could not give me ANY credit for the paper due to plagiarism. That means I have flunked the class. So now I will either be out of school due to loss of financial aid, or for the college kicking me out. </div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I DO plan to go down to the school in Flint and talk to my Dean. However, its hard as my professor doesn't live in the state of Michigan. Oh the joys of online college. </div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyone who knows me knows I would NOT plagarize.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If anything I may have accidentally forgot to cite a reference that had something similar to what I wrote in my paper, but it was not intentional.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Doesn't she know writing is my life, my career? I know what it feels like to have your work stolen and its pointless for me to do it when I am fully capable I writing my own stuff! </div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Not only that, I cannot help the fact that this novel is assigned to millions of college students yearly, of course there are going to be similarities when we all have to write on the same book!</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">THIS IS EXTREMELY EMBARASSING FOR ME! I debated about even mentioning it at all, but it has me extremely p@ssed off and it pretty much has ruined my whole day. It is messing with my head, making me question my ability as a writer.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Funny thing, she not once mentioned to me that my paper was plagiarized when I submitted the rough draft. As a matter of fact the only thing she had bad to say was that my quotations were missing, which I added before I turned in the final.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So now instead of enjoying my little summer break, I will be fighting through it wondering what is going to happen in regards to my career and educational status.<br /><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83720789205953946862010-06-15T13:59:00.002-04:002014-07-03T18:11:22.524-04:00The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002PJ4I52&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />I know this book is a few years old. I bought it, read it, followed Oprah on all her journeys and about six months ago someone close to me gave me another copy of the book. Good thing, mine was long gone. In those months it has been in my possession I picked it up and started, or re-read it more times than I care to remember. Shame on me, I know. These last few weeks I have been looking for something a bit more structured for me. I do not want to pay for Weight Watchers (lifetimer over goal) or another year of TOPS (I never go to meetings) as I prefer the online support since it suits my busy life much better. I love that the Best Life incorporates so many of the foods I love and that they are readily available to me at my local market. I also am a huge fan of Slim Fast since it is super easy, and sometimes I just need a break from cooking. Another plus about SF is I can put a meal bar in my purse to save me when we have our "family" outings to McD or BK for the kids playground feature. She plays, he eats whatever, and I am good with a diet pop and my meal bar.<br /><br /> I am bound and determined to find something that works for me, that is free, and I can use my food benefits on! Don't forget, I am the starving artist(writer)/college student!!!!<br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001PPWSHW&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Not to mention, the powders are awesome for making summer time smoothies!<br /><br />So, for those of you who like SF and a lot of the foods you already have at home have the Best Life label ( I was shocked at how many I had), the book might be good for you to pick up. There is a lot of useful meal plans and recipes! The internet is a great tool for finding a ton of free information as well. Might be just want I need to kick start my program again.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19497071078618657142010-06-11T21:13:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:39:37.609-04:00Welcome to Tawas : The Story<div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0024ZA87E&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Welcome to Tawas </div><div class="MsoNormal">The Story</div><div class="MsoNormal">June 11, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a dream and I have had this dream for as long as I could remember. When my friends would talk about whom they are going to marry, where they are going to live and who their neighbors would be, I always talked about how I did not need a man or a child to make me happy. All I needed was a house on stilts, built in the sand with the beach as my backyard. I had plans to go to Miami University to study Marine Biology. I am a fish in water and all I ever wanted to do was swim with the dolphins as well as have a job that allowed me to be outside. I love being outside (however well all know that with Oklahoma summers that is next to impossible). Even more so, I love being in the water. I want to jump in to it -feet first, dive- head first, slam in to it -butt first; however my method, I want in it. I want it warm, and I never want to come out. I want the sun to penetrate every strand of my hair causing it to turn its funky Irish shade of dark red. I want…I want, I want. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Seems to be perhaps I want a lot these days. When I go to Florida, I never want to leave. When I would visit the Texas lakes, I never wanted to come home. When the ex-spouse and I would take Cain and Casey to the lake across the street from our house, it was an all day event. There are never enough words to describe how I feel when I am surrounded by water.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Life, it has not been so pleasant since I landed in Michigan. It has been hard. Long gone are the easy, laid-back, carefree days of living in Stillwater. Instead, I am faced with an uphill battle on a daily basis, and honestly, I have had enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite the fact I lived in Oklahoma, when we made our yearly treks up here to the great white north, the trip was never complete without a trip to Tawas. I can remember my grandmother always telling us if we could finish our ice cream cone by the time we reached the end of the dock, we could have another. I know I never did, by the time you got halfway there you were so sick of that honest to goodness overly sweet treat, or you were tired of it melting all over you that you ended up throwing it in the trashcan. I have so many wonderful memories of Tawas and visiting my family in Oscoda. Nothing makes me happier than being surrounded by the people and the things I love, with a body of water.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/07/finallyan-update-what-up-with-chrys.html" target="_blank">Last year for my birthday</a> I made a request to go to Tawas for two days. We stayed one night and being up there on the beach, surrounded by all those things that made me happy, made me realize two things. Dreams never die and this is the life I have to have.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Problem is, at that point I wondered how I would get there. I am pretty good at squashing my own dreams, telling myself it will never happen. I will pick apart everything that is wrong with the situation and make myself believe it so that I never have to think about my dreams again. They are after all, just dreams.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How could anyone say no to a nice house with the beach as your backyard? I doubt I am ever going to be able to live in Florida. The thought is nice and I do have family there, the downfall is that the cost of living is a great deal higher than it is here. I would love to be able to stick my toes in the sand year round, but I would be willing to compromise for Michigan summers (see, I know what a compromise is). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I sat on the beach, looking across the water. This is my moment, the moment where that great American (or perhaps worldwide best seller) novel starts to stir. There is money waiting for me in Tawas. I thrive off the sun, the sand, the beach, the water, the quaint little town. This is my Zen, my Om. This is where a writer needs to write. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had so many ideas swirling around in my head for things that I could write. I took no notes. I was on vacation after all. And now I have a bit of resentment for not bringing a notebook down to the beach with me. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During one of our walks in town we stuck our head in the little book shop. There was an entire section devoted to Michigan writers and even a section on Michigan writers who wrote stories based in Tawas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0033GN2IK&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I am not sure of where I am going yet, but I do know where I have been and I know I do not want to go back there. And while I am trying to figure that out, I will continue to tap away on the keyboard with the hopes of turning out that national best seller. As for life, I am going to continue to stand my ground and walk on my own two feet to see where they lead me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">PS - I do know that there is a nice little writer community there!<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1933272066&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56580221457054705392010-06-08T13:09:00.002-04:002014-07-21T18:13:14.723-04:00My first magazine article was accepted and getting ready to be published. My editor as well as the owner of the mag. are extremely pleased!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15685215853553181562010-06-05T16:58:00.002-04:002014-07-21T18:13:14.546-04:00I think the magazine article is finally finished. Me and the dogs are just kickin' it now. Wonder what I should make for dinner....Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30705033689615161832010-06-04T19:18:00.002-04:002014-07-21T18:13:14.595-04:00Just tweaked my magazine article for the final edit. About to have some dinner, then back to finish up some work.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80329423411086410262010-06-04T13:35:00.002-04:002014-07-21T18:13:14.773-04:00About to start on homework, then tweak the magazine article a bit.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63144645762745898182010-06-03T20:14:00.002-04:002014-07-21T18:13:14.747-04:00Just finished my rough draft of my 1st magazine article. It goes quick when you write about things you are passionate about!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42433909232812314322010-06-03T13:06:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:38.546-05:00100 Hacks to Help you Become a Better Writer<a href="http://www.onlinedegree.net/100-hacks-to-help-you-become-a-better-writer/">http://www.onlinedegree.net/100-hacks-to-help-you-become-a-better-writer/</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Real writing, no matter its form or intended audience, honestly reflects the passions and ideologies of the author. Any nuggets of advice that flit about on the internet, in books and newspapers and magazines, through conferences and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.onlinedegree.net/" style="color: #666699; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">classrooms</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">only help tighten technicalities. Students or aspiring professionals wanting to galvanize their writing abilities should certainly explore the follow hacks in order to gain a much broader knowledge of the craft’s mechanical elements. They cannot teach creativity or lessen its subjectivity, however.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Anna Miller, blogged by me (Chrystal Mahan) at her request. </span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36754825635585362542010-06-02T18:18:00.002-04:002014-07-21T18:13:14.644-04:00All my hard work has paid off. I just landed my FIRST MAGAZINE deal! And it Christian based. Woot!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5271937852103297872010-06-02T11:56:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.727-05:00How to save money on computer software - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1849938-save-money-on-computer-software">How to save money on computer software - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; ">It is very easy to save money on computer <a class="iAs" classname="iAs" href="http://www.helium.com/items/1849938-save-money-on-computer-software#" target="_blank" itxtdid="22187691" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; float: none; left: auto; right: auto; top: auto; bottom: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-color: transparent !important; line-height: normal; text-align: left; position: static !important; display: inline; font-family: inherit !important; color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; text-decoration: underline !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-size: 14px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; border-bottom-width: 0.075em !important; ">software</a> if you just know what you want and where to look for it. Just about every popular brand name software program has a freeware equivalent program. It may not be brand name, but it looks the same, works the same, but it sure does not cost the same.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50316315428813969742010-06-02T11:45:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.729-05:00The meaning of dying with dignity - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1849927-right-to-die-with-dignity">The meaning of dying with dignity - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; ">What would you do if you were faced with a terminally ill situation? If it were a loved one it could be true that your thoughts were differ from those thoughts on your own. That is said because it is human nature to be a bit selfish and want to hold on to those that we love and hold dear to us. Watching someone die is not glamorous, and it is nothing like they show on television. It is wicked, and it is cruel. A patient is given so much morphine just to be content; it would make a well person high for a month. Having watched both of my grandparents and my best friend all die slow painful deaths, all within a two year span changed my views on feelings regarding the right to die. I have always believed it is a persons right to choose, but it becomes a different story when the person may not be of able mind to choose. Over time I had written two published articles regarding the choice, one entitled “The Right to Die: Shouldn’t It Be My Choice?” and the other “Should Doctor-Assisted Suicides Be Legalized for the Terminally Ill?” For the purpose of this paper, both will be elaborated on, and I will also go on to discuss other aspects of being able to make this decision. Shouldn’t I be able to choose my own right to die, or to live? However, it should also be discussed what happens if one is not able to make that choice and whether either decision is an ethical one.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69268980086151084932010-05-28T13:08:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:34:08.735-04:00Now Playing: At the Movies<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003DTEFW4&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Now Playing: At the Movies</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyone who has ever been to a movie with me knows I absolutely HATE talkers. I am not talking about those who try to whisper here and there regarding what they just saw, I am talking about those that do not use an inside voice and want to talk about everything unrelated to the movie they can possibly think of. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have one thing to say, save your money and stay home. You are only ruining the movie for the rest of us, and chances are someone like me is going to call you out in front of the entire theater and embarrass you’re a@#. Seriously. If you cannot refrain from talking then the movie theater is not a place for you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />There is however a exception to this rule. Allow me to explain. I have this friend, and we have gone to see a few movies together. We tend to have a drink (for those who do not know, Birch Run movie theater has a BAR, YES! A bar inside the theater, allowing you to enjoy a beverage of your choice while watching a movie) and we tend to speak out about the movie and laugh hysterically. To some we would seem annoying, and if I was in a packed theater with someone such as myself, I would call them out. Point blank, no questions asked. However, this changes when 1) you are the only two in the theater or 2) there are no more people in the theater than you have fingers on one hand AND 3) they are laughing and talking just as much as you and your co-hart.<br /><br /><b>Translation: </b>It is OK to have a good time in the theater if there is not a large amount of people and those people that are there are having the same good time you are. This can become even more fun when you make “friends” with those who are also enjoying a beverage of their choice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is NOT ok to speak out loud during a movie where there are a ton of people packed in like sardines trying to listen and enjoy a much more serious movie.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just you wait, I have examples for you. You are going to love this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">About two weeks ago above said mentioned friend, me, and another friend had girls night, which includes dinner and a movie. The movie of choice was Date Night. In the theater you have the three of us and two other couples. For those that need math help, that’s four people, for seven total. That movie was stupid funny and we laughed all the way through it. We made comments, we laughed some more. Best part? The others laughed with us and provided their own commentary to the movie as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is when it is OK.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every time Matt and I go to see a movie, it has more than seven people in it. We also tend to see a bit more serious movies, so not a complete two hours of laughing. Matt will get angry about the talkers, but it is usually me that speaks up about it. I have done this at midnight showings, daytime movies, nighttime movies, and sadly (or maybe not) at kids movie (I am sorry, but parents this is not a free pass to let your children run amuck, scream, yell, run, throw things). Not one movie has gone by where we did not have some talker drama. Honestly, I am tired of spending $11-$15 to get in to the movie, another $15 on goodies just to have some loud mouth ruin it for me. I should have just stayed home, downloaded something, made my own popcorn and called it good. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I witnessed something I have never seen before.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I went to see the 4 o’clock showing of Robin Hood. I was a little bit hesitant about seeing such a long movie at that time, knowing someone is bound to be a chatter box and ruin it for me. Always happens without fail. We see that there are maybe 10 people in the theater total. Not too. We pick our seats, which happened to be in the middle of a single guy the row in front of us, and an older couple behind us and over a few seats. A few rows behind them there was another couple. The others were scattered about. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I arrived right when the commercials were over and the previews started. We did see a few commercials as well as heard quite the chatter box behind us. I tried not to focus on it, but it did not look promising. Previews started, which are much louder than commercials. Well, she got louder too. So, leave it to me to say something about people using their inside voice. I wanted to get loud, but Matt told me it was just the previews, not the movie. Here we sit through all those minutes of previews, and there she sat continuing to tell some guy all her gossip. There was no whispering. I knew more about that girl than I cared to ever know about a stranger. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The movie starts, I am getting excited. She doesn’t even stop to blink. Really?? Could your conversation not have waiting until the movie was over? Matt, under his breath does his infamous “shuuuut upppp” and although she did not hear him, the guy in front of us did and apparently he was equally annoyed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And do you know what he did? Instead of turning around and telling them to shut up like I do, or something equally rude and sarcastic to get my point across (the days of asking nicely are over, it does not work) he gets up out of his seat walks up to where they are and says “will you shut up, you are ruining my movie” to which she started to talk to him. Or at least she tried. He was having none of that and went right back down to his row and his chair. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No big deal. He said what he needed to say and went on with life. Good for him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This girl was not going to let things die. About five minutes later she comes walking down to his row, and starts talking to him while she is standing in the isle, he is in his seat, and we are right behind him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Seriously? Some man just told you to be quiet and you are going to come down and try to talk to him about it? All he kept saying was for her to go away and stop talking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">By this point I am annoyed as well as Matt, so he steps in saying that’s enough from the both of them as now they are both ruining the movie for not just us, but everyone else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Never have I seen someone confront someone else in a movie theater like that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had to laugh.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a matter of fact, I am still laughing. I had to share that with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Moral of the story:</b> Please DO NOT talk in a movie theater, especially around me ;).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7974656695627098012010-05-21T11:28:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.731-05:00Where to store your digital pictures - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1839394-photo-storage-online">Where to store your digital pictures - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; ">Every website owner needs stock photos to use, but once you find them where do you store them for use?</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66992283047166444412010-05-21T11:09:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.733-05:00About web site content - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1839378-free-website-content">About web site content - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; ">Sometimes writing content is the easy part. Sometime one suffers from writers block or one just can not find that perfect photo to go with the written content. In today’s Free Resource <a class="iAs" classname="iAs" href="http://www.helium.com/items/1839378-free-website-content#" target="_blank" itxtdid="20160912" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; float: none; left: auto; right: auto; top: auto; bottom: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-color: transparent !important; line-height: normal; text-align: left; position: static !important; display: inline; font-family: inherit !important; color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; text-decoration: underline !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-size: 14px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; border-bottom-width: 0.075em !important; ">blog</a> we are going to take a look at a few places you can find good quality content, for free! You no longer have to worry about finding that perfect content for your website. Best of all, you aren't going to break the bank!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74675673574681541682010-05-18T15:26:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:38.659-05:00"All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know."<br />—Ernest HemingwayChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15677854480661166342010-05-14T15:16:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.759-04:00Website reviews: Myfitnesspal.com - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1833120-myfitnesspal-nutritional-website">Website reviews: Myfitnesspal.com - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-771303590255975392010-05-14T14:45:00.003-04:002014-08-01T14:57:19.810-04:00How to Get Email Alerts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ands78f1Fso/U9vi4MsHPZI/AAAAAAAASM0/KPVKVHReKdo/s1600/email+reminders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ands78f1Fso/U9vi4MsHPZI/AAAAAAAASM0/KPVKVHReKdo/s1600/email+reminders.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Oops! You did it again. The smartphone is in the car, the PDA from work was left on the desk, and the laptop battery is dead and heaven only knows where that charger went! The desktop is your only savior right now, but syncing is not possible. Sometimes we have all these wonderful gadgets but they get forgotten somehow, leaving us to go back to our old friend, the desk top. That is OK! There are some wonderful programs out there that are 100% free and help you to keep your appointments and any other reminders, such as remembering to take your medication.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.memotome.com/">Memo To Me </a> <br />Memo To Me makes the claim they are voted the #1 Free reminder service. It is 100% free to sign up and create an account. Never miss a birthday, anniversary, holiday, event, business meeting, medication, or any other appointment. You can even remind yourself to do household tasks such as taking out the trash on trash day. Memo to Me will even work when you are away from your computer. Reminders can be forwarded to your phone or pager. Another great thing about Memo To Me, they value you privacy and will not sell your information.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lettermelater.com/"> Letter Me Later </a> <br />Letter Me Later is a free service that will allow you to send emails to anyone who has an email address (even yourself) and you can pick any day or time that you would like them delivered. This is a great service that can be used to send reminders to yourself about important events. Letter Me Later also have the ability to set up reoccurred emails. You can even have text messages sent to your phone!<br /><br /><a href="http://wakerupper.com/">WakerUpper</a><br />WakerUpper is a simple to use site that offers its users to set up a reminder call. Set a reminder at a specific time and day. Remember your appointment, or remember to take your medication. Whatever you need to remember, its free!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hassleme.co.uk/">HassleMe</a><br />Hassle Me is a reminder site set up so you can hassle yourself into remembering certain things such as events, medications, appointments, or your daily trips to the gym.<br /><br />Here is another <a href="http://hssl.me/" target="_blank">Hassle Me</a> for your smartphone.<br /><br /><a href="http://yourli.st/">YourList </a><br />Your List requires no registration. A wonderful option for those who are tired of creating endless accounts for websites, especially those that you do not need to use often. Reminders are sent to your email.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.timecave.com/timecave/about.jsp">TimeCave</a> <br />Time Cave has that feel of an internet time capsule. Write your message, and store it for when it is ready to be opened. Set up reminders to be sent to your email. Standard accounts are free.<br /><br /><br />All of these great sites listed here can be used for anything you need to remind yourself about.. For those on medications these are great tools to remind yourself to take them. It is especially useful for those who have to take certain medications more than one time a day.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60369656576839229102010-05-03T12:56:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:38.704-05:00One man's creativity is another's brain damage.<br />- Roland FischerChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35810609357809201912010-04-30T14:07:00.003-04:002014-08-15T18:05:18.607-04:00The Spark by Chris Downie<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I finished reading The Spark book. I was so excited to get it, counting down the days for my Amazon gift certificate. Once that arrived I patiently checked my mailbox daily for the book to arrive. I literally did a happy dance in my kitchen when it did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I gave up on those weight loss miracles a long time ago. In high school I went on NutriSystem and lost over eighty pounds. Back then, NS actually had a center for you to go in, just like Jenny Craig.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Weight Watchers was a program that worked for me when I reached my mid -twenties. I know many just teach themselves how to cheat the system, basically learning how to still eat junk food for low points. Yes, I still have a few of those recipes, but I learned so much more than that. I learned that I liked and actually enjoyed fruits and vegetables over red meat. That is the girl I am trying to get back to, and I am doing a pretty good job so far.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I have been a member of SparkPeople since the early days. Free, then paid, then back to being free again. Having said that, I have seen it all and learned it all in regards to the website and all it has to offer. I know how things work, I know great recipes, I use my SparkPage and blog, and I even chat on the forums and groups. I have witness thousands of success stories; I have tried the meal plans, and read the Fast Break. Now, here I am in my mid-thirties.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Before I ordered the book, I read every review I could find. I asked questions. Since just about everyone had something great to say about it so I made the choice to buy it. I am not one to fall for gimmicks. I know you need to eat less and move more. What I did not want was another book telling me what to eat, keeping me from the foods I loved. What I did not want was another book telling me I have to do their exercises and only their exercises in order to make my body look like a super model. I am a real woman with real curves and logical expectations. I also did not want a get thin quick book. The SparkPeople website bragged that this book was a great inspiration and tool for people who were already on the SparkPeople site and using the tools offered. Because of this, I decided to give it a go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I dove right in to it, reading chapters, taking notes. I just kept thinking to myself any minute now something “new” and refreshing is going to happen. Any minute now I am going to have my “aha” moment and everything was just going to click.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Page after page, chapter after chapter, there was nothing in it for me. I have heard it all and seen it all when it comes to knowing what you are supposed to do and not do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I am bummed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I feel like my Amazon gift certificate would have been better spent on a recipe book like Hungry Girl.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Here is why; every bit of the book I already knew and I am going to bet most people out there are going to know. Perhaps you found something new in it (or are going to), but I did not. I tried following the chapters, making the goals and the lists. I had already done that before. I know what they are, what I am trying to do. I know what I need to do to get there. The last thing I needed to do was make another list.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book itself is not bad by any means, but I think it is a bit misleading to try to push it towards those who have been on SparkPeople for quite some time. It is clearly meant to get new people to try out SparkPeople and all it has to offer. Which is not a bad thing. I just do not think it should have been pushed towards those already on the site.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I feel like SparkPeople is starting to become a popular commercial diet plan. The website itself is starting to become another social media networking site. I think it has overload now. I find myself spending way too much time on the site. Not because I want to be, but because it just takes a long time to do simple tasks like find things in forums or groups, as well as log the food. As much as I love the site and the iPhone app, I have been using MyFitnessPal website and app much more. Clean, simple, and has just what I need and nothing I don't. I will stay with SparkPeople for the resources and the friendships.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I would recommend the book to someone who wants to learn calorie counting and does not know where to start. But I would not recommend it to those who have been around the block a time or two.<br /><br />(c) CM 4/30/10<br />Originally published on Helium. Removed since the site closed.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12050873726823981682010-04-29T19:55:00.002-04:002012-03-07T20:12:30.421-05:00The Spark - Final Book Review<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1401926452&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I wish I had something good to say, but right now I don’t. Not that what I have to say is bad, but it just makes me unhappy and a bit disappointed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I finished reading The Spark book. I was so excited to get it, counting down the days for my Amazon gift certificate. Once that arrived I patiently checked my mailbox daily for the book to arrive. I literally did a happy dance in my kitchen when it did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I gave up on those weight loss miracles a long time ago. Weight Watchers was a program that worked for me. I know many just teach themselves how to cheat the system, basically learning how to still eat junk food for low points. Yes, I still have a few of those recipes, but I learned so much more than that. I learned that I liked, and actually enjoyed fruits and vegetables over red meat. That is the girl I am trying to get back to, and I am doing a pretty good job so far.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been a member of SparkPeople since the early days. Free, then paid, then back to being free again. Having said that, I have seen it all and learned it all in regards to the website and all it has to offer. I know how things work, I know great recipes, I use my sparkpage and blog, and I even chat on the forums and groups. I have witness thousands of success stories; I have tried the meal plans, and read the Fast Break. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before I ordered the book, I read every review I could find. I asked questions. Since just about everyone had something great to say about it so I made the choice to buy it. I am not one to fall for gimmicks. I know you need to eat less and move more. What I did not want was another book telling me what to eat, keeping me from the foods I loved. What I did not want was another book telling me I have to do their exercises and only their exercises in order to make my body look like a super model. I am a real woman with real curves and logical expectations. I also did not want a get thin quick book. The SparkPeople website bragged that this book was a great inspiration and tool for people who were already on the SparkPeople site and using the tools offered. Because of this, I decided to give it a go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I dove right in to it, reading chapters, taking notes. I just kept thinking to myself any minute now something “new” and refreshing is going to happen. Page after page, chapter after chapter, there was nothing in it for me. I have heard it all and seen it all when it comes to knowing what you are supposed to do and not do. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am bummed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel like my Amazon gift certificate would have been better spent on a recipe book like Hungry Girl. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Here is why;</b> every bit of the book I already knew. Perhaps you found something new in it (or are going to), but I did not. I tried following the chapters, making the goals and the lists. I had already done that before. I know what they are, what I am trying to do. I know what I need to do to get there. The last thing I needed to do was make another list.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book itself is not bad by any means, but I think it is a bit misleading to try to push it towards those who have been on SP for quite some time. It is clearly meant to get new people to try out SparkPeople and all it has to offer. I feel like SparkPeople is starting to become a popular commercial diet plan. The website itself is starting to become another social media networking site. I think it has overload now. I find myself spending way too much time on the site. Not because I want to be, but because it just takes a long time to do simple tasks like find things in forums or groups, as well as log the food. As much as I love the site and the iPhone app, I have been using MyFitnessPal website and app much more. Clean, simple, and has just what I need and nothing I don’t. I will stay with SparkPeople for the resources and the friendships. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I would recommend the book to someone who wants to learn calorie counting and does not know where to start. But I would not recommend it to those who have been around the block a time or two. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83251893223053431792010-04-22T15:11:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.743-05:00The Spark, book notes<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1401926452&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Spark book</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a little behind in my blog notes for the book, so here we go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Chapter 2</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Goals</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Long-term:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Have a strong family.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Build a better relationship with my soon to be mother in law.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Obtain higher paying writing contracts.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Purchase a new house.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Less stress and drama in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Overcome my anxiety by learning how to better manage it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Be healthy and fit.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Control my binge eating better.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Action steps:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Save money.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Invest money.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Start to put money in retirement account again.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Exercise 3 to 5 times a week.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eat out less.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eat less meat.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eat more fresh food.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Chapter 3</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitness</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Find alternatives when eating out. Baked, grilled, not friend. Vegi’s not pasta or rice for a side.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you consider Weight Watchers to be a fad diet?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Start taking measurements, just because the scale does not move does not mean other things aren’t happening.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Need to get increased and better sleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Less stress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Chapter 4</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fire</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things to work on:<br />Accountability (for food. You bite, you write)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Faith</div><div class="MsoNormal">Patience</div><div class="MsoNormal">Commitment (do not give up just because the scale does not move)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Courage (to try new things)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Flexibility (exercise does not always have to be in the AM, or first thing)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enthusiasm (I am getting healthy!)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Joyfulness (I am happy to be alive!)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Optimism (I will lose the weight!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Slow and steady wins the race.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">pg 56, the spiral.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Affirmations:</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a survivor.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am on a healthy path that will change my life.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81963347798362022492010-04-15T16:27:00.000-04:002013-10-04T10:37:53.958-04:00My Niche<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z275/lolorocker/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z275/lolorocker/write.jpg" /></a></div>My niche is what?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been stated that every blog needs a niche in order to grow and survive. We all want followers, we aim for comments, but I just want readers. I want someone who is actually going to want to read my words and give me proper feedback. I want someone who will share their words with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For me to pick one topic to write about daily is impossible. I have a lot going on in my life, many interests, and a bottomless pile of ideas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My niche would be: LIFE</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am:</div><div class="MsoNormal">A full time writer</div><div class="MsoNormal">Full time college student</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pet shop owner</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cookbook collector</div><div class="MsoNormal">Diet junkie</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lifetime weight watcher</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recipe queen</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chef</div><div class="MsoNormal">Housekeeper</div><div class="MsoNormal">Weekend nanny</div><div class="MsoNormal">Personal assistant</div><div class="MsoNormal">Professional organizer</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shopkeeper</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wedding planner</div><div class="MsoNormal">Survivor</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fighter</div><div class="MsoNormal">Freebie lover</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bookworm</div><div class="MsoNormal">Empathetic</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bookkeeper</div><div class="MsoNormal">Banker</div><div class="MsoNormal">Biller</div><div class="MsoNormal">Budget friendly</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Green”</div><div class="MsoNormal">MMA Fan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ireland Dreamer</div><div class="MsoNormal">Music listener</div><div class="MsoNormal">Crafter</div><div class="MsoNormal">Writer</div><div class="MsoNormal">But most of all, I am a thinker.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With all of these, how could I pick just one?</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19974104598726064362010-04-08T20:36:00.003-04:002011-11-11T19:27:38.942-05:00Read, Rate - Get Paid!<a href="http://www.readbud.com/?ref=4119128"><img alt="readbud - get paid to read and rate articles" border="0" src="http://www.readbud.com/images/728_90_banner.jpg" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64974625322254483582010-04-02T19:57:00.004-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.835-04:00iPod Touch App TestI downloaded this free app for my Touch so I could update my blog with all my useless thoughts when I am away from my desktop and too lazy to deal with the laptop! So here is my first test post.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90439619912305025752010-04-02T15:31:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:33:54.993-04:00Creative Writing Journal: April 2, 2010<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers</i> by Christopher Vogler, we are introduced to a concept called “Hero’s Journey” where it is an observation that all stories follow these set principles of story telling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Vogler states that all stories consist of common structural elements.</span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Here is that list; I am posting it here as this will be the basis for much of my writing in this class.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">Hero’s Journey<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">1. Heros are introduced in the ORDINARY WORLD, where<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">2. they receive the CALL TO ADVENTURE.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">3. They are RELUCTANT at first or REFUSE THE CALL, but<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">4. are encouraged by a MENTOR to<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">5. CROSS THE FIRST THRESHOLD and enter the Special World, where<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">6. they encounter TESTS, ALLIES, AND ENIMIES.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">7. They APPROACH THE INMOST CAVE, crossing a second threshold<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">8. where they endure the ORDEAL.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">9. They take possession of their REWARD and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">10. are pursued on THE ROAD BACK to the Ordinary World.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">11. They cross the third threshold, experience a RESURRECTION, and are transformed by the experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">12. They RETURN WITH THE ELIXER, a boon or treasure to benefit the Ordinary World. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Reference<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: black;">Vogler, Christopher. (2008). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers </i>(3<sup>rd</sup> Ed). Studio City, California: Michael Wise Productions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35482668249898502302010-04-02T15:21:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:33:35.077-04:00Creative Writing 101: April 2, 2010<div class="MsoNormal">I am taking a creative writing class this term, and one of the three books has suggested that we writers do what we do best, and that is write. For those who do not already keep a journal (I do!) should start. And we should start writing down whatever we feel like. This journal does not have to be about the day’s events, it can be about any sort of thought or idea that might flood your brain. It can be quotes you like, story ideas, something you saw outside of your home, anything.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I used to be very good about keeping a journal. I wrote every day in one until 2005. Since the introduction to blogging, I have not been very good about keeping a handwritten journal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matthew was nice enough to buy me a very nice green leather one for Christmas, which I have been trying very hard to get back in the habit of writing in it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since I am back in school, my daily blogging is no longer. As time goes on, I hope to be able to write for a living (even more so than I am now), blog consistently, and finish up school. That is the plan for the year. During this time I am also on a lifestyle change journey. I do not wish to call it a diet, as they do not last. I am doing it on my own, without the help of Weight Watchers or NutriSystem, as I have done in the past. I am now a member of TOPS for the meetings, which I have not gone to (shame on me!). It really has been me, my determination, the treadmill, and sparkpeople.com. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to start blogging again. I want to start sharing my journey in life. I want to use this as my creative writing outlet for class, separate from the personal journal, which currently seems to just be used as a venting machine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sharing with everyone not only helps hone my writing craft, but it keeps me accountable for my creative writing class, and my lifestyle change.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57409902347469107292010-04-02T12:47:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:33:27.938-04:00Olivia Update<div>Olivia was sent home yesterday, her surgery was Tuesday night. The Doctor thinks she would get more sleep and it would be quieter at home.The hospital was overloaded, they didn't have enough beds and it's a holiday weekend. </div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div>She is in more pain this time because they had to go through scar tissue and she is really mad at everybody but that's okay ,she has every right to be mad.</div><div><br /></div><div>If anyone would like to send Olivia a card (she loves them) PM me and I will give you her address.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, Matt and I thought it would be good to try to do the benefit concert for her this year that we were not able to get done last year. Matt would return to Downseed for the shows, so him and Nate are going to work on that, with Billy as well. Hopefully at Hamilton St Pub in Saginaw and Machine Shop in Flint. </div><div><br /></div><div>The tumor was larger this time, growing much faster. They had to lift the cerebellum to get as much of it as they could. Only time will tell whether she is going to have to go through chem/radiation again, as well as how much damage was done. She will need a lot of love, a lot of rest!</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47372266036948233502010-03-24T18:16:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:33:22.443-04:00Olivia's Prayer Chain<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div style="clear: none; line-height: 14px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For those of you who do not know the story:<br /><br />My cousin Tim's oldest daughter Olivia just turned 6 this past Monday. On her 4th birthday she spent the day in surgery removing tumors around her brain and spine. They removed what they could, chemo and radiation took care of the rest. Last year, for her 5th birthday, and 1 year in remission, the Make a Wish Foundation sent my family to Disney world. Olivia and her sister Ava were such cute princesses and what a great thing for Olivia to be able to experience. It was a long road to recovery for Olivia, as one can only imagine what it does when the brain is operated on.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Fast forward. Olivia's tumors have grown back, and my mother says they are growing very fast this time, hence the surgery on Monday. However, she had a fever and was sent home. Now rescheduled for next Tuesday.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />My mother has some wonderful neighbors, and Anne started this prayer chain.<br /><br />It started Sunday the 21st of March and will continue until the end of April.<br /><br />My mother gave me a copy and I am sending it to all of you.I hope you will help.Send to everyone you know and ask them to say the prayer, even if you only say it once, I will be grateful.<br /><br />Thanks to all!<br /><br />God we pray for Olivia Maxine Morse, God hear our prayers.<br />God we ask that you guide the hands of the surgeon who will operate on Olivia,God hear our prayers.<br />God we ask that all of the tumor be removed, God hear our prayers.<br />God we ask that Olivia will recover swiftly and completely, God hear our prayers.<br />God we ask that her parents and sister stay strong during this difficult time, God hear our prayers.<br />We Thank you God for all that you do, Amen.</div><div class="photo photo_none" style="clear: both; line-height: 14px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="photo_img" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: none; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div class="caption" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: none; color: #666666; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84526025725836936822010-03-16T07:57:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:28:07.870-04:00Wedding Invite<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">HEAR YE! HEAR YE!</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lady Chrystal Tina Mahan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sir Matthew Cameron McConnell<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">request the honour of thy presence<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">at their marriage<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">on Saturday, the second of October<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">in the year of our Lord Two thousand and ten.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The ceremony will begin at</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">four o’clock in the afternoon at<br /><br />Curwood Castle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>Celtic/Renaissance style attire is recommended</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but not required.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Feasting and merriment will follow the ceremony</span><br />at six o'clock in the eve,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sacred Heart Church.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />Please respond by May 1, 2010</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">M______________________________</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Number of People Attending ____</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_______ accepts ______ regrets</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12820681952688619962010-03-05T06:55:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:27:34.707-04:00The Wedding - An Update<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lindisfarne_StJohn_Knot2_3.svg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Design influenced by illustration in the Lindi..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Lindisfarne_StJohn_Knot2_3.svg/300px-Lindisfarne_StJohn_Knot2_3.svg.png" height="261" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lindisfarne_StJohn_Knot2_3.svg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span>Things are slowly in the works. Monday we drove to Owosso to meet with Diane who is basically a wedding planner of sorts. We are getting the dresses and kilts from her for the wedding party. She is also doing the set up and the take down of the wedding. She is also available to do our reception (if we have one) as well since we really would like the king and queen thrones along with the round table. She has given us a really good deal on her service and the rentals, so we are not going to complain too much.<br /><br /><br /><br />We had planned on stopping at the castle to get our date booked and paid for; however after spending over three hours at Diane’s house, we missed the castle. So we will have to go back again. We are going to take Maddy with us and go Saturday. She will have fun with that, as she loves to go on outings. On the way home my Explorer started to have issues and I had to take it to the shop. $200 later, it is fine.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />Matt and I are just hoping everything will work out for us. We are not sure how many people we can invite to the wedding, and we are still unsure of the reception details. I guess we just have to go one day at a time and pray for the best. Everything always seems to have a way of working itself out just the way we want it. Since this is a 2nd wedding for both of us, some of these details just do not matter.<br /><br /><br /><br />We have (well mostly me) decided that the other set of rings I originally wanted has been nagging at me in the back of my mind. The set did not come with an engagement ring, which is why we did not choose it at first. However, I have my grandmothers that I would love to just take to have cleaned and use it. Our rings we originally got are sterling silver, however they are CZ. That is fine by me as I am really not a materialistic person, so those things do not matter to me at all. But the ring itself is really big and bulky. Not to mention all 3 rings will have to be sized, which will cost just as much as I paid for them. So, we have decided to go ahead and get the other set of rings we really wanted in the first place since they are much more our personality (the Celtic knot work with the Claddagh), and I will either send this set back where I got them, or just resell them myself. Either way, we will have Celtic rings. Lesson learned; always go with your first choice.<br /><br /><br /><br />Funny story: And this is in no way meant to be mean. Sue (Matt’s mom) saw my ring for the first time last week. She thought it was very pretty, inspected it and then said “Be sure to take it off before you shower.” At first I did not think much of it, and I thought it was odd. Perhaps she thought it would fall off and go down the drain. But then I thought I bet she thinks its just fake costume jewelry and it will start to peel?? When we were at Diane’s she called Matt. She was someplace and saw a $1000 wedding set on clearance for $199 and they were real gold and so many carat diamonds. He had her on speaker phone. I giggled. Nice of her to let us know, but now I really feel like she thinks our rings are fake. LOL! Anyway, I have had my grandmother’s engagement ring for a while now and it is just begging to be worn! It’s beautiful and I am excited to be able to bring it back to life again. I loved my grandmother very much, she taught me so much in life even though we lived thousands miles apart. It is nice to have a piece of her with me all the time.<br /><br /><br /><br />I posted a picture of the rings. I can’t wait to get them. I also posted some more pictures on some cake ideas, which I know is going to take me forever to decide on.<br /><br /><br /><br />I did post a picture of myself in the emerald green dress. The black overlay will be replaced by navy blue; the weird crown she stuck on my head won’t be there. My hair will not look like a curly mess! The green and blue plaid sash will be replaced by Matt’s family tartan. Also, thanks to sparkpeople.com I am slowly coming down in weight. I had planned to lose 60 pounds by October 2011, but since it has been pushed to this year, I would like to lose it all in the next 8 months, but I know that is not going to happen. I would be happy with at least 40. As most of you know, this is not about my wedding, but more about my back and my health. The wedding just became the motivator, and after seeing myself in this photo….well lets just say I don’t really care to look at it.<br /><br /><br /><br />As we work out the details, I will keep you posted. And for those of you who live so far away, I will post as many blogs and photos as I can!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=5e3f7940-9bc4-4ea1-92d7-a1f2c8d3ae2b" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63492214143725209082010-02-24T06:51:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:27:14.116-04:00The Wedding ~ Celtic Style<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Curwood_castle.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Curwood Castle in Owosso, Michigan, built by a..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Curwood_castle.jpg/300px-Curwood_castle.jpg" height="230" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Curwood_castle.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div>The Wedding<br /><br /></div>Nothing is set in stone, but we are planning for a Fall Wedding in 2010. Hopefully around the first weekend of October. The place will be Curwood Castle in Owosso, Michigan.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>All of you in Oklahoma have that long to save some money, charter a plane, a bus, get the group discount, whatever you got to do to get here !!! LOL</div><div><br /><br />This is how we have planned, so far. Dean (the king, matt dad) will walk out with the sword, followed by the bagpipes playing Scotland the Brave. Matt (soon to be king) will come out next. Once he gets up to his dad he will kneel as the couples in the wedding will start to line up. The first ones in the line will carry the Scotland flag for the boys’ side and the flag of Ireland for the girls’ side.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My cousin Chrissy and her husband Kevin will be last in line. Chrissy will be walking Casey, and Kevin will walk Cain. For those that don’t know, those are my Boxer dogs. Well they are ours now. The dogs are going to have sashes made of Matt's family tartan (same as kilts) as a symbol of being brought into his family (since they were mine to start with).<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>(The boys will all be in kilts, the girls will have Renaissance style dresses. It is a traditional Celtic wedding after all.)</div><div><br /><br />Once the girls and boys are all in place, Matt will rise, and his dad will basically "knight" him (for lack of a better term) and he will then take his place at the alter. This will then make him King<br /><br /> The person who is going to marry us is our pastor at our church. He is about the same age as us and SUPER excited to get to wear a kilt. LOL<br /><br /><br />Ok, once the boys are girls are all lined up, the bags will stop playing and switch to Irish Eyes are Smiling. Deb (Matt’s step mom) will then walk in front (she’s Irish so that worked out well) sort of paving the way for me. Behind her will be Madison (throwing shamrocks of course, and she is Matt's Princess) and then behind her, will be me.<br /><br /><br />I think Matt is having his dad make some sort of a speech.<br /><br /><br />Wedding takes place.<br /><br /> One tradition we are thinking of doing is the tying of the wrists, it’s a Celtic thing.<br /><br /> We are thinking about having the reception at Albee Township all, since that is where all my family things seem to end up, and its easy for everyone to get to since most of them all live around these parts.<br /><br /> There will be a dinner reception with a DJ, then, an after party for adults only after about 8, with drinking and Matt wants an Irish Punk Band...This of course is all subject to change.<br /><br /><br />So that's about all we have going now....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em;"></h6><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=b78ddbad-74cd-4e96-8d5c-3dff7fd5cb9e" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31955010742587542652010-02-24T06:50:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:26:43.240-04:00The Proposal<div>I find it is easy to write about things (I mean, I am a writer after all) then it is for me to pick up the phone and call you all individually. As most of you know, I am not a huge fan of talking on the phone anyway. Text me all day long, that’s fine. But I have never been very good about picking up the phone and calling someone. I think it is from all those years of having to answer the phone at work. It tends to take the fun out of it.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">Besides, I am not going to pass up a good opportunity to write about something.</span><br /><div><br /></div>As I mentioned in the last blog, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/02/the-engagement.html" target="_blank">The Engagement,</a> Matt and I had picked out rings together. So I knew at some point, I was going to get a ring. Every day I had asked him if they had come yet, and “no” was the answer I had always gotten. Last Friday night Matt took Madison over to his moms to spend the night. I was in bed, watching TV when he came home. He came over and knelt beside me, and just sort of rested there for a minute. I honestly thought nothing of it, until my little light bulb went off. He started to speak at the exact moment I said “You got the rings!” *doh* that pretty much killed the moment. *sigh* So, he asked me to marry him. I of course said “YES!”<br /><div><br /></div>Saturday night after Matt came home from Airsoft and his mom dropped Madison off, he took my ring and showed it to Madison. She was all excited (they were sitting on the bed with me) and they both turned around, her face was all smiles and her eyes were huge, as they both said “will you marry us?” and she threw herself on me for the biggest hug ever. I said “oh if I have to” she started to laugh and told me I did. I gave her and Matt a hug and said I would spend the rest of my life with them. It was so cute.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">I did not get some big fancy proposal, no fireworks, no candles, no romantic dinner, no party, nothing of that sort. But when I did get was a proposal that was special to us all.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14344034736465387802010-02-23T06:45:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:25:02.751-04:00The Engagement<div>Yes, it is true. I am getting married.<br /><br /><br /><br />I mentioned a week or so ago that I had some news to tell you soon….we had picked out our rings that day. So, I knew ..but I also knew he wanted to actually propose. Me, the one who does not like surprised begged that he not do it while we were out in public someplace. I had hoped he would listen. That was all I needed was to have a panic attack while my boyfriend proposed to me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><br />As some of you may know, Matt and I are not without problems. Many couples face hiccups in their relationships, and it seems Matt and I had to face all of ours at once. There were more times than I care to remember that I began to pack my stuff and make arrangement to move out. But something always held me back. I really started to search inside myself, and think about all of the reasons why I was staying, as well as why it was I wanted to leave.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />To often, in the past, I have ran away. During the worst of it all, night after night of countless fighting and tears, that ex BF that you all so love to hate (he actually ended up being one of my best friends here) decided that enough was enough and tried to get me to leave Matt and come back to him. And, when things hit rock bottom, there was a moment (oh, so brief moment) where I felt Matt and I were not going to work out and perhaps the ex deserved a second chance. I had seen him grow so much in the last year and maybe, it was better for a us both.<br /><br /><br /><br />While I started to soul search, I remembered a book we had gotten for Christmas from his Dad and his wife Deb. It was called The Love Dare. A 40 day book for couples. Although it took us a month to actually sit down and do it, I have to say it truly has been a relationship saver. Shortly after we started the book I had found the movie Fireproof, which the book was based off of. I watched it, and it changed my life. When Matt got home that day, I made him watch it. It was then he decided that HE was the one that needed to change, and he is now doing the book on his own.<br /><br /><br /><br />For too long I felt that I was doing everything for him and getting nothing in return. When I moved in I instantly became a mother, a maid, a chef, and a drycleaner. I did this while Matt slept in late and sat around on the computer, watched TV or played video games. It was not until this book did he start to get serious about finding a job, being productive and helpful, as well as finding the strength within himself to realize that losing a job is not the end of the world, nor is it a reflection of your true self. What is? It is how you handle yourself when you are faced with these life challenges.<br /><br /><br /><br />We are now confident that our relationship has finally broke free from the mean and hurtful sayings, broke free from the lack of communication and compromise. We are now confident we have the tools necessary to be able to move forward, handle all of life’s obstacles, and spend the rest of our life together.<br /><br /><br /><br />The road has been hard. I wanted to give up. I had been tempted by the fruit of another, and for the first time in my life, I resisted.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was then I knew, I was truly in love with this man and no one or nothing else mattered.<br /><br /><br /><br />He is still working on the book, and I find myself journaling again. The realization is, life is not always easy. It has been a long road for me, but finally, I am seeing some peace with it. Matt is kind, he is loving, and he is extremely caring. Not only that, but I get a Madison out of the whole deal. Seeing her smile when I teach her how to cook things, well, there is nothing more beautiful that that. We may only be a weekend family, but they are my family, and I plan to love them for the rest of my life.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, there you have it. How we went from almost breaking up and moving out, to finding our way back to why we fell in love in the first place.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20327519148561527572010-02-11T11:40:00.000-05:002014-08-01T11:50:20.111-04:00Getting Started in Freelance Writing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKk5REFBoe4/Tgub0jInJ8I/AAAAAAAAAcs/IWGhDN27hdo/s1600/book_work_teacher_238276_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKk5REFBoe4/Tgub0jInJ8I/AAAAAAAAAcs/IWGhDN27hdo/s1600/book_work_teacher_238276_l.jpg" /></a></div>Before you start a freelance writing career for any company there are a few things to take into consideration.<br /><br />Since I began my writing career I have seen a lot of people trying to get into the field. Everyone has different backgrounds and everyone is doing it for different reasons. There is only one thing in common; to make money.<br /><br />I think too many people are getting into writing for the wrong reasons, and end up being the ones who complain about it the most.<br /><br />Do you like writing? Do you like research? If not, then this type of work is not for you.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Are you writing just because you do not like phone work? This may not be the type of work for you. Writing really needs to be something you enjoy instead of something you feel like you have to do because there is nothing else. Trust me, there is something else. There are millions of work from home jobs out there; you just have to learn how to seek them out.<br /><br />If writing is something you enjoy, please check out<a href="http://www.crockford.com/wrrrld/style1.html"> “The Elements of Style”</a> and you can download a free copy by clicking the link (there is no copyright infringement).<br /><br />Do rewrites get on your nerves? Sorry, but that is the name of the game in the writing world. We all have them; all companies make us do them, whether it is content writing for a website, a magazine article or even a bestselling novel. Rewrites are a part of life. If you cannot handle them, and you take them too personally, then this job/career is not for you.<br /><br />I have had my fair share of rewrites, and I have had to deal with the same Copy Editor that everyone else had to deal with. But, they do not know me personally, nor will they ever. This is my place of business and I can walk away to take a break whenever I feel like it. Do I get frustrated? At times, sure I do. But at the same time I remember we all have a job to do, and they are trying to do theirs as best as possible. Another thing to consider is in the online world, when all you are reading are a person’s words without really knowing the person, you may not understand fully the tone or the point they are trying to make. Not only that, we are all unique individuals with different educations, backgrounds and upbringings. We all view things differently. Think about those things next time you get a rewrite. Think about it from all angles, not just your own.Put yourself in the Copy Editors shoes. Often your frustration and anger will just wither away. Most rewrites take only a matter of seconds. If it takes you an hour, you are putting too much thought into it and are making it harder than what it really is. Nothing on any of these content sites should take you over an hour.<br /><br />If it does, writing may not be for you. Not for $15. It is not worth it to spend over an hour on something you are only getting paid $15 for. I understand for those who are new, it does take time to learn the system and the requirements. But time is money and money is time. You want to be able to write more words in the least amount of time. I will make no less that $15 per hour, and I often double that.<br /><br />Many jobs are going to have their own type of “rewrite” or do-over. That is the joy of work. When I was working in the accounting field, there were often times when reports and financial statement would have to be redone. In every job I have ever had, something always had a do-over at some point in time. High School and College was no different. As the slogan goes “All in the Game of Life!”<br /><br />If you are going to whine about how those that write magazine articles or short stories get paid $100 plus for their work, be sure to ask them how many words that is and how many hours it took them to write it, even with rewrites. Just because one company pays 1 cent per word, while another pays $1 doesn’t mean anything. Writers have got to stop thinking in terms of per word, or you are never going to make it in this field. No matter what your writing forte is. What you want to start thinking about is how much research I need and how long is it going to take me to write it, in terms of hours. Like I have stated before, <strike>I do quite well with Demand Studios, and writing in general and can pull in $30 per hour easily. </strike> <b>July 2014 Update :</b> I no longer write for Demand Studios. There are only a handful of web companies I contract with. Most of my writing is done for myself or private clients who pay way better than a lot of 'content mills.'<br /><br />Even with my Associates in Accounting and being 5 classes from a double major degree BA in Business and Accounting, with already been accepted into the grad school program (while researching other schools), there are not very many places I can start out by making $30 an hour. And those that do start at that rate are an hour drive for me. So I for one am grateful for any writing assignments that I get. <b>July 2014 Update : </b>MBA finished in June 2013.<br /><br />Another thing to consider, Copy Editors got their jobs for a reason, because they are qualified and meet the requirements of having such a title, they are not writers, we are. I understand some of us vent just to get out the frustration of a rewrite we think is silly. I have been known to do it a time or two. But, if you honestly think a rewrite is out of line, gripe about it and then report it as such. Sitting around complaining about it is not going to change anything. You are wasting valuable work time, and that you wonder why you did not meet your goal for the day.<br /><br />After my post on <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232425">“I DID IT”</a> , I continue to get my PM there flooded with questions. Well, this is how I do it. I work, and I work hard. I make a schedule and I stick to it. Granted my health has been a problem for me this year, but I am still managing to get around it. I treat my own business as if I was going to work for someone else. Actually, I treat it better. I still have a set time schedule to work (even though it is flexible), and I limit my time on forums and social networking sites to break times only.<br /><br /><strike>Demand Studios</strike> or <b>any of the other writing sites</b> out there are not your “job.” They are not your employer. Y<b>our employer is you. You are your own business.</b> You are now a freelance writer and a business owner. These writing sites are merely your clients. We are contract workers. We sign the contract, we send in W9 forms and at the end of the year we are sending 1099 to report our earnings and pay our share of the taxes.<br /><br />If you do not want to do this, than being a writer is not the type of work for you. You would be better off finding a company where you are an employee either at home or at a B&M business since most of the writing companies or contract work.<br /><br />As a 1099 independent contractor they do not have to pay any sort of employment taxes since you are not an employee.<br /><br />That is why you pay self employment taxes when you file a schedule C. You also have the option of making quarterly payments yourself to the IRS. As a business owner this is your job and your responsibility, not the clients.<br /><br />Those that give you a W-2 and a check with federal, state and in some cases local taxes also pay into social security and Medicare.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10022.html">Self Employment and Social Security Information </a>can be found by clicking the link,and the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,id=98846,00.html">IRS</a> website.<br /><br />Personally I would rather be an IC because I then get to take deduction that I otherwise would not if I worked from home with a company that did take taxes out (like West or Alpine). Most of these writing companies are IC and do not take out taxes, and generally that is the joy of being a freelancer. You are your own business and therefore those responsibilities are up to you. I have had my own freelance/IC business for a long time and I always end up with a refund at the end of the year.<br /><br />With a company like Demand Studios who has thousands of writers, to pay someone the cost of doing payroll for all of those people, who all live in different states, would be a huge expense, which means we writers would get paid less than we already do. Not only that, the joy of getting paid 2X a week would fall to 2X a month due to the time constraints it takes to do payroll. Been there, done that. It is also a time consuming burden to any small company who need Demand Studios writers to work with them. Writers come and go, since projects are not constant. Projects only last as long as it takes the writer to write the article. Writing companies have a high turnover due to this reason. Magazines, websites, blogs, and newspapers all have a high turnover as they freelance out a lot of work. That makes it difficult to keep track of, not to mention costly for payroll.<br /> <br /> I would rather put money aside out of every payday to cover costs if there was a chance I owed at the end of the year.<br /> <br /> The IRS will allow you to make payments to them quarterly, just like an employer would. They allow this for self employed and business owners. It takes 5 minutes of your time to put the money from the pay into savings, and then write a check every quarter for your taxes. Or, you can just do it all at the end of the year. There really is no difference to the IRS whether you pay them, or their company pays them. In the end, it all comes out the same.<br /> <br /> That's the name of the game when you are an independent contractor that means you are your own business, and therefore, the responsibility falls on you.<br /> <br /> Because I <strike>am</strike> a tax accountant, all of this is very easy for me and just second nature to take care of it. And, I have been filing schedule C for so long I pretty much have all the rules and regulations memorized. <b>July 2014 Update : </b>tax accounting was my previous 9-5 and I still do it on the side to help out others. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chrystal-Mahan/e/B0081950W0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1406908103&sr=8-1" target="_blank">I've even written a few tax books to help out.</a><br /> <br /> Again, that’s just the name of the game when you are in business for yourself and you are contracting with these companies.<br /> <br /> They are not in the wrong, nor does it make them a bad company as millions of companies out there 1099 people. <br /> <br /> I can make an average of $15-$30 an hour with Demand Studios, and it pays my bills. All of my other eggs and private clients are what I consider “extra play money.”Even with my education and degree, not many places around here will pay me $30 an hour. Not to mention I would have to commute at least 30 minutes. No thanks, it doesn't take much for me to set a few dollars aside and take a few moments of time to save money and keep records of all my expenses.<br /><br />Another thing that I see a lot people complaining about is the "insurance" Demand Studios offers (and how others offer none at all). It is not insurance, but rather just a medical savings plan. There are a lot of insurance companies out there that do offer self employment insurance. Some are reasonable, some are not. Demand Studios for some is not reasonable, but the thing is, when you work for yourself, it a bonus that a company you contract with (not work for, as you work for yourself) is offering you some help with covering the cost of medical. Demand Studios does not have to offer us this as a perk or anything else for that matter and we as independent contractors should be grateful that at least one of these companies out there is offering us some assistance with medical costs.<br /><br />One thing you need to do as a writer is protect yourself. Getting set up with some sort of health plan is one step. Having your eyes checked yearly is the next. If you are supposed to be wearing glasses, wear them!<br /><br />Often I am asked how I can sit at the PC all day. I have FireFox and I put a program on my desktop and my mini called <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/2592">NoSquint</a>. It will make your screen bigger so you can read better. It really helps on my mini, as I do not need to use it much on the desktop.<br /><br />I have a good chair, I just have back problems and I know the way I sit makes it worse. My Chiropractor insisted I start using a ball to sit on, which I do from time to time. It really helps.<br />It is also best to take breaks to stretch, and rest your fingers.<br /><br />Personally, I love writing (maybe not so much all of the topics) and have always wanted to be a writer. When I was young I was always told there was not money in writing, no good career and that NY Best Sellers were one in a million. I get my talent from my mom who actually did take a few college classes in Creative Writing until I was born. I have taken quite a few in college. When I graduate I will use my degrees to advance my online writing career becoming an “expert” writing in those fields. I already have a few clients lined up. Grad school will give me even more knowledge and things to write about. I may never be a million dollar novelist, but at least I am doing something that I love.<br /><br />For those of you who have had issues with any of these companies, again, I have been there. Just like a B&M place of business, things happen and there are differences for whatever reason. Do not let it get you down, and do not let it question your ability as a writer. There is an egg out there that is perfectly suited for all of us. What works for one person, may not work for another. It is best to form your own opinion because you could have a high success rate with a place someone else did not do so well, no matter the reason.<br /><br />Remember, there are two sides to every story.<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8006111550155275682010-02-10T21:43:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.753-05:00Freelance WritingBefore You Start to Write for Demand Studios (or any other company for that matter!)<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1738751-freelance-writing-demand-studios">Freelance writing for Demand Studios - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35713854001094449532010-02-05T18:52:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.755-05:00Avoiding underemploymentHow not to waste your talent - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1733297-underemployment">Avoiding underemployment: How not to waste your talent - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80805777173069597652010-02-05T13:54:00.002-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.757-05:00Medication Costs Too High?There is Help.<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2010m2d5-Medication-Costs-Too-High-There-is-Help">Medication Costs Too High? There is Help.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12983807658898073112010-02-05T12:48:00.003-05:002014-07-29T18:07:54.384-04:00Places to Find Free Content Online<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XO1K9bMjcPw/U9ga8LmN-iI/AAAAAAAASEw/ksnaFN7hdsI/s1600/free+resources.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XO1K9bMjcPw/U9ga8LmN-iI/AAAAAAAASEw/ksnaFN7hdsI/s1600/free+resources.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>From Business Support Group Blog</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">Free Resource Friday </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">Places to Find Free Content Online</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">By Chrystal Mahan</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Sometimes writing content is the easy part. Sometime one suffers from writers block or one just can not find that perfect photo to go with the written content. In today's Free Resource blog we are going to take a look at a few places you can find good quality content, for free!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://morguefile.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Morgue File</span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> not exactly the most pleasant name, and for the record it is not a site devoted to things that you would find in a morgue. Rather, it is a collection of photos placed on the site by users for one to use, royalty free. You can search for an image by keyword, or just browse. Clicking the photo you like will allow you to download it, as well as provide you with a link. All they ask is when using the photo that you please site the link.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://photorogue.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Photo Rouge</span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> puts a new twist on the royalty free photo option. Can't find what you are looking for? Stop by the Rouge and place your request. They also offer a gallery for you to browse, just in case they already have what you seek. Volunteers fill the request, and it is all free of charge.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Are you searching for some</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>eBooks?</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">There are plenty of free eBooks on the net, however going from site to site can be quite time consuming.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/50-places-free-books-online.htm)" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b>Gizmo's Freeware</b></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> offers a list of 250 plus places to find free eBooks. The books are legal for download. It's your one stop shop, and sure to have something you are looking for.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b>Article Base</b></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> is a website directory which offers free articles and content for use on websites, such as blogs. The website offers over 1.5 million articles to choose from. The site also offers writers the chance to submit their own work for recognition and syndication. Sign up and use of the site is free. Categories include: Advertising, Business, Careers, Computers, Finance, Law, Marketing, and just about anything Health, Home and Hobby related.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.articlecity.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Article City</span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> is another website devoted to free content. Even the best writers and bloggers get a case of writers block. With sites like Article City, your website does not have to go empty on a blocked day. Article City offers a plethora of articles for reprint. The site is simple and not full of fancy fluff so users will have an easy time moving around. The only obstacle one might face are the advertisements, but for free content, we are not going to complain about a few ads, they are what pays for the website after all.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Note: </b></span>When looking for free content users can search for PLR. Please be sure to take the time to rewrite the material into your own words. Search engines hate duplicate content. These are great places to find plenty of inspiration.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78265950889111053542010-02-05T11:40:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.759-05:00Suicide and Depression PreventionTo Write Love on Her Arms and IMAlive<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2010m2d5-Suicide-and-Depression-Prevention-To-Write-Love-on-Her-Arms-and-IMAlive">Suicide and Depression Prevention: To Write Love on Her Arms and IMAlive</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35160679865857057432010-02-05T09:15:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.762-05:00Miley Cyrus shows Joaquin Phoenix and Liv Tyler how to vote for TWLOHA and Suicide Prevention.<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2010m2d5-Miley-Cyrus-shows-Joaquin-Phoenix-and-Liv-Tyler-how-to-vote-for-TWLOHA-and-Suicide-Prevention">Miley Cyrus shows Joaquin Phoenix and Liv Tyler how to vote for TWLOHA and Suicide Prevention.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52601894278825834752010-02-05T08:54:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:24:49.172-04:00Christmas Videos are Finally Up!Me, Matt, Maddy, his mom Sue, his dad Dean and wife Deb as well as my mom Donna, celebrated many days worth of Christmas!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Voiceoftheseed">YouTube - Voiceoftheseed's Channel</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67295713440735092842010-01-27T20:09:00.002-05:002014-08-01T09:11:48.532-04:00You Can Work From Home<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHhaEj-xnRU/U9uRy7ccllI/AAAAAAAASK0/Jq-Hz8p6hqg/s1600/can+work+from+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHhaEj-xnRU/U9uRy7ccllI/AAAAAAAASK0/Jq-Hz8p6hqg/s1600/can+work+from+home.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Originally Posted at Business Resource Group</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moms(and anyone else) Can Work from Home</div><div style="text-align: center;">By Chrystal Mahan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Commuting costs and daycare make it hard for any mom to decide whether working outside the home is really worth it. Working from home can reduce the cost of commuting as well as the cost of child care if you can work around your child, or just place them in care a few hours a day instead of all day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few ideas for you to consider.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1. Homemade Goods, Gift Baskets & Crafts</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a good started business for anyone who sews, crochets, or knits. Etsy.com is the perfect place for homemade goods such as these. If candles, soap, or gift jars are more your style, ebay.com as well as craigslist.com are a perfect started point. If you like food baskets or candy bouquets, putting advertisements in your local paper can be the perfect starting point. One thing to remember, business cards, flyers and word of mouth will always get your business up and running. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2. Bookkeeping</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are savvy with numbers and exceptional in math, then a at home bookkeeping service is a great business for you. Many smaller companies do not want to do the work themselves and are willing to outsource with independent companies. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>3. Virtual Assistant</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have office or administrative assistant experience then you could benefit from working at home as a virtual assistant. There are many websites with clients looking to hire a VA, Vip Desk, eLance, Guru, Live Works, and oDesk are the best places to start. Most will require a quiet space, high speed Internet, fax and separate telephone line.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>4. Graphic and Web Design</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Web businesses are constantly growing and so is the need for graphic designers and web designers. You do not need a college education, but it is helpful. Many certification programs are available and can assist you as well. What one really needs is a stocked portfolio and clients. Again, freelance sites such as oDesk and Guru are full of opportunities in this field.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>5. Medical Transcription, Biller, or Coder</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">All of these medical opportunities can be based at home, so long as the employer is willing to allow it, and you have the right equipment. Most will want educational training as well as some experience. Freelance sites are the best places to get a start if you have the education and certification but need a bit more experience.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44616975177210465022010-01-14T14:20:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.764-05:00Dogs: Cleaning urine stains and odors<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1711340-pet-smells-stains">Dogs: Cleaning urine stains and os - by Chrystal Mahan - Heliumdors - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74407704053562728322010-01-12T16:08:00.005-05:002012-03-07T19:57:42.458-05:00The Spark (and you can help me win!)<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/company/sparkpeople" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image representing SparkPeople as depicted in ..." height="45" src="http://www.crunchbase.com/assets/images/resized/0003/1801/31801v2-max-250x250.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="250" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 250px;">Image via <a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/" target="_blank">CrunchBase</a></span></span>As you may know, I am an active member of the popular healthy-living website, SparkPeople.com. In an effort to help SparkPeople live out their mission of helping millions of people reach their goals and live healthier lives, I have joined a contest they're holding called "The Spark Free Chapter Challenge." If you have one minute to spare, I could use your help, because I REALLY want to win!<br /><br />So here's the deal with the challenge…<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Chris Downie, SparkPeople's CEO and founder, recently published a book called "The Spark" that offers a proven new approach to improving your health, transforming your life and reaching your goals (for example, real people have lost over 10 million pounds using their free online program)!<br /><br />People like me who are helping them "Spread The Spark" through The Spark Free Chapter Challenge are encouraging our friends and family to download a FREE chapter of "The Spark" book. And for every person I can encourage to download the chapter, I will get an additional chance to win a $500 weekend getaway and other prizes, as well as something they offer called "SparkPoints," which also help motivate me to reach my goals.<br /><br />All you have to do to help is download a free chapter from The Spark book. Nothing else. To do so, simply go to <a href="http://book.sparkpeople.com/book.asp?u=okirishchik">http://book.sparkpeople.com/book.asp?u=okirishchik</a> and click the button to download your free chapter.<br /><br />If you would be willing to help me with this, I would truly appreciate it, and I also think you will enjoy reading this free chapter from "The Spark". I know I did!<br /><br />Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it.<br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=cb30958e-ec0c-4d9e-b413-827e29ea439b" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18849194561323077492010-01-07T16:36:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.768-05:00Is Depression Heredity or Learned?<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2010m1d7-Is-Depression-Heredity-or-Learned">Is Depression Heredity or Learned?</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1224512501257519322010-01-01T10:04:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:24:31.840-04:00How I Long for Sleep.Oh, how I long for some sleep. Dreams. To awaken refreshed and ready to start my day.<br /><br />For those that are asking - No, I still have not been able to get any sleep. I have tried all of the things you all have mentioned in the past, with no luck. There are things that I have also tried now, that just are not working. Problem is this is getting worse. I have come to the sad conclusion that perhaps they only way I am going to get back to a good nights sleep (whatever that is as I have struggled often with bouts of insomnia) is too not sleep with Matt. Sad as that sounds, perhaps us living together is no longer in the stars. Who wants to give up a relationship because of sleep problems??? <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Not me. But this lack of sleep is affecting my entire life. I worked so hard with this job that I have and I am finally making something of my life and the fact that I can not get a decent amount of sleep night after night is starting to cause me problems. Not only that, but it is causing problems in my relationship(s) as well. Lack of sleep makes me tired and much more sensitive (panic) to my surroundings. I always feel like I am on edge (anxiety), and I cry (perhaps I am bipolar?) at the damnedest things. We fight way too much (too tired = lack of patience), and it just is not a good situation any more. I really do not know what to do, but this is not how I wanted to start the New Year. Having said that, this is beyond my control. <br /><br />Right now, I have to put myself first and stop taking care of others before me. I need to stop doing everything. I need help. I need to be the one being taken care of. Problem is no one is going to do that but me. So if that means I have to move out, then so be it. I have to think about my health and all this lack of sleep is doing is making things worse; mentally, physically, and emotionally. I just see my little world spiraling out of control.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />The hardest part is, people <b>do not</b> understand. I constantly feel sick (depressed, migraines, upset stomach), which is making me stress out, which causes my back/sciatica to flair up. It is hard to be around people and fake my way through happiness when I am nothing but miserable inside. I feel like I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat, constantly groggy. But the fact is I can not sleep. And when I do finally fall asleep, I am always, somehow, being woke up. So there I lay for hours and hours. I just can not do this any more. I am tried of telling people I just “cant” do this or do that. Knowing if I even tried I would get irritated and grumpy. I feel it is just safer for me to stay home, and for others to stay away. <br /><br />One of my New Years resolutions was to take some time to start blogging again. It is after all, how I really got my start in internet writing. Only difference is, now I am getting paid for it. Because I work so much, the last thing on my mind has been to blog. Between work and school, who has time for leisure writing? But I was going to make it a point to start. At least try. And this was not how I wanted my first blog post of the year to go. <br /><br />But, this is my life right now. Perhaps I am thinking irrational because even I can not comprehend just how tired, worn out and run down I really am. It makes my anxiety disorder/ level at an all time high. It gives me more panic attacks. It really is ruining my life.<br /><br />So there you have it. Perhaps this will make sense to some of you as far as why some certain things have happened, or maybe not happened depending on the situation. And for that I am very sorry. But please understand just how difficult this is for me. <br /><br />This isn’t about whether I love Matt or not. You all know the answer to that question. I love him with all that I have to love someone with. Do I want to give up? Absolutely not and I am willing to keep trying. But I do not think there is anything else left for me to try.<br /><br />Whatever happens, just know that I appreciate those who do understand and have been there for me.<br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br />P.S. I have a feeling someone is going to mention separate rooms and/or separate beds rather then separate houses. And that is something I think we may have to look in to. As I see it, there would be no future for Matt and I if we were to live in separate houses. We have talked about marriage and kids someday, so how would that happen if we can not even sleep in the same bed/live together? At the advice of his step-mom we have talked about getting 2 twin beds for the master bedroom, and as she stated "push them together when you need to get yours!" LOL which still makes me giggle. I know there are a lot of people out there who love their significant others and for whatever reason do not sleep in the same bed. It is just hard to admit that I might have to be one of those people. <br /><br />Have I always had this problem? No. I have been able to sleep in the same bed with others. Problem here is I am a VERY light sleeper. I sleep with earplugs in because Matt snores from time to time, the dogs snore, and random noises will wake me. In the past, earplugs have always been enough. I have suffered with insomnia for about 10 years now. I have tried all medications and nothing really works. When insomnia strikes, I just deal with it and let it run its course. <br /><br />This however, is not insomnia. This is just not being able to get any sleep. Matt is a hard sleeper. He has restless legs and moves around a lot. He is a big boy and not very graceful when he does move. Often I am kicked with flying legs or hit with flying arms. I have a wall of pillows between us because of this, but then I get pushed, practically off the bed. I sleep on top of the covers with my own blanket. If I do not, he steals them all. <br /><br />So, as you can see, we have tried various things. We are just not in a financial position where we can buy new beds, or even a good mattress (which could help) for the bed we have now. <br /><br />When you think about it, if I can not afford a new bed set, then how am I suppose to be able to afford to live on my own?Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56017687295263707402009-12-30T20:58:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:13:14.717-04:00Reflections 2009<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflections</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/02/reflections-of-2006.html" target="_blank">of 2006</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/reflections-on-2007.html" target="_blank">of 2007</a></span><br />Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/12/reflections-2008.html" target="_blank">of 2008</a><br /><br />Reflections of 2009</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 58.5pt; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was 2009 a good year for you?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It had some ups and downs, but in the end I am finally starting to pick up the last of the pieces that needed put back together. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I had to overcome many things, and I did. At least I am trying to. I am trying to move on from the past and continue to grow as a person and move forward. It is not always easy, and often I want to give up. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, that is something to celebrate. But life is constantly changing. No longer standing still and waiting for me to catch up. </span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Becoming a published and paid write was at the top of the list. I am not famous, and I am not on the NY Time National Best Sellers List, but I am doing what I love and that is all that matters.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></b><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the pain; emotional, physical, and mental </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />4) Where were you when 2009 began?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matt’s house (before I moved in)</span></strong><br /><br />5) Who were you with?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matt </span></strong><br /><br />6) Where will you be when 2009 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be where ever he is. </span></strong><br /><br />7) Who will you be with when 2009 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matt</span></strong><br /><br />8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn’t make any. I know I won’t keep them, so I didn’t bother.</span></strong><br /><br />9) Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2010?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, to take charge of my health. My back depends on me losing some weight, as well as my own physical and mental well being.</span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2009?<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I did.</b><br /><br />11) If yes, with whom?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that.</span></strong><br /><br />12) If yes, do they know?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course he knows, for he loves me just the same. </span></strong><br /><br />13) Are you still in love with them?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Absolutely, and looking forward to a lifetime of it if we can make it through the obstacles. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />14) Do you regret it?<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">At times, I regret that we moved too fast. But nothing I can do about it now, so I try not to dwell on it too much.</b><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I broke a friendship. </span></strong><br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sure as heck did. LOTS of them! *blows a kiss to you all*</span></strong><br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ALL of them.... how can I pick just one?</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2009?<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">July</b><br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2009?<br /><b>No :( </b><br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michigan ….what a bore</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2009? <br /><b>I often feel like I have lost a lot of people, no so much to another world, but more so just because we are all so out of touch.</b>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YES! all my friends and loved ones back in OK.</span></strong><br /><br />23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw so many wonderful movies this year.</span></strong><br /><br />24) What was your favorite song from 2009?<br /><b>Oh I have a few: they may not be new in 2009, but they still mean something to me. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second Chance – Shinedown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simple Man – Shinedown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Believe – Staind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celtic Pride – The Mahones<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haunted – Shane McGowan and Sinead O’Connor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok and really this list could go on and on and on, but there is a reason why I have an attachment to these songs this year. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />25) What was your favorite album from 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can’t say I really have a fave from the releases this year.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2009?<br /><b>A LOT!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2009?<br /><b>Shinedown</b><br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No more then usual… Guinness anyone??</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only pain relievers for my back.</span></strong><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One.</span></strong><br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not really. </span></strong><br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No need to.</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2009?<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Didn’t.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More like the other way around. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah, I had my moments. </span></strong><br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2009?<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every penny I earned. </span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh! Let’s see........ Just call me Grace LOLOL</span></strong><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change it, what would it be? <br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I would not have moved in with Matt when I did.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2010? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To just keep plugging away at life one day at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit my friends for sure! </span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />41) What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can’t think of anything. </span></strong><br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My good friend Steve and his wife Tara welcome TWINS! Matt’s friends Q and Nicci welcomed baby girl Lilly. </span></strong><br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Respect and understanding.</span></strong><br /><br />44) What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pass.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Working as a writer!</span></strong><br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Depression creeping back up on me, never living up to my own expectations of myself, and my wicked evil self esteem issues that mess with my head. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MY OWN CAR!!</b><br /><br />48) Whose behavior merited celebration?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me get back to you on that one.</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yikes! My own – seriously! And Matt’s.</span></strong><br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a job again. Living through another semester of school.</span></strong><br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I am about the same as I was this time last year, just for different reasons.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />ii. thinner or fatter? <b>The same as I was…but I would love to change that…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">iii. richer or poorer? <strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">richer in so many ways, a little better money wise , but still poor</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exercised..LOL..well you asked</span></strong><br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?<br /><b>Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think, living my life for others, and never putting myself first</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br /><b>Christmas has already passed and I spent it with Matt and his family.</b><br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">didn’t I already shed some light on this?</span></strong><br /><br />56) What was your favorite TV program?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sons of Anarchy, Man vs. Food, anything ghost and paranormal related.</span></strong><br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, there will always be one person I seriously dislike and likely that will never change.</span></strong><br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh gosh, I read so many I don’t really know where to start. But my fave is Needful Things by Stephen King; I read it just about every year. </span></strong><br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing really new this year.</span></strong><br /><br />60) What did you want and get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted someone to love me just as I am, and accept me and all my faults. Someone to understand me, and give a little sympathy when needed. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want peace within me. I am working on that.</span></strong><br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br /><b>Matt and I went to Tawas.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really have no way of knowing. Cause if these things did not happen that I went through this year, whose to say something else would not have. </span></strong><br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? <br /><b>I’m just me. I don’t follow trends. I like what I like. Comfort. Cool. Calm. Dressed up or down, I am pretty simple. </b>65) What kept you sane?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing kept me sane, I have been having insane moments on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br /><em><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">Gerald Butler. Scottish yum.<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most? <br /><b>None </b><br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things are never what they seem.</span></strong><br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">Believe in me<br />I know you've waited for so long<br />Believe in me<br />Sometimes the weak become the strong<br />Believe in me<br />This life is not always what it seems<br />Believe in me<br />Cause I was made for chasing dreams</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">70) Favorite discovered quote.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span class="snippet4"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me." ~Maya Angelou<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9401612135469645452009-12-28T12:04:00.006-05:002014-09-25T18:28:09.850-04:00The House Removals Company (UK Based)Brought to you by your friends at <a href="http://www.blogsvertise.com/"> Blogsvertise.</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thehouseremovalscompany.co.uk/"> The House Removals Company </a>is a website geared at connecting the mover with a removing company in the UK. Save time and money with comparisons. The website is quick, easy to navigate, and easy to use. No hassle and no long forms to fill out.<br /><br />Get quotes fast from local removal companies. Website allows you to compare services and fees between several companies to locate the best deal for you. Save time and money by using <a href="http://www.thehouseremovalscompany.co.uk/"> The House Removals Company. </a> The service only takes a few moments to use.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thehouseremovalscompany.co.uk/"> The House Removals Company </a>has almost full coverage of the UK; the company also has a database of commercial removers to help your company with an office or warehouse move, and offers international shipping.<br /><br />So, whether you are in need of a UK removal company for residential or commercial, The House Removal Company is sure to be your one stop shop for all the help you need. HRC will also assist those who are moving abroad. HRC specialized in matching you to a company which assists in all your needs.<br /><br />Click here to visit: <a href="http://www.thehouseremovalscompany.co.uk/" target="_blank">The House Removals Company </a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62374382268543253342009-12-26T20:35:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:23:34.981-04:00Christmas List of Presents<div class="MsoNormal">Christmas List 2009</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a243/xhannahbethx/strasmaxmastree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a243/xhannahbethx/strasmaxmastree4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Black Pea Coat</div><div class="MsoNormal">Black Hat, Scarf, Mittens</div><div class="MsoNormal">Black Converse (matching Madison’s)</div><div class="MsoNormal">iPod Touch</div><div class="MsoNormal">Digital Photo Key Chain</div><div class="MsoNormal">Digital Photo Frame</div><div class="MsoNormal">3 Bottles Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Shower Gel</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 Bath and Body Works Vanilla Candles</div><div class="MsoNormal">Green leather journal</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bible cover</div><div class="MsoNormal">Boxed Irish Music CD set </div><div class="MsoNormal">Sticky pad for my car that keeps cell phone and iPod in place</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Madison, Cielo and Ashton (these are Matt’s step kids)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The girls made me a key chain for my new car, it has pretty beads and a Celtic knot with a cameo and mirror. Super cute, they did a good job. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Ink Stamps, small paw for Casey and big paw for Cain.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Small box for keychain with the letter C on it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sue (Matt’s Mom)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Digital Camera (mine was so old it was lacking zoom, and matt’s got stolen when our house was broke in to over the summer)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Memory Card</div><div class="MsoNormal">Green candle set (for next years Irish Christmas)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shamrock tree ornament (for the Irish Christmas tree)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Gold Bracelet</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deb (Matt’s Step Mom)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dan Brown – The Lost Symbol, hardcover</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deb and Dean (Matt’s Dad)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fire Proof, leather bound book for couples and how strengthen their relationship</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Mom<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Calligraphy book, ink and pens</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 Knitting Books and supplies</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 huge photo (coffee table style) books on Ireland</div><div class="MsoNormal">Writers Retreat boxed book set</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pen and Pencil Set</div><div class="MsoNormal">50s style napkin holder and matching salt/pepper shakers</div><div class="MsoNormal">Griddle for stove (for both of us)</div><div class="MsoNormal">New measuring cups (for both of us)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Electronic Dictionary that is so thin it is a bookmark too!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25021522732849249822009-12-21T15:46:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.770-05:00Was Britney Murphy severely depressed?What a sad, sad, thing to happen.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d21-Was-Britney-Murphy-severely-depressed">Was Britney Murphy severely depressed?</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57904811066288134482009-12-21T11:28:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.772-05:00What Can Cause Depression?"Is it all in your head?"<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d21-What-Can-Cause-Depression">What Can Cause Depression?</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56628997830235576892009-12-18T09:11:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.774-05:00Depression and the Swine FluDepression sufferers do not have to hide.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d18-Depression-and-the-Swine-Flu">Depression and the Swine Flu</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2117333365239172352009-12-16T13:20:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.776-05:00Freelance Writing - Moral of the StoryI began this Freelance career earlier this year after having many job issues. It may not have been a good idea for me to move 1000 miles to the middle of nowhere to a state with the highest unemployment rate. But I did. For 2 years I did temp jobs, going from one to the next. Not liking any of them. Finally I had enough and began my quest to work from home. I lived in a small town, and taking the 30 minute to 1 hour long commute to a decent paying job just did not sound like a lot of fun to me. I had some ups and downs, as you saw from previous posts. Bad times, good time. Things I am not proud of. But, I wanted to share that experience so if others are out there, doubting that they can make it in the writing world, I am here to tell you, that you can. I may not be a million dollar novelist, and I many not always get to write what I want, but I have gotten myself out of corporate America and doing something that I love to do. Life has to go on, and I have to make the best of it.<br /><br />Good luck to those seeking the way on their own journey.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91881503600663828172009-12-16T13:16:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.778-05:00On 12/7/2009 I Gave This UpdateI just wanted to update:<br /><br />I was able to pay cash for a car ($2000) for a Ford Explorer. Pretty red. And it was a great moment for me. I still have a long way to go with getting out of debt, as I am now saving to pay a lawyer for bankruptcy (thank goodness for income tax time) to start over.<br /><br />I have been able to buy all new things to decorate our house with for Christmas. This is my 2nd Christmas with BF and lil one, but it is my first living in the same house. I wanted lil one to have the best Christmas she can have (she is having 4 of them, lucky girl!) as well as giving back to those that have given to me the last couple years in helping me get back on my feet after my divorce. I have spent at LEAST $1000 on Christmas decorations and presents for BF, lil one, his mom, my mom, his dad and step mom, and one of my best friends.<br /><br />Good things can happen, if you do not give up!<br />If a procrastinator like me can make it work, so can you!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30293319943104550852009-12-16T13:15:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.780-05:00On 11/25/2009 I Gave an Update to My Freelance StoryI have saved up enough money to pay cash for a decent car. Going to go look at some today. Like I said, I am no where near out of the woods yet. I can not file for Bankruptcy until next year because I already filed some years ago do to medical expenses that my insurance did not pay for. It sucks because I was just now getting my credit back on track, only to lose my job, then my car and all my credit accounts were closed and being sent to collections. It sucks, I wont lie. And it adds to my depression, but at least I know that with time it will "all be over soon" so to speak and I can continue on the path I am going.<br /><br />We just can not continue to share a car. BF is gone all day at school and now he is looking for a job since his unemployment is about to run out. Since we have his daughter on the weekends, if he has to work I do not want to be here without a car. For one, we might want to go someplace and for two, I would hate to be stranded if something happened to her or the dogs and we needed to go to the Dr/Vet.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5822590632184511072009-12-16T13:13:00.003-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.782-05:00On 11/20/2009 I Shared My Story on Freelancing to Fellow WritersI am not generally one to brag, but I set my own personal goal some time ago. I wanted to prove to myself that I could sit down and write all day and make just as much money doing it as if I was to go back out into corporate America (mind you I have never been paid more then $12hr.). I have some days I do not do well, and some days I go over. In the end it has averaged out. This last week has been the best week ever. (amazing what you can do when you stop playing on Facebook so much LOL) Mind you I am not rich by any means.<br /><br />I had my car repossessed a few months ago and I have been out of work since Nov. 2008. I do get unemployment, but it is not much because I did not work much, I only lived in MI since 2007 and did not get my first job until Jan 2008. Unemployment will eventually run out, but by the time I got it, I had already gotten behind on bills and the car was just too much. I have been saving my money because I am so far behind I may have to file Bankruptcy.<br /><br />I tried phone work, West, LiveOps and I technically still work for West, just do not have a line. I do not really care for phone work.<br /><br />I even did adult texting, which is how I found this forum when looking for more at home work. I no longer do it, but it did give me a lot of stories to write.<br /><br />Having said all that, I have a better outlook. I have been very depressed (http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231935) and having a hard time dealing with that. I have been putting money away and I am very close to having enough money to pay cash for a car. I did purchase one with the help of my mom, who I am paying back. But BF car blew a head gasket and its not worth repairing. So he has taken over the car. And that is OK, he needs it more then me. He goes to school. My school and work is online.<br /><br />I don't mean to babble, but I wanted to share my story. I am not out of the woods and I have a long way to go to get back on my feet. And I still have a long way to go as far as writing and income.<br /><br />I wanted to let other writers know, especially those who are just starting out, to hang in there. When I first started I was only seeing $20 here, $50 there. Rev share was a whopping 50 cents. But I stuck with it. And the money is there now.<br /><br />I just wanted to share that with you guys. When a reject or rewrite gets you down, don't take it personal. It is the name of the game. I wanted to quit with my first one, but I am glad I did not.<br /><br />Good luck to you all.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46598083772863551882009-12-16T12:47:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.784-05:00Physical Pains of DepressionDepression is not just emotional, it is physical as well.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d16-Physical-Pains-of-Depression">Physical Pains of Depression</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86538682160282665962009-12-15T17:33:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.786-05:00Holiday 101: Today's Feel Good MomentIt will cost you nothing to do something good, and feel good in the process.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d15-Holiday-101-Todays-Feel-Good-Moment">Holiday 101: Today's Feel Good Moment</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76744800832313349042009-12-07T18:18:00.002-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.788-05:00Top artistic schools in the Southwest - by Chrystal Mahan - HeliumA sample I had to write for one of my clients, per a given topic. Once written and submitted for review I placed my work on my Helium site.<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1675390-art-schools">Top artistic schools in the Southwest - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11103505331716403402009-12-03T11:46:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.790-05:00Lifting Depression: Holiday Christmas Letter from Jesus<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d3-Lifting-Depression-Holiday-Christmas-Letter-from-Jesus#">Lifting Depression: Holiday Christmas Letter from Jesus</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76825698780788189952009-11-24T19:12:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:23:17.171-04:00T.O.P.S.<br /><br />As a writer we are faced with many challenges, and my weight happens to be one of my biggest ones. Sitting down at a desk all day, as we all know, does not help. So, I have started a new journey, another tale to tell if you will.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>November 25,2009</b><br />Yesterday I decided to join TOPS with my boyfriends step mom. They have a meeting at my church. I really enjoyed it and it seems like they have a lot of fun. I think I will be more accountable for my actions when I have face to face meetings and scale visits instead of just trying to do it on my own. I know many think I am crazy for starting just before the holidays, but with my back situation and overall health it was do or die time. I knew if I waited I would just keep putting it off. Thankfully she will be around on the holidays so we can hold each other accountable. :)Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4114748482662791452009-11-21T17:11:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.792-05:00What NOT to say to someone who is depressed<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d21-What-NOT-to-say-to-someone-who-is-depressed">What NOT to say to someone who is depressed</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42304381616233413712009-11-21T16:41:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.794-05:00Today is national survivors of suicide day<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d21-Today-is-national-survivors-of-suicide-day">Today is national survivors of suicide day</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24328142054211416022009-11-19T16:42:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.796-05:00Depression 101: Where can I go for help?<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d19-Depression-101-Where-can-I-go-for-help">Depression 101: Where can I go for help?</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68167930597909192009-11-17T21:01:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:22:30.662-04:00Trying to Get Help<div class="MsoNormal">theTrying to get help 11 17 2009</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is a little bit about my situation:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />I have been living here in MI for two years, I moved here after my divorce from OK. My family is all here, that is why the choice.<br /><br />Once the divorce was final, I lost my insurance. No insurance, not able to pay for medication.<br /><br />I saw a psychiatrist for about 5 years, was in remission and my GP took over to prescribe my medication.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I went off my medication two years ago cold turkey.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />In those two years I have had some temp, odd jobs. But nothing I could stay at because my depression, stress, anxiety and panic attacks had come back. I have managed to get by.<br /><br />Now, I am a freelance writer and do make some money from that. I am a full time student and I was able to collect some unemployment.<br /><br />I have relapsed, and I feel worse then I ever have.<br /><br />I called the community city health center and they can not accept me because I am not suicidal. I have tried free clinics and such only to run into a brick wall. The problem basically is I can not afford treatments or medication or DR visits. I am trying to make enough money to cover these expenses. I know there is free stuff available, but it seems only if I am suicidal or I voluntarily check myself in to a 3 day treatment program.<br /><br />I do not consider myself a religious person. I only started going to church about 5 years ago, and then took a 2 year break when I moved here. I just started going back a few months ago with my BF(who I live with). The church got a new counselor, who used to be a psychologist. We decided to make an appt. with him, hoping he would be able to help my BF understand my depression, eating disorders, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and panic attacks.<br /><br />This was not the case.<br /><br />Instead, he berated us for living together. Yes, I am aware of what the Bible says about people living together and having sex before marriage. But at the same time, the Bible does say and I was taught in church that we will be forgiven for all our sins, all we have to do is pray and ask. Which, I do. Again, mind you, I am not a religious person by any means. I started to go to church to find some inner peace as part of my own treatment to deal with some of the mess I live with.<br /><br />Then, after he was done with his lecture, he asked me what I had to be depressed about. I told him. He said it was in the past, get over it. He told me that I and my BF were just having a pity party for ourselves and we needed to get over it. He then proceeded to tell me that all these disorders where in my head, medication was a farce and God would heal me.<br /><br />Ok, now before anyone gets on me about this, again let me say, I am not religious. But I know how those that are can be about issues like this. I know many Christians do not believe in medications for the mind.<br /><br />But shouldn't he at least of asked me for more information about my docs and issues and medication before he just gave me that answer?<br /><br />Even after I told him the medication helped me to focus and concentrate, and basically not feel like crap, he still would not recommend any other places for me to go to seek help, aside from the church and God.<br /><br />I was hoping he would be a little more open minded and helpful. I walked away feeling very bitter, upset and misunderstood.<br /><br />Now, I am at the brick wall again, unsure of where to go next.<br /><br />Thank you for letting me share and vent.<br /><br />Chrys</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9460643039619261902009-11-17T10:01:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.799-05:00Keeping holiday depression at baySome easy tips to help cope with the Holidays.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d17-Keeping-holiday-depression-at-bay">Keeping holiday depression at bay</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32381301803834037732009-11-11T16:43:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.801-05:00A glimpse into male depression vs. female<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d11-A-glimpse-into-male-depression-vs-female">A glimpse into male depression vs. female</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88068100104886304832009-11-10T10:29:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.803-05:00Girl’s sports eases depression boy’s linked to bad behaviorWhy do they always seem to link depression to girls.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d10-Girls-sports-eases-depression-boys-linked-to-bad-behavior">Girl’s sports eases depression boy’s linked to bad behavior</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25724924755618914202009-11-09T14:41:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.805-05:00Exercising to ease depressionJust a little a day keeps the blues away.<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d9-Exercising-to-ease-depression">Exercising to ease depression</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42188851545923724832009-11-07T22:41:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.807-05:00How to know if you're depressed<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d6-How-to-Know-if-Youre-Depressed">How to know if you're depressed</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>How many times have you overheard in conversation, “I am so sad, I must be depressed”? With statements like these is it hard to get past the stereo type that Depression is a Mental Illness. People who are depressed are sick. The first step in getting help is knowing if you are just sad, have the blues or are really depressed.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61317574744745848122009-11-03T10:10:00.002-05:002014-08-01T15:04:32.821-04:00Gideons Trumpet: by Anthony Lewis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0rVkcNizrI/U9vkHdCfrLI/AAAAAAAASM8/_b7OBV7cBQk/s1600/trumpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0rVkcNizrI/U9vkHdCfrLI/AAAAAAAASM8/_b7OBV7cBQk/s1600/trumpet.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div><b>NOTE:</b> This portion of this text is from a college paper I had written. You may not use it in anyway unless you are quoting and citing sources. It is here to help guide you with your own paper, not for you to steal.<br /><br /><a href="http://amzn.to/1nThECO" target="_blank">Anthony Lewis, author of Gideon's Trumpet</a>, was a columnist for the New York Times. He was previously its Chief London Correspondent and before that was the Times Washington Bureau, covering the Supreme Court and the Justice Department. Mr. Lewis was born in 1927 in New York City. After graduating from Harvard in 1948, he spent four years with the Sunday department of the New York Times and then became a general assignment reporter for the Washington Daily News. While working for the News he won a Pulitzer Prize for national correspondence and the Heywood Broun Award in 1955 for a series of stories on the Federal loyalty - security program. He was a Nieman Fellow in 1956-1957. In 1963 he won a second Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on the Supreme Court. He is the co-author, with the New York Times, of Portrait of a Decade: The Second American Revolution. (Lewis, 278).<br /><br />He is married to Chief Justice <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_H._Marshall">Margaret H. Marshall</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Judicial_Court_of_Massachusetts">Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts</a>, who was formerly the General Counsel and Vice-President at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_University">Harvard University</a>. She wrote the majority opinion in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodridge_v._Department_of_Public_Health">Goodridge v. Department of Public Health</a>, which legalized <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_marriage">gay marriage</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusett">Massachusetts</a>. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />Given this basic outline of the author's history, it is no wonder he is wrote a book, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27404.Gideon_s_Trumpet">Gideon's Trumpet</a>, regarding the Gideon vs. Wainwright case. This is the story of "how one man, a poor prisoner, took his case to the Supreme Court - and changed the law of the United States." In my opinion the author's background, time, or place does not give an obvious bias one way or another to the conclusion reached. What Lewis does is tell the story of a poor man in Florida whose case may have turned out differently had he been appointed a lawyer instead of trying to defend himself. At that time there was not a law that specified "if you can not afford a lawyer one will be appointed to you," as we hear every day on many popular cop and law television shows. This man did the best he could with what little education he had behind him and was forced to defend himself. What Lewis does is tell the story, completely fact based with references and what appears to be of very little opinion of his own.<br /><br /><b>The facts are as follows:</b><br />Gideon v. Wainwright, <a href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?navby=CASE&court=US&vol=372&page=335">372 U.S. 335</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963">1963</a>), is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landmark_decision">landmark case</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States">United States Supreme Court</a> history. In the case, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that state courts are required under the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution">Sixth Amendment</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution">Constitution</a> to provide counsel in criminal cases for defendants unable to afford their own attorneys. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States">Supreme Court</a> ruled in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powell_v._Alabama">Powell v. Alabama</a>, <a href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?navby=CASE&court=US&vol=287&page=45">287 U.S. 45</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1932">1932</a>), the famous case of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottsboro_Boys">Scottsboro Boys</a>, that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_counsel">right to counsel</a> was implied in the Bill of Rights and was an essential freedom. In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betts_v._Brady">Betts v. Brady</a>, <a href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?navby=CASE&court=US&vol=316&page=455">316 U.S. 455</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1942">1942</a>), the Court modified this doctrine slightly, ruling that whether or not a lawyer was required would depend on the circumstances of each case. Specifically, the Court focused on a case-by-case determination of whether the lack of representation affected a denial of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Due_process">due process</a>, rendering the trial unfair. Over the next twenty years, the Court heard several more cases, and in all of them ruled that in fact a lawyer was required. Due to the difficulty of proving the high standard of a due process error, nearly all such cases involved the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_sentence">death penalty</a>. This view hadn't changed by the early <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960s">1960s</a>. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1961">1961</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_Earl_Gideon">Clarence Earl Gideon</a> had been charged with burglary for breaking into a pool hall in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_City%2C_Florida">Panama City</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida">Florida</a> and taking beer, wine, and change from the vending machines after he had been found with some wine in his possession and some change in his pockets. He appeared in court too poor to afford counsel, whereupon the following conversation took place:<br /><br />The COURT: Mr. Gideon, I am sorry, but I cannot appoint Counsel to represent you in this case. Under the laws of the State of Florida, the only time the Court can appoint Counsel to represent a Defendant is when that person is charged with a capital offense. I am sorry, but I will have to deny your request to appoint Counsel to defend you in this case.<br /><br />GIDEON: The United States Supreme Court says I am entitled to be represented by Counsel.<br />Gideon had been forced therefore to act as his own counsel, and conducted a defense of himself in court, emphasizing his innocence in the case. Nevertheless, the jury returned a guilty verdict, sentencing him to serve five years in the state penitentiary. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />From his prison cell, at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_Prison">Florida State Prison</a>, making use of the prison library, and writing in pencil on prison stationery, Gideon appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in a suit against the Secretary to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Department_of_Corrections">Florida Department of Corrections</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louie_L._Wainwright">Louie L. Wainwright</a>. His argument was that he had been denied counsel and, therefore, his Sixth Amendment rights, as applied to the states by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution">Fourteenth Amendment</a>, had been violated. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />The court assigned him a prominent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C.">Washington, D.C.</a>, attorney, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abe_Fortas">Abe Fortas</a> (later a Supreme Court justice from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1965">1965</a>-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969">1969</a>) of the law firm <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_%26_Porter">Arnold & Porter</a>. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />The decision was announced on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_18">18 March</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963">1963</a>; the opinion of the Court was delivered by Justice <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Black">Hugo Black</a>. The two concurrent opinions were written by Justices Clark and Harlan. (Wikipedia)<br />In it, the court specifically praised its previous ruling in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powell_v._Alabama">Powell v. Alabama</a>, and overruled <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betts_v._Brady">Betts v. Brady</a>, which allowed selective application of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel to the states, itself previously binding only in federal cases. Instead, the court held that the right to the assistance of counsel was a fundamental right, essential for a fair trial, thereby emphasizing the procedural safeguards which were needed for due process of law. In this sense, the specifically that no one, regardless of wealth, education or class, should be charged with a crime and then be forced to face his accusers in court without the guidance of counsel. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />Justice Clark's concurrent opinion stated that the Constitution makes no distinction between capital and noncapital cases, so a defender needs to be provided in all cases. Justice Harlan's concurrent opinion stated that the mere existence of a serious criminal charge constituted in itself special circumstances requiring the services of counsel at trial. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />The court remanded the case to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Florida">Supreme Court of Florida</a> for "further action not inconsistent with this decision." Gideon was then retried: represented by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Fred_Turner">W. Fred Turner</a>, his appointed counsel in this second trial, he was acquitted. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />Gideon v. Wainwright was one of a series of Supreme Court decisions which confirmed the right of defendants in criminal proceedings to counsel during trial, on appeal, and in the subsequent cases of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massiah_v._United_States">Massiah v. United States</a> <a href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?navby=CASE&court=US&vol=377&page=201">377 U.S. 201</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964">1964</a>) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_v._Arizona">Miranda v. Arizona</a> <a href="http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?navby=CASE&court=US&vol=384&page=436">384 U.S. 436</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966">1966</a>), even during police interrogation. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />And these are the same facts that Lewis gives us throughout his book. This case has changed history. If not for the struggles of Clarence Gideon there is no telling how the law would stand today. Who would have ever thought that a poor man from the depths of Florida would ever make history for something such as this. In the process of his trial I believe Gideon learned more about the legal system than many people who take it for granted.<br /><br /><b>References</b><br />Lewis, Anthony. (1964). Gideon's Trumpet.<br />New York: Vintage Books: A Division of Random House<br />Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. Anthony Lewis.<br />Retrieved March 24, 2008 from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Lewis">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Lewis</a><br />Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. Gideon vs. Wainwright.<br />Retrieved March 24, 2008 from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideon_v._Wainwright">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideon_v._Wainwright</a><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50342073053594384902009-11-02T14:50:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.811-05:00Wildlife population control: Money wasted or good cause? - by Chrystal Mahan - HeliumWhat are your thoughts?<br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1637194-wildlife-population-control">Wildlife population control: Money wasted or good cause? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1365591669395248142009-11-02T14:49:00.001-05:002011-11-23T21:31:13.813-05:00Women in the Face of War - by Chrystal Mahan - HeliumWomen have made a mark in the face of war, paving the way for combat fighters today.<br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1637122-women-of-war">Women in the Face of War - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63389629926432689232009-11-01T19:16:00.000-05:002013-10-04T10:32:53.425-04:00'Twas the Night Before NaNo - C. A. Dubois'Twas the Night Before NaNo - C. A. Dubois<br /><br />'Twas the night before NaNo, when all through the house<br />Not a keyboard was typing, not a click of a mouse.<br />The stickers were hung by the writer with care,<br />In Hopes that a Novel, soon would be there.<br /><br />The Editors were nestled, all snug in their beds,<br />While visions of red pens, danced in their heads.<br />with Chris Baty in his viking hat and I in my shirt,<br />All the wrimo's world wide, sat waiting to work.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br />When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,<br />I sprang from my writing spot, to see what was the matter.<br />Away to the window, I flew like a flash,<br />Tore open the window, threw up the sash.<br /><br />The moon was big, with a very bright glow<br />and it looked like a screen that had something to show.<br />When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,<br />But a story and eight characters.<br /><br />With a little plot arc ,so lively and round,<br />I knew in a moment, "My Novel - I've found!"<br />More rapid then eagles the chapters they came<br />and the story whistled and shouted and called things by name,<br /><br />"Now characters, Now plot arcs, now storylines and more,<br />"On conflict, On turmoil, On plot twists galore.<br />To the top of the plot line, to November's 50 K<br />Now write away, write away, write away today."<br /><br />As dead words before the wild month fly,<br />When they meet with a Muse and mount to the sky<br />So up to my desk top these coursers, they flew<br />with a slew full of ideas, and my muse too.<br /><br />And then in a twinkling I heard on my desk<br />The smattering of words, taking one last rest.<br />As I drew in my hand and was turning around<br />Appeared, did my muse, in one single bound.<br /><br />It was dressed in all words, from it's head to it's foot<br />and it's clothes were all with erasure gook.<br />It's bundle of stories were flung on it's back<br />And it looked like Chris Baty - What's up with that?<br /><br />It's eyes how they shimmered, It's dimples how scary,<br />It's cheeks were all blustery, it's smile so merry.<br />It's droll little mouth was drawn up like an "oh"<br />And not a beard on it's chin, that'd be freaky, ya know?<br /><br />The stump of a pencil it held tight in it's teeth,<br />And punctuation encircled it it's head like a wreath.<br />It had a bright face and a round cuppa coffee<br />That shook when it laughed, without ever sloshing.<br /><br />He was awkward and lumpy, a right crazy old elf<br />And I laughed when I saw it, inspite of myself.<br />A wink of Its eye and a twist of Its head,<br />Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.<br /><br />It spoke not a word, but went straight to my desk<br />And he looked at my blank page then said, "Surely you Jest"<br />Laying its fingers aside of my keys, He winked at me once,<br />And slid inward with ease.<br /><br />It sprang on my screen, to the words It gave whistle<br />and away they all flew to him, like the down of a thistle<br />But I heard It exclaim, err it faded into the night<br />"Happy NaNo to all, tonight you shall write!"Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46201570796278312112009-10-27T20:49:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:22:08.303-04:00Dear Diary : Life with Matt<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary October 27, 2009</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, lets see if I can throw this all out there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am having a relapse and I know it. I have been dealing with it since I moved here. The divorce, deaths, the move, all of that is playing a part in it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Living with Matt has triggered much as well. Then manic episodes are in full force and they are worse then they have ever been.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I cry, I scream, I yell. I put my fist into the wall; I kick the walls, whatever. I keep razor blades out of eyesight for fear of cutting. I have thrown things, although not in a while. I break dishes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt has terrible anger issues. So we tend to not help each other at all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am NOT that girl, and I stopped being that girl a LONG time ago. But, like I said, my moods are worse then ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, so Saturday I got us (me, matt, maddy) all up for breakfast together. By this time I had already showered and gotten ready. After breakfast Matt went to my moms to work on tearing up the floor in the back room. And I mean carpet, padding, and all the wood under that, it had become so rotten there was no telling when someone was going to fall through. His friend Mario picked him up. I had Maddy. His mom "could not" be bothered with her. Matt said his Airsoft did not start till 4, so she was not taking Maddy any time before that. So, I got her in the bath and dressed. I took her to the movies to see Snookly the Pumpkin. My friend Tanya and her daughter met us there and then we went to Applebees for some lunch. It was pretty fun. Maddy had a good time. And she and I had a very nice bonding time together. We came home and she and I lay in the big bed with some TV and color books. I was hoping she would fall asleep. I could tell she wanted to. But I think she was having too much fun. We don't get to have girl time. About 3:30 Matt calls to tell me Mario left him alone at 12:30 and his friend Tim that was to show about 1:30 never did. So I loaded up Maddy and drove to Moms to get him. On the way there I just started to cry as soon as I hit Burt rd. I was thinking about grandparents and how I was on the way to "their" house even though it is moms now. How I missed them. I shed some light tears, no one saw me. Matt was finishing up so Maddy and I walked to the cemetery so she could "meet" my grandparents. She saw the shamrocks on their headstone and made a comment about how it matched my necklace. I told her it was so I would always be able to find them if I was lost. She smiled. She told me she wished she could have met them. I agreed. We talked a bit. All day she kept (b4 the cemetary even) talking about how the top of my necklace was for me and the back was for her. Weird how kids say stuff and you really don't think about it until later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, we tell Matt how much fun we had as soon as we get in the car. He is happy. Maddy is telling her stories. It was cute. We dropped her off at his moms and head home. His mom was being weird, and he started to get bossy so it was good we did not have to stay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once we got to our house his Airsoft friends were waiting and I literally got pushed aside. He didn't bother to help with the dogs. Typical. Again, he is thinking of himself and Airsoft. It’s like a daily occurrence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We had talked about what time he was going to be home. Early was all I got. He mentioned it would be around 9 or so because everyone would start getting tired and need to go home for whatever reason. I figured more like 11:30 since that is usually when he gets home unless it is an event super far away.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I met a couple of the airsoft widows LOL for dinner at Applebees (2 times in one day) and then we went to see Paranormal Activity. I got home and waited for Matt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As soon as I walked in the door, it was 5 after 10. My mom calls and she does not even say hello. She’s started with what the fuck is going on? And she is fuck this and fuck that and blah blah blah cursed me for 20min over her damn floor. Instead of being thankful that someone is fixing her floor for free and that I paid for most of it because I owe her money still for the car, she is bitching at me because she cannot get back there and how is she suppose to take to a bath with no hot water tank hooked up. I told her to just come over here in the morning. Well my bathroom I guess is not good enough for her so she just said she would go to aunt sues. I told mom Matt did not have any help past 12:30 and that he is trying to do his best alone. There is a lot to do. No matter what I tried to say to her, she did not want to hear it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So that pretty much set me off.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried to call Matt from 10:30 until 1AM. He never answered his phone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He got home at 1:30. I tried to not be mad. I heard some excuse as to why his phone was not on, then why he could not use someone else's. Why he was home so late. I told him what mom did, and then he goes off on me. Then he walks way, does not want to talk and goes to maddy room. This happens a lot, him walking away, never wanted to talk, he’s tired, he’s this, and he doesn't have time. Like a dumb ass I follow him. Well he won't let me in. I keep trying to push the door in; he is pushing to shut it. Finally he gets pissed off and slams it open and it puts a hole in maddy's wall. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Great. Something else to deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate this house. I want to move out. It is all tied to him and his marriage and HER.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to buy a new house. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I start crying and screaming and he’s falling asleep. Again, been there, done that. It is now about 3am.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me and the dogs go in the bedroom to my bed and I was up till 5am.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday, I woke up at 7am to take the dogs out. I hear him get up a little after 8 and he comes in. I don't speak and just act like I am sleeping. About 9 I get up to make myself some tea. My head is pounding, I can’t stop crying. He jumps in the shower at 9:20 and I just lost it. I was crying so hard I could not breathe. He comes in after the shower and I am shaking and dry heaving trying to get air. I cried so hard my eyeballs were going to pop out. We are talking about my illness. Of course, here his mom calls 10:15 wants to know why he’s not there to get maddy when we told her 10:30. So he leaves. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I literally stay in bed and cry all day. He takes maddy to my mom’s so he can work on floor, then to his moms so they can have dinner and take her home. He comes home a little after 8. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried to talk. He asks me if I am feeling better. WTF. I cannot take a nap, lay in bed all day, take 2 aspirin and POOF it just goes away. It is frustrating because despite the fact he has anger issues which he was medicated for, he does not really have a clear understanding of mental illnesses. I am trying to get him to understand, but it is just not clicking. I try to explain how I feel, how I feel inside my head, how my thought process works.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I worked from 7 until 8 last night. He got home from class at 3 we had dinner together then he took off to moms. I went right back to writing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why do I have to be the only one worried about the car situation and trying to do something about it? And even if I can get help, how am I supposed to get there when he always has the car? It is just a viscous circle. I eat because I am depressed. I hurt because of the same. I am depressed because I am fat. And it just goes round and round. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can't get him to understand that, yes I realize there are people worse than me. But it is still depressing to me. That there are surface factors such as day to day life stress, but there are underlying factors as well stemming from the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, he gets home from moms, showers, and makes food and then about 9 want to watch a movie. A movie that is going to keep me up past 11. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep is another issue. I do not get enough of it. I don’t sleep well to begin with. Then he expects me to stay up all night with him, and yet I am the one getting up in the AM and don’t really go back to sleep like he does on those days he helps with the dogs. So he has no idea about sleep deprivation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just when you think we are ok, I realize he forgot my milk. Yes, it is just milk. But I needed that milk. Stupid shit I have to deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This AM he heads out the door for class, I look up at him, about to say something and he apparently does not like my look and goes off on me. Glaring at him, he says. Not off to a good start he mumbles. Then when I try to explain to him I was not glaring, I was just about to say something, and he tells me I need to change my face. He walks out the door and I scream, well maybe I will just ask God to give me a new one!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I ended up calling him while he was driving to school and told him he HAS to be more open and understanding, he HAS to be here for me, he HAS to help me and he HAS to stop with the snotty ass comments. It is about ME now and not about him. He can either accept it and help me or let me move on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know if I could find a place to get some help, he could go. And that person could explain to him, just like we had to do with Marcus. Yeah it sucks to admit your woman is broken, but fucking be a man and own up to it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I told him if it was too much for him I would go, I would understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter what we go through, the end result is he just does not want me to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I cannot continue to live in an environment where I am not understood.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I have gone on and on. I need to get some work done. I hope this gives you some insight to what I have been dealing with. I know it’s a little hard to follow.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78602739208361778022009-10-21T18:57:00.013-04:002014-07-29T16:34:13.994-04:00Disadvantages Working from Home<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlSTcfAcivM/U9gFOuk5pPI/AAAAAAAASDg/ezckmerIdCU/s1600/disadvantages+of+working+from+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlSTcfAcivM/U9gFOuk5pPI/AAAAAAAASDg/ezckmerIdCU/s1600/disadvantages+of+working+from+home.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I have said it before and I will say it again, working from home is <b>NOT</b> all it is cracked up to be. You should weight the pros and cons before deciding whether you would like to work from home. Be sure to list all your advantages, and disadvantages. For most, this will be different from person to person. Some people can work with a little bit of background noise, others can not.<br /><a name='more'></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are some disadvantages that have surfaced recently for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>1. People think that just because you work from home you can do whatever you want.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have bills to pay just like everyone else; therefore we need to work just like everyone else. Our income is generally based on the amount of work we do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>2. You are home, so you must not be doing anything so I can just stop by.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our homes are our offices; therefore just like any other place of business you must respect our space during office hours and find something else to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>3. You have freedom.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes and No.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have the freedom to work when we want, however as a freelancer who has to deal with deadlines, we do have to get our work done on time just like any other job. Not only that, there are days when we put in twice as many hours in one day then the average worker.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>4. As a freelancer we have no boss.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Many of us that work from home are freelancers of some sort. We tend to be our own bosses. We make the rules and our own schedules. We choose to work regular business hours, but many put in 10-12 hours on any given day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>5. Since you are home you can also take out the dogs (if you have them), clean the house, do the laundry, watch the children, and cook the meals (or any other household chore).</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many work from home people will agree, we simply can not do these things while we are working. We might be able to multi -task from time to time, but this is not the norm.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>6. I must have a lot of time to spend on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter (or any other social networking site.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">When working from home, we are usually in business for ourselves. Social networking is an alternative to not only say a quick hello, but also to promote ourselves. We are also allowed breaks, so it is ok if we stop to play a game once in a while. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>7. If the phone rings, we have to answer it.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">If we do not answer, we are BUSY. You do not have to call us every five minutes. We will talk to you when we have time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> If you have people in your life that just do not understand the work from home lifestyle, it is best to just let the phone go directly to voicemail. Will caller ID so readily available, you will know who is calling.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>8. Distractions are a part of life.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG! </div><div class="MsoNormal">They are just some figment of your imagination. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, that is not really true. Distractions are there for everyone. We all have them, some different then others. Once you find out what distracts you, work to get that out of your office area.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>9. You do not have to work weekends.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many of us have to work when ever we are needed. Example for freelance writers would be: Newspapers are published 7 days a week, right? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>10. You get a lot of ME time</b>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHAT???<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me time?? What is that???</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When you work from home, a lot of your time is spent thinking about working from home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Working from home can be very rewarding. <b>But, it is not for everyone.</b><br /><br /><b>Some of my other work at home articles:</b><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/452523-working-from-home-isn039t-awesome" target="_blank">Working From Home Isn't Awesome </a></li><li><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/452824-the-three-biggest-work-at-home-mistakes" target="_blank">The Three Biggest Work At Home Mistakes</a> </li><li><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/1898499-never-fake-it-when-working-from-home" target="_blank">Never Fake it When Working from Home</a> </li></ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59372897398717510472009-10-21T16:58:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.817-04:00All About SparkpeopleWe have all been there, some of us more then once. Weight creeps up on you and you need to turn to someone or someplace for support. It can be embarrassing for some, so they turn to the internet instead of talking to the doctor.<br /><br />Sparkpeople has been around for quite a few years (can you believe 2001?). I can actually remember its humble beginnings and honestly, not too much has changed. When the website first launched the web was filled with diet and weight loss sites. The internet world was booming and everyone wanted to capitalize. Sparkpeople provided a place for dieters to hang out, share stories and get to know each other. Few tools were available such as message boards and a food diary. The website was short lived, as more people joined the cost of keeping the site alive grew with it. And just like all the other websites Sparkpeople started to charge a fee.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Not any more. Sparkpeople is back and better then ever (since 2005, but now it is the most advertised FREE site on the net!). Best thing about it, it is 100% totally free. It will cost you nothing to use any of the given features. The site is supported by advertisers. This can get a little annoying to have ads placed all over your screen, but it is free and most of the time the ads are relevant. Sparkpeople also has a shop where you can purchase cooking utensils, exercise equipment and videos, books, water bottles and t-shirts.<br /><br />Sparkpeople offers many features to help anyone on their weight loss journey. The offer a food journal, nutrition guide, menu and meal plans (optional), forums, groups, personal blogs ,mail, articles, and exercise videos you can watch. The community is great and very supportive. With thousands of groups to choose from, you are sure to find one or more that are a perfect fit for you. For me, I found Weight Watcher groups for members who were now using Sparkpeople in conjunction with the Weight Watcher Plan; I found a group for writers, and a group that was age related.<br /><br />Did I mention it was FREE? You can not beat something that is wallet friendly.<br /><br />Weight Watchers, TOPS, NutriSystem, and Jenny Craig will work for some, not for others. We are all different, with different needs and wants. Some find one program easy, others hard. We are not a one size fits all nation. SparkPeople is the only website that gives you the option to follow their food plan, or follow your own staying within your allotted calories. There is nothing you have to pay for. No Points to count, no food to be delivered, no meetings to try to attend, and no “one size fits all” plan to follow.<br /><br />Don’t get me wrong, I have tried three of these programs. Two worked well, one just was not a good fit. But I need something I can do long term, for the rest of my life. Not a diet, but a life change.<br /><br />The one thing they all tell you if you bite it, you must write I (either in a journal or online). Using the SparkPeople nutrition tracker does keep you accountable. Everything that goes in to your mouth must go in to your nutrition tracker. In your notes/journal or even your blog you can comment on your day. You can choose to make your spark items public so other users can search, see, find you or you can keep to yourself and make your spark items private. They offer support, motivation, exercise and so much more that what those other programs offer. And you do not have to go broke getting thin.<br /><br />SparkPeople also offer iPhone and iPod Touch users two handy apps, so their SparkPeople is never far from them. One app is the nutrition tracker, weight tracker, water tracker, charts, progress, goals and more all in one, and the other app is SparkPeople recipes.<br /><br />Sparkpeople has been advertised in national magazines, television shows, and has many website sponsors. It is sure to be around for a very long time. With 5 Billion users, how can they all be wrong?Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35272161951433109762009-10-17T20:55:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:21:38.542-04:00For Matthew<div class="MsoNormal">Letter to Matthew</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Happy Sweetest Day.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had hoped you might realize that it was today, but then again, nothing takes the place of Airsoft when it’s etched in your mind for the day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, I decided I was going to come here to say good-bye.</div><div class="MsoNormal">But all that did was make me cry.</div><div class="MsoNormal">All I want is to love you, but yet it seems to be an impossible task. </div><div class="MsoNormal">To truly love someone. Anyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is hard to love someone with everything you have when they are not there for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And I am constantly reminded of that.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I give you everything I have to give you, every little part of me. I am always there when you need me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel, you do not reciprocate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please read the rest with an honest, open heart and mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You do not communicate well with your mom, with Angie, or anyone else for that matter unless it is airsoft related then you can speak and be spoken to. So why would I ever start to think I would be any different? When it comes to the rest of us, you only hear what you want to hear. You pick and choose parts and you miss the whole thing entirely. And when you make plans and it starts to fall apart (i.e. your mom cant watch Madison so you can go airsoft like at the bday party) then you get upset, mad and angry. So why is it that I am not allowed to have those same emotions when I make plans and they get wrecked?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I type it, there is no room for error. It is all right here in front of you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You do not want to listen to me when I speak. You have told me time and time again you would much rather play on the computer then do anything when you are not playing airsoft. I told you Monday then perhaps I should just start emailing you. This way, you do not have to listen to me speak and you can be on the computer. It’s a win-win situation. Maybe it is for the best anyway. I am better at writing then I am speaking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found out my friends dad passed away yesterday. I found out about 10 minutes before you cam home. All I had wished for was that you were there for me to share that with you. By the time you got home I was so angry you were home so late and it was apparent that you have not been listening to me in regards to the shower curtain, your time coming home, and Madison.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Already in emotional turmoil I became bitter and angry. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You DID tell me you would be home when Madison fell asleep. You DID tell me you would not be home late because you had to get up at 5am. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You and I are never going to see eye to eye on Airsoft. I tried to compromise with you. But that compromise repeatedly gets broken. I am tired of watching you cry and feel guilty because you don’t spend that time with Madison. I am tired of you weighing in on all this guilt because you miss her and you have to prove to yourself that the time you do spend with her is quality time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Relationships are supposed to be about compromise and working things out. But funny thing is Airsoft is right back where it started from despite the fact you told me repeatedly it would change. And I have a feeling next year is going to be another battle. Everything has some said importance to you. But what about the things that are important to me? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find myself drifting farther and father away from you and this family life you want us to have because every time I try, I get pushed away. I will always be somewhat in reserve because I never know when something is going to change. I do not want to get all excited about something, only to be shot down. It has just happened too many times.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made a commitment to you, which falls to Madison. But, I do not feel the same commitment from you. Your commitment lies with BJJ, Airsoft, and Madison. It is like I am thrown in to the mix to be there when you are not doing these other things. You come to me with things, ask me things, but yet you always do what you want, despite what I say. So I often wonder why I even bother.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Church was starting to be such a good thing. I was really enjoying spending that time with you. Bonding with you. I was really starting to cherish that. And we were doing so much better. Now, it’s been taken away from me. All you want to do is play music. I know you miss the band. I knew it the day you said you quit. As time went on you started to say I was the reason you quit. This really is about you and how you miss playing. It is no longer about us, sharing church. I then started to feel the pressure. Which is why I talked to Phil. But, the truth is, I don’t want to be there for 3 hours and I am going to bet Madison is not going to want to either. I don’t want that rush around every Sunday morning to make sure we all make it on time. It is now starting to feel like a chore. More like work and less about finding my way with God, less about sharing something beautiful with you. Something that was actually bringing us closer together, helping us to be strong and work through our things. Something that was calm and peaceful to me, even if for an hour or so, has now turned into something opposite of that. Maybe it is best you continue forward since you love it so much. Me, not so much. I will find my own way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pulled myself away this week for a reason. I told you that on Monday that I had to take some time. Like I said I am sorry it had to happen the week Meredith is here. It was not planned out on purpose. But, it is long overdue. Too often I put you first. Making sure the house is cleaned and picked up when you get home. Making sure you have clean clothes, especially underwear. To make sure food is on the table, waiting for you when you get home from school. Packing a lunch for you, and just generally making sure you are taken care of. Sadly, you have not noticed I have loosened up on the whole cleaning thing, despite your promise to adhere to a Mon, Wed, schedule for certain things. I ask you to do things because they need to be done, and quite frankly, I do it so often that at that particular moment in time, I just do not want to bother with it. I see no reason why you can not take a turn. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to take care of me. I need to find my direction in life. I need to make some money. I am going to have to file bankruptcy and that is going to cost money. I need to be able to study for school and for real estate. I need to be able to write. I need all these things, and the bottom line is I have to start putting myself first because no one else is. No one is taken care of me, so I have to do it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need you to listen to me when I speak. Every time you go to an airsoft event you are gone until 11ish. I assumed this one would be no different. You even told me you would be home very late. We talked about Madison and this weekend for two weeks. I asked you every day to make sure everything was still a go. We talked all week about her spending the weekend with your mom. I made plans to work, to take advantage of that time. See my family. And get some much needed rest. Then, at the last minute things get sprung on me. And this happens all the time. I am fully aware that Madison is your daughter, that you love her, you miss her, you cry over her. I am made aware of this on a daily basis. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can only dream that some day you would love me like that, show me that sort of attention.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It will never be. I also know “Blood is thicker then water.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I will not allow you to make me feel guilty about anything any more. I am entitled to have my time. I am entitled to make plans based on your schedule and be able to stick to them despite your changes. I always put your needs before my own. And I always schedule my life around yours. I am entitled to a lot of things. I give you everything, the least you can do is give me a break when I ask for it. If things would have just stayed as planned, we would not even have this discussion. If you would have just talked to your mom like I repeatedly asked you to, we would not be having this issue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Your mom wants her all the time, then when she gets her she changes her mind. You say she needs time with grammie, needs time with Meredith and the girls, now you are changing your mind. I made the plans that I made for a reason. I made them based on your words and our discussions. Making me change my plans is not fair to me. It is not my fault you do not communicate. I communicated to you all week about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Writing is MY dream. It is ALL I want to do. And I am willing to make sacrifices to achieve my dream. I know I have a long way to go to get where I want to be. This real estate thing, this isn’t my dream. I am doing it because it’s what others want me to do. What others think is good for me. And you know, I thought, just maybe it would be a good thing for us to do together. We could study, work, make some money and spend time together. Maybe it’s a last ditch effort for us both. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because you are not here a lot I have had to find support elsewhere. I have sought out others in similar situations as I am. Bio Moms, Step Moms, Adoptive Moms, Child Free “Moms” – all who share in the fact we are all in different situations and yet, all face parenting time on the weekends. My situation seems to be a lot more different then most, but at least I have found a place where I can go to ask questions and perhaps get advice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The bio moms are quick to remind me that I am not a mother because I did not birth the child. Not only that, I do not have any children of my own. The step moms are quick to remind me that you and I are not married. The adoptive moms are there to let me know Madison has a mom and therefore I do not fall into the adoption moms. However, I am biologically child free, yes thank you for reminding me of that. And that despite the true definition of a mom, I am not one. I am told the child is not my responsibility, that she is solely yours. I am told all these things, which makes me feel like everything I am doing in regards to you and Madison is wrong. And yet, I thought it was the right thing to do. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, where exactly do I fit in? And what am I suppose to be doing?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Problem with those questions, I don’t think either of us knows the answer to them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You think I am not happy. With you, I am happy. I am happy being here with you. It is the situation we are in that frustrates me. I stay because I feel like this is something worth holding on to. That all this shit we go through only makes us stronger. At the same time, I have always taken the easy way out of things. I never bother to stick around to write my own final chapter and I am trying very hard to see this one through until the end. But I need a little help on your end. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need you to communicate and listen. Bottom line. The cleaning, it boils down to your listening. Madison, same thing. Your mom, the same. Angie, likewise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe you should check your Facebook once in a while too, just a thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If it is easier for you to communicate this way, then feel free to continue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All I know is I do love you and I am sorry.</div><div class="MsoNormal">But at the same time, I am changing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry this was so long, I just really needed to get things off my chest. You need to know how I feel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42743859479439097412009-10-15T15:40:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:22:45.727-04:00What is Degenerative Disc Disease? And why am I writing about it?Well a few years ago I found out I had it and began treatments, but since my divorce and moving to Michigan it has gotten worse. Not only that, I have not been exercising, put on more weight and I throw around a 4-year-old on the weekends.<br /><br />None of these are helpful and add to it the life stress and it was bound to “break.” This is not the first time this has happened since living in Michigan. Earlier this year before moving in with the boyfriend and another time after moving here in 2007 I was literally laid up in bed for a week because the pain was so severe . I was unable to move around and I had to crawl to the potty.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In all the time I have been here I have been unable to go to the chiropractor. That has changed. About three weeks ago I was stepping out of the shower and just stepped wrong. I did not slip or fall so it really does not make sense to me, but I could feel it go through my spine the moment I stepped down on the cold floor. After that, I was walking crooked , leaning to my left, sliding me feet to walk,and it got worse as the days went on. Soon I was walking around hunched about like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.<br /><br />I could not stand up straight, walk around, and even going potty was an issue. After a week the boyfriend had enough and called the chiropractor here in town which we found out was very reasonable for cash paying patients.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I have gone to see her about 5 times. I can walk straight now, but there is still a very dull pain in my lower back/hip area on my right side.<br /><br />For those of you new to my world, my DDD was diagnosed in my 4th and 5th Lumbar in the Fall of 2006.<br /><br /><b>This is an excerpt from the blog I wrote in Oct of 2006:</b><br /><i>I have DDD. Degenerative Disk Disease. My bottom two disk/vertebrae are practically on top of each other. No space that should be there. He said it was not good for someone my age. And it is in a progressive stage. To make things worse, my right leg is shorter so my hips are crooked which is why all my pain is on my right side. So, we talked about all my treatments. Basically we are opting to do what we can without having to have any type of spinal surgery.</i><br /><br />The good thing, I did all my treatments as directed until I moved here. Bad thing, I went two years with no treatment and only made myself go backwards and make things worse. The treatments I am getting now are a little different. They are not as aggressive. I am also going to be doing treatments with an exercise ball to strengthen my core as well as use a ball to sit on at my desk so I am forced to sit correctly.<br /><br />She was able to get my records from my old chiropractor so at least I know she knows what is going on. I feel like I am in good hands. I know she has helped quite a few people.<br /><br />Sadly, despite treatments I am still in a lot of pain. She said it would take up to 6 months for me to notice improvement due to my damage.<br /><br />All I know is I have to lose weight get strong and feel better because I do not want to have to go in for spinal fusion surgery. That alone is hard because just about any type of movement hurts me right now.<br /><br />It sucks. I am uncomfortable, unable to sleep (worse than ever!), in constant pain and sucks not being able to really play with kiddo and the dogs. The boyfriend has to be super careful with me now too.<br /><br />Not a life I like to live one bit.<br /><br />My blogs have slacked because of this. I sit only to write when I am getting paid. And I have to take a lot of breaks and sit with a heating pad. No fun!!<br /><br />I am hoping, and praying the pain goes away and the numbness goes away that often shoots down my legs.<br /><br />We shall see.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31608949570884394392009-10-13T13:03:00.001-04:002014-08-12T13:53:04.669-04:00Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="yshortcuts"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0061229776&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I freely admit as a writer I tend to be much less critical of others work then my own. I get lost in others words losing hours of my day. When I picked up Vampire, Interrupted a few weeks ago I had never heard of Lynsay Sands or the Argeneau series. And here I thought I was a </span>connoisseur<span class="yshortcuts"> of all things vampire. Guess I was wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Vampire, Interrupted is book nine out of a twelve book series. This bit of information was known to me after I had already purchased and read the book. Do not let that stop you from reading it yourself. The author gives you just enough background information to keep you informed and the story line gives you all the new juice for a novel that could stand all on its own. Now that I have read it I want to devour more and have plans to read all of the others in the series just as soon as I can get my hands on them and find the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Marguerite Argeneau is seven hundred years old and just discovering herself. She has been freed from her abusive life mate and has embarked on a new adventure and a new career. Marguerite is training to be a private investigator, helping to find an immortals mother. Seems like an easy enough job for any private investigator to handle, even an immortal until she finds herself waking up to a silver sword and a cloaked being. Searching for a long lost mother might be more then what she bargained for. Should she stop, or keep looking?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The immortals father, Julius Notte wished to protect Marguerite, if only she would let him. While he is trying to protect her, he is also trying to win her heart as he knows she is his life mate. Marguerite has a different story. She was with her life mate before he was beheaded. So how could Julius be hers? Let’s not forget an immortal can have more then one life mate in their time. Sands gives us an interesting twist on Marguerites life mate situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Julius wonders, being as old as he is and having had such a long period without a life mate if he can still woo with the best of them. Starting over again is never easy and leaved him feeling a little out of touch.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The books has many plot changes, turns and twists making it a must read mystery combined with all the immortal dialect a vampire enthusiast could want. There is murder, mystery, thrills, and vampires, OH MY!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Despite the fact this is a vampire series, the books also read a bit like a Harlequin romance. There is romance, there is wooing and there is a little bit of adult business going on. This vampire series is not recommended for teens.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">This is defiantly one of those books that if you spill too much of the story, it tends to spoil the end. If you are vampire fan, romance or not, this is a must read, especially on a chilly night.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9888960235811638322009-10-13T12:54:00.001-04:002014-08-15T18:05:58.807-04:00The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="yshortcuts">I freely admit as a writer I tend to be much less critical of others work then my own. I get lost in others words losing hours of my day. When I picked up The Accidental Vampire a few weeks ago I had never heard of Lynsay Sands or the Argeneau series. And here I thought I was a </span>connoisseur<span class="yshortcuts"> of all things vampire. Guess I was wrong.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="yshortcuts"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The Accidental Vampire is book seven out of a twelve book series. This bit of information was known to me after I had already purchased and read the book. Do not let that stop you from reading it yourself. The author gives you just enough background information to keep you informed and the story line gives you all the new juice for a novel that could stand all on its own. Now that I have read it I want to devour more and have plans to read all of the others in the series just as soon as I can get my hands on them and find the time. I read this book after I read Vampire, Interrupted which I have also written a review on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Elvi Black lost her family in a horrible accident five years ago while vacationing in Mexico. To make things worse much of the time spent there she does not remember. What she does remember is turning into a vampire. Whoever turned Elvi was not kind enough to stick around, dubbing her the accidental vampire. With no one to teach her Elvi had to learn the ways on her own through movies and books. Elvi sleeps in a coffin, doesn’t go out in sunlight, stays away from garlic, and the local townspeople let her feed off their blood through annual blood drives. Elvi is a strange occurrence to many. How many towns do you know have a resident vampire?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Elvi has let it be known she is a vampire and does not hide it from others. In the immortal world one is not to draw attention to oneself, it is a law which she is breaking.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Victor Argeneau has been sent by the council to investigate the outspoken vampire. Victor Argeneau wants to know whether she is indeed a real immortal or just a wannabe seeking a gothic lifestyle partner.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Little does he know he is about to meet his life mate.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The books has many plot changes, turns and twists making it a must read mystery combined with all the immortal dialect a vampire enthusiast could want. There is attempted murder, blood, mystery, thrills, and vampires, OH MY! All thrown about with a bit of humor.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Despite the fact this is a vampire series, the books also read a bit like a Harlequin romance. There is romance, there is wooing and there is a little bit of adult business going on. This vampire series is not recommended for teens.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">This is defiantly one of those books that if you spill too much of the story, it tends to spoil the end. If you are vampire fan, romance or not, this is a must read, especially on a chilly night.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10169446174034681552009-10-12T16:38:00.000-04:002011-11-12T16:39:37.268-05:00(A Rant) Working from Home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I have said it before and I will say it again, working from home is NOT all it is cracked up to be.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">1. People think that just because you work from home you can do whatever you want.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">WRONG!I have bills to pay just like everyone else; therefore I need to work just like everyone else. My income is based on the amount of work I turn in.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">2. You are home, so you must not be doing anything so I can just stop by.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">WRONG!My home is my office; therefore just like any other place of business you must respect me and my space during my office hours and find something else to do.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">3. You have freedom.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Yes and No.I have the freedom to work when I want, however as a writer who has to deal with deadlines, I do have to get my work done on time just like any other job. Not only that, there are days when I put in twice as many hours in one day then the average worker.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">4. As a freelance writer I have no boss.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I am my own boss. I make the rules and my own schedule. I choose to work regular business hours unless I have a deadline or am on the writing rampage. Then I tend to put in 8-12 hours.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">5. Since you are home you can also take out the dogs, clean the house, do the laundry and cook the meals.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">WRONG!</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I am a work from home freelance writer who is in charge of her own business. I am NOT Superwoman. I do not have eight arms. I have to work and make money. I do not have time during the day to be your chef, babysitter, maid and dry cleaners. If I am in my office working and it needs done, do it yourself. I am sure you are not doing anything anyway.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">6. I must have a lot of time to spend on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">WRONG!I use my time wisely. Most of you know I do not sleep well and I am up at the crack of dawn. I write all day, and just like any other job, I require a break. While on break I tend to visit these sites. My writing is also linked to these sites, it is all about networking. Not to mention often these sites give me ideas for things to write.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">7. If the phone rings, I have to answer it.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">WRONG!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">If I do not answer, I am BUSY. You do not have to call me every five minutes. I will talk to you when I have time.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">8. Distractions are a part of life.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">WRONG! They are just some figment of your imagination. </span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Ok, that is not really true. Distractions are there for everyone. We all have them, some different then others. Mine is a rather large, 30 year old. </span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">9. You do not have to work weekends.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">WRONG!I have to work when ever I am needed if I am going to make it during hard times as a freelance writer. Newspapers are published 7 days a week, right? Ok then. However with a 4 year old, 30 year old and two dogs running around it is rather impossible to work.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">10. You get a lot of ME time.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">WHAT???Me time?? What is that???</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">A lot of people think it is great that I am writing these days. I would have to agree. I have so much potential to make great money, however because it seems that I have to play house so often that I am not allowed to take care of me and do the things that I need to do. I have my own bills to pay. I have my own needs and wants. Writing is my dream and it gets crapped on every day. I am sick of it. I am tired of putting everyone else’s needs before my own. I can not do it anymore, and I can no do it all by myself. If people can not start respecting me, my dream and my own needs then I am going to have to make some serious changes in my life. Writing is my job and it should be respected as such even though I do not have to leave my house to go to work. </span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I need my time, I need my space and I need to be allowed to follow my dream with out sacrificing who I am. I have to vent. These are my words, this is my voice. I can no longer put others before me. I can no longer put off what I should be doing today until tomorrow. I can no longer be pushed into taking time off to do things with others when I have to make money. I already lost my car; I can not lose my self worth too.</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I can no longer try to force you to understand that I WORK from HOME. I am done wasting my time and energy trying to explain it. Instead, the word “NO” will be a regular in my vocabulary. I will not give up my dream because you are lazy, selfish, and not understanding. I no longer care what you think of me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">If you see a sign that says “Do Not Disturb” please do exactly what it says and leave me be.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The End.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70814188018501051122009-10-02T20:50:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:20:42.959-04:00Defining my religion (again), or lack there of.<div class="MsoNormal">Defining my religion, or lack there of.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have talked about it numerous times and now that I am going to church again, I feel the need to yet again clarify my actions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I follow no religious path. I never have. I have never been in to the whole organized religion. I always felt if their was a Higher Power such as God or Jesus then he/she would not care where or when I honored such Higher Power. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My mother was born and raised Catholic. Irish Catholic to boot. The dad that raised me was born and raised Baptist, or something, although I am not sure he personally ever practiced. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was never forced to go to church. When I would visit my family over summer breaks I would attend with my grandmother if she was going. As a child/teen I think I attended church maybe five times. It was so far and few in between that I can not even remember. My mother always believed I should make my own decisions and learn from the accordingly. She was not going to push religion or the church on me. Growing up, not many of the friends I kept went to church, so therefore, neither did I.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t until about 2005 when I was introduced to a girl named Mandy. Mandy, like many of us had a story to tell. Here she was, a single mom making the best life she could for her and her daughter. Beautiful and full of life, Madisyn soon became my best little friend. Upon hearing Mandy’s story I became intrigued in the church world. My marriage on the rocks, I felt this was a last resort to find what was missing in life and perhaps work things out. You see, when Mandy was pregnant with Madisyn her doctors told her she was going to be born with downs syndrome. Not wanting to give up on a child she had never met, but had already fallen in love with, she found a church. Livechurch.tv. I listened to her tale, making new friends, following the path she had fallen off of, praying and even more praying. After many moths of this Mandy went back to her doctor for a check up and much to her surprise, a miracle happened. Madisyn was no longer going to be born with downs syndrome. Now I know many are thinking, well maybe there was a mix up in the medical records. That is possible; however Mandy went to three separate doctors for alternative opinions. A miracle? Could be. The power of prayer? Very well so.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At the age of 3 ½ Madisyn was about to have her dedication ceremony for the church. She had invited me and my then husband, and we went. At this time Madisyn and I were pals. I would go to Mandy’s house once a week to watch her while Mandy went to group bible study. We always had a good time and I looked forward to our weekly visits. She would tell me about school and all the things a three year old could imagine to tell you. She would play games with me, dance with me and curl up on the couch and watch movies with me. It was a no-brainer that I would attend her dedication.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Her dedication was the beginning of my journey with LifeChurch. The topic that day was adultery. Those of you who have been around all this time, you know my marriage had these issues. So, that day, it was like God was calling us home. I literally poured my heart into LifeChurch. I made new friends, I attended weekly, I joined LifeGroups, I gave, I went to Missions, I volunteered, I fed the homeless, I built houses, I tithed, and I even learned how to pray. Best thing, I learned to accept myself and my past. I learned the power of forgiveness. It was then I forgave my dad for being a child molester, my mother for lying to me my whole life and my father for not wanting me, not once, but twice. I made a lot of peace. I was even given the opportunity to teach toddlers, 3-4 year olds. That alone was worth</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I struggled with God. In high school English the Bible was taught to us as a work of fiction. This was long before church and God was taken out of high school. Noah’s Ark was just a story, a man, a boat and some animals. There was nothing religious about it. In Science we talked about monkeys and cave men. College science was even more evolution, as we had to do almost a whole semester on the study of the Galalopos islands and how all those creatures evolved over time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Who do you believe? In my world, it does not really matter. The truth is, I believe a little bit of both.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe everyone wants to have something to believe in. And if you choose to believe in God or if you choose to believe in Gods/Goddesses’ or something else, then just believe. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me, I believe in many things. And that is ok. I am comfortable in my own skin. I have piercings, I have tattoos, and I like Vampires. I think boys and girls are equally as beautiful. We are who we are and no one should have to explain that. Gay, Straight, BiSexual, we love who we love. And I believe that there is something out there worth believing in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I like church because it makes me feel good. I take what I can from it and apply it to my life as best as I can. I like church because I feel some peace. I like church because it is positive in my life. I just feel good about myself, my relationship and my world. Maybe that in itself is a sign.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I have been going to church, bringing Maddy along with us. New Covenent is located in Clio and even though I have only been a couple of time, they have more then made me feel welcome. I feel a calling to help with the kids. Matt wants to do music and help in the audio department. Our relationship has found some peace and it is brining us closer together. When you see positive things going on all around you and you are surrounded by all these wonderful positive people, you want to be there. You want to share your life with people who share in your thoughts and ideas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My knowledge of the Bible is poor. I have not been to church since leaving OK. I feel lost and a bit out of place. And that is okay. I want to read. I want to learn. I want to believe in something stronger then myself. I want to believe that everything terrible that happened to me in my life did not happen in vain, but rather to put me on a path to share my story and help others along the way. I have a voice. These are my words. I have a story to tell. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1654960235292818902009-09-15T19:03:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:15:02.169-04:00Checking in – starting week 3 of weight watchers at homeMy WI this week I was up a pound (Making my net loss 5 pounds), but I knew that was going to happen. I fell off the wagon. However, it was not bad as it had been in the past. I am a recovering binger. I was never able to purge by normal means, so I became addicted to laxatives, this happened when I was on WW the first time, which is why I have to do things at my own pace this time. I do not keep those types on medicines in my house for this reason. One night after a fight with Matt I began to fidget like I was going to go on a binge. I paced, I opened and close the fridge and I made some French bread pizza and had ONE instead of BOTH and I drank only ONE bud light instead of a Guinness (for me this is a small NSV).<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Not perfect but at least I was able to get it under control before too much damage was done. That was Saturday night. Sunday I went to breakfast with a friend, and did not order WW friendly. I was so full I did not eat anything until late and which point I ended up eating the other pizza. Yesterday I did really well until Matt and I decided to make up and have a date night. We went to Applebee’s because they have a WW friendly menu. However, I just ate what I wanted. We went to the movies after, and I was able to pass on the popcorn (NSV for me!) I have also been preparing more home cooked meals that are healthy for me, Matt and Madison. I am feeling very good about this.<br /><br />I have recorded everything I ate in my journal for WW, but I was not good about placing it online @ sparkpeople.com<br /><br /><a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br />Lastly, I wanted to share a couple of (new to me) finds for those of you on WW and just trying to eat right.<br /><br />I generally eat a smart ones or healthy choice for lunch, but I like to try new things, so I went on a hunt ;)<br /><br />Campbell’s Select has revamped their lineup. I found many that were about 3 points per serving or 6 for the whole can and found light and low-fat that went 0 to 2pt per serving or 1 to 4 per can.<br /><br />Today I am trying 98% Fat Free Clam Chowder, 2pts per serving and 2 servings in a can, so about 4pt. That is good for chowder. Most I see are high in points.<br /><br />The Light Southwestern Style Vegetable is 0pt per serving, or 1pt for the whole can. If you like Mexican southwestern flavor food, then you will love this. YUMMY!<br /><br />My next find was Lenders 100 Calorie Bagels. With so many companies jumping on the 100 calorie size bandwagon and costing us twice as much as out counterpart I was impressed by this little gem. When I was on WW the first time, the smallest bagels were bites and too small. The normal bagels were too high in points so I would have to cut them in half. That was not much fun to me. These 100 calorie ones are only 2 points and it’s nice to trick your mind into thinking you get to eat the WHOLE thing.<br /><br />Cream cheese as we know is also high in points. I have tried the fat-free kinds only to be felt like I was missing out on something. No matter what I did to it, it had a funny taste so I would try different flavors and brands of light. Even those are generally a little more points than I want to spend so I gave up bagels for a while. Hard for me because my fave treat at the coffee shop was an everything bagel with ham and cream cheese. I spotted the new Weight Watcher Cream Cheese in 1 point packages, you get 8, for a few cents more than Philadelphia Cream Cheese so I thought I would give it a go and I got some very thin sliced ham that is not even a point for a couple of pieces. I happily at my bagel this AM with a banana and it really made me smile. Silly I know, but it was nice to enjoy. The WW brand cream cheese is awesome! It does not have that weird aftertaste that I have noticed with other brands. It is light, not FF. And it goes on nice and creamy. It more than covered my bagel and it kept me full until about 11 and I ate about 7:30, so I had a special K bar.<br /><br />Ok, off to test the Clam Chowder.<br /><br />Congrats to all the losers, NSV, and even the non losers because you are treating your body better! We ALL win!<br /><br />Chrys<br /><br />PS – another new find for me are the Laughing Cow cheese wedges. I have tried the French Onion and the Garlic & Herb. I divide one wedge (1 pt) in half and spread each half on two (1 pt) Wasa rye crisps for a nice snack. I LOVE cheese and would just slice and eat a chunk when ever. So it is nice to find something to give me that cheese taste without a lot of points.<br /><br />Update: the 98% FF Clam Chowder was….yuck …Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39972094215587163912009-09-08T15:15:00.002-04:002014-08-15T12:08:47.150-04:00The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYcd4wB0IaI/U-4rHbExn6I/AAAAAAAAS7s/BInV0KSmOEw/s1600/bone%2Bcollector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYcd4wB0IaI/U-4rHbExn6I/AAAAAAAAS7s/BInV0KSmOEw/s1600/bone%2Bcollector.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><br />Movie review based on the book by the same name. Still pertains to the book as well.<br /><br />This review was written in 2000 and every word still remains the same in regards to how I feel about this movie. I have updated and edited where necessary in order <a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/now-on-amazon-instant-video-the-bone-collector" target="_blank">to publish here, click.</a><br /><br />Update 2014: Was originally published on Helium, which has since closed. Now has a new home on Examiner.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42814818975698353222009-09-07T13:58:00.002-04:002014-08-01T11:55:36.731-04:00Gap Creek by Robert Morgan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bFAez4h52HE/U9u4NtvJwDI/AAAAAAAASLY/8tYSNDm2gLo/s1600/gap+creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bFAez4h52HE/U9u4NtvJwDI/AAAAAAAASLY/8tYSNDm2gLo/s1600/gap+creek.jpg" /></a></div>I was on a mission to get caught up on some good reading, so I picked a few of Oprah's picks. And I was very pleased with this <a href="http://amzn.to/1kb6xVG" target="_blank">Gap Creek by Robert Morgan</a>. It took me a little while to get into it. It started off pretty good, and then sort of went downhill for a little while. Usually I give up on books like this. But something told me to keep reading, and I am glad I did. The story was very heartfelt. When you read about how the main character, Julie, was brought up to live, it will make you value your own life much more. It teaches us to be thankful for what we have and don't worry so much about what we don't.<br /><br />Julie Harmon and her family Mama, Papa, one baby brother Masenier, older sister Lou, younger sister Rosie, and baby sister Carolyn, all live in Flat Rock. Mesenier being the only boy, he was spoiled by the entire family.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />In the beginning of the story, Julie is just teenager. We dive right into the drama her life faces when we read about her little brother passing away. Once he is gone, they begin to spoil the youngest sister, Carolyn. In the fall Papa takes ill. And mama is not able to do the things like she used to. Knowing if she does not take charge and do her father's work, it won't get done. So Julie, works as hard as any man to help keep her family warm and fed during the tough times. Papa passes away, but he is proud of his daughter.<br /><br />Julie meets a young man named Hank. She gets married young and is afraid to leave her family, knowing it will be tough for them to get things done. But Lou has taken over what she can, and Rosie tries to help. Hank and Julie move on to a town in the Carolina's called Gap Creek. They live in a house with a man called Mr. Pendergast. Hank works all day long, while Julie is to take care of the house. Mr. Pendergast had a wife that had passed on 4 years earlier, so the house had been left to go bad. Julie had a lot of work ahead of her, but she knew she could work as hard as any man. Mr. Pendergast was not easy to get along with at first, but they all soon learned to adapt.<br /><br />So after moving in, Ma Richard's- Hank's mom- was coming for a visit. Julie was nervous and not feeling well. She had cooked a wonderful dinner and they were late for it. So the dinner sat, and began to get bad. By the time they had arrived, the crust on the chicken had gotten soggy, the biscuits had gotten soft and there was no fresh coffee, all from waiting so long, but Ma was making nasty remarks to hurt Julie as if it was her fault. The next day she had decided to butcher a pig, for a nice dinner. Mr. Pendergast had helped<br /><br />her a little, but she had done all the cutting and cleaning. Once all the slabs of meat had been salted down, Julie began to cook dinner, as well as boil the lard. Ma Richard's had decided to help. Julie later knocks a few jars together, and a fire begins. Grease fires are the worst fires. Pouring water on them will only make things worse. And Ma Richard's pours water on the fire. All it did was spread it. Everyone is out of the house, Mr. Pendergast runs back in for his hidden jar of pension money. They finally drag him out. Burned.<br /><br />That night he passes on. Julie is pregnant at 17. Her and Hank have no idea where they are to go now. She gets the kitchen cleaned and back in order. Wondering if and when the heirs would appear. One day a man from Greenville, Jerrold James and attorney came by and told Julie if she was to pay the taxes on the house, her and Hank could stay until the heirs showed up. Otherwise they would have to leave now. Julie did not want to leave in her condition. She gives the man the pension jar, and he writes her a receipt. Hank is so angry. They've been taken. The whole town though Mr. Pendergast was funny for hiding his pension money all these years. And now, someone was finally able to scam it away from his house.<br /><br />Hank has lost his job. In a house that doesn't belong to them, pregnant with no place to go, and no money. A person would want to quit, but Julie is determined to make the best of it and start all over again. They decided to stay, in hopes of Hank getting a job and making it through the winter. Julie takes inventory on the food supply. Mr. Pendergast seems to have kept a lot hidden. Looked to be enough for winter. Times will be tough. Christmas is coming, and there are no funds for gifts.<br /><br />Sometime later, Julie has more visitors. Caroline Glascock and her husband Baylus. This time, Hank was home. The woman claimed to be Mr. Pendergast step daughter. She wants to sell the house, she wants the hidden money, and she wants whatever else she can fit into her bag. But she settles for renting it till a buyer is found. As payment she takes a brooch<br />and necklace Julie got from her Mama and Hank is to use his tools to help fix the place after the baby is born and it is time to sell. That will be about March. So Caroline goes through the house taking what she can, and quickly leaving. She says she would mail a receipt, but there was never a receipt.<br /><br />Julie's sisters pay a visit. Lou has gotten married. Mama has sent supplies. Julie is trying to get Carolyn to do more work. Now that it will just be her, Rosie, and Mama. One day Hank, Carolyn, and Julie decide to burn the field. Carolyn gets too close to the flame and catches fire. Julie runs to the rescue, covering the fire, and her nice dress with mud.<br /><br />Christmas came and went. Ice storms came; damages trees, and then they went. It rained. And it rained. While sitting in the living room, water started to come in the house. In a matter of minutes the house was flooded. They almost didn't make it to the barn in time. After the water had gone down, there was nothing left. The house was a mess and everything was ruined. It was time, again, to start over.<br /><br />And there is so much more Julie must go through. Much more to rebuild from. Bad times to good times.<br /><br />And that is only half of the book. I feel this is a really good book. So much better than I have summarized it. Hank and Julie fall down, but they came right back out again. There are a few parts, that seem to drag, but they are all worth it when the story picks right back up again. This is a roller coaster of a novel.<br /><br />(c) C.M. This article was originally published on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Helium, which is closed</a>. It has found its home here now.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56334111808628801962009-09-07T13:39:00.002-04:002014-08-15T18:10:25.382-04:00Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts<br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">You would never know just what was going on in your Wal-Mart. Living in Oklahoma for 90% of my life; I can truly understand the warm heartedness shown in this book. It is nice to see a wonderful author from Oklahoma finally get recognized!!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">I also have to tell you, if you have not seen the movie, see it. The movie is also great. And while you are reading the book all the characters will seem so real. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">This is truly a book for all ages.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Novalee is a seventeen year old girl who is seven months pregnant and heading to California with her boyfriend, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Willie Jack Pickens</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">. Both of them are in search of a better life and the American dream. Funny thing is, they never make it. You see Novalee being pregnant has to pee and so </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Willie Jack</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">pull into a local Wal-Mart in </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Sequoyah, Oklahoma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">. Novalee figures while she is there, she should get some slippers she does have ten dollars to her name after all. Willie Jack takes off and leaves her. Best part of the story, Novalee doesn't leave the Wal-Mart until she goes into labor. The words are humorous, describing Novalee living in the Wal-Mart, you can actually visualize the scene the author is trying to portray and you are left with no choice but to giggle a bit to yourself in the process. I found my thoughts wandering, wondering what I would do if I was locked inside a Wal-Mart with no place to go. Would I find the value in life the way that Novalee did. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">You just have to read this book. It is so fast paced you won't want to put it down. It will make you laugh, and make you cry. The book is full of tales of love and friendship. Novalee will make you look at life with a whole new definition and purpose. You will see a strong girl, which just won't give up no matter what devastation she must endure. You will put that in your memory bank allowing you to pull it out when the time is right. Even though Novalee is a fictional character, there are many who will be able to relate. Being left high and dry while pregnant happens more often than it should and the author found a humorous way to tell a tale. In the end Novalee comes out better than she was before and better off. Willie Jack leaving was the best thing that could have happened to her and her baby. She was able to find friendship, love and a family.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">(c) CM 9/7/2009</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Originally published on Helium, which has since closed.</span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37728733463842945122009-09-06T16:53:00.000-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.796-04:00The Slim Fast PlanWe all know, you cannot skip meals or your body will store the fat from your next meal, or go into starvation mode. Either way it makes it tougher for you to lose weight.<br /><br />I tried the Slim Fast Plan. Two shakes a day, or a bar. One real meal, two Slim Fast meals, and two snacks are the basics of the Slim Fast Plan. But no matter how busy I kept myself, it just wouldn't hold. I always felt hungry. <br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Although I don't really recommend Slim Fast for a large amount of weight loss(although I know people have had success with it), I do recommend it for someone watching their weight, someone wanting to lose a few pounds, or someone who is just in a hurry and cannot eat right for that meal. Slim Fast ready to drink shakes is fast, easy, low fat, full of protein and carbs to fuel your body and keep you going. Add a piece of fruit and you will feel better about your meal choice. I frequently have a shake for breakfast as I enjoy the Cappuccino flavor without the guilt of expensive fat filled coffee house treats.<br /><br /> I am a writer most of the day and college student the other time. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in things I just do not want to take time to prepare a meal. When I was working outside of the home it was easy for me to take a can of Slim Fast and put it in the freezer while I was getting ready, then drink it on the drive in to work. Sometimes I would grab an extra one for lunch depending on my schedule for the day.<br /><br />The shake comes in lots of wonderful flavors. If you are a chocolate lover, you will love the Slim Fast plan as much of the flavors are rich and cream chocolate related. That is a big plus for all the chocolate lovers. I have noticed that in many convenience stores such as gas station they now have refrigerated Slim Fast for about $1.10. And a 6 pack is about $6. So that's like $1 a meal.<br /><br />I have lost a few pounds here and there from the product. Many do. Most of my weight has been lost following a low calorie, low fat meal plan. But I no longer follow the Slim-Fast plan as they suggest on their website and packaging material. I use the product only when I am pressed for time. It is an excellent alternative to fast food.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29855954742095713892009-09-06T16:45:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.780-04:00Slim Fast Optima Snack BarsI admit it I am a Slim Fast Snack Bar Addict.<br />*stands and looks around the room, the quietly sits down*.<br />We need to gather together and make a support club. I know I am not alone. <br /><br />My all time favorite candy bars are Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfingers. But, when I finally made the long term commitment to eat better and have a healthier lifestyle I had to throw out the candy. I never thought I would find a diet friendly bar that tastes so good.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have tried Nestle low fat candy bars. You get a handful in a nice green bag. But the things are tiny! No wonder they have less fat than regular candy bars. They are tasty, I admit that, too. But the two bites I get from it just didn't solve my candy cravings. I tried eating low fat 3 Musketeers, although they are tasty, they are lacking the peanut butter.<br /><br />So began my search. I was buying a few other Slim Fast products one day, when I saw the store was having a 2 for 1 sale on the snack bars. And I just happen to have a $1 off coupon. So I thought I would give it a try. I bought the Peanut Butter Crunch and Crispy Peanut Caramel. They sat in my pantry for a while. Then one day I just sat down and tried the Peanut Butter Crunch. Oh, my. It was heaven. I have never in my life found anything that tastes so close to a Butterfinger. Not to mention this bar has less calories and fat. I have been an addict ever since. <br /><br />These bars make a great alternative to any candy bar. They contain some carbs and protein so you are not just eating empty calories as you do with regular candy. You will never miss the sugar rush you get from the regular candy; Slim Fast bars give you carb energy. That being said, these are NOT sugar free. But they DO have less sugar then their Hershey brand counterparts.<br /><br />I highly recommend purchasing a few flavors; even try the other types of Slim Fast Bars. Have them at home, in your purse, backpack, diaper bag, even desk drawer. That way they are handy, and you won't be tempted to venture to the candy vending machine.<br /><br />Slim Fast Optima Snack bars come in many flavors such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar (tastes just like a chocolate chip cookie), Chocolate Mint Crisp (reminds me of Grasshopper cookies and Mint Girl Scout Cookies), Chocolate Peanut Nougat ( I wonder if this is like a Baby Ruth?), Crispy Peanut Caramel, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bar, Peanut Butter Cookie Bar and Peanut Butter Crunch (just like Butterfinger!) so you are sure to find something to cover your taste cravings. The Optima snack line also contains muffins in flavors like Apple Cinnamon Muffin, Banana and Nut Muffin (my personal fave), Blueberry Muffin, and a Chocolate Chip Muffin which are sure to give Otis Spunkmeyer a run for his money.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38754046784074348052009-09-06T15:46:00.005-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.855-05:00Anita Shreve: Recommended reads - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578317-the-pilots-wife-anita-shreve-oprah-book-club">Anita Shreve: Recommended reads - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89754827972872069682009-09-06T15:46:00.004-04:002014-08-15T18:06:58.438-04:00Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I read Vinegar Hill sometime in 2000 as a recommendation from Oprah’s Book Club. At the time I belonged to a few of my own book clubs and one had a recommendation for this book. Although it was voted against, I decided to take the liberty upon myself to give it a read.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">At the time of reading I was not married, nor did I have children. At the time of writing this review, I have since been married and divorced, but still no children. Aside from the boyfriends four year old that lives with us on the weekend.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I tell you this because how a person related to a story will generally tell you how the review of the story will go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">At that time I had no idea what it was like to have that "trapped" feeling or the "in-laws from hell". But I did know that those book feelings are very real. Every day families are faced with so many of these problems. Not to mention how many people have those skeletons hanging in the closets. </span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I admit this was not one of Oprah's best picks. But the story is short, and to the point. You are able to get it read in one night. I didn't hate it, and since it was hard for me to relate to, I didn't much like it either. But, it was very well written and it left me with so many emotions. It left me thinking “Man, what if that was me and my family someday?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Funny thing is, thinking about that “trapped” feeling now, and towards the end of my marriage I certainly felt it. As for the “in-laws from hell” well I never had those feelings. My in-laws were wonderful people and I miss them a great deal. Now that I live with my true love, I do have those in-law feelings and we are not even married. At times it makes me laugh how you can read something and it still sticks with you all these years later.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">If you are looking for a nice relaxing, sitting outside in the shade, sipping on lemonade summer novel, then this would be a good pick. If you are looking for a nice relaxing, curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of hot tea cold weather novel, then this would be a good pick. The story is great and it does not bog you down with a lot of detail. Words are well written, short and to the point. You almost start to feel the characters. Most of you will be able to relate, and feel it even better than I did when I read it for the first time.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Ellen Grier and her husband, James has moved back to the town they grew up in. </span>James<span class="rkr"> has lost his job, and can only afford to move them and the 2 kids back to Vinegar Hill (</span>Holly's Field, Wisconsin)<span class="rkr"> into his parent’s house until he is able to get onto his feet. So many things happen while they are there. Ellen is not liked by her in-laws Fritz and Mary-Margaret. To make matters worse, James’s parents do not like each other. When James does find a job, it takes him away for weeks at a time leaving Ellen to deal with his abusive parents. This is a story of that tale. After reading, the title will seem so clear.</span><br /><span class="rkr"><br /></span><span class="rkr">(c) CM 9/6/09 Originally posted on Helium, which has since closed.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85471946409716711562009-09-06T15:44:00.005-04:002014-08-15T15:38:38.904-04:00The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2PrlEGd9lY/U-5hD917HlI/AAAAAAAAS9U/sXzzcPJjNNA/s1600/download%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2PrlEGd9lY/U-5hD917HlI/AAAAAAAAS9U/sXzzcPJjNNA/s1600/download%2B(1).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>Book Review: <a href="http://amzn.to/VsHRfK" target="_blank">The Perfect Storm</a>: A True Story of Men against the Sea by Sebastian Junger<br /><br />I love books. I read everything I can get my hands on. And I read many different genres of books. It seems many writers have a pile of books on every table and shelf, at least the ones I have met in my life and I am no exception.<br /><br />Never have I found a movie to be as good as the book. Any book lover will tell you the book is always better, the movie just cannot compare.<br /><br />Once, I came close. Steven King's The Green Mile was such a wonderful story that words cannot even describe how I felt for this book. Steven King is a legend. And the movie was a work of art. That is the first time I have ever seen a movie so closely portrayed to the book. But, we aren't here to talk about this. Maybe I will have to write about that movie/book combination one of these days.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I have wanted to read <a href="http://amzn.to/VsHRfK" target="_blank">The Perfect Storm</a> for a while. But I just never got around to purchasing it. When the movie came out, I really had no desire to see it. When I started watching the behind the scenes and interviews about the movie that all changed. I became much more interested. But I had not read the book and could not compare it. So, this time, I was going to do things in the wrong order. Must be a code of conduct or something in the law of book readers, one of those unwritten rules and I ended up breaking it. The movie was incredible. Very well told, the actors made you feel for those who had to endure this reality. I won't give away movie details here. I plan to write a review on the movie.<br /><br />A week after watching the movie, I decided I must get the book. This was in the year 2000 and it was not the massed produced paperback that came out with the release of the movie. I do not read those books; all they are is an exact account of the movie version. Plus I heard that book had some editing done to it which made some people speculate about the reality of the story. I made sure mine was the real deal hardback published long before the movie production. I read it in a night.<br /><br />My advice, skip the book and go see the movie. The movie is more enjoyable and you will be able to grasp the story. Don't get me wrong the book is wonderfully written. Junger really did an excellent job in trying to make the story as true and accurate as possible. That would have been a hard task for anyone to take on since no one survived. This man went through great lengths to dig as deep as he could to get the story. It would be hard for anyone to have to hear a story like this over and over from all points of view but ultimately the same ending. And I commend him on that. It is very hard to make a book so close to the truth when the people you need to talk to most, have passed on. But he managed to fight that barrier and write a excellent book. The book is an excellent piece of reading.<br /><br />However, I did not like reading it. I found it dull and hard to follow. It was more technical, than personal. The pages skip around a lot. In turn, I skimmed and skipped many pages.<br /><br />This book is written and follows like a history lesson. There is a ton of detail. And some of the details date back to the 1800's. Lives of Fisherman should have been the working title. If you like historical facts and back log then this would be a book for you, if you are seeking personal accounts, then this one would be better skipped.<br /><br />Update 2014: This piece was originally published on Helium, which has since been closed.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31810544043536902972009-09-06T15:44:00.004-04:002014-07-31T17:20:44.251-04:00Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWIBIhfMIUg/U9qzAUP-wBI/AAAAAAAASJY/Sko7eA7apOI/s1600/fight_club-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWIBIhfMIUg/U9qzAUP-wBI/AAAAAAAASJY/Sko7eA7apOI/s1600/fight_club-.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Movie based on a book. <b>Update:</b> Movie is now available for <a href="http://amzn.to/1nOUVYt" target="_blank">streaming on Amazon!! </a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Rule Number One; you cannot talk about fight club. So, over 500 million of us have broken the number one rule.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">But you know what they say, "Some rules where just meant to be broken."<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Generally I like to read the book before I see the movie. Books always offer more of the story then the movie does. When you are forced to take a novel and shrink it down to a two hour movie, generally bits and pieces get lost in the mix. With this movie I did not do that, and to this day I have not read the book. I have no intention of doing so. The movie is forever etched in my mind just the way it is. This once I do not need those extra bits and pieces.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I really enjoy violence. There is no need for it, I know. Not in today's society. But there is some sort of instant gratification I get watching another person beat up another human being and seeing someone bleed. I personally am not a fighter, truth be told I would if I could. I am too old to try now, so I will just let someone else do it. I have dated MMA fighters and trainers in the past. Fighting is nothing new to me. Could be why I am much more immune to it than others. In my house, we live, sleep, breathe mixed martial arts and we seek out films that showcase any sort of fighting style.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">So, the reason I picked this movie should be obvious, but it is not. You see I rented this movie the day it was released. In those days I was not going to the theater much and there was not much online content for watching movies the way it is now. I was getting this movie for one reason. One name. And no, it is not Brad Pitt. Oh, I know I am so un-American to be a woman and not have a thing for Brad Pitt. Shame on me. Don’t get me wrong Brad Pit is an exceptional actor who models every character he has ever played and played them well. But for this movie I wanted to see it because of Edward Norton. He's not the all around good-looking actor (although he does seem to be like a fine wine and get better with age) but, he is good at what he does. I just wanted to see his performance in this movie. I have always watched Edward Norton movies with an open mind. Early in his career his roles went unnoticed due to being out shined by the movies leading character. Many of the movies were of low grade and not well known. Not a single role disappointed me; the movie itself may have but not Edwards performance. He has the ability to take a role and make it his own.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I watched this movie, and was taken away by it. It can be summed up in one word. Violent. Not recommended for someone with a low pain tolerance, because you will be able to feel the pain running through your bones as you watch, see, and hear the sound of flesh ripping and bones cracking. It is not recommended for kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Another great addition to the movie is </span><span class="binding">Helena Bonham Carter. She always provides us with a stellar role and I love how she can be so beautiful, yet so dark, quirky, and mysterious in so many roles.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">All actors deliver a wonderful performance. Brads role seems to be something out of 12 Monkeys. I can sum that movie up in one word: Weird. </span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Watch this movie, and in the end, you will be surprised. Just remember: you are not suppose to talk about it.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59054436988869275452009-09-06T15:42:00.002-04:002014-08-15T18:01:50.629-04:00Stop the Insanity by Susan Powter<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">In 1995 my Uncle and his new wife Susan (Ironic huh?) came from Michigan down here to Oklahoma visit me as well as my mother. I have always struggled with my weight; my family has seen the battle even from a 1000 mile distance. After losing 85 pounds as a teenager on NutriSystem, I found approaching my 20's it was harder to get rid of some of the weight I had re-gained. In 1995 Susan gave me this book to read. I read it, and loved it. I found it hard to put down as I read and reread each page absorbing all the information that was there. Here was this woman, who understood what it was like to be over 200 pounds. </span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I myself had been there as a teen. She had so much honesty and truth, that I just had to try it. I found the book motivational and inspirational. So I began to follow the plan, used her exercise videos and lost 20 pounds. The book since went back to Michigan, and I have since, here in the year 2009, gained back those 20 pounds and then some. But that is another story.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">One day, I was out and about, went to a used book store. And there, for $1 was my old friend, Susan Powter. So, I bought it, and now I am back on the plan, moving, eating, breathing, and just feeling so much better about life. It has been a wonderful motivational tool to help me move forward on the Weight Watcher plan and WANT to take control of my health.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Today, this book is a little outdated, but she is a wonderful motivational tool. Susan now has her own website susanpowteronline.com. where she is still motivating women to take care of their bodies and lose weight.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book starts a little slow giving background in to Susan's personal life. Chapter one starts off with a picture of Susan at about 160lbs or so, oddly the picture resembles a Marilyn Monroe bathing suit scene. In these pages she talks about how after giving birth she gained a considerable amount of weight. Her highest weight recorded at 260lbs. Susan was with a man that was abusive and inattentive. She broke down and realized she needed to take care of herself. She got out of that marriage, stopped feeling sorry for herself, moved on from the past to emerge better than ever. Susan is loud and she is in your face. With her there is no excuse, no whining and no one is going to feel sorry for you. Welcome to Susan's boot camp. The plan is nothing new: eat less fat, eat more good stuff, find balance and exercise more. But her method of attack is a bit more real. No sugar coating going on here. You have the choice, do it or don't. But no whining if you don't.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>From the Publisher</b><br />Take control of your life and stop the insanity! You've seen Susan Powter on the <i>Home Show</i> and on her <i>Stop the Insanity</i> infomercial, explaining health and wellness to millions of viewers. Taken from the "insanity" she experienced with the diet and fitness industries, Susan's step-by-step motivational book, now read by Susan herself on audio tape, will empower women everywhere to take control of their lives. In <i>Stop the Insanity!</i>, Susan tells you how you can get lean, strong, and healthy without starvation and deprivation. Her practical, proven program designed for women of all ages, weights, and fitness levels can change the way you look and feel just like it did for Susan. Funny, poignant and powerful, <i>Stop the Insanity!</i> is more than Susan's encouraging success story of how she went from fat to fit-- and stayed there. It is a message of hope for women everywhere.<br /><br /><br />(c) CM 9/6/2009 Published on Helium, which has since closed. Found a new home here on my website.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36272385782828786812009-09-06T14:26:00.002-04:002014-09-09T16:47:08.628-04:00Shaft by Ernest TidymanShaft. The all infamous Private Dick. You know him. You love him or you hate him. People of all ages have had the pleasure of hearing about Shaft, at least once in your life. Mr. Richard Roundtree was a household name no matter what your race. He was smooth, slick, and sexy for those times. <br /><a name='more'></a><br />Now, director John Singleton had the privilege of remaking this movie. Update and modernize were the two key elements. And who did he get to play Shaft? He couldn't have picked a better leading character. Between Laurence Fishburn and Samuel L. Jackson, it was hard to pick. Both are excellent actors who have played all types of rolls. But, since Laurence was in the Matrix, I was glad to see Samuel play Shaft.<br /><br />Samuel has to be one of the best African American Male actors today. He has experienced great diversity and has been able to overcome so many obstacles. His acting credentials hold a list a mile long. <br /> <br /> It took me a few weeks after the release, but I finally was able to see this movie. It was worth every penny. I even wished it would have been longer. I was very impressed. The story line was pretty typical. Good cop with bad attitude in search of bad rich kid who committed murder and search for drug lords. Not to mention a few bad cops. He is able to clear them all out with one big plan. Shaft shoots, and you will notice he never misses. He is smart. Smooth. Suave. Sexy. And just down right, bad. <br /> <br /> The story line itself is predictable and typical. A cameo by the real Shaft, who plays Samuel's "uncle" was well loved by the audience in my theater. Yes folks, I actually saw this movie in the theaters. I do recommend this movie. I wish everyone would have been able to witness it in its full form with theater watching. Now you will just have to settle for a flat panel TV and a DVD player.<br />This movie is full of action. There was never slow or dull moment.<br />Christian Bale fans take note: he plays the right white boy who did the deed and Shaft is going to make sure he gets what he deserves.<br /> <br /> I almost forgot to mention the catch phrase one-liner "it's my duty to please that booty." and "Can you dig it?". You will be sure to repeat those a few times just for laughs after the show is over.<br /><br /> Make this movie a must see if you have not.<br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33410711363596047632009-09-06T14:23:00.002-04:002014-07-28T17:00:04.278-04:00The Reader by Bernhard Schlink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p56rsJfw6ZU/U9a5JRYm1II/AAAAAAAAR-w/JpBxefotx80/s1600/obc-bernhard-schlink-284xFall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p56rsJfw6ZU/U9a5JRYm1II/AAAAAAAAR-w/JpBxefotx80/s1600/obc-bernhard-schlink-284xFall.jpg" /></a></div>Basically I can sum <a href="http://amzn.to/1rx7AhE" target="_blank">The Reader by Bernhard Schlink</a> up like this. I was disappointed. I wished I skipped this book. And what was Oprah thinking? She knew millions of people would read this book. I want to know how many of us actually understood it. Or even liked it? I wouldn't waste your money on this one. Borrow it from someone or get it from the library. Or better yet, just skip it altogether.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The book was written in German and translated to English. Maybe things got lost during translation. There are no emotions in the book; it is all very cold. The pages are a little hard to follow and a lot on the boring side. It is a short book, so it won't take but a few hours of reading time to get through it. The story is sad and heartbreaking; you might need a tissue if you can get to those parts.<br /><br />I keep a list of books Oprah recommends. I check them off as I go. I make notes here and there. If she picks another by this author...I will be sure to pass. Maybe I am just being too harsh, and am missing something. I just can't see me being so dense that I missed the whole point of the story.<br /><br />Michael becomes ill. He is 14. He meets Hanna, who is in her 30's. As the story goes, they have a love affair. The title, The Reader must come from the fact that she likes for him to read to her.<br /><br />One day, she is gone. No trace of her. Michael never forgets Hanna. Flash forward to his college years. One of his college assignments is to watch a trial. Hanna is the woman on trial. The trial ends up being half of the book.<br /><br />Michael describes the feelings that arrive after seeing her again, so many years later. Now he learns the truth of her past.<br /><br />Hanna is sentenced to prison, and Michael's life has gone on. He gets married, has a kid, and then gets divorced. He is in contact with Hanna while she is in prison. It is then we learn she cannot read. That is why he would always have to read to her. He makes her tapes, and reads her books. Through the tapes she learned to read by following him along on the tapes with the books. When her time comes to be released, he is called upon by the prison guards to come and get her. When he gets there, she has killed herself.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(C)C.M. - This article was originally published on Helium, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">which has closed</a>. Article is no longer published online and has now found its new home here.<br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63822024526954847732009-09-06T13:39:00.002-04:002014-08-15T18:03:05.791-04:00The Pilots Wife by Anita Shreve<br /> <br />The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve is my recommendation for Shreve's books.<br /> <br /> <br /> This is another of "those" books. We read it because Oprah's Book Club told us too. For many that's how it was. Someone suggests a title, hundreds agree and we bite. I do not remember how I came across this novel. I was a member of a book club in 2000, the year I read it. The book hits close to home. Not for me personally, at that time. I was not married, nor did I have kids. <br /><a name='more'></a><br /> <br /> Too many people today are committing adultery. And this is the basic topic for this novel.<br /> <br /> Kathryn Lyon has the perfect life. She has a wonderful husband Jack, a trans-Atlantic pilot as well as a fifteen year old daughter Mattie. They live in the house she spent so much time dreaming about. Kathryn had the perfect family. One evening, Jacks plane gets blown up in the air ten miles from the coast of Ireland. He obviously doesn't make it. As her life is turned upside down, she is forced to see the small pieces to the big puzzle. Despite the claims of pilot error and then suicide, she finds her perfect husband had another family. <br /> <br /> I felt the pain and the heartache with every page I turned. Then, despite the fact I could not relate to such a horrible experience I could still feel every tear she cried. Wondering just as she did about every question regarding the who, what, how, where, when and why? Now, having gone through a marriage, divorce and dealing with adultery many of those questions have been answered but still I feel no differently in the sorrow and sharing of the tears.<br /> <br /> So much heartache surrounds the issue. The loss of a loved one. A loved one you thought you knew inside and out. A daughter that can't cope. A daughter you have no idea how to deal with much less try dealing with your own feelings. Then to find out why the plane is blown only to find out about another family. Too much for one woman to handle...but she does. Somehow Kathryn finds her inner strength. She moves forward to seek out those answers we all want to know as well. It just proves to show that we may not know anyone as well as we may think we do.<br /> <br /> The beginning pages are a bit slow for some, but I urge you to keep going. Don't forget a box of tissues. This one is sure to make you cry.<br /> <br /><br />(c) CM 9/6/2009 Originally published on Helium, which has since closed.<br /> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86269810615351538892009-09-06T12:23:00.002-04:002014-07-29T17:33:38.123-04:00Double Jeopardy by Bob Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1s2sbTdwy70/U9gTH14bqkI/AAAAAAAASEI/DSGFmsgM2D8/s1600/double-jeopardy-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1s2sbTdwy70/U9gTH14bqkI/AAAAAAAASEI/DSGFmsgM2D8/s1600/double-jeopardy-5.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />I am not really an Ashley Judd fan. She is cute and she is quirky and she is one of those women who get better with age. It seems like she has a great personality, but not one movie I have ever watched her in left me breathless. Sorry folks, she is just Ashley. Nothing more, nothing less. Her behind the scenes work gives me more pleasure then here theatrical performances.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"> I am not a big Tommy Lee Jones fan, either. I get the fact he has been around forever and has done countless movies, however I cannot remember a single one. That should tell you something. Again he is one that does not leave a lasting impression in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Let it be known that I did not choose this movie. I didn't go to the theaters. Nor would I have picked it when it was my turn at the video</span> <span class="rkr">store. My then boyfriend and rented this movie in 2000. It has been on television a few times since then and in passing the clicker pauses on this movie. I am not sure while, likely because there is nothing else on and when I am writing I like to have a little something on for noise to block out the city traffic outside my living room window. </span><br /><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I remember standing at the video store looking at all the new movie releases. I had seen the previews for thus movie, and that was all I needed to decide I was not really interested in it. The title of the movie explains it all it two words. Double</span> <span class="rkr">Jeopardy. A person cannot be put on trial for the same crime twice. Enough said. We</span> <span class="rkr">already know the whole plot of the story. I gave it the benefit of the doubt as I do love crime, murder, mystery type movies and was willing to give it a shot.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">So, its movie night, and this is what has been popped into the VCR. Funny, thinking back to my technology household now versus how it used to be VCR tapes almost seem so obsolete.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"> I do have to admit it wasn't all</span> <span class="rkr">too bad. It was not as much torture as I thought it would be. But I felt like it was a CBS made for TV movie. I kept waiting for commercials. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">It is picture perfect. A rich, well known family. Wife (Ashley Judd), husband and son. There is a boating accident. Nothing new there, how many movies have we seen over the years where there is a boating accident? Husband</span> <span class="rkr">has set up his own killing to make it look like his wife killed him. Again, nothing really new here. Wife goes to prison.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Wife spends the entire time in prison being angry and searching for revenge. Isn’t that the basis for all prison scenes? It always goes one of two ways. Either they learn from their mistake become saved and go on to do right or they spend the time angry and finding a way to get revenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">She does get her revenge. Putting all the pieces together, learning the truth and taking care of that truth. I won’t go in to much more detail in case there are those out there who still have not seen the movie. I do not want to spoil it for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">The title pretty much gives it away for you. That's pretty much the whole movie. If you saw the previews, you saw the</span> <span class="rkr">movie. If you never saw the previews I would almost bet a place like youtube.com has bits and pieces on there. Enough for you to form an opinion on the flick.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I say, don't waste your time paying for it. If it comes on pay stations or cable, then maybe</span><br /><span class="rkr">give it a view.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91639094662335721102009-09-05T17:40:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.874-05:00Fast track to losing weight: Finding the quickest way to shed pounds - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577556-lose-weight-fast-detox-diet-juice-fast">Fast track to losing weight: Finding the quickest way to shed pounds - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86525101155574840732009-09-05T17:18:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.876-05:00Online surveys: Pinecone Research.com - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577537-pinecone-research-online-survey">Online surveys: Pinecone Research.com - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50743668376623927872009-09-05T16:29:00.001-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.878-05:00Evaluating the nutrisystem program - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577511-nutrisystem">Evaluating the nutrisystem program - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73398467027243674492009-09-05T13:26:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.842-04:00Freebies online and what you can find - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1523399-freebies-free-samples-free-site-free-websites-free-stuff">Freebies online and what you can find - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24392004876316866722009-09-05T13:25:00.001-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.767-04:00Best music to accompany Christmas festivities - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1567029-free-online-christmas-music-free-christmas-festivities-mp3-midi">Best music to accompany Christmas festivities - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42728133375467705852009-09-05T13:23:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.803-04:00Weight Watchers Magazine<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002PXVYXC&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Many, many years ago, well Ok maybe not THAT many years ago, but I would say about 3-4 years ago I had a free subscription to Weight Watchers magazine. I was not on the program then, nor did I really know much about it other than it was some sort of a "diet" that people followed. I did enjoy the magazine. There were some good tips, general articles not related to food, and some nice recipes. But, I was in my early 20's at that time, and those types of things did not hold my interest for long. At that time I was more into fashion, love, advice, things like that. My magazine collection included things like People, Glamour, Cosmo, and Marie Claire. My subscription ran out and I never gave it much thought. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Flash forward to 2002. I am not in my late 20's. Ok 27 to be exact. Earlier this year my employer brought in the Weight Watchers at Work Program. At first I was a little skeptical about it. But, I had surgery a few months prior to that which left me with a huge weight gain. The employer offered a health benefit meant for gym memberships, but allowed us this one time to use it on WW if we decided to join their at work. That was all the incentive I needed. Joined for less than half price was a great motivational tool. I went to my first meeting, and I was so excited. I was going to make this work for me if it was the last thing I ever did. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I came home that night, hungry for more information. I had to get more. Where was I going to get it? I looked on eBay. Boy, there was a TON of stuff. Then, there it was, right there in front of me. My old friend had called out to me. The first line: Weight Watchers Magazine 3 year subscription. I began to remember my days flipping through the older issues. Boy had those pages changed. So, I bid. I waited. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Few days later, I was informed I had WON!! I got this magazine for less than $7!!!!!! How could you go wrong with that? Time went by, and no magazine. I thought for sure I had just had my first dealings with a scam artist. But, a few days later, there it was. I picked it up, feeling its nice glossy cover. I read that issue at LEAST 6 times. Hungry for all of that new information that would help push me along. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Now, I can't wait for each issue to arrive. It has been about 6 months since I joined Weight Watchers. Although the work program is over, I still enjoy traditional weekly meetings. I have lost 39 pounds, and if it were not for the support, tips, and motivation I get from the magazine, I may have given up a long time ago. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I feel that the magazine SHOULD be published every month as we only get it every other. This magazine is not for someone who is looking for fashion, beauty, or other "female" type articles. There is usually less than 2 pages on that type of information. The articles are more based on health, weight, and the issues that can arise as a result of these things. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">It is possible for someone who is not on Weight Watchers to enjoy the magazine. The tips for weight loss, articles on member losses, and recipes provide lots of inspiration and motivation. Recipes provide healthy nutrition for your body. However, I feel that a person not on Weight Watchers may find all the articles and advertisements a little boring, as it ALL relates to WW and their products. Few other products are mentioned, and if they are there is sure to be a related POINT value printed on it. There are POINT values and related material throughout the entire magazine. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">For someone who is on Weight Watchers, you have to get the magazine. Whether you are like me, and searched out a good bargain on eBay, or you buy it directly from the Weight Watchers web site, this magazine supplements your meetings. When you need a new recipe, it is there. If you are going through some physical or mental pain with exercise and weight loss, it is there. Motivation, Inspiration, Tips, Tricks, it is all there too!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><b>UPDATE: 2009</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">As I look back on many things in life, one thing I regret the most – letting the weight creep back on until it became a huge problem. We all know life gets in the way and we face challenges. I am now back on the Weight Watchers program for guidance and support.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Going back on the program for me means I need my trusty friend. I will be searching for the best deal on the magazine so that I am able to have that trusted friend back by my side.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Weight Watchers magazine is very easy to read. The layout is pretty much the same as any other magazine; although I am sure things have changed since I have read an issue. Every month there are success stories from other members and often times there is a one for extreme motivation from a meeting leader. Every issue also included MANY great recipes, motivational stories, relationship advice (although not a lot like other woman's magazines), advice on how to dress while losing weight, and generally a personal story from members. The only drawback to the magazine was the advertisements. There are a lot of them and 90% of them are Weight Watcher product related. I guess that is to be expected, but it would be nice if the magazine had more substance and less advertising.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><o:p>UPDATE 2010</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><o:p>I still have a subscription and it's going strong. I love the tips and recipes as I follow along with WW and the Points as I have done in the past, but I am using Wonderslim products as a tool to retrain my portion and nutritional value.</o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36139509135228684992009-09-05T13:20:00.002-04:002014-09-25T18:28:09.787-04:00Avon Cracked Heal Relief Cream Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yn23JRvGLo/U9atuFSFR8I/AAAAAAAAR-Q/aGeMDheawr0/s1600/product+review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yn23JRvGLo/U9atuFSFR8I/AAAAAAAAR-Q/aGeMDheawr0/s1600/product+review.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>I love it! That's all I can say.<br /><br />Just kidding.<br /><br />OK, so I have a little more. I hate shoes. I just cannot stand for my feet to be bound up in mindless matter. I love it when the weather is nice, and sometimes even when it is not, so I can run around barefoot. Mind you, and am not one of those people you see running around inside of stores with no shoes on. I just like the feel of pavement and grass on my bare feet. And so, no matter how hard I try, and how many pedicures I give myself, my feet just are never silky soft. I need my feet to look their best because I tend to run around in flip flops as long as the weather provides when I have to wear shoes.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have been using Avon products since I was 16. Around the age of 20 I became an Avon rep and sold the products for year. I was never a great seller as I sold just enough to feed my Avon addiction.<br /><br />Now I am 34. I have used quite a few products from the Avon Foot Works line. I tried the Double Action Foot Soak in my foot spa and it worked just wonderful. I kept buying it. I also keep plenty of the Avon Foot Files on hand for the really dry spots. I also have tried the Foot Works Moisturizing Creams. They left my feet really soft and silky. But, I just couldn't find something to help with those cracks in my heals. YUCK!<br /><br />I did the old grandma method of coating them with Vaseline after a filing and soak. Then I would put socks on my feet and slept with them on. And it would work, but after a day, they were right back where they started from. I used every brand name of lotion, hand, body, feet, therapy, intensive, and even resorted to Bag Balm. Nothing lasted like I wanted it to, and I was tired of sleeping with socks on.<br /><br />Eventually I gave up, and stopped spending my money. I just stuck with lotion, soaks, and files. It was the best I could do for my feet.<br /><br />I was not looking forward to winter. Michigan winters can be brutal. During winter my feet get really dry. My heels crack really badly, and sometimes, I lose chunks of skin. I dreaded the thought of spending another night in socks and Vaseline.<br /><br />Recently, a friend of mine began to sell Avon, and she suggested I try this product. As soon as I put it on, I noticed a HUGE difference. After a week, I was not ashamed to show my feet. It's nice to have those dry, cracks gone. I am so glad I tried this during flip-flop season.<br /><br />I would put the lotion on right after my shower. The lotion is nice and thick, which soaks up instantly. My nose noticed a smell. There is a slight lotion smell but it is faint and nothing flowery or perfumed. I am not a fan of things that smell and my skin is sensitive to things with perfume in them.<br /><br />I would reapply the lotion at night paying special attention to the driest parts that were starting to crack. I followed my regular regime of soaking and filing every other week, or more if needed.<br /><br />If you are tired of trying product after product and nothing works, then it is worth it to spend the money for this product. And Avon is always having a 2 for 1, and a sale price on this line.<br /><br /><br />(C)C.M. - This article was originally published on Helium, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">which has closed</a>. Article is no longer published online and has now found its new home here. It was also an excerpt from a college paper I wrote.<br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12608180319325413132009-09-05T13:16:00.002-04:002014-08-12T13:54:39.845-04:00Making Peace With Your Past, The Six Essential Steps to Enjoying a Great Future, by Harold Bloomfield M.D.<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577313-making-peace-with-your-past"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0060933143&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">If there is ANYTHING at all in your past that you are still mad about, holding on to, or grieving over then this book is for you. There is so much in life that has happened to me as a result of things that happened to me as a child. And I hold a grudge. At the time of reading this book I could not afford modern therapy, so I read lots of self-help books. I have, for the most part, come to terms with the things that I had no control over and cannot change. With this book, I learned so much more then what friends, family or the internet could ever provide me. </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">I highly recommend this book to ANYONE of any age that is dealing with something from their past that causes problems today, in everyday life. </span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span class="rkr">As a child, I was molested by my father. That ended when I was about twelve. When I was in high school, I spent all four years dating a boy that was verbally abusive, and had a problem with anger. He would get in my face and yell. Although he never hit me, he would hit the wall behind me. These things have scared me. Tore at my insides and messed with my mind. When I reached college, I learned how easy it was to fall into the trap of too many parties, and being woke up in the morning at a place you did not know by a person you did not remember. I knew I had to stop the cycle. </span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">During that time, I fell in love with a wonderful man. This man was kind, patient, understanding, sincere, and very polite. I was very scared. No one had ever treated me so good. There would be times when I would try to cause drama, because it was such a simple life. I was not used to anything like that. I became angry for no reason. I knew if this relationship was going to turn into marriage, I was going to have to get some sort of help, to come to terms with things. I blamed myself for the things in my life. That self blame would spill into my relationship. </span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">When you don't have insurance, and you don't have a lot of money, there is not a real option for someone like me in this town in which I lived. I tried the library, bookstores, thrift stores, etc in search for that self help book that would just jump out at me and change my life. For years I was on this search.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">While on my search it came out that I was adopted. My father, the molester, was not my biological father. Just when I felt life could not get any worse for me, I found this book. Long ago I came to terms with what my father had done. It was done to him. I cannot forget, but I can forgive. Life is too short for anger. But, once I found out he was not my real father, a lot of anger came back. Not only for him but for my mother as well.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">This book has lots of great advice. It was god send for me to happen upon it the way that I did. There are writing exercises. The same exercises therapy patients pay for in sessions. This book has helped me in so many ways. Ways that words cannot describe. </span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">If you are struggling with anything in your life, anger, resentment, scared, distrust, etc then I encourage you to get this book. This book is not something you can sit and read in a night. I did that. But then I had to go back, and really READ it, do the exercises, think about it. It could change your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Since finding the book I did seek out therapy and was on medication for quite some time. Despite the talk therapy, the book helped me break barriers that my medication and psychiatrist could not. The book will not change you overnight and you will have to dig deep inside of yourself for the answer. But it will work, and it can happen if you just let it.</span><br /><span class="rkr"><br /></span><span class="rkr">This post was originally published on Helium, which has since closed.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1329493907757073742009-08-25T20:14:00.006-04:002011-11-11T19:27:41.188-05:00A Six Word StoryWhile seeking some inspiration for some topics to write about and submit to some various companies, I can across this page: <a href="http://blog.worderella.com/2008/11/a-six-word-story/">Six Word Story</a><br /><br /><br />and it gave me a little inspiration to see if I could come up with some 6 word stories. <br /><br />Here is a popular and well-known writing exercise… Hemingway was once given a challenge to write an entire story in only six words. <br /><br /><b>His answer:</b><br /><br />For sale: baby shoes, never worn.<br /><br />Apparently, he thought it was his greatest literary work ever. It speaks to the audience, and pulls them in. We know the ending to the story, and can surmise how it began. Most importantly, we care.<br /><br />There are many writers who practice this sort of flash fiction through their Twitter accounts, where each update can only be 140 characters long. Can you tell a story in a sentence? What is your six word story? Do you even count these micro-narratives as stories?Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4668849061880596922009-08-18T18:00:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:14:36.911-04:00Standing At the PlateAugust 18, 2009<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I’m standing at the plate ready to take the first swing.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Everyone reaches a point in their life when they question who they are and what they are about. Not only that, they question all of the things that surround them. I have reached that point in my life MANY times. I still sit like I am today and think about each and every event in my life that has led me to where I am today. Whether my choices were right or wrong does not matter. Nothing I can do to change them now. I can change today and maybe I can change tomorrow, but I cannot change my past.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Right now, I do not like my life. I have no direction and now idea what I want to do besides write. Unless I get a bestselling novel published (meaning I would have to actually write one based on all the ideas stored in my head) this avenue is not going to pay the bills. I do not have much choice in the matter right now. Without my degree I can’t get the jobs I am qualified for due to the job market here being so tight. Unemployment is at an all time high and we are highest rated in the states. Employers want someone with a degree and pay them minimum wage because they know they can. Those who are not worried about degrees will not hire me because I am over qualified and figure I will be bored and just quit any way. Maybe they are right, but they should at least give me a chance before they make the choice for me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I struggle with unemployment, I struggle with DHS and many times it just does not seem as if the struggle is worth it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This is not how I imagined life would be when I left everything I cared about 1000 miles behind to start life over.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I have been spending my days trying to figure out life. I make changes only to have them backfire in my face. I go three steps forward only to get knocked two steps back.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There is too much drama around me. I like my life quiet and simple. I don’t like to make plans (they never work out anyway); I would rather just come and go as I please. But I can’t. Every move I make, every breath I take is monitored some way or another.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Life these days is pretty dysfunctional.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Crossroads.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Standing at another crossroads. Facing each day with new questions about the direction I should be going. I am standing at home plate. Looking across the field. Ready to take that first swing.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Comment from Yahoo:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span></div><div class="user" style="color: #a0a1a2; float: left; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="user-link" href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GMCJ4DT6HENPXR5WN2DWG4B4AA" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; color: #4f93df; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.2; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Christina King</a> commented</div><div class="time" style="color: #a0a1a2; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: right;">08/19/2009 06:00 pm</div><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">We all go through this... At least its normal. But... What you do with your life is YOUR call.... You need to take a good inventory of your life and see what works and what don't. My best to you in your inventory.... its hard to do and hard to face the reality of some of it and to be quite honest being honest with yourSELF is sometimes the hardest part of it all.... It can be life altering, it was for me. Hugs....</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25289093776557258632009-08-14T22:31:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:14:08.286-04:00And So We Meet AgainAnd so we meet again. It has been far too long since I have written a blog and it has been a while since I have written anything for work. I seem to have found myself in this hole again. You know that hole, well on the outside bad on the inside. This is a typical “things are not what they appear”. In my life I have gotten really good at putting on appearances. Actually, I should have a degree in it since I have been practicing it my whole life.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Generally I am very open about my world. Always have been. Here lately I find myself hiding in my shell really unsure of what I should share. I have so many in my world these days that may not understand why I write and blog. And because of this I would not want them to get the wrong idea about things. I spend my days walking on eggshells and holding in my words.<br /><br />I find that rather amusing because I was never one to care what others think. Truth is I still don’t. However I don’t want people to take it out on someone else. So, I just let it go hoping it will all pass anyway.<br /><br />This is not me and how I usually behave. Writing is my life and I choose to share it.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am tired of being pushed aside and being talked down.<br /><br />I am tired of never being good enough.<br /><br />I am tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin.<br /><br />I am tired of always feeling alone.<br /><br />I am tired of being last on the list.<br /><br />And quite frankly I am tired of being tired.<br /><br />Life has had its ups and downs. I find myself searching for the answers and even a way out.<br /><br />I get stressed, I eat. I seek food out for comfort.<br /><br />Earlier this week Matt and I went to Detroit to celebrate being together one year. <br /><br />The irony in that is we were also celebrating his divorce being final.<br /><br />In such a hurry to pack, we forgot our bathing suits. Not wanting to miss out on the awesome indoor pool and hot tub we decided to try our luck across the street at Meijer. Shopping is no fun for me anymore. In the last 2 years I can count how many times I have gone shopping on one hand (I can hear you Shan and Stace). My weight keeps creeping up so shopping becomes more of a nightmare instead of something fun I used to share with my friends. <br /><br />Honestly I tried to get out of it. Matt was not having any of that. I found 2 suits in my size and went and cried in the fitting room. I had no choice but to look at myself. It has been months since I have looked at my whole body in the mirror. And there I was nothing left to the imagination.<br /><br />Matt, loves me just the way that I am. I am ok with that. But he is not as supportive as I would like him to be. I need help and I have asked him, but I just do not think he really understands. I on the other hand am embarrassed that I let myself get this fat and I am disgusted with myself that I cannot get my life back on track. Once upon a time weight loss was so easy for me. Weight Watchers was my life. These days I really do not have the money to dish out on weight loss programs so I am trying to come up with a plan that I can work on for myself.<br /><br />I saw my bestie while we were in Detroit. It had been a good many years since we saw each other and a few years since we had spoken due to a fallen out we had (funny, due to a blog I wrote) and I was seriously thinking about canceling because I was so ashamed of how I looked.<br /><br />I did not even want to go to my own family reunion last month because I just did not want to hear the whispers about my weight. <br /><br />I feel lost, like I really do not know what to do anymore.<br /><br />I know I need to, but am finding it so hard. I blame all the stressors in my life. I try to make a schedule and stick to it, only to have something thrown at me. <br /><br />I am tired of being pushed around. I am tired of having this voice and no one around me listens.<br /><br />Now it is time to take care of me. To live life for me. To find my path in life and start walking it.<br /><br />If someone does not like how I am taking care of me, then they probably do not need to be in my life anyway.<br /><br />No longer will I put up appearances and act as if everything is alright.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62833884128703409742009-07-27T09:06:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:36:07.505-04:00Finally..An Update - What's Up with Chrys? The Birthday Edition(and then some)Finally have some time to write, well not really I should be upstairs working on the kitchen but I need a nice break this morning before I start. I have not written in some time so I wanted to give an update on what has been going on the last few days.<br /><br /><b>Monday July 20 </b>– for those of you who do not know, my mom had a terrible infection in her gums that was making her very ill and worse yet, making her teeth brittle. Because she had moved up here some years ago to take care of her parents until they passed, she was not working an unable to take care of herself. Most of you know the whole ordeal so I won’t go rattling on about it. Long story short, she got the rest of her teeth yanked out and all the infection sucked and scraped out. She has been given temporary dentures, which do not fit her small face, so you know me; I have to pick on her. My mom is a tough lady. Where I would have laid my ass in bed all week, this woman went right back to work the next day. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><b>Tuesday July 21 </b>– Matt and I headed to Tawas to celebrate my birthday. This was also a mini vacation for the both of us to get away and reconnect with each other. Many think because Matt and I work from home that we spend a lot of time together. Sure, we see each other, but we do not spend quality time together. And with jujitsu, air soft, at the time the band, and Madison, we really do not get a lot of time to be alone and have a date night. So, we traveled up north and shut off the cell phones and left the laptops behind. And it was great. As soon as we got there (11am) we made use of the huge Jacuzzi. Not that everyone wants to get in my private life (or maybe some of you do ;) ) Matt and I are pretty big people and we have never been able to take a bubble bath together as we just can not fit in the bath tub that is currently in this house. (the bathroom remodel is next on the list) After we hung out in our room Jacuzzi for a while we took a walk across the street through downtown. We visited all the shops and spent quite a bit of time in this neat little shop that had a ton of knives. I even bought myself a Celtic one. We then had pizza at the famous G’s pizzeria and then next door for Marion’s homemade waffle cones. Cone in hand we walked the dock. It was so nice to just walk around outside and enjoy the sun and each other. We hung around town for a while and then back to the room. Later that night we walked back in to town to watch a movie at an old town theater, Family Theater and saw Harry Potter. Now as you know there is always some adventure that awaits Matt and I and it was only a matter of time before something was about to happen. <br /><br />This theater is SMALL compared to those built today. And the rows are all even with each other, meaning you have to sit behind someone short to see well. It was not completely packed and against the back wall was a church pew, meant for those with small children who might have to leave the theater. A couple of teens sat behind us, with their entire row of friend behind them. Next to the teens is an older lady , I assume she was the grandma as next to her was a couple in their early 20s, but after thinking about it perhaps they were 17 or 18 and the older brother or sister of the teen couple on the other side of the grandma. Anyway, the baby started to cry so the mom took her out. The two teens started to talk to a guy in the row behind them. I hate people to talk consistently in a theater, and it is even worse in a theater like this where it is hard to hear anyway because the sound system is rather old and outdated. So I turned around and asked them if they planned to talk through the whole movie because I did not pay to listen to them and they are ruining the movie could they please shut up. And I turned back around. Well the grandma did not like her people being scolding to so she got right up between Matt and I and screamed in our ears “we have a baby back here” and to which Matt replies “you don’t bring a baby to a movie theater!” They pretty much kept to themselves the rest of the movie. When they didn’t I would turn around and give them a dirty look.<br /><br />Anyway, after the movie we hung around a bit as there was a band playing in the street. Getting sort of tired so we went back to the hotel and went swimming and hit the hot tub. We ordered some food and drinks and sat poolside. A little after 11, spending twelve hours on the town I was ready to call it a night. So we headed back to the room, flipped through the whole 10 channels we had and fell asleep.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday July 22</b> –Happy Birthday to me! We got up pretty early and headed down the Mulligan’s Irish Pub for the famous 99 cent breakfast. Which I got, and Matt ended up with the $4.95 one. But the amount of food you get was great for the price. We talked to the owner a bit and then scooted on out of there. We walked the town again, and then headed over the beach and walked it for a while. The car was packed and our room was set to be cleaned. We were to be checked out by 11. For $30 we could of extended checkout to 6pm but we had already done all there was to do there and did everything we wanted to do. The weather was starting to get rainy so we opted to just head out. We hit the Tawas Museum, which was pretty interesting. I learned more then I ever wanted to know about that little water front town. We ate a fish lunch at Bills Tabernacle, which was really good, and then the hotel was nice enough to let us use the pool area again before we left. We got home about 4 and the first thing we did was lay down and take a nap. We slept for a couple hours. Matt wanted to take me out since it was my birthday, but we had done so much the last two days all I wanted to do was stay home. So, we had a movie marathon in bed and watched three movies. All in all it was a great birthday and even better for us to get away. The pics of the trip are posted.<br /><br /><b>Thursday July 23</b> – today was my grandmother’s birthday. So my mom and I were hoping her spirit would follow us and make us lucky. We headed to Standish to gamble. We won, we lost, we won, we lost, we won and I should have walked away when I was up, but I wanted to play more. I went home with $6 left of my original money and we were their about 8 hours. We stopped at the cheese houses in Pinconning and ate dinner at some place my mom and grandparents used to always eat at, I think it was called Purcell’s. The food was really good. <br /><br /><b>Friday July 24</b> – I had planned to work and get caught up on some things, but Matt and I ended up going and buying his cousins car. We had made the choice that it would be best for me to get out from under my car. I owe $9000 on it, but its only worth $5000. This is sad because it’s a great car. But living with Matt, being a student and trying to scrape by on a writers salary I just can not afford the car payment and insurance. So we thought it best to buy this car. It is hard for me to let my car go. That was the first thing I was able to buy for myself after my divorce, not to mention it’s pretty. We got this car really cheap and it needs some things done to it. It has been in Matt’s family all this time and very well taken care of so he is pretty confident we will get good use out of it. So we had to get a battery and get it over to the tire center to replace a tire. Next comes 3 more tires, mirrors replaced and some other items taken care of. It’s making me feel a little uneasy, being in limbo with two cars right now and trying to transfer stuff over and dealing with my car. But in the end, it will all be worth it as I am tired of stressing about bills and my car stuff.<br /><br /><b>Saturday July 25 </b>– My family reunion. (once I get the rest of the pics I will post them)Took Matt and Madison and Maddy played and played and played. She won 2nd place in a game for the kids, got loaded up with toys and candy. By the end of the day she was a giant mud ball. I won $250, so now the parts for the car can be paid for. YEAH! Matt took Madison over to his moms and tossed her in the pool. She was spending the night. Matt came home and we left for the movies at 9:30. We were going to go to Hamilton to see Know Lyfe but Alfonzo called and said they were not going to be doing the show. So Matt and I headed to see The Ugly Truth. And again, I can not tell you enough about our adventures. Once again I had to yell at people behind me to be quiet. High school kids. One kept whining about having to be home at 12:30 and the other giving a play by play of the entire movie. I had asked them if they planned on talking to through the whole movie. He gave me a smirk and I told him I saw nothing amusing about this. He either whispers quietly so we can’t hear or I will go get management to escort them out then they will be sure to be home by 12:30. At one point he kept asking the others “oh did you hear that?” “NO” was the reply and he would repeat it. I said, “of course they can’t hear what was said because you wont be quiet long enough for any of us to hear.”<br /><br />I hate people. Seriously. Giant theater, tons of empty seats and you have to park right behind me. Let me give you some advice, if you are a talker and you see me in a theater, do not park your ass anywhere near me or I will speak to you.<br /><br />We got home at 11:30 pm. Matt walked in and was griping about how he turned the light all the way off. You see, we have a motion light in our kitchen. When we left the house, it was on. I had Matt put the dogs in their cages since it was close enough to their bed time. Normally we let them roam the house while we are gone. Matt got the light on and he’s talking about how he did not remember turning the light all the way off. I chimed in telling him he could not have because it was on when we pulled out of the drive way.<br /><br />Our house sits in the middle of a cornfield on 2 acres. We have one neighbor, but he is on the other side of an acre or two of corn. We live on busy highway that one direction takes us to Birch Run town and the other in to Frankenmuth. It’s dark as there are no street lights.<br /><br />Once Matt got the kitchen light on I walked into the bedroom and my little closet door was opened, my jewelry cabinet opened, my underwear scattered all over the bed. There is a shower in our bedroom (a little old lady lived their years ago and was unable to get around. This shower goes to the small bath) and the doors were open, all the dressers had been opened, the front door was open, Madison’s little princess table was knocked out of the way, things had been gone through. <br /><br />Matt’s cell phone, laptop, and ipod touch were all right in the kitchen. They were left behind. The cop was on their way when I looked under my bed and saw my fireproof safe was gone. In my little lockbox are all my papers for life. Marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, court things. Even my passport. Those things are hard as hell to replace not to mention he amount of time and money it takes to get new certified copies. Not only that my extra checks, saving account information, old coins and stamps were in there. <br /><br />As soon as the cop showed up, we told him what we knew was missing just from observation. <br /><br />When you open the lid to my jewelry cabinet right on top are real diamond earrings, gold diamond and ruby rings, emerald rings, on the sides carry necklaces of gold, ruby, emerald and diamond. None of that was taken. However, they did take my class ring. How retarded is that? If you are going to steal to pawn why not take the things that are going to make you real money. It makes no sense.<br /><br />They took a dildo. Yeah, I am not ashamed that I have adult toys. And how gross is that to take a dildo someone else has used. What are you going to do with it??? Whatever.<br /><br />So, they climbed in through the office window. Even shut and locked the window behind them. Boot prints were on the desk, the stepped on my laptop, and on to the floor. Picked up Matt’s backpack carried it in to the living room and sat it on top of the dog cages. Nothing was taken out of it. We assume the person checked out Cain and Casey to see if they were a threat. Well not in their cage and if they were out, Casey might have barked, growled and scared him, but I am not so sure Cain would. Never know. Anyway, they went back to Madison’s room, and must have walked right back out then in to our room where they checked everything. After that they headed downstairs, opened the doors down there and left them open, lights on. <br /><br />The cop got a call that my lockbox was 2 miles up the road. A man found it in his driveway. Another cop brought it over and mentioned that the guy has a 16yr old living next door that is quite the trouble maker. I got my box back, with all my papers. My money was still in it, but my stamps and coins were gone. One of each fell out, so at least I have those. <br /><br />Missing stamps from the 1800 to present. Missing coins from France, Canada, Ireland and Spain 1800 to present. Sort of pisses me off as my grandmother gave those to me.<br /><br />I hate stupid people. <br /><br />So all in all, stamps, coins, class ring and a dildo were stolen. Police think something spooked them and so they took the box because generally people keep the most valuable things in a lock box. I am surprise they got the thing open. So much for being unbreakable. I will be taken those papers to the bank and putting them in a safety deposit box! I have learned my lesson.<br /><br />Funny, all those years I lived in Tulsa (or any other place) nothing ever happened to me. Small town…it does.<br /><br />Anyway, our cop is on vacation this week and matt has left for camp so next week we get to go in for fingerprinting and they dusted our house and got prints of the boot prints in the house and outside in the mud. <br /><br />They think they might try to come back since they know we have some valuable stuff here. But no so sure they would try it if someone is home. The police are convinced it was some kids.<br /><br />Guess we will just have to wait and see.<br /><br />Wasn’t much fun trying to sleep alone, even though I had the dogs. I had my knife and baseball bat with me. Had my car alarm ready to go in case I needed to scare them. <br /><br />Anyway, we did not get much sleep Saturday night and then yesterday I spend all day coating the orange walls with primer. Took the handles off the cabinets and scrubbed year’s worth of crap off them because they are getting painted so they match the look of the new kitchen. It took 3 coats of primer so I was only able o get a little bit painted. But it already looks better without that orange. <br /><br />Going to finish the kitchen today and then go on to the adjoining red orange bathroom, and entry way. Once that’s done will do the cabinet handles and then I also have some stuff to redo the counter tops. After that I am going to touch up the main hallways and if I can find the paint, the bad spots in the living room. <br /><br />And, going to get some plastic bins to organize some of Matt’s things. He has tools and stuff scattered all over and we have been talking about putting them all in one place together. As it is stuff is in the garage, barn, basement and kitchen so you can never find anything.<br /><br />Matt is going to come home and wonder what happened to his house! LOL…just kidding, he knows what’s going on. <br /><br />Now then…who wants to come over and help? Better yet, can someone come over and mow the lawn for me???? Heheh<br /><br />Anyway, thanks guys for checking in on me. We are fine, the dogs are fine. A little rattled, but thankful they did not take more or do any damage. <br /><br />We will be looking in to alarm systems and such when he gets back from church camp.<br /><br />Fun times…<br /><br />So that in a nutshell is “What’s up with Chrys? – Birthday Edition”Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72524851415686264442009-07-14T18:04:00.015-04:002011-11-11T19:27:41.265-05:00Tips for Overcoming Writers Block<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=100847&u=465182&m=14766&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/bannerside120-240-ill.gif" /></a>Tips for Overcoming Writers Block<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every writer has been there. No matter what your age or what genre you classify your writing as, their will be (if not already) a day when nothing comes to mind. It is every writers dreadful nightmare and it goes a little something like this:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">blink........blink......blink.......blink<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">Shut up darn it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">blink..blink............blink.......<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">Would you stop already, I know what I am going to say. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">At least I know what I want to say. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">blink..blink............blink.......blink.......<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">What the heck is going on with my cursor?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">Just tormenting me with its blinky blinkity blink.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave me alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">What? What's that you're telling me?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">I need to write? Well, what in the world do you think I am trying to do here? Stop tormenting me. Stop talking to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">blink......blink......blink.......<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">STOP IT!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">Ok, I can not be the only writer in the world who has war with the blank page and their cursor. Blink. I am going to just keep blinking at you until you write something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easy enough to get it to stop blinking, right? So, then why am I having such a hard time of it lately? Usually I am so full of words. But not lately. What happened to me? Writers block? Why? Is writers block for real or merely a figment of our imagination? I know it's not because I don't have anything going on in life to write about. I got tons of stuff I could be writing about. Easy enough then. But, why can't I find my words? It is my words that are lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">I am sending out S.W.A.T. (cue music.....duh na na.........nanananana)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">Ok, maybe you did not have a conversation with your computer as I did when faced with a blanks screen, but what can you do when the words just do not want to flow?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">One of the things I have learned over the years is to just get up and walk away. Sometimes you spend too much time staring at the same piece and you just need to take a break from it. It is always good to let your mind rest and reset itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">If you are staring at a blank screen, talk a walk. Grab a pen, bring a notebook, and just walk. Take notes about what you see. Jot down all the ideas that start to formulate in your mind. Many times all it takes is a simple thought to get the creative juices flowing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">Carry a notebook or handheld device with you at all times. Every time an idea crosses your mind, write it down. Stockpile these for when you need them. When writers block hits pull these out to get your mind unblocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">Websites such as writing-world.com and writinghood.com offer many tips and ideas for writers. When I start to get discouraged and need a little pick-me up I head on over to one of these websites for some insight. Writing World has a writer's block section and the articles have been detrimental in solving writers block. Writinghood offers many tips and articles on how to be a better writer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana Ref","sans-serif";">Don't let writers block get you down. It is a common occurrence and it is unavoidable. Make the most of a block. Enjoying a nice dose of sunshine it usually just what I need to get the words flowing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47698952554781623702009-07-12T17:36:00.000-04:002014-08-01T18:00:40.034-04:00Losing LoveI just can't walk away. I can not turn my back and let you go. I should. Maybe it's what you want. It's what you need. Who knows? But, the reality is...I tried to go, and there you were stopping me. Why? Why did you always stop me? ALWAYS!<br /><br />How many times did we go through this? Think one of us was leaving, for whatever the reason.<br />How many times did you tell them you were afraid to lose me? Afraid that you being so far away would pose a problem that I would find someone closer, perhaps someone better.<br /><br />I don't want closer. I don't want better. I only want you.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I knew this would happen. I just knew it. I wanted to go, to save us from this, and now, here we are. I trusted you, I gave you my all. I didn't want to let you in,but you came in. I put my walls up and you came over them;climbed right on over, and then just tore them down. Maybe I have no one to blame but myself. I should have known better to let you in.<br /><br />Fairy tales are just that, tales. I honestly believed, we could have what we shared, cherish it, just enjoy it for what it was, the rest of our life.<br /><br />Never asking for anything more then what it was. Nothing more then what we had. That was the reality. We each knew the other had a different life. Reality. At times it hit us in the face. But we knew. We knew it would never be more then what it was. We were ok with that. I was ok with that. I never asked you for more.<br /><br />At first, I was sad. I read that first email and my heart just bleeds. I bleed for you. I never bleed for anyone. For myself only. But, here I am, deep in a pool of it. Crimson red. I cry a tear. Then more tears following.<br /><br />Drip Drop, Drip Drop.<br />Falling in that pool of blood.<br />Mixing.<br />Emotions entwined.<br />Entangled.<br />My heart now mangled.<br /><br />I should hide. I shouldn't let you see. Not suppose to let you see. Suppose to be strong. Always strong. Never let them see you cry. Crying only makes them run away. That's what I keep getting told. But, I cant help it.<br /><br />I felt you pulling away. I felt you leaving. You need to go. I don't want you to. Never want you to. But, can't you see?<br /><br />It's what you need to do. All I am gonna do is cause you confusion until you can find your balance in life. Part of me in running away, part of me is pushing you away, and the other part is hanging on to that last little thread. I am selfish when it comes to you. <br /><br />CONFUSED! I am so confused I am not clear. What do I do? What direction should I take?<br />NUMB! I feel numb. I feel empty. Alone. They hear what I am saying...but do they really get me? Does anyone really understand? I am a prisoner in my own mind. In my own life. Behind these walls in which I built. These walls in which you just tore right down, and now, I am left to build them back up again.<br /><br />CAN YOU HEAR ME? Calling out to you?<br /><br />When I replied to that first email there was so much hurt in me. The brutal blow to my heart that you were leaving me. I did not know what to say. My reply was only my way of making things easy for you. I did not want you to know I was hurting. I wanted to hide that from you.<br /><br />I may be hurting, but I understand. I may be angry, but this anger is not towards you. Its just anger about the whole situation in general.<br /><br />No matter how much I talk about walking away sooner, I am glad that you never did. Glad you never let me go. I am thankful for the time I have shared with you. For every day with you was a special gift. Every word from you, embedded in my mind forever to be cherished. <br /><br />So much still there between us.....but, so many things have changed. <br /><br />IRELAND...I am coming home....140 days till my feet are on Irish soil. I realize so much about the trip has changed. But, the purpose still remains. I still have the strong connection to know where I come from, to see all the things that I have so long dreamed to see.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together. ~Author Unknown</blockquote>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17420130787235429252009-07-07T11:25:00.002-04:002011-11-23T21:31:13.895-05:00Chrystal Mahan eHow.com Articles<a href="http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_caca5416-4882-481d-b245-83bf1d6afadf.html">Chrystal Mahan | eHow.com</a><br /><br />Read my goodies on eHow.com a Demand Media Company.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91772630296376460952009-07-05T20:27:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:12:15.602-04:00Another Evening with Shinedown and StaindAnother evening with Shinedown and Staind.<br /><br />This is my 4th time seeing Shindown in 2 years, my 3rd in a year. My second time in a year seeing Staind. Chevelle and Hailstorm were the opening acts. I felt bad that so many people missed HailStorm. Many people do not appreciate a good rocker chick when they hear one. I bet that girl could not have been 90lbs, but she wailed like she was the fat lady singing her final song.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Chevelle was not in rare form. I don’t mind their songs, but I was not blown away by them. Shinedown, well in my eyes they could do no wrong. But I have to say, I am glad Brent finally started to change his speeches in between the songs because they were starting to all sound the same. Staind, well Aaron Lewis did his thing and he sounded better then ever. The last show was in the middle of winter and he had canceled the previous two shows prior to ours because he had no voice. He made our show in Detroit. When he talked you could tell he was sick. He even looked sick. But, it did not show much in his voice. Last night, he wailed. He is one of those performers that are even better live.<br /><br />As usual when Matt and I go out there is always some sort of story as to what happened, and this night did not let us down.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Before I forget, I am working on the pics…what few I took. This concert was at an outdoor amphitheater, DTE Energy …..Otherwise known as Pine Knob. I bought lawn tickets because they were only $12 as opposed to the $30 and $40 pavilion seats. It was great to be able to see the entire stage and watch everyone, but it did not make for great pics even with the zoom Matt has on his camera. So, if you want to see Shinedown up close, check out the pics I took from the Machine Shop….reach out and touch someone ….<br /><br />Ok, back to my story.<br /><br />As it seems, when you accept lawn tickets you also accept the fact you will be sitting on your own blanket, unless you are lucky enough to find small chairs. The website and ticket information said 26 inch height maximum. Fine. Should not have much problem with that. So we finally settle on some nice little chairs. They can be carried easily, even include a zip front pocket with plates and utensils, and a cooler for drinks. At $20 a piece, we thought it would be a good investment. We could take them to other concerts, the zoo, camping, parks, etc. <br /><br />We get to the event center easy enough. Started to load up when a parking lot attendant drove by. Matt decided to say hello, and ask him if our chairs were ok. We had seen people with bigger and smaller chairs walking towards the entry, and mind you NO ONE was walking BACK with chairs.<br /><br />We walked what seemed like five miles just to get to the entrance. So here we are blanket, two chairs, cell phones, cameras and what ever else we could cram in to our pockets. We stand in line, waiting…and waiting…finally get patted down, searched , unroll the blanket to make sure we are not hiding anything, and then she checks all the pockets of the chairs. We are about ready to pass through when her supervisor stops her and makes he measure our chairs. A whopping 18 inches folks! She sits there and tried to tell us they can not be over SIX inches. DOES MY FAT ASS LOOK LIKE IT IS GOING TO FIT IN A MIDGET CHAIR 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND??<br /><br />I bitched. I told her the website said 26 and pointed out all these other chairs coming in.<br /><br />Words came out of my mouth I generally don’t blurt out in public like that. No matter how much I tried to argue with her, that woman was not going to let us in with these chairs.<br /><br />She says, “You don’t have to stand back in line, drop your chairs and just come right to the front of the line.”<br /><br />Fuck her. And fuck this place. Unfortunately for her, I know how to work the customer service system having to be tortured in it for so many years.<br /><br />So, we turn around, and walk the trek back to the car. Glaring at all these people carrying their chairs towards the entrance. Even warning some of them that they might not be able to go in with them. Comparing their chairs against ours. <br /><br />It made me so angry; I really did not want to go back.<br /><br />Oh yes…that is really how angry I was.<br /><br />But wait….it gets even better.<br /><br />We go drop our chairs, walk back, and go right to the front of the line where we were then told to go back to the line. I spit out my words faster then you could take a breath. I was NOT going to stand in line again when these people do not have their shit together. And I proceeded to tell her, we had already been in line thank you very much. And off we went.<br /><br />Wait for it…..wait…..it is coming….<br /><br />As soon as you walk in the entry gates… they are there in all their pretty green glory.<br />Chairs.<br />Mother fucking, yes I have a potty mouth, deal with it…chairs.<br />Chairs bigger then ours.... that the DTE Energy Music Theater rents.<br />$5 per chair plus a $5 deposit.<br /><br />They had a beer bottle sitting in the cup holder.<br /><br />Idea.<br /><br />You got to love Matt when he gets a smart idea. (LOL)<br /><br />He sat that beer bottle on the ground, placing it next to the chair. I then took a picture of that chair for comparison.<br /><br />So, you make us take our chairs back. We watch all these people brining in chairs the same size, if not bigger, but you make US take ours back and then you throw it in our face by teasing us with these chairs for RENT?? Are you kidding me? The buck stops here.<br /><br />We did NOT rent those chairs.<br /><br />So, let me tell you DTE (aka Pine Knob) is awesome. <br />But I have a few more things to get off my chest. <br /><br />We got searched. Metal detector. Purses checked. Pockets empty. Bags checked. All that I was watching.<br /><br />Matt and I picked a pretty good place. Right in front of a mud bog so no one would sit in front of us.<br /><br />However, we ended up in the land of the losers.<br /><br />First off, to my right we had the Pot clan. 20 of them, half of them all related somehow. They blazed at LEAST 11 joints, as Matt and I giggled and counted. <br /><br />In front of us we had this Daughtry wanna be trying to look cool to his 40 year old buddy (he was in his early 20) and his girl. In the first 20 minutes of his arrival he downed 4 Jack Daniels on the rocks. Let’s just say he was not pleasant to sit behind. At one point his ass would not sit down , so I yelled, he tried to cop an attitude, called him an Asshole who had to ruin shit for everyone else…2 seconds later his ass copped a squat and he pretty much stayed their the rest of the night. Funny, someone stood in front of him and he got pissed…uh huh…<br /><br />Now then, to my right were people. And they were pleasant enough. But behind us were the Drunk and Disorderly Crew. Two girls stumbling all over the place and I just knew one of their asses was going to fall on me. And they had this friend with them that thought he was the lead singer to every band and he would jump around and get in peoples faces he did not even know and sing to them, and land on their blankets and dance around and shit.<br /><br />I just do not understand why people can not control themselves at public events. I get that you can drink there, and its fun. I had one, but at $8 a pop, one was enough. I sipped and I enjoyed. If their is a way, alcohol should be limited. I would be fine if it was not served at all. If people can not control themselves, then it should not be. <br /><br />And another thing, where were the damn fireworks?? Who has a 4th of July show with no fireworks??<br /><br />Aside from all the entertainment…I had a great time and the bands rocked. I will see Staind and Shinedown as many times as my bank account will allow.<br /><br />As for the chair incident, I have the names and addresses to all the places I plan on submitting my complaint to. I will keep you posted. I doubt anything will come of it, nor do I really care…but my voice will be heard, you can count on that.<br /><br />Ok…off to get the pics ready to post.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60550346646710587462009-07-05T11:45:00.002-04:002014-07-29T14:21:01.073-04:00The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JacquelynMitchard_TheDeepEndOfTheOcean.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cover of the hardback 1st edition" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/47/JacquelynMitchard_TheDeepEndOfTheOcean.jpg/300px-JacquelynMitchard_TheDeepEndOfTheOcean.jpg" height="456" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JacquelynMitchard_TheDeepEndOfTheOcean.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><br /><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">Have a tissue handy. You will need it for this book. I picked this book from a book club flyer. It had a very brief description. A pretty basic paragraph stating that a woman loses her son, only to have him appear years later. It sounded interesting. This was long before the movie, and long before Oprah had decided to add it to her book club list. Lucky for me, I read the book before I watched the movie. Don't get me wrong, the movie is really good, but it is only a slight comparison to the book. I highly recommend reading this book. You will begin reading and get hooked before the third chapter, and before you know it you've gone through a box of tissues. Never judge a book by its cover, or its title.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">The Deep End of the Ocean begins in June of 1985 with our husband and wife Beth and Pat. Beth is trying to make arrangements for her fifteen year high school reunion. She wants to take the three children Ben, Vincent and Kerry to Chicago for this reunion. Pat thinks this is the extreme, but he will keep this to himself. He is looking forward to having forty-eight hours to himself, to do as he pleases.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">Beth arrives at the hotel to check in, with all three children in tow. She becomes overwhelmed with excitement when she begins to run in to old friends. Just within the first chapter, the author has sucked you in. You, the reader, can begin to imagine the chaos going around all the excitement from the reunion as if you were there yourself. There are bellboys all over getting and bringing in bags. There are people running around trying to figure out where they are to go. There are old classmates screaming with excitement at the site of seeing old friends. Beth is getting frustrated, and has yet to check in. She then asks Vincent to please watch Ben while she goes to the counter to check in. He doesn't really want to, and you are already under the impression he wanted to just stay home with dad. Beth is gone ten minutes at the max. When she returns Vincent is standing alone. He never even noticed Ben's departure.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">The next chapter jumps right in to tracking Ben. And for pages and pages, we have no luck. Hours go by. Days go by turning into months, then years. Vincent begins to get pushed aside. And as he gets older, he can't seem to keep himself out of trouble. He spends his entire life thinking it was his fault Ben was lost. Pat blames only Beth, and the marriage begins to take a turn for the worst. Beth, tries to go on with life, and only blames herself. She must also live with the fact that everyone deep down blames her as well. </span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">Life has gone on, without Ben. The hope is still there, but it has been ten years. Statistically kids are not found, dead or alive, after a few years. Beth has poured herself into her photography, just to deal with life. She has developed a wonderful eye. This is a key element in the finding of Ben. </span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">One day, out of nowhere, this boy shows up and wants to cut the grass. You know she sees something in the boy's eyes. You can feel exactly what she is feeling. Is it possible? Is this Ben? She tells the kid to come back, and she begins asking where he came from. He's not so new in town, and lives right down the road. He comes back to mow the lawn and she is sneaking pictures of him, comparing him. She contacts the law...and off they go.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">We learn the boy from down the street is her missing son, Ben. How can we all deal with the fact that he was right under our noses all along? To know how this all came about - you have to read the book. In real life, this is a million to one chance of ever happening. That is one crucial point to keep you interested. Ben comes home. Ten years later. Says good-bye to the life he knew, and hello to one he does not. Everything happens so fast, no one can catch up.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">The remainder of the book tries to catch up. It details everyone's life now that Ben is back. Life has changed and is turned upside down, just as it was ten years ago when he vanished. </span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">You have to read the book for the rest! A definite page turner.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.760000228881836px; margin-bottom: 1.875em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">(C)C.M. - This article was originally published <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">on Helium, which has closed</a>. Article is no longer published online and has now found its new home here.</div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e454c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.760000228881836px; margin-bottom: 0.625em; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88665885555103082162009-06-30T18:44:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:11:50.549-04:00Yeah for Garage Sales!In an honest effort to make some changes I decided instead of buying things we don't need and searching for clothes that do not fit we would buy things that would help our lifestyle. The husband and I love to take kiddo to garage sales on Saturday mornings. We save our change all week-long so that she has "monies" for purchases. She gets to pick the things she wants and count out her money to buy. It helps her learn about money and purchases and she has a lot of fun with it. Lately we have been buying her a lot of clothes. Since she is only with us on the weekends most of her belongings are at her mothers. We try to limit her toys as her room is overflowing!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I really wanted to find a working VCR so that I can use my Walk Away the Pounds, Taebo, Richard Simmons (don't laugh!), Pilates and yoga videos again. They were very helpful years ago when I was on this weight loss journey. I have a couple on DVD and some downloaded to my computer, but I do not like those as well, aside from Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred, which makes me feel like a weakling. LOL!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><br />A VCR was not to be found, however Big M and I found 2 practically brand new bikes. The owners bought them, stored them in a shed because the husbands parents gave them their old ones which were much better. They have a little rust and flat tires, but nothing that can not easily be fixed.<br /><br />I am very excited about these bikes as we were able to get them both for $35! A bargain!<br /><br />We love bargains.<br /><br />Sadly, it’s been raining every day since we got them. Poop.<br /><br />On another note, I have been tracking my food intake for the last 3 days on <a href="http://sparkpeople.com/">sparkpeople.com</a>. It is hard for me to get used to as I am used to tracking points in a journal with my Weight Watchers stuff. Since that is easier for me, I still have 99% of the stuff memorized, I might go back to doing it the “old fashioned” way. I know WW has changed a lot in the last few years as they always update their program. It worked for me just fine back then; it should work just as good for me now.<br /><br />*fingers crossed*<br /><br />I will still stay on sparkpeople.com because the site is just awesome and I can still enter my food there as well. This will help me stay accountable. I am just not used to counting calories and fat and finding it a little overwhelming when planning meals and such. Hopefully it will get easier with time.<br /><br />Got some work to do, just wanted to post a quick update.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18529546952328399132009-06-30T14:16:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:20:01.550-04:002006: As I Sit Here All AloneOriginally Written in 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">As I sit here all alone.............I wonder how did I end up this way?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">Did I take the wrong path in life?...............Or maybe just a wrong turn. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">Whichever. I wonder if I will ever find my way back. Is there a way back?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">You see this smile on my face. You see I am bright and full of life, your sunshine. Makes me look as if everything is ok. The truth is...its fake!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">I am not happy, here in this place that I am.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Batang;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">I have tried to sort it out. Lord, how I have tried. But all I got accomplished was an even bigger mess in my head. Will the answer become clear? What is it that I am supposed to do? I don’t know what to do or say, to make my pain go away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">I am so confused, so torn. In this case, I don’t think the truth will set me free. Just let me be. Let me be me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">Every day it’s the same old story. I have to get out of this situation that I am in. I just keep digging, and pushing myself deeper...deep within.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">Why does this have to be real? Could this not be something I only imagined? Why can’t it be just a dream? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">Why not then, all those years ago? Why now? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">I hate that it seems you are in control. Hate. It drives me mad. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mad.</st1:place></st1:country-region> <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mad.</st1:place></st1:country-region> <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mad.</st1:place></st1:country-region> I hate that I have this need for you. This want. This desire. For my soul. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">I hate the way life throws you a curveball and then leaves you standing left on the plate. You stare out into the open field wondering should you run for home plate or stay where you are. Which is the best option? Will I be pushed out or will I stand solid?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">These thoughts they rattle around in my head like marbles in a jar. I here them clanking against my skull, clank..clank..clank..like the marbles hitting the glass. Can others here this jumbled cornucopia or am I all alone here?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">The dust has not settled yet…I am still standing here. Waiting…hoping…as no one wants to hate. Hate is such a strong word with minimal meaning to so many. Why does one even bother hating? Do you not feel it is a waste of time? So why are we even programmed with that emotion?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">All these questions rattle around in my head like marbles in a glass jar. I wish one of those marbles could speak. Show me the way to smiles. More smiles I say. Less hatred and anger. Maybe a marble will fall out and I can throw it towards home plate. Give me some direction. Marbles could be the new tea leaf. Someone, read my leaves, tell me my future. Don’t keep me going like this.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang;">(revised June 30, 2009)<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2051584215666386802009-06-25T21:17:00.000-04:002014-07-03T18:12:08.340-04:00I Have to Do It This Time<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a data-mce-href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqW5FHqdiBM/T1KxD-ToFlI/AAAAAAAAAw0/AjlRjy7neLc/s1600/OKIRISHCHIK+s+SparkPage+++Irish+Chiks+Weight+Loss+Journey.png" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqW5FHqdiBM/T1KxD-ToFlI/AAAAAAAAAw0/AjlRjy7neLc/s1600/OKIRISHCHIK+s+SparkPage+++Irish+Chiks+Weight+Loss+Journey.png"><img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqW5FHqdiBM/T1KxD-ToFlI/AAAAAAAAAw0/AjlRjy7neLc/s320/OKIRISHCHIK+s+SparkPage+++Irish+Chiks+Weight+Loss+Journey.png" height="139" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqW5FHqdiBM/T1KxD-ToFlI/AAAAAAAAAw0/AjlRjy7neLc/s320/OKIRISHCHIK+s+SparkPage+++Irish+Chiks+Weight+Loss+Journey.png" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I Have to do it this Time</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I have to. There is no way around it.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">My weight has always been a battle for me.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Those who went to high school with me saw this. I started Junior High and High School as, for lack of a better word, a fattie. Towards the end of my freshman year I went on <a data-mce-href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">NutriSystem</a> (yes it has been around that long!) and would go to the center every week to be weighed, have counseling and get my new food for the week. I really enjoyed the food and took great pride in achieving my goals and feeling better about myself. I got down to an all time low of about 120-125. For me, this was gross on my larger frame and after a few years I settled around 150. By college I was up to 175 and did the whole phen-fen diet to drop back down to 150. I stayed in between 160-170 for a while then moved on up to 180. I was still a size 14 so I was ok with that. I was very active and healthy. After college I got an office job and my weight slowly crept up over the 200 mark. My office did the Weight Watchers at work program and once that was over (as it is only 6 weeks) I continued to go to meetings at the college. In two years I lost over 80 lbs, made life time member and was running upwards of 10 miles a day. Then, back problems hit and the running came to a halt and it was back to exercise videos and walking on the treadmill. Shannon (Perkins City Hall) and I tried a few times to motivate each other and use Sparkpeople.com. I had signed up many years ago when it was free the first time, I quit when it started to make people pay. Now, it is free again... ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">But, life started to get in the way. Deaths, divorce, moving, depression, job changes, and just life in general was enough to make any person’s stress level go off the deep end. I could go on and on. I tried <a data-mce-href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem" target="_blank">NutriSystem</a> again and just could not stomach the food (gross) and so over the last few years I have tried a diet and failed. Knowing I needed to go back to Weight Watchers was upsetting because I just can not afford to go back to meetings. Even though I am a lifetime member I am still over my goal weight and would have to pay to go back. I still have my materials, but the thought of having to count points again really makes me want to vomit.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I think back, WW and the whole points system controlled me life. I was addicted to laxatives for a long time and had bouts of bulimia. I did get treatment for the depression and everything else that surrounded my past, but I never told anyone about the laxative addiction.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Food has been my drug of choice. When I was younger I ate to hide the pain of what my dad did to me. I ate to keep people away. I ate to cure boredom. I ate for all the wrong reasons. I have most of that under control. I won’t lie; there are times when I still binge. I am addicted to food.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I want to control my food now; I no longer want it to control me.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Yesterday I had to go to the doctor. It has been a year since my last visit. My blood pressure was good, so that made me feel better as it has been really high for so long. However, my weight….all time high. I can no longer ignore the fact that my clothes are getting a little snug. My cardio sucks; my back hurts all the time and I don’t sleep well. My doctor told me I have got to lose some weight.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Today I am back on <a data-mce-href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/register.asp?from=friend&ReferredBy=1398702" href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/register.asp?from=friend&ReferredBy=1398702" target="_blank">sparkpeople.com</a>. I have a small spiral to jot down my food intake in case I am not near the PC to record my foods. I have a book with all the nutritional values in it so that I can carry that around with me. In time I might convert back to Weight Watchers, but not at the moment. I have cleaned up my treadmill and it is ready to go. (Now if only I was!) My VCR is dead and sadly all my exercise videos are on VHS, so I will be looking for some exercise videos online until I can get a new one or just buy some DVDs. (but I love my videos! Hahah)</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">This blog is really hard to write. I share pretty much all of my life (although I have been slacking lately) and talking about my weight is embarrassing.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">It is time for me to make some changes. I can not keep going at the rate I am going. I need to be strong and healthy. For me, myself and I. The rest is just a bonus.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I have a feeling I will be blogging more as I find it does really help to talk about these things.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Maybe some of you will have some tips and motivation to share along the way.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">.. ..</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">~Chrys~</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59713266667829305442009-06-25T09:46:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:10:43.774-04:00Good Ole Yahoo<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I see half of my blogs from 360 did not make it over here, go figure. It says my last blog was 32 months ago..hahah...good old yahoo.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25941845403062572402009-06-09T16:18:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:10:25.804-04:00Good-Bye 360We all knew it was a matter of time, we all saw it coming even in the early days. But yet we continued to move along and make the best of things.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now it is official. As of July 13, 2009 Yahoo 360 , otherwise known as 360 Blogville will finally be closing its doors after 4 years and everyone is requested to move over to the new Yahoo Profile. You can blog and comment, which is sort of a Twitter type thing.<br /><a name='more'></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am upset to see 360 go for a couple of reasons. I am a very sentimental person and there are quite a few emotional attachments involved in letting something such as this go. Odd, that something like this could cause me such emotion; but there you have it. Saying goodbye to 360 is making me very emo.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Four years ago we all embarked on this journey. I have met some wonderful people on 360 that are still in my life today. Others have come and gone, but they have left their footprints in my life. I have watched people get married, others divorce (me included), and some people battled cancer and WON! , other did not (R.I.P. Elonna), I saw children being brought in to this world, and regretfully I saw others leave it. I have seen murder (R.I.P. Terry) but I gained a brother (Joey) so even though we all complained about all of 360s faults, without it I would not have met all the people that I did, and quite possibly I would not have found my voice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">360 gave us all a platform to be our self, whether that was our true self or we acted out this persona of this person we really wanted to be. We shared stories. We shared in the laughter and the tears. We learned that in this big huge world we did not have to be alone. I learned that despite my past I can and will be a better person. Some of us struggled and we were there, holding each other’s hands. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">360 made a huge impact on my writing. I was able to openly share my work as others did. We made comments, offered suggestions and we grew from it. I have seen some amazing talent over the last few years and it has been a honor to cross paths with all of you!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over time many of us got fed up with 360 and all its faults so we ventured into new territory. Myspace, Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, TagWorld, Multiply, etc. And there we met more people and a network began.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I say goodbye to 360 and all the memories it holds, I look forward to keeping my voice and sharing more stories, laughter, tears, trials and tribulations of life. Looking forward to new memories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68320069009835237882009-05-28T19:42:00.001-04:002014-07-29T18:13:42.564-04:00Working from Home<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVJwCbsvu9Q/U9gcfD1yg9I/AAAAAAAASE4/KgJxYnuZimE/s1600/my+joys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVJwCbsvu9Q/U9gcfD1yg9I/AAAAAAAASE4/KgJxYnuZimE/s1600/my+joys.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>Ranked #5 out of 55 as of 5/28/2009 on Helium. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2014/06/heliumcom-is-closing.html" target="_blank">Which is now closing.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ahh the glamour. Hanging around in your pajamas all day while you sit comfortable at your desk eating snickers and cheese-its while chatting with your friends in IM. You smell your freshly brewed coffee and realize that you really have no boss standing over you, breathing down your neck.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The career we all dream of. No one to watch over us, no cubicle mates gossiping about whom they saw last night and to whom they were out with, and no one making google eyes at the water cooler.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here you are, feet propped up, staring blankly at the computer screen wondering just where you should start with the day’s projects. The next thing you know you look at that little clock down in the right hand corner and its noon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">NOON!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before you know it, 4 hours have passed and you have done nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Freedom!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is why everyone wants to work from home, isn’t it? To be free to work and do as you please.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, sometimes this new found freedom can be a tad bit overwhelming.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is important that you set a daily goal list. In this daily goal list I recommend not only writing down what you would LIKE to get done, but what HAS to be done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cross things off as you go along. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Make a routine. Start work at the same time every day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Spend some time clearing out your email accounts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get rid of all your spam. Items that do not pertain to your work day should be set aside until later. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find what works best for me is to reward myself once I have completed a task. Then I take a small break and reply to a few personal emails. This way, work has been done, I feel better and I am no overloaded with tons of emails at the end of the work day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another trick that works well for me is having my IM set to “busy:working “that way, if someone personal tries to IM me and I give them a “Hey I am working, talk later” message I do not feel so bad for being short. I have work to do as I am sure they do as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not only are you the employee you are the boss and you have to act like one. All the responsibilities lie on your shoulders and you can no pass along jobs to someone else. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Working from home is almost like book camp, you have to be tough and buckle down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t get me wrong, it does have its advantages. You don’t have to commute, you can work in your PJ’s, no one is going to care if you wake up with a huge zit on your head, it is ok to be a few minutes late and no one will be staring at you if you walk in all red eyed from the night before. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I have any words of advice for those about to walk into the world of working from home it would be “Buckle up soldier, you have a lot of work to do!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50697829885933220412009-05-21T12:06:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:10:04.279-04:00Happy Birthday<div class="MsoNormal">Happy Birthday to That Man of Mine</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, Matthew turns the big 3-0!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczE5My5waG90b2J1Y2tldC5jb20vYWxidW1zL3oxMTkvdG12YW5kdXNlbi8="><img border="0" src="http://th193.photobucket.com/albums/z119/tmvandusen/th_30.gif" title="tmvandusen" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The end of the 20’s, but the beginning of the 30’s, speaking from experience, isn’t so bad!</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We fight like cats and dogs.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczE5My5waG90b2J1Y2tldC5jb20vYWxidW1zL3oxMTkvdG12YW5kdXNlbi8="><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are the same, but yet so different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is the ying to my yang.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is a big pain in my butt….</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I love him anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I sit here thinking about all the stuff we have been through , I have to honestly say that so far this has been the hardest relationship I have ever had to live through.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Times get tough. We have a lot of separate issues that have joined together to form a communal list of even more issues.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I know, deep down, I love him. And at this point in life, I can not imagine my life without him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even if he does give me a rash.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Even if he is stinky gross boy sometimes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even when he sings off key.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">But mostly when he makes me smile.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Birthday.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love you.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And I look forward to spending many more with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">PS. You can start planning my birthday now (you only have 2 months). I want Shinedown tickets and a new tattoo J</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6848168733731707842009-05-03T13:01:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:09:52.050-04:00Remembering Elonna ~Happy Birthday<div align="center"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczU2LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvZzE5Ny90aGVva2lyaXNoY2hpay9NeSUyMFBhbHMvRWxvbm5hLz9hY3Rpb249dmlldyZhbXA7Y3VycmVudD0xMTYxMDE4NzQ0X2wuanBn" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Elonna/1161018744_l.jpg" /></a><br />May 3, 1977 - Sept 23, 2007<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Remembering Elonna</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We should all know the song and dance…Birthday, remember her life. The day of her passing, I still remember her life. I do not know how long I will do this. I guess it just makes me feel better to be able to share with all of you her days. Knowing many of you knew her, we can all take a minute to remember together.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> I know a day will come when I let the day pass me by, I will think about it always, but maybe a blog will pass me by. Until that time, here I am. Remembering. Her smile. Her warmth. How she never judged you or ever made you feel like anything you did was worthless or a mistake. It was an honor being her friend and I will forever cherish the time I spent with her. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">To quote Elonna…”Now pass me the rum, it’s my birthday!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlcy9jYXB0YWluJTIwbW9yZ2Fu" target="_blank"><img alt="captain morgan Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd261/spencer91806/captain_morgan.jpg" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52139325680553678932009-05-01T16:44:00.000-04:002011-11-12T16:46:01.246-05:00Weegy is My Friend<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://http//www.weegy.com?r=0D5346CB">Weegy.com</a> is a community-based expert system that belongs to all of us. Got a question? Go to </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">weegy.com</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">. Have a problem? Go to </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">weegy.com</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">. Weegy will usually have the answer (or </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">an</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> answer, at least). She will possibly become the most respected authority in the world on all subjects…and she is getting smarter every day…</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24166568474692400822009-04-28T13:45:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:08:52.390-04:00Everyone Is Invited!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SfdFvIR4O-I/AAAAAAAAACk/rGrv1G693Kg/s1600-h/i.cfc.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SfdFvIR4O-I/AAAAAAAAACk/rGrv1G693Kg/s200/i.cfc.jpeg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329805359994911714" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 100px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />Saturday May 23, 2009<br /><br />Come help us celebrate Matt's 30th Birthday :)<br /><br />Grilling starts around 1pm, bonfire at dusk, and all you UFC fans, we will be hosting the fight.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Hopefully a keg will be provided, but please BYOB. Hamburgers and hotdogs, perhaps some steaks will decorate the grill. Matt has requested no gifts, but instead, how about a side dish and munchies? Perhaps s'mores for the bonfire???<br /><br />Would love to see you ALL there!!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39369261304035431712009-04-27T13:09:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:08:36.189-04:00Do You Wonder?Do you wonder sometimes why you even bother getting out of bed? I do. Quite often. For those of you who know my past, try not to be alarmed. I have way too much on my plate to slide back to that life. But some days I just want history to repeat itself so I can hibernate for 6 months. Staying in bed is just fine with me.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60855004872692951802009-04-13T14:49:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:08:10.711-04:00Fighting a Losing Battle<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><img src="http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/etienne92/icons/scream.png" /></span></div>..................<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><style><!--.r{}@font-face{font-family:"Cambria Math";panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;mso-font-charset:0;mso-generic-font-family:roman;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;}@font-face{font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;mso-font-charset:0;mso-generic-font-family:swiss;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}.r{}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal{mso-style-unhide:no;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}.MsoChpDefault{mso-style-type:export-only;mso-default-props:yes;font-size:10.0pt;mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;}@page Section1{size:8.5in 11.0in;margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;mso-header-margin:.5in;mso-footer-margin:.5in;mso-paper-source:0;}div.Section1{page:Section1;}</style></div>-->..<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Fighting a<br />Losing Battle....</span><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">.. ..</span><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Sometimes in life you have to realize when you are fighting a losing<br />battle and just bow out gracefully.....</span></i><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I thought of that quote the other night as I silently<br />retreated to the bedroom after another night that ended in tears, generally the<br />ending to another disaster.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We say things, we do things. We scream, we rant, and we<br />rave. We get nowhere.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At what point do you say enough is enough and walk away<br />gracefully? How many times can you say “I will try” and yet nothing changes. It<br />is always constant and always the same. Do you start to believe “it will get<br />better?” and honestly think it will?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once again I feel like I am in the middle of a battlefield.<br />It’s a place I know only too well. The difference is I am not sure this is a<br />battle I want to fight anymore.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So that leaves me once again (yeah I know, repetitive)<br />questioning love in all its grand glory.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Love is NOT supposed to be hard. It is suppose to be easy<br />(Right??? Can’t someone help me out here?).<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am physically and mentally beat down and exhausted.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I honestly do not even know what to say at this point.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I try to keep moving forward. I want more then anything for<br />this situation to work. But I do not know how .<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know 99.9% of you want us to work things out, get past our<br />troubles and look forward to that beautiful future we have planned together.<br />Awesome. Do you have a road map for us on how to get there? As for the other<br />0.1% of you, you know who you are. Just waiting for me to walk away so you can<br />prance at a moments notice. Sorry to disappoint you, but that wont be<br />happening. Matt loves me heart and soul. And I am madly in love with him. That<br />is something I do not take lightly. However these roadblocks are putting feelings<br />inside our souls that we do not really want to be dealing with.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And for those of you sitting there, biting your nails<br />thinking to yourself “Oh my God I can not believe she is saying this stuff!”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHO CARES!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These are my words. This is my voice. It is my life.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4436585972625130542009-04-12T10:05:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:07:57.650-04:00In the Middle of a Breakdown........<div class="MsoNormal">I keep saying I am going to get back to blogging, but I don’t and there is a reason for that. A reason that really is not fair to most of you. I have started to hide my life. I have painted a pretty picture and I guess I want to keep it that way. I pick and choose my words carefully as to not let too much be known.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t do this for myself, but mostly for Matt. Over the past few months my MySpace and Facebook have become flooded with his friends and family. Which, I think it great. It has become a great tool for us to interact with each other. But it also gives them a false sense of who I really am. And because I don’t want to be judged, I have held back my writing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In real life and on paper I have always been vocal. I say what I want and what I feel. I do not<br />sugar coat things. If something bothers me, I am going to tell you. If I don’t like something, I will let you know. But I find myself biting my tongue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not any more. I can not hold things in. It is not who I am.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />I guess you could say writing is sort of like therapy for me.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Let me explain…..</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a writer. It’s what I do. I write for me and for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />You being, all my friends and family that is so far away from me. You being who ever else lands upon my page and wants to read it. Many of you have been here for the long haul. Some of us<br />going on 5 years in the blogging world, some of you guys - we have been friends<br />pretty much my whole life, others, not so much. And that is ok, you are here<br />now. Sharing everything life has to offer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We paint a pretty picture. Matt and I met at a really down point in our lives. Michigan has not been good to me and it has been one roller coaster hill after another. He’s got his<br />own stuff going on. And we didn’t exactly wait for the dust to settle before moving<br />in together. On the surface, things are good. But right now there are just a<br />lot of things going on with us separately and together. Matt doesn’t write about it and I haven’t been talking about it. So it’s like this dark circle that’s hanging over my head on<br />a daily basis.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What to do, what to say. Pick and choose my words carefully.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m in the middle of a personal breakdown. I feel like I am<br />fighting a losing battle and I have no idea what to do about it anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will get in to all of that later. Maybe tomorrow’s blog.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, I just want to wish you all a Happy Easter. You, yes you! And you…and you.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I would like to tell you I have this great and fabulous day planned. But I do not. Matt will be going with his mom to her family. I will not be participating. My family is going off in different directions. Most of you know I am not a holiday person anyway so it really is not a big deal to me.<br />Most people do not celebrate the true meaning of Easter, and that’s fine. Those that do, good! Keep on doing that. Those that don’t and prefer the more Hallmark aspect of it, good for you as well. Do what works for you. I did not grow up with family around me so we did not make a big deal out of holidays. I have no thoughts/ideas/feelings about it one way or another. I am not religious so that part of it holds no bearings on me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s nothing personal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want a bit of History for the day, google “Easter<br />Rising 1916.” Those are the things I think about. Those are things that matter<br />to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">What is a big deal to me is my school. And I feel that some people just can not understand what it is like so I am going to take a minute to explain it. I do go to a REAL college. I just do not travel to campus</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">and sit in a classroom for hours a day. I have been there and done that. My classes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">are all online. And they run in 6 weeks sessions instead of the traditional 16 week semesters. So , not only do I have to force myself to read and study on my own, giving myself “class time” like I was actually sitting in class, I have to do HOMEWORK EVERY DAY! I have papers to write, problems to work on, essays questions to deal with as well as daily participation in a virtual class room. I do NOT have time to constantly run around and do things (not that I really have the money to do so anyway, which is a whole other blog).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />This has become a problem in my life. It has become hard for people around me to grasp this concept. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If I shut you out, it’s not because I don’t want to talk or hang out it is because I CAN’T!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So, I CAN’T participate in Easter shenanigans as much as I would like to.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I quit college once for someone, I am not about to do it again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And every time I get guilted into doing something when I should be studying, my homework pays the price. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I can’t let this happen. I did not make the Deans List for running around playing. I made the Deans List by working hard and being committed to my education. I am trying to do something with my life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I am sorry if that bothers some of you, but this is how my life has to be. I am not the smartest person in the world, I have to work at it, and I have to work hard. That means giving up some things in my life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It’s nothing personal, but it is how my life has to be right now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So while my nose is buried deep in the books…maybe taking some time to work on my website…..I hope you guys are doing what ever it is you love to do. Whether it’s spending the day with family, heading off to church, eating like its Thanksgiving, working, or just taking a special day for you, just enjoy it. And do it because YOU WANT TO!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Until next time………</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div>You know where to find me.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29617889419374600972009-04-01T08:45:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:07:11.354-04:00The Truth About Being IrishThis was written by a friend of mine...<br /><br />Ah 'The Luck of the Irish.' Has a crueler phrase ever been coined? The sad truth is, the Irish are about as unlucky as a race can be while, you know, still being white.<br /><br /><br />While we may all be a little Irish on Saint Patrick's day, after this little history lesson you'll be grateful you no longer have to be Irish once your liver has filtered the green food dye out of your system (and if you actually are Irish, well, fuck it! )<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>#6.</b><br /><b>The Damned Vikings</b><br /><br />Historically the best protection a civilization can have against invasion is to be located on an island. Just look at Japan. Until being occupied by America following World War II (USA! USA!) it had never been successfully invaded (although you could argue the high density of ninjas in the country had something to do with it).<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />At any rate Ireland is an island, they should have had it made, right?<br /><br />But what if around the 8th century a civilization living not far from Ireland were to develop a culture based on seafaring warfare, piracy and sporty horned helmets? Oh shit ... ... here come the Vikings.<br /><br />The Vikings' modus operandi was to attack exclusively from the sea, pillage, rape and burn then sail off while trading hearty high fives and congratulatory butt slaps. In other words Ireland being an island nation, something traditionally of great advantage, ended up being a first-night-sober-after-an-alcoholic-binge sized nightmare.<br /><br />Today we have a fairly harmless image of Vikings (due to the poor research that goes into Hagar the Horrible) but trust us when we tell you that the real Vikings were grade-A dicks.<br /><br />They were basically the bullies of the middle ages, and like that poor red-headed kid that spent most of middle school stuffed in his locker, the Irish were the Vikings' favorite targets and spent over 200 years being metaphorically swirlied~<br /><br /><b>#5.</b><br /><b>The Ginger Problem</b><br /><br /><br />Speaking of red hair ...<br /><br />In the Middle Ages, red hair was thought to mean you were a witch, werewolf or a vampire, so apparently there was a time in history other than our own where the sight of David Caruso would have been considered the ultimate horror. For other stretches in history, red hair was believed to mean one was surely a whore or had a wicked awful temper (later research has shown only around 60% of redheads are angry whores).<br /><br />And even if you didn't fall victim to the superstitious associations with the world's rarest hair color, you certainly wouldn't enjoy some of the crappier consequences of having low levels of dark pigmentation. Like burning to a blistered, bubbly crisp when spending 15 minutes in the sun. Or ending a day at the beach with ungodly spots all over your face and ears and back and shoulders.<br /><br />And if Al Gore knows what he's talking about at all, most of the world's redheads should be constructing a vast underground bunker for themselves as we speak, if they know what's good for them.<br /><br />Of course this would only sort of suck if these creatures, most vulnerable to the rays of our otherwise life-giving sun, weren't also the most sensitive to pain. Seriously.<br />By the way, which country has the world's highest concentration of redheads? Oh right, Scotland~<br /><br />We suppose it has a better ring to it than 'God hates Irish people' but as far as appropriate national slogans go, 'The luck of the Irish' isn't far behind 'The easy and high paying jobs of the Mexicans~<br /><br /><b>#4.</b><br /><b>The Damned Tudors</b><br /><br />Folks really seem to love the Tudors, the English dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603 and included monarchs like King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. You seemingly can't swing Anne Boleyn's decapitated head without hitting a new TV show or movie starring either Henry VIII or Elizabeth, most of which focus on what Henry's penis happened to be doing while he was king or how Elizabeth made it in a man's world baby. But what was arguably the Tudor's favorite pastime is almost always overlooked.<br />What was that you ask? Why brutally suppressing Ireland and trying to wipe out Irish culture of course!<br /><br />Yes, once again Lady Luck had pissed in the Irish's stew. The Tudor line came to power when Henry VII defeated Richard III in the War of the Roses (a war that was a lot longer, more bitter and bloody than it's fruity name implies) and true to form the Irish had supported the losing side. Whoops.<br /><br />From that point on the Tudors saw Ireland as a possible threat and a geographically vulnerable location. So they spent the next 100-years or so violently beating on the Irish like Moe on Curly.<br /><br />Elizabeth in particular, contrary to the heroic soft-lit portrayal of her you see in the two 'Elizabeth' movies, was one supreme bitch when it came to Irish. While trying to subdue Ireland, Elizabeth ordered the English to use scorched-earth tactics, burning the land and slaughtering man, woman and child. This caused widespead famine and countless thousands died from starvation alone.<br /><br />She also set up plantations across Ireland populated with Protestant English settlers, the idea being that these would be the seeds from which English Protestantism would spring forth and overtake traditional Irish Catholic culture.<br /><br />What could go wrong with that? ~<br /><br /><br /><b>#3.</b><br /><b>The Life and Ridiculous Death of Wolfe Tone</b><br /><br /><br />Wolfe Tone (1763 - 1798), besides being the proud owner of one of the most kick-ass names ever to grace a history book, was an Irish-born lawyer and the father of the Irish Republican independence movement. Some have even called him the Irish George Washington. Of course, since this is the Irish George Washington we're talking about, he didn't valiantly lead his forces to victory, founding an independent nation that would go on to become the most powerful in the world. Instead, Wolfe Tone stayed true to his roots and was repeatedly kneed in the testicles by ol' Lady Luck.<br /><br />Irish Washington co-founded the Society of United Irishmen, whose goal was to get the Catholic and Protestant factions of Irish society to unite their powers Marvel Team-up style to defeat their Dr. Doom-esque English overlords. Unfortunately for the fate of a free Ireland, Wolfe decided to ally himself with ... the French.<br /><br />Thus, they formed a true dream-team combining the rotten luck of the Irish with the military incompetence of the French. When Tone launched an invasion from France to free Ireland from the English, the luck of the Irish kicked in immediately, sending gales and fog to meet the French fleet whose ships of course all promptly sunk or turned sail and ran away.<br /><br />Tone and the French made a few more attempts to invade Ireland with a similar lack of success until finally Wolfe Tone was taken prisoner when the English captured his ship. Tone's captors didn't even recognize him and he most likely would have gotten away if Lady Luck hadn't, in a last ditch effort, managed to deliver a flying dropkick to his nuts yet again. By sheer shit luck, while stepping off the prison boat he happened to be witnessed by a lawyer he had faced off against several times back when he was practicing law, who still held a grudge and ratted him out.<br /><br />Tone was charged with treason and sentenced to death. All Tone requested was that he be given what he considered a more honorable death -- firing squad instead of hanging. The English, presumably just to be pricks, insisted that hanging was the only way to go. So Tone, in a ballsy but perhaps strategically ill-considered move, countered by cutting his own throat.<br /><br />English plans to get the last laugh by dressing Tone's corpse in women's clothes and shooting it out of a cannon were fortunately called off when they couldn't find a gown in his size~<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>#2.</b><br /><b>The Freaking Potato Famine</b><br /><br /><br />Even by their standards the Irish were going through a bit of a rough patch in the mid-1800s. The people were dirt poor and almost all Irish land was owned by Englishmen (most of whom would never even set foot on Ireland lest their boots be sullied by inferior non-English soil). The English made sure the best land was used to graze cattle for British consumption, and only the leftover scraps were left to grow food for the apparently somewhat unimportant purpose of actually feeding the Irish.<br /><br />But wait, not all is lost! Enter the potato, that most manly of vegetables. It can be grown nearly anywhere in large quantities, is full of energy and nutrients and is pretty freakin' tasty baked with a nice cheese sauce, bacon bits and chives. So to sum up, through a unique and twisted set of circumstances the survival of the Irish people was entirely dependent on these edible roots. What could possibly go wrong? What, haven't you been paying attention so far? This is Ireland we're talking about here.<br /><br />Not only did the potato crop completely fail, but it failed for seven straight years, from 1845 to 1851. Before the famine Ireland had a population of around 8 million. After the famine it was less than 6 million (half of the 2 million died, the other half wisely got the hell out of Ireland).<br /><br />To this day Ireland's population has still not come close to regaining the number of people they had back in 1847~<br /><br /><b>#1.</b><br /><b>The Easter 'Rising'</b><br /><br />Americans have nothing to brag about when it comes to the American Revolution. It's likely we would have lost if France didn't bankrupt and starve themselves to help us out (in order to spite England. What, you thought French pettiness was something new?) But the Irish, no doubt due to their impetuous and rash nature, didn't really plan this particular revolution very well.<br /><br />The plan was to take over Dublin from Great Britain. It was the week of Easter in 1916 and English were busy with some 'World War I' business or something, so perhaps we can only assume the Irish rebels imagined they would be too war-weary to bother with a few freckle-faced malcontents. On paper it sounds like not a bad plan.<br /><br />What the Irish hadn't counted on was that the English are never too war-weary to put them back in their proper place. Stomping down the Irish is as well-loved a British pastime as watercress sandwiches over a ripping game of croquet.<br /><br />The rebels didn't have enough men, a breakdown in law and order led to widespread looting, and, yeah, the British sent in the troops. Lots of troops. Like 16,000 of them to fight off the 1,200 or so Irish renegades.<br /><br />The Irish did what they had already done in the Irish Rebellion of 1641, Irish Rebellion of 1798, United Irish Rebellions, The Nine Years War, Desmond Rebellions and a half dozen more we've no doubt missed, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. The American Revolution might not have been perfect, but at least we only had to do it once.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, is it all doom and gloom for the Irish? Actually no, it's not. The Irish would eventually gain their independence and in the last decade the Irish 'Celtic Tiger' economy has been booming, with quality of life in Ireland among the best in the world.<br /><br />So next Saint Patrick's day raise a pint to Emerald Island and enjoy it while it lasts, because given the Irish people's unerring ability to get bitch-slapped by fate just as things are looking their brightest, it's probably only a matter of time before Godzilla rises from the ocean to devour the island whole~Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78940540621607721382009-03-31T15:26:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:06:59.095-04:00Working Things OutToo many blogs, too little time.<br /><br />I am a copy/paste sort of girl. 360, Blogger, Facebook and Myspace.<br /><br />*yawn*<br /><br />I have reached the point where I do not want to do it anymore.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So, blogger is set up to feed into 360 and Facebook.<br /><br />And when I imported into Facebook it did ALL of my blogs that were already on blogger....UGH...so I had to take the time to delete the duplicates. Not fun.<br /><br />Anyway, I am hoping to get better about my writing again. It has fallen to the wayside and I don't like that. I have to write so much for school that I just do not do much writing for fun these days, but I feel better when I write, so I am going to try to get better about it.<br /><br />Got some work to do...will blog more later.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15105212947980010492009-03-26T11:30:00.000-04:002014-09-22T17:06:44.761-04:00What's Up With Chrys? - March EditionWhat’s Up with Chrys? - March<br /><br />So March came and (just about) went with a bang.<br /><br />Many things going on in my little world and it seems like there are not enough hours in the day anymore.<br /><br />As most of you know I started in February a job with Alpine Access and my client was Sprint. For reasons I care not to get in to, things did not work out after the first two weeks of training.<br /><br />I have been pinching pennies and trying to find something else. I am currently in the process of putting a lot of eggs into my basket because I do not want to fall on my ass anymore.<br /><br />The job market is terrible! I have sent out more job applications then I care to think about. I am either overqualified or they won’t hire me for my field because I am not done with my degree.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I am still pushing myself along in school. It sucks and I pretty much hate it but I know I need to finish it. Even if nothing ever comes from it, at least I know I finally finished the darn thing. And that’s really what I set out to do.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />You have all seen the pics by now, so you know St. Patrick’s Day went VERY well. Nate’s family owns Blue Lakes Tour Busses (shameless plug for them LOL) and for those of you who do not know, Nate is in the band with Matt. Anyway, he was able to get us the Limo Bus ($20 bucks each person) so we did not have to worry about who was going to drive us. The bus picked us up in front of Matt’s house and away we went. The pics pretty much tell the story. We went driving around, party on the bus, The Hills bar ( I think was in Shields) the liquor store, and then off to Hamilton St. Pub in Saginaw. Irish Car Bombs and Green Beer…..need I say more?<br /><br />Couple weeks ago I packed my belongings and moved in with Matt. Maybe that was not the smartest thing to do when so much is going on in our lives separately, but it was something he really wanted and quite frankly, I was tired of driving back and forth all the time. Of course, that was not the sole reason for me moving in with him. LOL! Last week we moved Cain and Casey in and they are adjusting quite nicely. Madison spent her first weekend with them last weekend and it was so funny watching the 3 “kids.” I don’t think the 3 of them ever slept so well! Matt and I have had a few bumps along the way, but I guess that is to be expected. Our relationship is still very new and we have a lot of things to learn still.<br /><br />I was just invited back to work for a company called LiveOps. Couple years ago, right after gramps died I had applied to work for them. Went through training and all that but my depression was making me very ill. I did not work for a few days and they cancelled my account. They are welcoming me back so I am very thankful for the opportunity to come back. The company is similar to Alpine, but with LiveOps I am an independent contractor where with Alpine I was an employee with a set schedule. With LiveOps I get to make my own schedule and work when I want. They both have their pro and cons. But working from home doing something easy while I use my brain (LOL) for school is the way to go for me. I already have all the home office equipment, may as well put it to use. I also have a couple of freelance side projects I am working on.<br /><br />Busy , busy. Which I need to be. Keeps me from going insane.<br /><br />Matt and I are also working on our own business, so keep your eyes and ears open for that. I will be posting more as the time comes.<br /><br />Also, Matts doing a video diary for his band, Downseed. The more personal stuff will go on his personal account, and the band stuff on the band site.<br /><br />Here are the links<br /><br />Myspace.com/downseed<br /><br />Downseed.com<br /><br />Youtube.com/downseed<br /><br />Youtube.com/voiceoftheseed<br /><br />Voiceoftheseed.blogspot.com<br /><br />Downseed.blogspot.com<br /><br />You can also follow along here on my accounts as I will try my best to show them here as well, after all I will be in them! LOL<br /><br /><br />So I think that’s it for now. I have got some paperwork to get finished and stick my nose in the books.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19567019936471934412009-03-06T13:11:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:06:08.191-04:00Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?<div class="postbody"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">My thanks to someone who forwarded this to me many months ago........</span></div><br />A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, she was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose..<br /><br />Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.<br /><br />In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.<br /><br />Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'<br />'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.<br /><br />The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.<br /><br />Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.<br /><br />The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'<br /><br />Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.<br /><br />The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.<br />The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.<br />The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.<br /><br />'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?'<br /><br />Think of this: <b>Which am I?</b><br />*Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?<br /><br />*Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?<br /><br />*Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.<br /><br />When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?<br />How do you handle adversity?<br /><br /><b>Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?</b> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24321753409898166832009-03-04T22:29:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:05:50.042-04:00Celebrating....<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IcHPySPI/AAAAAAAAACQ/UtVsTTNK-cs/s1600-h/030409144247_01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IcHPySPI/AAAAAAAAACQ/UtVsTTNK-cs/s200/030409144247_01.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309542133511899378" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IcM-Z73I/AAAAAAAAACI/bIiv98V1Ir8/s1600-h/030409141511_01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IcM-Z73I/AAAAAAAAACI/bIiv98V1Ir8/s200/030409141511_01.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309542135049613170" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9Ib9OkNRI/AAAAAAAAACA/YjpfRg1e03U/s1600-h/0304091417a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9Ib9OkNRI/AAAAAAAAACA/YjpfRg1e03U/s200/0304091417a.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309542130822427922" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IbXINezI/AAAAAAAAAB4/OGPBwJLYZ78/s1600-h/0304091417.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IbXINezI/AAAAAAAAAB4/OGPBwJLYZ78/s200/0304091417.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309542120595225394" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />Celebrating 6 months at Joe's Crab Shack :) Good times.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13397663425192922042009-03-04T11:27:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:05:00.290-04:006 Months Ago Today6 Months ago to the day this wonderful, beautiful man walked in to my life and forever changed my world.<br /><br />Technically it was a few days before that he came into my life, but today marks the day we first met in person.<br /><br />I remember it like it was yesterday. A few emails were exchanged and then the first phone call, we barely had two words in before Matt suggested we meet at Applebee’s for a couple of drinks.<br /><br />I hemmed and hawed about it. I did not even know this man and yet here I was debating about running across town for a drink.<br /><br />In the past I had talked to them a while before meeting them. And, I will admit I was scared. Mike and I had just parted ways and I was still emotionally wrecked, but at the same time I knew I could not let opportunity pass me by.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So, I went. Matt had told me he was going to stop by his dad’s and that if I got there before he did, to just wait for him at the bar.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I figured I had time to spare so I called Julie on my drive. I was nervous but so excited at the same time. Julie gave me the pep talk I needed, and when I walked into Applebee’s, there he was. My heart fluttered and this huge smile spread across my face. He smiled and I told Julie “Girl I gotta go!” She laughed and she knew all was well.<br /><br />We walked to our table, all the while I am doing the mental check list.<br /><br />Smile, check. Eyes that sparkle, check. Cute butt, check. (Oh yes guys, we do this!) Oh, and let’s not forget the tattoo’s. Oh I am a sucker for a bald dude and tattoos. Yummy.<br /><br />We talked; he ate a salad and a pop. I choked down a Killian’s. NO GUINNESS! What a disgrace they don’t serve it. And I was trying to look all Irish and cool, what can I say? (and I am sure Matt’s laughing right about now)<br /><br />From that day forward my world has changed.<br /><br />Yeah we bump heads. We are both pretty head strong and Irish to boot. But we laugh about it later. He is perfect for me in every way. He is strong, doesn’t tolerate my bullshit, caring, loving, a great dad, giving and genuine. He gives me everything I could ever ask for. He loves me just as I am.<br /><br />Madison is my little buddy. When she tells me she loves me and you look across the way and see the way Matt looks at us, I know deep inside this is right where I belong.<br /><br />My family thinks he’s great and his feel’s the same about me. They welcomed me with open arms.<br /><br />Matt and I met at a darker hour in our lives. Both going through so much. But now we know we don’t have to face those things alone anymore.<br /><br />He is my strength when I need guidance; he has been my shoulder to cry on. I have always been convinced that people meet and cross paths for a reason. I know my reason is clear.<br /><br />So as we move forward and handle all of life’s obstacles together, we walk the path of this journey side by side I know not only have I found my best friend but I have also found that one that completes me in every way. He is my missing piece to the puzzle of life. I have some peace at last.<br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br />PS- I know to some it may seem silly we are celebrating 6 months of dating….but for us, with the way our lives have been, it is monumental and something worth celebrating. We call it love.<br /><br /><br /><br />Matthew,<br />I know times are hard and we have so many things in life to figure out. At least we have each other and do not have to face those things alone. You are strong in your way and I am strong in mine. You are the ying to my yang. Together we can beat the rough spots and overcome all these challenges life is throwing our way. I love you and Maddy more and more with every day that passes. I love how you make me smile; your strong hugs and warm embrace always there to greet me. I love how every time I see you I still get butterflies. These things so small, yet mean so much. I could not ask for someone better or more perfect for me. You are everything I could have ever asked for in someone. I love you for everything you are inside and out. Everything today and everything that you are tomorrow.<br /><br />Today, Tomorrow, our Lifetime.<br /><br /><br /><div class="photo photo_left"><div class="photo_img"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2250921&op=1&view=all&subj=55649198887&aid=-1&oid=55649198887&id=569555914"><img alt="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1805/39/23/569555914/a569555914_2250921_4487.jpg" /></a></div><div class="caption">Me and Matt</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38881884572749645202009-03-02T10:47:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:04:24.700-04:00What's Up With Chrys? - The Corner EditionI FEEL Backed In To a Corner<br /><br />We all know the job market is not at its best. We all know how the economy is these days.<br /><br />And most of you know just how much of a roller coaster life in Michigan has been for me.<br /><br />I do not want to be on this roller coaster anymore. Right now I feel like I have wasted the two years (close enough) that I have been here. When I first moved here I did so without much direction. I went back to college, and I also took classes to get my Real Estate Appraisal License, which I did. I was going to work with/for/help my aunt. However, Olivia is her granddaughter and many plans fell to the wayside. I had planned to get in to Real Estate. Selling. Appraisals. Mortgages. Whatever I could take classes on and do, I wanted to do it. My aunt has been involved in real estate for around 20 or so years now and my mom had her own real estate business when I was growing up. So this is nothing new to me. It is something I have always been interested in. But, like I said, it all fell to the wayside. Eventually I let my appraisal license lapse.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So, I have tried to find my place in this world. I keep charging full speed ahead hoping one day the time and investment will pay off. I question it often – should I change my major? Is this really what I want to do with my life? I have been in the accounting world for so long now it’s my comfort zone. So I continue forward.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Is the grass greener on the other side? Is there something out there I would be better suited for?<br />Bills have to be paid. We all know in order to have the things we need to survive, a roof over our heads, food, water, electricity we must have a means to pay for these things. And in order to pay for these things one must have transportation to get to a job that is going to provide money. Yet including another bill.<br /><br />Where I life, jobs are very scarce and the ones that are available are at least a 30 minute commute. Not painful, but not ideal.<br /><br />I have taken a few jobs here just for the sake of having a job. Not because I really wanted it, but because it was resting on my shoulders that those things needed to be paid for and taken care of. So I took them, not wanting to disappoint anyone. I was miserable. (aside from HR Block) I was treated poorly, forced to do unethical business practiced by a company (I got out quick!) I have been screamed at, cursed at and backed in to a corner. I have been used, lied to, stepped on and looked down upon. I have been made to feel because I am not done with my degree and that I am a girl that I will not amount to much more then I am in life.<br /><br />I am better than that. And I am smarter than that. And I refuse to feel this way anymore.<br /><br />I will no longer take a job because I feel I HAVE to, but I will take it because I WANT to.<br /><br />For my family and friends that I have let down, disappointed and now look like a loser to, I am sorry. However this is my life, we are not perfect. We make mistake, we live and we learn. I am sorry I have let you down, but I cannot deal with these sorts of conditions.<br /><br />I am now taking matters into my own hands. If there is not a job out there suited for me, then I must create one for myself.<br /><br />I have some other prospects on the horizon. I am trying to work out a deal with becoming a personal assistant for someone; the hours are limited as well as the pay. But add it to some other things I am looking in to, and then it could very well be worth my time. I am also looking into getting back to freelance writing. Some money is better than no money and sometimes the little things in life can add up.<br /><br />My mother and my aunt are starting a cleaning service business and somehow in the last few days I have become the little helper. So here I am setting up emails, making flyers, playing with business cards and searching competitor’s sites for information and ideas. (Oh joy!) I am not a fan of cleaning, but I will do it to help my mom. However, I prefer to run the office part of it while my aunt continues on her real estate path and my mom can manage the cleaners.<br /><br />Speaking of real estate paths, I am going to go back on mine. My aunt is over booked and needs help. So I am going to help with what I can, I am sure my mom will too, to get her caught up and make some cash! Cash is always a plus. And once some of that cash comes in I plan to get my appraisal license reinstated. Matt and I both want to take the real estate class/exam and do that. He is going to continue on his path of finishing his respiratory therapist degree and real estate will just be something to do on the side. Somewhere down the line rental investments will be in the works.<br /><br />I know many of you think the housing market is in a bad place, but the truth of that is, it really is not. People are still moving. Changing jobs, going to school, etc and are all in need of homes. Foreclosed homes are now pennies on the dollar and many homes are now offered by the HUD program making it more affordable for those who could not buy a house, be able to.<br /><br />This is the path I should have continued on when I landed here. But things happen in life. We grow, we learn, we move forward and we get stronger.<br /><br />I may very well fall on my face and I might just lose everything I have gotten for myself since I left it all behind in the divorce. But at least I am trying to do my best and be the best that I can be.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37789751303580563822009-02-25T20:47:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:03:58.745-04:00What Are Friends For? Downseed ReviewI want to thank my friend Tim for his wonderful post about Matt's band Downeed....and as you know it my girlfriend-ly duty to Spread The Seed!!!!<br /><br />So, read, comment, enjoy :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://simplemanentertainment.blogspot.com/2009/02/downseed-next-wave-of-rock.html#comment-form" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://simplemanentertainm<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>ent.blogspot.com/2009/02/d<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>ownseed-next-wave-of-rock.<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>html#comment-form</a><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Welcome back my friends to the third official installment of Simple Man Entertainment. I know that this blog has been very erratic with postings, but as I have a lot of irons in the fire I really don’t want to waste your time or mine with mediocre material. As a result I spend a lot of time watching, reading, and listening to all sorts of material in an effort to find the real gold nuggets in entertainment out there in order serve you up the best in any genre I recommend for you to sample.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />With that being said I think I may have found something within the genre of music. Now I will tell you that these guys are not major headliners…..yet, but they have the talent and ability to be so, and the bands name is Downseed. Before I go any further I would like to thank a friend of mine Chrystal Mahan very much for bringing these guy’s to my attention.<br /><br /><br />The band Downseed was originally formed in 2000, and promptly took its place at the forefront of melodic heavy rock. The original lineup toured all over the country as well as being featured on radio shows, websites, and appearances in interviews. However after such a short period of time the band went on hiatus in 2001 to recover from the heavy toll all of that placed on them and ultimately split up.<br /><br /><br />However in 2005 they reformed the band with all new members except for original member and front man Matt McConnell. They also kept the tunes the original members performed on their roster, but looked to make new music more in keeping with the times that the group chose to re-forge themselves within.<br /><br /><br />Since the time of Downseeds reformation they have undergone several changes in the lineup of its members. The 05 incarnation consisted of Matt McConnell on vocals, Nate Cupp on guitars and vocals, Billy Davidson on drums, Phil Murray on bass, Brian fork on guitars, and Jack Carpenter on samples and keyboards. These guys were the new foundation for a hard hitting in your face sound that I think is off the chain.<br /><br /><br />However the current line up, which has changed to include Mike Green in place of Brian fork. In 08 Phil Murray would leave for personal reasons to be replaced by William Szcezpanik on bass and Billy Davidson left the same year being replaced by Dan Cribbins on drums. Jack Carpenter was replaced by Eean Lee on Keys. Mike Green would also leave and his axe duties picked up by Matt giving us the bands current lineup.<br /><br /><br />I will say this I listen to all kinds of music and I listen to hard rock and metal in particular, and these guys are some of the heaviest dudes I have heard come along in quite a while. I think these guys also have the potential to go all the way to the top with their current lineup as long as they avoid the pitfalls that seem to plague so many great, talented, young bands. I really look forward to seeing them in the national spotlight, and very soon I hope.<br /><br /><br />I am putting some links to the bands website, MySpace, and YouTube page on here as well as one of their videos. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have.<br />Have an awesome week and I will be back again soon CIAO4NOW!!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=54127513887&h=8c94392021d7cfa26b34ea6d6fc1d3cc&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myspace.com%2Fdownseed" target="_blank" title="http://www.myspace.com/downseed">http://www. myspace. com/downseed</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=54127513887&h=8085e1863b760917e3228f62a318eb16&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msplinks.com%2FMDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2Rvd25zZWVk" target="_blank" title="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2Rvd25zZWVk">http://www. youtube. com/downseed</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=54127513887&h=a0f20dc436501f4977e194999581937a&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msplinks.com%2FMDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRvd25zZWVkLmNvbS8%3D" target="_blank" title="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRvd25zZWVkLmNvbS8=">http://www. downseed. com/</a>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86796057816874121072009-02-13T22:54:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:03:35.566-04:00My Valentine<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SZZA_EA5NyI/AAAAAAAAABw/y7Ife08OfkU/s1600-h/m_862e2030e1c349649b50533192d31931.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SZZA_EA5NyI/AAAAAAAAABw/y7Ife08OfkU/s320/m_862e2030e1c349649b50533192d31931.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302497063428765474" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 127px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 170px;" /></a><br />My Valentine<br /><br />Ok, I know the last blog was sort of a downer. But in all fairness, we just have a lot going on and sometimes I need to vent because it gets hard to deal with. Does not mean I want to leave him or that I am going to.<br /><br />So in honor of Valentines (gag me, puke. Some things I will never change on) I wanted to make this a little more positive.<br /><br />I am still not a fan of Valentines. It has become too much of a Hallmark Holiday. I do not think we need a day to tell the ones we love that we love them. As the great man, from a great state (Garth Brooks and Oklahoma) “Tell that someone that you love, just what you are thinking of if tomorrow never comes”<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />And I plan to do just that.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I love him. (Matt)<br /><br />And I love you guys (all my family and friends)<br /><br />For my friends, you have been my saving grace…especially these last couple years! Thank you.<br /><br />For Matt, you have marched right into my life and tore down every wall I had. I am scared to death to let you in completely, but yet I don’t seem to be pushing you back out. You have become my everything. My best friend. I am empty without you, I hate being apart. When I see you I smile and feel the butterflies deep in the pit of my stomach. I look forward to all those days we will be spending together. I know times are a little shaky right now with everything going on, and sometimes I want to run away and hide, but that is how I have always been. For you I am trying to change that, you just have to deal with me for now. You complete me in a way I could never describe, for I feel things I have never felt before. I know in a world where things seem less than perfect, that you are the perfect one for me. I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day. And I look forward to a lifetime of them with you (and Maddy,too! Oh…and let’s not forget my dogs Cain and Casey! One big happy family LOL.)Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18046481455085529362009-02-13T09:31:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:03:12.252-04:00Optimistic...who me?Optimistic…who me?<br /><br />I know I have not been very good lately about updating my blogs, posting stories, poetry or just writing in general. It is not due to writers block, but rather I just don’t take the time to do it. Life has gotten very crazy for me and it seems the longer I go without writing, the harder it is to get started.<br /><br />School is still going strong. Some days it kicks me in the ass.<br /><br />I started a new job this week and have been in training which is really overloading my brain. For those of you who don’t know I got contracted through a company to work for a cell phone company in the Finance Department. I get to train from home and work from home. It pays just as much as the other jobs I have had, but with benefits after 90 days and I do not have to pay for gas to commute. Which is a huge thing here because all the good jobs are a 30 minute drive from where I live. So learning rules, regulations, software programs and such has been overwhelming and my brain does not shut off at night.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Matt and I are going through a lot, together and separately. Both of our lives have taken a 360 and it has shaken us. Job changes, school, schedules, life in general.<br /><br />And the divorce still is not settled. Just when you get a step forward, you go five steps backwards.<br />So I sit here, and I wait. I wait for that moment when life is going to change and just when I think it has gotten to that point, something takes it all away.<br /><br />Matt wants me to move in. I keep dragging my feet as I am sure you can all understand why. I want the papers signed, sealed and delivered. I do not want her using me as leverage to keep his daughter away from him. She already tried to do that (not because of me) and it was heartbreaking to watch. There are also some things I need to work out for myself before I run head first into a living situation. And there are things we need to work on as a couple.<br /><br />I am so full of frustration and anxiety that I don’t know what direction to go in. I don’t know what day it is anymore. I burry my nose in text books in the hopes that time will just pass me by. I don’t seek answers anymore because they never seem to help.<br /><br />It’s hard to emotionally take. I have been waiting a long time for this divorce. And he has been waiting even longer. There is a long story there which I care not to get in to. It is hard to be with someone when you don’t fully feel like they belong to you. I know at this point the marriage is dissolved and was for a while before I even came along. And to some, marriage is just a piece of paper. But for me, it’s more than that. It is hard to put in to words, but I just do not feel like we are complete. He does not fully belong to me because he is legally bound to someone else.<br /><br />I want to run, that is what everything in me says. Run, Chrystal. Get away from the emotional drama that is draining you. Making you angry. Making you want to throw things across the room and then cry.<br /><br />This is NOT me. This is not the person I am. But yet, somehow over the last few months, the person I have become.<br /><br />Everyone tells me how happy they are to see Matt so happy. Great. I am glad I make him that happy. How strong I must be for him.<br /><br />I paint a pretty picture.<br /><br />Strong on the outside, breaking up to tiny little pieces on the inside.<br /><br />I think I have finally hit my breaking point.<br /><br />I need time to think.<br /><br />I have to get away, but I have no place to go. No place to run and hide.<br /><br />And really, what good is that going to do anyway?<br /><br />Everyone keeps saying to hang in there, that it will get better. Things will change.<br /><br />BUT WHEN?<br /><br />When am I going to smile again? When am I going to stop crying?<br /><br />Love is not supposed to hurt.<br /><br />And I hurt.<br /><br />I wanted to write a happy blog , this being Valentines weekend and all. But it does not appear that is going to be the case, for this last week has been the worst week Matt and I have ever been through. I know everyone kept telling us it is going to get worse before it gets better. And then they keep saying it will get better. I am not very optimistic these days. I want to see the sunshine and rainbows but right now my head is buried in the clouds.<br /><br />All I see are grey skies, clouds and rainy days.<br /><br />So here I go again, waiting for the world to change.<br /><br />So, I will end with this. Despite this emotional drama we are going through right now, despite the fact I am emotionally drained and want to run and hide, I won’t. Like I said in a previous blog, I love Matt and he is what I want. Madison and I have become great little friends. I know times are rough right now, and I know things will change. I have no patience and I want them to change now. I love this man completely and I am excited about the life we have together ahead of us. It is just getting from point A to point B that is hard.<br /><br />But no one said life was easy, now did they?<br /><br />Sometimes I just need to vent, to write out my frustrations and such. It makes me feel better.<br />So that is what I am doing...it is my blog after all. LOL!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7601251246290798862009-02-10T08:48:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:02:13.828-04:00Pod Me ThisWhen I am bored and can not sleep I find totally random and useless things to do, hence all the random blogs....I promise to get back to the regularly scheduled blog program soon :)<br /><br /><br />I'll post the answers in a few days, and I only did 15 instead of 30<br /><br />(ganked from Brett then infamous We-Pod)<br /><br />The Rules:<br />Step 1: Put your music player on shuffle<br />Step 2: Post the first line from the first 30 songs that play (no matter how embarrassing)<br />Step 3: Strike through the song when someone guesses the artist and song title correctly<br />Step 4: Looking them up on Google or another search engine is CHEATING!<br />Step 5: If nobody gets the song right, then you may post further hints.<br />Step 6. Make your own list<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />1. Secrets told in the pictures on your skin, Hours fade into days that never end<br /><br />2. And I wanna believe you, When you tell me that it'll be ok<br /><br />3. From lashes to ashes And from lust to dust In your sweetest torment<br />I'm lost<br /><br />4. Who am I to save you, To try and tame you<br /><br />5. I'm not looking for someone to talk to, I've got my friend, I'm more than O.K.<br />I've got more than a girl could wish for<br /><br />6. I try real folling, Realise, Sixteen are you still<br />I'd try to come back if I could<br /><br />7. You can reach, But you can't grab it, You can hold it, control it,<br />No, you can't bag it<br /><br />8. Come As you are. As you were. As I want you to be.<br /><br />9. Woke up depressed, I left for work, You have a good day<br /><br />10. Reverend, reverend, Is this a conspiracy? Crucified for no sins<br /><br />11. I've been waiting here for so long, Trying to find another place where I belong<br /><br />12. I'll be coming home Just to be alone<br /><br />13. Something is about to give I can feel it coming<br /><br />14. We'll do it all Everything On our own We don't need Anything<br /><br />15. The way you're bathed in light Reminds me of that nightChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47048665526423072422009-01-26T20:17:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:01:48.838-04:00Just Call Me GraceSo, we all know I am sort of a klutz. I admit it.<br /><br />I spent the night at Matt’s last night and had to get up to go potty. His house is in complete darkness. I come back from the bathroom, walk in the bedroom door, turn to the left towards the bed. Decided I was chilly and was going to lean down to get my sweater off the floor. Instead of getting my sweater I ended up running into Madison’s step stool and stubbed my toe. I guess I lost my feel for where I was in the darkness because as soon as I reached down to get my sweater, my face went head first into the dresser. The corner of the dresser slammed right into my mouth. I landed on the floor.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It jolted me, scared me more the anything. Matt was lying in bed and was not sure what had happened, he thought I just ran into the dresser. He had no idea it was my head. So I am in the fetal position on the floor, I explain what happened, my mouth is throbbing, next thing I know, blood starts gushing out between my fingers and my mouth is full of blood. I stand up and make a mad dash for the bathroom and spit a ton of blood into the sink. And there I sat with a washrag on my gums to get it to stop bleeding. My gum was hanging off, I swore up and down my tooth was going to fall out! LOL. I had a small cut by my other tooth and my inside upper lip was cut. It did not feel good at all.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Once I got the bleeding to stop I took some Tylenol PM and knocked my ass out about 3am.<br /><br />This morning it was swollen and bruised pretty purple. Now it’s just throbbing and the swelling has gone down some and the purple has subsided. Now it just looks gross. You can see where the dresser corner gashed it.<br /><br />Lovely.<br /><br />I have not been able to eat anything because I cannot bite into or chew as it is my front tooth and upper gum. I had some Starbucks coffee, a banana that I had to break into pieces, I tried to eat noodles Matt made but all it did was stress me out. So I had some yogurt and I was just now able to slurp down some soup.<br /><br />I am trying to keep it clean, as I do not want it to get infected.<br /><br />Maybe tomorrow I will post a pic! LOL<br /><br />Just call me Grace!<br /><br />hahahahahaChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47594640575498490552009-01-25T14:46:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:01:29.665-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? - Part 2 - Jobs<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">So we are all well aware by now that my employment history</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">in this state has been a huge ordeal. Such a mess, that is gets its own blog!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">LMAO.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, I move to MI thinking things are going to be easy going,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">only to find out that is not so true. Not only did I pick MI over FL because I</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">have my mom here, I picked the colder state with the highest unemployment rate!</span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Life has been such a battle up here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">I did a couple of months with a company called West, for Christmas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was contracted with V*rgin M@bile (companies do not like you to say who their</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">clients are so we ops have to change them, but I am sure you can figure it out)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">to add minutes to phones as well as program them. It was pretty easy work. But</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">once the holidays were over I was let go since it was seasonal.</span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Then I got into Real Estate Appraisals, but at this time</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">there was not much work for me to do.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">After that I landed with H&;R Block. Thankfully I had family</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">friends give me some pull, along with the fact I had worked there in OK. Once</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">the tax season was over I landed at Hells Place. I got that job because the HR</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">manager is friends with my family.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Not</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">much good came out of that job. I did manage to make some friends and make some</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">money to buy my own car. But being in a place where you are constantly stuck in</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">the middle of drama and bosses who like to scream curse words at each other can</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">wreak havoc on your mental stability! So I got out of there when the offer was</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">made for me to move in with the ex and a job was in line.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">We ALL know how that turned out so I am not going to rehash</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">it here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Then I landed that lovely text job. If you read the blogs,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">you know just how lovely it is.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Shortly after I landed the paper job, I left the text job</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">behind. I did not play in paper, more so I was the office bitch. LOL! However,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">again I found myself with a bi-polar boss and after 1 month we mutually agreed</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">things were not working out for us.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Through all of this I have managed to keep a 4.0 in school,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">so I guess not all of this time has been a total waste.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Texting did offer me my old job, working a new service, so I</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">am back. However I am finding myself not really caring enough to put forth the</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">effort needed to meet my min. quota.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Oh well, live goes on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">On Febuary 9</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> I begin training for Spr!nt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">(again, can’t tell who clients are, but I am sure you can figure it out.) I</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">applied with a company called Alpine Access that is a customer service call</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">center based out of Colorado. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I have no</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">commute. No dress code. That pretty much sold me right there. That was one</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">thing I liked about West. However AA offers benefits. West did call me back for</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">the Valentine season and I said no thanks(only took them a year to call me back,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">and they wanted me to work a flower company line…yeeshh…). Anyway, I am going</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">to be working in the finance department for Spr!nt.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Pretty excited about this. My resume, despite</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">what you are seeing written here, is pretty clean. Since I have done the real</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">estate stuff for as long as I have lived here, that pretty much sums up my work</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">history in MI!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">(shame on me, I know..but</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">really, who cares.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Anyway, I think the job is a good fit for me while I finish</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">my accounting degree. I am contracted for a year and by that time I should just</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">about be done with school and at that time will evaluate life and where I want</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">to be.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">As time goes on…I will blog more about the job and such</div><div style="text-align: center;">later. Just wanted to give you all a heads up on life and how things are going.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I have kept you out of the loop for a while.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68082003122037987962009-01-25T13:24:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:00:26.298-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? - Relationships<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/f2b8eBjLaEU/s1600-h/th_emooo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/f2b8eBjLaEU/s320/th_emooo.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295300317652253090" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 128px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 160px;" /></a><br />“I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your<br />fantasy. I'll be your hope, I'll be your love - be everything that you need. I<br />love you more with every breath truly, madly, deeply do.... I will be strong, I<br />will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on a new beginning, a reason for living, a<br />deeper meaning."<br /><br />Savage Garden....<br /><br />Life has certainly been crazy these <span style="background-color: white;">last few months. I should have taken the</span><br />time to write, but Matt’s soon to be ex was a myspace friend and I just was at<br />this point where she did not need to know about my life. So how could I write<br />and keep her at bay? I started to make a few blogs only viewable by those on my<br />preferred list, but that got to be a pain in the ass to add everyone to.....<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Doesn’t really matter now. We are <span style="background-color: white;">knee deep in the divorce and it has gotten really ugly so really we were left </span><span style="background-color: white;">with no choice but to delete and block her from both of our myspace/favebook pages.....</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Out of respect for Matt I am not <span style="background-color: white;">going to throw his private life details out there. But for those of you who did </span><span style="background-color: white;">not know, yeah, he’s not divorced yet.....</span><br /><br />And I can see you all rolling your <span style="background-color: white;">eyes at me now. (Especially you Julie…LMAO)....</span><br /><br />I did not tell but a few people when <span style="background-color: white;">Matt and I first started to date what the details of our life were. I had </span>wanted to just keep it all to myself. I really did not think it was that <span style="background-color: white;">important, but I also thought that the divorce would be done and over with and </span><span style="background-color: white;">we would be at the end of the story by now.....</span><br /><br />That is not the case obviously. Almost 5 months into our relationship and the <span style="background-color: white;">papers are just now getting started. And literally in a matter of moments our </span><span style="background-color: white;">lives have been turned upside down.....</span><br /><br />Daily I question myself on this <span style="background-color: white;">situation and now that things are way off in left field with Matt trying for </span>full custody of his daughter, I find myself questioning this relationship even more.....<br /><br />Sure, I have fallen in love with <span style="background-color: white;">Matt. We are all well aware of this by now. But am I strong enough for the </span>drama and every bit of baggage that Matt has?....<br /><br />I worry, I wonder, I cry, I lay awake <span style="background-color: white;">at night looking at the flaws in my ceiling having conversations in my head.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Waiting for the answer. ....<br /><br />You all know I am a runner. I run <span style="background-color: white;">when things get tough. I have tried to run so many times it is absolutely crazy. </span><span style="background-color: white;">I don’t want to run anymore. I don’t want to be that girl anymore.....</span><br /><br />What I want, quite simply is Matt. <span style="background-color: white;">And if that means I get Madison too, then so be it. ....</span><br /><br />Am I prepared for all that brings to <span style="background-color: white;">my table?....</span><br /><br />No, not really. I am not going to sit <span style="background-color: white;">here and lie to you.....</span><br /><br />But, I am not in this by myself. Matt <span style="background-color: white;">will walk beside me, just as I will him.....</span><br /><br />We are stronger together then we are <span style="background-color: white;">alone.....</span><br /><br />I worry in the end my heart will get <span style="background-color: white;">broken. But at the same time I see the love he has for me, how he has already </span><span style="background-color: white;">fought for me. So when it comes right down to it, I just have to learn to trust </span><span style="background-color: white;">again. To trust him as well as myself. ....</span><br /><br />Thanks to past relationships that has <span style="background-color: white;">not been the easiest thing for me. But I am learning. ....</span><br /><br />The road ahead is shaky and unsteady.<br /><br />There are going to be more pot holes and bumps then I know how to deal with.<br />However, I am willing to fill them in as I walk the path and learn as I teeter <span style="background-color: white;">along. ....</span><br /><br />And as much as I despise drama, I <span style="background-color: white;">could not ask for a better man in my life then Matt. So, it evens things out. ....</span><br /><div class="photo photo_left"><div class="photo_img"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52612024186821881222009-01-01T20:59:00.000-05:002013-10-04T10:29:20.398-04:00The Seed - Volume 2<div class="MsoNormal"><h2><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Seed Volume 2</span></h2></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=7153">http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=7153</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have missed it, follow that link and check out what Scott Ward from Sea of Tranquility had to say about The Revolution CD. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6744282074451065782008-12-31T18:18:00.000-05:002014-07-21T18:13:27.675-04:00Reflections 2008<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflections</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/02/reflections-of-2006.html" target="_blank">of 2006</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflections <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/reflections-on-2007.html" target="_blank">of 2007</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2008</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was 2008 a good year for you?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a serious roller coaster ride. Just as the past 2 years have been. It had many up and downs. Death. Depression. Heartache. I lost Terry. Mike broke my heart. I lost my job(s). But, on the flip side, I grew, I lived, and I learned. I gained Matt and Madison and the rest of Matt’s family. For that I am blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I had to overcome many things, and I did. At least I am trying to. I am trying to move on from the past and continue to grow as a person and move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, that is something to celebrate. But life is constantly changing. No longer standing still and waiting for me to catch up. I am still working on getting my life back in order. Starting over with nothing sure is not easy, but at least I am trying. I hope 2009 slows down a little bit and returns some sense of normalcy, but thinking about what I know now, it just might continue on for a while longer…..</span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally getting over Mike and being able to really be friends. Making amends with Sean. Meeting Sybil Starr is up there on the list. She defiantly has brought me many smiles this year. Getting back in touch with my best friend from college, Jennifer. And meeting Matt. He came in my life when I really needed that special something. He taught me that there is still that strong woman inside of me. He taught me it’s OK to continue on the path to being me. He made me dig deep inside myself and show him parts of me I don’t share with just anyone. He has taught me that I am only human, and we make mistakes but those mistakes are not reflection of my true self.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And let’s not forget SHINEDOWN!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THREE TIMES BABY!!! WOOT!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the heartbreak </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />4) Where were you when 2008 began?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At Gracies</span></strong><br /><br />5) Who were you with?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My family….Mike stood me up *sighs* </span></strong><br /><br />6) Where will you be when 2008 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be where ever he is…. </span></strong><br /><br />7) Who will you be with when 2008 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matt</span></strong><br /><br />8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn’t make any. I know I won’t keep them, so I didn’t bother.</span></strong><br /><br />9) Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, to take charge of my health. My ass is getting too chunky these days. And get my ass to Ireland once and for all (my resolution every year LOL!). </span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I do believe I have. *smiles* </span></strong><br /><br />11) If yes, with whom?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that.</span></strong><br /><br />12) If yes, do they know?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course he knows, for he loves me just the same. </span></strong><br /><br />13) Are you still in love with them?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Absolutely, and looking forward to a lifetime of it. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />14) Do you regret it?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not at all. And never will.</span></strong><br /><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes. Mike and I took a giant split </span></strong><br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sure as heck did. LOTS of them! *blows a kiss to you all*</span></strong><br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ALL of them.... how can I pick just one?</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2008?<br /><b>December, as that was the best Shinedown concert that I got to share with Matt. ;) </b><br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2008?<br /><b>No :( ..... But I should have, and now wish I did. </b><br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2008?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michigan ….what a bore</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2008? <br /><b>Officially , Terry… </b>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YES! all my friends and loved ones back in OK.</span></strong><br /><br />23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2008? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw so many wonderful movies this year.</span></strong><br /><br />24) What was your favorite song from 2008?<br /><b>Oh I have a few: they may not be new in 2008, but they meant something to me in 2008. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second Chance – Shinedown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simple Man – Shinedown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Believe – Staind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celtic Pride – The Mahones<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haunted – Shane McGowan and Sinead O’Connor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over You – Daughtry<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Better In Time – Leona Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok and really this list could go on and on and on, but there is a reason why I have an attachment to these songs this year. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />25) What was your favorite album from 2008?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Sound of Madness - Shinedown</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2008?<br /><b>A LOT!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2008?<br /><b>Shinedown</b><br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2008? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just my fair share… Guinness anyone??</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only those prescribed, and since moving to MI, I only take my meds to help me sleep (damn insomnia) I have kicked the habit of the anxiety and depression medications. </span></strong><br /><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2008? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I spent half the year with Mike and the other half with Matt, lets do the math.</span></strong><br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would have to be, putting mike and mine personal bullshit out there like I did. I know I am very open with my life. And I know this is my corner of the blogland and I do have the freedom of speech. I was mad, hurt, angry and confused. I did not take the time to think about anyone else. It was not fair for me to put that out there like that. Some people are private and I should have respected that. However, that does not excuse his behavior. </span></strong><br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2008?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~SIGHS~ Yeah, I did…I told a lie. A small little white lie and I am not about to get in to it here.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The entire year I spent with Mike was a LIE!!! How’s that for starters??</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well there is this girl I used to work with, Stacy. Mean spirited girl at work, but pretty fun to hang out with afterwards. Her and I drifted after we both quit that hell place. I tried to remain friends. She got bitter about some things and we drifted again. I can’t deal with anger and negativity in my life. I tried to be a friend, invited her to a show and she stood me up. I have pretty much ignored her for 2 months now. She has texted me a few times, and I put off texting her back. But, I give in and do days later. Only to not hear from her again for weeks on end. I don’t think I am treating her any more badly then she treats me, but I don’t exactly like my behavior. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2008? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah, I had my moments. And I am working on getting over all that as well. (*cough* Stacy, *cough* Mike *cough* )</span></strong><br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2008?<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am sure way more then I should. </span></strong><br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh! Let’s see........ Just call me Grace LOLOL</span></strong><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change it, what would it be? <br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If I change anything then I would not be where I am today, and despite some things in life I have Matt now, and that’s a blessing all on it’s own.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To just keep plugging away at life one day at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit my friends for sure! And just slow down and see where life takes me. </span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />41) What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hmmmm. </span></strong><br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My good friends Wally and Bren welcome a beautiful baby boy. </span></strong><br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More time to write. And maybe actually do something with it this year. More MONEY!!</span></strong><br /><br />44) What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">September – meeting Matt</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hmmmm…I am not so sure I feel like I achieved much of anything other than survive another year.</span></strong><br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">depression creeping back up on me, never living up to my own expectations of myself, dealing with shit jobs, and my wicked evil self esteem issues that mess with my head. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MY OWN CAR!!</b><br /><br />48) Whose behavior merited celebration?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me get back to you on that one.</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yikes! My own – seriously!</span></strong><br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a job again, and again. LOL. Living through another semester of school, passing my Tax classes, MEETING MATT! Seeing SHINEDOWN and STAIND!</span></strong><br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I am about the same as I was this time last year, just for different reasons.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />ii. thinner or fatter? <b>The same as I was…but I would love to change that…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">iii. richer or poorer? <strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">richer in so many ways, poorer money wise </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exercised..LOL..well you asked</span></strong><br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?<br /><b>Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br /><b>I don’t know, I really just want to lie in bed all day and wish it away. (see that has been my answer every year. But Christmas has already passed and I spent it with Matt)</b><br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">didn’t I already shed some light on this?</span></strong><br /><br />56) What was your favorite TV program?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UFC, The Ultimate Fighter, Prison Break, Lost</span></strong><br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, sadly, there is someone that has burned me and I just really am still pissed off as all hell about it, so yeah, some hatred is running through my Irish blood right now. (this answer is still the same as last year, and it is still the same person, how sad. *sighs*)</span></strong><br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh gosh, I read so many I don’t really know where to start. But my fave is Needful Things by Stephen King; I read it just about every year. Somehow I got hooked on the Twilight Series.</span></strong><br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing really new this year…unless you want to count Downseed (LMAO) I know..I know… I think Sore Eyes are a great bunch of guys. Umm..who else. Know Lyfe!</span></strong><br /><br />60) What did you want and get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted someone to love me just as I am, and I believe I have finally found that. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want peace within me. I am working on that.</span></strong><br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br /><b>I got stood up on my birthday , thanks to Mike. This would be about the time the break up happened.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really have no way of knowing. Cause if these things did not happen that I went through this year, whose to say something else would not have. </span></strong><br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? <br /><b>I’m just me. I don’t follow trends. I like what I like. Comfort. Cool. Calm. Dressed up or down, I am pretty simple. </b>65) What kept you sane?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh lord, I don’t think I was sane much this year. But my friends did a pretty good job of not letting me go off the deep end. Especially Shannon, Jules and Jeran. They were there to sound off when I needed them too.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br /><em><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">Colin of COURSE!!! And Cillian Murphy! Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell of Prison Break ..Oh and lets not forget them UFC men LOLOL</span></b></em><br /><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most? <br /><b>All the shite in Ireland. </b><br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life is too short for petty shit. Tell everyone just what is on your mind because tomorrow may be too late. That forever is a lie.</span></strong><br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">Believe in me<br />I know you've waited for so long<br />Believe in me<br />Sometimes the weak become the strong<br />Believe in me<br />This life is not always what it seems<br />Believe in me<br />Cause I was made for chasing dreams</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />70) Favorite discovered quote.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span class="snippet4"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me." ~Maya Angelou<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76993797050177714192008-12-30T20:45:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:56:44.640-04:00My Own Spiritual Journey- “Things I Should Have Said”My Own Spiritual Journey- “Things I Should Have Said”<br /><br />I was reading my friend Chris’s blog the other day and it gave me an idea for my own blog. I wanted to get the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/12/my-christmas-carol.html" target="_blank">Scrooge</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/12/2-wise-men-and-lady.html" target="_blank">2 Wise Men & a Lady </a>out of the way first.<br /><br />I have known Chris since we were in the 5th grade. However, we really did not start hanging out until High School. We tried to stay in touch over the years but things happen. Recently, thanks to myspace we have found each other again.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Chris and I have a mutual friend named Stephanie. Silly, loud, goofy, red headed Stephanie. I have talked about her in blogs past. I think I still have pics of her and I here on my page. I used to go visit her in Arkansas for my birthday, and we got tatted together.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Anyway, I have lost touch with her since I have moved to Michigan. I know your friends are supposed to stand beside you through thick and through thin, and we sure have. But my moving to Michigan sent me into an inner turmoil. I shut myself off from a lot of my friends. Things up here have been very hard for me and I did not want them to see me struggle. Every day it has been the same story and I just have nothing new to say. I knew moving up here could cause some emotional turmoil for reason I have never really discussed. But those of you who have been in my world over these last few years I am sure can put two and two together.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />So over the years some of my friends have slipped through my fingers. The ones still close to me, know me, understand me, and are still there for me. Waiting for that text, that phone call. But with Steph, it just got to be so much. She was always so proud of me, and I just don’t think she was happy I left Marcus. I felt like I disappointed her and let her down.<br /><br /><br />As the days went by I just let it go. Some days I would say to myself, I really need to write Steph but I would never get around to it.<br /><br /><br />And then I read Chris’s blog. It made me realize that life is too short and sometimes doing the things we need to do will still show that person we are the strong one.<br /><br /><br />Chris mentioned writing some letters to make amends with something in his life and I thought, maybe it’s time for me to do the same. Starting with Steph. I even asked him if we should “hold each other’s hands” and write her together.<br /><br /><br />If I have learned anything this last year or so it is that life has no guarantee.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18638011384062406702008-12-23T15:02:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:55:02.590-04:002 Wise Men and a LadyTwo Wise Men and a Lady.<br /><br />I know, I know, it is suppose to be about THREE wise men but for the sake of my story, there are not 3 of.<br /><br />Over the years you have all heard me rattle on about how I am not really a fan of the holidays. Today I was trying to figure out exactly when this started to happen. Or more like when I really started to feel this way. Once upon a time I could not wait to help my mom decorate the tree. Year after year. I would literally start shopping for Christmas in the summer so that I could get awesome stuff for the best prices and that way everyone got more presents. I loved to give, and I loved to see everyone smile. But somewhere along the way I have lost that Christmas spirit. I know the beginning of it was the death of my grandfather. But I think I was border line starting to dislike Christmas before that. I just think his death a few years ago was the breaking point. And things have just gotten worse since then.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Also, over the years you have watched me write blogs to those I have loved and lost. A blog on their birthday to remember the good times and a blog on the passing to honor them.<br /><br />The last few months I have let a couple of those blogs pass me by. I feel guilty about that. I missed Terry’s birthday, which was shortly after Thanksgiving and I missed Lonnie’s passing, which was Dec. 6th.<br /><br />I did not write those blogs because I wanted to hide from some people just how sad I really was. I can no longer hide that now. With Christmas just around the corner, I can no longer fake my way through a chipper cheery holiday.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I miss my grandparents more than anything. But I miss 3 of my friends just as much. Elonna, Terry and Lonnie. My 2 wise men and a lady.<br /><br />Losing them means I lost a part of myself.<br /><br />Right now I am facing an inner battle. How can I expect someone to love me or I love them when I cannot even love myself? I do not feel worthy of love right now because I am just not whole.<br /><br />If only I had convinced Elonna to go to the Doctor sooner. If only I had been able to get to Terry sooner and keep him safe, if only I had not opened my mouth to Sean about Lonnie.<br /><br />If only…<br /><br />Perhaps they could, maybe, possibly, be with us here today.<br /><br />My brother would have his blushing bride and his best mate, I would have my Pirate gang back as well as a part of my soul.<br /><br />And I would not feel so wayward, lost, and lonely without them.<br /><br />I am trying to figure out how to make myself whole again….until that time I can only ask for patience, forgiveness and understanding from those around me.<br /><br />The time is now for me to heal…..Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12218492889768506762008-12-21T16:26:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:54:33.076-04:00My Christmas Carol<div class="MsoNormal">My Christmas Carol (AKA Scrooge)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I carry a darkness deep inside. Some I always keep to myself and try to hide. I have thought about it, and honestly I don’t know why.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Keep it to myself that is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">‘Tis a beautiful thing you see. At least it is to me. Provides me with warmth and comfort. Shelters me from the storms. No need for alarm, so don’t you worry. I know it means me no harm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For this darkness I welcome with open arms. It engulfs me and swells my heart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I have some lightness, but it’s so overbearing I feel it is going to burst. I fall……down on my knees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This time, I fall apart. Screaming. “Please???!!!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why all this pain?? Why must you pain me so?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have said it before and I will say it again, I am not a fan of Christmas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was once. But these last few years, not so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have written about this before so it should not come as a huge shock to most of you. To the rest of you, Sorry, I really don’t know what to tell you. I could sit here and tell my tale again, but what’s the point? Will anyone really understand?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I mean it is pretty simple really; abuse, death, destruction, memories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pretty much sums it up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas hurts and it’s very painful. Rather than deal with the holiday and pretend to be happy when I am not, it is easier for me to just bow out gracefully and skip it as I have done in years past. Treating it as if it were just another day. Letting everyone do their own thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I am feeling very smothered. I want to run away and hide. I have a lot of things going on in life right now that I have kept hidden from the world and will continue to wear the mask for a very long time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And as much as I am trying to skip Christmas, I am also being thrown into a Christmas loving world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How am I supposed to pretend to like Christmas? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pretending is the only way I am going to get through it. No one is going to understand that someone just doesn’t like Christmas. But people tend to realize I am not myself when I am pretending. Or masked as I like to call it. I am the owner of many masks. But this one, people generally mistake my withdrawn quiet state for one of, well for lack of a better word, being a snob or a bitch.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And is it really fair to those I am around? Being all sad and depressed, hurting on the inside holding back the tears, when on the outside I am laughing, smiling and giving joy? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s all so fake. I try to be real. But my heart hurts so much this time of year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I would rather stay home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will tell you Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday and I will mean it. I do wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season. But, that doesn’t mean I personally have to like the Holiday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I sit back and watch this Holiday unfold, trying to stay at the sidelines but constantly being pushed to the 50 yard line, then running to the goal line, I see that people really don’t understand the true meaning of Christmas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you believe in God or Goddesses or even a Higher Power. Whether you believe in Santa or not. The true spirit of Christmas isn’t about “you” or “me” or “us” or even “I” and “we.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has become all “about me” (not me personally) all about the gift lists, whose getting what, how much are you spending, who is going to outdo who this year, whose going to be the lucky family to be blessed with our presence. Who has the best clothes, the best gossip, who is the black sheep this year? Who did what, to who, where and when?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Eh, who cares about all of that...why can't you just love them and be thankful for what you have????????????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fuck it. Better to not get involved and deal with that on top of my own inner turmoil. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to stay home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried to “do” Christmas things this year, hoping it would help and it really didn’t change the way I felt inside. I thought maybe if I tried, it would. But it didn’t. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have spent the last couple hours drowning in tears because I just cannot understand why I have to be this way. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I am who I am, and I feel what I feel. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I don’t feel like it’s a “want” to skip Christmas, but rather I “need” to skip it for my own well being.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just wish I could make people understand that, but it’s impossible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Trust me, I have tried.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not that I don’t want to have Christmas, more like I shouldn’t.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s just so hard to explain.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So as the day’s press on one by one, I try my best to move along with them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And maybe one day I will get it all figured out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51694096878117821212008-12-19T16:00:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:53:52.902-04:00Always an Adventure….my night with Shinedown<div class="image-wrapper"><span style="background-color: white;">Always an Adventure….my night with Shinedown</span></div><div class="content-wrapper"><br />As I sit here pounding away at the keyboard and downloading last nights pics, I should be thinking about how much fun I had, but instead I am sitting here gazing out the window worried that my old house is not going to be able to whether the winter storm that has blasted the northern tundra in which I live.<br /><br />In case you have not noticed I just loaded a BUNCH of new pics. More to the Holiday Hellride album where you can see more pics with Santa, Me and of course Matt and the band. Also, a new album of Shinedown pics. The originals and then the cropped versions. I got as close as I could, we were so packed in there. I could have been one of those people who shove their way through the crowd, but I am not that person. I was fine where I was. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />When Matt and I go out, there is ALWAYS an adventure. Something a little out of the ordinary always seems to happen to make for a good story. For Holiday Hellride, I guess whole ordeal with the van getting stuck and we had to walk a few blocks to eat. For Staind it was the traffic and shopping carts, for Shinedown a few weeks ago we flew 90 miles an hour and barely got there in time to see them. An adventure. Well this time we were blessed to have a douche bag who could not have weighed more than 120 soaking wet drunk as a pissed off skunk standing in front of us. He wasn’t one of those cool drunks; he was the one being an asshole thinking he looks cool. Come on, we ALL know that type. Making comments thinking he’s funny and shit. <br />Well you know me and my mouth. It was in full swing. I don’t know if he even heard half of what I was saying. And I do not really care.<br /><br />We get to the Machine Shop, make our rounds and say our hellos. Matt and his bands have been playing there for years so he pretty much knows absolutely everyone we cross paths with. Kevin and Craig, the brothers who own the shop are just awesome people. Sometimes in life you meet those people that think because of who they are or where they work that everyone else is beneath them, or that they are just generally better than everyone else. Not these guys. They are very humble and down to earth. Very cool, and they have been nothing but cool to me. So, kudos to them. I hope they always stay grounded and not let popularity go to their heads. <br /><br />The first band to play was a band out of Tennessee called Sore Eyes. The singer has an amazing voice (<a href="http://www.myspace.com/">www.myspace.com</a> / wearesoreeyes) and he was giving it all he had. First time at the Machine Shop, opening for such a band as Shinedown, can be a little overwhelming. Matt and I enjoyed them. The douche bag in front of us was a heckler. He kept booing, screaming and carrying on, making exit gestures with his hands and even going so far as flipping these guys off. Now I know you cannot please everyone in the music world. That’s life. I get it. You don’t have to like them. But seriously, have enough respect for the Machine Shop and these dudes on stage to at least comment to your friend, or say nothing at all. The whole shop doesn’t need to know how you feel and that band certainly doesn’t need it. Until you have walked a mile in their shoes, SHUT THE FUCK UP.<br /><br />So you know me, making my smart comments. Hoping he would hear me. Matt telling me to stop. He’s no fun. I know, I don’t want to disrespect Craig and Kevin and the Shop, but damn this dude was pissing me off! At one point I screamed, hey buddy why don’t you get up there and sing for us, show us what you got! Not once did that guy ever turn around and say anything. But he was annoying all those around him.<br /><br />Next band was Marashino. They were not bad, but not great either. Again, the douche bag wanted to be a heckler. Marashino was a little bit edgier then Sore Eyes who was much more Southern and raw and in your face, where as Marashino was a little darker. Not Cradle of Filth type dark. Just a darker rock. Anyway, the drummer was super cool to watch. He did a lot of drumming with one hand and he had these wicked cool eyes that just mind fucked you if you stared to long. He would just make these faces, turn his head, his eyes would just glaze over and he would never blink. Or they would roll…it was creepy , but cool. And really that’s all I have to say about them. About this point Matt had let Jeff on staff know that this dude was being a jerk so people started to keep an eye on him.<br /><br />Out of nowhere this dude falls on his ASS! I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard in my life. No one touched him, he just fell. His head right at my feet. Oh how I wanted to stomp him. Yeesh. I just looked down at him, laughed and said “that’s what you get” everyone around him was laughing. He looked like a total tool. <br /><br />So we stand, waiting for Shinedown. Matt’s legs are bothering him so he squats down. Looking like there is a huge empty space right in the center, about 4 girls started to swarm in our direction from the side lines. The first one stopped dead when she saw there was actually someone there. I laughed and shook my head. And then all these damn people walking in front of me or behind me just pushing their way through. The group of guys behind us and the girl beside me were getting pissed. It was like our little row was the crossing for the bar and bathrooms. And these people did not even say excuse me. They just pushed and shoved. Rude. So I pushed and shoved back. And some people I told them I was not moving. Sorry. Yeah, I know what a bitch I am, but you can only take so much. One girl walked through so many times I finally just had to tell her saying excuse me would go a long way. <br /><br />Something about me, I am not afraid to speak whatever rolls off my tongue. In case you did not know that already. But, most of you do. <br /><br />I just hate RUDE people. Point blank. There is no reason for it. It does not make you stronger or weaker however you look at it. It does not make you look better in anyone’s eyes. So, if you are one of those people, stop being so damn rude and I promise you, things will go much better in your life.<br /><br />Ahhhh….finding my inner OM….<br /><br />Ommmmmm<br />Ommmmm<br />OK.<br />SHINEDOWN!!!<br /><br />Finally those boys appear on stage and 600 people packed into the Machine Shop elbow to elbow, asses to asses, started to scream and raise horns and just rock the fuck out. (boy I am cursing a lot in this blog) It was sweaty, sticky, uncomfortable, and HOT. But it was worth every back pain, every neck twitch, and every toe cramp just to hear Brent’s voice one more time. We were close enough that when Brent opens his mouth to belt out his high notes you could see clear into the back of his throat. Yeah, gross, I know. Sweat flew off the stage on to the crowd. It was a great time and an amazing experience. Brent has the voice of an angel. He has given me strength and carried me through some troubling times. Shinedown’s music has been my anti-depressant. <br /><br />I screamed, I hooted, I hollered, I jumped and rocked out. I sang at the top of my lungs. For a brief moment I forgot all about everything that depresses me and makes me sad right now.<br /><br />Craig was more than willing to take us back to meet Brent once he came out, but he just was not coming out. “That’s OK” I said. I had a good time, so that didn’t really matter much to me. The guys have to live their lives too and sometimes they are just too tired and don’t want to come out where the party is, especially if they are trying to stay away from booze. (which I might add, I was not drinking) We did spend a while talking to Sore Eyes, and they are a great group of (southern) guys.<br /><br />So, a big thank you to Matt for a wonderful Christmas present.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38686816355329130602008-12-15T22:16:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:53:12.054-04:00Holiday Hellride - My Weekend Update<div class="MsoNormal">See, I told you guys I was going to try to get better about blogging. LOL!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have spent the day doing band things. Sorting through 200 plus pictures and talking to contacts all day makes for some good entertainment. It also makes your eyes go a little loopy. So, between 2 cameras we have 189 pics. I still have our camera to load up. I left the cord at Matt's house so I could not play in my own pics today. *sad face* and I am pretty sure we have some that are sure to get a few laughs out of you. Anyone who has been around me when I am in charge of picture taking knows just how this turns out.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just have to say – I don't *love* doing Matt's band stuff. But I do *enjoy* helping him out. There is a difference. He *loves* it. Get what I mean? I am not so wrapped up in it that I don't realize I have my own life to live. Because trust me, I do. I do my own things quite often. I like my "me" time and will never let go of that. Right now I have more free time then I usually do. Helping Matt's gives me something to do. Not only that, it can be fun. And he is grateful for my help. It takes some of the chore off his shoulders. When you work 2 jobs and have kids(s) on top of managing a band, you can take all the help you can get. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, having said that – I do *love* meeting new people and being social. (and pics, right???) Making new friends and getting to know people first hand is what makes the world go round. Some people can be weird and rightfully a pain in the ass (right Karyn? LOL) but most people are honest, real, and quite frankly, a lot of effing fun to hang out with. So I really enjoy going to shows because anyone that *really* knows me and my personality will know I love talking to people. Not to mention it allows me to enjoy a pint or two.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And I am having a lot of fucking fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what's the harm in that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So those of you worried that I am all wrapped up in Matt's shit – don't be. It's fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok…are we done with that now????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Good.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So Saturday was the big Christmas event at the Hamilton St. Pub. The Revolution Music Label presented Holiday Hellride with Silverspork, Publik Parking and special guest 4Warned. Downseed was the headliner. This was the first show since Mike left a few weeks ago, it was Billy's last show, and Will's grandmother had just recently passed. So, it was an emotional night for sure. But, Matt knew we had people coming to check things out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Per usual, when Matt and I go out it always turns in to an adventure, and this night did not let us down. The show did not start until 9pm. I left my house at 3:30pm because Matt had a call to see a patient, so we had to load up and head in to town early. VERY EARLY. We got in to town, he dealt with his patient and we decided to get dinner. I opted to eat at the pub since we had to go there anyway. Well, we both forgot that the Pub doesn't have an open kitchen on the weekends. Bummer. Here is the adventure to my story. Matt parked the van in the back (as usual) since it holds all the equipment. Only this time it had snowed and the van got stuck. We could not leave the Pub. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, we had to walk down the street to this little train caboose turned eatery called The Junction. It was freezing cold. I was NOT wearing appropriate shoes. I mean, hell, how was I supposed to know I was going to have to walk in knee high snow drifts to get there. The sidewalks were shoveled, but once you crossed a street you had to waddle thru the drifts to get back on the sidewalk. Did I mention I was freezing cold??? Good thing the Junction had good food. So even though we were pissy the food turned out to be really good. So we now have someplace new to add to our places to eat. See, an adventure. After eating we headed back to the Pub for some fun. So, on with my bar tab! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had drinks, made some friends, met some cool ass people, watched some bands, talked to more people, posed for crazy ass pics, drank some more, oh and drank some more. LOL. Had fun with some crazy ass drunks , typical night. Got to sit on Santa's lap. LMAO! Ever see a Santa with a Mohawk? You will when you check out my pics.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, one of the couples, Scott and Deb were there. They took some great pics and are some great people to chat with. Deb made the rocker necklace that Nate is wearing in all the pics. Scott also writes for Sea of Tranquility and he wrote a great review of the guys that I wanted to share with all of you. It makes me smile when people think good things about Matt and his band. They guys are just a great group. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Downseed was the last band to play. We left the pub just about 2am and headed home to Birch Run. Stopped at this great little truck stop type restaurant called The Exit. 2:30 in the morning and we are just feeding our faces like we have not eaten in a week. By the time we got home and went to bed it was after 4am.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday was spent with his friend Chris who checked out my car (we thought we needed new brakes, but didn't) So now I get to think of something new to ask for as a Christmas present since I don't need brakes. LOL. I tend to really ask for things that I need. Anyway, Chris is a lot of fun and Matt and I took him to Olive Garden for spending time on my car. I used to like OG back in OK. But I was not impressed with the OG here in MI. Or maybe it was because our waitress was just weird. After dinner we did a little shopping then the three of us went to the movies. Saw the new Punisher movie. It was great! Had a good time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, what did you do this weekend??? I will be blog hopping to catch up. I had to spend all day trying to catch up since I got nothing done over the weekend!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh well….living the rock star life! LMAO!!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;" times=""><a href="mailto:wolfman309@yahoo.com"><span style="color: blue;"></span></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><i><b>Downseed, Revolution, The</b></i></span><br /><br /><blockquote><div align="justify"><img align="right" alt="" border="1" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/reviews/D/downseedrevolution.jpg" hspace="10" vspace="2" width="150" /></div>Spread the seed. With the explosion of metal all over this planet, sometimes you find what you are looking for right in your own backyard. Spread the seed. When I first heard this band, it was in a live setting, the sound was terrible and the band itself had some inner turmoil going. Two members were leaving the band and this was their last night. Still, as I listened to them, there was something in the music that hit home! Spread the seed. There was something between founder/lead singer Matt and guitarist/vocalist Nate that prickled those hairs on the back of your neck. Matt with his clean vocals and Nate with his hellish screams and searing guitar work simply put….ROCKED!! Spread the seed.<br />With their release of the EP, The Revolution, the band has firmly established themselves as a band with what it takes to propel themselves well beyond the confines of Michigan. This is their 3rd release and after last year's; The Masquerade, the band shows the ability to create great metal music time and time again. Spread the seed.<br />Pounding you with a thrashing guitar intro, "Consumed By Lies" welcomes you to the mayhem. The cool thing about them is the bedlam created is offset by the almost soothing vocals of Matt. While Nate is removing the outer layer of skin with his screaming, Matt plays dermatologist with his. Not only does this make for a sonic treat, it also gets the message across loud and clear, with Nate's vocals being the exclamation point! Spread the seed.<br />Musical diversity is a signature of this band. You will find influences from many a genre as with the song "A Sign Of Things To Come". With its funky bass line right out of Motown, this adds a cool ying to the metal yang that the rest of the band creates on this tune. This is one of the discs highlights. Well, one of the six on this six song EP. Spread the seed.<br />There is no doubt that the metalhead in you will find a new group to follow. Also, there is little doubt that the thinking portion of the brain not rattled by the thrashing you are receiving will have a work out with the messages that the band is putting out. As Matt told me, "The band is about overcoming adversity". That's the message and that's exactly what they convey. This is most evident in the very dynamic song "Slavery Inc". You can hear the passion about the message in the vocals. You might think that Nate is chained and being beaten with his demonic screams on this one! <br />The band does lighten it up too. There is a hidden track on the disc that was done as a joke and it suddenly became a hit among those that enjoy a little cannabis now and then. "Smoke Your Weed" was done as a joke where they were doing their best Green Day imitation. Then High Times magazine found it and now they are getting recognition in a most unlikely way. This song is very funny and a riot of a party tune but as Matt told me, they are not a druggie band by a long shot and this was meant to be a joke. I have to admit, it is an infectious song! But don't judge them by this song at all. There is much more to the band than this!<br />I could go on and on about the merits of the band but the best thing you could do is just pick up a copy and find out for yourself. This is one of those discs that's a must have for your collection. I think you'll find that it won't stray far from the player and you will also be telling everyone you know about this new band. In other words, you will be helping to…Spread the seed!!!<br />Track listing:<br /><br />1. Consumed By Lies <br />2. A Sign Of Things To Come <br />3. Blinded <br />4. Slavery Inc. <br />5. Sunburn <br />6. Smoke Your Weed (Hidden Track) </blockquote><b>Added:</b> December 15th 2008<br /><b>Reviewer:</b> <a href="mailto:wolfman309@yahoo.com">Scott Ward</a><br /><b>Score:</b> <img alt="" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/star_whole.gif" /><img alt="" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/star_whole.gif" /><img alt="" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/star_whole.gif" /><img alt="" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/star_whole.gif" /><br /><b>Related Link:</b> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/downseed" target="new">Band's Myspace Page</a><br /><b>Hits:</b> 13Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68976600930495988362008-12-11T21:43:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:52:41.380-04:00On the Way to See Staind, State of Shock opens.Traffic!! (yes we are speeding just a bit)<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WXInEtlzjWA?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WXInEtlzjWA?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />What is with all the shopping carts on the road??<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D1M3IxRR_0U?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D1M3IxRR_0U?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object><br /><br />And still more carts!<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PGCx2jW66fY?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PGCx2jW66fY?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71509146777044920022008-12-11T12:13:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:52:12.538-04:00My Night with Staind !!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SUFKOckw4jI/AAAAAAAAABA/ndkMTYstWRE/s1600-h/staind.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SUFKOckw4jI/AAAAAAAAABA/ndkMTYstWRE/s320/staind.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278581850303947314" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 174px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />Staind!<br /><br />So, Matt and I traveled down to Detroit last night to see Papa Roach, Seether and Staind. Monday Aaron Lewis cancelled their Canada show so there was talk on whether or not our show would be canceled as well due to him having Bronchitis. Not a nice thing for a singer (or anyone for that matter) to have.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, after fighting TONS of traffic, forgetting cash for parking and having to hunt down an ATM in the middle of downtown Detroit, dealing with shit parking, making new friends in the elevator ( I swear we met Lance Bass, only he died his hair brown!), standing in line for weapons check (Girls to the right , boys to the left, please!!!), waiting for our tickets to be scanned, standing in a mile long line for the bathroom, running into Matt’s friends, we finally found a place on the floor. We got floor tickets, no seats. Standing room only in our little section. There were a few small tables located around the bar and such, but since we had to find traffic and road construction those were all filled by the time we got there. It was at the Fillmore. Nice and cozy place. Nice bar ;)<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />I was a little disappointed that Papa Roach and Seether opted to not play this night of the tour. I was really looking forward to Seether. We did get to enjoy a newer band called State of Shock. It was the first time for either of us to hear them and let me tell you, although they are a little poppy commercial, they are actually pretty good and put on a great show. Not to mention the bass player is a chick and she was rocking that shit!! *smiles* I love seeing rocker chicks!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />We opted to not push our way to the very front of the stage. We had a nice spot with one of his friends and his girlfriend and it was nice to not be squished around so many people. We were on the floor and pretty close to the stage, and I was happy. Matt was happy as he loved Staind/ Aaron Lewis. One of his idols and he got to hang out with his friend that he has not seen in some time. He had no idea they were there, he just happened to spot us when we were walking in. So that was cool for him. If Matt smiles, I smile.<br /><br /><br /><br />Let me just say, Aaron Lewis ROCKED THE HOUSE! I think maybe his voice cracked two times the whole show. He played all my favorite songs. A lot of older stuff, which was AWESOME!!! Only played a couple of songs from the new album. They did Believe which almost brought me to tears. Until you see Aaron live and hear that voice, you just have not lived! He can bring goose bumps even to the hardest of rockers flesh.<br /><br /><br />It was a great night, we had a good time. We always have some sort of an adventure when we go out!<br /><br /><br />I took some pics on my phone that did not turn out, but I took them just as a memento for myself that I was there. I posted them in my pics. I took some short vids too that will be on my youtube. I have this great phone that sometimes takes good pics and vids, and sometimes not….oh well…its good enough for me to keep the memory.<br /><br /><br /><br />So this Saturday Matt’s band (Downseed) is playing a show for their record label. It will be in Saginaw at the Hamilton Street Pub if anyone wants to come rock with us. It will be a good time for sure, its titled Holiday Hellride and Silverspork (awesome guys!) , 4Warned and Publik Parking will be playing as well.<br /><br /><br />Next Thursday we are going to see SHINEDOWN (again) at the Machine Shop ( I love that place!) I am so excited and can’t wait!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />After that, (aside from the holiday) we are going to be laying low (until January) and looks like Matt has a show on the 10<sup>th </sup>& 30<sup>th</sup> (in Detroit) and so far the only concert we have planned is Slipknot at the end of the month.<br /><br /><br />Concerts anyway….there is a UFC PPV on Dec 27<sup>th</sup> with a awesome fight card, so we might have to have a fight party event!<br /><br /><br />As for the other things in life…..taking each day as it comes, and just making the best of it.<br /><br /><br /><br />The best thing is now I have someone caring and understanding enough to be there for me and help me every step of the way. He has been a huge rock for me to lean on, and that’s really the best gift a girl could ask for.<br /><br /><br />I hope all of you are doing well and I look forward to catching up with you guys!<br /><br /><br />Oh, one last thing….for all my locals…Dropkick Murphys.....March 3 in Detroit…<br /><br /><br />Are you down????<br /><br /><br />My Irish / Celtic Family…<br /><br /><br />I said…ARE YOU DOWN??? Get at me…lets talk…lets plan…Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89889879541405131642008-11-30T19:47:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:51:56.202-04:00Busy Girl!!!<div class="blogContent">I know my blogs have slacked. No poetry, . I think I posted a "What's up with Chrys?" not too long ago.<br /><br />I don't know guys...I just have writers block to be honest with you. At least when it comes to this stuff.<br /><br />At any rate I am doing just fine. I am making some much needed changes in life and just taking things one day at a time.<br /><br />I have been helping Matt a lot with his band stuff so I want to pass along to you guys the newsletter I have written. That will help you to see what my a*s has been up to!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Downseed News The Seed – Vol. 1<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />We are going to get much better around here about sending out regular updates to our fans. We know we have been slacking as of late, but that is all about to change. <br /><br />We have tons of new things floating in our direction that we are super excited about and want to share with you, our Seed fans. So please subscribe to the blog to stay updated on all the news and happenings. In case you missed the last Bulletin – here is a recap:<br /><br />News from the Downseed Camp <br /><br />Hey everyone, Just wanted to touch base with all you guys. I see we have added a few friends since our page got hacked a while ago. We're not back up to our old total yet, but I'm assured that we will supersede that by tons.<br /><br />I just wanted to let everyone know that we're in the process of getting a new drummer, a third guitar player, and quite possibly a new sampler/keys guy that will round out the Downseed crew at 6 members.<br /><br />We also welcome our new myspace manager Chrystal to the Team. She is a great asset to our camp and will make our myspace great. We're undergoing these crazy transitions, but we'll be coming out new and revamped with our new members. And we will get back to our old ways of rocking.<br /><br />that is all matt and the seed<br /><br />And in case you missed the last blog here is a recap: <br /><br /><br />Check out this week's BrutalCast Show that we are featured on. Below is a link for rebroadcast/ downlink.<br /><br />Again, thank you, to all our fans and Metal Cast / ZSentient for the airplay and support! <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmVzbmlwcy5jb20vZG9jLzIxNDBmNDdlLWM5MmUtNDhmZS05NDQxLTM1YzkxYmQ0NDU4Ni96c2VudGllbnRicnV0YWxjYXN0MTEyODA4">http://www. esnips. com/doc/2140f47e-c92e-48fe-9441-35c91bd44586/zsentientbrutalcast112808</a> </div><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="><br /><i>Listen on Myspace or Download...</i></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="> </a> </center>Like we stated in the last Bulletin and as most of you have heard we are losing our drummer Billy and our guitarist Mike. Although we hate to lose 2 important members of The Seed Family, we wish them nothing but love and support as they start a new journey in life. We all know the talent these two possess and know they will achieve their goals and go far in life.<br /><br />So, where does that leave Downseed? Not to worry, we already have a line up in the works. This will in NO way affect ANY of the scheduled dates we have for up and coming shows!<br /><br />Downseed WILL have a "re-birth" in the coming months, so be on the look out for that! We are in the process of booking shows in the Grand Rapids and Detroit areas so keep an eye out for us there!<br /><br /><br />Also, we have gotten picked up by a few internet radio stations (with many more in the works) and as soon as those are set in stone we will pass along the links and such so that our faithful fans can check us out and give thanks to the stations that are helping to "spread the seed."<br /><br /><br />Let's see….more….more…more <br /><br /><br />Some other things in the works, once "re-birth" has happened we are looking to get picked up by Jägermeister (www. Jägermeister.com) as well as Rock Star energy drinks (www.rockstar69.com).<br /><br /><br />This is where YOU the fans will come in to play. We need pictures and lots of them. So, hang out with us after the shows and let us get a shit load of pictures!<br /><br /><br />We have been listed in the Skratch Magazine the official magazine for the Warped Tour (www.skratchmagazine.com ) just another way to "spread the seed." So a big thanks to them.<br /><br /><br />For those of you with a Facebook account, look for a Downseed group to appear there VERY soon!! We will need your help in getting the word out around the Facebook community!!!!<br /><br /><br />And for our YouTube fans, not to worry. We have a lot of new footage from recent shows that will be posted very soon. <br /><br /><br />All age shows….YOU the fans keep asking …. So WE are going to provide…keep your eyes and ears open for that. Watch for us on itunes we are SUPER stoked about this and the minute it is available you all will be the FIRST to know!<br /><br />We would like to thank Scott at Sea of Tranquility (www.seaoftranquility.org or mysapce.com/wolfman309) for coming out to the show at The Machine Shop on November 22. We had a great time meeting and hanging out with you. Thanks for helping to "spread the seed!" Keep your eyes open fans for the review Scott did on the show. Also a big thanks to him for the photos he provided.<br /><br />Friends….. we are slowly adding new friends to the Downseed site. After our page was hacked some time ago we lost our Seedlings…but …with a little luck we will find them all again, or they will find us! Hmmmmm….what else…. Oh yes…SHOWS!<br /><br />December 13, 2008 is the Revolution Music Label Show (www.therevolutionmusic.com) w/ Publik Parking at the Hamilton St. Pub in Saginaw.<br /><br />January 30, 2008 is the 89X show w/Publik Parking at the Ritz in Detroit. <br /><br /><br />We are looking to do a benefit show in early spring…if you are a band and want to jump on board, then please drop us a line. <br /><br /><br />We have so many things in the works right now….. Just keep an eye on these blogs…. And keep "spreading the seed." <br /><br />That is all. <br />********************************************<br /><br />So anyway, I am pusing the band LOL! And using my wit and writing to the best of my ability.<br /><br />I promise you guys I will get some writing done...or someone might just have to come and spank me...<br /><br />Oh wait..I will like that ...<br /><br />So just spank me and be done with it!!<br /><br />x0x0x<br />ChrysChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43175420170554768802008-11-30T18:32:00.000-05:002013-10-04T10:28:02.234-04:00The Seed - Volume 1<div class="MsoNormal"><h2><span style="font-size: x-large;">Downseed News</span></h2></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Seed – Vol. 1<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are going to get much better around here about sending out regular updates to our fans. We know we have been slacking as of late, but that is all about to change. We have tons of new things floating in our direction that we are super excited about and want to share with you, our Seed fans. So please subscribe to the blog to stay updated on all the news and happenings. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In case you missed the last Bulletin – here is a recap:<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">News from the Downseed Camp <o:p></o:p></span></i><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Hey everyone, <br /><br />Just wanted to touch base with all you guys. I see we have added a few friends since our page got hacked a while ago. We're not back up to our old total yet, but I’m assured that we will supersede that by tons.<span style="display: none;"><br /></span><br /><br />I just wanted to let everyone know that we're in the process of getting a new drummer, a third guitar player, and quite possibly a new sampler/keys guy that will round out the Downseed crew at 6 members.<span style="display: none;"><br /></span><br /><br />We also welcome our new myspace manager Chrystal to the Team. She is a great asset to our camp and will make our myspace great.<span style="display: none;"><br /></span><br /><br />We're undergoing these crazy transitions, but we'll be coming out new and revamped with our new members. And we will get back to our old ways of rocking.<span style="display: none;"><br /></span><br /><br />that is all<br /><br />matt and the seed</span><o:p></o:p></i><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">And in case you missed the last blog here is a recap:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Check out this week's BrutalCast Show that we are featured on. Below is a link for rebroadcast/ downlink. Again, thank you, to all our fans and Metal Cast / ZSentient for the airplay and support!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmVzbmlwcy5jb20vZG9jLzIxNDBmNDdlLWM5MmUtNDhmZS05NDQxLTM1YzkxYmQ0NDU4Ni96c2VudGllbnRicnV0YWxjYXN0MTEyODA4">http://www. esnips. com/doc/2140f47e-c92e-48fe-9441-35c91bd44586/zsentientbrutalcast112808</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><br /><center><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="></a></div><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="> </a><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA==" style="background-color: white;"></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA==" style="background-color: white;"><i>Listen on Myspace or Download...</i></a></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div></center><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Like we stated in the last Bulletin and as most of you have heard we are losing our drummer Billy and our guitarist Mike. Although we hate to lose 2 important members of The Seed Family, we wish them nothing but love and support as they start a new journey in life. We all know the talent these two possess and know they will achieve their goals and go far in life. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, where does that leave Downseed? Not to worry, we already have a line up in the works. This will in NO way affect ANY of the scheduled dates we have for up and coming shows! <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Downseed WILL have a “re-birth” in the coming months, so be on the look out for that!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are in the process of booking shows in the Grand Rapids and Detroit areas so keep an eye out for us there! </div><div class="MsoNormal">Also, we have gotten picked up by a few internet radio stations (with many more in the works) and as soon as those are set in stone we will pass along the links and such so that our faithful fans can check us out and give thanks to the stations that are helping to “spread the seed.”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s see….more….more…more<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some other things in the works, once “re-birth” has happened we are looking to get picked up by <em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Jägermeister </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">(www.</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">Jägermeister.com</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">)</span></em> as well as Rock Star energy drinks (www.rockstar69.com). This is where YOU the fans will come in to play. We need pictures and lots of them. So, hang out with us after the shows and let us get a shit load of pictures! <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have been listed in the Skratch Magazine the official magazine for the Warped Tour (www.skratchmagazine.com ) just another way to “spread the seed.” So a big thanks to them. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For those of you with a Facebook account, look for a Downseed group to appear there VERY soon!! We will need your help in getting the word out around the Facebook community!!!!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And for our YouTube fans, not to worry. We have a lot of new footage from recent shows that will be posted very soon.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All age shows….YOU the fans keep asking …. So WE are going to provide…keep your eyes and ears open for that.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Watch for us on itunes <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> we are SUPER stoked about this and the minute it is available you all will be the FIRST to know!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We would like to thank Scott at Sea of Tranquility (<a href="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/">www.seaoftranquility.org</a> or mysapce.com/wolfman309) for coming out to the show at The Machine Shop on November 22. We had a great time meeting and hanging out with you. Thanks for helping to “spread the seed!” Keep your eyes open fans for the review Scott did on the show. Also a big thanks to him for providing us with a ton of pics from the show. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Friends….. we are slowly adding new friends to the Downseed site. After our page was hacked some time ago we lost our Seedlings…but …with a little luck we will find them all again, or they will find us!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hmmmmm….what else….<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh yes…SHOWS!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">December 13, 2008 is the Revolution Music Label Show (<a href="http://www.therevolutionmusic.com/">www.therevolutionmusic.com</a>) w/ Publik Parking at the Hamilton St. Pub in Saginaw.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">January 30, 2008 is the 89X show w/Publik Parking at the Ritz in Detroit. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are looking to do a benefit show in early spring…if you are a band and want to jump on board, then please drop us a line. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have so many things in the works right now…..<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just keep an eye on these blogs….<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And keep “spreading the seed.”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61547581538248215252008-11-23T13:57:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:51:25.131-04:00Second Chances<div class="blogSubject"><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.viewCategory&FriendID=152385547&BlogCategoryID=12"><br /></a> </div><div class="blogContent"><object allownetworking="internal" allowscriptaccess="never" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/3san7zRappY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" height="349" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal"></object></div><div class="blogContent">Second Chances<br /><br />Many times we are given second chances in life and do not even realize it.<br /><br />I have realized mine. My past defines me even though I do not want it to. What happened to me for 12 years was not my fault. I realize that now. I had no control over it. Nor do I have any control over the things that happen now.<br /><br />In a 16 month or so time span I lost both my grandparents, three of my closest friends, went through a divorce and moved 1000 miles away from the only life I had ever known.<br /><br />These are the things which make me stronger and make me the person I am today.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />This last year in MI has been one giant struggle. And just when I was about to get life figured out and settled in the right direction, I had that rug pulled out from under me and fell flat on my ass.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I sat there for quite a while. I did not want to get up and dust myself off. I just wanted to sit. I questioned so many things in life.<br /><br />Where am I going? What am I doing? How am I going to make these changes?<br /><br />Sometimes in life you have to say goodbye. And when you do, you are given another chance.<br /><br />Music. My heart and soul. Words that inspire me. Someone else's words to help me through.<br /><br />And this is where Shinedown comes in. I have known of this band since they first came out. Liked them enough, but this last year these words inspired. They pushed. They got into my bloodstream and poured into my heart and soul. I heard these words over and over. They were my anti-depressant. So when I was at their concert Friday night it was a very emotional moment. I felt alive. I felt like me again. And I was very glad to have been able to share this moment with Matt.<br /><br />Hearing these words that inspired me to keep moving forward was enough to help me make yet another very hard decision.<br /><br />I took a job that I knew even though it had potential to be a good match for me, was not something I was all that interested in. That potential died. And the job is not a good match at all. For me or for them. And that's fine. That's just how life is sometimes. So after 3 weeks I think I am going to say goodbye and just deal with whatever life throws at me. Like I said, moving to MI has been a huge challenge. School is still here as well as HR Block (I HOPE! LOL) but the new job is a no go. I know times are tough and perhaps finding another job more suited for me is going to be a challenge. But it's a risk I have to take. There is a lot going on with this job that really, I don't care to get in to. Let's just say it's not a good fit and leave it at that.<br /><br />I am going to move forward, and continue with my next chance.<br /><br />Life is all about making choices and taking chances.<br /><br />I have some things in the works that I will be sharing with you guys soon enough.<br />But the main point I wanted to make was, when life knocks you down, don't be afraid to get back up.<br /><br />I was.<br /><br />And I was afraid to ask for help.<br /><br />I know now that I can not do it alone. No matter how independent I want to be, sometimes there are just things not even I am strong enough to handle alone.<br /><br /><br />"Sometimes good-bye is a second chance" ~ Shinedown<br /><br />In life, in jobs and in love, I have been given my second chance and I am blessed and loved more and more with every passing day.<br /><br />I had to say goodbye to some things, as we all have had to in life. I have been given a second chance. I see that clearly now. My eyes wide open.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15906242768497947462008-11-22T14:15:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:50:59.854-04:00Shinedown Rocks My World<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SShakMHQkVI/AAAAAAAAAAw/Z8R6pvC9yE4/s1600-h/avengedsevenfold.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SShakMHQkVI/AAAAAAAAAAw/Z8R6pvC9yE4/s320/avengedsevenfold.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271562941610627410" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 247px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a>Shinedown Rocks my World…..<br /><br />Last night was the Shinedown concert and I tell you what, we made it there literally flying by the seat of our pants. The original show was Buckcherry opening for Avenged Sevenfold. But at the last minute Saving Abel and their headliner Shinedown picked up the show. FOUR bands, one night. So what kind of idiot decides to open doors at 5pm and start the show at 6 when they know darn good and well at least 50% of the people or more or going to have to travel and do not get out of work until 5????<br /><br />Matt and I both got off work early. We still had to gas up the car, grab a bite to eat and make the 90 plus mile commute down the interstate.<br /><br />I kid you not when we literally flew over 80, close to 100 at times just to get there in time for Shinedown.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>How we made it, I do not know.<br /><br />I was scared for my LIFE!<br /><br />We missed Saving Abel, got there, got to our seats and Shinedown came on at least 10 minutes later.<br /><br />By the Grace of GOD! We did it.<br /><br />And it was WORTH every freak out I had on the drive down thinking we were gonna either get pulled over or crash.<br /><br />How’s that for being optimistic?? HAHAHA<br /><br />Anyway, we had nosebleed seats so I didn’t even bother taking pics. Just a few to say, hey I was there! But I had the best time ever!<br /><br />Shinedown is going to be at the Machine Shop next month….and you can sure bet your sugar britches my sweet ass will be there!<br /><br />Buckcherry was entertaining to watch. I only know a few of their songs. And Avenged Sevenfold rocked the house.<br /><br />MI just got a couple of Sonics here. I have not been able to eat at once since leaving the great state of OK. So that’s where we went to eat, got to show Matt a piece of southern style fast food! Did you know the first Sonic was in Shawnee, OK? And the 2nd in my hometown of Stillwater??? Not to mention its still there! Just a bit of useless knowledge to stick in your fact base! Hahahahahah<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Drive-In<br /><br />Anyway, it was nice to be able to share a bit of my hometown with him.<br /><br />I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am off and running, Matt’s show is at the Machine Shop tonight.<br /><br />I will try to play catch up with all of you tomorrow!<br /><br />Hugs and Kisses<br />ChrysChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58652860290392824972008-11-16T12:43:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:50:37.986-04:00Checking In<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SSBc4WnWpXI/AAAAAAAAAAo/pWGvALoi1wc/s1600-h/matt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SSBc4WnWpXI/AAAAAAAAAAo/pWGvALoi1wc/s320/matt.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269313687236552050" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />I know it has been a long while since I have really blogged. I have so much going on that I have not had time to sit down and pound away at the keyboard. And when I do, I have so much to say that I do not even know where to start!<br /><br />The new job is going good. It makes my head spin as their is so much to learn, but its a good thing. I am very hard on myself so when something gets messed up I tend to forget that I am still very new and take it too personal. I need to work on that. But everyone is very nice and I really like it there. The good thing is I do not really have any complaints. So that's good.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I passed finals with flying colors and made the Deans list this semester. On a short break, but classes will start again very soon.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I made it through my HR Block CE's as well, and passed that headache...which was not easy. I think I have another class in December right before I go back to work for them. There is an office close to where I work now, so I put in a request to transfer there to work a few eves in the week and a few hours on the weekend. But, I am not sure if I am going to, so we will just have to see about that.<br /><br />Matt and I are doing awesome and pretty much spend all our free time together. We have hit some minor bumps in the road but we are able to fill them up and move away from them rather quickly. He is wonderful, his daughter is wonderful and I am blessed to have them in my life.<br /><br />Life is moving along at what everyone seems to say - rock star pace...LOL...<br /><br />We just had a show Friday night at Hamilton St Pub. Halloween was great, but this one was even better. Born, Downseed, Silverspork, Neighborhood Muscle and Know Lyfe. All a bunch of great guys to meet and jam with. I had a great time. So thanks to everyone for such a great night.<br /><br />Next weekend Matt and I are going to be in Ypsilanti to see Saving Abel, SHINEDOWN (wooohoo), Buckcherry and Avenged Sevenfold. I am sure this is going to be a rockin night for us! Then Saturday night we will be at the Machine Shop as his band Downseed is doing a benefit show there.<br /><br />December 10th Matt and I will be heading to Detroit to check out Staind! I want so close that Aaron Lewis sweats on me! LOL and then I think Matt has another show on the 13th but I am not sure on that.<br /><br />Busy busy.....<br /><br />The weather is cold and getting crappy....that doesn't make me very happy...<br /><br />I hope you all are doing great and would love to catch up with all of you!!!<br /><br />xoxo<br />~Chrys~Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33271812621304164752008-11-04T20:15:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:49:57.054-04:00Thankful for HimI have come to the conclusion that I am thankful for many things in my life even though times got pretty rough there for a while I know they could have been much worse. Of course those that really know will understand when I say “story of my life” but I am not going to get in to all of that now.<br /><br />The last couple of weeks have been an emotional roller coaster that I have not really shared with anyone. It has just been me fighting my own inner demons.<br /><br />I am starting a brand new job(my 2nd week) and I am in a brand new (2 months today) relationship and it just has been nagging at me, causing me to question a lot of feelings and emotions I am having. I guess the job jitters is a normal thing when you are about to embark on a new adventure. But what about the relationship jitters?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />My marriage ended, abruptly. And my last relationship ended ugly. It is making me way too leery in my current relationship. I am cautious and I question everything in my head. I am trying to let things just be. But when I do that I feel like I have no control and everything is moving ahead at light speed and I can not catch up.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I am scared, and I can admit that.<br /><br />But I am also thankful.<br /><br />I am thankful that Mike and I are over. Looking back over the year I see so many things that should not have happened that did and too many things that should have happened that didn’t. Anyone who knows Mike will tell you how great of a guy he is. And he really is. Inside. Once you are allowed past his wall and you stop seeing Kraz and you actually get to see Mike for what he really is, you will see that good hearted person that is hiding inside. Our relationship was one giant roller coaster that I am glad to be off. I miss him, I won’t lie. It is HIM that I miss and not so much our relationship. That is why I am thankful that after our ugly breakup we were able to salvage some kind words in the middle of the ugly and build on that. I can honestly say I am glad we are still friends. Who knows how long our friendship will last as he goes his direction in life and I go mine. Who knows if our paths will ever cross again. But all I know is with this friendship I was able to put the last few pieces of the puzzle together and slowly begin to peal off the band-aids I had to put on the heart he shattered. My heart is mending, and thanks to him I have loved, I have laughed, I have lived and I have moved on. He has made me stronger then I ever was.<br /><br />I guess I can also thank Mike for leaving me because if that did not happen I would not have met Matt.<br /><br />My life is blessed more and more every day by Matt and his presence. I fumble with my words a lot when I am around him and I just do not think he realizes just how special he is to me. I know my wall is up and I know it has not been an easy task for him to try and move some bricks in that wall. He has been so patient, kind and so understanding. I often wonder what I did to deserve this. I know I am a good person, but I have been handed a strange deck of cards in my life.<br /><br />Maybe Cupid feels like crap for missing his mark so many months ago that he is trying to make up for it now. If so, it seems like he may have finally got it right. At least I am hoping so.<br /><br />Mike and Matt both found me during the low points of my life. Mike after my divorce and cross country moves, and Matt after Mikes “cold feet” saga. I don’t think I was ready to date. But they both took a chance on me and my past baggage and in their own ways they picked me up and helped me to heal. Neither were a rebound, I had what I call the “in-betweeners” for that.<br /><br />Matt met me at the lowest point. It was easy for me to explain things to Mike. I had just divorced and moved across the country. It was easy to say I was starting life over, looking for a new job and such. It was much harder to explain things to Matt. Here I was only a year after my divorce and move and back in the same situation I was in. I felt lost, confused, taken for a ride and just like the worlds biggest loser. Matt could have easily said I had too much baggage and left me behind after that first date.<br /><br />But he didn’t.<br /><br />Instead he took me by the hand and followed along beside me. When I was down and out, he made me see the light. I stood by me as I followed along that path to find a new job. When I fell down, he picked me back up.<br /><br />My words will never be able to tell you or even him just how much that has meant to me.<br /><br />Matt isn’t perfect, he comes with his own suitcase full of personal baggage. And it is something that rattles my brain daily. The constant wondering… am I doing the right thing?<br /><br />Are WE as a couple following along the right path?<br /><br />Having a job now does not answer all of my life’s problems, but it is a good start on being able to take care of some of those problems.<br /><br />I am not sure what my future holds, but I do hope that Matt will continue to walk along that path beside me, holding my hand because it is a long road ahead that I do not want to travel alone.<br /><br />They say everything happens for a reason, I am glad HE Is my reason.<br /><br />~xoxox~Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91405028161159361902008-11-02T17:06:00.000-05:002014-09-22T16:49:03.969-04:00A Ranty RantI wanted today’s blog to be about the fun I had Friday night. I have not been much of one for Halloween, but I had a lot of fun Friday night with Matt. His band played and they all dressed up as the Blue Man group, except for Will. I called the act The Blue Man Group with special guest Satan. You will have to go see the couple of pics I have posted for that to make sense.<br /><br />I just need to vent today.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I am sitting here today getting very pissed because I had made it clear to EVERYONE around me that this was my last week of this round of classes which means FINALS and more importantly a FINAL PAPER that is due in a matter of hours. Now that I am back to work, I do not have all the time in the world to sit and research stuff for my papers. I sit at a pc all day at work, the last thing I want to do is spend more time sitting at my pc logging in hours to write a paper. Papers are never fun anyway. And this one is no exception.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />For whatever the reason my cousin decided rather then drive his dad down to the airport on the day that he is suppose to leave, he would drop his dad off here to let my mother take him to the airport. That means he’s here all day today, tonight, tomorrow, tomorrow night and Tuesday morning.<br /><br />I already spent time with him when he first got in to town.<br /><br />I have lived in OK my whole life; I am used to not spending time with family. It’s not a big deal to me. If I see them, great. If I don’t, I am not going to cry about it. I can not help that this is how I am. I never had family around me growing up, so I guess I just do not see the big deal if I can not spend time with family because I have other things to do.<br /><br />I made it very clear to my mother that I was not going to be social today. I had used up all my social points Friday night and Saturday doing the Halloween thing and spending time with Matt. I do not want to spend Monday night doing homework because I want to go with Matt to see his daughter. I have my schedule and priorities in order. I am sorry if family members want to try to switch things around at the last minute, but I do not function like that.<br /><br />So, now I am grumpy. What usually takes me a couple of hours have taken me ALL day and I am STILL NOT DONE! This uncle and my mother have sat in this house all day literally screaming at each other. I am convinced at this point that they are both going deaf and neither wants to admit it. What sucks for me is that my room is right off the living room. I get NO peace and quiet. I stuck my head out for dinner and was griped at for being anti-social. Well so sad too bad, I told you I had homework to do and that was that. However they both felt the need to sit there and speak to me like I was a child.<br /><br />Sorry, but my grades and schoolwork are more important then being social. END OF STORY.<br /><br />And to make matters worse, my other uncle and aunt have just shown up. Now, let’s think about this for a moment. My mom and uncle both know I am in here trying to get a paper done. And not just any paper but a HUGE final paper. If my mother was any kind of a mother she would have been nice enough to offer to run my uncle up the damn road to my other family member’s house and hang out there. Give me some peace and quiet before I go out of my freaking mind.<br /><br />And all that does is make me angry. It just makes me want to run farther and farther away from this dreadful place. Every time I turn around, since the day I have moved here there has been some sort of crap going on that just pisses me off. It’s like people around here do not ever take others in to consideration.<br /><br />But yet I am the bad guy right now because I am not being social.<br /><br />I can not be angry, I need to look at something else that will make me happy.<br /><br />No time for that…..<br /><br />I have to finish this paper…..<br /><br />Can’t wait to move out of here….<br /><br />Anyone have some industrial strength earplugs I can borrow, mine are not working and the ipod doesn’t go loud enough to drown out them loud mouths without busting my eardrums….<br /><br />Matt offered to let me use his house , should have took him up on that offer…..Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24084154684349075042008-10-27T06:46:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:48:26.216-04:00For the RecordMy heart still hurts, but that doesn't mean I am not capable of loving someone else. The ex and I are friends and that is all we will ever be. He has someone else, I have someone wonderful who I am falling in love with as every day new passes.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />You all know people heal differently and I am sorry it seems to be taking me some time to heal. But really guys it has only been a few months. But just know....I will NOT go back to him, so for those of you who are thinking that....put that out of your mind right now.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9365284875104525222008-10-26T19:27:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:48:03.897-04:00Memories Remain<div class="MsoNormal">That old familiar voice haunts me. The harder I try to be strong I am forced to come to terms with the fact this is the one thing that brings me to my knees. The very essence of my soul has been sucked dry and spit out never to invade my body again. I wonder how to describe how it feels to be soulless. To walk through life every day merely just surviving and never really understanding what it is like to "just-live" because for me it has always been to "just-survive"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to rid myself of those memories. I try. I try to make new ones. And it works, for a moment. Until I am left alone with my thoughts.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me and my thoughts. Alone. As we have all learned by now that is never a good idea. My mind wanders into the dark, deep, black abyss and I wonder how I will dig myself out this time. How will the smile grace my face as If no one can tell that mask is on?<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every turn and twist there is a shadow that follows me. I've grown tired of it. No longer wanting him to be there. Wanting to rid every last trace of him and our history out of my mind. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I long for a blank memory. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I close my eyes and just breathe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And once those memories are gone, the phone lights up. And there he is. Flashing, the phone singing his tune. I tell myself over and over again I will not answer. I can not. My words will fail me again. A phone call here, text messages there, perhaps even an email hiding in the middle of all my pointless ramblings. Always a hello. Always a laugh and always an I miss you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Those words I longed to hear so many months ago sting my bandaged heart. Missing me is like pouring salt on an open wound. It stings, it burns and it rips through your veins like poison. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to know he misses me. As he should. It's his entire fault the way things have ended up. He is to blame. As his life went on, I was left alone and broken. I was the one left putting the pieces all back together. And now, here I am, with some inch of happiness and my heart put together by a box of band-aids and he wants to say it. Say those words that ring in my ears. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don't care I say to myself. I have moved on. My feet have moved forward. My life on a path to better days ahead and much happiness. I am blessed more now then I have ever been in a relationship. I am adored, I am loved and I am cared for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But his words still sting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Will that sting go away if a pour a bottle of calamine lotion over the wound?</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47237440830044632642008-10-16T16:52:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:47:15.478-04:00A New JobI don't have much time, so this is just a quickie!<br /><br />I finally got a new job! So the last of the "no move to Lansing" disaster can be put back together.<br /><br />Its a good job at a good company very close to my house, which is a plus. Especially when you live in the boonies! LMAO! Oh well, at least I get to live here for free so I try not to complain too much.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So, I have this new job which I start on the 27th, college classes, HR Block fall continuing education credit classes and the text job. Then in January I acutally go back to work for HR Block. FUN!<br /><br />The thing is - for those of you who have been under the radar- I also have a wonderful dude in my life. And building a relationship takes time too.<br /><br />I have a lot on my plate. So, the text job is going to take a hiatus for a while. At least until after tax season.<br /><br />But, no worries. I still have a lot of story ideas that will hopefully keep you all laughing and held over until then.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21987719659398794022008-10-09T21:36:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:45:37.538-04:00QT PieHere is a little video of Matt, who is the lead singer of Downseed. I don't think he knew I was video taping him with my phone ;) So, for all of my friends back home in Oklahoma that I miss so much, this is for you!<br /><br /><object height="344" style="background-image: url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/FzI5vIbIsUc/hqdefault.jpg);" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FzI5vIbIsUc?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FzI5vIbIsUc?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79558745686504274332008-10-08T16:43:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:45:10.003-04:00This Way and ThatThis Way and That<br /><br />I am being pulled to my limits. It seems I am not doing a damn thing, but yet I am feeling stretched out. My skin hurts, every bone in my body hurts and I am tired all the time. I am moving every which direction, that way, this way and back in the other direction. I can not complete a thought much less sit down and try to compose a proper blog entry. I dont know how I got so wrapped up in everything - but somehow I did. Life is moving ahead full speed and its not slowing down for me to catch up. I am trying, oh how I have tried. But I missed that step and fell flat on my ass. *ouch that hurt*<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I just have so much on my mind. So much doubt, worries, and crap about life in general that its just so full. So full that really nothing wants to make sense to me right now.<br /><br />I just keep riding along, hoping that everything will just settle and fall in to place like a box of cereal does when it sits on a shelf.<br /><br />Of course, one has to sit long enough for that to happen.<br /><br />*sighs*Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16518265942378927342008-10-05T16:17:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:44:28.111-04:00Dear Diary : heart Matt<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary 10/5/08</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had told myself I was going to get better at this Diary thing. I had been talking to Shannon quiet a bit lately and she suggested I actually get back to a hand written journal. She also told me that maybe it would help me be able to talk to Matt easier because I have been having a hard time talking about some things. Maybe we could write back and forth to each other, the things we are afraid to otherwise say or just not sure the way or words to say it. When I had talked about it, he thought it was a good idea and he was willing to do it. But I have yet to even go there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This week was just a crazy week. Matt and I are sharing so much time together. So many emotions and feelings running between us. Lately I have found myself really testing him. Seeing just how far I can go with my emotions. And just when I think I want to run away, I find myself wanting to call him and run right back into his arms. I have spent a lot of time thinking about him and us. Wondering if it is real what I am feeling or if it is just filling a void. Sometimes I am so afraid that maybe I am not really over Mike and that Matt is just here to fill a void. But I think these days that’s just my mind going in to overdrive. I have been so disgusted with Mike as of late. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt was over here making dinner the other night and Mike called. I was in my room so I figured I would just go ahead and answer it. Mike got all weird. <b>So I just let him go.</b> Well then he texted me and was saying shit about how he could not think about me with some other man in my room. It was just all this ridiculous shit. So I was texting him back and I told him I loved him but we had obviously moved on and my life really wasn’t his business. So his ass ended up calling me in the middle of the night just to see if Matt was still here. Mike was just so pissy. I did not want to answer it, but Matt knew it was him because of the ringtone.<br /><br />I was just so upset over the whole thing. I did talk to Mike the next day and told him I was sorry I got pissy but he has no right to talk to me like that any more. We are not together. And so he is telling me all this shit about how he would like for us to work things out and that he basically doesn’t want me with someone else. I was like, dude why does this bother you now, it never bothered you before when we were dating. And he’s all in to this whole not wanting to share thing basically. I was like whatever, you got Tammy and all your other woman and he says to me “This isn’t about me, we are talking about you.” I just went off on him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is just a mess. Its like I don’t want to really be with him, but I can’t stand the thought of him not being in my life somehow. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>So whatever. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was one month of Matt and I being together. He also had a show at the Machine Shop. I was really nervous about it, but I went. I had really wanted Stacy to go with me, but she stood me up. I almost backed out on Matt, but it was such a big night for him and I know he wanted me to be there. So, I went. And I am glad I did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He put on an awesome show. I was so captivated by him all night. Especially when he was on stage. I just kept thinking to myself how lucky I am to have such a wonderful man and how he is exactly what I am looking for. Watching him, how he shines was just the most awesome feeling in the world. I have met his mom and step sister. His mom wants to hang out more so that’s a good thing. His dad and step mom are dying to meet me. So I keep thinking to myself, go for it girl. Give it all I have to give. Stop dealing with Kraz and all his bullshit because he is never going to change. Let him and Tammy be with each other, the losers are meant to be. I have someone wonderful who treats me like a princess. I just have to walk away. Back away. Not let him try to control me anymore, and I think I have been doing a great job. I called him out on so much shit the last time we talked. He’s not going to ruin shit for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, when I am with Matt, I am at such peace and such a comfort level. It’s just awesome. I am so amazed by him and often wonder if I am just dreaming. We have so much in common, but the things we don’t are just trivial and don’t really matter. I honestly believe he is perfect for me on so many levels. And we just have this deep emotional attachment. There are things that worry me, like the fact he is technically still married. Or the whole daughter issue. I mean, what if she doesn’t like me? Then is the relationship doomed? I try not to think about it too much. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night, after the show and we got back to his place, we were lying in bed just talking and he was telling me how he has fallen in love with me and how this all happened so fast but everything just feels so right for him. Then he told me he loved me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At first, I got scared. I had just told Kraz this wasn’t love. That we were just hanging out. And then for a split second I was like, nah, he’s just in lust. But it all just seemed so clear to me. And I knew deep down I felt the same. How I think about him, think about our future. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So now here we are, in love. And it just feels so good. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just got off the phone with him a little while ago; I had to stop writing this to talk. And he was telling me how he sees our future and how someday I would move in with him and I could take care of the house and such and he would not even care if I had a job. He would take care of me. Awwww.. how damn sweet is that.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure how that would make me feel really, I hated that feeling with Marcus… but I will cross that bridge when it happens. Right now I HAVE to find a job because I have to make some money to pay my bills.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Speaking of which, I better go get some texting done to cover that car payment!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33118674072001270902008-09-30T16:23:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:41:55.516-04:00Blah Blah BlahI’ve started and stopped roughly two thousand poems in the past ten minutes.<br /><br />Nothing is happening easily. Nothing in my head makes sense anymore. I feel like my skin wants to come off. Everything feels tight and I desperately want to burst. I want to not be here. But yet I am not sure I know where I want to be anymore.<br /><br />Alone. I think too much. I worry too much. I feel like I’m dying(on the inside)… too much.<br /><br />Crying, crying. I don't know anything at the moment. Other than I hurt. Everywhere. I hurt inside, outside, even upside down. I hurt in the air that surrounds me. I hurt in my imagination, in the words I’m typing, in the colors that I’m thinking of. I want the pain to stop. I don't want to know what this is. I just wish there was anything, anyone.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I wish I didn't have to be strong all the time. I wish that I could just fall apart and nobody would cover me in clichés… Here, have a band-aid. I know I’m stronger than this, but I don't want to be. For once. For once, I want someone to want to take care of me. For once, I want to be fought for. For once. For once. For once. I want to be exactly where I am, who I am, what I am, and not feel badly about it.<br /><br />For once I want to be everything. For once I want to get upset and cry and not feel like my head is going to explode. Not feel like I’m putting people out for needing them. But I don't ever need them. Why is it such an imposition? I want to stop crying…<br /><br /><br />But maybe I want to cry forever. I want to be held so tightly that I can't breathe anymore. I don't want anyone to tell me that life isn't fair. I don't want you, yes *you,* you know who you are, to see me like this. Where the hell did you come from anyway?<br /><br /><br />How can I be so unlike anybody else and you still make me feel just like everyone else because I never thought there would be someone so much like me? you answer my questions before I ask them, tell me what I’m thinking before I even let on that I’m thinking anything, tell me what I’m going to say and do next. I have no privacy. It both makes me ecstatically happy and terrifies me. Why? Why does everything have to make no sense?<br /><br /><br />Why can't I ever be enough? Why can't I stop crying?<br /><br /><br />Why anything. Why nothing. Why everything. When. Questions that aren't really questions. I have no beautiful words for you. You know them all anyway.<br /><br />I can't be this girl. I can't be this girl. I can't be this fucking girl. I wanted to be so much more than the ridiculous person I am. Why do I fucking care so much. Why am I so unlike myself? What can I do what should I do what I want to do?<br /><br /><br />And the beat goes on… blah blah blahChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10578543090990329102008-09-26T14:19:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:41:22.868-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? - Running AwayRunning Away<br /><br />I am a runner. I have always been known to run from my problems and never face them. So able to go stone cold and just act as if nothing was going on around me. Unable to show emotion, or even feel for that matter. Able to go numb at the drop of a hat. I know this started at a very early age. Having to turn off my feelings and not dealing with those things that were going on around me, or to me. You tend to become another person. Almost like a split personality.<br /><br />Going numb, that’s almost what it seems like. There is two of me. The wonderful, bubbly, outgoing Chrys that loves life and loves the world. But there is another side of me that hides away. When this part of me shows her ugly face I am forced to put on a mask so that no one can see this stone cold person I have become. I become hard to deal with. I say things I don’t mean. I don’t let people get too close. I don’t deal and then I just run away.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I don’t want to be that girl anymore. That runner. And it’s been quite the challenge.<br /><br />Running away landed me in Michigan.<br /><br />Although I am grateful for the time I have spent here, being able to be around my family, making the few friends that I have, had the experiences that I have, I often wonder what life would have been like if I would have just stayed in OK and dealt with my problems instead of running away.<br /><br />I try not to. But I do.<br /><br />And I am feeling myself wanting to run. I want to run; I want to pack my car with whatever I can cram in it and just drive. No place in mind to be honest, I would love to see my friends, but I do not know that I am interested in moving back to OK. I just do not know what I want right now to be honest.<br /><br />I feel lost, confused, smothered and just in a funk.<br /><br />I want to get better. I want life to get better.<br /><br />I have no idea where to start. No idea how to even go about changing.<br /><br />I have been seeing this wonderful guy for a few weeks now. We have been hanging out pretty much every day since out first date. Did I mention he is wonderful? He does everything someone is supposed to do in a relationship and that freaks me the fuck out! I am so used to dating these douch bags that say one thing and do another that I don’t even know what to think about this. I have spent so many days analyzing this situation that I have put myself in turmoil. I am nitpicking. Looking at things that should not matter in order to find a way out. I wan to run and hide.<br /><br />Why you ask?<br /><br />Because after the divorce and the whole ordeal with Mike over the summer, that I am just so afraid of letting someone else in. Letting someone over that wall and getting close to me. I just about got all the pieces of my broken heart put back together, I am in no mood to have it all shattered again. It’s hard for me to trust. But yet I see no red flags here. That should put me at ease, but it doesn’t. I feel it’s too good to be true, and sometimes when it’s too good to be true, then that means that it is. But maybe not this time. Maybe, just maybe I have finally found that one person that is going to prove me wrong that they are not all the same.<br /><br />And I am terrified.<br /><br />This makes me want to run.<br /><br />How am I going to keep myself from running?<br /><br />On the anniversary of Elonna’s passing I had told Matt it was her day. I wanted to warn him in case I was not in the best of moods. I am always so upbeat and happy, even when life is throwing me lemons. But I just knew that this day may prove to be a force outside of my control. And it was. I was at Matt’s house and we were watching a movie. I don’t even remember what happened but I do remember his words that came flying out of his mouth. “What’s wrong with you today?” <br /><br />UGH. Needless to say I just looked at him and shortly after I got my things and left. At that moment I should have opened up to him and talked to him about my friendship with Elonna. Explained to him how much I loved her and how I have this empty void in my life. Surely he would understand as he had lost his friend not that long ago. But instead I made the choice to just leave.<br /><br /><br />I will NOT sit here and cry in front of him. I will NOT allow him to get close to me, to let that wall down and let him in. I drove home. On the way home the tears started to fall and without even batting an eyelash I called Mike. I needed someone to understand. Someone that understood me to tell me why I wanted to fly. I honestly did not expect him to answer his phone. He never answered it when we were together, why would he now? But he did. And I cried like he had never heard me cry before. “Mike, what’s wrong with me, why do I want to run away so bad now?” <br /><br /><br />He knew. He understood, him and I are much alike when it comes to the flight or fight response. For he too wants to just run away. Despite our past, he is an amazing friend who I will always cherish. He offered a shoulder and gave some sound advice. I called Matt, hoping to go back over there and explain myself. But he did not answer. So I just drove. I had no place in mind. Just went where the moonlight led me. I had to think about so many things. What is it that’s making me feel this way? Are Matt and I just moving to fast? Is it because I have so many other worries in life? What could it be?<br /><br /><br />I wish I had the answer. Here I am a few days later and I am still trying to figure out why I want to run away.<br /><br /><br />This one is on me. I know running away is not the answer. One of these days I have to stop running.<br /><br /><br />And now, as I write this Matt calls. Hearing his voice is all I need to gather my thoughts, and keep my feet firmly planted right here.<br /><br /><br />I do not know when or if that running/flying feeling is going to go away. I can not even seem to figure out what’s really the root of it.<br /><br /><br />I just know that I have to STOP running.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75922777616373114232008-09-23T18:26:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:40:44.846-04:00Remembering Elonna<div class="MsoNormal">Remembering Elonna</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">It was one year ago today </a>I was cruelly forced to say goodbye to one of my best friends. I remember that day like it was only yesterday. How her sister-in-law and now my friend Liz had to tell me the sad news. I cried like my whole world had ended. Just the year before we had lost one of our best friends, we saw our circle of friends go through so much turmoil and now we were losing her. And I was losing a part of myself. Not many people really understand just how big of an impact Elonna had on my life. She was there with me at my all time low, my all time darkest hour and no matter her own bullshit, she was always there. I could always count on her. She gave me so much strength when she hardly had any of her own. She was the most selfless person I had ever met. When it became my turn to be there for her, I gave her ALL I had to give. When it became her darkest hour, there I was. When her diagnoses of cancer came, there I was. I wrote her every day. I sent her pictures. I bought her flowers and had them delivered to her house, and even when I moved a 1000 miles away from her, she knew my presence was still there. Not a day did not go by that she did not know I was thinking of her. And not a day went by that I did not tell her how much she meant to me and how much I loved her. I do feel bad for moving away when I did. But I know she understood me and knew the reasons why I had to fly. If anyone in this world understood just how messed up my life had become, it was her. And if anyone understood that this woman was still left inside of me, she did. And I never even had to explain it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have a friend like this in your life now, tell them every day how much they mean to you in some way. Do not take them for granted because you never know when they may have to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think about all the fun times we had. How we should have bought stock in all the bottles of Rum we shared. LOL. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We had our share of bad times, too. But those don’t need to be remembered. I just sit and laugh about them now. How serious we were about things that seem so trivial now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I thought I would be ok, I thought I could get through this without shedding a tear. I thought I was stronger now then I used to be. But as I sit here typing this the tears start to flow and I can not seem to compose a thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So many of you here knew Elonna…. So I thought maybe we could remember her today and what she brought to our lives. Maybe you could share something in the comments section with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I miss you my sistagurl…..xoxox…I will see you again someday.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16335924432067424642008-09-21T13:30:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:39:46.556-04:00This is Why I Write......Too often people comment on how open and upfront about my life I can be in my blogs. I never really saw a problem with it. I am who I am, so why hide? I am sure people are going through the same things I am. Some people just do not want to talk about it. Thats fine. I do. I want to talk. I want to write. I want my friends and family to know these are the things I have to deal with.<br /><br />Last month on the ex birthday I posted a blog entitled "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/08/cupid-missed-my-connection.html" target="_blank">Missed Connection</a>" as a response to craigslist.com Missed Connections. I posted that blog in that section. I got some emails, I got some backlash, I made a great friend.<br /><br />I wanted to share one of the most recent emails....<br /><br />This is why I write, this is why I am so open.....<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Hello Missed Connection,<br /><br />I happened to see your letter while poking around on this site. Without knowing it, you have probably eloquently put into words what many have felt in their hearts, and could not find the words for. Many times events happen in our lives that we never fully understand, and for which we never get an explanation. And it leaves a hole, however large or small, that aches and gnaws at us for the rest of our life. These are the things that make us strong, and who we are to become. Don't let it make you callous. I am sure you will live through all of this, and most likely be a changed person because of it. I hope you will use your experience as a building block rather than a stumbling block. I am sure your life will hold many more adventures to come. Hopefully most will be happy in nature. I am nobody of importance in the grand scheme of things, but I thought it was worth my time to prop you up a bit. If you ever want to chat, I am at: <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vdXMubWM4MTEubWFpbC55YWhvby5jb20vbWMvY29tcG9zZT90bz1nb2xkZW5femlwcGVyQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:golden_zipper@yahoo.com"> EDITED @yahoo.com</a><br /><br />ZipChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57428528596790477112008-09-18T18:41:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:38:34.224-04:00What’s Up With Chrys? -When One Door Closes<div class="MsoNormal">What’s Up with Chrys? – “When one door closes…….”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When one door closes, another opens. I never really paid much attention to that quote until recently. Today I had to put it on my status mood message with my own twist – when one door closes another opens and even though that door is not completely closed the open door leaves me breathless.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This summer has been a test of my true strength. This summer seems worse then my last. Even though last summer I not only said goodbye to my grandmother, but my then husband, the life I had for over 20 years and all my friends. I managed to live through that. As the months followed the divorce was final, I started to make new friends, adjust to a new life 1000’s of miles away and meet Mike. Getting over Mike this year, by far had to be the hardest thing. Harder then losing Lonnie, Elonna, Terry, my grandparents, getting over the ex husband, or any other relationship I had ever been in. Honestly, I do not know why this is. I have tried to analyze it, come to terms with it. But I just can not figure it out. What the fuck makes him so much more special then anyone else?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As the weeks went on, he apologized and we started to talk and come to terms with things. Few weeks after that we had formed a friendship of sorts. Of course he had mentioned us talking about “us” again and that made me want to run away. I miss him, but I treasure his friendship more. I could never trust him again to form a relationship. But I find myself still thinking about the shoulda’s, woulda’s, and coulda’s. I guess that’s just a natural part of the healing process. And in time, will fade. We don’t talk much and haven’t spent any time together. And maybe that’s for the best.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is the door that was once closed and is not still a little open.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some time ago I felt I was ready to move on. So I started to date again. Had some fun times. Then I met Matt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Silence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt leaves me at a loss for words. He is the door that leaves me breathless.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since that first "Hello" I find myself wanting to know more about it. In the short time we have known each other we have spent quite a bit of time together. I am at peace around him. A comfort I don’t often find with too many. And best of all, I can just be myself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I do not have much to offer someone. A warm smile, a friendly hug. I am still trying to mend a broken heart. Picking up the last of the pieces to be mended. I am in class 3 nights a week taking my continuing education credits for H&R Block. This is something I have to do yearly in order to keep my certifications. My college semester starts next week, I have the texting job and hopefully VERY soon I am going to have a real day job. I have so many things going on around me that I need to take care of that I really just do not have a lot of time for anything else. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And that’s OK with him. Between his day job, his weekend job and the band he doesn’t have much time either. He also has a daughter. But we spend what time together we can. He only lives a few minutes away, so that’s been a huge help between us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not know what the future holds, but all I know is one day at a time, one step at a time I am slowly getting back on my feet and heading in the right direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So…now you have an idea as to why my blogs have been slacking the last week or so. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am smiling a lot more these days….. lots of things going on, making new friends, parties to look forward to, coming out of hermit mode to hang with old friends….and just life in general.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85716486962580833532008-09-01T16:33:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:37:36.470-04:00I really need YOUR help!!!My girl Jen and her Aunt Sarah are trying to help me out. And because of this...I need ALL of you to help as well.<br /><br />Most of you know my life/work/school sitchy. And you know all about my outgoing personality (right???), so this is something I know I can be good at and know I would love doing and be a part of.<br /><br />Please keep reading for an awesome message from Jen....<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />**************************************<br />I am trying to help my new recruit Chrystal purchase her kit...she is having a bit of a problem coming up with the money but knows what a great opportunity being a Pure Romance consultant is. So all of you that know and love Pure Romance knows how exciting of a time this is for her. If you all could lend a helping hand by purchasing your items online to help aid her in purchasing her kit to start in this amazing business, not only would I be grateful but I am sure she would be ecstatic!! You all know and love these products ladies, now your order is not only affording you to recieve your great Pure Romance products but also helping a new consultant get started. Please show your support by ordering online at: http://sarahapigian.pureromance.com (you will have to type this into your browser, myspace disables the link) ALL your orders will be totaled toward the purchase of her new starter kit. Thanks Again!! Good Luck Chrystal!! I know you will do Great!<br /><br /><br />************************************<br /><br />In a world (michigan) where I feel very much alone its a wonderful feeling to know someone understands me, my life ordeal and is willing to go out of the way to lend a helping hand.<br /><br />And who wouldn't? I am wonderful after all! LOL!<br /><br />So let me say a thank you to Jen and her Aunt Sarah for helping me to try and find a path and a way out as well as lending me a hand in friendship.<br /><br />And a thank you to all of you who are already on the website ordering your hearts out!<br /><br />xoxox<br />ChrysChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9863410687529095372008-08-24T19:43:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:36:17.843-04:00Cupid Missed My ConnectionMy Missed Connection<br /><br />I don’t know how, or what happened but I found myself amidst the 1000 of Best of Craigslist post. I do not know what rock I have been hiding under lately. I knew you could post personal ads along with things for sale and stuff. But I guess I never really noticed how much of a pop culture phenomenon it had become. For instance, there is a section where you can search for a person/place/thing that you lost a connection with and would like to reconnect with. Some people took things a step farther. And it gave me a bit of inspiration. I have been trying to mend a broken heart. And honestly, I think I am doing very well given the circumstances surrounding the ordeal. However, sometimes I just feel better if I write. If I just get things of my chest. So, the following piece is going to be my submission into the world of CL.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It only seems appropriate that I write and post this on his birthday, because he will never know what wonderful things I had planned for us today. He broke us. He broke me.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />I missed my connection, or perhaps the reality is he missed the connection. Was it a love connection? Or did Cupid really fuck up and shoot his little arrow in the wrong direction.<br /><br />I met this wonderful guy from Lansing. He would not be that hard to find really, I am sure he’s dated half the town by now since he’s lived in that area practically all his life. I’ve spent a year of my life on this man. A year, a whole fucking year of thinking one day we are going to be happy together, one day we will have bright beautiful future together, and then one day, quite literally with a blink of an eye it was all taken away from me.<br /><br /><br />I wonder, have you seen this guy that has broken my heart into a million little pieces and broken all my dreams of this future for us we had planned. I could tell you the street he lives on, the Ya-Yas he loves to visit, the bank he banks at, the cars he drives, where he trains at or even who with. I could even tell you what he looks like. How he likes to ride his skateboard (he’s 34 today) and pretend he’s a teenager on his bike jumping curbs. But will it even matter? Will he even begin to understand what is broken? Or will he even care.<br /><br /><br />No, I doubt it. So why should I even bother.<br /><br /><br />I just moved to MI myself last year. A southern belle I am. Landed here after a divorce since this is where my family is all located. I thought coming “home” would be the best thing for me. I met this guy only a few short weeks after my arrival. My divorce was not even final, but he did not care. And honestly neither did I. His job required him to travel a lot. So in the beginning we spent more hours on the phone then actually spending together. He dated, I dated, and it was no big deal. We hit a lot of obstacles on our path, but somehow we always managed to find a way around them.<br /><br />Many nights I lay in bed wondering what am I doing with this guy, there is no future here. Months and months went by. And then something happened, something wonderful, we started to spend more time together. A lot more time. I stopped seeing this oversized smart ass fighter guy and actually started to see the real man inside. And I stopped being the stubborn Irish girl and let him in. We laughed, we shared stories and we started to plan a life together. The dating phase was over and the relationship phase had begun.<br /><br />But one girl just would not go away. I questioned him. I knew they had dated before, but he kept denying it. Then the time came for me to quit my job (I live in another city) and move in with him. Only the day I was to move in, he ran to her. Texted me that he got cold feet. I went and picked up my stuff only for him to tell me he just needed time, that he didn’t want to break up. But as he took his “time” I am jobless and staying with my mom. Then this girl contacts me. I tell her just like it is. Find out more then one could ever want to know. And in then end, he leaves me.<br /><br /><br />He’s called me a few times since then. Apologizing. I won’t call him. I just can’t. He wants to leave us “open” because “he just doesn’t know what the future holds” Well I do, and our future has been broken. I could never trust him again, and why would I want to when she makes it known to me that they are spending lots of time together now and how great her future looks.<br /><br /><br />I know you are all sitting here wondering, well why the fuck do you miss a rat bastard like that?<br /><br /><br />Honestly, I can not answer that.<br /><br /><br />I miss his smile, his roaring belly laugh. I miss how we were when we were together. I miss how he made me feel, how he made me laugh. How he looked at me. I felt more complete with him then any person I had ever been with. And now I am here picking up all these shattered pieces, wondering what the fuck went wrong? Where do I go from here?<br /><br /><br />But most of all, I wonder will I find that connection that makes me feel complete again?<br /><br /><br />So if you see cupid, or my missed connection, please give them a big FUCK YOU for me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_773900">:(<br />I understand sis, because my second husband turned out to be a lying, cheating, hard-core junkie criminal mutherfucker, and yet I still have missed him and parts of our life together from time to time. You can't help it, but eventually you miss him less and it hurts less when it happens. Face it sis, right now you are in mourning for what you have lost, and that always takes awhile to work through. ~hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 8:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_773900" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367&commentID=773900" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_773900"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_773903">great writing as always. .very heart felt and real. .. like you</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a> on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 8:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_773903" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367&commentID=773903" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_773903"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_773920"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEucGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlL2Z1Y2slMjBjdXBpZC9qb240Z290Mi92YWxlbnRpbmUvYW50aS12YWxlbnRpbmUuanBnP289MjQ=" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i182/jon4got2/valentine/anti-valentine.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEucGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlL2Z1Y2slMjBjdXBpZC92a2l6ZXI4Ny9GdWNrJTIwSXQvdGhJQ09OQVRPUl80OTAzZDliYWQyMmJjNWE3OWI0ZmRjNS5qcGc/bz0yMg==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z55/vkizer87/Fuck%20It/thICONATOR_4903d9bad22bc5a79b4fdc5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEucGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlL2Z1Y2slMjBjdXBpZC9BX01jQ2F1bGV5L0Z1bnppZXMvY3VwaWRfZGVhZDIwY29sb3VyLmpwZz9vPTM=" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee271/A_McCauley/Funzies/cupid_dead20colour.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEucGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlL2Z1Y2slMjBjdXBpZC92a2l6ZXI4Ny9GdWNrJTIwSXQvODZkM2M3MzIuanBnP289OA==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z55/vkizer87/Fuck%20It/86d3c732.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 8:26 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_773920" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367&commentID=773920" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_773920"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/s_6616d5b108cc451d9cb40a2486a19610.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_774010"><img src="http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/lad6471/we/weezie1/a1/3c03.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a> on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 10:54 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_774010" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367&commentID=774010" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_774010"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_782559">Cupid is a prick... I think he is on the quota system myself, paid by the hook up, no matter what the results.<br />All I can say is I found my perfect mate when I gave up and stopped looking and decided to be a hermit and she had too and we met sort of by accident.<br />I still have those longings for those ex's too but I just realized thatyes there was "something" enough to make me be with them in the first place and yet it wasn't enough to keep it going.<br />After time it does go away or at least down in volume.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a>on Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 11:39 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_782559" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=427151367&commentID=782559" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13234620380767216782008-08-15T16:15:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:34:38.628-04:00What's Up with Chrys? Or Dear Diary?<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary 8/15/08</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have so much to say that I just hope I can get it all down on paper, well word paper anyway before it all leaves my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In light of recent events Mike and I have fallen apart. I don’t believe him and I no longer trust him. We broke up, and then a few days ago he apologized. And then today we spent hours on the phone just talking about everything. It was hard and it was hurtful but at least I got some answers. Maybe they were not all the answers I wanted.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">He still tells me that when we were committed that him and Tammy were just friends, that he was pulling away from her. That she even asked him what was wrong because he was pulling away. He admitted it was his fault and that he should have just came out and told her he was in a relationship with me instead of telling her that I was moving in for work and such.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t buy that because he drove her car to the funeral (which he says was a bad judgment call) and took her to his bros wedding. I haven’t asked him about the wedding yet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some things leave me with more questions then answers. But it ended with how he still wants me in his life and us hang out and such, but he needs to get his shit together. How he would like for us to start talking again and just go from here. He understood it would be hard for me to trust him and there would be no expectations on either part. I told him I could not wait for him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know. I don’t know that I can deal with it anymore. As soon as we broke he went running back to Tammy and she seems to think everything is fine with them. And she’s still contacting me. Which he’s pretty upset about.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well the whole damn thing upsets me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I have a lot on my mind and I don’t even know where to start or put it in to words. So this will have to do for now.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54173211185191555262008-08-11T15:54:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:33:39.644-04:00What’s Up With Chrys?- The Summer Breakup EditionWhat’s Up With Chrys? – The Summer Breakup Edition<br /><br />So, it’s been a while since I have posted a What’s Up blog series. And of course, we should all know the reason to that by now. Because Mr. Wonderful who turned out to not be so wonderful after all had a real problem with me being so open about my life in a forum for so many people to read about. Did not matter how much I tried to explain to him that my words were my passion, my voice and that I had so many friends and family here. He told me most people keep a Diary and its private. Well duh, I have one of those too.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I’m a writer – IT’S WHAT I DO!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Anyway, doesn't matter, after a year of dealing with the lies, the let downs, the no calls, the no shows it finally got to a point where the relationship broke.<br /><br />I could sit here and really just spill all the damn details and put it ALL out there. But honestly, I don’t want to. I want to put this last year behind me and welcome the future with open arms.<br /><br />But what happened? You are asking me. As you can tell I did not end up moving in with him. I quit my job; we planned the move, looked at some apts. and decided for me to just move in with him. I had a job all lined up 2 miles from his place. Well he got cold feet. Those cold feet turned out to be another woman. A woman he swore up and down was only a “friend” There were others too. So much for that commitment.<br /><br />So that’s it. Relationship over. I do not have time in my life for someone like that. I wasted too much time on him as it was thinking he would change, that once the “dating” stage was over and that we were moving in together, it would all stop. Guess I was the one paying the pied piper in this little tale.<br />But you know what, yeah I cried. Yeah I screamed, but then he did me WRONG and started to threaten me. Are you f-ing kidding me? So anger set in. And now, I could care less. He is someone else’s problem to deal with now.<br /><br />Sometimes people say things when they are angry. And I certainly said my things. But the sad part is, I am not a mean person and no matter how wrong he did me I would never, ever purposely hurt him. And he if all people should have known this. Apparently not, so I get threatened.<br /><br />Games. It was all games. And it’s not worth the effort to put anymore details out there, nor is he worth my words anymore. My words and my voice are too precious to me.<br /><br />I should have listened to all his friends as I met them along the way. I should have listened to my friends over the year. But I just wanted in my heart for everything to be OK.<br /><br />So, here I am. Back home. One year later after moving to MI from the divorce, I am starting life all over again. Looking for a job yet again and working on changing things in life.<br /><br />There are new people in my world. But I am just getting my feet wet and taking things very slow. Meeting people. Making friends and just seeing where things go. One thing I do know, I will never paid the pied piper again.<br /><br />Enough about all that.<br /><br />Now, a while back ago I picked up a side job. Something fun to do in between school and my day job. It doesn’t pay a lot of money, but its fun. Now, it’s the only money I got coming in so I am making the best of it.<br /><br />I am a text chat operator. And let me tell you, have I some tales to tell you. But that will be another blog. This is how it works. They see the ad on the TV, in the newspaper, in a magazine, etc. They text in using their phone wanting to talk to this person they see. I log in to the company website online and the text comes in. I answer using the website pretending to be this person and it hits their phone back. Some it just basic conversation, and some is flirty and some is very adult.<br /><br />Now, those of you who know me, you know all about my Erotic Confessions series, so this should come to no surprise to you that I am getting paid to text dirty with people.<br /><br />Ok, you can ALL shake your heads and laugh now.<br /><br />It makes for good entertainment and let me tell you, I have some good material for some new stories!<br /><br />So hang tight peoples…as my world starts to change, as I hit the pavement trying to land a new job, as I start to meet new people again and hang out with people that have been in my life for quite some time, I am sure the blogs will start coming out of the woodworks again.<br /><br />Stay tuned for “My Life as a Text Chat Operator”<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=398524803" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tod</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=398524803" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_1ab21130b7904cf2b1a6ad3af55457c1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tod Gambino</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_763826">So YOU are the one I have been texting!!!! Girl...you are GOOD!<br /><br />;-)<br /><br /><br />BTW....good blog :) Keep plugging away :)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=398524803" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tod</a> on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 4:54 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_763826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952&commentID=763826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=398524803" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_763826"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_763839">Hmm, my g/f needs a job. How did you get that one? She would be great at it!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 5:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_763839" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952&commentID=763839" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_763839"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_763841">Now that does sound almost like a dream job..lol. As for him.. not even worth commenting. But I am very happy to see you are still moving forward.. you carry so much strength inside. Never doubt it.. ~warm hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a> on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 5:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_763841" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952&commentID=763841" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_763841"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_763865">{{{{HUGS}}}} Just keep moving forward...thats all you can do! Sounds like an "interesting" job...have fun with it!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 6:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_763865" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952&commentID=763865" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_763865"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_764764">Damn it...you desrve better...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 2:26 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_764764" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=423237952&commentID=764764" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14631666159326695952008-08-10T21:21:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:32:07.651-04:00I Know You All Want To Know<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, August 10, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I know everyone wants to know whats going on. Especially since my blogging has lacked. I will tell you. We will talk about it. Just give me some time to sort it all out. Be ready. Blog is coming.<br /><br />And for those of you worried about me - DONT BE!<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />What's done is done and can not be undone.<br /><br />And I don't want it to be.<br /><br />I am going to be JUST FINE!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/s_6616d5b108cc451d9cb40a2486a19610.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_764122">:]<br /><br /><br />You WILL<br />Be just fine....<br /><br />You're one TOUGH cookie...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a>on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 2:22 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1764607899882748072008-08-07T17:57:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:31:30.449-04:00People Are Not Always What They Seem<div class="MsoNormal">People are not always what they seem. </div><div class="MsoNormal">A hard lesson learned these last few weeks.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Or maybe I have known all along and wanted to believe in all that was good and picked to have a blind eye instead.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been here before, and had hoped to never be here again.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Letting go and moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s the only option I see.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Things can not be repaired. </div><div class="MsoNormal">There is just no way.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Forward I must go</div><div class="MsoNormal">And try to live day after day.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65499166043366709942008-08-05T21:29:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:30:52.125-04:00I want....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, August 05, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want......</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Someone who will call me when they say they will call.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who wants to call!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who will hang out with me with they say they want to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who actually wants to spend time with me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who actually wants to be in a real relationship when they say they want commitment.</span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who will always keep an open line of communication and not run away and shut themselves off when things get tough.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone to be my partner in everything.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who means everything they say.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who will be my best friend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who will stand beside me through the good times and the bad times.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want, because I feel its nothing less then what I deserve.</span></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_759948">Me too! lol, hang in there! I know what you mean!! It's gotta be there somewhere!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a> on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 - 2:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=421377640#" id="addReplyLnk_759948" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=421377640&commentID=759948" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_759948"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/s_6616d5b108cc451d9cb40a2486a19610.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_761098"><img src="http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/lad6471/animations%20by%20weezie/327.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a> on Thursday, August 07, 2008 - 3:18 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90633959920669201212008-08-05T18:21:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:29:54.465-04:00Relationships Are Like Glass<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together. ~Author Unknown</span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I just can’t walk away from you. I can not turn my back and let you go. Maybe I should. Maybe it’s what you want. It’s what you need. What I need. Who knows? But, the reality is...I meant to go, and there you were stopping me. Why? Why did you stop me? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Telling me everything was going to be ok. Kissing me the way you do as if nothing had changed.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">You said you were afraid that’s what I was coming over to say. That I was letting go. You didn’t want to give up on us. You said that, looked me right in the eyes more then once and said that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">But you have shown me nothing in terms of you wanting to hang on, aside from your words.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I have always said actions speak louder then words. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">And your silence…. It leaves me worried….wondering…thinking…sad….confused….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">How many times do we have to go through this? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I thought our roller coaster was over….that we had sailed our ship and it was smooth sailing from here on out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">You need to do this, need to take care of that. WE need to slow down.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Your life goes on, meanwhile I am left here trying to pick up pieces and rebuild again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I don't want closer. I don't want better. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20pt;">I only want you</span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Words I have told you over and over.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I knew this would happen...I just knew it....I wanted to save us from this .....and now, here we are....I trusted you damn it, I gave you my all.....I wasn’t suppose to fall in love…it wasn’t suppose to happen to me…..I didn’t want to let you in....but you came in.....I put my walls up and you came over them....climbed right on over…and then just tore them down….... maybe I have no one to blame but myself. I should have known better to let you in. All the signs were there. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Even your own friends warned me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Fairy tales are just that, tales…..I honestly believed, we could have what we shared, cherish it, just enjoy it for what it was, the rest of our life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Never asking for anything more then what it was. Nothing more then what we had. That was the reality. We each knew the other had a different life. Reality. At times it hit us in the face. But we knew. We tried to make things better. Tried to plan a little life together. And it was working. We were working. The relationship bloomed and became nothing short of wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> But you took that all away from me. In a single breath, a single moment, that was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Trust, gone. Hope, gone. Love, broken. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">At first, I was sad. My heart just bleeds. I bleed for you. Here I am, deep in a pool of it. Crimson red. I cry a tear. Then more tears following. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Drip Drop, Drip Drop…falling in that pool of blood…..mixing…emotions entwined…entangled….my heart now mangled. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I should hide. I shouldn’t let you see. Not suppose to let you see. Suppose to be strong. Always strong. Never let them see you cry. Crying only makes them know how weak you are. That’s what I keep getting told. But, I can’t help it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I used to be so strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">You asked me not to go. To keep us together. You asked me for time. But what about me? Where is my time? Who is going to help me?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I feel you pulling away again. I feel you leaving my heart. You need to go I am sure and do what’s best for you. I don't want you to. Never want you to. But, can’t you see? I care about you. I want to help you. I want to be there for you. I want to be – us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">All this confusion. How long is it going to take us to find that balance in life? Part of me is running away, part of me is pushing you away, and the other part is hanging on to that last little thread. I am selfish when it comes to you after all. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">CONFUSED! I am so fucking confused I am not clear. What do I do? What direction should I take?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">NUMB! I feel numb. I feel empty. Alone. They hear what I am saying…but do they really get me? Does anyone really understand? I am a prisoner in my own mind. In my own life. Behind these walls in which I built. These walls in which you just tore right down, and now, I am left to build them back up again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">CAN YOU HEAR ME? Calling out to you? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I want to make things better for you, easy for you. I do not want you to know I am hurting. I want to hide that from you. I want to smile and go forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">But what is the price I am going to pay?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Time, you asked me for time. But how long am I suppose to wait?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I may be hurting, but I understand. I may be angry, but that’s just my own fault. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I just need to talk to you. We need to sit down and just get everything out in the open. Not just bits and pieces and fragments of our thoughts, but all of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I know a time or two we thought about giving up, I am glad that we never did. Glad you never let me go. I am thankful for the time I have shared with you. For every day with you was a special gift. Every word from you, embedded in my mind forever to be cherished. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">So much inside of you I have seen. The real you. I just wish you would not shut me out now. I miss you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">So much still there between us…..but, so many things have changed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">All I want is to hang on to that last little bit of thread, that last little bit of hope that someday we will work through all this. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">But the other part of me is so afraid that I am going to be left here, alone, hanging on by myself to nothing at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Silence…all I am getting from you right now is silence….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81881136262572573342008-07-31T15:00:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:28:40.486-04:00Another Reason to Hate the Dad<br /><h1 class="entry-title" style="color: #293546; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17pt; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; text-align: left;"> Albee Township records third fatality at intersection this summer</h1><div><br /></div><div>Looks like my adoptive father has got himself in trouble again. As if spending time locked up in an <a href="http://docapp065p.doc.state.ok.us/servlet/page?_pageid=394&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&doc_num=254255&offender_book_id=144991" target="_blank">Oklahoma prison </a>was such a good time for him, he decided to kill someone and send himself right back to prison, <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2008/07/albee_township_records_third_f.html" target="_blank">Michigan style.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The man died. <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2008/07/montrose_man_dies_wednesday_in.html" target="_blank">He died.</a> And my piece of shit father is responsible for that.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I am have pretty much washed my hands of him after he decided to lie to his family about me trying to steal money from him last year. Whatever. He never deserved any 2nd or 3rd chance from me after what he did to me for all of those years. But out of the kindness of my heart I did. Not again. Never again.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44619351133087682222008-07-31T10:36:00.000-04:002014-09-16T17:16:32.691-04:00The Dad<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 31, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know I have not talked much lately and their is reason for that. Just a lot of things going on right now that I really just have to keep to myself.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_419910497" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But right now, I need to vent. I am confused about how I should be feeling. Well, that goes for a lot of things in life these days, but right now I am talking about my so-called Dad. Yes, that one. That one that you all pretty much know the story about so really I care not to rehash it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I get up this AM and my mother informs me that my cousin Tim (Olivia's Dad) called her and said he saw on the news that my dad was in an accident. One person dead, one person in critical care.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I do not know how to feel. I go numb. My dogs need food. I have to shower. So in the shower my mind flashes 12 years of my life. Then it flashes a huge fall out in his driveway last year after I landed in MI.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Honestly, their was a part of me that wished he was the one who was dead. And I feel like shit for saying that, but I can not help it. This man ruined me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">His sister gave me a bday card. She left it a few days before my bday on my porch. I wasnt home. However that card came at a really bad time, a time that started the downfall of some other things in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So I kept it to myself. I did not share. But my aunt had said my grandmother and father both missed me very much and that she had hoped I could make peace with my father and be a part of the family again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As soon as that shower stops, that same aunt calls. I hear my mother telling her that she will tell me, that its up to me and such.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">My mother tells me hes in the hospital and its up to me whether I want to go see him or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then she finds the article online. Different then the story the news is running.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">*******************************************<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. --</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A Montrose man is dead following a two-vehicle crash on M-13 near the Sheridan Road intersection in Albee Township on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">State police said 49-year-old David Lloyd Carey died when his Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck collided head-on with a vehicle that was attempting to make a left turn from the southbound lane of M-13. Carey was pronounced dead at the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Police said the other driver, 51-year-old Larry Richard Schramm was transported to Covenant and is expected to recover from his injuries.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The crash remains under investigation, but police said speed an alcohol are not factors in this crash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>..TR><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">************************************************<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, here I sit. Wondering what I should do. I dont really want to go to the hospital. It has been a year since I have seen this man. A man who ruined my life and years later I found out was not even my biological father! I know my going to the hospital will make me look like the bigger person. That I should maybe say "get well soon" that maybe a part of me would like to make peace with everything and move forward in life. But right now, my feet are failing me and I can not seem to move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I thought about writing a letter. I can certainly pour it all out in my words. I had to do it once to him before when I was in therapy years ago. I could certainly tell him everything I need to get off my chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But is that a new Chapter I want to write? A can of worms I want to open.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I just do not know. It so hard to think about with everything else I am facing right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I wish I had a magic wand to make everything all better.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know I had said I was not going to get into much personal things anymore, but I have so many family and friends here that know my life and what happened, and I had just hoped maybe you guys could offer some guidance.</span></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_757697">There are so many unknowns and kind of knowns for me here, but I think that you should do what is right for YOU...if that means going to the hospital and saying "I'm glad your going to be ok, but I don't want to have a relationship with you." then do that. If you just can't seem to make yourself go, then don't. And don't feel bad about that. Don't do it for someone else if it is going to cause you unnecessary stress. {{{{HUGS}}}} Good luck with your decision!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, July 31, 2008 - 6:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_757697" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497&commentID=757697" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_757697"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/128/s_6af76b3e3ddc45398b3fa4740e0a2daa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mickey Finn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_757747">Try to make peace. If you don't make the effort, you'll regret it. If the attempt does not go well, at least you will have the peace of mind knowing you tried.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a> on Thursday, July 31, 2008 - 8:54 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_757747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497&commentID=757747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_757747"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/s_6616d5b108cc451d9cb40a2486a19610.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_757864"><img src="http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/lad6471/parts2/ecz_as_spring_begins_.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />xxx<br />Thinking you you.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a> on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 1:06 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_757864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497&commentID=757864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_757864"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_757931">I don't know Chrys.. Do you feel like some kind of closure is missing for you? Or do you feel the need to see him "just one more time?" Etc.. if You need this then by all means ..go. But don't do it out of a minor guilt cuz he is in a hospital.. I let my daddy go, He is still around but doesn't even know I had Aidan.. my choice there and Aidan is now 4.<br />Go with your heart (not mind)<br />Much love and our thoughts are with you.. ~Hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 8:15 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_757931" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497&commentID=757931" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_757931"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_758028">Well ya know me sis. I would let the bastard rot.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 1:10 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_758028" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497&commentID=758028" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_758028"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_758398">I agree with the majority....he is not your blood...sooo.....don't do it out of guilt! If you do this...do it because YOU want to.<br /><br />He has had nothing to offer you over the past year. Yeah...maybe he would come see you if the tables were turned.....but you also didn't ruin 12 years of his life.<br /><br /><br />Do what is right for CHRYS! I have tried to call you several times lately...but I guess I can kinda see why you may not have answered...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 8:27 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_758398" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=419910497&commentID=758398" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57623294141089930332008-07-26T22:28:00.000-04:002014-09-16T17:13:19.388-04:00MaybeMaybe...we meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.<br /><br />Maybe...when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened for us.<br /><br />Maybe...it is true that we don't know what we have got until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.<br /><br />Maybe...the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best ofeverything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Maybe...you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of and want to do.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Maybe...there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a spouse, a friend, a child -- so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real.<br /><br />Maybe...the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.<br /><br />Maybe...you should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other person, too.<br /><br />Maybe...you should do something nice for someone every single day, even if it is simply to leave them alone.<br /><br />Maybe...giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but, if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.<br /><br />Maybe...you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; Don't go forwealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.<br /><br />Maybe...you could send this message to those people who mean something to you, to those who have touched your life either positively or not, to those who can and do make you smile when you really need it, to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down, and to all those whom you want to know that you appreciate them...Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63516704143126760942008-07-24T21:13:00.000-04:002014-09-16T17:11:36.204-04:00Distance, Again<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 24, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Sometimes in life, things happen. We don't know why, but they just do. Something smacks us upside the head and our entire world just changes. I got smacked. And honestly, I care to not talk about it. But I posted this blog a few days ago, and now it seems to mean more to me then ever. So I am reposting it for myself. Because as I find some direction, I have to keep telling myself something...... Distance will not kill me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I want to tell all my friends that I love you and you mean the world to me, no matter how far apart we are.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />And thank you...<br />***************************************<br /><div class="blogContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Distance is not the end of the world in a relationship.<br /><br />Distance cannot, and will not hurt a bond between two people that is based on mutual respect, trust, commitment, and love.<br /><br />Although you may feel like you are losing faith in your relationship at times, hold fast and trust your heart!<br /><br />I, like you, truly believe that love & relationships are what make your life special, and that ones built on love & understanding are always worth preserving, regardless of the miles that may separate two people.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_755166">I hope everything is okay with you, sis. I know about distance all too well, and how stressful it can be. I am always here for you if you need to talk...love ya.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 1:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=417881233#" id="addReplyLnk_755166" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=417881233&commentID=755166" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_755166"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_758392">Somehow I missed this the first time...but I LOVE IT!<br /><br />It rings so true to several relationships I have right now....not just with Joey but with family and friends that live far away. It is hard keeping up/in touch...but that is what has to happen to keep that bond.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 8:04 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68038759929550525792008-07-23T16:08:00.000-04:002014-09-16T17:04:03.216-04:00Dear Diary : Life with Mike - July 23<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary</div><div class="MsoNormal">July 23, 2008<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is the email I sent my girls updating them on all the shit that has went down with Mike and I the last few days.<br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Just wanted to update you, I know things were fine when we talked last with Mike and I. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I spent the whole weekend with him. Saturday he went to my family reunion, then we went and saw the new batman movie, then we went out to Lansing to meet all his friends for the fights show on TV. I had such a good time and met his best friends and his best high school friend, Jill. She’s kind of a homely girl, but so nice and he enjoyed that we got along.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sunday, (me him and Jill) went to eat lunch. He left his keys in the apt and so he and I went to the mall and Jill met the apt manager (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Tammy, that woman that causes probs on myspace and such</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">) to get in his apt to get his keys. So we swing back by to get them and we drive to my house. The plan was to get his van since he had left it there, load up some of my stuff and get things going. Monday I was gonna get over to some staffing places and then Tues we would hang and so my birthday. Well on the way to my house Sunday, after him and Jill talking about the whole Tammy thing like I was not even there did not settle well with me. I know mike was just trying to not cause conflict because he doesn’t want to piss me or Tammy off. Tammy lets him slide with being late on his rent and shit, if he pisses her off, she’s likely to turn on him. And she wasn’t really happy to hear I was moving in. Oh well. Fuck her; I have had enough of her shit anyway. So anyway, we are driving back to my place and he’s all like, Chrys talk to me what’s wrong. You look like you have so much to say. You didn’t even want to hold my hand while we were walking around the mall. Talk to me.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So I just let it all out. I told him the deal with Tammy is getting on my nerves. The fact you and Jill just sat there and talked about me like I was not even sitting there really made me want to crawl under the table and hide. It was hurtful to me. And then I told him, here we are trying to plan our life together and I wonder, is she going to be a constant thorn in my side? Am I going to always have to walk on eggshells for the time we are living in this apt? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And he’s talking and trying to tell me over and over there is nothing and never was nothing with Tammy. He said they have had a few lunches, dinners, etc but nothing more then friends. I know she likes him. And i know she wants more. My thing is , he knows that too and he uses that for favors, like ceiling fans in his apt he doest have to pay for, he gets to park in the covered parking and that’s $35 extra, doesn’t pay, he gets another parking spot free for his other van and only 1 parking for 1bdrm apt people. SO I was going to have to park in the visitors parking. (wtf, right?) And he gets to pay his rent whenever he feels like it. She will cover for him.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Fine, whatever. So he’s using her and she wants more. That’s his fault that she’s causing us problems. Not mine. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So we go on and on and I let out about well we are suppose to be in a committed relationship, this myspace shit, this secret phone calls and text, and dirty texts and over excessive flirting with people have to stop. It’s not fair to me, your playboy days have to come to an end or this is not going to work. I do not want to be in an open relationship anymore. They are too hurtful and cause too much pain. I thought I had made that clear and I thought this is what you wanted. Me. Not anyone else, but me.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Then he gets into all this about how sorry he is. He’s telling me all about the dirty texts (he never questioned me on knowing or if I was on his phone) and how the girls live so far away and that’s all it is. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Well it has to stop. Bottom line. He agreed. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">There is more, but you get the general idea. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So we get to my house and we start talking about our relationship and how he’s just scared. He’s scared of letting me down, letting himself down and just is afraid of being broken hearted again. I was like, that’s just life and those are the chances you have to take sometimes. You and I we are good when we are together, we see that. We just have to be willing to take that chance. Its scary for me too. For many of the same reasons he is scared.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Well then it started to storm and it was getting really late and I knew he needed to sleep. He was like babe, we are OK. I am gonna go home, grab a nap and get to work. You finish up your laundry, get your stuff packed and come over in the morn. We will get you a key made and we will do this, it will all be ok. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Monday gets here. I call. No word. I wait. Wait. Wait some more. Finally here from him about 3pm and he’s telling me he just got up. I told him I called some places and had some apt set up for interviews at the staffing agencies. He gets a call. Lets me go and never calls me back. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I tried to text him, and he replied he wasn’t home, out running errands would call me later.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />He didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I tried calling and texting him all night while he was at work.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So here it is Tuesday, my bday. I am thinking well, are we gonna go out or what.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">No word. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I am flipping out by this point. I literally spent all day in bed crying. I had talked to Shannon for about an hour telling her everything and once I got off the phone with her I went into hysterical fit on my bed. Just crying , so my mom comes busting in all pissed off as hell screaming and carrying on, fuck this and fuck that and fuck him and all that did was piss me off even more.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So Tues night, late I finally get a text from him. I am getting cold feet. I am a piece of shit and I am so sorry but I just do not know what to say!<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So I call him. No answer. He texts me saying he was on the phone. I call again. And he answers and I am like PLEASE just talk to me.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He’s like you know I went home Sunday night and I just kept thinking about things and kept telling myself its going to be ok. We are both scared and we are going to do this together. But I just got so nervous. Then Monday he got all caught up in some serious child support problems and basically they made him feel like a piece of shit that was worthless and never going to amount to anything. So that got him all clouded in the brain. So Tues he was busting ass trying to find some job leads and he just kept thinking about things.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I am like you couldn’t fucking call me and tell me what’s going on?? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I was so upset and so pissed. And hurting. He ruined my bday. HE DID! And I let him.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So I am sitting here talking to him about all the stuff with the interviews and moving and life and just crying and we are trying to figure things out and just not able to come up with any answers. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We got off the phone.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I sent him a text @ 4am today with the hopes I could come over and get my stuff that was left there over the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He calls me with this - my place is your place, call me when you are ready to come over, we'll get your stuff together, we will talk more about this and we will figure something out.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So I sleep a few more hours.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And let me tell you I know this is a lot to take in, but this is the SHORT version. There is so much we talked about and said. I just am in such a daze that I cant really think of it all.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">These last few days have been such a roller coaster and I am so run down. I feel like I could sleep for days.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I have been on the phone with Shannon and Jules for so long that my brain hurts; I mean...those girls can talk!! And it’s been every day I have cried to them.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, I get to his house, he jumps in the shower cause I just woke him up. I am sitting there twiddling my thumbs thinking to myself, what am I going to say, what’s he going to say, what’s gonna happen? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He starts with small talk, whats the weather like outside and blah blah. I am thinking, yikes, this isn’t gonna go well. So he sits down across from me and just stares at me and I see his eyes water. (they did this in the car Sunday night, this is not a normal thing at all for this man)<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">NO<br />I cant bare that no more. This is not a man who cries. I doubt he ever has to be honest with you. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So I am like, Mike, talk to me. Tell me what’s going on inside your head. I am here. Let’s get this all out. And he’s just shaking his head telling me he just doesn’t know what to say or what to do.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He finally starts to spill shit. We get it all out there. Our relationship, how it started, what it is now, how it just went from 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. He just felt overwhelmed and now that the child support people are after him because they don’t think he’s applying himself good enough with the job he has and basically made him feel like worthless piece of shit because even tho he is working he’s not making the amount of money he used to so therefore his payments have been less. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He wants me to move in. He wants us to be together. But right now he needs to get his shit together and take care of himself.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I can respect that. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Our time to live together is just not now. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He told me he thought I was going to give him the ultimatum that we do this or I leave.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">No, I told him. I don’t want to throw our relationship away.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />I mean, yeah we have been kicking it for almost a year now, but within the last 2 months is when we really started to get serious. SO yeah, we did go full speed ahead without really thinking. It just seemed like a good thing to do. And it is, just not right now.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, I am back at my place, and just trying to put things back together and motivate myself to get back out there and find another job. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He told me he worried so much I was going to leave him and that wasn’t what he wanted. He just wants to get his shit together because, for one he just needs to, and for two I deserve to have someone secure and stable. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He is right.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">How can I argue that?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I am sad. I had looked forward to moving in with him and squashing this distance between us, as well as being back in the city. I miss living in the city. And not having to commute 50 million miles to work and shit.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You know, I feel like I am living that saying - if you love something set it free if it comes back it was meant to be and if it doesn’t it wasn’t yours to begin with, or some crap like that.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Even though I am not setting him free, I just feel like I am giving him his space to get his life together. So he can be a better person for himself and once he’s happier with himself, then he can be better for me. He told me he’s not had anyone in his life (he’s pretty much just been single and dating for last 4 years) who wanted to be with him or love him, everyone has tried to change him. Its hard for him to get used to having someone who WANTS to be there with him and for him. He wants to be better for himself, for me, for his son. And that’s a big thing. He said I make him feel like a better man, that he wants to stop living life just getting by and actually do something with it. I guess I make him want to be a better person is what he was trying to get at. That makes me feel good, that I have that impression on him. That he wants to do better so that WE can be better. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I am trying to be optimistic, but I don’t know if it is working to well.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I have my doubts. Sometimes this distance kills us. But I guess you just have to do what you have to do in life.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Because the truth is, my heart just won’t let him go. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />He asked me for some time to get his life straight. He has to do what he has to do.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, I guess that’s about it. I didn’t stay but a few hours. His dad was waiting on him to come over. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Part of me is OK, but a part of me is sad too. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I guess I just live life as we have been and hope for the best and that things will work themselves out in the end.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I don’t know honey, I just don’t know. All I know is I have to get my life together too. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So maybe in the end, this is the best thing for both of us right now. And maybe, our time is later.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ok..There is my babble update.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sorry it was so long and sorry for all the typos. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Now you are pretty well up to speed on what’s going on.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64200420594864914952008-07-14T16:39:00.000-04:002014-09-16T17:00:04.468-04:00IntegrityAgain, not one of mine but something I found and wanted to keep, as well as pass along.<br />Enjoy,<br />~Irish~<br />****************************************<br />"If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." -Alan Simpson-<br />+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Integrity<br /><br />Practice integrity with those things that don't really matter. And your integrity will shine brightly in the things that matter most.<br /><br /><br />Integrity, by very definition, cannot be turned on and off. True integrity is indivisible. To be able to act with integrity in any area of life, You must live with integrity at all times, In all situations. Otherwise, you are merely attempting to imitate integrity, And that is an exercise in futility. Practice integrity even when you're sure that no one else will ever know.<br /><br /><br />That will build in you a true, living integrity that does not need to be announced.<br /><br /><br />Be quick to forgive and slow to offend. For integrity has no use at all for holding grudges.<br /><br />Live each moment with integrity, and make it who you always are.<br /><br />For a real, living integrity can take you places you otherwise could never go.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53688605430455211052008-07-13T14:21:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:57:01.234-04:00Fail ForwardThis isn't one of my writings, but I happened to stumble across it when looking through my CherryTap/Fubar Stash stuff. I wanted to see if I had anything I wanted to keep before I deleted that account. This was certainly something I felt worth passing along.<br />**************************************************************<br />Fail Forward<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The next time you find yourself envying what successful people have achieved, recognize that they have probably gone through many negative experiences you cannot see on the surface.<br /><br />An old jokes like this: Never ask whats in a hot dog while you're eating one. The idea is that if you did know what's in it, you'd never want to eat one again.<br /><br />A lot of failure goes into success.If you really want to achieve your dreams I mean really achieve them, not just daydream or talk about them you've got to get out there and fail. Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward. Turn your mistakes into stepping-stones for success.<br /><br />TAKE A RISK AND BE WILLING TO FAIL FORWARD TODAY.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91635598384955677242008-07-13T14:20:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:56:40.214-04:00DistanceDistance is not the end of the world in a relationship.<br /><br />Distance cannot, and will not hurt a bond between two people that is based on mutual respect, trust, commitment, and love. Although you may feel like you are losing faith in your relationship at times, hold fast and trust your heart!<br /><br />I, like you, truly believe that love & relationships are what make your life special, and that ones built on love & understanding are always worth preserving, regardless of the miles that may separate two people.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47308887871251376212008-07-12T13:47:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:56:14.492-04:00Cold FeetSo, I am sitting here - setting up these blog feeds.<br /><br />I was going to sync with some blogs folks here in MI. Couple of guys set up their own blog site. Which I thought was really cool. But the had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TOS</span> that stated nothing pornographic. Well that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">didn't</span> seal the deal with me since Erotic Confessions would break that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TOS</span> in a heartbeat.<br /><br />Now I am thinking to myself again, I really need to stop doing that. Should I have this blog fed into the BA Group? Should I feed it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Facebook</span>?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Do I even want to venture out of the box again?<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I have to ask myself these questions because recently (for those of you who don't know) I've stopped "dating" and become "in a relationship" with my dude. Which is great. But my dude is NOT an online person AT ALL! He only has a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MySpace</span> to promote himself and his friends because they are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MMA</span> Trainer/Fighters and Sports Management Companies. He is much, much, MUCH more private then me and we have had to come to some compromise over my blogging.<br /><br />As he puts it, having his personal business out there for all the world to see is just weird to him.<br /><br />I can understand that.<br /><br />So as I put this blog together I go off thinking to myself, what can I write about? Is he going to think all this stuff I write about is personal? Where do you draw the line?<br /><br />All I know, is I love to write. He tells me to buy a diary and keep it private. Duh, I have those. I have so much I keep private.<br /><br />I don't know, but my cold feet just might very well turn in to writers block if I am not careful.<br /><br />~Irish~Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73471353553908642982008-07-12T13:04:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:55:05.478-04:00Here We Go (again)This is just going to be a generic "Hello" post for now. Just to say hello. *waves*<br /><br /><br />Most of you already know me from other random blogging sites. Lets see, their is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">myspace</span> (which I will be keeping) the original 360 most of us all met on (which has pretty much died out) Then we had Cherry Tap now known as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fubar</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wtf</span>?? who came up with that??) Oh there was Hi5, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bebo</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TagWorld</span>, and some other randoms that have been deleted. Oh and let us not forget I also have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Facebook</span> which I will be feeding this blog in to at some point in time.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Like I said, if you were connected to me at any of these other sites you already know who I am.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Others of you will be new to my world. Will have to give The Crow a heads up for pulling me out of the rut and making me see that the talent is there ( I hope it is anyway) and that I need to dust myself off and get that writing going again.<br /><br />So, here I am. I hope you will pull up a chair and stick around for a while.<br /><br />Because I have so many real life friends on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MySpace</span>, it will stay. The blogging there will be different then it will be here. The 360 is just there because a few people fell off the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">MySpace</span> radar and so I copy/paste a blog or two there just to keep them posted on life.<br /><br />Blogger and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Facebook</span> will all tie together (eventually) and even though their are some people on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Facebook</span> who know me in real life, they are about to see the "real" writing I can do.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Uber</span> personal stuff will be left behind. Names will be changed and characters of life will emerge.<br /><br />Useless Ramblings, Poetry In Motion and Erotic Confessions will return.<br /><br />Now then, let me find my bottle of motivation and I will be on my merry little way.<br /><br />I might <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">repost</span> some old material just to get the juices (no pun intended there!) flowing!<br /><br />~Irish~Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2163201625984434242008-07-09T19:17:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:49:28.131-04:00Blogging Isn’t Much Fun Anymore<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, July 09, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have come to realize that blogging just really is not much fun anymore.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can remember years ago when we all first started. 360 Boulevard. That is where so many of us met up. We shared stories we wrote. We share poetry we had written. Our words were critiqued. It was a way for so many of us to share our writing. Then we got to know each other as friends. We became family. Our blogs then turned a little more personal. Letting our friends know what was going on in life. Seeking shelter, solitude and advice from others. We formed a bond. We were a unit. It was nothing for me to turn out story after story and get 1000 hits and over 50 comments.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can remember days when The Crow and Irish would collaborate on stuff and it was like an online flurry to flock and read chapter after chapter. That was when it was fun.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> But then 360 started to have its issues. One by one people started to go elsewhere and many of us landed on MySpace.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I still have my 360 page. Sometimes I just copy a post that I had on MySpace. But no one comments or really visits since 90% of my friends are on MySpace. Just a random few who left MySpace and like to just stick to 360.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ahhhh good ole MySpace. The blogging continued. AS time went on more and more real live friends arrived. People I knew from work, in life, my family, people I went to high school with, people I went to college with, people I met through other friends, people I partied with, and people I worked with. Oh great. A free forum for me to talk to all my friends instead of dealing with a cell phone/long distance phone bill.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MySpace provided a great place for me to let everyone know what's up in life without having to spend all day on the phone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I met more and more like minded people as time went on. I have made some awesome online friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have seen people lose their homes and start all over, I have seen car accident, motorcycle accidents, charity events, kids being born, people getting married, peoples kids graduation, I have seen people get sick with cancer and beat it, unfortunately I have seen some not beat it, I have lost friends to murder, I have made friends, I have shared hopes and dreams of seeing Ireland, I have met people in Ireland, I gained a brother, I have seen relationships end and I have seen so many begin. I have watched people fight; I have been dragged into the middle always trying to be the peacekeeper. I have seen in all over the years.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remember once Elonna and I used to talk about how we were going to write scripts out of some of the things that went on – we were bound and determined to have a national best seller on our hands!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These friendships are what keep me on MySpace. Real life and online. Friends are what make the world go round. A person can never have too many friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once I moved to MI away from all my friends in OK it became a wonderful tool for me to easily keep in touch with all of them. I let them know what's up in life and they let me know. Trust me when I say, this has saved all of us on cell phone bills. Even those of us on unlimited plans – MySpace is just so much easier! Especially when it seems like everyone is on different cell phone carriers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But the blogging just is not the same. I know I have had a few people tell me my stories and poems have helped them in so many ways. To just know someone else has gone through what they have gone through in life. Knowing they are not alone. These are the reason I chose to share the things I do. Long gone are the days where comments and hits are coming in by the dozens. And that's OK. I realize people have life going on. We all have roamed off in other directions. Stopped blogging, stopped commenting…for whatever the reason.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have hit a crossroads in my life. Where does one draw the line about what is personal/private and should not be shared and what should be? I mean, I want to continue to let my friends know how things are in life. But at the same time maybe I should just send a private message through email instead of blogging. My blog is set to private, but many of us know even that's not a guarantee to keep outsiders off. My page is private as well. So even with a double block, there are some of us out there who still know the old MySpace back door secrets to getting it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to come to some sort of a compromise. Not just for myself, but for dude. MySpace has caused us some problems and I don't want that anymore. I care about him and our relationship enough to respect him and his opinions. I am willing to compromise.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had thought about leaving MySpace altogether. But I just have too many real life friends and family here to do that. I have thought about many different things.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But in the end, for right now I think super duper personal blogging with halt. I think my jokes and and silly posts are fine. I am debating on my poetry. I think general Hi, how are you? I am ok blogs are ok. But I think the personal stuff will just come to a halt.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, if you don't see a post for a while, it's not because I have left. It's just that blogging isn't what it used to be for me anymore.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /> <table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_747342">I know I am totally OK with the personal emails in getting updates!!!<br /><br />Just as long as I know what is going on...lol<br /><br />Glad everything is falling into place for ya!!<br /><br />~Hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 6:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=413343262#" id="addReplyLnk_747342" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=413343262&commentID=747342" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82843579572544394112008-07-08T21:54:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:47:48.739-04:00Thanks Daizybug- you goofy girl<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, July 08, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Have I ever told you guys how blessed I am to have such wonderful friends???<br /><br />Well, I have great friends!<br /><br />My goofy Shannon decided to give me a new ringtone. So yesterday she zips it to me and I got a huge smile over it. Everytime I call Shan, this is what people are going to hear!!!! hahahaha<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />So then I had to add it to my phone. It doesnt much apply to her, but I set it as her ringtone anyway *sticks tongue out at her* (because I can)<br /><br />I then had to zap the video on over to my girl Jens page cause , well its right up her alley! LOL.<br /><br />Anyway - give it a listen, it will all become clear to you and then you have have a smile too!<br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/llmGx2WHeww?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/llmGx2WHeww?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This was never the way I planned</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Not my intention</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I got so brave, drink in hand</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Lost my discretion</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not what, I'm used to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just wanna try you on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm curious for you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Caught my attention</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The taste of her cherry chapstick</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl just to try it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I hope my boyfriend don't mind it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so wrong</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so right</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Don't mean I'm in love tonight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">No, I don't even know your name</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It doesn't matter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Your my experimental game</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just human nature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not what, good girls do</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Not how they should behave</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">My head gets so confused</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Hard to obey</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The taste of her cherry chapstick</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl just to try it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I hope my boyfriend don't mind it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so wrong</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so right</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Don't mean I'm in love tonight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Us girls we are so magical</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Soft skin, red lips, so kissable</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Hard to resist so touchable</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Too good to deny it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Ain't no big deal, it's innocent</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The taste of her cherry chapstick</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl just to try it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I hope my boyfriend don't mind it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so wrong</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so right</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Don't mean I'm in love tonight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_745345">Someone at work played this the other day! Did you know she used to be a Christian singer??</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, July 09, 2008 - 6:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=413166778#" id="addReplyLnk_745345" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=413166778&commentID=745345" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_745345"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_747337">I LOVE this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is soooo catchy and addictive! hehehe</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 6:15 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=413166778#" id="addReplyLnk_747337" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=413166778&commentID=747337" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41523828462415840992008-07-08T21:48:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:47:14.930-04:00Changes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, July 08, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">So I am sitting here trying to beat boredom. Knowing I need to make a change. But too tired to even care right now. Just trying to figure out the best plan of action. Or maybe I am just procrastinating. Who knows. All I know is my myspace is going to go through some changes.</span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_745346">Yeah, it sure is...it's almost acting like 360! LOL!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, July 09, 2008 - 6:49 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89576459103143903252008-07-08T16:05:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:46:50.721-04:00Dear Diary: More Mike - July 8<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary</div><div class="MsoNormal">Part 2</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I need to rehash what went down today. Don’t really want to. Too tired really. But if I don’t, then I will never get it done. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I talk to Mike. Well back up, Sunday I had talked to Mike. We had been trying to make plans to hang and per usual, things did not pan out. Which is ok cause we have been spending a lot of time together lately since I quit my job and am looking for work down in Lansing. We just found out we got this apt we been wanting. So now it’s just a matter of time before we get our asses moved in. I just hope he doesn’t drag his ass on getting his paycheck stub and deposit money over to her.<br /><br />Anyway let me get back on topic. Sunday we had tried to make plans for him to come out after his route. He calls me Monday am to tell me a friend of the family passed away 4<sup>th</sup> of July. So his parents and such were going to be heading down to Ohio to go. He had asked me to go, but I needed to be at the doc office today to get signed up for free health care. Anyway I did not hear from him all day so I just assumed he was riding along with his dad. I get a call about 3am today, he didn’t go. Told me all the stuff he got in to. And he’s on his way to Ohio now. We talked and talked. He told me how much he missed me and we just had an awesome conversation. Which we usually do. I had sent him some naughty vids of me the other day which he thought was just cool as hell.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have to admit, my trust has been hard. You see the leasing manager Tammy, on his myspace has been leaving status messages in regards to hanging out with him and such. I have tried to talk to him about it and he always got cold and angry about it. I tried to let it go, but it just really ate at me. Seems every time we could not hang out, she had some message about her honey and blah blah.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well yesterday I had put the pic back up of me and him. I was missing him and that pic makes me happy. Who cares right? We are a couple, so what’s the big deal. So I go to leave him some funny comments, hoping he will come home to a laugh after the funeral and on her page I see that message about how I don’t know about the past 12 months. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So I texted Mike to call me when he had a chance. He was on his way to the burial, funeral session was almost over. I told him about it. He got so pissed off and he was just so mean and hurtful. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have no idea what to think anymore. I want to believe him. Want to always trust him, but it’s so hard. He has told me so much about her. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, we talked again a few hours ago. He says he chewed her ass out. Told her time and time again they were just friends he did not want a relationship with her. She told him she liked him. And he’s like trying to tell her what kind of shit are you trying to pull putting that on your myspace? And she tried to tell him I started it by putting that pic of us up. WTF kind of shit is that?? This woman is 40yrs old. Act like it. So he’s telling me all this stuff and its just in my brain. Swirling around. Pondering. Wondering. And now he wants to get rid of h is myspace. I don’t want him to. I like having him on my page. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Part of me feels played. The other part of me tries to put all the pieces together and form some solid history that I can trust. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want nothing more then to build my life with this guy. So I am trying to just put it behind me and move on. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopefully things will get better. Anyway, there is more, but I am too tired. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79541552908337597572008-07-08T15:56:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:44:18.734-04:00Dear Diary : It's Mike - July 8<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary/Mike (MySpace original post)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">#1</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">So here I am, all happy, we got our apt and blah blah, then I come to leave you comments and see this<br /><br />Tamtam doesn't think SHE knows about us for the past 12 months<br />Mood: Frustrated<br /><br /><br />What the hell is going on???<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">#2<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Subject: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Words I Can't Speak<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Body: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Sometimes I can write better then I can talk. So I am just going to spill my heart here because I don't want to call and bother you and not sure when you are going to talk to me.<br /><br />I said I trusted you - I meant that.<br />I gave you my heart - because I think you deserve to have it.<br />I told you I loved you - I meant that too.<br />I said I wanted to build this future with you - I meant that with every inch of me. <br /><br />Everything I have ever said about us - meant every word of it.<br /><br />I have seen you grow so much as a person over the last few months. Our relationship has bloomed and everything is so wonderful.<br /><br />I dont love half heartedly. I love with all of me. I don't feel or say things I don't mean. I hope you realize that by now.<br /><br />I said I was sorry - and I am. I can not take back any words or action so all I can do is tell you - "I'm Sorry."<br /><br />I want more then anything to forget this and continue forward to our future. To build on that life we been talking about, that we dream of. That I know we can have.<br /><br />I was not trying to cause drama like you might think. I believe in you and in us and all that we can be together. I came to you because I was hurt. Seeing those words stung. I should always be able to come to you when I am hurting, or for anything for that matter. Hurting because here is this man that I care about, simply love and adore and here is this person who doesn’t want me to. Who is trying to bring hurt. <br /><br />I did not mean to make you mad baby. That is the last thing I wanted to do today. All I wanted was to be there for you today in your time of need as you grieve for the loss of your friend. <br /><br />I dont want you to be mad at me. I just wanted to talk to you because I was hurt. I needed to find comfort in you. Her words hurt and I can not help how they made me feel. <br /><br />When I asked what was going on, that was not me accusing you of anything. I have listened to everything you have ever told me about her. That was me asking out loud, like thinking out loud what is up with her. Please understand that. I was thinking why is she doing this? If she is your friend, they why can't she be happy for you. Isn’t that how friends are suppose to be? <br /><br />I know this could not come at a worse time for you. And for that I just feel terrible about. I wish I could take it all back and make it all go away. <br /><br />I love you Mike, and I just want to continue to move forward. <br /><br />I have thought about leaving myspace altogether. But I have too many real life friends and family here to delete it. So instead, I am just going to delete all the blogs, all the personal stuff and revamp it. I would like to use it to promote our business. The store, website and such. <br /><br />I wanted to apply for that loan today, but there were a couple more things I wanted to talk to you about before I did. <br /><br />Just know I love you and you are in my heart. Know that I want to continue forward.<br /><br />xoxoxxo<br /><br />PS - I am ready to start packing! *hearts and smiles* <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60453742045720147622008-07-03T13:50:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:42:28.732-04:00On this day - One Year Ago ~Stay Strong<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 03, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_411554068" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One year ago today I had to say good-bye to my beloved grandmother.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Funny how after all this time I can see her just like it was yesterday. That memory forever in my mind. But yet there are so many things I can not recall. Strange how your mind holds on to certain events and yet chooses to let others go. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had originally planned to start writing about all these great memories I had of my grandmother. But right now I am too selfish to share them. Instead, I keep thinking about how the events after her funeral pretty much changed my life forever.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I knew driving back to OK that this would be my last "trip" back home. I went back to work, gave my 2 weeks, let Marcus know I was leaving and by the end of July I was here in Michigan with my family and leaving behind everything and everyone I had ever known.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes I feel if I knew it was going to be as hard as it was I may have just stayed in OK. There have been times when I just wanted to pack my things and run back to what was comfortable, familiar, safe. Back to my friends who loved me and missed me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I could not.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For too many years I have run from things. And this was the year I had to tell myself NOT to run away.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is something here worth holding on to. There is someone here worth building a life with.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So as I think about my grandma today and how much I miss her, I also think about all those life lessons she taught me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes letting go and letting someone else in will be the best investment in life you can make.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running away will solve nothing. We all know this to be true. So instead of running away, this time I choose to run towards life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My grandparents always told me I was strong. And for once I am choosing to believe them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I look to my past as memories, lessons learned. I look to my future with bright sunshine eyes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will stay strong, I will continue to move forward and build that life together which we both want. And I will forever her e my grandmother say – " I love you Chrystal, you stay strong."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5877433490270911322008-07-02T18:36:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:41:20.454-04:00What is this TRUST in which you speak of?<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What is this TRUST in which you speak of?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought I had things figured out. I thought I had let feelings go. I thought everything inside of me was signaling FULL SPEED AHEAD & ALL SYSTEMS GO.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Trust is not coming to me so easily.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Trust lies at the heart of a strong relationship. I think my relationship is stronger now then it ever was. I try very hard every day to not think about the past. To not let the actions of others in the past portray my outlook on my present life and future.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">When my trust is lost I feel betrayed, angry and taken for granted. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">But what is trust? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">For me trust is when we take as fact some belief we have, for which there is only partial evidence. For that very reason there is an element of uncertainty and risk involved. Whoever we are trusting may not always live up to the faith we are putting in them. That is just a fact of life.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I talk of "placing my trust" in someone, which shows that it involves an action rather than just my feelings.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">But I also see trust as something that must be earned. I may trust other adults according to how much I know of their character, attitudes and behavior. I will only give a person so much trust; the rest will come with time. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Another way I see trust is as something that is inspired in someone when they are trusted. You place the trust, let go, and believe they will rise to the faith put in them. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">When trusting I must be fully aware of the weakness of human nature and ready to forgive when someone lets me down. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">This is where all the feelings and emotions start to come in. Going from one level of trust to another. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">From this I can see that I am capable of having different ideas of what it means to trust. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">My ability to trust may be affected by my upbringing and past experiences too. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It is very easy within a relationship to assume we view trust in the same way as our partner, but assumptions can be misleading and lead to disappointment and hurt when things go wrong.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We all long for someone who has chosen us, who respects, honors and cares for us, someone with whom we can be real, who accepts us for who we are and will stand by us through anything.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I am hoping as I move forward and make these changes in life with dude that this is what I have found. That the trust I have given him, the trust I have put in to him will not falter and let me down. I hope that as we make these plans together in life that he is the one who will respect me, honor me, care for me when I need it, be my rock when I always need him, he is always real with me, honest with me, and will stand by me through thick and thin. Every day I look for that positive ray of sunshine and think to myself – “I hope he is not the one who is going to abuse my trust, one to lie to me, cheat on me, and treat me poorly.” <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">As I honestly do not think I can pull through another relationship like that.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I see all the changes we have made together over the last 10 months. We have both grown in so many ways, together and separately. I see all the good that is between us now and that’s what I hold on to. That’s what I hold close to my heart and hope that trust will prevail and that I CAN give him that.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">There are several steps towards learning to trust again. It usually helps to acknowledge your own feelings and the reality of the hurt. The first step forward is forgiveness, choosing not to hold what has happened.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I have to learn that despite my past and his – that it is just that. In the past. I have to forgive those that have done me wrong and let go. I have to forgive his past mistakes and understand that we are heading towards our future.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">But why is this so hard to do????<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The second step is to begin the rebuilding process, with both of us choosing to live in honesty and openness with each other. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I think we are well on our way with that. But sometimes I see something, or hear something that just makes me go…HUH? Are you kidding me???? And I question it. I bug about it. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">This is going to involve some adjustment to the picture I have of our life together and some adjustment to my own behavior as well as his. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Finally I need to allow the time that is necessary to adjust to what is happening, to allow the new approach to life to bed down and become part of our lives together.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">After all we are two separate people who led two separate lives now a couple starting a life together.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">So maybe in the end, trust is just going to work itself out and come in time when it’s ready. At least I have been able to give him a little, so he’s got something to work with. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23540718319588688492008-06-28T14:47:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:39:33.824-04:00Ride for Olivia<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, June 28, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Today is the day. After months of planning , months of surgery and treatments ... we are finally upon the day where we are going to Ride for Olivia.<br /><br />As many of you know Olivia is my cousins oldest daughter who had a brain tumor/cancer surgery back in March and another one just a few weeks ago.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Today we are having a charity motorcycle ride to raise money to help cover the costs the insurance will not pay for.<br /><br />It looks like rain and clouds , but I know with the dude, my family and friends - there is sure to be lots of sunshine.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Joey Vagance</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"> </span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_740087">Have fun sis n makes heaps o money.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 10:25 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71819554497262521442008-06-27T21:30:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:39:04.009-04:00HAPPPPPPPPYYY!!!!!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, June 27, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Life is all about changes, and I have certainly have had my fair share. I am on yet another path, another change. A huge one. But a wonderful one. And all I can say is.....<br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So despite the stresses of finding a new place to live and looking for a new job - I am not doing it alone. I have dude with me every step of the way.</div><div align="center"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_740088">So glad to see ya happy darlin.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 10:25 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30320068538426494332008-06-24T19:52:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:38:34.473-04:00I QUIT!!!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, June 24, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">First let me say I am typing this on my phone so excuse all the boo boo that could occur. Now to the matter at hand. I quit. Oh yes I did. QUIT!! Left that damn toxic workplace behind. Too much I care not to get in to here. I am finding my inner peace and moving on to bigger and better things.</span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_737889">Damn girl....what a day!! haha</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 11:25 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408909049#" id="addReplyLnk_737889" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408909049&commentID=737889" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_737889"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_738079">WHOA!!! congrats. . so you got a new job?</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a> on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 12:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408909049#" id="addReplyLnk_738079" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408909049&commentID=738079" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_738079"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_739255">Congrats sis. Sometimes you have to do what's best for YOU in order to keep your sanity! And inner peace is MUCH more important than a paycheck.<br />Better life awaits you with Dude and new apartment, job that you will love when you find it, and happiness at last. On to the best part of your life, which starts NOW!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 1:00 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408909049#" id="addReplyLnk_739255" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408909049&commentID=739255" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_739255"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_739443">Congrats!! It reminds me of the song 'take this job and shove it!' love ya girl!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 6:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408909049#" id="addReplyLnk_739443" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408909049&commentID=739443" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88696721343644632332008-06-23T10:48:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:37:48.735-04:00Detoxing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, June 23, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_408431598" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am detoxing my life in more ways then one today. I woke up this morning with a new sense of self worth. I was reminded over the weekend of the girl I was, the girl I am and the girl I am going to become. This person I have reached during the interim is not who I really am and I no longer what to be this way. No longer am I going to allow the negativity and drama of others to bring me down and ruin what I have accomplished so far in life and what I am going to accomplish in the future.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Some people do not realize just how negative they are. All I can say is if you are unhappy with your life and your job, then do something about it. Stop making the rest of the world listen to your bullshit.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/06/how-can-people-be-so-mean.html" target="_blank">If you read my last blog</a>, you know pretty much where this is coming from. I have a co-worker who is just plain miserable. Miserable with her life and miserable with her job. And she will let you know it, on a daily basis. I have tried and tried to turn a deaf ear and try to make things as pleasant as possible. I tried to become a friend to her because it was obvious to me she needed one. Not to mention she is back here in the accounting department with me, so I have to spend 9hrs a day with her. I tried to make the best of an ugly situation. I went out with her after work, sharing a few drinks on numerous occasions. It made things much easier to deal with when I started to see their was actually a good person inside of her. However, couple of weeks ago that all came to a screeching halt when she purposely betrayed my friendship one night at the bar after I had left. Ever since then I have been trying to limit my time with her. Back to putting up the brick wall and not letting her get over it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As most of you know there is a guy who works here that is friends with my family. Well this person and this girl have whatever in the hell that they have going on. It's like high school drama that I am constantly getting dragged into the middle of whenever shit falls down. And I am constantly being forced to try and pick sides. Not going to happen. And this drives the both of them crazy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If the day is quiet, she will purposely look for something to stir the pot with. So now, I am the bad person, the bad friend because I do not want to listen to her anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am moving on with my life. Moving away, getting a new job, and building a life with dude. This makes her crazy. I am changing the situation I am in while she remains miserable and idle. Is this my fault? No. But somehow today it has become my fault. Whatever, I have no time to let this get to me anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She said to me the other day, why do the guys at the bar like you and how is it you have a boyfriend and I don't?? WTF I don't need that kind of bullshit in life. Nor those kind of friends.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I am detoxing my life from all the negativity and holding on to that sunshine that flows on my path.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My time here is limited and I am just going to make the best of it …. Grin and bare it if you will.</div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_736917">Yay for you! Life is too short to be around negative people! Why do the guys at the bar like YOU and why do YOU have a boyfriend and she doesn't?? The answer is OBVIOUS...you have a sunshiny personality, have a lot to give and then there is the fact that you are gorgeous! What does SHE have to offer? The care takers of the world usually end up getting hurt, but the alternative is letting the others change who we are. That just doesn't work out too well. So good for you! {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 11:57 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408431598#" id="addReplyLnk_736917" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408431598&commentID=736917" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_736917"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_737247">Oohhh my.........."F" all these back-stabbing Biotches that we work with!!<br /><br />Girl...I feel ya on this one......soooooooooooo feel ya!<br /><br />Move on with YOU....leave them with mud on their faces!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 10:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408431598#" id="addReplyLnk_737247" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=408431598&commentID=737247" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91056873571542330882008-06-20T10:28:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:36:14.198-04:00How Can People Be So Mean???<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, June 20, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_407613442" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes I am truly amazed at the behavior of some people. I often sit here wondering –"what did I ever do in life to deserve this?"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That answer is always clear to me. NOTHING!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a good person with a good heart and a good soul. I am not a mean, evil, vindictive person, nor do I purposely bring hatred or harm to others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, when people enter my life that end up being this way, it just leaves me wanting to run as far away as possible.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I try my best to always be a good person. I know I have my heart on my sleeve. It is always how I have been and just really can not help it. I try to see the good in everything and every person. Including this particular person.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Only right at this moment I can not run. I am stuck and I do not like it.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I am convinced that perhaps the good in this person will never be true and honest because this person likes being mean and hateful and the ramifications it brings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So instead my only choice is basically to suck it up and grin and bare it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And hope the drama doesn't keep catching up with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not an easy task.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It is running me down and ruining the person I am. I am tired constantly, I can not sleep, I am so stressed out, my internal issues are back and in full force again (could or could not be stress related again), I come home every day and just lie in bed and cry. It's all I can do anymore. My brain runs in 50 million directions wondering how I ever let myself fall in to this trap of letting another human being dictate how I feel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What is worse, I KNOW I am stronger then that. But I think I have just reached this point in my life where I have had to fight for so long that I have no strength left.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have had to hit the pause button on life too many times just in the last couple of weeks. Turning myself off to the life going on around me. It may not be a good thing to do, but for right now it is the only way I can cope.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am slowly cutting my ties. But yet feeling badly about it. But I just can not let another person treat me like shit because they think it makes them feel better about themselves with the hopes they will look better in others eyes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*SIGHS*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For those of you wondering if I am talking about my dude, you can rest assured everything is fine and dandy there. He has been my saving grace through all of this and our future shines so bright. I am looking forward to that day I can put all this behind and we can laugh about it together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Until then I just have to keep looking ahead.</div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_735702">Ahhh sis I am so sorry yer goin thru this shite. ~holds ya in me arms for a brotherly hug with teddy in between us~<br /><a href="http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/joey_v/?action=view&current=cute-teddy-bear.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/joey_v/cute-teddy-bear.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 3:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=407613442#" id="addReplyLnk_735702" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=407613442&commentID=735702" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_735702"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_735762">Never for 1 moment did I think it was the "dude"! I have an idea, but it doesn't matter that much...ANYONE hurting my girl is looking for trouble!! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}} Don't ever let anyone change who you are!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 6:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=407613442#" id="addReplyLnk_735762" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=407613442&commentID=735762" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_735762"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/84/s_1d58997801cd4975a1415f8831a6dbc1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Timothy Dougherty</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_735787">Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.<br />Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown in "Peanuts"</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a> on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 7:49 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=407613442#" id="addReplyLnk_735787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=407613442&commentID=735787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_735787"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_735898">Sorry to hear this as well! But girl I have been there.....had to cut those ties and push forward before.....it is hard at first, but for the best I have found. No room for "toxic friends" I say...for what it is worth...lol<br /><br />~hugs~</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25584839694351926592008-06-15T12:25:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:35:12.208-04:00Another Father's Day Passes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, June 15, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First – to all the great dads out there - Happy Fathers Day and this likely will NOT be a blog for you.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am feeling rather blah today and I knew I would. Dude and I had this conversation the other day about how this day was just not going to be a good day for me. I tried to explain why. I mean, he knows about the dad and father history. He said to me "You are such a strong woman why do you let this stuff get to you?"</span></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don't "LET" it. It just does. I can not help what happened to me in the past. And I try like hell to be a better person and not let it get to me and quite frankly I think I have done a very good job of that. However, Fathers day just does not settle well with me.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I tell him he just doesn't understand because for one he has a dad, a step dad and he is a dad. </span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe that was not the right thing to say. I feel bad about it now. But it's the truth. How can anyone possibly understand how I feel unless these things have happened to them as well?</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know dude means well. He is pretty awesome like that. But now I wonder, does he really mean that. Does he really look at me with the past that I have and think – wow she's amazing to have gone through the thing she has gone through and that makes her such a strong woman today. Or does he look at me through love blinded eyes and say that because the truth is I am damaged and he really just does not know what to say, as often many in my past have done.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway……</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First of all I don't think you need a day to tell the great dads how wonderful they are. They should be told that often. Second, it's so over the top that it's just another way for Hallmark to pull money out of people. And lastly, until you have walked a mile in my shoes you will just not "get it".</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fathers are supposed to be good to their daughters. Mine were not. I was abandoned not once, but twice by my biological father and my dad tortured me for 12 years. Did I mention that I now live in the same state as these 2 loser??? Once the next city over , the other just around the corner and up the street a ways???? GRRRRRRRRRRRR</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My grandfather is no longer with me.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At least I no longer have to go to my ex-in-laws and put on a happy face trying to save grace for their father's day celebration.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, excuse me if this day just doesn't settle well with me.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am strong. I am a survivor, but that does not mean I am not without feelings or thoughts. And sometimes I can't control certain emotions and such.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today would be one of those days.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I march forward, as this survivor has always done.</span></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pmNbC89yhWY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pmNbC89yhWY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_406020339" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>"Daughters"</strong>I know a girl<br />She puts the color inside of my world<br />But she's just like a maze<br />Where all of the walls all continually change<br />And I've done all I can<br />To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands<br />Now I'm starting to see<br />Maybe it's got nothing to do with me<br /><br />Fathers, be good to your daughters<br />Daughters will love like you do<br />Girls become lovers who turn into mothers<br />So mothers, be good to your daughters too<br /><br />Oh, you see that skin?<br />It's the same she's been standing in<br />Since the day she saw him walking away<br />Now she's left<br />Cleaning up the mess he made<br /><br />So fathers, be good to your daughters<br />Daughters will love like you do<br />Girls become lovers who turn into mothers<br />So mothers, be good to your daughters too<br /><br />Boys, you can break<br />You'll find out how much they can take<br />Boys will be strong<br />And boys soldier on<br />But boys would be gone without the warmth from<br />A womans good, good heart<br /><br />On behalf of every man<br />Looking out for every girl<br />You are the god and the weight of her world<br /><br />So fathers, be good to your daughters<br />Daughters will love like you do<br />Girls become lovers who turn into mothers<br />So mothers, be good to your daughters too<i>[x3]</i></span></span></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=278813745" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733092">Your feelings about Father's day are exactly the same as what I feel about Mother's Day. I buy her a card but nothing else and I spend an hour looking for any card that doesn't say "I love you, Mom". Cause I don't. I understand completely.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a>on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 1:39 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339&commentID=733092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; line-height: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_733092"></label></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=187305004" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Briana</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=187305004" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_e91edbca46753fefdb2eb8ee43c300d5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Briana Murphy</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733093">I can totally relate my friend - the way you feel about this day is the same I do. I did the breakfast thing early this a.m. with my father-in-law, and got it out of the way. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my father-in-law, but I had other things on my mind about this shitty day. I hoping my father, where ever he is - is enjoying this day with his "other" family. You take care my friend, and if you ever need to talk, let me know. Do something today that makes YOU happy........xo</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=187305004" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Briana</a> on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 1:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339&commentID=733093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=187305004" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; line-height: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_733093"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733098">My father and I went through hell and back and became very close, very attached to each other-- then he passed away 2 years ago (ironically 2 days after Father's Day) and my life has never been the same. Nor will it ever be, and Father's Day sucks now!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 1:56 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733098" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339&commentID=733098" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_733098"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733143">While my childhood was completely different from yours, I understand your right to hate this day! And yes, I agree that all great fathers should be celebrated everyday and not just once a year! The same with mothers. I am blessed to have 2 wonderful parents and wonderful in laws. My father in law passed away 1 1/2 years ago, so it's just my dad now...1200 miles away but often on my mind! My daughter in laws father was never there for her and abandoned her when she was young, but today they are spending the day with him because he has just a few months to live. I hope she gets what she needs from this but I am afraid she is just going to feel abandoned again when he dies. Don will be there for her because he is a great dad and a great father in law! Have a good day in spite of the "holiday" and celebrate YOU! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 3:54 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733143" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339&commentID=733143" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_733143"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/128/s_6af76b3e3ddc45398b3fa4740e0a2daa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mickey Finn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733190">It is a shame, how good fathers are screwed over by the systen, and society in general.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a> on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 6:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733190" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=406020339&commentID=733190" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48678870984590866202008-06-05T06:45:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:33:58.549-04:00Within Reach.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, June 05, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Within Reach</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever wanted something so bad you could almost taste it? If course you have, we are only human after all. We live in such a fast paced society that we are trained to want something, need something and then expect to get it right then and there. However, there are just some things in life that this process just does not work for. Love and trust are huge examples. Trust me on this one. I have tried every avenue to make these things happen faster with no luck. It is not that I am not capable of these things. I just think I have shut myself off for so long that maybe the problem is not that I can't, maybe it's just that I wont. Even better yet, that I no longer know how. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dude and I are on this path. We started out on a very rocky uneven unpaved road. As time went on we kept walking. We hit a few road blocks and moved around them. We hit a few dead ends but found a new path. Now this path seems long. Despite that there is a rainbow at the end of this walk. I see it. He sees it. I have no patience. I want this rainbow and I want it now. It is frustrating to see the things we want, the life we want to have, knowing we can and will get there someday but that we have to go through all these trials and tribulations of life to get there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know there are some out there that do not want Dude and I to be on this path. And that's OK. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions about things. But the ordeal with that is this is me, my life and my heart. It is going to do what it wants to and what seems right despite all the mud. It is for me to make the choice. And it will either work or it won't. Nothing in life comes with a guarantee. People can change. And only time is going to tell if we were meant to be. I know how I feel about him. I know how I see our relationship. I see everything else going on around us. I am not blind, nor dumb. Quite simply I adore him. We all know this by now. And what we have together is awesome. Everything else is trivial at this point and will get worked through as time marches on. Life stops for no one; I learned this lesson long ago. I refuse to sit back and watch life pass me by. I am walking this path with him. We are taking this journey together.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EnSNCll82qg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EnSNCll82qg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have watched this movie – PS I Love You more times in the last month then I care to admit. Mostly cause I just have a thing for all things Irish (duh!) but because it's just a great story. And the soundtrack is even better. There is song on there called More Time. That's what's playing in this blog. The message is clear. Things are just going to take time. As long as that time is spent walking that path with him, then everything else in life will just fall right in to place.</span></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sy0fIyongdI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sy0fIyongdI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More Time by needtobreath</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 12px;">promised you the world again<br />Everything within my hands<br />All the riches one could dream<br />They will come from me<br /><br />I hoped that you could understand<br />That this is not what I had planned<br />Please don't worry now<br />It will turn around<br /><br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine<br />So say what's on your mind<br />Cause I can't figure out just what's inside<br /><br />I hoped that you could understand<br />That this is not what I had planned<br />Please don't worry now<br />It will turn around<br /><br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine<br />So say what's on your mind<br />Cause I can't figure out just what's inside<br />So say alright<br />Cause I know we can make it if we try<br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine<br /><br />We're off to new lands<br />So hold on to my hands<br />It's gonna be alright<br />It's a whole lot brighter<br />So stand by the fire<br />It's gonna be alright<br />Yeah, the road gets harder<br />But it's not much farther<br />It's gonna be alright<br />You know that it ain't easy<br />Please believe me<br />It's gonna be alright<br /><br />Please don't worry now<br />It will turn around<br /><br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine<br />So say what's on your mind<br />Cause I can't figure out just what's inside<br />So say alright<br />Cause I know we can make it if we try<br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /> </span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_727799">I need to see that movie! Have heard lots of good things about it. Chick flick!<br />Great song, too. I am so nervous about Rye moving here in 3 weeks. Sort of excited and scared at the same time. Happy, for sure, but going from LDR to having her 3 miles away is going to be a major change.<br />I think I need to blog, too! Lol!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Sunday, June 08, 2008 - 12:16 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67241092885334240712008-05-30T06:38:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:33:05.474-04:00Patience......Just For Him<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, May 30, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_400867655" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Patience.<br /><br />I have ZERO!<br /><br />I used to. But these days I am just so worn down on waiting for life to change. I guess maybe it would not be so bad if I was not stuck in certain situations that I am in.<br /><br />I want HIM and I want him NOW!!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />LOL.<br /><br />I have been hearing this song on the internet radio at work a lot this week. I guess I just need to slow down and invest in a bottle of patience. I see the future, its so bright. Its just frustrating trying to get there. Trying to get on that path in life.<br /><br />Anyway...cutie patootie and I are going to be just fine.<br /><br />I will find patience...one way or another...</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/twDsyH_7iw8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/twDsyH_7iw8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">1..2...1,2,3,4)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Shed a tear 'cause I'm missing you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm still alright to smile</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Girl, I think about you every day now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Was a time when I wasn't sure</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But you set my mind at ease</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">There is no doubt you're in my heart now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Said woman take it slow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll work itself out fine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All we need is just a little patience</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Said sugar make it slow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And we'll come together fine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All we need is just a little patience</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">(inhale) Patience...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Ooh, oh, yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Sit here on the stairs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">'Cause I'd rather be alone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">If I can't have you right now, I'll wait dear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Sometimes, I get so tense</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But I can't speed up the time</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But you know, love, there's one more thing to consider</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Said woman take it slow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Things will be just fine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You and I'll just use a little patience</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Said sugar take the time</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">'Cause the lights are shining bright</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You and I've got what it takes to make it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">We won't fake it, Oh never break it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">'Cause I can't take it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">...little patience, mm yeah, ooh yeah,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Need a little patience, yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just a little patience, yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Some more pati... (ence, yeah)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I've been walking these streets at night</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just trying to get it right (Need some patience, yeah)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's hard to see with so many around</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You know I don't like being stuck in a crowd (Could use some patience, yeah)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And the streets don't change but maybe the name</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I ain't got time for the game</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">'Cause I need you (Patience, yeah)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Yeah, yeah well I need you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Oh, I need you (Take some patience)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Whoa, I need you (Just a little patience is all we need)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Ooh, this ti- me....</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_723125">OMGODDESS that is one of me and Rye's songs. Figures!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 10:52 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=400867655#" id="addReplyLnk_723125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=400867655&commentID=723125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_723125"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_724051">Patience is somethin I have definitely learned to have in this life.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Sunday, June 01, 2008 - 1:24 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=400867655#" id="addReplyLnk_724051" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=400867655&commentID=724051" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_724051"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_724217">Killer tune...<br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/c2ca1058a798.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/c2ca1058a798.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Sunday, June 01, 2008 - 7:32 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7538517446607296242008-05-29T13:03:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:32:41.959-04:00I just have to say.......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 29, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_400594767" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii18/23whiskers/scream.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>I need to vent for a spell. I have kept a lot bottled up and I am afraid that if I do not let it go I am going to do something I will end up regretting.<br /><br /><br />First thing - my job. I DO like my job. So don't get me wrong there. Its a decent job and the people (some of them) are alright. Their are a few that drive me crazy. But we are all going to have those at any job we have. We can't all get along. Although I generally get along with everyone, that doesn't mean I have to like them or really like dealing with them. But the thing is the company is starting to fall apart. Well not starting - it has been for some time now. Trying to dig them self out - but not doing a very good job. The owners just don't want to open eyes and see things for what they really are. I guess they just think it is all going to wash away on its own. *rolls eyes* So, today - this week - is the worst ever. We are out of money and I just cut over $90,000 worth of payroll checks and we still have another $50,000 or so in direct deposit that need to be pushed through today and we have been pretty much told to wait.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />WTF!<br /><br />WAIT??<br /><br />No!! I HAVE to be paid. Seriously. As I am sure everyone else needs to as well. This sucks.<br /><br />And the gas prices. Are you kidding me??? With a 30minute drive to work it is almost to the point that I can not even afford to go to work anymore.<br /><br />Kind of ironic isn't it???<br /><br />It has been almost a year since I parted my ways. As I look at my life today I see I have changed. I mean, I am still Chrys - but their is a part of me that really isn't me at all anymore. I do not know if that's good or bad. People think I am blind to some things. But I am not. My eyes are wide open. I just choose to not deal with things anymore. Certain things that is. No point really.<br /><br /><br />I want so much out of life. I had hoped that during my year here I would have found me and would have made it and gotten on my feet. Picking myself up, dusting myself off and pushing forward.<br /><br /><br />And I guess I am doing that, just not at the pace that I had liked.<br /><br />I have become privy to certain events about my ex. Certain things I would have rather of not known about. And this has left me feeling a lot of hurt. More hurt then I ever thought I could feel. Hurt that is slowly boiling into anger.<br /><br />When I was talking to my dude the other night and sort of mentioned this - I became rather choked and realized I just could not even talk about it. And he's someone I can talk to about anything. I began to feel weak. And that was a feeling I did not like. So I pretty much just said I could not talk about it and he told me not to worry - better days ahead. Sunshine and smiles....thats what my dude is to me.<br /><br /><br />And he's right. So then that takes me on a whole new path that gets me frustrated. I have a wonderful man in my life now. Everything happens for a reason and if not for those reasons I would not be with him today. But even that is not without it's problems. The distance. That's a huge ordeal with us right now. Neither one of us really in a position to change that right now. And that makes things even more frustrating. We are trying to make changes. Trying to find our path together in life, but every time we think we have found that path life ends up dicking us around.<br /><br /><br />Life. I have that stuck feeling again. And we all know what happens when I start to feel stuck. I run.<br /><br />But what good is running going to do for me?<br /><br />Nothing.<br /><br />Not like I really have any place to run to.<br /><br />I mean, I know all my peeps back in OK want me to come home. But thats really not an option.<br /><br />So here I am stuck, wanting to run with no place to run to.<br /><br />All I want is for me and dude to find our path and get on it.<br /><br />Patience.<br /><br />I have none.<br /><br />I want out of the situation I am in with home life and work.<br /><br />I want in the situation with my dude.<br /><br />Why does it have to be so hard to get what I want?</div><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_722722">Oh man, can I relate! We had issues with getting paid on time when I worked in the Tucson office of my agency. I mean, every f-ing payday it was "are we getting paid? and when?" SO I switched to the Casa Grande office full-time, and my pay is always on time now. BUT it's a 70 mile drive each way, and as you mentioned, gas prices are RIDICULOUS! Yes, I get mileage checks but it does not cover all my gas anymore, much less wear. tear, and maintenance on the car...<br />Then on to the long-distance romance. *sigh, grrr* Rye lives 235 miles away...about 3.5 hours... and so we see each other about one weekend a month --if we are lucky. It is so frustrating, more than once I have wanted to just give up. Now she is moving here in a month, and I am worried about my space! Afraid of being too close...blah blah!<br />Anyway, I get the whole I want it all, I want it now feeling! {{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 4:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=400594767#" id="addReplyLnk_722722" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=400594767&commentID=722722" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_722722"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_722795">I know your pain, I still looking for work after my last job stopped paying me. There's nothing as draining as working for a company in the decline.<br />I hope things get better, I really do,<br />Best of luck<br />Art</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a>on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 6:59 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66586591595465697162008-05-26T15:05:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:31:02.462-04:00Never Quit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b>Monday, May 26, 2008 </b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></span><br /><h1 style="font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Never quit</b></span></h1><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>The only way to lose is to quit. As long as you continue to make the effort, you have not lost.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Everyone experiences setbacks. However, those who achieve the most experience the most setbacks because they persist as long as it takes to reach each goal.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Does it ever seem that you are blocked in every direction? That's the time to get creative, become more flexible, and open yourself to the possibilities that are most certainly there.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Sometimes when you get stuck in a rut, the rut can suddenly and unexpectedly run out. What a great opportunity that can be for you to climb out of that rut, look around, and see all the valuable things you've been missing.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Never quit. Use each setback, each disappointment, and each success, as a cue to push on ahead with more determination than ever before.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Never quit, and you will create the life you choose.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>-- Ralph Marston</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>**************************</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b></b><br /><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How does that saying go? Winners never quit and Quitters never win? Or what is that other one about the road you are battling always seems uphill?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't Quit When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill...</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Yeah, thats the one..LOL</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So...I have been trying to keep focused on the big picture.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Forward...moving forward. Don't go back.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I just keep asking myself over and over...WHEN? When will everything fall in to place? When is life going to stop being in the "starting over" phase and on to the next?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'll never have an answer. So I just keep trolling forward.</span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></b><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></span></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_720989">This is a really good one! We all have to remember this one at times...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, May 26, 2008 - 3:28 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=399435365#" id="addReplyLnk_720989" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=399435365&commentID=720989" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_720989"></label></span></span></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_721001">Just keep putting one foot in front of the other! Some times it feels like every time I try to get on my feet, life kicks them out from under me...I've been there, but it does get better, at least for me it has. {{{{HUGS}}}} one lesson at a time!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, May 26, 2008 - 3:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=399435365#" id="addReplyLnk_721001" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=399435365&commentID=721001" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_721001"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_721065">I hear you sis! Just keep going forward, because quitting is not an option, even though that bridge looks mighty tempting at times!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Monday, May 26, 2008 - 6:03 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></b><br /><b> </b>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49979348795319994582008-05-23T06:44:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:30:38.974-04:00Just A Little Something<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, May 23, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />You know..even when I am going through my own BS in life I can still manage to be happy-go-lucky. Even at my worst I can still find laughter in life.<br /><br />One thing I will never do is purposly turn my back on friends when I am going through my bouts. Our lives may not cross as they should sometimes(thats just life), but that does not mean I am not here for you. I will always do the best that I can.<br /><br />I am still here. Still willing to lend that shoulder - no matter whats going on in my own life.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I AM HERE FOR YOU!!!!<br />*****************************************<br />Count On Me - Default<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I know that life ain't always good to you.<br />I've seen exactly what it's put you through<br />Thrown you around and turned you upside down and so you<br />You got to thinking there was no way out<br />You started sinking and it pulled you down<br />It may be tough you've to get back up<br />Because you know that life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />You can count on me<br />Cause' I will carry you till you<br />carry on<br /><br />Anytime you need someone<br />Somebody strong to lean on<br />Well you can count on me<br />To hold you till the healing is done<br />And every time you fall apart<br />Well you can hide here in my arms<br />And you can count on me<br />To hold you till that feeling is gone<br /><br />I wonder why nobody's waiting on you<br />I'd like to be the one to pull you through your darkest times<br />I'd love to be the light that finds you<br />I see a silver lining on your cloud<br />I'll pick you up whenever you fall down<br />Just take my hand and I will help you stand<br /><br />Because you know that life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />You can count on me<br />Cause' I will carry you till you carry on<br />Anytime you need someone<br />Somebody strong to lean on<br />Well you can count on me to hold you till the healing is done<br />And every time you fall apart you can hide here in my arms<br />And you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is<br />Gone so you can live today<br />Seems so long to yesterday<br />Keep on counting on me to carry you till you carry on<br />Carry on<br /><br />You know that life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />You can count on me cause I will carry you till you carry on<br /><br />Anytime you need someone<br />Somebody strong to lean on<br />Well you can count on me to hold you till that healing is done<br />And every time you fall apart<br />You can hide here in my arms<br />And you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is gone<br />Remember life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />That you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is gone<br />Remember life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />That you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is gone</span><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_719394">you are a good friend Chyrs. . and you deserve the same thing back. .</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a> on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 7:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=398056375#" id="addReplyLnk_719394" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=398056375&commentID=719394" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_719394"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_719514">{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br />Great point, sis. I know you are there! I'm always here for you too!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59122819623483282142008-05-20T06:25:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:30:18.249-04:00What’s Up With Chrys - May Edition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, May 20, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I know its been a while since I have done a "whats up with me" blog. Truth is, I am feeling very lost when it comes to my writing these days and I am not really sure why. I have a lot of stuff going on in my head but I just can not seem to commit it to paper , or to a word document for that matter.<br /><br />I am stressed. I am frustrated and I have a lot going on. But yet I feel like I am doing nothing at all. I feel like I am a puppet on a string being pulled along by another and not really feeling anything.<br /><br />I thought my wall was gone. Or at least a few bricks had been removed and there was a big enough space for someone to fit through.<br /><br />It is possible.<br /><br />However I am finding certain things hard to do.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Trust.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Ugh.<br /><br />Thats not really what I wanted to talk about anyway so rather then get me all twisted about that I am going to move on to something else.<br /><br />Work.<br /><br />Life in general.<br /><br />I am racking up those student loans as we speak. Still plugging away at school. Debating about whether I want to take a summer break or not. I am afraid if I do that in the fall I will not want to go back. But I just do not want to quit this time. I really want to see it through to the end. Even if the road gets a little bumpy.<br /><br />I went on a eating out for lunch going out drinking after work binge being stuck on pop for energy. Breaking myself of that. I want to join a gym but just really do not have the time/patience/money to do such so I have been downloading a lot of work out videos on my pc to do here at home and just trying to get motivated. Once you get stuck in a rut, its hard to break out. The treadmill has gotten really dusty and I guess its time to kick the dog off of it and put my ass back on it.<br /><br />Funny sight to see, my dog Casey sleeping on the treadmill.<br /><br />Still working. For now. The place is ok and I like the job alright, but the company isnt making money and its a struggle to pay its 1000 employees a week. And then their is a girl I work with who is just freaking miserable all the time and fights with this guy there who happens to be friends with my family. So the two of them constantly drag me in the middle and its making me miserable. I want to quit. Today is the first time since I have been there I have thought about turning in my resignation for reasons other then moving with my dude. (and thats a whole other issues we arent going to get in to!)<br /><br />Trying to figure out a path in life with my dude. Seeing if there is a future there and whats going to happen.(ok so I went there a little LOL)<br /><br />Also, been in touch with quite a few people lately about starting my own fetish website with pics, my stories that I write, maybe in time some movies I will produce. A friend of mine told me about a website she uses so I have been looking in to that. Just seeing whats out there. Obviously this wont been something I will get into a great deal until I get out of this house and in to another place. But at least for now I can start getting my feet wet with it.<br /><br />Olivia is having good days. So thats a good thing. But they had to take her in last week for a blood transfusion. Thats not a good thing. But she seems to have taken it well. So thats a good thing. Its just been a back and forth battle. Poor baby.<br /><br />We are doing a charity motorcycle run for her on June 28th. Those of you in the area that are interested hit me up for details. Be great to have you ride along with us!<br /><br />Ok, thats enough for now - as much as I hate to - I need to get ready for work.<br />~Chrys~Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16524550032641745952008-05-16T10:19:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:28:54.482-04:00Homesick<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, May 16, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I have come to the conclusion I am homesick.<br /><br />I miss the weather, I miss the waters , I miss the people, places and things that I know.<br /><br />But most of all , I miss my friends.<br /><br />Friends who love me. Cherish me. Accept me as-is. Friends who are not mean or cruel or try to do shady things.<br /><br />Ever since I have moved here it seems I have met nothing but evil vindictive people. (ok, not EVERYONE!!)<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The walls are up higher then ever and people wonder why on the outside I am so tough to get around.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Well people - stop being so damn MEAN !!<br /><br /><b>I just want to go home. I want to feel the sunshine on my face, the grass between my toes. I want to hug my friends and never have to miss them again.</b><br /><br />My Daizybug turns the big 3-0 tomorrow and it is breaking my heart to no ends that I will not be there to celebrate with her. We had talked about this day in the past. How I can now officially call her "old" (LOL!) But..I am missing out...my best friend Wally and his beautiful wife Bren are having their 1st baby....I watched this relationship from the begining and it is so AWESOME...and he texted me the other day to tell me they were having a BOY!! And as excited as I am I am sad I am not there to actually watch them as a couple go through these things....<br /><br />Guess I am just in a funk....I miss my peeps....but I wouldn't leave cutie patootie behind.....<br /><br />So for now...just try to keep smiling and think about the things I do have...<br /><br />They are still very much a part of my life....even if 1000 miles seperate us.....<br /><br />I MISS YOU GUYS!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_715444">I miss you like crazy. No one to rumage through stores, lunches, walks, etc....<br />It SUCKS!!! But I enjoyed our time and think you should come back , soon. At least to visit. You know he can come too. We can break him in and put him through the blender to see if he can hang.....lol</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a> on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 1:00 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=395099562#" id="addReplyLnk_715444" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=395099562&commentID=715444" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_715444"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_715628">Poor baby...I am sorry your feeling homesick. ~~~hugs you...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 5:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=395099562#" id="addReplyLnk_715628" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=395099562&commentID=715628" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_715628"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_717171">My dear poor child, I know how that feels.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 3:13 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38265691486023395262008-05-13T20:46:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:28:02.661-04:00Love Myself<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, May 13, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;">To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.</span></div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></i><br /><div align="center"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">—Oscar Wilde</span></i></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div align="justify">Love yourself. Love the things that make you you.Your values and talents and memories.Your clothes, your nose, your woes. If you love yourself, you can jump into your life from a springboard of self-confidence. If you love yourself, you can say what you want to say, go where you want to go.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div>The world can be a tough place, and some of the billions of people out there will try to knock you down. Don't join them. Do things that make you proud, then take pride in what you do. And in who you are.</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />This is me learning to love myself as-is even though I am a constant work in progress. This is me learning to be comfortable in my own skin and be proud of who and what I am.<br /><br />If I can't love myself, how can I expect anyone else to love me?<br />~Chrys~</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_715307">yeah, love yourself. . I do that everyday. .. LOL. . wait, wait. . do hands count as love? LOL<br />Just kidding. . . I know I have been reeling lately, I have realized that I have shut down all the sweetness inside of me. . . the nectar of me is now inaccessible. . . I figure it is my survival instincts kicking in as my heart heals. . and now I question everything I think and feel. . "Could I really trust someone enough to love again?" "Do I really want to be in a relationship?" "Can relationships actually work?" OH, I love me all day long and all day strong. . but that doesn't mean I am going to let anyone else get close enough to do so with me. . . not yet anyway. . not until I see the beauty of the stars again and the peace of the sunrise and the laughter in my babies eyes. . not until I am healed and whole again. . . or as close as we can get in this life. . . you know what they say about broken people, right? "Broken people are dangerous; they know they will survive." I guess I still need more time. .<br /><br />I love you girl. . you are worthy of the world. . I hope you get out there and get you a big bite of it, SOON!!!<br />xoxoxxoxoxox<br />me</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 10:33 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=393915511#" id="addReplyLnk_715307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=393915511&commentID=715307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_715307"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_718364">I struggle with this one myself. It's hard to do sometimes even though there's no choice.<br />It's a good struggle.<br />Art</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a>on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 10:13 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=393915511#" id="addReplyLnk_718364" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=393915511&commentID=718364" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37759340659316510552008-05-08T18:57:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:27:28.476-04:00My Own Person<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 08, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogSubject" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"><br /><b>Category:</b>Romance and Relationships</div><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_391865183" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px;">"I didn't even see the purpose of marriage. Now I see the goodness in having a partner. But I don't belong to anybody; I belong to the world."</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px;">~Erykah Badu</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was listening to the radio on the way to work the other morning and the DJ was talking about Erykah Badu and her new article coming up in a magazine. They were talking about this quote as well as some other things she had said and I had a little light bulb moment and you all know how that it.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Marriage isn't for everyone. Many of us see that now. I know some people are very content and happy with it. That's great. It worked for you and that's perfect. I am not knocking marriage. I am not some bitter woman who is dead set against it. It just did not work for me. The marriage I was in was not built on the things a marriage should be built on. I just felt like it was a piece of paper that basically signified a name change and that we were a couple. Big whoop. It made me feel like a piece of property. Like I belonged to someone. That someone had to always know my whereabouts and happenings in life. We are suppose to WANT to share that, not feel like we are FORCED to share that, and after a while that's what marriage felt like. A giant FORCE.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If I could change the quote and make it my own it would go more like this –</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">" For me I did not see the purpose of the marriage. It became something we thought we SHOULD do next instead of what we WANTED to do. Now I see the goodness in having a best friend, a partner. But I don't belong to anybody; I belong to myself."</div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711218">That sounded like my first marraige too...wasn't that what we were supposed to do?<br />Two years of pure hell except she was the control freak and I worked myself to death and hated going home and dreaded wondering exactly when the complaining blaming and everything else would start after I came trough the door.<br />I learned my lesson. I'm in my second and last marrage now, when I met Dawn, my wife it was like it wasn't even a question...This was what it's all about and has been ever since.<br />I also know plenty of happy people who have gone through thier lives single too.<br />Good post,<br />Art</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a> on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 5:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=391865183#" id="addReplyLnk_711218" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=391865183&commentID=711218" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_711218"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711495">Ooooooooo...........I sooooooooo agree with your "changed" quote!!!!!<br /><br />Love it!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 7:15 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=391865183#" id="addReplyLnk_711495" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=391865183&commentID=711495" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_711495"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711758">Both quotes are good..the changed one fits you perfectly! As you know, Don and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this year. Obviously, it worked for us! My first marriage lasted 2 years only because I was too damn stubborn to admit I made a mistake! LOL! But that was a very long time ago (obviously!) and I agree that marriage is not for everyone. I had an uncle that could live with someone for years and things were great...until they got married! Then they would fight, he would cheat and the marriage would be over quickly, LOL! His last wife...they lived together for over 20 years before they got married...they were barely speaking when he passed away 2 years ago! So do what is right for YOU, and forget the rest! You should never have to lose yourself when you blend your life with another person's. {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 8:39 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18403201154289421872008-05-08T03:21:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:25:57.072-04:00Damaged Thinking<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 08, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am damaged. Well not me personally, but my heart is. I guess parts of it always have been.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I know I talked the other day about trust. And learning to trust someone again. And that L word. Learning to (dare I even say it) give someone that again as well. I thought it would be easy. I thought wrong. It has not been easy. I mean I am a very loving person and I have a huge heart with lots of love to give to the right person. My friends know this because I love them to pieces and I have no problems with telling them so. I care. And sometimes I care too much. I give. And sometimes I give too much. And many times in the end I have gotten hurt. But when it comes to a serious relationship – my giving meter goes off the rector scale then my care meter follows suite. As for L , well there is a lot there. A lot to give, but it is a scary thing.</span></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I realize many of you know the stories. We have been friends a good many of years. The rest of you, family, just know.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">I really don't want to get into the grave details anymore. Point is I have suffered a lot of abuse at the hands of men in my life. Sexual, physical, mental, verbal etc. Cheated on. Lied to. Used. Abused and just all out mistreated.</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">And don't get me started on the women that have been in my life.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">No wonder I have such a bitch wall build around me.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Who can I trust these days?</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Me. I can trust me.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Point is I have let a lot from my past go.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I refused a long time ago to accept that things were my fault and be that girl. I am a survivor and I will continue to always be so.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Over the years I have loved and lost a lot of people because they have hurt me in some way. The ones I did finally let in and trust 100% I lost due to very sudden deaths. Life is cruel. And yet I continue on. I have always tried to keep these things behind me. To always look at life with sunshine and rainbows. To always seek out the positive.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">But as you have heard me mention these last few blogs I am having issues with finding that girl who sees that.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I want to be that strong girl again but I do not want to have to shut people off to do so. I want to be able to trust and love. Especially him. He should not be penalized today for the actions of others in my past.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">But his own actions have left me feeling….how can I put this…..uncertain.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">But I feel damaged. Made of scars. I feel I am not whole, but rather broken into a million pieces. I am frantically picking up these pieces that are scattered all over the place trying to put myself back together as I continue to build this relationship with him.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I constantly live in a state of fear that at any moment he is just not going to accept these parts of me. That I am far too damaged for him to want to deal. Or that he is always going to have his door open and at a moments notice I am going to be left behind while he moves on to the next best thing.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I often wonder is the saying true – once a player, always a player? Or can people really change. Can someone in open relationships ever truly commit and be just with one person? I wonder…….</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I think I am only going to find these answers deep within myself.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_710695">kisses sweetie. . . lots of kisses. . . .</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a> on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 9:05 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=391356051#" id="addReplyLnk_710695" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=391356051&commentID=710695" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_710695"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/s_96a667ab6ed425fc38de4ce2f9bb0e29.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711337">I believe that when the heart breaks and mends itself, the scar tissue actually increases the <myspace>size</myspace> of the heart. So only in breaking does it expand.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a> on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 1:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=391356051#" id="addReplyLnk_711337" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=391356051&commentID=711337" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_711337"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711492">No matter the outcome...your true friends are here to help you pick up the pieces...if need be.....just remember not to shut us out.<br /><br />WE ALL ARE STRONG SURVIVORS!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 7:12 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21157797009279574062008-05-06T06:17:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:24:17.962-04:00~IrishChik~ Meets Sybil Starr - Part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, May 06, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">~IrishChik~ Meets Sybil Starr – Part 2</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHRPMhX1-Lg/VBicPT6fRkI/AAAAAAAAUFk/aXBOyuAIEVM/s1600/IrishChikMeetsSybilStarr006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHRPMhX1-Lg/VBicPT6fRkI/AAAAAAAAUFk/aXBOyuAIEVM/s1600/IrishChikMeetsSybilStarr006.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*yawns*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wow! <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/05/irishchik-meets-sybil-starr.html" target="_blank">What a day yesterday! </a>As soon as I post this blog I will be posting pictures as well. There will be more coming as we get the ones off her cam and phone. The ones being posted are off my phone and cam. We wanted to take more, but we were having so much fun we just didn't take the time to do so!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So .. yeah, had a BLAST yesterday.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />We started off with Guinness and Nacho's (my guess in honor of Cinco de Mayo LOL!) and talked, and talked and I am sure we gave the pub an earful with our constant chatter and giggles. Our waiter had a good time, she made him blush which was pretty funny.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We walked, we shopped, and we shared ice lattes on the terrace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Good time's people…..good times.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It was really nice to meet someone who shares a lot of the same views on life, same interest and is just as open about things as I am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have made friends up here but I have learned along the way that some people just are not as open as I. So there are things about me and my life that I tend to not share. Not that I am not proud of who I am, but more so the fact I do not want to be stereotyped or judged. I get enough of that with the tats and piercing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">With her – everything was cool because she is the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Very cool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know life is going to take us in different directions but I have a feeling her and I will be friends for many moons to come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My face hurts from all the smiling and giggles!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok..gotta got get ready for work and back to the daily routine of life…fun fun…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_709383">BEST DAY EVER!!!! lol<br />you were/are a breath of fresh air. . so you. . and so beautiful. . . the honor and fun was all mine!!<br /><br />"THIS AMAZON PRINCESS WILL NOT BOW TO ANY MAN!!!!"</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a> on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 6:55 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=390629690#" id="addReplyLnk_709383" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=390629690&commentID=709383" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_709383"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_709426">I am sooooo glad you found a like-minded soul up there, sis! This is great news, and also glad you got to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in<myspace>style</myspace>!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 9:55 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=390629690#" id="addReplyLnk_709426" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=390629690&commentID=709426" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_709426"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711484">Woot Woot! Glad you had fun!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85475199976166389602008-05-05T08:28:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:20:57.158-04:00~IrishChik~ Meets Sybil Starr<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, May 05, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/5%205%202008/IrishChikMeetsSybilStarr006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/5%205%202008/IrishChikMeetsSybilStarr006.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The long overdue event day has finally arrived.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Superstar on MySpace (don't roll your eyes at me; you know it to be true!) ~ IrishChik ~ extreme blogger, word writer, quoter, thought provoker, will finally meet super woman Sybil Starr fighter chick extraordinaire.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, now if that didn't make you laugh your ass off – I don't know what will!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But seriously I am taking the day off today to go meet (real name have been left out to protect the innocent, or is that not so innocent *winks*) Sybil.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We have been trying for MONTHS to get a date together where we can just hang out. But with my boring and typical work schedule on top of my crazy pain in my ass school schedule it just could never meet up with her hectic travel schedule for her job. And yes, she really is a fighter chick. (<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3N5Ymlsc3RhcnI=" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">www.myspace.com/sybilstarr</a>) Feel free to stop by and say hello.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We've been talking, we've been planning and now the day is finally here. And I am really excited. I actually met her through cutie patootie. She and I eventually linked up here on myspace but it took a while for either of us to say hello. And once we did, we became quite the chatter boxes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did someone say – PARTY???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Don't worry, I am taking the camera. *wink*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We shall have good food, couple of drinks, who knows. Good times and lots of smiles and laughter, which I can promise.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I shall report back tomorrow or sometime …</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Enjoy your Monday…I know I will!</div><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_708866">That is great, sis! Have a blast!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 9:35 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28154005952151465862008-05-04T15:08:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:19:47.231-04:00A Positive….Even At a Distance…<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, May 04, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">(originally posted on MySpace)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">I am trying my best to stay positive.</span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_389934950" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Key word – trying.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Some days it is difficult, even for happy – go –lucky- all smiles – me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cutie patootie and I really don't get to spend a lot of time together. Different schedules and the distance tends to really put us in a bind sometimes. So when I thought we would be hanging out for a little while today, I was really looking forward to it. It had been a while since we had spent some time together and we were about due.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I got the call this morning something had happened and it was going to be taken care of, naturally I was crushed. It always seems like it is something.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*sighs*<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just want to spend time with him….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But he is safe and right now that's all that matters, given the circumstances.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, I could really sit here and dwell on this. Let it boil and stew. Walk up one path and right back down the other. Being sad about it is not going to help anything. What happened can not be helped so it's not his fault we could not hang out today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Instead I am going to tell myself, for every day that passes that is one day closer to having the life together that we want. And we will have our time together then.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He keeps telling me I need to just hang in there and be patient..I keep asking, can I buy that in a bottle???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Besides, we have a date this Friday as we have tickets to the WWE !!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22948835204168941342008-05-03T10:32:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:18:34.976-04:00Happy Birthday Elonna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, May 03, 2008 </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Today is Elonna's 31</span><sup style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">st</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"> birthday.</span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_389514358" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px;">I can remember a few years ago when we would joke about her turning 30. Sadly she spent her</span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/more-on-elonna.html" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px;" target="_blank"> 30<sup>th</sup>birthday battling cancer</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px;"> and seeking treatment. We did not get to do that big 3-0 party we had talked about.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, today as another birthday rolls around, I vow I will not shed a tear. Everyone here today knows how much I miss her. Everyone knows how much I love her and will always treasure her friendship. I feel good that I never let a day go by that I did not tell Elonna what a good person she was to be, how much her friendship meant to me and how much I loved her. I feel good knowing while she was battling her cancer and I was going through my divorce I still managed to keep in touch with her. I know how much my cards and letters, flowers and such meant to her. I feel good knowing she left this world knowing her sista loved her dearly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That is why I will not cry. I have mourned my loss many moons over. Today rather then cry I will celebrate. I will celebrate the good times we had. I will celebrate that she is no longer in a world that filled her with pain. But she is now at peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She is one of my guardian angels. I know she and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">Lonnie</a> are having a good time hanging out together. My sistagurl and the goomba….I know they are having quite a few laughs over me these days….and I know they are happy for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I often wonder what life would be like if she was still here. If any of our Pirate Gang was for that matter…. but these are thoughts I can not dwell on. Everything happens in life for a reason. We continue on. We learn. We stop to listen. We grow and we move on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So as I sit here, thinking back over the years of our friendship - I will celebrate her life just as she would have wanted me to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Tearless.</div><br /><div align="center"></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_707864">Wonderful blog...she was a wonderful lady. Wonderful cake for that matter! However, is it okay if I end up shedding a tear? *sigh*<br /><a href="http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/sapphire_tyger/birthday/?action=view&current=MagicalBirthday.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/sapphire_tyger/birthday/MagicalBirthday.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 11:19 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=389514358#" id="addReplyLnk_707864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=389514358&commentID=707864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_707864"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_707896">What a wonderful tribute! I know you miss her and have many wonderful memories! Happy Birthday Elonna!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 12:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=389514358#" id="addReplyLnk_707896" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=389514358&commentID=707896" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_707896"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/128/s_6af76b3e3ddc45398b3fa4740e0a2daa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mickey Finn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_708758">Happy Birthday Elonna.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a> on Sunday, May 04, 2008 - 11:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=389514358#" id="addReplyLnk_708758" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=389514358&commentID=708758" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67820333956217645702008-05-01T06:48:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:17:02.446-04:00Trying..... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 01, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />So, when trying to put together a positive blog (for lets see now.....3 days???) I have come to the conclusion it is harder then I thought it was. I have too many things clouding my mind right now that it is hard to dig happy sunshine and rainbows back out.<br /><br />But - here is my first attempt.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />School.<br /><br />Let me first say - I hate it. I hate that it takes up so much time.<br /><br />But - there is a positive in all that.<br /><br />I know IT WILL be worth it in the end. To finally be able to say I DID IT. Well, I say that after every class these days. And my grades have been very good. ( I know..I am smarter then I give myself credit for.) So there is my positive. It is a pain in my ass , but it feels good when grades come in, another class is done, it is on to the next, and I know someday there will be an end to it (unless I just keep going) and I will be a better person because of it and more opportunities will stem from my hard work.<br /><br />Patience. I need some. I wonder if I can buy it in a bottle...anyone know???? LOL.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_706689">LOL. . . too funny. . . what about a happy rant? Like. . . I would love to see you wake up today and know that this is a new chance. . today is your day, the best day. . . the best day ever, because you get a new chance. . this is your chance to keep positive and have the best day ever. . .and if you can do that you can do anything, because a positive attitude never gives up under pressure, a positive attitude finds the good, finds the way to make what others call "impossible" possible. . this isn't magic. . it is just the one thing in the world we truly have control over. . our thoughts and attitudes. . . you are in a transition, a cocoon, and when you emerge from all of this, you will be the most stunning butterfly that has the wings to get where she is meant to go. . . I know I am a total cheese ball when it comes to this stuff, but when all else has failed, my prayers and my attitude has gotten me through. . .<br /><br />kisses<br />me</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a> on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 8:01 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=388654746#" id="addReplyLnk_706689" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=388654746&commentID=706689" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_706689"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_707430">I have been having trouble being positive too, sis, I know what you mean. {{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Friday, May 02, 2008 - 2:41 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=388654746#" id="addReplyLnk_707430" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=388654746&commentID=707430" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57562668612973157882008-04-30T16:21:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:15:46.953-04:00Dear Diary: Life with Mike - April 30<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary <st1:date day="30" month="4" w:st="on" year="2008">April 30, 2008</st1:date><br /><st1:date day="30" month="4" w:st="on" year="2008"><br /></st1:date><st1:date day="30" month="4" w:st="on" year="2008">(Originally Published on MySpace)</st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been a crazy ride the last few days. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/04/dear-diary-life-with-mike-april-27.html" target="_blank">Yesterday especially.</a> While I was at work I landed on Erica’s myspace page. I keep telling myself I am just going to stay off Mike and hers page. All it does is cause me grief and heartache. Sad, I should not have to stay off his page. But the fact it still says <i>Single and looking to network and date</i> breaks my heart. And let’s not even get in to the whole dating site thing. Anyway, she’s been leaving her comments and he’s been approving them.<br /><br />Meanwhile I decide to go ahead and leave one and he doesn’t approve it. So what’s the freaking point? I am so frustrated. I decided to leave him one tonight just to see if he lets it go through. Being Mr. Private and all, heaven forbid if anyone thinks he’s got someone in his life.<br /><a name='more'></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, went to her page and noticed she put Mike back in her top friends list. Why can’t she just keep barking up her ex’s page and leave Mike alone? I will never understand people who do that shit. Anyway, she wrote a blog about her top friends and here is what she put about Mike.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">15. Mike ~<br />Well I thought that you were a nice guy, until you stood me up repeatedly. Then I got really frustrated with you and gave up on trying to be your friend. However you still amazingly manage to have bad timing. I hope that your job interview goes well, and thanks for going to dinner with me the other night, it was nice to see you. <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So let’s go through all this shall we? He has not time to answer his phone or call me. He has no time to hang out with me, but he’s got time for her. Its ok for her to blog about things but I can’t??? At what point was he going to tell me? And what the fuck is that shit all about? So I am seeing red. I stewed on it. Then I am like in my boss’s office crying over it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At lunch I call Mike, no answer. Try again at break, no answer. So I texted him. And pretty much just let him have it. Oh so then he calls. Whatever I don’t have time to talk to you break is over. Course he’s pist. So I call him after work, course no answer. So then he calls me back. He told me he had no intention of telling me because he did not think it was a big deal. He made me a promise he would never keep things from me, he would never do anything to make me suspicious of him and what not. And he pulls this shit. And then he tells me he did not break a promise. I am like what the fuck ever. I don’t care if you guys are friends. But tell me about shit like this don’t make me have to find out from someone else because it does not look good. Pretty much everyone I have talked to about it thinks she’s doing this shit on purpose to try to get to me. Maybe break us up. But the fact remains I can not trust him and just do not know what to do about it. So he tells me she was in town with some friends, called him up and he stopped by, had a water and left. So he says. Her little blurb says more to me. And what’s this shit about his timing?? And what about the job interview????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am really having a hard time dealing with all this. He’s all telling me I need to have some fucking patience as far as our situation is concerned. I have had nothing but patience since day one, so excuse me if it is starting to run a little thin after dealing with all his bullshit. All I want is for us to figure shit out and get our thing going, whatever the hell it may be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, I have to go do homework. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53819063591374350242008-04-28T19:44:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:12:17.505-04:00Learning to Trust and Love again....Killing the Negativity<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, April 28, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>(Originally published on MySpace)<br /><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_387236404" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize I have been pretty negative lately. Not good for me and not really like me. No matter what life has ever thrown me I have always been pretty good about keep my head above water and seeing the good. These last few weeks I have lost that girl. Sad thing is, I did not even realize it. Me has been lost again. Lost in that bottomless dark pit of stink that I have fallen in to a time or two. And yesterday I found myself there. Quite literally all day. I shut myself off from the world. I was feeling very hurt.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feelings of being lied to, used, mistreated and people just out right being mean for no reason. Instead of my usual "FUCK YOU" I let it get to me. I seem to be a lot more sensitive to mindless bullshit lately. Again, not like me. I have always been a girl who speaks her mind and gives off a big "Who gives a shit" and moves on. But not lately. With all this stuff going on in my life I let it pile on top of it and just let it all boil.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh that lovely witches brew.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Double, double toil and trouble;<br /> Fire burn, and caldron bubble.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ewwwww and this brought stench to my humble abode. I did not like it one bit.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I began to text and call some friends, knowing I needed to enlist in the help of others to dig myself out. (Sorry Myca I didn't get to your call…I was chatting away…promise to call you soon! Love you girly miss you so much!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I fell asleep shortly after that but kept waking in the night with random thoughts and just some ill feelings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then came the chat this early AM with cutie patootie. I can't fake happiness with him. It doesn't work. I can bullshit quite a few people but he just is not one of them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yes, me. Full of negativity. Not able to see the good right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't want to be that girl. I want ME back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So…I am searching for her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And in that process I have realized there are some underlying issues.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have to learn to trust someone and love someone all over again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I thought it was going to be an easy thing. Just *poof* and it all was going to be fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nope. I was VERY wrong on that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That is a scary thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know it is never fair to blame or compare someone to events that have happened in your past. But, it also does make one very leery. And it has made me very very afraid to give him my heart. To give him my trust. But at the level we are now, I have no choice. I have to give it to him. He deserves to have it. It is not his fault for anything anyone has done to me. Just as it is not my fault for anything any girl has ever done to him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> It is all on me to learn how to give that to someone again. It's up to me to be the adult that I am and trust him. To give him my trust. To give him all of me and my heart. No longer should he get bits and pieces of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That my friends is going to take time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />I only hope he is patient enough with me and understanding to know he has some and that there is more to come in time.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So while I am working on the trust bit, I am going to be working on finding that positive girl again. So be prepared to read some pretty random blogs because I think the way to finding her is to start finding the things that ARE positive in life and looking at the good things I do have (him *smiles*) and the things I am going to have.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Stepping stones…..(his terms) One step at a time…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*hearts*</div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 75px;"><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=333528849" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" style="border: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_704081">Hey Chrystal!!!!<br /><br />Boy that's some DEEP stuff right there!!! We have all been there before, but please follow your heart! You try to protect it with an iron case under lock, but that special somebody is gonna unlock your defenses and you know it! LOL! Just give it time....you guys can work it out! Call me....918-636-0362! I'm knee deep in a case of Rolling Rock! LOL!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=333528849" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a>on Monday, April 28, 2008 - 9:41 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=387236404#" id="addReplyLnk_704081" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=387236404&commentID=704081" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=333528849" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_704081"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/84/s_1d58997801cd4975a1415f8831a6dbc1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Timothy Dougherty</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_704086">Trusting your individual uniqueness challenges you to lay yourself open.<br />I believe in trusting men, not only once but twice - in giving a failure another chance.<br />I never comment on a woman's rear end. Never use the words "large" or "<myspace>size</myspace>" with "rear end." Never. I Avoid the area altogether.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a> on Monday, April 28, 2008 - 9:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=387236404#" id="addReplyLnk_704086" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=387236404&commentID=704086" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_704086"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_705285">I can so relate!!! You want to be in love again, to feel care free and like there's nothing that can hold you back... and it seems like one yearns to feel that passion and have one's head in the preverbial clouds again... but when it comes to that point, of truly letting go, all doubts, fears, and worries.... and completely trust someone again... however, the reality of fantasy actually coming true, stops you dead in your tracks...<br /><br />And one feels lost again... between wants, needs, and fears... is it worth it? Will I ever be happy if I don't risk everything? Is he the 'One'? Will I regret running away from yet another relationship?<br /><br />All I can say is that I love you girl, and I am always here for you no matter what hole we fall into, or what kind of havoc we cause...<br /><br />Love ya!<br /><br />Myca Jean</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 4:08 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65339388060349133732008-04-27T16:23:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:10:08.476-04:00Dear Diary: Life With Mike - April 27<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary <st1:date day="27" month="4" w:st="on" year="2008">April 27, 2008</st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />(Originally posted on MySpace)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I never did finish the last entry from the other day. Guess that’s OK. Life just keeps going as it will anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Trust. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is that word again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate it and it hates me. I will never have it. End of story.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>So, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cabrains" target="_blank">Erica</a> and her bf Denny break up some weeks ago.</b> I knew it was only a matter of time before she came barking up <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mikekraz" target="_blank">Mikes</a> tree again. Now all of the sudden she has put him back in her top friends list and he’s approving all her comments but hardly ever does mine. He wants to try to tell me its cause he’s private or they are too mushy or whatever. Well I have tried to talk to him about Erica. However, I feel she’s up to no good. Putting a comment of her own lips on his page. He tells me he didn’t know they were hers when he accepted the comment until she called him to ask how he liked them. Yeah, how’s that suppose to make me feel. Since she has come back he’s a lot shorter with me. Doesn’t have time to talk to me. Won’t call me or text me back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>This is how it all started.</b> Monday I changed my mood status to say <i>rockin’</i> and had a good weekend with da’man. I put the pic of me and Mike up just for a few hours. I had written this very special blog about the weekend. Not once did anything mention love or the there abouts. Apparently Erica went and nosed over to my page and called him and busted his chops. She was picking on him for throwing up love because when she and Denny were together she had her page all decked out with “I love my bf” pics. And he made fun of her for it. Well, then she tells him she read my blog. Whatever. I am still trying to figure this out as all my shit is set to private.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been trying to explain this to him all week. But then he tells me Tammy read it too and she was all – oh someone’s in love with you , to which he replies “isn’t everyone?” so I don’t know. She said she read it too. But I KNOW they didn’t. No way they could. They just had to of read my headline and saw that pic. Oh, Tammy is the leasing agent at his apartment. The one he 'not seeing.'</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway he calls me at work Monday to ask me if I wrote a blog about the weekend and blah blah. So I am like yeah but it’s not bad. And that’s when he tells me about the whole Erica thing. So then he goes and reads the blog. Of course when he gets off the phone with me he says he will call me back and doesn’t. I get home from work and I have a MySpace mail from him talking about how he appreciates my words but doesn't want his relationship out there in the headlines and how it wierded him out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When he talked to me about Tammy he said it just made him feel weird that people knew his business.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course me, being the emotionally scarred person I am, all these red flags are just like…yeah whatever, you just don’t want people to know you have girl because you just want to be a player still.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I will never get past that.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t deal with the fact he still has his dating site up. I can’t deal with the fact his MySpace still says single and dating. I can’t deal with the fact he has time to talk to Erica and not me. I cant deal with the fact I am pretty sure he went and told her every thought, feeling, and emotion I had because she has since put a new pic on his page about you don’t like me, call bullshit or something and on her page it says I don’t care if I offended you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ouch. All I want to do is cry. And part of me just wants to run away from him.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, right now, I do not feel this relationship is going to last now. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All week he’s been distant. Not really wanting to talk to me. We haven’t gotten anywhere on the moving in together thing. Now I am wishing I would have never of told anyone at work, but I wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I am sort of at a crossroads right now. Feeling like no matter what path I choose I am going to get a broken heart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wrote him a message at MySpace, more or less replying to what he had written to me and just trying to get him to understand where I was coming from. And we haven’t really talked since then. I tried to talk to him yesterday, that lasted like 5 mins and he was off and running, saying he had to go eat and would call me right back. Liar. He never did. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I figured this was going to happen. Some girl shows him attention again and I get stuck on the back burner. Even though he tells me he wants to be with me, wants us to be, yes we are in a committed relationship and blah blah. But then why do I keep getting pushed aside?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And why can’t she go bother some other guy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I am able to get in her photobucket. I see these fuck me and sex comments. Just waiting for her to put them on his page. I feel a war coming on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One time he more or less said yeah they had dated or whatever. I could tell something was going on by the comments she would leave him. But then I remember him saying she was gross and there was never anything with them. So whatever. She is pretty nasty. But I am pretty sure there is something going on there. She is suddenly single and they are best friends again. Figure that out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing that is bothering me, a while back ago we had this talk about long distance relationships. I tried to tell him every single one of them has turned out rotten. I give and try and always give up. I told him I did not want to be that person. And nor did I want him to give up. He swore to me that he would not be that guy. That he would not give up on me. Well when I was with him over the weekend, last weekend he said to me – I am so glad to you got a car because I was beginning to wonder if we were going to make it or not. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHAT?? I was just sitting there in shock. I can understand it was hard for him to always have to come here. But now I have the car and I see him no more then I used to. I had hoped we would hang out again but I guess after spending all weekend with me and now he wants nothing to do with me it seems. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just don’t know what to do here anymore. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Calling him does no good, he never answers. Texting him does no good he doesn’t text back. I should just leave him alone. I guess I really have no choice in that matter anyway. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57132841938635262072008-04-25T20:34:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:03:43.480-04:00Waiting for this life to change .............<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 25, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://www.okterritory.org/resources/_wsb_504x315_Main-Street-1894.gif" style="background-color: white;" /><br />Perkins, OK. Main St. 1894<br /><br />Sometimes I really hate my drive in to work. I feel like I could be using that extra time to lay in bed and just be lazy. But then I have mornings like today when I am just driving along and for whatever reason I get these ideas running in my head and I have to take the time to reflect.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Ahhhhh reflecting....these are the days when <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/more-on-elonna.html" target="_blank">I miss my sistagurl Elonna.</a> How she was my looking glass when I needed to reflect. She always brought me such clarity.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">These days I seem to be looking at that glass all on my own. And that's OK. These are things I should be dealing with on my own anyway. No outside influences. But sometimes it is still nice to have that person be your sounding board.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Yesterday Shannon was my sounding board....and even though we are far apart I feel our friendship getting stronger and stronger. ( I Love You! Thank you for listening)</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Life is about to change. Big changes. And the thing is - I just don't know WHEN...or perhaps where for that matter.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I want this change NOW. And its starting to wear me down.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">So as I skip the Cat and Mouse song because all it does is remind me of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">Lonnie's death</a> and back to Elonna's it brings me to this track....could not of hit at a better moment....</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">So as I troll along in life - one day at a time..I have to remind myself this is NOT ALWAYS how it is going to be....just stepping stones...</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><b>The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Waiting lyrics</b><br /><b><br /></b><div style="font-weight: normal;">Feeling sorrow<br />for all the things you had to steal and borrow.<br />Bring back the days we had before tomorrow<br />relapse and then collapse into yourself once more.<br /><br />Waiting for this life to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />and I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br />This life is going to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />And I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br /><br />Void I can't fill.<br />The doctor tells me to relax and stand still<br />Prescribes me a new pill to quell my anger.<br />Wish I could make her pull herself up off the floor<br /><br />Waiting for this life to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />and I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br />This life is going to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />And I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br />Again, into the day, again<br /><br />Waiting for this life to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />and I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br />This life is going to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />And I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br /><br />Take time to contemplate who you are and where you want to go.<br />[x2]</div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_702169">As usual, I can relate to what you are saying here, sis. I drive an hour to work each day and an hour back. Sometimes I just want to hurry up and get there! But there are times when I appreciate the drive and the time to think, to contemplate.<br />I am pretty happy, but there is more I want from my life, career, relationship-- and more is coming, it will just take time (and hard work). Often I get the "want it all and want it now!" blues myself.<br />Also relate to missing those who have passed on. Grrrrrrrrr it's so frustrating at times!<br />Well sis, keep on driving forward. It's all we can do!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Friday, April 25, 2008 - 12:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=384951744#" id="addReplyLnk_702169" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=384951744&commentID=702169" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_702169"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_702622">{{{{HUGS}}}} Have a wonderful weekend!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 8:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=384951744#" id="addReplyLnk_702622" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=384951744&commentID=702622" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_702622"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_702770">Just remember that God has perfect timing.... and maybe he's working on some things so that your transition will be smooth and perfect, instead of rough sailing. Not to mention, that sometimes, things are worth the wait.<br /><br />Kisses & Hugs!<br /><br />Myca Jean</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 3:28 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61207538402088251932008-04-24T06:27:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:59:45.002-04:00Dear Blogland<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, April 24, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Dear Blogland,<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">What I should do is say good-bye.</span><br /><br />It has been a long and good ride. Maybe it's time to move on.<br /><br />But that would only be in vain.<br /><br />What started as a way to showcase my writing, to practice my writing, to share it, turned into a way to stay in touch with the "Pirate Gang" , then turned into friends, family, school buddies, work buddies, etc. Basically turned in to life....<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />So what I am going to do is maybe say - see you later.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Right now my writing (poetry & stories) has taken a back burner because I have to write so many papers for class and I just have not taken much time to put forth effort to write much.<br /><br />I take that back, I write, I just don't take much time to blog it.<br /><br />What I need to be spending time on is putting it together for publication.<br /><br />Instead, I took another path. Since I have been so busy my communication with friends and family has lacked as well. Sorry. So I would try to play catch up with blogs.<br /><br />That's fine and dandy.<br /><br />However, there is one part of my life I won't be so open about. I do have respect that some people are much more private then I. I have always known this and thought I was doing pretty good keeping those words at bay.<br /><br /> But, I had a happy - feel good moment over the weekend that I wanted to share with a select few of you and although he appreicated my words, was weirded out by it being out there for all to see. And thats ok. Blogland isnt for everyone and I know a lot of people are like that.<br /><br />So you can rest assured I am not going away completly, just much more selective about what I share.<br /><br />Wishing you all well.<br /><br /><br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_701591">I know what you mean, sis. My sweetie is pretty private too, so my blogs tend to be about what's going on with me and not a lot about her and/or our (wonderful) relationship. But I know you and I will stay in touch, so it's all good!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 3:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=384385085#" id="addReplyLnk_701591" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=384385085&commentID=701591" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_701591"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_701595">I am so glad someone understands!!! *hugs* my sis!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 4:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=384385085#" id="addReplyLnk_701595" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=384385085&commentID=701595" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76502910625249947672008-04-22T15:46:00.000-04:002014-07-26T19:09:35.849-04:00As He Sleeps<div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes in life you have one of those moments when things just become so clear. Even though it seems I have more questions about life lately then I can seem to find the answer for I have come to terms with some things. I did not realize this until this weekend. What I realized is that I think I have finally moved on in life. For the longest time I felt like I was carrying around some extra weight and that it was just bogging me down. There is still a part of me that is watching this heart of mine. I am still picking up pieces and trying to pull it all back together while in the middle of working on this wonderful relationship with Mike. Trust me when I say it has not been easy. The mending of the heart has not been easy. I am finding it harder and harder to trust people these days. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I am learning. I am trying. And right now I feel like he is lucky to get what bits and parts he does get. There have been times on this ride when I just wanted to shut myself off completely. There have been times when I thought I should walk away. But every time I felt that way something always pulled me back. Something. Whatever that something is, it is stronger then both he and I because I know there were times when he wanted to give up too. But now here we are - this place in life. Really not sure what we are doing at this point. Just knowing we want to be together and trying to find our path in life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is actually sort of frustrating, not really knowing from one day to the next what's going on. Feeling like we are being pulled this way and that. Take this job. Move here. Take that job. Move there. Which way? What path?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I saw some peace over the weekend. Or maybe I should say I found some peace. After being awake for about 24 hours hanging and working with him I took a nap. I say nap because I was so over tired that my body would not shut down and I was wide awake after only a few short hours. I lay there in the dark listening to his breath. Feeling his warm skin against mine. Just lying there – motionless. The hint of the red glimmer of light from the alarm clock beside me. I just lay there watching him sleep. The peace came over me. I am ok. I am going to be ok. I am so comfortable around him. This is what it is suppose to feel like. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep looking. Watching how his lips curl in his sleep. My breath matching his. Thinking to myself – this is exactly where I want to be. This is exactly where I should be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. He and I have both had some trials when it comes to past relationships. So maybe it was meant to be for us to cross paths when we did. For whatever reason prompted him to leave that first message and say hello – I am glad he did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have found someone that matches me wit for wit. Sarcasm for sarcasm. Humor for side splitting laughs. Although I have to admit he is MUCH funnier then I am. I have found someone that accepts me and all my quirks and moods. The reality is he doesn't put up with it! LOL. We are very much alike. Even our moody tempers. This can prove to be a disaster at the wrong moment. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Something else I have also learned. But the old me would have just stewed on it and let it fester and boil up more. But these days I want no anger. I have let anger go. I just want to nip it in the butt and move on. So that is exactly what I am doing. I want to keep this man. I don't want to push him away as I have so often done in the past. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He makes me want to be a better person. He brings out the best in me. He brings out much in me that I had kept hidden for so long. And that in my eyes just makes him an amazing man. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So as I close my eyes hoping for slumber – there is no ipod – there are no earplugs – I curl up beside him hoping to not wake him, I drift off knowing there is peace inside me. Only time is going to tell what our future holds but if it is anything like I imagine it to be …. Well … life is going to be good. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74528726640119116082008-04-18T09:19:00.000-04:002014-07-26T19:08:47.366-04:00Self-Reflection<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 18, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Self-Reflection</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sometimes in life you just have to stop and smell the roses. Or in my case take a long hard look in the mirror.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have become somewhat tight lipped about a lot of things going on in my life as of late. Only giving bits and pieces here and there. And it has been for good reason. For one I am so busy with work and school and I just have so much going on that I really can not keep up with it all blog wise these days. I have to do so much writing for school that my blogging as taken a back turn. It is also because that certain special someone is a lot more private about things then I certainly am, and so I try to have some respect for him and not throw all our life out there. Hence the bits and pieces. But you can all rest assured that when the changes are made in life that are coming, you will know.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For now, I wanted to self reflect on that Ashamed blog. It tore many of you up just as it tore me up having to let those emotions out. But now there is a whole new twist on the situation and as I sit here thinking about it, reflecting on those turns – I have to admit it leaves a very ill taste in my mouth.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I had planned on talking about that turn. But the truth is right now I just do not feel it is worth my time.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What I do feel is worth my time right now is to give a shout out to my girl back in OK, Shannon.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For those of who who did not read the comments left on the other blog, here is what Shan had to say. And she has two profiles…cause she is special like that.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>As </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Shannon:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Honey, any man is lucky to have you. If I were one, I would hang you from a flag pole for all the world to see! You are fantastic the way you are. I love you for who you are. And honestly, I think you look better now than in any of the "Skinny" pics I have seen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>As Daisybug:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love you just the way you are. You are hot and fun and well, shit, everything. Don't be ashamed of who you are. Just because you don't recognize the girl in the mirror, doesn't mean you have lost your way. People are meant to change and people come in to our lives to help shape us and change us. You are still there. I still see my Chrys. But now, I see a happy and glowing Chrys. I don't see the pale and fading Chrys I saw when you were here. Go with it love. Even if it changes again, you are not gone. You are becoming new and improved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And her words hit me right dead center in the heart. As I sit here thinking it was a friend who said something to me to spark that Ashamed blog. And now finding out some things in regards to that, makes me wonder. Why do I even bother letting people in my life? I felt I could trust this person because of the company they kept. But I have learned some things that are making me feel otherwise. And now I have to reflect yet again on how to even handle this situation. But that is a whole other topic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What I have realized is how <st1:place w:st="on">Shannon's </st1:place>words made me feel and really reminded me of the person I am.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When I first met Shannon I never in a million years thought we would be as good as friends as we are now. Even with the thousands of miles between us and lack of daily contact like we once had, she is a part of my life and always will be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I used to think to myself here is this small town girl, she is going to judge me and working with her is going to be miserable. And maybe for a while she did. But this girl has seen me through the worst year of my life. She met me right after gramps died and I was just picking myself back up from that fall. She was there when I found out Lonnie died. She was there when my grandma died. She watched a part of me die every day staying in the marriage. And now, she is watching me come back to life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I often wonder how life would be if I did not take the chance and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">let her in.</span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If I had done that, I would have missed out on one of the best friends in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have friends around me that have known me since 5<sup>th</sup>grade, but they don't know me like<st1:place w:st="on">Shannon</st1:place>knows me. She just gets it. I don't have to explain things. She just knows. Sometimes I think she knows me better then myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, Shan, cause I know you are reading this….thank you for opening up your mind and your world and accepti</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">ng me just as I am. Thank you for always being there and still being there. But most of all, thank you for loving me. I love you.</span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And that is why I let people in.</span></span></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_697118">You forgot to mention how wise she is! LOL! Her words about changing and growing could not be more true. Anyone that makes you feel bad about who you are may not be worth your time. If they can't see the beauty that even comes through the computer, something isn't right. And I am not just talking about the outer beauty...That smile outshines any flaw you might have (I say might because I don't see any!) but the eyes and the words reflect the inner beauty. There are a few of you I have met on here that bring out my maternal instincts, LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}} I am so glad you and Shannon gave each other the chance to form this friendship!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 9:39 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=381321577#" id="addReplyLnk_697118" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=381321577&commentID=697118" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_697118"></label></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_697189">Girl! Not sure who made you write that Ashamed blog......and I did read it. Can't remember if I commented...BUT<br /><br />There are plenty of people who love you just the way you are!!!<br /><br />We have become tight too and I glad we finally made contact after just passing each other in the virtual world.<br /><br />Don't let others drag you down girl...."Shake them haters off!" HAHAHAHAHAHA<br /><br /><br />WOOT WOOT!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 12:43 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43851862971711133162008-04-14T21:05:00.000-04:002014-07-26T19:07:46.651-04:00You cut me open.....Bleeding Love.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, April 14, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">You cut me open and I keep bleeding your love……keep bleeding your love…</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">It does not matter what choice I make, I am not going to make everyone happy. And that's just the way life is. I can not worry about that. What I have to worry about is what is going to make ME happy. What is going to make Mike happy? That's what is on my plate. Us rocking the world. Not what my friends think, not what my family thinks. Not that I don't love all of you, but this is my life. My choice to make. What I want is him. What I want is a happy and better life for him and for me. For us together. What is wrong with that????</span></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">I understand people care and they just want what's best for me. That's awesome and I appreciate that. But I think maybe this time only I know what's best for me. And if I don't, the truth is I am about to find out.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Where ever he goes, I go. End of story.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">I can hear the nay sayers now….but Chrys….this or that…….and the truth is I know exactly what you are thinking and know just what it is you want to spill out of your mouth. Trust me; I have already thought it over myself.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Doesn't matter. What matters is what my heart tells me. And it tells me to just be with him. No matter how, no matter where. Make it work. Because we are good together and good to each other. If I stay here, I will miss him, my heart will break and I will always wonder - what if?? If I go, it could very well be the best thing to ever happen in my life. Life is all about choices and chances. This much I know. If their is anything I have learned in the last year, it is that. So - I am off and running.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">And that is fully when I intend to do. Be with him. For the first time in my life there is a inner peace when it comes to him.....I hear it....I feel it....and I welcome it with open arms.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">And these lyrics pretty much say it all:</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></o:p></span></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>"Bleeding Love"</strong>Closed off from love<br />I didn't need the pain<br />Once or twice was enough<br />And it was all in vain<br />Time starts to pass<br />Before you know it you're frozen<br /><br />But something happened<br />For the very first time with you<br />My heart melts into the ground<br />Found something true<br />And everyone's looking round<br />Thinking I'm going crazy<br /><br />But I don't care what they say<br />I'm in love with you<br />They try to pull me away<br />But they don't know the truth<br />My heart's crippled by the vein<br />That I keep on closing<br />You cut me open and I<br /><br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />I keep bleeding<br />I keep, keep bleeding love<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />You cut me open<br /><br />Trying hard not to hear<br />But they talk so loud<br />Their piercing sounds fill my ears<br />Try to fill me with doubt<br />Yet I know that the goal<br />Is to keep me from falling<br /><br />But nothing's greater<br />Than the rush that comes with your embrace<br />And in this world of loneliness<br />I see your face<br />Yet everyone around me<br />Thinks that I'm going crazy, maybe, maybe<br /><br />But I don't care what they say<br />I'm in love with you<br />They try to pull me away<br />But they don't know the truth<br />My heart's crippled by the vein<br />That I keep on closing<br />You cut me open and I<br /><br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />I keep bleeding<br />I keep, keep bleeding love<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />You cut me open<br /><br />And it's draining all of me<br />Oh they find it hard to believe<br />I'll be wearing these scars<br />For everyone to see<br /><br />I don't care what they say<br />I'm in love with you<br />They try to pull me away<br />But they don't know the truth<br />My heart's crippled by the vein<br />That I keep on closing<br />You cut me open and I<br /><br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />I keep bleeding<br />I keep, keep bleeding love<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />You cut me open and I<br /><br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />I keep bleeding<br />I keep, keep bleeding love<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />You cut me open and I<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_692377">Like I said before, do whats right for YOU! I am happy for you if you are happy! Follow your heart! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 10:08 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=378904259#" id="addReplyLnk_692377" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=378904259&commentID=692377" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><label id="NewDiv_692377"></label></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_692500">We all have to walk our own paths in live...make our own choices...right, wrong or indifferent.<br /><br />It is all YOURS to make honey...go for it!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 10:57 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32822727249188371642008-04-11T19:28:00.000-04:002014-07-26T19:03:50.772-04:00The smell of .....Freedom and Bullshit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 11, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />First, the good note. The smell of freedom is slowly rising in the air. I bought a car. :) One step to be moving in the right direction. If that wasnt a long over due needed thing!<br /><br />Second, the why I am pissed off note. The smell of bullshit is in the air. Its thick, heavy and just plain skank. It doesn't make me very happy at all.<br /><br />The more I try to stay away from it the more it surrounds me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Bullshit.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I smell it a mile away.<br /><br />And quite frankly sick to death of it.<br /><br />Putrid and I want to vomit.<br /><br />I will not tolerate it any more.<br /><br />I am tired of being lied to, used, stepped on, made to feel like I am not important, and just out right treated like crap. I don't deserve it and do not appreciate it.<br /><br />End of story.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=17618717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Póg mo Éireannach thóin!</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=17618717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/130/s_93887a7364c04ec0a5c5e59b3e2272eb.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Flectere si nequeo Acheronta movebo</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685216">Let it be told lass~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=17618717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Póg mo Éireannach thóin!</a> on Friday, April 11, 2008 - 8:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=377031152#" id="addReplyLnk_685216" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=377031152&commentID=685216" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=17618717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_685216"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 75px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=278813745" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685242">I know exactly what you mean!! Say it loud.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a>on Friday, April 11, 2008 - 8:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=377031152#" id="addReplyLnk_685242" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=377031152&commentID=685242" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_685242"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685288">{{{{HUGS}}}} (no bullshit!)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, April 11, 2008 - 9:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=377031152#" id="addReplyLnk_685288" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=377031152&commentID=685288" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_685288"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685342">YAY!!! on the car........hmmmmm on the Bullshit.......sounds like a story!!<br /><br />And ooooo do we have some catching up to do!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, April 11, 2008 - 10:52 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=377031152#" id="addReplyLnk_685342" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=377031152&commentID=685342" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_685342"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685472">Yay on the car! As for the other thing--<br />~hands sis an industrial<myspace>size</myspace>d shovel~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 1:55 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10774163152842169792008-04-06T15:05:00.000-04:002014-07-26T19:03:07.531-04:00Banging My Head Against A Brick Wall<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, April 06, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am lost and I don’t like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hitting my head against a brick wall – over and over again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Doesn’t even matter the damage it will cause.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am just to the point where I don’t even care anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am tired of feeling like I am stuck up against this wall.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This ugly road to no where.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sitting here in life trying to better myself and just feeling like I am constantly hitting a dead end.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No where to run. No where to hide.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Honestly, just no place to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Frustrated I just see myself spinning out of control.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">One way ticket out of here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Home.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Far far away. Back to that familiar place and familiar faces.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sunshine on my face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">People who care unlike the selfish cards I seem to be surrounded by as of late.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want out, but I see no way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Like a prisoner in my own world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Trapped inside my own little bubble.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is not the life I imagined for myself on that summer July day when I left what life I had ever known behind.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nope. Not at all. And I am beginning to think I will never see that life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Trapped and dead inside.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Too much swirls in my brain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The only thing I hear over and over –</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don’t want to be here….but I do want to be with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">FYI - I actually wrote this about 4 days ago. So some feelings have changed. But I still have a lot on my plate to get in the direction I need to be going.</div><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_680114">Awww poor baby! I wish I could snap my fingers and make it all good for you! You and cutie patootie, in OK with great jobs and good friends! Scratch that...you and cutie patootie in IRELAND with great jobs and good friends! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, April 06, 2008 - 4:47 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76331871955150657202008-04-03T19:16:00.000-04:002014-07-26T19:02:32.392-04:00It’s Been Hard To Say Lately.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, April 03, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes I find it hard to say what I mean. Or just hard to say anything at all. I know this comes as a shock to so many of you, but it’s the honest truth. I have been feeling at a loss for words lately. I feel so overwhelmed. Consumed. Over powered. I have these feelings inside of me I am not sure what to do with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feelings I had long forgotten.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When my feet landed on MI soil the LAST thing I was looking for was a solid relationship. I had just gotten out of one and just wanted to hang lose for a while. That news didn’t please a couple the people I had dated. Oh well, can’t please everyone. Then I met him. Instantly drawn, instant connection, instant everything. Everything just went off and running. It’s been amazing since day one. We connected on so many levels. But it took a long time for my guards to come down and it took a long time for me to just finally say, OK Enough! And let things be. Even now, it’s hard for me to deal with sometimes. It took a long time for us to get to this point that we are at right now. We both have been jaded in the past. Both not really looking for what we found. I certainly was not expecting to find someone like him. Certainly not expecting to have feelings for someone much less really be in a relationship with someone. Yet, here I am. Here we are.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It’s weird when you stop thinking only of yourself and all the sudden you find yourself saying "we" instead of "I". There seems to be a lot of that going on between us lately. It really makes one stop and take a step back and look at the whole picture. I tend to look at the whole 7 months we have been together and maybe that’s not the best of ideas. We had such a rocky start. More like jet turbulence. And I often look back wondering why I did not leave. Everything was red flagged from the beginning. But I was just so hung up on that connection we had that I just did not want to give up on that. What little fight I had left in me thought he was worth fighting for.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> These days we are much better and in a much better place. Sort of. I mean he’s absolutely wonderful but there is so much on our plates right now. Separately and together. Different cities, the miles, the distance, different lives, different jobs…just everything. And now that we are where we want to be with the relationship, all this other stuff is just putting a wedge between us. We want to be together. We want to spend more time together. WE WANT….. But sadly, life doesn’t always give us what we want. So we just frustrated sometimes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Because of these feelings and thoughts I am finding it hard sometimes to spit things out to him. Choosing my words carefully. Not really sure why, for this is something I can not really seem to wrap my head around and understand. I have not ever been one to choose words but rather have always been that person to speak what’s on my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think maybe it’s because I do not want him to feel my frustrations in life. I don’t want him to have to carry the burden of what I am going through in life on top of his own trials. It’s like I feel the need to protect him somehow so he can do what he needs to do in his life. I do not want him to worry about me or the things I got going on here. And the last thing I want him thinking is that I am having 2<sup>nd</sup>thought about this relationship because that is no where near where I am going with this. If anything I want him in my life more and more with each passing day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">However I do wear my heart on my sleeve and I am pretty sure my feelings show and that maybe I don’t have to say anything at all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14109049175025614452008-03-30T19:17:00.000-04:002014-07-26T19:01:18.978-04:00I Don’t Want to Run Anymore.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 30, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I Don’t Want to Run Anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There, I said it. I want to make a change. I don’t want to run away anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to keep my feet firmly planted on solid ground. I want to hit this head on. I don’t want to be scared and turn around and run quickly away as I have done so many times in the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When times in relationships get tough I tend to break. I tend to just throw my hands in the air and run away. Especially long distance ones. But this time, it’s different. I am keeping focus on what we DO have instead of what we DON’T have. But it is proving to be more difficult then I thought. This person has been in my life for quite some time now, and we have had our share of struggles. But no one said things in life were easy, right? But for once I just want something in life TO BE EASY! Is that really too much to ask for these days? I have never had an easy life. I just wish for once something could become a little easier to deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I find myself in this relationship full of more questions then answers. I worry. I can’t help it. I want more then anything for this relationship to work and I AM very willing to put forth the needed effort.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For the first time in a LONG time I am not only thinking about myself but including someone else in my life as well. So many thoughts, feelings, and emotions that have been living dormant inside of me for so long that I am not even sure what to do with these feelings to be honest with you. It is somewhat overwhelming. But I welcome it. Just as I welcome having him in my life 100%. I no longer want to just give him bits and pieces of me but rather all of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize – when he’s gone I miss him. I know we have been over this before. It is no longer this; oh I will see him in a week or so – no big deal. But now it’s this, Oh hell, I really miss his crazy ass. And I am not sure what to do with those feelings. Missing someone like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I’ve never been one of those girls that HAS to have someone in their life. Much less someone clinging to them. Never been one of those girls who felt like they had to spend every waking minute together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am still not that girl. However, I feel different somehow. I want to see him. I want to spend time with him. I just want to be with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And with the different lives, schedules and distance, sometimes it just is not possible.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just feel stuck in life. Not in the relationship mind you, but rather just this situation I am still facing in life. It has been such a hurdle to get over and sometimes I feel like I am never going to be able to jump over that mark and get to the other side.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess only time is going to get me over that hurdle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Some things in life are worth fighting for, and I feel Him – We- Us – are something worth fighting for.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Me and Him…against … or shall I say, taking on the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I shall take his hand and take this walk with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*And to you – if you are here reading this, cause I never know when you are gonna pop on by….just know – you will ALWAYS have my 100% full support on anything that you choose to do.*</div><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_674030">Ok, so I don't know if this is an option, but since you feel so connected to him , can you look for a job in his town? Can you pick up and move, yet again, to be closer to him? I am not saying to move IN together, but just be in the same town so you can see each other more often! Just a thought! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, March 30, 2008 - 9:13 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66482745366602374542008-03-28T06:14:00.000-04:002014-07-26T18:59:49.634-04:00These Words In Which I Write<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, March 28, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />These words in which I write - who would have ever thought they would touch people in the way that they do.<br /><br />Recently, I was made aware of someone who felt my feelings , who had walked my path, my words brought lightness in, my words made a smile, my words brought inspiration.<br /><br />Who would have thought.<br /><br />These words in which I write.<br /><br />I know I never did.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />This is not the first time someone has come to me and told me such things. But, every time is like the first time.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I know their are people in my life who are not as open as I. They do not understand how I can be so open about things.<br /><br />Let me let you in on a little secret.<br /><br />I am not as open as many of you think I am. I choose to share only what I want. Thats the beauty of my words. I can choose how little or how much. I do pick my words very carefully.<br /><br />If someone smiles from my words.... then thats the beauty of my words right there. A smile. That is one of lifes most treasured gifts.<br /><br />At least for me it is.<br />~smiles~<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_672178">You always make me smile! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, March 28, 2008 - 6:56 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58113843685532993752008-03-25T21:48:00.000-04:002014-07-26T18:57:05.587-04:00.....Realize......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, March 25, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Sometimes things happen when you least expect them to.<br /><br />Sometimes feelings and emotions come pouring out when you don’t expect them to.<br /><br />And it hits you. Like a ton of bricks. Like a huge freight train rolling.<br /><br />Then you are left wondering...confused and just overwhelmed with these emotions.<br /><br />Life.<br /><br />Life is happening right before my very eyes.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I think it was put on hold for a while as I was getting myself back together. Now the puzzle is being worked on. As one more piece gets put in place - the pieces turn from 100 to 500 and I wonder, will I ever be done?<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />No. Life is constantly changing, evolving. Never idle. Never still.<br /><br />Now that I am putting pieces back together, getting life back in order, I am idle no more. But rather moving forward at a very fast pace.<br /><br />It once scared me. Even though I am now overwhelmed, I welcome it. Its comforting.<br /><br />The last few days I have really felt alone. I am surrounded by all these people, but yet I feel as if I have no one in my life. I feel empty. Or shall I say, I felt empty. I guess I was just getting homesick and missing my friends. Or maybe its just because everyone is going every which direction these days, especially the family closest to Olivia.<br /><br />Or maybe sitting in a hospital for hours on end can just play with your mind.<br /><br />Today I realized....there is someone. Thoughts. Feelings. Emotions. Things I pushed inside for so long. Tucked away in a little corner behind that door in my mind and heart. I locked the door and threw away the key.<br /><br />Somehow, someway that key has been found.<br /><br />I could grab the master key and lock it again. Keep that door locked.<br /><br />I realize..... I dont want to.<br /><br />Its time to let someone else in.<br /><br />I realize...... its ok.<br /><br />I realize.... I am not alone.<br /><br />I realize.... we are what we are......<br /><br /><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_670732">Life seems to just zip on by, the older we get! Some days I wish I could slow it down and enjoy more time with my little ones! I can't believe that in just 1 year and 3 months I will be FIFTY! That does not seem possible.<br />Anyway, even when we seem to be idle, we are moving forward...changing and growing and becoming.<br />I hope things continue to go well for Olivia and the tumors that are left can be shrunk down to nothing!<br />Have a great day! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - 7:02 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87166712294000682842008-03-21T06:17:00.000-04:002014-07-26T18:54:24.526-04:00Bringing Out The Light<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, March 21, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I am the strong one. I am the positive one. I am the one they will all lean on today. I am the one who will offer a shoulder, a hug and my smile.</span><br /><br />That will be me today as I head down to the hospital. Today Oliva will have her surgery to remove the tumor on her brain/spinal cord and the rest of them on her spine. It is going to be a long surgery and my family needs me.<br /><br /> They need me to be the one who is strong. They know this of me, they count on me for this.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Sitting here with the sun rising in the sky , I see prism rainbows begin to dance on my ceiling and feel happy and confident that despite the events, my day will have a good start.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I always try to find light somewhere in my world. Even with so many life challenges, there is always a ray of sunshine either outside or in my heart. When I think of this, how much love is within my heart I feel most at peace regardless of what kind of things I have had to go through in life.<br /><br />When challenges appear in our lives, we must remember that it’s not the end of the world. This is something I always have to tell myself. I will get through this. I will prevail. We have an option of how we look at what is happening around us.<br /><br />I have learned to ask myself "What do you want of me, and how can I help?" Never give up hope that things will get better. I trust myself to know, things will get better.<br /><br />Sometimes their is a straight road ahead, and then we hit hills, valleys, and roads with no guardrails. When the path gets rough, we must remember we can make a difference by saying daily affirmations, empowering others, and never giving up on our dreams for a peaceful world. Sometimes it may seam we are on an island and bear the burden of our world on our shoulders - alone. But do not forget we are all connected to one another. Some way. Some how.<br /><br />We can lift our spirits and make the day brighter for ourselves and those people who surround us.<br />Find that peaceful , special place in your heart as I have and start your day by being happy instead of waiting for happiness to fine you.<br /><br />Much Love,<br />Chrys<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_666599">Very insightful. I always try to look for the lesson when things are rough...and also 1 positive thing (I usually find more!). I will pray that things go well for Olivia. I will also pray for continued strength for you and your family. Please keep me/us updated on her condition. {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 7:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368885324#" id="addReplyLnk_666599" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368885324&commentID=666599" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_666599"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/84/s_1d58997801cd4975a1415f8831a6dbc1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Timothy Dougherty</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_666887">hello Chrys,<br /><br />I enjoyed this interpretive literary composition of your feelings, it is you.<br />I always like to think , Love is like God you can't find God , God finds you so spend your time loving you for now . Some people are here to give and some just take or try to add up what they can get from you to what they are willing to give to you. When people can learn that we are not just thing's and more than a part of their life, things will change, we only pass time .</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a> on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 12:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368885324#" id="addReplyLnk_666887" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368885324&commentID=666887" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_666887"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_668729">After reading your last blogs and feeling your pain and frustration (I can't imagine being in a serious emotional conversation with someone who has to "put you on hold" in order to talk to someone else) I am so happy to see a "walking in the light" blog from you! Remember that you create your own universe and that your thoughts and feelings are what make your world. YOU do it-- it is not done TO you!<br />Love you sis, and keep walking in the light. It's beautiful here! ;)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Sunday, March 23, 2008 - 1:06 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368885324#" id="addReplyLnk_668729" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368885324&commentID=668729" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76693506692982943732008-03-19T21:02:00.000-04:002014-07-26T18:53:31.214-04:00I HATE This Wicked World<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, March 19, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This Wicked World</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes in life things are thrown at me that I just do not want to deal with. Or for a better choice of words just really can’t deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I like to think of myself as a strong woman. I have been through a lot of shit in my 32 years of life. I often joke that I am a walking talk show episode ( or FIVE!) and the truth is – it’s not funny. But that is how I choose to deal with the things that have happened to me. It is how I get by in life. I have to smile. I have to laugh. Because you know what? I am still alive and things could certainly be much worse.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right now I am facing some ill feelings that I just do not want to have. Life has thrown a huge ordeal my way and I do not know really how to handle it. Maybe I am just not sure HOW to handle it. SCARED to handle it. There are just some things in life I do not deal with very well. Things like death, destruction, and terminal illnesses – those types of things. And I know we all have our own way of dealing with them. But, since the ordeal of my childhood I tend to push myself inside , tuck myself away and not deal. Not talk about it. Not feel. And just shut myself off. Physically and emotionally. I can’t help it. It’s all I know. Right now all I want to do is crawl into my bed and not ever leave it. Just tuck myself away. But I think about those 6 months after gramps died and I have to have a war with myself to not ever go back there. I think about how I just lost Elonna not all that long ago. How every day is a struggle. Not being able to share my life with her. Tell her all the things I am going through. Just that friendship, that bond that we had. It makes me sad. But I push forward. At least I try to. Right now, I am on the edge. I feel myself being pulled. I am going to fall down. I just know it. I am not strong enough to handle something else right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A couple of hours ago I just got news that my cousin/his wife and their oldest daughter who is 4 are being life flighted down to the other side of the state. She was complaining the last few days her head hurt. So my cuz wife took her in for a check up today. What they found was not good. A brain tumor. As soon as they landed she was going to be rushed in for surgery. I don’t really have any details as my mother went into hysterics and pretty much shut me out and was off and running. She is over their house now spending the night with their other daughter who is 3. My mom is close to these girls. She has helped with them since they were born. They are more like grandkids to her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All this does is make me think how wicked this world really is. It makes me question so many things. But most of all, just really puts me in a funk and makes me just not want to be a part of it. I think about those I lost recently, my grandparents, Lonnie, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">Elonna</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/10/terrys-fate-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">Terry.</a> And I often wonder what my world would be like if they were still here in it. Then my mind flips and I wonder – is it better where they are? A world free from hurt, pain, frustrations, anger and destruction?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am so often reminded of who I am and what I have been through. I can’t decide if this is something I should be proud of or not.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It’s obvious I need someone to talk to, right? So I tried. I tried to talk, choking back the tears. Not wanting this person to hear me cry. To feel my frustration. But it didn’t matter because in a matter of minutes I was being pushed aside for another phone call with the option that this someone would call back. Right. At that moment, I needed you to be my friend. And you made me feel like shit for even calling and bothering you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So this has me upset. My friends are my most cherished prize in life. I would bend over backwards and do anything I could for any one of them and they know that. And if it were any of them calling me with something they needed to talk about – the rest of the world can wait until I am done.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I would never push my friends aside at a time when they needed my shoulder. Ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don’t want to hide inside and for once I tried to reach out and that’s what happens.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This world just sucks and I don’t think I want to be in it. May as well just stay hidden, its much safer that way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*ugh*</div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_662810">Allow yourself to cry...get those frustrations out. I'll work up a spell for the baby....hang tight Sister - we're here for you.<br />XOXO</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 10:27 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368409454#" id="addReplyLnk_662810" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368409454&commentID=662810" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_662810"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_666727">Awww......you know you can always call me!! We end up talking for an hour minimum...lol.....and you know I could get you out of that funk and make you laugh!!<br /><br />I hope you get to feeling better! This seems to be going around...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 10:37 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368409454#" id="addReplyLnk_666727" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=368409454&commentID=666727" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4517052500096172002008-03-13T07:11:00.000-04:002014-07-26T18:50:06.216-04:00Just A Short Ditty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, March 13, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Just wanted to take a minute this morning before I head out the door to work - saying hello - and letting you all know life is well.<br /><br />I am adjusting to the new job quite nicely. Lots to learn and keep in my brain - but as with all jobs it will get easier with time.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />This school session is almost over. Online classes are only 6 weeks and this has been a icky 6 weeks. My first 6 weeks was not this hard. Of course it was just a basic class and I was only taking one. Now I am taking 2, an Acct and Law class and they are kicking me in the ass. Thank goodness they are over in 2 weeks. Then I think I am just going to take one class at a time from here on out. Or at least until the "new job" settles.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Things are slowly falling in to place. One step at a time. I seem to be sharing many more smiles these days. Especially with cutie patootie. And thats a very good thing.<br /><br />Anyway, I am off. I will catch up with all of you soon! I know I have a mailbox full of messages to reply to and I promise I have not forgotten you!!!<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_658303">YAAAYYYY for liking the new job and the more smiles! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 7:27 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=366474817#" id="addReplyLnk_658303" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=366474817&commentID=658303" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_658303"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_659528">Welcome back to reality! hahahaha<br /><br />YaY for more smiles and good times!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, March 14, 2008 - 10:22 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65514415947172631682008-03-09T16:08:00.000-04:002014-07-26T18:49:17.458-04:00Do wah ditty, ditty dum ditty do....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 09, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I have no idea what to say.<br /><br />Did I just say that?<br /><br />Of course I did. I am the only one here clickety click clicken away at this keyboard. I should be doing other things, but yet here I am. Wondering what the hell I could be writing about. Or is that should be writing about? Hmmm..either way.<br /><br />There is a lot going on around me these days. Especially the last few. I could sit here and rave about how fun hanging with cutie patootie is. Or go on and on about how maybe I could just call him by his name at this point and not just blabber on some cutie -make - me - wanna - grab- the - barf - bag - and - vomit - name. I think we are past that stage now. Thank goodness. Any more barfing and people around me might think I was becoming bulimic or something. Ew! LOL!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />But seriously, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">he IS fun</a>. He makes me laugh. And I do mean laugh! Like the kind where you get going so hard you take a breath and you snort kinda laugh. He makes me smile. And most of all he just lets me be ME. Quirky, dorky, silly, goofy..me. Its a whole new world of raw emotions and feelings that I have not felt in a long time and really not quite sure what to do with. So right now, just sort of just letting this go with the flow.<br />Ok, enough about him. :)<br /><br />What else....<br /><br />School. Blah. School. Who wants to talk about that. Bore. Yawn. Ick. I am begining to wonder what was I thinking going back to school. But I also keep telling myself that at least I AM doing it and it WILL be worth it in the long run. So I just keep trying to do my best and plugging away at it.<br /><br />Laaa deee dah<br /><br />Next.<br /><br />Work.<br /><br />Yes, Work.<br /><br />I start a new job tomorrow and let me tell you I am SCARED shitless. Nerves. Worries. Ugh. Who needs that. Not to mention the pressure.<br /><br />I am feeling a mental breakdown coming on and I have not even started yet.<br /><br />EEEEECCCCKKKKK!!!<br /><br />No! No! NOOOOOO!<br /><br />*deep breaths*<br /><br />I know, first day jitters. I am sure (at least I hope) that in time it will all pass.<br /><br />Uh huh...I'll just keep telling myself that.<br /><br />Ok, I am off. I got homework to do.<br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_655034">You don't need to worry...you will do great! You have a wonderful personality and you will win them all over with that beautiful smile! Just hope you like the job!</div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br />Cutie patootie is an acceptable name if you or he doesn't want his real name used. It doesn't matter that much does it?</div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br />While you are starting your day at your new job, I will be reading my new book and waiting to see if I get selected as a juror. Not sure how I feel about it. I sure don't want a boring case, but on the other hand, I don't think I want a long one either! Short and to the point...like me, LOL! Anyway, I am sure tomorrow is going to be a long day! </div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br /></div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br /></div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br /></div><div id="CommentDiv_655034">{{{{HUGS}}}}</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68662772937747811912008-03-06T20:10:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:48:17.303-04:00My Ding-A-Ling :Survey Says<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, March 06, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.Are you scared of people hearing you pee?<br />ummm no, why would I be?</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?<br />Ben & Jerry's Dublin Mudslide.....( I can thank my *we-pod* partner in crime Brett for this addiction)<br /><br />3. Spell your name how it sounds.<br />C-h-r-y-s derrrr teeee deerrrr<br /><br />4. Name one word to describe your personality?<br />Oh hell...I only get ONE word??? Lets see....outgoing</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5. What are your top 3 Turn Ons on the opposite sex?<br />his big strong shoulders, that sparkle in his eyes and that smirky smile...*drools*</span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />6. Describe your Boyfriend/Girlfriend in 2 words:<br />I will describe that special guy in my life as - Funny FUCKER! LOL<br /><br />7. Where do you see yourself in 6 years?<br />away from here..</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />8. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?<br />actually I have 2, a gold shamrock necklace jules got me for my bday last year, and my claddah ring that was my grandmothers that she got in Ireland</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">9. What type of service is your cellphone?<br />piece o'shit</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">10. What do you hate most about New York?<br />can't say I hate anything about it since I never been there. Might like to visit, but the fact that its so over populated and everything and everyone is just on top of each other might not be a way of living for me. I prefer to have my space.<br /><br />11. What kind of car is your dream car?<br />1965 Black Chevy Camaro SS - but if someone wants to give me a new charger, I would drive it. LOL<br /><br />12. Can you leave the house without makeup?<br />sure why not? I don't much like it cause I think I look pretty shitty without it, but I have done it before and its not that big of a deal.<br /><br />13. What are your top 3 favorite stores to shop at?<br />Old Navy, Bath and Body Works, Lane Bryant<br /><br />14. Do you consider yourself to be good-looking?<br />hmm.. I don't. And thats the honest truth. People think I have an ego, and I am pretty confident and comfortable with myself for the most part. But by no means do I think I am good-looking. Cute , well maybe. :)<br /><br />15. What do you miss about being a kid?<br />their are parts of my life about being a kid I dont miss. But I wish I could be carefree with no worries in the world like that again.<br /><br />16. What is your favorite animal?<br />Dolphin (there is a song called Dolphin by Poe, that has a lot to do with my tattoo as well as just being my fave animal)<br /><br />17. Did you have a good Valentine's day? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">it was like any other day. I dont need a hallmark holiday for him to have to tell me he cares.<br /><br />18. Apple, Orange, Cranberry juice?<br />I like them all.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">19. Do you get enough sleep at night?<br />NO!<br /><br />20. Favorite Channel on T.V ?<br />Spike and whatever else happens to show the fights<br /><br />21. Are you dating the person you text most?<br />uh huh...<br /><br />22. Whats your favorite color[s]?<br />green<br /><br />23. What do you want?<br />life , to win the lotto, security, love , ummm just name a few things</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">24. Who was the last person you shared a bed with?<br />oooyyeeeeee.....tisk tisk tisk ...such a handsome lil devil he is :)<br /><br />25. Do you talk to yourself?<br />all the freaking time<br /><br />26. Do you drink milk straight from the carton?<br />sometimes<br /><br />27. Who knows a dark secret or two about you?<br />Their are lots of people who dont know lots of things about me. But those close to me pretty much know it all. I am an open book. No surprises that way.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I guess 28 ran away.<br /><br />29. Do you like Batman?<br />sure, whats not to like about Batman<br /><br />30. Who did you last hug?<br />cutie patootie ...oh crap, I said I wouldnt call him that anymore...*ugh* LOL! Oh , that handsome devil. hehehe<br /><br />31. Do you swear at your parents?<br />I don't associate with my dad....and my mom, I swear while talking to her , but I don't swear at her.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">32. Do you like anyone now?<br />YES I DO!!! got a problem with that??? huh? huh? Yeah I didnt think so.<br /><br />33. When was the last time you lied?<br />I don't lie , its pointless.<br /><br />34. Obama, Hillary, McCain, or Huckabee?<br />The lesser of the evils<br /><br />35. Is your birthday on a holiday?<br />nope , but I can make it one hehehehe<br /><br />36. What instant messaging service do you use?<br />Yahoo<br /><br />37. Last thing you cooked today?<br />I didn't cook anything today<br /><br />38. Did you have a nap today?<br />nope..we were not having none of that !!!!<br /><br />39. Who's house did you go to last?<br />we came to mine</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">40. What are you currently listening to?<br />whatever is blasting on the tv in the living room and my countless pounding on the keyboard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">41. Why is the sky blue?<br />cause its reflecting off his eyes.....ummm I dunno, it sounded good.<br /><br />42. Do you like green beans?<br />yep<br /><br />43. Do you swear a lot?<br />Fer fucks sake?? who me?<br /><br />44. Where did you get the shirt you're wearing?<br />Old Navy<br /><br />45. Have any regrets?<br />nah...live learn and just move on<br /><br />46. Do you use an alarm clock?<br />only when I have to<br /><br />47. Where are you?<br />home, in my room<br /><br />48. Do you ever snort when you laugh?<br />HELL YES! When I get rolling their is bound to be a snort happening<br /><br />49. Whats the first thing you notice on the opposite sex?<br />when he smiles at me :)<br /><br />50. Do you wear underwear?<br />ummmm no... did you like that answer?? hahahah yeah I do , come on now<br /><br />51. Who/What would you like to see right now?<br />Who??? him...always him.. What???? some freaking SUNSHINE</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">52. Are you social?<br />very much so<br /><br />53. Are you afraid of the dark?<br />No...I embrace the darkness these days. I know I am always going to be taken care of and safe.<br /><br />54. Do you miss someone today?<br />Fuck yes, and he just left. How pathetic is that??? *rolls eyes at self*<br /><br />55. Who is the last person you kissed?<br />See 30<br /><br />56. Are you happy with your life?<br />eh..things could be better...but whats going on in life is just a stepping stone to get me where I need to go. I get frustrated and I vent. And I just keep moving forward. Things could be worse....so they really are not so bad. And he always makes me smile and keeps me going in the right direction...what a rock :)<br /><br />57. Last person who you told your problems to?<br />Mike<br /><br />58. What are you doing tonight?<br />I am thinking about watching a movie...but if I do that I will feel guilty because I have homework that always needs to be done.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">59. Who's your best friend?<br />I have lots of wonderful friends that I love dearly. They know who they are.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">60. Do you think he/she will always be there for you?<br />We all know where we stand. I will be there for them as I always have been, just as they will be for me.<br /><br />61. What is your myspace song right now?<br />I have like 100 on my playlist, go have a listen...<br /><br />62. Do you prefer to text or IM?<br />I like both...<br /><br />63. Who'd you get this survey from?<br />Shannon, my favorite Fairy....I met her through Elonna....<br /><br />64. Do you believe the number 6 is the number of death?<br />no.. and I dont even need to talk about it.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34534744424825541532008-03-02T23:13:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:46:29.844-04:00The Negative Inside<h1 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">Sunday, March 02, 2008 </span></span></h1><h1 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;"></span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">Right now I just want to scream. I am letting things eat at me that I should not. Worrying about things that should not be worried about right now. But I can not help it.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">After spending all day with my nose in the textbooks pouring over accounting problems and law cases I just wanted to sleep. But that's not going to happen. So I grab this book I have to write a report on for law class and I get a chapter done and my eyes just give out. And for those that are going to ask if I had my glasses on. I give you a big fat YES I have had them all ALL day thanks. So then I get frustrated because I feel so overwhelmed by all this class work I have to do. Or maybe I just feel overwhelmed that I am not doing it right. But, better yet, that negativity has crept in and is telling me how stupid I am for trying to go back to school. I am not a book smart person. I never have been. College has always been a struggle for me.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">These negative voices have been barking at me all day. And I think I just broke myself.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">These eyes, they fail me and my brain hurts. To top it all off I can't seem to shut off the leaky faucets parading themselves around my eyes. I hate crying. I am not a crier. Where is all this coming from?</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">No matter what shit life throws at me I have always been able to still grasp what is good and try to see the whole picture and focus on the positive and what I do have. I try anyway. And when I fail, I cover it up really well.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">I seem to be doing that a lot lately. Covering up that darkness that drags around inside of me. I am trying to find a way to let it out. Usually writing has been the way for me. But I am so tied up with school work and brain overload that I can not even complete a passage when I right. I have all this random shit all jumbled on every piece of paper I can find to put it on. Thrown in a shoe box. None of it makes sense. Its just randomness mess on paper. Like I said in past blog, rhymes with no reason.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">I'm sitting here, frustrated with school. But I continue to plug away at it and just try my best. I am frustrated about the whole life/living/car/money situation but yet I continue to try to put forth the effort to keep going forward. I don't want to end up back in that place after I was when gramps died. I can't allow myself to go back there. Every day I have to struggle with getting out of bed and not staying in there like I did then.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I am just so tired and so run down. Emotionally burnt.</span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">I do have a job interview in the AM that could certainly shed some light on the situation.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">I have some sunshine in life to look forward to. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">Cutie patootie has been a wonderful rock</a> for me to lean on. As well as the love and support from all my friends close to me. Those seeing the struggle. Knowing what I am dealing with up here.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">Then my brain wraps around all that and starts to question all the what-if in this relationship with cutie patootie. There is so much distance between us now, isn't this job going to put that much more between us? And here we are back at square one having to deal with not only distance but crazy ass schedules as well. My brain starts to focus on the wrong things and I lose sight of what we DO have. Funny, as I sit here writing this I am reminded of how just this morning I was texting him trying to keep things positive about the distance and such.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">I try not to think about it. But it's hard. Every long distance relationship I have ever been in has turned out to be a disaster. And I know one should not compare relationships or blame the current for something someone in the past did. I preach this quite often. And this really is not the case. If that was the case I would have put the breaks on this by now.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">Right now I want to focus on the big picture. I want to continue with school. I want to believe I am smart enough to do this. I would like to get this job and be able to get some things paid off and take care of so that I am able to someday get out of here and go where ever it is I need to go. That is going to take time and patience. I want to think about the things we want for our self, for each other, for us. Those are the things I WANT to focus on. Life. Me. Him. Us. Together.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">I wonder, does he have that? That patience. Does he want this too?? Is he willing to hang around and work on us while I work on these things to get me to get us where we need to be? Can I make him see that it will be worth it in the end? Is what I can give him right now enough to carry us through these times? Are we as a couple strong enough? Or are all these things just going to be the deciding factor that no it's not enough and no he's not willing to wait because he wants someone closer or just something more. More time. More this. More that.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">These are the things playing over and over and over in my mind right now.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">Why can I not shut that off? Why does NOW have to be one of those times when the negative just wants to ruin everything.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">I wish I could shut it off.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;">If only I knew how.</span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">3/3/08 - AM update</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I talked to cutie patootie last night, literally 3 seconds after I posted this - and feeling much better about a lot of things. I just needed to vent and let things go. Sooooooooooo...I'm off to my job interview and will catch up to all of you later.</div><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_649307">First of all {{{{HUGS}}}}! Now, the leaky faucets are caused by the darkness that needs an outlet...let it out! Cry and get all the bad, negative stuff out! Well, that's what I do...have always done and it always made me feel better. It took a long time, but I figured out all those negative, self depriciating thoughts came with the hormones...whenever my hormones get out of control, I beat myself up over little things and what I see as my short comings. It doesn't matter what anyone says or does, I have a hard time seeing beyond those negative thoughts. Now, when I recognize them for what they are, I acknowledge them and then banish them! Could hormones be playing a part here? I don't know.<br />As for the school stuff...is there someone you could get to help you where you are struggling? Maybe a professer or someone in class that could study with you and help you over the rough parts?<br />As for the relationship thing? I don't know for sure, but I think if you two were not strong enough for the long distance relationship, it would have "broken" by now.<br />Gotta go get ready for work! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 8:37 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=363323298#" id="addReplyLnk_649307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=363323298&commentID=649307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_649307"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_649579">ahhhh my momma...always there to give me sound advice when I need it most. *hugs*</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a> on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 3:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=363323298#" id="addReplyLnk_649579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=363323298&commentID=649579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Read more:<a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=363323298#ixzz144KzKIdq" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=363323298#ixzz144KzKIdq</a></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19064359407907376992008-02-17T22:13:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:44:23.597-04:00Who ME??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, February 17, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I just had to post this. I know , have not blogged in a spell. Got some things brewing, just not sure where to run with it.<br /><br />Lets just say - for now - been Following the yellow brick road...<br /><br />Today I met up with a blast from my bast. Someone I went to school with for MANY years. We have had a few laughs today. And he put me in touch with someone else ... and I just have to share a part of that email.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><i>""You were always one of the smartest girls I knew at Foster or E.C., but also one who was approachable and always nice and polite to me."""</i><br /><br /><br />Awww..now how nice is that?<br /><br /><br />Smart? Who me? Boy, I had them fooled huh? Just kidding.<br /><br />But that other part....yeah...me.<br /><br />I know the things I went through growing up. And all my life I have been that girl. That girl that was always nice to everyone. That girl that never picked sides in a fight. That girl that was friends with everyone and never judged. That girl that was never in a click but always very much her own person. That girl that always had a smile on her face. Always.<br /><br />I wasn't nice because I had to be, I was nice because I wanted to be.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Friendship has ALWAYS been a big deal to me.<br /><br />So...that's my feel good juice for the moment. To know that someone remember that after all this time...appreciates that...<br /><br />Folks, that's what life is all about.<br /><br />When I get down and out because at times I feel like people use my niceness and some step on me and hurt my feelings and I have to take the time to weed these people out and walk away from them. I think about the people I have made a difference to in their life...and I feel good about me and my big heart.<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_634448">That is a really nice thing to happen! To know someone remembers you like that! {{{{HUGS}}}} Have a great week ahead!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, February 17, 2008 - 10:43 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71416058855498120802008-02-14T10:33:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:43:26.578-04:00Happy Valentines Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, February 14, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="background-color: white;">Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes while I was dealing with I have now termed "The Crud" I can not remember the last time I was that sick.</span></div><br />Anyway back to work today and classes start back up again. So its back to busy bee time.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Wanted to take a minute to tell you all that even tho I have never been a fan of Valentines (cause you shouldn't need a day to tell someone you care about them...not to mention all the pink and red foo foo frilly shit all over the place *barf* LOL) anyways....ummmmm...what the hell was I saying???<br /><br />Oh yes...to all my wonderful friends and family:<br /><br />HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.. LOVE YA!<br />xoxo<br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_631210">Glad you're feeling better, sis. I have to admit this is the first Vday where I have had a sweetie who actually DID something to make me feel special in over 10 years, so I am pretty happy this year!<br /><a href="http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/sapphire_tyger/?action=view&current=valentines.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/sapphire_tyger/valentines.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 6:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357801682#" id="addReplyLnk_631210" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357801682&commentID=631210" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_631210"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_631370">Valentines Day quit being "Valentines Day" for me 22 years ago when I had my first child...on this day! So now it's Happy Birthday Boomer, Steak, Salad and French Vanilla birthday cake! LOL! Hope yours is a good one! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 8:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357801682#" id="addReplyLnk_631370" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357801682&commentID=631370" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_631370"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">banesil</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=100488823" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/s_2c63de3dc2ad1b64b2d0cd8a9b2be2ae.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Scott Bohn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_631589">Hope you had a happy Valentine's day!<br />*hugs*</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">banesil</a> on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 10:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357801682#" id="addReplyLnk_631589" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357801682&commentID=631589" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_631589"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_631807">I think Valentine's day kinda stinks ha ha! Anyway I hope ya had a great Valentine's day and Love and peace to you my beautiful friend xoxoxoxo ;* (smooch smooch) ♥<br /><br /><a href="http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/irishdog36/?action=view&current=Celticheart.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/irishdog36/Celticheart.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Friday, February 15, 2008 - 2:53 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357801682#" id="addReplyLnk_631807" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357801682&commentID=631807" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_631807"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_632411">Valentine's day...ughhhhh...mine sucked.<br />Hope you are doing okay baby...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Friday, February 15, 2008 - 9:55 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33430122436721339532008-02-13T01:58:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:38:49.622-04:00Some People Should NOT Be Allowed To Have Dogs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, February 13, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">OK, so I am ANGRY. Not just a little pissy, not panties in a wad, but all out ANGRY!<br /><br />SOME PEOPLE SHOULD NOT EVER CONSIDER OWNING A DOG!<br /><br />PERIOD.<br /><br />END OF STORY.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/01/the-boxer-blog-letting-them-go.html" target="_blank">My little happy ending for Cain and Casey ended in a disaster.</a><br /><br />Ugh.<br /><br />Here I am sick, dealing with this crud and going out of my way to get these dogs to these people because they just can't wait....only to have to get my sick ass out of bed again today to go get them.</span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /><br />WHAT??<br /><br />Oh yes you heard me right.<br /><br />The guy calls me this AM and says the dogs would not poop/pee when they took them out, they did on their floor and that they kept them up all night crying.</span></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br />DUH!<br /><br />Its called "adjustment period" wise ass.<br /><br />You just got 2 dogs that were taken away from their only mom and the home they knew. They are scared and they are confused. Its going to take time to retrain them to your home , family, area, etc.<br /><br />Well he wasnt having none of that and told me to come get the dogs.<br /><br />So, I went, coughing and bitching all the way.<br /><br />I called the Boxer Haven.<br /><br />Some people should not be allowed to have dogs.<br /><br />The end.<br /><br />*swallows some meds, blows nose, coughs...*<br /><br />Going to go lay back down now.<br /><br />PS- no worries. Dogs will stay with me and when I move out mom has agrees to take care of them for me so I need not find them a new home.<br /><br />Would of been nice if she would have offered before. Then I could of saved all of us from this.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_630346">They know where a good home is. It's a sign.<br />Hope you get to feelin better.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a> on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 6:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357523818#" id="addReplyLnk_630346" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357523818&commentID=630346" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_630346"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_630787">Bless you and your mom for saving those beautiful boxers! Im so sorry that you all are going through this. Send the boxers in fed ex boxes to me and I'll take very good care of them (I wish) Just kidding but I would take them for sure. I think the Boxers rescue team need to hear from ya about the boxers' loyalty to you and those new people pick them up so they need to know the history about the boxers' relationship with you before they decide to get them. GOOD LUCK CHRYS!!! ;) ♣</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 1:29 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357523818#" id="addReplyLnk_630787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357523818&commentID=630787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43643316277050114582008-02-12T20:43:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:42:36.990-04:00Mastering the Art of Letting Go<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, February 12, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">I think I have mastered the art of letting go. All things considered. Today I had to let go of that last little bit of life I left behind. Today <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/01/the-boxer-blog-letting-them-go.html" target="_blank">the dogs, my babies</a>, went to go to their new home. I never thought I would see the day I had to make the choice to let them go. And it certainly was not an easy decision to make. But I had to look at it from all sides of the box. It was never a choice for me as to whether I would leave them behind in OK. Marcus didn't want them. The only reason he wanted Cain was because of how he looked to his friends. He was a prize. Something to show off. See a pattern here? I know I do. If you don't, look a little closer and read between the lines you might just see something you missed before. Anyway, I knew Cain and Casey would not be left behind. I knew if I did and he got mad for any reason, he would just give them to who ever without a second thought. Or just drop them off at the pound. Besides, they were MY dogs. I bought them, I paid for them and I took care of them. So I packed them up with a few of the things I brought into the relationship and headed up here.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I thought being here, things would be easy. I thought by now I would be working, making money, having some things paid off and in my own place. As you all know, things did not happen as planned.</span></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Because of that, the dogs suffered. I don't mean that in a bad way. I did all I could for them here with what I was given, and yes they were with their people momma and that's pretty much all that mattered to them. But I am so wrapped up in trying to get my own life back on track that they were just not being all that they were used to. Play time, attention, running, a yard, etc. So I felt it best for them and me to find them a new home. I got in contact with the Michigan Boxer Haven Rescue who in turn put them on their website. In a matter of days I had a family who wanted them. A family who wanted BOTH of them. I talked to Jennifer for quite a while. Called the Boxer Haven back and said yes, I want them to go there. The Haven does a reference, background and house check. They passed. YEAH. Then I talked to Rich, the husband a few times. GREAT family. I could not have asked for a happier ending to this story. This family had been around boxers. They have a 14yr old son. A HUGE house that the dogs will have freedom to all of. A huge backyard that backs up to 50 acres of apple orchard. And I know them two; they will love to run it…..every last acre.</span></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was really sad driving them this morning. In just a funk. Didn't want to get rid of my dogs. Then just really started to get down on myself. It's my fault. My fault my life is the way it is. Were my choices to make. They should not be the ones suffering. This is best for us both. Once I go there and met Rich and got a tour of the house and Cain and Casey sat with him for a bit, it just felt right. I knew I was making a family very happy. I knew my dogs would bring them many years of happiness and joy just as they did me. And that my friend is a better feeling then anyone could ask for.</span></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">In the end, when I went to leave, it was hard to keep moving forward and not looking back when they cried for me. But this is how my life has to be now. I have to keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other. Not looking back and dwelling, but rather looking forward and see what I HAVE done this far and what I am GOING to do.</span></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">So as I say goodbye to the last little bit of the life left behind, I say hello to the life I am going to have. And I welcome it with open arms.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5M7tgD3q0Zg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5M7tgD3q0Zg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">~PS~</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And to my "Rock" thank you for "holding my hand" thru this and just being my sounding board when I needed you. It means more to me then you will ever know. Your words , simple as they may have been, helped me deal with one of the hardest things I just had to do.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Thank you.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">*hearts*</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_629640">Knowing you were doing what was best for them, had to make it a LITTLE easier. You did th eresponsible thing. I know you are going to miss them terribly, but you knwo they went to a home where they will be taken care of and loved. {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 9:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357329512#" id="addReplyLnk_629640" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357329512&commentID=629640" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_629640"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_629657">I honestly felt it was meant to be - for so many reasons. And I am welcomed any time I want to visit. I am thankful for the Boxer Haven and feel blessed in many ways for Rich and Jennifer. Thanks for the hugs momma...I needed that !!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 9:29 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357329512#" id="addReplyLnk_629657" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357329512&commentID=629657" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_629657"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_629778">You did such a noble thing and you loved them so much that you gave them up for something the boxers will really enjoy and doing what is best for them. You did such a honorable thing. God bless ya hun! ;)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 11:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357329512#" id="addReplyLnk_629778" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357329512&commentID=629778" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_629778"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_629825">I love art very much, I always wish that I will meet someone in the art gallery. And it will be romance and beautiful in my vision of love.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a> on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 12:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357329512#" id="addReplyLnk_629825" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=357329512&commentID=629825" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19407916409787889372008-02-08T09:50:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:36:46.378-04:00You’re Not That In To Him Either~ Or Am I?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, February 08, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You're Not That In To Him Either</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I got this book (thanks Jules) and it's called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060817402/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060817402" target="_blank">"Be Honest – You're Not That In To Him Either: Raise Your Standards and Reach for the Love You Deserve."</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Interesting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well not really because the truth is, it was rather boring. I read all 150 odd pages in a couple hours.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(boring or not, Jeran you are next on the list to read it LOLOL I am sending it your way!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am still trying to figure out what the big deal is about this book. But it's been in every magazine I have read for the last few months and Jules saw it on Dr Phil along with another one that I am reading and will get into that one at another time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">First, I want to say I am not being rebellious and trying to go against everything my friends are telling me or the advice they are giving me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I CAN NOT help the way that I feel about a certain someone. I am NOT a light switch and can't just turn feelings on and off. I know there are people out there like that. But unfortunately for me I am not one of these people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know it has been easy for me to walk away from <st1:place>LOT</st1:place> of people the last 6 or 7 months. But for whatever reason, this person is not one of them. Not that I really want to walk away from him anyway. Maybe just a few steps backwards, but certainly not completely away form.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I feel like the relationship I have with this person is putting a wedge between some of my friendships. I don't want this to happen. I love my friends to death. And I know they only want what's best for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize me and this person have been on a roller coaster ride since the very beginning. I've done some things, he's done some things. But life goes on. Shit happens. I am not blind. Not stupid and I was not born yesterday. I am pretty sure we all know this by now. But I do happen to see the GOOD that IS in this person. Mind you, the good does not over ride the shit side I had seen, but none the less it is still there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The fact remains – YES I AM THAT IN TO HIM</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And you should not judge me, but just love me no matter what choice I make.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok now that I have all that out of the way. I happen to think this person is absolutely adorable. And when we are together – it's as if nothing and no one else matters. We always have the best of times. It's when we are apart that the roller coaster tends to weave its way in. Different schedules, different lives. But the biggest issue being we somehow got off being on the same page and moved along to different pages – not to mention different chapters altogether. And, that's ok. Doesn't make either one of us a bad person.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I am not going to say I am sorry or say I am the one at fault for my emotions. Because – well, because one can not control emotions. Not these kind anyway. And I should not have to apologize. So, it's now on me to be the one to take a couple of steps backwards so that we are back on the same page again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have given this person my heart, and it's pretty obvious he does not really want it. At least not on that level. And that's OK. Goes back to the being on different pages and so forth. So, I have taken it back and am closely guarding it. Not quite sure what to do with it at this point. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know everyone thinks I should just walk away completely. But, I just can't. I can't. We've tried walking away a couple of times in the past and we always end up walking right back in to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This one is on me to work out. And I will. My own way. My own time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't know guys. I really don't know. But just know, I do hear you and I am listening.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*blows you a kiss* We are best friends for a reason. That will never change. Just please don't let this put a wedge in our friendship.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~xoxox~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Chrys</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">PS - and about that other ordeal I got going on...Oh thats a big HELL NO and I CAN promise you (those that know what I am talking about will get this) that is a line I WILL NOT CROSS!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_625273"><a href="http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Friends/?action=view&current=12456266-62417671.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Friends/12456266-62417671.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />It has been a roller coaster...lol...but we love ya anyway!!<br /><br />~HUGS~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 12:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_625273" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751&commentID=625273" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_625273"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_625314">Girl I was where you are now a few yrs back. I understand what your talking about how when the 2 of you are together nothing matters. It took me a long time to finally break down and end that relationship. I loved him and how I felt when we were together except for one factor. He was still stuck in the 90's and didnt want to grow up and be a man. He was great fun to be around, always had a blast; but when it came to the real world forget it lol. Im not saying your hunny is anything like my ex, just that in the end you have to do what is right for you. I couldnt take the stress anymore and got out. I already got 3 boys, didnt need another one lol. If you see potential I say go for it, you'll never know if you don't try. If it doesnt work, well its a lesson learned. You'e dealt with heartbreak before, you'll move on. BUT if it does.....thats what to think about. ~Hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a> on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 1:23 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_625314" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751&commentID=625314" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_625314"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_625644">Everyone is different, therefore everyone communicates and functions on different levels or languages... We love you, and will be supportive of you no matter what... because in this life, we all have different lessons to learn... life isn't easy, because if it was, we wouldn't appreciate the valleys after climbing the mountains!<br /><br />Love ya!!<br /><br />Myca Jean</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a> on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 8:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_625644" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751&commentID=625644" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_625644"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_625661">Seems all the words of wisdom have already been given, LOL! You can't change how you feel, no matter how much you wish you could! As the saying goes "It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all". Your eyes are open, you know the score...you're a big girl. I think the friends that are giving you a hard time are just wanting to protect you from a heatbreak.<br />The next book that should be on your list is Wokini by Billy Mills. Trust mom on this! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 8:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_625661" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751&commentID=625661" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_625661"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_626052">~nods head in agreement with Mom~ Sounds like everyone is just tryin to protect you..maybe more than is needed eh? If they are your friends.. then they will continue to be.. And love simply is.. if we could just help who we fall for this world would be a lot easier..and not nearly as exciting.. No matter the type of love you are given... simply cherish it in all forms. That is how I make it..lol. ~hugs~ and yes.. our love to you too Chrys.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a> on Saturday, February 09, 2008 - 9:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_626052" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355954751&commentID=626052" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_626052"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=10328229" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Iceman48602</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=10328229" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/124/s_96e0a6b5ab083de608e59e46d5a3ffcd.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Gary Voit</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_628805">HEy! How are you sweetie? I was touched by this blog cuz it reminds me alot of myself and how I had things at one point. Crazy huh... Wish I was that guy who you are talking about who had a chance to have your heart cuz I would put it right close to mine keeping it warm and safe from all harm forever. We could write a book instead of just a few pages and still be on the same page....LOL Hope to hear from you again real soon and I hope all is well your way and you're feeling better...HUGZ@U always</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=10328229" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Iceman48602</a> on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 12:18 AM </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25527942556795455632008-02-07T14:28:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:34:37.456-04:00Reflections On This Time Of Year<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, February 07, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">I seem to reflect alot this time of year. More so then usual. Part of it due to it being a new year. But the rest to being that part of me that still holds on to the dream that not all romance is dead in the world.<br /><br />It's the romantic in me ( I can't help it. I try to hide it, but its no use) - I see people in love and even just holding hands its a beautful thing and I realize how time is slipping through my own hands. Tick Tock Tick Tock. I stop to think to myself - I can not believe its Feb already. Seems like just yesterday we were bringing in the new year.</span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />No amount of money could ever replace the feeling you get from the one you love and truly being loved back,the world could be caving in all around me and its all right because I see the look in his eyes and vica versa---that is deep. The feeling is deep. For that moment in time nothing else matters.<br /><br />I want that moment to come back....<br /><br />So for those of you celebrating love this Valentines, remind yourself you shouldnt have to have a holiday to show that person how much you love them. It should be something you want to do all the time. And never be afraid of it, because you never know when its going to be taken away from you.<br /><br />~xoxox~<br />Chrys</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8515784019990712082008-02-06T16:21:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:32:51.522-04:00Stepping Off My Throne<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, February 06, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Princess%20Sweetheart%20Beauty/?action=view%C2%A4t=IRISH.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Princess%20Sweetheart%20Beauty/IRISH.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Princess%20Sweetheart%20Beauty/?action=view%C2%A4t=princess.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Princess%20Sweetheart%20Beauty/princess.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Stepping Off My Throne</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">I have been trying to write this topic for a while now. Every time I think I am done things change in life or something else happens and it's like I have to scrap the whole thing and start over. So instead of telling a tale to make the whole thing fit together, I am just going to get to the point.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Anyone who is lucky enough to be closest to me knows here rules the Queen of Open Relationships. I use the term lucky very loosely as these people know it has not always been an easy ride. But I do it because every time I have tried to be in a committed relationship I always get hurt and cheated on. So I just got to the point where I said "Fuck It" and made the relationships open.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Pretty much every relationship I have ever been in, with the exception of only a handful, was an OR on some level or another.</span></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Today, this is me stepping off my throne and passing that crown on to someone else. I no longer want to be Queen of anything. I'll just stick to Irish Princess status. LOL.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">I know OR's are NOT for everyone. There is a certain level of commitment and trust that comes along with an OR. (Or just simply not giving a fuck and keeping yourself at a distance making sure the walls stay up, the heart stays guarded, and the feelings are kept to a minimum.) Mutual respect, boundaries, rules, and just straight up honesty are needed in ANY type of relationship. These guidelines are different for everyone and every relationship. Some look at it as being a swinger, some look at is as letting a 3</span><sup style="background-color: white;">rd</sup><span style="background-color: white;">party in your bedroom, some look at is as being totally committed to each other, but you both have a lil flavor on the side.( with the partners consent of course) Whatever, however you look at it, view it, see it. Been there done all of that.</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you want to be in a relationship, be in one. If you want to date and play the field then do that. But come on - stop trying to do both.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">But you might be saying to yourself right now "Hey, wait – how can you have a commitment and be in an OR?" Well that depends on the type of relationship.</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Confused?</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Yeah – so am I these days.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is why I have decided to step down.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">But lets not confuse "dating" with an OR.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">I want to find that "one." Just me and that person. I want to love just that one person. Give them all of me, not just bits, pieces and parts of me. I want that one person I can focus all my attention on and not be partially focused because there is someone else in our world too. I don't want to worry about outside influences from either party any more.</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I want that one to give me the same in return.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I want that one person I can tell anything and everything to. That one that will take me at my worst and my best. The one who will accept me as the person I am now and the person I will grow to be as time goes on. Someone who is willing to accept the situation as it is now and sees that with time and patience things will change.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I want that one to ultimately be my best friend.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Is this seriously too much to ask for?</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I am beginning to wonder.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxpPtfabwkQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxpPtfabwkQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm looking for a lover not a friend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Somebody who can be there when I need someone to talk to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm looking for someone who won't pretend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Somebody not afraid to say the way they feel about you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone who understands how I feel,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who can keep me real and who knows the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The way I like to have my way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone who takes me there,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wants to share, shows he cares</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Im Thinking you're the one that I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me? (Could you be?)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm looking for someone to share my pain (Uh)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who I can run to, who will stay with me when it rains</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who I can cry with through the night</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who I can trust who's heart is right</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone who understands how I feel,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who can keep me real and who knows the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The way I like to have my way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone who takes me there,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wants to share, shows he cares</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">im Thinking you're the one that I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be this one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">take for granted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">How much I care (How much I care)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And appreciates that I'm there</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who listens</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And someone I can call who isn't afraid of love to share</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_624126">Yer actions are very normal and it would be healthy for you to keep those castle walls sky high! Keep those fucking Trolls and Ogres out! Ya need a REAL knight or prince charming. Ya got to give yourself a lot of time to figure out who you are dating. Have fun you're so young and I'll pray for ya! ♣ †</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Thursday, February 07, 2008 - 3:09 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355387899#" id="addReplyLnk_624126" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=355387899&commentID=624126" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57961023654872897852008-02-04T19:06:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:31:57.763-04:00Weekend Update<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, February 04, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />One of these days I will finish up the blog I have been working on and get it posted. But for right now I just wanted to say hello to everyone and give you a quick update.<br /><br />I posted some new party pics from Saturday night. So go check them out on MySpace!<br /><br />Went out for a bit on Friday night - ran into someone I had not talked to in about a month or so. Could have lived without that. NO MORE DRAMA.<br /><br />I also spent some time reading this book. "Admit it, You are just not that in to him either...." ..and just you wait until I post the results of that!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Saturday I worked for a couple of hours. Then went to Kelly's. She is a girl I work with. Cool chick! *waves* We went to eat at this awesome Mexican place. YUM! About time I had some good Mexican food. The last few places I went around here were yucky! Nothing like the Tex-Mex food back home. But Kel gets 2 points for showing me this place. Then we went back to her place and got ready. Waited for Rebecca and Kim. Then we headed to Patty Flemmings Irish Pub. Misty met us there. We had a few drinks while Becca ate. Pretty good music going on there. Some funny guys sitting over by us doing their chair hip hop dances. Becca got pics of them, but I didnt post them. We left there and went to downtown and partied the rest of the night at Meinbergs. The place was kick ass! We drank, we talked, we laughed and we danced our asses off. Good time. Good music and lots of great people. I met SO many fucking people that my head is spinning. *big smiles*<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />I CANT WAIT TO GO BACK!<br /><br />Me and Kel got back to her place it was almost 3am and we ate our leftover mexican before heading to bed.<br /><br />Sunday I woke up way too early to her kitty wanting in and her dog needing to go out. LOL. But it was OK. We hung out a bit and dealt with some things. I got back to my place ... hmm think it was almost 11am.<br /><br />I felt bad cause I knew my mom wanted to go out. But originally I had a date for the night. (*waves*hey Jim!!) and I had to cancel because I just knew I was going to get stuck working late. And didnt want him to have to drive all that way to town. So my mom wanted to go out. But I had already made plans with Kel. So I promised my mom I would hang out with her for Super Bowl Sunday.<br /><br />So we headed up to the local watering hole. Chips, dip and wings. Having a grand time since we freaking know everyone in there. Guess who walks in??<br /><br />Ugh. yeah. Who I now refer to as "The Jerm" aka Jeremy.<br /><br />Him and his dad. I turned myself around and did not look his way all night. I thought once he was heading over to say hi, and maybe he was going to until I gave him a dirty ass look and looked back at the tv so he headed to the bathroom.<br /><br />Fucker. Stay away.<br /><br />So far so good. Lets hope he continues to leave me alone or things will have to get ugly.<br /><br />So I spent today sleeping in and recovering. No hangovers. But lack of sleep!<br /><br />Back to work tomorrow!<br /><br />If you have not checked out the pics go have a lookie loo. We had a great time.<br /><br />So thanks to Becca, Kel, Kim and Misty for a great time. And thanks to Kel for letting me crash and your place and to Becca for loading all the pics!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59142442685145219472008-02-02T11:09:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:31:08.716-04:00Tag ME!!!! ~ Twice~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, February 02, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />These are the rules - Once you have been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird random things, facts, or habits about yourself. At the end, you chose 10 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" on their profile and tell them to read your latest blog."<br /><br />Here are my ten people I'm tagging:<br />I'm not gonna tag anyone. Just because I am going to be a party pooper!!! LOL.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Here we go:<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />1. I am a disorganized mess. Things look like they are neat and tidy and in their place. But to me its a huge mess. But I know exactly where everything is. Perhaps a bit OCD about things.<br /><br />2. I am addicted to gum. I chew it constantly. (hello bubblicious)<br /><br />3. I am a germ phobic when it comes to my teeth. I sit down or walk around the house when I brush them. I take FOREVER. And when I am away from my toothbrush - this is where the gum comes in!<br /><br />4. I used to have this habit where I would fold my dirty laundry before putting it in the basket. *rolls eyes at self* I am slowly breaking myself of that. Mostly cause I am so worn down when I get home from work I literally just kick my clothes off and push them in the closet. When I sit down to sort them on laundry day I find myself folding them. LOL<br /><br />5. In college I was the only "lil sis" to the frat house that was not in a sorority.<br /><br />6. My ex made me talk to a shrink about sex therapy because he thought their was something wrong with being Bi. That it was a phase. And that I wanted sex all the time. hmmmm...apparently I am not so wacked out after all. I was declared perfectly sane and normal. LOLOL!<br /><br />7. I admit I left Oklahoma to hide. Sorry :(<br /><br />8. I am not graceful. Rather a big dorky clutz. I fall out of the bed, I trip over my own feet, gum falls out of my mouth.......but at least I can laugh at myself.<br /><br />9. I love ice cream and I can eat it any time of the day. Even when its below zero outside.<br /><br />10. I truly am a survivor. I have suffered more pain, abuse, drama, heartache and death in my 32 years of life then one person could only hope they never have to see. And these days, I am very much happy to be alive even if life sometimes drags me down.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70263672188565537452008-02-01T10:42:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:30:13.198-04:00Married Men & Gossip<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, February 01, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_353726458" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Married Men and Gossip Mongers</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is it with married men that just because they are "taken" seem to make them more "wanted" by the female population? It's like, well if another woman has him, he MUST have the good stuff.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really people. Get a grip.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what is it that married men are never happy with what they got? I have been trying to figure that one out for so many years now that I think I have given myself a permanent migraine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, I do not know any married man that is truly happy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well wait, I take that back. My great friend Wally is so truly madly deeply in love with his wife Bren. Yes they are newlyweds but they are the sort of couple that when you are around them you just KNOW they were meant to be and will likely be together forever. They have such a strong bond. They are the type of couple that really makes you want to puke from all the mushy gushy love they exude from their self, but at the same time it's so wonderful to be around and makes you think, WOW! There is still hope that soul mates and true love really do exist in this world! (I love you guys and miss you bunches!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So back to this whole married thing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I work with this married guy. Not just one, but a few. But I am talking about this one in particular. He's just one of those people you can instantly bond with. Well, maybe not everyone. But there are some common interests that seem to have brought our conversation together in the first place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all know I am adorable. LOL. I can't help that. We all know I am a flirt. But I am harmless and I mean nothing by it. If I am really meaning it, you will know. And that rarely happens. But I am also a personable person. Meaning I can talk to anyone about anything. It's just how I am. I am a dork and a giant goofball so laughing is always bound to happen. People pick up on that. They see me talking to others and they see I am easy to talk to. When you work with someone in such a close knit environment it's nice to talk to them and be friendly. And laughter helps to pass the time. Especially when clients get crabby.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm at work Tuesday night. In the back room putting some files together. He must have had a slow moment or something because he comes and pulls up and chair and sits by me. We start talking about life in the south and how things are so much different for us up here. He's only been here 2 years or so, coming from Atlanta. Yeah, quite the change. So then he's telling me about his life, his wife, his baby and soon to be one on the way. I never thought anything of it. Still don't. Just a friendly banter between 2 co-workers who just have something to talk about to kill some time. Although I pretty much got his whole life story in 20 mins. NO BIG DEAL. He's just southern friendly. We like that!!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Well my boss comes in to let him know there is a client for him and she's being silly and just picking on him, asking him what is this break time? He just laughs. She just looks at me and shakes her head. Right. Like I had his arm twisted and made him sit back there with me. *insert big old eye roll here* I was working on my files while he was chatting. So no barking at me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get to work Wednesday. It's late in the day and sort of slow. So me, one girl and the boss are already in a case of the giggles. Another girl shows up that works with us. We are all chit chatting and all the sudden there is this SUV just parked in front of the door. By now it's dark and we can't really see. So boss lady is like go open the door so they know we are open. So girl goes to the door and goes…its XX. And starts laughing. Boss lady is like what is he doing here? He's not working. And she laughing, looks at me and says go tell him no loitering. So my dumb ass goes to do so. Mind you it's freezing out and I just go running outside. WHOA! Not good idea. Insta freeze. And insta laugh. I see XX is pimping out the fur coat. I was like OH HELL NO! Are you furry??? Is it real?? And so I go check it out. He's all telling me he dropped some scripts off at Wal-Mart pharmacy which we share a parking lot with and he's got to get his wife from bible study in a bit. And he's all just chat chat chat. I am like dude, seriously its too freaking cold out here. I have to go back in, come in and talk to us. So I go back in. And boss lady is like you need to leave that one alone! He's married! DUH!! Really is that what that gold ring around his finger means? Ohhhhhhh I thought it was just to be pretty. Seriously. I know better then that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok SERIOUSLY!! Where in the hell is that coming from? Just because me and XX have had like 2 conversations since we started working together and we laugh makes YOU think there is some underlying meaning to it all?? I am trying to tell her their isn't nothing going on. I am NOT interested. He's MARRIED. And well, I just won't go there. I know what that shit feels like.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, if someone is going to think I MIGHT even be going there, what's that say about me?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmmmmmmmm</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have given no ideas to anyone – so they can just sit there and gossip all they like.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GOSSPIERS! I HATE THEM!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So he comes in to sit and hang. Girl comes over and she's like I am going to get up in ya'll biz and you aint even talking about anything cause he on the phone! I am just cracking up because these people by this point are really thinking there is something about to brew.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So he gets off the phone and he's like what time you get off? Umm 8. Girl it's after 8 lets bounce. Oh whatever. You got a wife at bible study to pick up. And he just starts laughing. He leaves and all the girls are talking about how cute he is with all his dimples and stuff. I am just sitting there shaking my head at them all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think he's funny. He thinks he's funny. That's brilliant.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, so Thursday (yesterday) he comes in to work. Comes right over and starts chit chatting. I am laughing. He takes a client. Then he has an appt. So I keep walking past because I have to check to see how far along he is to let his appt know. Every time I walk past he winks at me. Dude. Really is your winker broke or what? Because when you married that winking shit is only meant for the wife. Stop that! And me being the dork I am, all I wanted to do was flip him off for shits and giggles and I can't do that in the office so I just smile at him and shake my head. I laugh it off.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gossipers eyeballs and ears hard at work right now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So then it's about time for me to leave. I go get my keys to start the car so it's warm when I leave. He follows me to the back and is like Hey I get off at 7 too but I am almost done. You can't leave until I do. WHATEVER DUDE. I am so out of here. So I go sit with a couple of the girls to talk about today's snowfall and they I put on my coat to leave. He's just standing there glaring at me trying to deal with his clients. I waved my hand up in the air and said, I am outta here. And headed out. I pull the truck around and see he's standing at the door. HA! Seriously, did he think I was going to wait for him???</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH<br />MY<br />GAWD!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am cracking up laughing as I sit here typing this. Because part of me really isn't thinking too much about it. But the other part of me is just thinking, eh he's bored; he's got issues maybe he just wants someone to talk to. Maybe he just needs a friend. And really, what the hell is wrong with people who have friends that are the opposite sex? Married or not. That shit drives me absolutely bonkers. Who the fuck knows and who the fuck cares because I am not about to get tangled up in the web.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So to those of you who even thought I was going to go there! BAH! Shame on you for thinking that!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I AM NOT that girl!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I sure think its funny the people at work apparently have something to talk about.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I think the whole ordeal is just funny.</span></div></div><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_618218">People ALWAYS have to have something to talk about!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Friday, February 01, 2008 - 4:43 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50834991133921386382008-01-30T15:23:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:29:44.895-04:00~Pain~Wednesday, January 30, 2008<br />Todays blog was going to be a topic that I have been working on for quite a while. I work on it - then push it aside. I was going to have it up today - but I got sidetracked. Nothing new there. Have to get ready and head to work now.....So until then I am going to leave you with the lyrical feelings.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />~Pain~<br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n8oSDESi48w?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n8oSDESi48w?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br /><br />You're sick of feeling numb<br />You're not the only one<br />I'll take you by the hand<br />And I'll show you a world that you can understand<br />This life is filled with hurt<br />When happiness doesn't work<br />Trust me and take my hand<br />When the lights go out you will understand<br /><br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br /><br />Anger and agony<br />Are better than misery<br />Trust me I've got a plan<br />When the lights go off you will understand<br /><br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing<br />Rather feel pain<br /><br />I know (I know I know I know I know)<br />That you're wounded<br />You know (You know you know you know you know)<br />That I'm here to save you<br />You know (You know you know you know you know)<br />I'm always here for you<br />I know (I know I know I know I know)<br />That you'll thank me later<br /><br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Rather feel pain<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br />fairreegrl <br /><br /><br /><br />One of my absolute favs.. ~hugs~ and our blessings Chrys<br /><br />Posted by fairreegrl on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 3:53 PMChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36472275791373243582008-01-27T10:22:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:29:24.835-04:00Don’t Assume ( a rant about my blogs and surveys)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, January 27, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lets get something straight.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">One should NEVER EVER EVER assume they know who or what exactly my blogs are about. Nor should you assume that about my survey answers as well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Chances are - if you assume - you will be wrong.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">There are only a handful of people that are so close to me that they know my life day to day.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">This is my own little corner of blog land. My own little online journal. I write about whatever I want at any given moment.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b>I am a writer. </b>Its my hobby, my passion in life. My words are my saving grace during stressful times. My words are my life line when I am lost and confused. My words are just a part of ME. I am always writing things down. Tablets of paper follow me where ever I roam. I write on menus/napkins when I am out to eat if something runs through my brain. I write in the margins of magazines if something sparks an idea. I write whenever and anyplace I can so long as a pen is in hand.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Sometimes it takes a while for the idea to be completed. Especially the poetry.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I try to remember to put a date on my writings so that the reader knows a time frame. But l am not perfect and have not always kept up with this.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Sure, my blogs are automatically dated as the day of posting, but that does not mean I wrote it that particular day.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">And when things take a darker turn - as most of my poetry does - please don't dwell on that. Its just how my words work. I have darkness inside that comes out in my writing. Doesnt mean I am hurting myself our out to do harm. Just means that how I choose to express myself in my words.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Those that know me in real life know not to worry. I write, I let it out, I feel better and then I move on. Back to smiles and being sunshine.</span><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_610939">And we like the smiles ans sunshine! We all have those "dark" days...some choose to get it out by writing it down (you) and others let it out in different ways...cleaning (NOT me, LOL), screaming, driving fast, lashing out at innocent (or not so innocent) people, etc. I used to write it and then burn the paper symbolizing releasing it from my life. I have always been a cryer, too...I cry, washing it from my mind and life. It's the release that is good no matter how you release it unless you are putting yourself and others in danger (as in my last 2 examples!). {{{{HUGS}}}} Keep writing...you have plenty of talent!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 10:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=352006591#" id="addReplyLnk_610939" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=352006591&commentID=610939" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_610939"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_610957">LMAO!!! Dark poetry? I don't know what you are talking about.. lol. You mean we all have differing emotions at different times? No WAY!! lol... sorry but I completely feel ya on that one.. and I was catching up on the past blogs that I somehow missed.. I can't believe you got so much crap on your top list.. Personally I do the same thing and just cause Lonna isn't number one doesn't mean that she is any less in my heart.. I agree.. people can be stupid.. Sending lots of love Chrys and tons of hugs!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 11:17 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27019785752988048372008-01-26T22:09:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:28:46.597-04:00Useless Ramblings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, January 26, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_351870231" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px;">Useless Ramblings</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just some useless muck. Got too much rambling through my brain today. I need to let some of it out before the madness takes over.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feet stuck unable to move. Once again I see myself standing at the cross road. What direction do I go in? Do I listen to my heart? Do I listen to my brain? Follow the words of others or go my own way? I no longer know where I am going. But I know I don't want to relive where I have been.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I opened my heart, opened my world and let a person in. Now I feel like I am the one paying the pied piper for that sin. All I wanted was for that person to act like I mattered to them. Just wanted them to care. Only asked that they talk to me and to just be there. Why was it so hard for that person to let down their wall and let someone else in? These are answers I will always seek but never know. Now all I feel like doing is letting go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Look and me. Look at you. My inner and outer beauty overrides. What was it I saw there? Everyone says "not that great, you can do better, what's gotten in to you?" It's the glimmer in your smile, the sparkle in your eye, the winks that flash. The humor that spills the laughter that roars. But all that is gone now. I'm shutting the doors. All you do is hurt me and cause me pain. Crazy. Insane.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">""You know I love you, I really do. But I can't fight anymore for you. I don't know…maybe we will be together again…sometime…In another life…."" ~The Veronicas</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_610936">{{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 10:40 A</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49432395003730096882008-01-25T09:17:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:28:10.153-04:00Quickie - The Best<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Friday, January 25, 2008 </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">J<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;">ust a quickie to say hello.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All is well and fine here. The drama has passed. Thank goodness. Letting go of some things and making some changes.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Funny how my long time friend (steve) back in OK was pouting and being a baby for like a month about the whole OK trip. I kid you not when I say he texted me last night - LIKE NOTHING WAS UP! Fuck that shit. Buh bye. Seriously saying good bye to someone after that many years is not easy. But - its too toxic to stick around deal with it anymore.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">As for the rest of the drama - gone. Done with it and just sweeping it under the rug.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I deserve the best, expect the best, want the best. If you can't treat me as the best -as friends or more then friends - then you dont deserve to have me in your life. End of story.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I dont have time for the games, bullshit and drama. Check it at the door or dont come through my door.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Getting back to being ME!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Too many prospects in life to wait around for people to stop playing games. This game is OVER.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Its peak tax season. That mean...BUSTING ASS! Yesterday I worked almost 11hrs. CRAZY! I had forgotten how much of a mess tax season gets. Looks like today is going to be just about the same.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Class is on break for about 2 weeks. Which is good since peak is taking so much of my time.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I hope all of you are doing well. Will catch up this weekend.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">~Chrys~</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_608549">Keep rockin' it Sister!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 1:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=351324844#" id="addReplyLnk_608549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=351324844&commentID=608549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_608549"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_608579">SO glad to see a positive blog from my sweet sis! I hope busting your ass translates into cash flow for you!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 1:56 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=351324844#" id="addReplyLnk_608579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=351324844&commentID=608579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_608579"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_609808">Whooooooooooooo freakin' hooooooooooo!!! YaY...the Drama is gone!! Amen sista...check that shit at the door.<br /><br />I too am glad to see a positive blog once again! Get back to being YOU & you will find it is a much happier place.<br /><br />~HUGS~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Saturday, January 26, 2008 - 12:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=351324844#" id="addReplyLnk_609808" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=351324844&commentID=609808" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_609808"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_610255">I want more than a quickie from you babydoll... winks...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Saturday, January 26, 2008 - 7:41 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16752522570359534962008-01-23T17:43:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:27:11.376-04:00Blowing Up Bridges (i.e.Squashing the Drama)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 23, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/?action=view&current=hauntedbridge.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/hauntedbridge.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Burning Bridges</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am sitting here thinking about all of the things and people I have had to let go of in the past couple of years. And then I zero in on the last 6 months. I have had to let go and walk away from a lot. Some of I wanted to some of it I didn't really want to but had to. Then I realize how many people I have let in my life as of late. I guess this to be expected when you are suddenly single and thrust into a whole new world 1000 miles away from your old one. But many of those people I had had to walk away from and just let go. This has never really been a problem for me. I don't let people get too close for this particular reason. I deserve to only have the best in life. And that includes all aspects. If you shit on me or bring me drama I will walk away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I have had more then my fair share of people shit on me in the last few days. (one person claiming to be my friend only cause they wanted a fuck buddy – that was Saturdays drama, then Sunday I thought ok, will be nice (fuck I am too nice) and let this other friend prove to me he just wants to be a friend only (cause that's all I want – even after the last drama he caused me) only to feel like a used piece of meat to make his girlfriend jealous. Not a good feeling at all.) My so called very best friend, that I have known since like 7th grade is being a HUGE baby because I did not come to OK for New Years. *rolls eyes* and so now hes just being an ass.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">"If you can't handle me at my worst you don't deserve me at my best." ~unknown</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I ran across that quote many years ago. And it follows me around often. We all have bad days and I am no exception to that rule. So I am always understanding to others when they have a bad time in their life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't ask for much. Just for you to be open and honest. And not bring me or cause me drama.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But you know what they say – Actions speak louder then words…and thats why my action is to walk away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_604267">Understanding and patience are the keys that you got to have in order to be in a healthy friendship so if that isn't the case then the friendship would be in shambles... I really like it when ya put that actions speak louder than words so that's what I have been doing lately to see how my friends treated me so I had to let some of my ex friends go cos they really don't respect me and love me enough to have me as their friend so they simply don't deserve me as their friend so hun I hear ya loud and clear so hang in there kido! ;) ♥ ♣<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZyZWVjb2Rlc291cmNlLmNvbQ==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img ..="" alt="Myspace Layouts" border="0" src="http://img.freecodesource.com/gallery/images/banners/prod_647_35751.jpg" layouts="" myspace="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZyZWVjb2Rlc291cmNlLmNvbQ==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Saint Pattys Day Graphics</a><br /><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 12:12 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=350403000#" id="addReplyLnk_604267" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=350403000&commentID=604267" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_604267"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_611345"><a href="http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e27/ace603wendy/?action=view&current=strongwoman.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Strong woman" border="0" src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e27/ace603wendy/strongwoman.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 4:52 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4159744645444061062008-01-21T16:02:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:26:20.311-04:00Taking A Step Back - Again<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, January 21, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Tired of being on the outside – looking in</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feeling like life is sin after sin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Taking a giant step back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Evaluating my life – people, places and things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Tired of people trying to run my life</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What's best for me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What I should do</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Where I should go</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not to mention, the company I keep.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sick sick sick of it. So, I am taking a step back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I need to breath…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am tired of my good nature being taking advantage of. I am tired of being stepped on. Tired of being hurt. Tired of the one being left behind. Tired of feeling the pain. I am a good person with a good heart that would never hurt someone on purpose. So why do people have to be that way towards me? I will never understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>I am searching for that inner peace again. After this past weekends events I find myself sitting here evaluating every last detail of my life. Wondering what needs to change to better me. Latley, I feel like I am constantly doing something wrong. That maybe all the shit that keeps falling down around me is my own fault. But the reality is IT'S NOT!!! The only thing that is my fault is I keep letting the wrong people in my life. But how do you really know before its too late? I used to be such a good judge of character. I have let myself get cloudy.<br /><br />I have had to say good-bye too many times in the last 2 years. I really do not want to do it anymore.<br /><br />I blame my heart. My heart is just too big. I see the good in everyone no matter how little they have. I have been told I am too nice. Too honest. Too understanding.<br /><br />I always thought being nice, understanding and honest were good qualities to have. I might need to rethink that.<br /><br />I found myself hiding from the world today. And I don't like doing that. I just feel so beat down and don't want to deal. These are the days when I put on my hard shell. And I hate that. I hate having to be that girl. But its the only way I know to protect me and my inside feelings.<br /><br />Am I always going to be on the outside looking in?<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_593110">Taking back control...is a good thing! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 5:33 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=347136484#" id="addReplyLnk_593110" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=347136484&commentID=593110" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_593110"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ar3©</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68162802" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/141/s_4703a96bb33847aa84434b82487c30f5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Albert Ruiz</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_593741">I totally feel every bit of it.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ar3©</a> on Monday, January 14, 2008 - 5:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=347136484#" id="addReplyLnk_593741" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=347136484&commentID=593741" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73709675386716501172008-01-21T02:15:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:25:54.302-04:00Sick of Men and the Bullshit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, January 21, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Seriously, if I have deal with one more stupid fucked up childish game playing </span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13px;">weasel</span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"> that doesnt know what the fuck he wants or just wants to sit around playing the pawn I am going to invent some poison gas that I will leak into the air and kill off the </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 13px;">entire</span></span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"> fucking male population. Ok maybe not the ENTIRE population, just the fucking stupid ass bottom feeders that call themselves men. I have had enough.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">((NOTE: Please understand that I am not talking about ALL men. I realize their are some decent ones out there in the world. ))</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br />*Oh, I will call you back. Fuck that no YOU WONT. You never do. So why even say it.<br /><br />*Oh, I care about you. FUCKING LIAR. No you dont. Stop feeding me your bullshit, because if you cared then it would seem like I mattered.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">BTW - I CAN and I DO smell your bullshit a mile away. Don't try to act like I was born yesterday.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br />*Oh, I want a future with you someday. FUCK THAT BULLSHIT because if you did, you would be doing something about it NOW!!!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">* Don't use me or abuse me because you will lose me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">*Don't be my friend just because you think it will get you some where. I only want REAL and HONEST people in my life.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">*And certainly don't bring me in to your world to make your ex </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 13px;">jealous</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">.</span></span><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">* Don't make plans you have NO intention of keeping.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">* And good lordy, while I am at it, how hard is it to pick up the phone, pop off and email or an IM these days?<br /><br />I AM DONE! DONE DONE DONE<br /><br />It is absolutly ridiculous how fucking stupid and immature guys are being these days.<br /><br />GROW THE FUCK UP YOU STUPID ASS M*THER F*CKERS</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I am sick to death of dealing with you game playing, committement phobic, liars, cheaters, stuck on your exes, blaming me for shit I didnt even do cause who ever fucked up your past and ruined your bullshit future...She is not me and I dont deserve that shit.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">DONE!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Now someone please pass me another tequilla shot....</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">thank you</span></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600747">Hands the Irish one a shot of tequilla...and a Guiness. Oh yeah and a {{{{HUG}}}}! Some boys are dumb. And they smell bad. The good thing is they are capable of learning. And showering. Some are not, so it's a good thing there is tequilla. And Guiness. Hope things get better for ya!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=600747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_600747"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601015">I know they are not all bad. But I have had to deal with THREE stupid asswipes pulling some retarded dramatic bullshit this weekend and its just made me go NO MORE DRAMA!!!!!<br />Thanks for the Guinness, that was much more needed then another shot of tequilla!<br />BTW- for anyone whose counting, I only had TWO shots of the stuff and TWO bud lights (oh hush its all the podunk bar has on tap, well that and Amber Bock or however you spell that)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601015" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601015" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_601015"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600804"><a href="http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Profile%20Images/?action=view&current=tequila.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Profile%20Images/tequila.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/Duane32/?action=view&current=bottomfeeder.png" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Bottom Feeder" border="0" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/Duane32/bottomfeeder.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l272/the_strange_one4848/?action=view&current=scum_eliminator.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="scum elimination" border="0" src="http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l272/the_strange_one4848/scum_eliminator.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 11:10 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600804" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=600804" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600804"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601020">OMG! I love these pics!! They SO need to go in my comments!<br />Thanks girl for being the laughter in my bitch fest this weekend!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601020"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600839">Hmm, explains why my new honey is a woman! Sooo been there and not going to do that again, sis!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 11:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600839" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=600839" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600839"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601022">I think I am just a drama magnet. The last 2 girls I met brought some crazy stuff. *rolls eyes* Isnt anyone out there normal??? LOL...yeah yeah I know - what IS normal?? hahah</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:38 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601022" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601022" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601022"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">KRISTI C</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600848">I really wish you would tell us how you really feel & not keep it all bottled up inside ;D I'm sure it will get better(hopefully) some men just can never,ever,ever grow up no matter what.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 11:45 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600848" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=600848" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600848"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601027">HAHAHHA girl... You know I have always been like this!! You should know, we had how many classes together in high school!! LOL Yeah I know they are not ALL bad... but I just seem to be a drama magnet latley. UGH!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:39 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601027"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600858">I agree with you, they are clueless, they love play with ours hearts and feels. If seems like<br />men don't have the passion for women and they want us to fight for them,but, instead of fighting for us. These men are now days are very sorry and lazy. Believe me, I feels your pain.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a> on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 11:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600858" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=600858" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600858"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601028">ahhh Tabby...I wish we DIDNT have to feel each others pain. *hugs* Keep smiling girl.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601028" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601028" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601028"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600913">Ahh jeezuz...feeling fucking inferior here about now...but yet I have to agree in a way that...men pretty much suck.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 12:53 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600913" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=600913" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600913"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601032">awwwwww babydoll...plz don't think this was directed towards you in ANY way...<br />However, your bf would fall in to the bottom feeder category. Sorry love, you know I hate him.<br />You just keep smiling for me Bri.... xoxoxo</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601032"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">banesil</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=100488823" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/s_2c63de3dc2ad1b64b2d0cd8a9b2be2ae.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Scott Bohn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600949">*passes you a tequila shot*</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">banesil</a> on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 1:52 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600949" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=600949" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600949"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601034">*grabs the glass and kicks it back*<br />Thanks!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601034" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601034" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601034"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601039">*hugs*<br />Jen you are the coolest! We'll have to toast that sometime together LOL!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:46 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601039" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601039" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601039"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=16621116" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">«•†~ SnakeGuru ~†•»</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=16621116" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/14/s_1bc6b9ed09bbd524c5c4887aafc9d0aa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601001">Love you too babygurl... MUAHHHHHHHHHHH,,, ( been there done that... but with women...so I know how u feel.. TRUST me... and u KNOW it... )</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=16621116" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">«•†~ SnakeGuru ~†•»</a> on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 3:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601001" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601001" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=16621116" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601001"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601044">awww Aeryk - we tight - we cool.... we go waaaaaaaay back LOL<br />Yes, I know you know. And you know I know. Phew, say that 10 times fast! LOL.<br />Anyways, you know (oh here we go) this wasn't directed to you. You know I love ya!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601044" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=601044" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601044"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_602125">Girl in my opinion most "men" should have been born hermaphrodites. That way they can stay at home and play with themselves all day and leave the female population alone!! In other words...they can go fuck themselves!!! LOLOL!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 11:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_602125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=602125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_602125"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_602409">OMG! Girl you is crazy!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 9:14 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_602409" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349503769&commentID=602409" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79633228639787622162008-01-19T20:09:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:23:40.186-04:00I HATE Stupid People ( A Rant)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, January 19, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I Hate Stupid People!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Are you tired of the mushy gushy blogs? Yeah, me too. For now anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So let's get back to some regularly scheduled programming.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Time to rant. A full fledged straight up IrishChik bitch fest. Or as someone likes to call it *getting all <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>up in here* (you are such a goofball)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I hate stupid people. Yes, I said it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I just do not understand the why's of some people these days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Just because you are book smart, doesn't mean you are smart. Know the difference. Stop acting like otherwise, we can all see right through you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Acting stupid just because you are trying to be cute. Sorry, but its not working. I ain't feeling it. And neither are those around you. Trust me on that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There is a difference between stupid, idiot and dumb. It is up to you to figure that out. It's NOT my job to teach you. You are grown. Do it yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If it came out of my mouth then I am pretty sure I know it did, don't ask me – "are you sure?" Duh – you are stupid.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you hear what I say, why do you ask me – What did you say? Then repeat my shit back? This is not a game of pete and repeat. That's just you being stupid. Stop it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And let's talk about them stupid ass people who feel the need to stir the pot so to speak and cause drama just because they have no life and nothing better to do. Hello loser! Get a fucking life and leave me and my friends alone!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I was hanging with my girl Jeran last night since Jules felt watching the Horse Whisper was much more important then listening to the rants of her girls (OMFG!) and so Jeran and I are discussing the fruitloops that seem to be out in full force.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">PUUUHLLEEEEZE people. Are you fucking kidding me??? There's this guy. He likes Jeran. But there is a girl that likes him. Ummm hello, we are in the real world, shit happens. Apparently this girl isn't very happy that my girl got the attention of this particular man. Well excuse me, but when the fuck did you all the sudden sign ownership papers or something?? Last time I checked, people were not real estate assets to be bought and sold. Or owned. So, this girl obviously has no fucking life so she goes and blogs about how she has realized who her "real friends" are and blah blah blah. Ok, whatever. Get over it. He doesn't like you. Get a grip.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I have said it once before and I will say it again: I HATE DRAMATIC TRIFFILING ASS BITCHES who come out to start shit on purpose.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">YOU ARE STUPID!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And while we are on the subject of stupid, let me now switch my rant to something else. My friends list. The whole idea of you coming to me and whining that you can not see my friends list or any other matter regarding my list is just plain stupid. But since everyone seems to have a fucking issue with it, let me clarify some shit for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Once upon a time I very proudly displayed my friends list. Now, that's not to say I am no longer proud of my list because I am. But I got tired of all the drama it caused.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Once upon a time <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank">Terry was my 1</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonnas-obit.html" target="_blank">Elonna my 2</a>. Well, things change. Right? Life. Terry wasnt my first 1 on myspace. Shit happens. Things change. Terry is no longer with us and in time someone else rightfully deserved to move to the 1 spot. Despite all we have been thru this person has not been moved from my 1 in about 5 months. Before I hid the list, I had a lot of people bash me for "demoting" Terry. And I never really spoke out about it. So this is now me speaking out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If anyone and I do mean ANYONE thinks they know Terry better then I DO, then feel froggy to jump forward and let me know. Because T and I had a long talk about his life, his fate and what was to come and we also had a long talk about the person who is now my 1. So you know what, don't you worry about a thing. All T ever wanted was for me to be happy, and if 1 makes me happy, THEN FUCK ALL OF YOU!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And I say the same thing to everyone who has gave me their 2 cents about the person who is my 1 now. Those of you who are my real friends, you know this likely does not apply to you because you just "get it" If you don't "get it" well then, there is nothing I can do to change your mind about him so you are just going to have to love me as I am and accept it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So then why did I move Elonna? It wasn't because I thought to myself, OK she has passed on, no longer in my world , at least not in this realm, lets move her down and move the living closer to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">NO!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I grouped my friends and family together in a way that made sense to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">UGH.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I deserve NOT ONE single bit of shit I got for moving Elonna. That girl was my BEST friend and SHE KNEW how much I loved her. So why is everyone so worried about my friends list?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Let me say this – ALL THIS FRIENDS LIST SHIT IS STUPID!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Why are you all up on my page snooping in my friends list all worried about shit anyway?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So, I got so sick of all the shit, I just hid it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I want to unhide it. I am proud of my friends and family. I don't want to hide them. I just don't want to hear no crap from anyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I have almost 300 friends and only 40 spaces. These spaces tend to go to the people I am closest too, have known the longest and are close to my heart. I can't help that more of you have me in your top friends list then I have space for. I can not put you all up there for the world to see. I appreciate the fact that you think I am worthy enough to be in your list. But please understand my reason for my list. Whether I keep it hidden or choose to show it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Don't make me CALL YOU STUPID LOLOL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And for the couple of you who think I have something to hide – I give you the palm of my hand and say OH PLEASE..YOU JUST ARE STUPID! Cause anyone that knows me – know I have NOTHING to hide. I am who I am. What you see is what you get. You want more, read the blogs. Still not satisfied? Just ask me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">DON'T BE STUPID.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Ok, rant over.... *blows everyone a kiss* (and one extra special one to you)</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599633">HAHAHA....PMS is such a bitch....well and so are stupid people!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />I think Jules was watching Ghost Whisper...LOL.<br /><br />Oh and thanks for that extra special kiss......HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...J/K<br /><br />I luv ya for who you are girl...and glad to have each other's backs!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/DAEMYENISAIAH_06/?action=view&current=JEALOUSY.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="JEALOUSY" border="0" src="http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/DAEMYENISAIAH_06/JEALOUSY.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599633" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599633" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599633"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599651">PMS is a fucking CUNT! Yes I said it C-U-N-T...at least this month...thats what I get for skipping them for the last 4 months....*please pass the midol*<br /><br />But seriously, stupid ass bitches need to be shot , right along with the rest of the tards.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a> on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:23 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599651" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599651" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599651"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599634">Get it strait, it was GHOST WHISPERER!! LOLOL</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599634" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599634" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599634"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599648">LOLOLOL..I got all this shit to bitch about mami and all you got to say is that??? hahahahaha goofy girl...luvs you</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599648" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599648" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599648"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600014">AMEN kevin! And good on you for being neutral!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600014" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=600014" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600014"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599661">Haha, no girl I just have soo much to say in reply to stupid people it would fill up this comment space, cuz most people just need to keep their mouths shut!! And that is being very diplomatic and nice about it!!! Arrrrrgh!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599661" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599661" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599661"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599667">No FUCKING joke<br />Jeeezus we gonna have to wash my mouth out with soap before this night is over.<br />I AM SICK TO DEATH of the bottom feeding scum bags...that call themselves me. FUCKING WAIST OF DNA.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599667" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599667" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599667"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="20" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600451">That should be *MEN not me....bayjeezus what a dork....LOL!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a> on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 5:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600451" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=600451" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600451"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599666">Seriously, if I have deal with one more stupid fucked up childish game playing weasle that doenst know what the fuck he wants or just wants to sit around playing the pawn I am going to invent some gas that I will leak into the air and kill off the eintire fucking male population.<br /><br />It is absolutly ridiculous how fucking stupid and immature guys are being these days.<br /><br />GROW THE FUCK UP YOU STUPID ASS M*THER F*CKERS<br /><br />Now then, if you are sitting here questioning whether or not I am talking about you.... rethink that.<br /><br />Ok that rant done and over with.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599666" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599666" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599666"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599671">Ok first please don't kill off the ENTIRE male population...I have grown very attached to the ones in my life and I would like to keep them. Just kill off the stupid ones maybe...LOL!<br />No games, no drama...just some {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:50 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599671" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599671" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599671"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600012">No worries mamma, would just be the stupid ones! LOLOL</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:44 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600012" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=600012" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600012"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599721">Lol, you go sis. I can't tell you how much shit I have gotten over the choices on my top 40, and at this point I really don't give a shit! Same with how I choose to decorate my page, and what bulletins I choose to post. The fact that I am now with a woman in romantic relationship bothers some people who think we should not be so "obvious" or "tasteless" in how we choose to express our love for each other. Fuck 'em all!<br />Hmm, I had a hysterectomy 16 years ago, so no periods...but maybe the PMS thing is going around! ;)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 10:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599721" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599721" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599721"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599733">Eccckkk SIS! Seriously...if people cant handle you and Rye, then maybe they should rethink being on your myspace..that is why its called MY SPACE our little place in the world to do what we want!! More power to you two!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 11:07 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599733" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599733" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599733"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599745">I got to agree with Cathy, dont kill the whole race. There are a few out there Id like to keep around. But if you want to take out my ex, go for it. Hes a waste of space as far as im concerned lol. Oh and you might want to double check some of the ages of the ppl on your friends list. If they bitchin bout whose number 1. Sounds too much like teenage drama lol!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 11:15 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599745"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600017">Jess- No worries, just the stupid ones...and your ex would fall right in to that category!! I've been cleaning out my list, so hopefully the bitchers are just about made all their exits.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:47 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600017" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=600017" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600017"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600019">I think you are safe Eric LOL!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600019" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=600019" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600019"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Beeg</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=133902747" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/74/s_1c09789890e0e272f027948687a2b9ac.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599998">I hear ya sista! There's nothing more I can add to make this a perfect blog. Myself - I just have no time for stupid. Two Kudos for Chrys!! ~Beeg</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Beeg</a> on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:10 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599998" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=599998" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599998"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600021">Girl whats the world coming to? Ugh...I am telling you....Stupid people of the world just need to form their on congrigation and leave us simple folk alone! *hugs* to you B.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600021" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=600021" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600021"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">ar3©</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68162802" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/141/s_4703a96bb33847aa84434b82487c30f5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Albert Ruiz</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600408">ur awesome! for what it is worth I like the idea of no friends list. in fact i was debating over asking you how you do it. ;)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">ar3©</a> on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 4:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600408" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=349134772&commentID=600408" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600408"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600450">Oh Albert... thanks sweetie! I wish we got to hang out more in Stillwater before I left, you totally ROCK!! I'll be back to visit, so you will have to come up from OKC and hang out with me and the gang...Hopefully Tod will come too. I'll pop you a message on how to hide your list. :) *hugs*</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a> on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 5:35 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45266610707484624652008-01-15T15:11:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:21:33.352-04:00Whats Up With Chrys - New Year Edition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, January 15, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Sorry I have not been around to say hello to everyone my PC had a huge crash the other night and nothing I did could save it. So, it will have to go off to the repair shop, either that - or it is an excuse for me to buy the laptop I wanted LOL. So for now, I have my aunts PC hooked up in my little corner of the world.<br /><br /><br />The job I was working cut hours, slow time of the year I guess. Not good news for me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Still trying to get the Real Estate Appraisal work going, just waiting on slow poke people in city hall to get my license to me.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />I just got hired back at HR Block. Most of you know I worked there in the past in OK. So I am pretty excited to be back. I wont be doing taxes since I missed out on the tax classes they give in the fall, but I am in the running to take them this year, for next season. I am still pretty excited about it anyway, to just be doing what I am doing, which is basically administrative.<br /><br /><br />School is going well...and as a matter of fact, now that I have access to the net again, I better get moving ...homework to get turned in today.<br /><br /><br />Busy busy.....<br />See you all soon<br />X's and O's<br />Chrys<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_598709">Welcome back to myspace world....haha<br /><br />Busy is good at times to change the pace of your mind.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 9:10 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4505071909460292702008-01-13T18:29:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:21:12.645-04:00Taking A Step Back<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tired of being on the outside – looking in</div><div class="MsoNormal">Feeling like life is sin after sin.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Taking a giant step back.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Evaluating my life – people, places and things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tired of people trying to run my life</div><div class="MsoNormal">What’s best for me</div><div class="MsoNormal">What I should do</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where I should go</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not to mention, the company I keep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sick sick sick of it. So, I am taking a step back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to breathe…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52034489408250772952008-01-11T18:47:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:20:28.064-04:00The Boxer Blog - Letting Them Go<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, January 11, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Letting Them Go</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This might just be one of the hardest blogs I have ever had to write. I take that back, it's right up there in the top 5. But this one has nothing to do about death, thank goodness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">However, it has everything to do with my furbabies, Cain and Casey.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been pondering a lot about them lately. I do not like the situation I have put them in. And it's just breaking my heart. I don't want to adopt them out, but I feel like right now I am not giving them the best the deserve and that hurts worse then thinking about letting them go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My dogs are used to having their own yard and "house." They are used to being able to come and go as they please and being able to run free. They are good dogs and I have always given them the best that I could. When it came time to leave the ex , part of me wanted to leave the dogs with him only because that was the only house they had ever known and I knew he was not going to be moving from that house any time soon. I was snapped back in to reality when I was again reminded of one of our many differences. He's just not an animal person and it has always bothered me how he treated them. So, I brought them up here with me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I thought things were going to be easy up here, and I have sorely been proved wrong on that. When it was summer and heading in to fall it was no big deal. I would take the dogs out and we would just sit outside and chill for a few hours. When I had things to do, I would just tie them up outside. Which I hated – just because they can't really run around like they are used to. But at least they were outside and not all penned up on the front porch (which mind you is enclosed).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Once the temps started to drop the time outside became less, they were moved off the porch and in to the back part of the house. I see old habits with Casey that is starting to return. And I see Cain has lost some of his muscle mass.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let me mention here also – I HATE the way my mother treats them. I do not even like how she treats her own dog, the poor thing. But seriously, screaming and yelling at the top of your lungs to my dogs solve nothing. Trust me. Being stern with them is one thing, but yelling, sorry, doesn't work. And it bothers me. It bothers me a lot.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We have shared some not so nice words on this before. The outcome is never pretty. Last time she got so mad she threw a fit and took off in her van someplace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hmmm…see, wonder why I don't have or really want kids???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I mentioned to her that I had been thinking about adopting them out. She flipped out on me. Like this was her choice to make. She has told me more then once she does not want to take care of MY dogs. She told my aunt that I couldn't go down to<st1:state><st1:place>Florida</st1:place></st1:state>with her because she wasn't gonna take care of them. This is stupid, because she does. She has to take care of her dog, so she takes care of mine while she's doing so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway..I could go on about that forever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She said to me she is planning on fencing the yard when summer gets here and that the situation they are in now is only temporary.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's not the point. The point is they are MY dogs and me and MY dogs do not plan to live here forever. And you have made it clear that you do not want to take care of MY dogs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The point is, MY dogs deserve better then what I can give them right now. Sure I love them. Sure I take care of them. But I just feel like they deserve so much better.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I think about the situation I am in and my future, sure I want my dogs. But, I do not think where I am heading is going to be a plan that includes such large animals. Those of you with large animals know just what I am talking about. Your housing options are greatly limited. And the ones that allow such beasts (LOL) cost twice as much as the others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not only do I have to think about what's best for them and their future, I have to think about my own as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe this is where I am suppose to throw in that quote about when you love something sometimes you have to set it free.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So this is something that's been weighing heavy on my mind for some time. It's quite depressing really. But it is a choice I am going to have to make in life at some point.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MySpace Comments:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_590896">Ohhh girl....this blog is totally heartbreaking. I could never give up my dog!<br /><br />I know one of yours is a rescue and she has responed to you well. If you have to give them up...they will greatly miss you being the Mama they have ever known.<br /><br />Whatever your decision is ... I know it won't be easy.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 7:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=346572208#" id="addReplyLnk_590896" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=346572208&commentID=590896" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_590896"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=8909823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~Bossy~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=8909823" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/109/s_a321ba8665c44015ae105c15cebc9e34.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_591027">The fact that you are keeping a rational mind about the situation is good. As much as you love your dogs, you know what is best for them more than anyone else does. It's definitely a decision that weighs heavy in the heart, but it will all work out as it should :)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=8909823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~Bossy~</a>on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 9:02 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=346572208#" id="addReplyLnk_591027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=346572208&commentID=591027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=8909823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_591027"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14834776" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">His Crazi Ladi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14834776" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/114/s_c7b5675ce2334d2cbe6011b375407326.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Marrissa Hernandez</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_591551">i now how u feel... we have a big yard but we don't have money to put up a fence and we have 6 dogs... they are small dogs, but there isn't enough space for them and they love to run...... picture this.. the space for them is like 6 ants on a cracker... not much space to move...... but we are saving money to get that yard fenced... but until then we have to let the dogs out 2 at a time....</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14834776" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">His Crazi Ladi</a> on Saturday, January 12, 2008 - 5:37 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45283924439048926522008-01-10T16:25:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:19:29.148-04:00Pass The Ice Pick, Please<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, January 10, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m298/BRWeaponPics/Hand%20to%20Hand/icepick.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Pass Me the Ice Pick, Please.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, it has come to my attention that apparently I have a block of ice around my heart.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who me??</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What?</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Are you serious? Sweet, kind hearted, giving, caring, me???</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />WHATTTTT?</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wait.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let me ponder upon this for a spell.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*this is me pondering..tapping fingers on the desk…thinking…….tick tock…tick tock….LOL*</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, maybe this is really possible.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I really thought I had cleared a path for t<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">his person and began the process of letting him in</a>. But what I didn't see was- despite doing that, I still had this façade that I had to be this "tough as nails" girl that nothing you did or said was going to get to me. I kept a lot of thoughts and feelings bottled up. And at some point, I closed the door to the opening gate on that path. For good reason. But then I filled those feelings with a lot of witty, sarcastic and often crass comments.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But in all fairness, he's done so too.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am sure by now you are all wondering who this great mystery man is. Who is it that has my brain going around in fifty directions and questioning Cupids arrow. Well, it's really no mystery if you have been paying attention.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So as I hand him the ice pick so that he can begin to chisel away the ice for his tea *LOL* I think I must say it's a two way street. And as I said last night – it is time for us BOTH to start removing some of the layers of bricks on our walls and let the other in. It's ok to be scared. But, there is comfort in the fact we are doing it together and we don't have to go at it alone.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This relationship has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. I don't want to bump heads anymore. No more games, no more miscommunications, no more breaking plans, none of that…no more of it. It is time for openness, communication, honesty, trust and respect.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">To quote him "I just want smooth sailing." Can't say that I blame him one bit.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">So to you honey I say - I want nothing more then to just set sail with you. To embark on this journey together, me and you – conquering all the obstacles life throws our way. Together.</span></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/moolude02/journey.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And to that I just say – "aye, aye, Captain…lets set sail, you lead the way."</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j9NkBxxHxAc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j9NkBxxHxAc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not far down to paradise</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">At least it's not for me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And if the wind is right you can sail away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And find tranquility</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The canvas can do miracles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just you wait and see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Believe me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not far to never never land</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">No reason to pretend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And if the wind is right you can find the joy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Of innocence again</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The canvas can do miracles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just you wait and see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Believe me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Sailing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Takes me away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">To where I've always heard it could be</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just a dream and the wind to carry me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And soon I will be free</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Fantasy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It gets the best of me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When I'm sailing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All caught up in the reverie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Every word is a symphony</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Won't you believe me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not far back to sanity</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">At least it's not for me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And when the wind is right you can sail away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And find serenity</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The canvas can do miracles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just you wait and see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Believe me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MySpace Comments:</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_590511">Lol, you scared me sis, I thought at first you were going to "whack" somebody! Hmm, I have been working with criminal drug addicts too long!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 1:02 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=346218616#" id="addReplyLnk_590511" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=346218616&commentID=590511" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_590511"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_590880">Roller Coaster indeed!! But hey...board the ship girl and say Ahoy Maties...LOL</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 7:26 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=346218616#" id="addReplyLnk_590880" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=346218616&commentID=590880" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72796665440369392212008-01-09T23:47:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:18:30.847-04:00When YOU Are Gone<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 09, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center">I do not know if <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">the person this blog is intended for</a> will read it or not. Sometimes he trolls my corner of the blog world - sometimes not. And thats OK. Price you pay sometimes. Maybe I will just have to point him in the right direction. *winks*</div><br /><div align="center">This person went on a little trip and I found myself thinking **I hope he goes and has a good time, he needs the break from work, needs to recharge his batteries** and I thought **well I will just talk to him when he gets back** No biggie. Not the first time we have spent time apart or out of state from each other.</div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">But this time it just FEELS different. (dont roll your eyes girls , I can see you!)</div><br /><div align="center">I did not expect to talk to this person while he was away. But I did.</div><br /><div align="center">And each moment - cherished.</div><br /><div align="center">But I am finding myself with this gut feeling. Not this "Oh I miss you see/talk to you in a few days" but rather this "I MISS YOU and can't wait to see you" feeling. I know - hard to explain. But thats just how it is.</div><br /><div align="center">I don't know whats going on. My thoughts , feelings, emotions - its almost as if Cupid has found his way back into my room (read previous blog if this makes no sense to you) and is dangling his damn arrow in front of my face again.</div><br /><div align="center">I am proceding with caution. That squishy heart feeling and all. (again reference to previous blog)</div><br /><div align="center">So to that person - I truly missed you. I hope you had fun. And can't wait to see you when you get back.<br /><br /><br />Too mushy for you? awwwww TO BAD! LOL...*kisses* ...seriously - put down the barf bag.....</div><br /><div align="center">~XOXO~</div><br /><div align="center">Chrys</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ttOgLhXlNHw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ttOgLhXlNHw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I always needed time on my own</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I never thought I'd need you there when I cry</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And the days feel like years when I'm alone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And the bed where you lie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">is made up on your side</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you walk away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I count the steps that you take</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Do you see how much I need you right now?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The pieces of my heart are missing you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The face I came to know is missing too</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All the words I need to hear to always get me through the day</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And make it OK</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I miss you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I've never felt this way before</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Everything that I do</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Reminds me of you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And the clothes you left</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">they lie on my floor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And they smell just like you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I love the things that you do</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you walk away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I count the steps that you take</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Do you see how much I need you right now?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The pieces of my heart are missing you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The face I came to know is missing too</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And when you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The words I need to hear to always get me through the day</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And make it OK</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I miss you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">We were made for each other</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Out here forever</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I know we were</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Yeah Yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All I ever wanted was for you to know</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Everything I do I give my heart and soul</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I can hardly breathe, I need to feel you here with me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The pieces of my heart are missing you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The face I came to know is missing too</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The words I need to hear will always get me through the day</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And make it OK</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I miss you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><img src="http://www.metrolyrics.com/images/l/2147442983.jpg" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="1" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_588954">Hmmm check his bow...seems like the arrow might have already hit it's mark...{{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya, girl...you know I do!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 8:08 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=345971175#" id="addReplyLnk_588954" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=345971175&commentID=588954" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_588954"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_589203">We'll see momma - we'll just have to wait and see!! love ya!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 12:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=345971175#" id="addReplyLnk_589203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=345971175&commentID=589203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67884644675741763382008-01-05T19:12:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:17:32.210-04:00Loves Question & When Do You Say<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, January 05, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Everyone keeps telling me I am going to find someone who is going to completely turn my world around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think that time has already come and gone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I wonder, is this one of those times when you really only get one chance in life?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did I let that one chance go? Did I let it pass me by? Or have I really even seen it?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How do you know?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Does anyone really know the answer to loves life questions? If you do, I sure would like to talk to you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And while we are at it what is love anyway?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There are times when I think I just might have a clue, but then Cupid comes along and sneaks his way into my room in the middle of the night and steals back his arrow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I also hear a lot of – "Whoever you give you hear too will be a lucky man."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hmmm…Does he even know he is lucky? Or is he just taking it for granted?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want that person in my life -</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You tell them things that you've never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. But together you know the difference between the ones that will and will not come true. Together you take every last thing life has to throw your way.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>When something wonderful happens, you can't wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. </em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><em>The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn't exist at all.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day's work and always brings a smile to your face.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>In their presence, there's no need for continuous conversation, but you find you're quite content in just having them nearby.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><em><o:p></o:p></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><em>You open your heart knowing that there's a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. </em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><em>You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that's so real it scares you.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate that will remain loyal to the end.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><em><o:p></o:p></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><em>You find everyday you want to know more, learn more, and just be with them more.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But how do I know that person is really out there?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In the past and even present when I thought their was someone close to being this person, or could be this person in time, I have always been proved wrong.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I wonder, am I about to be proved wrong again?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is their a point when you just throw in the towel and say "enough is enough already" or do you just keep moving forward , holding on to those hopes and dreams that someday that "one" just might cross your path.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And how do you know they are the "one" ?? Is Cupid going to give me my arrow back at that particular time? Will the bells and whistles ring? Fireworks?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHAT?? Someone please explain this to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why should I keep looking? Why can't he come find me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Seriously.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I find myself giving my heart to someone that quite possibly does not want it. And it's making me sit down and really think about love, connections, compatibility and soul mates and I am finding it is leaving me with more questions then answers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess that's why they call it "The Dating Game" because the reality is it really is just a game after all and we are all just the pawns in it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As many of you have noticed (and called my ass out on) my last few blogs have been pretty down. Not full of all the quirks and comments you have come to know and adore. Well, that's because yet again, I find myself with a heart being squished. Not so much broken, just being squished.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not liking this feeling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I have spent the last couple of days just trying to get my head on right about it. Trying to reevaluate the situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Puts me right back at square one. More questions then answers and what the hell is up with Cupid?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_585462">I have been question love a million really, and I just don't believe in it.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a> on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 12:57 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344675112#" id="addReplyLnk_585462" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344675112&commentID=585462" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_585462"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_587957">If I had the answer to those questions, I would be filthy rich and I would have already taken you to Ireland, LOL! Seriously though...I think it's different for everyone. I got lucky with Don. It hasn't always been a smooth easy ride (for either one of us), but we made a choice to work together on the problems. Before I met him, I had been very much in love with someone who obviously didn't return my feelings. He used me and he hurt me bad. So I "settled" for someone I wasn't in love with because I didn't think I would ever feel that way about someone again...don't get me wrong...I loved my first husband...I was just not IN love with him. It's no wonder it didn't work. Then I met Don and everything I thought I knew about love and being in love changed. Here was a guy that I didn't even LIKE when I first met him...and all of a sudden I had fallen in love with him! I spent many moment pondering THAT one, LOL! We will be celebrating 25 years of marriage this year! I was so busy looking in the wrong places and he was right in front of me the whole time! Don't give up, your day will come... we just don't know when! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 8:01 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344675112#" id="addReplyLnk_587957" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344675112&commentID=587957" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89086852608344673712008-01-04T19:45:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:17:00.869-04:00I Am A Woman Who....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, January 04, 2008 </span><br /><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_344381034" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm the woman who will put her head on your shoulder, not because she's sleepy, but because she just wants to be that much closer to you...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who just likes to be kissed for no reason at all…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who says, "ok, but you owe me..." jokingly not because I actually want something from you, but because that means I get to spend more time with you...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I'm the woman you can take absolutely anywhere and I will have fun because that's just the type of girl I am…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who feels she is incredibly picky, but when I find someone I like I want to spend the whole night curled up in their arms...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm the woman who little things mean a lot…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />I'm the woman who will never forgets all the sweet little things you do for me...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who never gives up hope even when I tell others I have...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who once I let you into my heart, there's always a place there with your name on it….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am the woman that if we spend time apart I will never forget you….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves to be affectionate...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who you can talk to about anything...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who laughs at your jokes... even the ones that might not really be all that silly…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will make you laugh, even it means being silly in public…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will have many inside jokes with you and will remember each one...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will brag about you to all of my friends...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will listen to you talk... and actually hear what you are saying….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who really does want to be friends after a break up...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm the woman who's not afraid to admit when she's wrong or made a mistake….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm the woman who is not afraid to apologize….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves it when you hug me for no apparent reason...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves it when you hug me from behind or kiss me on the forehead…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves you for you, and doesn't care what other people say about us...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves the feeling when you take me by the hand without saying a word …</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and serve it to you with pleasure…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will kiss you on your neck, for no reason, anytime, anywhere….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who really wants you to be her best friend too….<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_583210">You go girl!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 10:04 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344381034#" id="addReplyLnk_583210" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344381034&commentID=583210" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_583210"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_584044">Oooooooo I sooooo love this!!<br /><br />And I love the last graphic too!<br /><br />These are all so true...if only the dumb asses would wake up and see...haha.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, January 05, 2008 - 7:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344381034#" id="addReplyLnk_584044" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344381034&commentID=584044" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_584044"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_585463">Power to us woman</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a> on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 1:00 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344381034#" id="addReplyLnk_585463" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=344381034&commentID=585463" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72146798335780476232008-01-03T19:34:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:16:17.352-04:00I AM A Super Woman<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, January 03, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a woman hear me roar!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">ROARRRRR!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Umm yeah I don't know where that came from, but OK. Just roll with it. LOL.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've been thinking – oh lord here we go again, I know what you all are saying.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But no – really – It's a GOOD thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am open and honest and I expect you to be the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am loving and caring and expect you to treat me with the same compassion and respect.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am able to trust but you have to earn that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a giver. I love to give. But I won't do it for just anyone.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am someone who will treat others the way I want to be treated.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am smart. I may not always act like it, but watch out because I just might surprise you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am beautiful. Inside and out. Just because I am not a size 2 doesn't mean I am a fat lazy slob.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a work in process. Always changing always evolving just like the world around me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have a huge heart and am willing to love those that deserve it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a good girl with a lot to offer – anyone in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have feelings and emotions just like you and they hurt when they get stepped on. I am only human after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am strong but I have my moments of weakness. Doesn't everyone?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am moving forward and not looking back. At least I am going to try !!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am never going to be perfect, but then again – who is?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a simple girl - I enjoy the simple things in life. I don't need a life full of "things"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am always going to try to do my best in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am me, just me. Simple, honest me. I just want to be loved for who I am, unconditionally.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've said it before and I will say it again : I AM a Phenomenal woman – YES that's ME!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But MOST of all – I am a SUPER woman and I deserve to be treated as such!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Do what you say and say what you mean!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p> *******************************************</o:p></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E2o7ct_cgm4?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E2o7ct_cgm4?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581840">LOVE you!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 6:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343978031#" id="addReplyLnk_581840" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343978031&commentID=581840" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_581840"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_582287"><a href="http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u30/bosslady727/?action=view&current=superwoman.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="to be or not to be" border="0" src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u30/bosslady727/superwoman.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb7/kelmwalk/?action=view&current=superwoman.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="superwoman" border="0" src="http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb7/kelmwalk/superwoman.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x305/pksamuelu/?action=view&current=Superwoman.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Superwoman" border="0" src="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x305/pksamuelu/Superwoman.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 1:31 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343978031#" id="addReplyLnk_582287" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343978031&commentID=582287" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_582287"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_585464">Beautifully well done, my dear.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a> on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 1:02 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57081229820203177502008-01-02T15:57:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:15:49.873-04:00You Can’t Keep A Good Woman Down<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 02, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br />Ok Ok..<br />This is my blog, and these are my feelings.<br />We ALL have our ups and downs and I am certainly no stranger to that.<br />Right now, I have some things going on that are sort of dragging me around.<br />But its nothing that can not be fixed.<br />I just don't want anyone to worry.<br />As you all know I don't stay down for long.<br />I will be fine, always am.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I blog to get things off my chest. It helps me to get it out. I don't care if anyone reads it, I do it for me. That last blog was more for my girls, to let them know I hear them. I am listening.<br />So at this moment right now...this one..<br />NOW!<br />I REFUSE to be down.<br />I AM taking control.<br />You just can NOT keep a good woman down.<br />I have TOO many positive things going on in life that I need to focus on.<br />I can no longer spend my time thinking about the shoulda, woulda, coulda's.<br />Time to take back the moment. Take back me.<br />And ME is going to be just fine.<br />I AM a good woman.<br />Me.<br />Just as I AM!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />***********************************************<br />A good woman is proud.<br />She respects herself and others.<br />She is aware of who she is.<br />She neither seeks definition from the person she is with,<br />nor does she expect them to read her mind.<br />She is quite capable of articulating her needs.<br />A good woman is hopeful.<br />She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true.<br />She knows love, therefore she gives love.<br />She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated.<br />If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.<br />A good woman has a dash of inspiration<br />and a dabble of endurance.<br />She knows that she will at times have to inspire<br />others to reach the potential God gave them.<br />A good woman knows her past,<br />understands her present and forces toward the future.<br />She knows that the world is her playground.<br />A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past.<br />Instead, she understands that her life experiences<br />are merely lessons meant<br />To bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self-love...<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_580822">And you are the best kind of woman!! We all love you!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 7:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343642151#" id="addReplyLnk_580822" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343642151&commentID=580822" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_580822"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581172"><a href="http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/twaters87/?action=view&current=strongwoman.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="strong woman" border="0" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/twaters87/strongwoman.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Rulahk/?action=view&current=Strongwoman.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Strong Woman Poem" border="0" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Rulahk/Strongwoman.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 12:12 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343642151#" id="addReplyLnk_581172" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343642151&commentID=581172" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_581172"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581291">YAY!!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 2:04 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343642151#" id="addReplyLnk_581291" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343642151&commentID=581291" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_581291"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581409">That's my girl! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 8:10 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343642151#" id="addReplyLnk_581409" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343642151&commentID=581409" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89806296319019757032008-01-02T14:51:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:15:19.921-04:00Breakdown<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 02, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Breakdown</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yup, I am having one. Someone please call the loony bin because I need to be put in a straight jacket and have my ass stuck in a padded room.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm lost. Yes, me. I lost me. Somehow over the course of the last few months I seem to have been tangled in a web that I can't quite seem to break free from.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So after talking to my girls yesterday (I love you guys!) at first I was like…damn girls, get off my case and just try to understand. But then, all of the sudden I was smacked upside the head (thanks <st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>…*kisses babygirl*) and it really made me stop and look at things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">They told me I have changed. Have I?? Really? What happened to me? I don't look any different. So, what do you mean I have changed? I mean you guys are so far away from me now, can you really see that?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In the actions of <st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>~bitch slap~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OH~ I get it now. Tough love girls, tough love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It was always ME my friends came to. I was the strong one, the one dishing out advice. The one showing them that no woman needs to deal with that kind of shit in their life. I am a survivor of some much shit forced upon me at the hands of men. I was never ever going to stand for any worthless bullshit, ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have become THAT girl. That girl I vowed to never be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've always been this strong girl that never took any shit from anyone. I have always spoke my mind and let things be known.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Always happy go lucky. Always giving a smile. I still got smiles....however, they just dont feel the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't know when exactly that girl left. But I am putting up with stuff I should not be. Keeping feelings and thoughts bottled up that I should not be. I hold back. I hide. And somehow along the way, I have become weak.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What in the everlasting hell?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I feel sick. Tired. Beat down. Drained. My body aches. My mind roams. I can't focus. I can't speak. My words are lost to me. All I want to do is sleep the days away. But I can't do that because I can't even sleep. I just lay there, looking at the walls that surround me. Watching the numbers change on the clock. Flipping from one tune to the next on my ipod.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have come to the conclusion that perhaps my depression is back. And I am not feeling so good about that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have so many good and positive things to look forward to, why can I not seem to focus on that??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want ME to come back. I want the real happiness and smiles. Not the mask. I want the strong girl. I want her back. But I am afraid she is lost and can not find her way back. I am afraid to even speak about how I got here. And that's not me, when have I ever been afraid to talk about anything???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And it's really not even one thing, but rather one thing on top of a huge combination of other things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can't even sit here and compose myself in a blog.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*******************************</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Seriously.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I think I am going to go see what's going down on the school front and perhaps see if there are some hours I can log at work.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe I will come back and edit this later.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But let me just say - I realize I need to take back control, and trust me, I fully intend to.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PcubOkw5g7c?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PcubOkw5g7c?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b>"Breakdown"</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Open up the book you beat me with again.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Read it off one sentence at a time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm tired of all the lines,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Convictions and your lies.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">What right do you have to point at me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You cannot save me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to break up this love,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Keep it together now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to break.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Read it all, no need for separating here.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You see what you want and try to justify.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All your little lines,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Convictions and your lies.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">What right do you have to point at me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You cannot save me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to break up this love,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Keep it together now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to break.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Open up the book you beat me with again.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Read it off one sentence at a time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to break up this love,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Keep it together now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to break,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581163"><a href="http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s150/joalien86/?action=view&current=lightbulb.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="lightbulb" border="0" src="http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s150/joalien86/lightbulb.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />HaHa....glad to be one of the ones to offer up some "tough love" and help click that light bulb back on!<br /><br />~Big Hugs n Luv~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 11:59 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343615602#" id="addReplyLnk_581163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=343615602&commentID=581163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_581163"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 330px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;">I am always here for you sis, hope you know that. I feel bad that I have not been more in touch with you and stayed more up to date! {{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}} sweetie!</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46452292017989492702008-01-01T15:19:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:14:26.045-04:006 Months From Now<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">6 Months from Now<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, in another one of our serious talk “talks” one of the questions Mike asked me was “Where do you see yourself in 6 months?” I had a hard time with this one. I had been dealing with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">so much crap</a> the last few months, that lately it had been hard to even focus on the day ahead of me. Honestly, I am not sure what answer I gave him, I am sure it was some cop out type deal. About how it was tough and I was not sure. Blah blah. Truth was, I wasn’t sure. At that moment, it was hard for me to think that far ahead. I think I did tell him something about getting life in order and getting back to school and what not. But, it really got me to thinking. And, it gave me a good blog topic. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, I have had some time to think about it. And now here is my feeble attempt to answer it properly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I am not sure where our relationship is going to go. I know I want him in my life. And I hope we grow stronger with every passing day. And I hope that 6 months from now, we are still together and just growing stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I hope to be well under way with school. I really want to get my bachelors in Accounting once and for all. And there is a part of me who wants to follow that high school dream of going to MSU, so maybe I will decide whether to go there for my Masters. </span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71227431505054890372008-01-01T10:16:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:12:55.342-04:00Lesson Learned<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, January 01, 2008 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/goingunder.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">First, let me get out of the way the whole <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state> ordeal because it has been a question that has been asked quite a bit lately. I had the chance to come visit for New Years. Like a dummy, I pitter pattered around trying to figure out what I wanted to do and lost that chance. To be honest, now I do not know when I will be back for a visit. With work and school starting in a few days, I just do not know when I will be able to make it down. As for moving back – right now I am just trying to get through today. Who knows what the future holds.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Second, I really wanted to write a Happy New Year blog but this is as far as I am getting with that. So, Happy New Year and I hope it brings each of you many new blessings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Thinking about this past year throws me in turmoil. Today I find myself thinking about last night, the would have been, the should have been, and the wanted to be. All I can think about is – how did I end up like this?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I feel stuck. My feet want to take off running but the rest of my body just won't move.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am angry at no one but myself. I know a few of you are thinking I should not be angry with me. It wasn't me who did any thing wrong, and that my anger should be directed towards a certain someone else. Problem is, I have I hard time being mad at anyone. And I always blame myself. This time is no different. I blame myself for letting the situation get along as far as it did. <st1:state><st1:place>Me.</st1:place></st1:state> No one else did that but me. I blame myself for believing. And I blame myself for letting my guard down and becoming weak. Because that's really how I feel right now, weak.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's not a good feeling to have. It makes me very emotional. So my mind starts to race and I think about all that I have gone through and lost this year. I don't look at what I have done or accomplished because at this point I can't see any of that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's almost like I have been beaten at my own game. I made the choices. I made the moves, and I lost.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not religious, but spiritual. I believe in magic and Karma. She can be a real bitch when she wants to be. I believe what goes around, comes around. What goes up must come down. So I believe those who have done me wrong will get theirs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="background-color: white;">I have learned my lesson. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am standing at the crossroads. Feet stuck, ready to run. And I hear this song which could not come in to my life at a better time. As I listen to it over and over I feel a little bit of strength return. I now want to focus on this New Year. I want to focus on life. And I want to focus on what I have done and what I will do.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's what I want. If only my feet would move.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m_hdRtx2HMQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m_hdRtx2HMQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Lyric:<br />He broke my heart<br />and now it's raining<br />Just don't rub it in<br />I'm at your door<br />I feel so crazy bout'<br />You say I told you so<br />You saw it long ago<br />You knew he had to go<br />I finally came around<br />I'm back on solid ground<br />Can't let it get me down<br /><br />(2x)<br />It's alright<br />it's alright<br />It's alright<br />It's alright<br /><br />Yes I was burned but I called it a lesson learned.<br />A mistake overturn so I call it a lesson learned.<br />My soul has returned so I call it a lesson learned.<br />Another lesson Learned<br /><br />Sometimes some lies can<br />take a minute to fully realize<br /><br />His tears your eyes<br />30 seconds to apoligize<br />You give him one more chance<br />just like the time before<br />but he already knows you'd give a hundred more<br />until that night in bed, you wake up in a sweat<br />Your racing to the door<br />Can't take it anymore<br /><br />I was burned but I call it a lesson learned<br />I steak a return but i call it lesson learned.<br />My soul has returned so I call it a lesson learned.<br />Another lesson learned....<br /><br />Life perfect, aint perfect if you don't know what the struggles for<br />Falling down aint falling down if you don't cry when you hit the floor<br />It's called the past 'cause im getting past<br />and i'm nothing like I was before.<br />You ought to see me now.<br /><br />I was burned but I call it a lesson learned<br />A mistake overturn but i call it lesson learned.<br />My soul has returned so I call it a lesson learned.<br />Another lesson learned</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /> </span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_579954">Honey...on this 1st day of the New Year...anything is possible! Time for new choices...perhaps a new path...and definately new prospects in life.<br /><br />All we can do is our best to learn those lessons...and not make the same mistakes twice. The lesson is the most valuable part of a negative situation.<br /><br />And YES...Karma is a Bitch! They will get their's!<br /><br />~Big Hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 12:24 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50004270587527631632007-12-31T16:17:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:12:18.041-04:00Just Pondering Upon Thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, December 31, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just Pondering Upon Thoughts</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As I sit here thinking about today and what it would have been, I start to think about the whole year in general. I don't want to think about what today would have been. I don't even want to think about anything related to that. But, sometimes I just can not help it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Instead, I want to think about what I want today. But then, that just leaves me feeling hopeless and blue. After listening to what my heart and gut where telling me yesterday, well really the last few weeks, I am not holding my breath for how I want things to turn out today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I wanted new memories, and many laughs for a new beginning. We shall see. But I am not holding my breath. The track record here is a force to be reckon with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am still faced with that crossroad. And I am certain today will be the day that causes me to have to make the choice once and for all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't want to. And I hope that I do not have to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For once, I want to be proved wrong. For once I don't want excuses.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But, I just can't shake this feeling that what was to be a new beginning, is only going to be in reality, a false start.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I go about my day – floating along, acting as if nothing is wrong. I feel myself pulling out that familiar mask out of the box and placing it upon my face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'll go about my night – dying and crying on the inside – with the mask in place so all that everyone will ever see is the smile upon my face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_577996">{{{{HUGS}}}} Wouldn't it be nice if life were not so complicated? I hope you have a great 2008...you deserve an awesome one after the one you just had. {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, December 31, 2007 - 7:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=342992025#" id="addReplyLnk_577996" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=342992025&commentID=577996" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_577996"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_578031">Poor sis! I hope things work out so that you are HAPPY soon. {{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Monday, December 31, 2007 - 8:13 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=342992025#" id="addReplyLnk_578031" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=342992025&commentID=578031" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_578031"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_578275">I really... really...know this feeling very well. Love ya babydoll.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Monday, December 31, 2007 - 9:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=342992025#" id="addReplyLnk_578275" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=342992025&commentID=578275" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_578275"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_578950">Girl as we said eariler...it shouldn't be this difficult...but somehow it turns out that way.<br /><br />I am sure my story can top yours.....but we shall see when we share later! hehe<br /><br />To a GREAT 2008!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Tuesday, January 01, 2008 - 6:29 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72279866351001047412007-12-29T18:43:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:11:54.508-04:00All I Will Ever Be - Just Me - Part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, December 29, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;">~On Being Irish~</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/irish%20girl/irishgalcoolbanner.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/irish%20girl/irishgirl.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Ok, so evidently my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/you-think-you-know-me.html" target="_blank">blog raised more questions then it gave answers</a>. Well, good. I am complicated, I admit that. And I like to keep you guessing. So, just when you think you know me and have me figured out, you will soon find out that this is not the case.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">There is something that I must address. I usually stay clear of this conversation because there are too many out there that take it to the extreme. But the fucktards in this world won't leave me alone. So let me just answer it once and for all.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">We all know I am Irish. (duh!) I don't think it matters how much or how little. But, I will tell you anyway just because I am tired of getting asked this question and constantly feeling like I have to prove to people how Irish I really am. I am proud of my heritage and I am proud of where my roots come from. I know what my family had to endure to be able to come to</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">and give me the life I have now. I know their struggles. It was not easy for the Irish in</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">. But, I am not going to get in to that here. Plenty of Irish History books for you to read if you want to know about it. This isn't one of those situations where someone feels that just because I was not born in</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">Ireland</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">I am not Irish. There are those people out there. And that's fine. However, it still stands that my heritage is Irish.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">So, growing up I was in a dual household. My mother's entire linage being Irish and my fathers being German and Italian. Good mix huh? The kids I grew up with and hung around were all German descendents. So, it was only natural that I follow that path in life. It made things easier. And we could all relate. One of my best mates, I will never forget her grandmother. She was transplanted here directly from</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">Germany</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">. I loved going over her house all the time to listen to stories and look at pictures. This woman was an amazing treasure. And I learned a great deal from her. Not to mention the baking she did! YUM!! At any rate, I never really felt complete. And I certainly did not carry the sort of pride that I carry with me today.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">A few years ago I found out I was adopted by my father. My world as I knew it had crashed. Who was I really? Where did I come from? Well, I got my answer. I found my real father and we began to speak. Another Irish family all the way back in the linage. His family actually came over before my mother's family, but, in time, they all ended up in the same towns together. At any rate, for events I care not to go in to, that relationship dissolved. But at least I am left with some sort of idea of who I am and what I am.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">And that my friend, is indeed, Irish blood thru and through.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">The next part is, NO, I will not talk Irish politics with you. I know what I know, I know what I stand for and what I believe in. Asking me the wrong questions isnt going to help. You will not get an answer out of me. Not the answer that you want anyway. I will give you one that's so round about that you still will be left wondering. Just don't go there. I am all about freedom of speech and matter of opinion. It's all good well and fine. So, you wonder then do I even know what's going on over there? Honest, yes I do. Thankfully I have family and friends there that are pretty adamant about making sure information I know is true and correct. Things I can not find out for myself. I most likely know more then you. But this isn't a contest to see who knows more then who about what. What it is just plain stupidity in the first place. It's not my job to teach this lesson to you. It's not my job to explain what's going on to you. If you are interested, then it's your job to make sure you know what's going on. Facts. Know them, learn them. The facts are what is going to make this world a better place for you and me. I don't care if you are in</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">Ireland</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">or in</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">. I don't care if you are 1% or 100% Irish. It makes no difference to me because I can spot a wanna be fake ass wishing they were real IRA rolling ghetto thug a mile away. Its one thing to stand for what you believe in, it's another to make a total ass of yourself in the process. Sometimes, you just take things too far. Please, just don't bring that shit here. I want no part of it.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">If you have been paying attention to the friends who leave comments, seeing as how I currently have my friends list hidden, you might just learn some things about the questions on my "irish beliefs"</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Having said all that, I am sure you are now thinking to yourself that I must really not give a damn about the motherland. That I have no cares as to what's going on over there. And that's totally bullshit. Those that are close to me and know me; they know where I stand and what I believe. I don't need to clarify it for the likes of you.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I will give you one fact. I proudly stand for </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">Ireland</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">and its people.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Pride/thIrishnationalheritage_tm.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Pride/ththbonobyme.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></span></div><br /><br /><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_576218">You go girl! My Irish is diluted, but it's still there...and I would LOVE to visit Ireland someday. And Scotland. I want to find my castle...the one I saw in the past life regression. It's in Ireland, although I was English. Its a long story I will share with you one day if you want. Anyway, you don't have to prove anything to me. Your HEART is Irish, no matter what the bloodline says. {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 7:50 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=342393369#" id="addReplyLnk_576218" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=342393369&commentID=576218" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_576218"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_576336">YAY!!! You go girl!<br /><br />I LOVE my heritage!! My heritage being mostly Irish as well as German and a little Indian. They all have their own unique history & we all should be proud of our ancestors!<br /><br />If people love you for who you are...no clarification should be needed!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 10:17 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30540615728046224932007-12-26T14:09:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:10:36.619-04:00You Think You Know Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 26, 2007 </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">You think you know me, but the reality is you have no idea.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You think you want to be with me, but that reality is you are in love with this "idea" of me. I can clearly see I am not the girl you are picturing me to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I knew what I wanted then, and I know what I want now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nothing has changed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not "insta-girlfriend"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You can not blow me up and let me rise</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You can not plug me in and watch me go</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok so I had this great idea for this blog. But now as I sit here to write it, it's almost like I just do not even care. I don't even know if my words are even worth putting out there right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am really frustrated with people who pretend to be listening but don't really "hear" what the fuck I am really saying. They just zero in on certain words and take everything out of context.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">SICK SICK SICK of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Because the truth is, if you really knew me then you would know that this is one of my pet peeves in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not your normal every day girl next door. I did not wake up one morning and say hey "self, lets strive to do everything in life opposite of what the girl next door does just to be different."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's not how life works for me folks. I did not purposely set out to be different, I just am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And if you can not deal with me and the way I am living my life, then quite frankly, you should not be in my life to begin with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573149">LOL...this is great....reminds me of the whole we have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason...listen hard and speak easy.<br /><br />~shrugs~ We all know people like this...the ones that make it one-sided or don't listen...but they eventually learn.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 4:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341448910#" id="addReplyLnk_573149" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341448910&commentID=573149" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_573149"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573531">{{{{HUGS}}}} Some people just suck!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 10:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341448910#" id="addReplyLnk_573531" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341448910&commentID=573531" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4746934615808196542007-12-26T11:48:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:09:33.269-04:00Dating Defined<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 26, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dating Defined<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't know how much clearer I can make it then this. I am single, I am dating...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These are excerpts I have taken of the web.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">It's like this, dating is supposed to be where you are getting to know someone and deciding if you guys are compatible but are free to date other people.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Dating can be defined differently </i>- it can mean that you are exclusively seeing someone, <b>or</b> that you are casually seeing them and other people. The only way to really define it is to talk to the person you are seeing to clarify it or ask them straight out to have an exclusive relationship with you.</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">In the stages of a romantic relationship you have:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dating - </b>it is not exclusive, you can see other people.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Relationship </b>- you have decided to be exclusive and see if there is a chance for a long term relationship together.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Dating is not</b> a committed relationship you can talk and flirt and 'date' others without being committed when you are in a RELATIONSHIP that means that you should be committed to that person however sometimes this is not the case... but if you are trying to get to know someone on a different level then you should date them first to see if you like what you have and if you do then start a relationship.. It makes it a lot easier for a committed relationship to last.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Dating is</b> just that- someone asks someone out, and they go someplace for the time specified. You Date someone, to get to know them, to see if there is anything there between you, to see if a relationship should begin. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">If you have made no commitment to each other, then you are free to Date other people. After Dating, comes the relationship, where you may be getting more feelings for each other, and wish to see more of each other and Begin being more intimate, etc.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Dating is</b> a relationship where you are getting to know each other better with the possible intent of taking things further into something serious and committed. You don't have to be sleeping together to be dating, in fact generally you should wait until you are exclusive before doing so. You are getting to know each other on a personal, emotional level.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">It's when you go out on dates and get to know each other. You are not yet "boyfriend and girlfriend".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Dating is</b>, essentially, getting to know someone over an extended period of time to determine if a relationship is something worth pursuing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">MySpace Comments:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573144">AMEN Sista! This is a great blog! We all know what "dating" is...but sometimes that black and white reminder is much needed...lol.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 4:06 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341448037#" id="addReplyLnk_573144" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341448037&commentID=573144" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_573144"></label></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573427">I hear ya!!! Anymore the whole couples thing whether it be dating or relationship can be so overrated that it's almost not worth the time, effort and heartache that comes with it. Hang in there...in time without the search the "Right" one will come...until then have fun and play the game!!!<br />love ya, miss ya!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a> on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 8:25 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341448037#" id="addReplyLnk_573427" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341448037&commentID=573427" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47658125331975490682007-12-26T10:24:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:09:19.997-04:00A Letter To......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 26, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I hate that I care so much. But that is my weakness. Caring about those in my life. Those that I consider close and hold near to my heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But I am not always so strong. I am human and my feelings do hurt. For the most part it is easy to blow off and forgive things, but not so easy to forget. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It hurts me to this that you don't even care enough to call me and let me know what's up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">YOU were the one who wanted someone in your life that was open, honest, and communicative on all levels. I feel I have always given that to you. I have let you in and opened my world up to you. I listen when you speak and actually hear what you are saying.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We've talked about that we don't want to lose this – that you want to work on this – but how can we do that when it feels so one sided? I miss the fun IM chats. I miss the random messages on myspace. I call because I care. I text you because I want you to know at that minute I am thinking about you. I leave you comments because when I see them, I laugh and want to share that laughter with you. I am far from obsession/possession/clingy. And I hope you are smart enough to know the difference.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You wanted us to work on having this good strong solid friendship. The best of friends. But how can't I do that when we consistently make plans only for you to blow them off?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I understand your life. I know how busy you are. I know how things just come up with work and you have to go at a moments notice. I get your schedule. But, I also know there are so many ways for you to contact me. I have done nothing but give you your space to do what you have to do in life. But I think I am worth a phone call when you have to cancel plans. Actually, I am worth so much more then that – but this is all I have ever asked of you. Why is it so hard?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I find myself at this crossroad not sure what direction I should go in. Continue to move forward or go the other direction. I am afraid if I continue on this path these things are just going to keep happening. And I just can not continue to feel stepped on and hurt.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't want to feel like that and I sure as hell don't deserve to be feeling that way. I want to feel like I matter. I was to feel like I am cared about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But perhaps, this is quite possibly too much to ask as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">SIDE NOTE: this letter was written along with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/walking-away-this-holiday-season.html" target="_blank">yesterday's blog @3am</a>. There has since been some communication with me and this person in regards to some of the things mentioned here. Whether things change, that will remain to be seen. I know this is pretty cryptic and that no one really knows what this is about. And that's ok. Its just a moment for me to get my words out there, for me. I know at least 3 of my girls know what's up and they are likely sitting here rolling there eyes at me. And, that's OK. I just wish everyone could see inside and really understand how I feel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center"><b><br /></b></div><div align="center"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573139">I have been there girl! I know these feelings! You just gotta do what makes YOU happy and you know your real friends will fall in line beside you.<br /><br />And you ARE worth so much more...this person just needs a swift kick in the ass...hehehehe<br /><br />~Hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 4:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341443194#" id="addReplyLnk_573139" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=341443194&commentID=573139" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_573139"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_574065">Okay, I know I am a lot like this person you are referring to, and sometimes Rye probably feels like you do. She would like to be closer than we are, and I am always "needing my space." I guess all I can say is, the person gives you as much as they can, what they are capable of, and it doesn't sound like they are going to change, no matter how many times you talk about it. Are you able to accept that? I so far have not had to cancel plans, but if I did, yes I would call. However, there are times when I say "I will call you tomorrow," and I don't, for whatever reason. I guess I need to look at things from her side more. Anyways, this blog has been very enlightening for me, sis. Thanks for sharing!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 1:36 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40402404213470097102007-12-25T21:22:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:08:06.437-04:00Walking Away this Holiday Season<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, December 25, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Walking Away this Holiday Season</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I find myself walking away this holiday. Here it is <st1:time hour="3" minute="0">3am</st1:time> and I am wide awake. I am sitting here in bed, writing this initially with pen and paper. I might just try to scan it in so that you can feel the authenticity of it, but we will have to see how big I can make it so that you can even read it. (NOTE: as I type this…you see it will not be scanned!! LOL 3am writing and typos suck!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At any rate, I finished a long letter to **** – which I fully intend to get to him somehow. (and you can <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/a-letter-to.html" target="_blank">read it as the next blog</a>) Whether I post it here as a blog (oh he's gonna love that) or read it to him over the phone. I know I have not talked about him much here, but that's because I promised him I wouldn't. Not getting in to details. I have already heard enough. But yes, he is still a part of my life and it is a long and complicated story that I do not even care to get in to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am finding myself at a cross roads with him. I have come to the conclusion that if certain issues can not be resolved, then I am just going to have walk away again. I say again, because I have tried to do this more then once. Our relationship is starting to become too toxic with my feelings and emotions. I don't want to have to do it. But I really see no other alternative at this point. We have been down this road, we have talked about it, and things seem to change, but then they fall back into the same old routine again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have already had to walk away from someone yesterday. I did not want to. This person was someone I truly had started to care about and treasure our friendship. Those close to me know how I value my friends. How I treat them, how I care about them. How hard it is to let someone get close to me on that level. I let him in. I let him get to a boundary not many people get to. I opened up old wounds and talked to him about those things. We like each other, we care about each other and I thought it was a mutual understanding that our friendship was a wonderful and cherished thing. I did not want to ruin that by dating. I thought he was ok with that. But recent events show me otherwise. It's been too much of an emotional battle since the very beginning. This constant back and forth. This person wants more from me then I can give him. It has become too toxic. So, I made the choice to walk away. Better for him in the long run because it's obvious to us both that he cant or just doesn't want to handle being just friends.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have so much stuff going on around me. I can not have any more added drama. I just can not. I am trying very hard to remain strong and get through the Holidays. For the last few years I have hated this time of year. I had hoped this year would be different, but it has proved me wrong once again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am ready for it all to be over with so I can get on with my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">SIDE NOTE: so, this was written @ <st1:time hour="3" minute="0">3am</st1:time> this morning. It's not <st1:time hour="20" minute="0">8pm</st1:time> in the eve. I hid from the world today. I had to. So distraught about life and things in general that I just did not want to deal. When I did come out of my shell, I had some IM offlines from this particular person I walked away from. So, I replied back. And then a conversation started. At the end I finally got fed up and said I was done and leaving. And the persons reply was "well I will be sure to pass all of this along to XXX"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was like WTF??? Come to find out it was HIS Mother.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I deleted this person of my friends list, as well as his band. No more. The end. Good bye.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></b></div><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><b><br /> </b><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_572346">Good-bye crazys of myspace!! I LOVE that work toxic...it describes some people so well!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 11:20 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41073458299629050292007-12-19T19:25:00.000-05:002014-07-26T18:05:49.166-04:00All I Will Ever Be - Just Me - That Simple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 19, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I was sitting here thinking about myself. Not in a vain sort of way, but just thinking about life in general. Something I don't think about too often as I am too busy trying to put forth my time into others. Things come to mind, about how I am. How I behave. The things that I do in life. I try to put into perspective how my life has ended up the way it did.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">You know, how on every ones profile there is the "About Me" section? And no one ever really knows what to put in there? Yeah well, me either. And today, I thought about it. Thought about it long and hard. And I thought, well that's a perfect topic for today's blog. Lets see how much of a mess I can make myself out to be.</div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">So, here goes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b>I am simple.</b> In that I really enjoy the simple things in life. I don't need lots of money , fancy cars or things in general. I am not materialistic. I only need what it takes to live life from day to day and survive. I am complicated in that I have many layers to me. Each one as delicate and fragile as the one before it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b>I have a hard shell on the outside.</b> I do this protect myself. You don't go through the things I have went through in life and not end up this way. But, its for my own benefit really. I am selective about those I let in my world. And just because you are in my world, doesn't mean I have allowed you over my wall. Very few have made it over. And every time someone does and gets pushed out, I put that wall up higher and higher.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b>There is always going to be a test with me.</b> I will test you to make sure you are someone that should remain in my world. I don't have time to deal with those that are not accepting and just want to try and change me. I don't need to be changed. I am fine with who I am and the way I am. I am soft on the inside. Those close to me, know this. I am loyal to those that are loyal to me. Love those that love me back. Maybe I care too easily. I have a big heart and am not afraid to admit that. I speak freely of my feelings. And if this bothers you, then perhaps you don't belong in my world. I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b style="background-color: white;">I am easy going and pretty good natured. </b><span style="background-color: white;">I have my ups and downs like everyone else. I tend to not stay down long. I always try to find the good in life, grab it and hold on to it. I have a choice everyday. When I wake up, I can be in a good mood or a bad mood. I choose a good mood. Being in a bad mood does me no good. I can be difficult and hard to get along with. I am mouthy and just really can be a real bitch. I have a voice. I am not afraid to use it. You will hear me speak. I have opinions and I am not afraid to share them with you.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>I'm a quoter. </b>I love quotes to make me think. I am a thinker. I love it when people pick my brain. I would appreciate you more if you held an intelligent conversation with me. I am a thought provoker. I will spark something in you to make you think too. I'm not all about sex.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Well, ok scratch that. <b>My sexuality is a big part of my life.</b> However, I am not always about talking sex. So, if that's all you are looking for, you don't need to be here. I am picky , I have my wants, my needs and that's that. If you fill that, then maybe, just maybe you are lucky enough to have me. But I bore easily and it takes much to hold my attention.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b>What I AM NOT </b>- I am not in this world to whore friends. I would rather have a few that are close to me then hundreds I hardly speak too. I am not a collector. Nor am I into "cams" and showing my "stuff" to people I do not know. If that's what you are here for, fine. But, if that's what you are looking for here, you may as well save grace and walk away now. Its not what I am about. And its not me. But there it is, so don't ask me to cam with you. I wont.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b>I prefer the real thing over the cyber thing anyway.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b>I have a bad habit of keeping people at bay. </b>That wall you know. Random. No feelings, no strings. I may like random hook ups , but that's why they are random, they are meaningless sexual desires being taken care of with no strings attached. I don't know really how to explain it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">However, when I find that "one" - I am perfectly able and willing to be in a committed relationship when its right.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Back to the cam thing, I do appreciate my friends. And its not a big deal when we turn our cams on to see each other and say hello. As a matter of fact, its pretty entertaining when you can see each others facial expressions. To see when some smiles and laughs. Its amazing. And certainly bridges the gap when you are talking to someone miles away. You can certainly feel that much closer.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">And seeing as how most of my closest friends are pretty far away....it can get pretty entertaining!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Ok so back to me. Yeah I have issues with straying, in more ways then one. (mind out of the gutter please LOL)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b>Live.</b> I live my life from day to day as best as I can with what I am given and I expect you to do the same too. I have a hard time with people who whine about their situation and don't want to do anything about it. Now, before you say anything let me clarify something. Sure, I bitch about things in my life. But, this is my blog and I can say whatever I want. And many times I say things just to get them out and off my chest and I move on. This is my outlet.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b>Laugh. </b>You have to laugh in this world. If you do not, you will get chewed up and spit out. I like to cut up , laugh and have a good time. Simple really. I try not to take many things too seriously. Life is too short for that. Their are many things I do take seriously. I expect you to keep up to me and know the difference between the two.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b style="background-color: white;">Give. </b><span style="background-color: white;">You know they saying, treat others as you would want them to treat you? Well, I pretty well live by that. If I respect you and treat you well then I expect the same in return. If you are cold, heartless and unwilling to just be nice, then I don't want you around.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><b style="background-color: white;">Drama. </b><span style="background-color: white;">I despise it and I will run from it. So don't bring it here.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">I am who I am and I will never ever apologize for being me. Ever. End of story. If you don't like me for me then you can go away, I don't want you in my life anyway.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>I am strong.</b> I've been through a lot in life and had to grow up very quickly. Which in turn makes me hard. I have strong wills, desires, hopes and dreams. And I take them very much to heart. I believe their is a better life on the other side of the pond. I have my weaknesses, just like everyone else. However, they are mine and mine alone. If you are lucky enough to be that close to me, you will have discovered what some of them are.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Just remember I do have my down days just like everyone else, those days when I just do not feel so strong.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I'm a big kid at heart. I think perhaps I am making up for lost childhood times. Who knows. I just like to have fun and it is what it is.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">And now, I am just bored. So...going to end this now !!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=60301802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Greg</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=60301802" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/55/s_543a5ffc432e4520a383854248f26692.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Greg Maynard</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_567150">Love what I read and I wouldn't want you to be anyone else but just you.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=60301802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Greg</a> on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 9:27 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339651277#" id="addReplyLnk_567150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339651277&commentID=567150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=60301802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_567150"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_567339">I can really relate to what you say here about yourself, sis! In more ways than one, you speak for me too, much better than I can myself!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 12:53 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339651277#" id="addReplyLnk_567339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339651277&commentID=567339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_567339"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_567374">And yet again you utter something extremely profound and meaningful. You are such a deep thinker and thought provoker. And again I am grateful to have you share your thoughts and to be your friend.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 1:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339651277#" id="addReplyLnk_567374" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339651277&commentID=567374" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_567374"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_568742">Girl...I love every word of this! Each of us are unique and should be loved for that! With what the world brings us each day...we all have to stay strong.<br />--Sent from my Helio<br /><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 6:48 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339651277#" id="addReplyLnk_568742" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339651277&commentID=568742" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50169780595325817422007-12-18T21:54:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:59:01.008-04:00Not So Strong Today<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, December 18, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_339349443" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/baby916girl/comments.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The fighter is gone, the strength now weak. And that's ok. I let it happen. Sometimes, I just have to give up and let things be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Everyone talks about how strong I am. How I have survived so much and how proud of that I should be. But the truth of the matter is that's only what you see on the outside. A wall surrounds me. I choose who comes over. I pick who gets to see what. I share only what I want. Deep inside me will always remain that scared little girl, never really ready to face the world. It seems I have tripped. I fell once again and I see the darkness coming at me. It's not a slow and steady pace but instead it is running at me full force.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I let it come. The darkness that is. I welcome it. I feel safe. Secure. I felt it pulling at me, grabbing my ankles. I tried to kick it away. I cried. Oh how I cried. My damn leaky eyeballs have not shut off for 18hrs. But I finally caved in and let the darkness engulf me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't mind the darkness so much these days. It's warm. It's familiar to me and I know I am not there alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now I am sitting here, just so confused and unsure of so much. I feel like an outsider looking in on my own life. Weird, that feeling. To think you are just an observer. Not really living. Just sort of watching from afar. It's numbing. I can't feel, I can't smell and I can't even taste.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A while back ago, I took that left turn. And I am wondering if I should stay on this path or if I should turn around and come back. Stay still. Move forward. Go backwards.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who knows? All I know is I just want to crawl back into bed , throw the covers over my head, curl up into a ball and just cry some more. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm shattered. Broken into a million little pieces. And today, I just don't feel like picking up those pieces and trying to put myself back together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566279">I am so sorry baby...I can so totaly relate to everything you say here.<br />~~~Bri hugs for you...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 10:26 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443&commentID=566279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566279"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566288">~sighs~ Just keep hugging me Bri....their has always been safety in your arms.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 10:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566288" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443&commentID=566288" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566288"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566364">Stay in your safe warm place for awhile those pieces will still be there to pick up when you are ready.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 11:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566364" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443&commentID=566364" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566364"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566391">Well......we have all been there. I certainly have had my share of these kind of days.<br /><br />I know some of what you are feeling. We have each other shoulders to lean on honey!<br /><br />Hugs!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 12:03 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566391" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443&commentID=566391" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566391"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566456">I feels your pain</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a> on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 1:13 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566456" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443&commentID=566456" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566456"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566596">{{{{HUGS}}}} I have been truly blessed in my life, but sometimes I feel the same way. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with everything and just want to crawl into some safe place until it all passes. Some days, I just don't want to be here any more. But I go on like nothing is amiss because I know this will pass.{{{{HUGS}}}} I hope you get through this quickly...your bubbliness is missed!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 8:01 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566596" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339349443&commentID=566596" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566596"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566634">You are healing...this is part of it. Stay in the place that is safe until you are ready to break free. You are not weak, Honey...you are human.<br /><br />Big loves and kisses to you.<br />Patrice</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 10:12 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76946938341716550092007-12-17T22:45:00.000-05:002014-02-17T10:28:41.427-05:00~Reflections~ (on 2007)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, December 17, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">It has become tradition to do the Reflections blog. Here is this years.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/02/reflections-of-2006.html" target="_blank">2006 Reflections</a> in 2007<br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">1) Was 2007 a good year for you?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was a serious roller coaster ride. It had many up and downs. Death. Depression. Heartache. Illness. But, on the flip side, I grew, I lived, and I learned. I had to overcome many things, and I did. At least I am trying to. For me, that is something to celebrate. But life is constantly changing. I am still working on getting my life back in order. Starting over with nothing sure is not easy, but at least I am trying. I hope 2008 slows down a little bit, but thinking about what I know now, it just might continue on for a while longer…..</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">2) What was your favorite moment of the year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Finally getting that long overdue divorce. Meeting Terry is up there on the list. He came in my life when I really needed that special something. He taught me that there is still that strong woman inside of me. He taught me it's OK to continue on the path to being me. He made me dig deep inside myself and show him parts of me I never shared with anyone. Despite what he did in life, I will never forget how caring, loving and compassionate he turned out to be.</span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"> And let me mention Julie. I have known her for a while, but we did not get close until earlier this year. I felt like I have known this girl my whole life. We have fastly become the best of friends and I love her dearly. She has been my arms when I need a hug, my ears when I need to vent, a shoulder when I need to cry, and my sister when I just need a friend.</span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Moving to </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Michigan</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"> and being able to see and hang out with some of my family, as well as meeting some of the great people I have met.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Moving 1000 miles away, leaving all of my friend behind. The loss of Terry, the death of Elonna and the death of my beloved grandmother. Getting in a fight with Sean and after the whole ordeal with Lonnie's death, having to cut ties with Sean.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />4) Where were you when 2007 began?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In Okie</span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />5) Who were you with?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Marcus. The ex hubby. New Years Eve was our anniversary, so we always went out. We were out with some friends. </span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />6) Where will you be when 2007 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well it's a toss up to be honest. My family has tradition, and of course I was invited. So I asked a certain someone to be my date, and he promised me. But, who knows with him. But at the same time, I have a plane ticket with my name on it to go to OK. I am confused. </span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />7) Who will you be with when 2007 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As stated in 6, it's sort of a toss right now. Either my date and my family or whatever, or my friends back in OK. </span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I didn't make any. I know I won't keep them, so I didn't bother.</span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />9) Do you have a new year's resolution for 2008?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Yes, to take charge of my health. And get my ass to </span></strong><st1:country-region><st1:place><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ireland</span></strong></st1:place></st1:country-region><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"> once and for all. So let's hope this time I will keep them.</span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes. A Love that will forever be with me. Forever a part of me. Even though he is no longer in this world I will never have any regrets. </span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />11) If yes, with whom?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that.</span></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><b><br /></b><br />12) If yes, do they know?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Of course he knew, for he loved me just the same. Hell, I think he loved me more then I ever loved myself. And that taught me a great thing in life. </span></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />13) Are you still in love with them?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I will always have love for him. He is my dark angel now. My prince of darkness. Forever a part of me.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />14) Do you regret it?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Not at all. And never will. </span></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><b><br /></b><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes. The divorce marked the break up of me and Marcus after 10 years of being together, almost 5 of them married. </span></strong><br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I sure as heck did. LOTS of them! *blows a kiss to you all*</span></strong><br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">ALL of them.... how can I pick just one?</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2007?<br /><b>March and July – me and my gang rocked it out!</b><br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2007?<br /><b>No :( ..... But I should have, and now wish I did. </b><br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2007?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><st1:state><st1:place><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Michigan</span></strong></st1:place></st1:state><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"> in July for grandma's funeral, and again the end of July to move</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2007?<br /><b>My grandmother in July, Elonna in October and Terry.</b>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">YES! Both of my grandparents, all my friends and loved ones back in OK, Elonna and Terry.</span></strong><br /><br />23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Beauwolf!</span></strong><br /><br />24) What was your favorite song from 2007?<br /><b>Oh I have a few: they may not be new in 2007, but they meant something to me in 2007.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">No One – Alicia Keys<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Her Eyes – Pat Monahan<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Beautiful Disaster – Jon McLaughlin<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Tattoo – Jordin Sparks<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Rest in Pieces – Saliva<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Car Crash – Matt Nathanson<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Paralyzer – Finger Eleven<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">In This River – Black Label Society<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Last Goodbye – Black Label Society<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I Fucking Hate You – Godsmack<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Always – Saliva<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Take Me Away - Avril Lavigne<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ride With Me – Bloodsimple<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Congratulation – Blue October with Imogeen Heap<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Can't Stop the Rain – Cascada<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Don't Say You Love Me – The Corrs<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Haunted – Shane McGowan and Sinead O'Connor<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">9 Crimes – Damien Rice<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Rootless Tree – Damien Rice<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Breakdown – Daughtry<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">My Wish – Rascal Flatts<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">This is How it Feels – The Veronicas<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ok and really this list could go on and on and on, but there is a reason why I have an attachment to these songs this year.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />25) What was your favorite album from 2007?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Hinder, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Daughtry, Bloodsimple</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2007?<br /><b>Zero, oh wait I went to this Biker Bash in July when I moved to MI and there were a few bands there, does that count, even if they were all local??<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2007?<br /><b>Nope</b><br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">More then my fair share… Guinness anyone??</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Only those prescribed, and that was a whole hell of a lot for a while there between the depression, the stomach and intestinal illness, high blood pressure and the back issues. But since moving to MI, I only take my meds to help me sleep (damn anxiety), my blood pressure (see need to get my health in shape!)</span></strong><br /><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Five</span></strong><br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Would have to be, putting mike and mine personal bullshit out there like I did. I know I am very open with my life. And I know this is my corner of the blogland and I do have the freedom of speech. I was mad, hurt, angry and confused. I did not take the time to think about anyone else. It was not fair for me to put that out there like that. Some people are private and I should have respected that. </span></strong><br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2007?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">~SIGHS~ Yeah, I did…bad girl … and only two people would know what I am talking about, and I am not about to spill it here. </span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">hmmm the first 7 months of it listening to Marcus tell me every day he loved me…right.. Terry telling me I had nothing to worry about ..Again, yeah right… and well…there is more, but I am just not gonna get in to it. I pretty much have this deal where I don't trust men and think they all lie. I am working on that issue.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There was a period when I was not very nice to Sean. And I feel badly about that still. But his hands killed Lonnie. That's a hard thing to take. And I know I played a part in it, we all know that by now. And I finally just had enough and Sean and I had a huge fight, and we cut ties. If I treated anyone else badly, it was not intentional.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yeah, I had my moments. And I am working on getting over all that as well. </span></strong><br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Since I started working again, I am sure way more then I should. </span></strong><br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh! Let's see........ Just call me Grace LOLOL</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2007 and change it, what would it be?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Well I would have slowed down a little bit after announcing my divorce and planned things out a little better. I may have stayed in OK and saw how things worked out for me there. And I would not have left all my shit with Marcus. I would not have poured all my personal shit with Mike in those blogs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To just keep plugging away at life one day at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Visit my friends for sure! And just slow down and see where life takes me. </span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />41) What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Got divorced. And hope to never have to do that again. </span></strong><br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hmmm I don't think so. </span></strong><br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">More time to write. And maybe actually do something with it this year. </span></strong><br /><br />44) What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">July – grandmas death, my birthday, leaving Marcus and moving to MI<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">October – Losing Elonna to her battle with cancer, and losing Terry</span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Getting a new job, getting accepted in college after a break, finally being brave enough to get divorced</span></strong><br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">depression creeping back up on me, picking some of the wrong guys to go out with , never living up to my own expectations of myself, and my wicked evil self esteem issues that mess with my head.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">My new cool chic glasses…. LOL I can see now when I am reading and on the PC! My other glasses were old and the prescription was no longer good. </span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />48) Whose behavior merited celebration?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><st1:place><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Shannon</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">, she finally got up out of that hell hole that was causing her so much stress and anxiety!</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br /><br />49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yikes! My own – seriously!</span></strong><br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Having a job again, being close to my family even thought I don't see them very much, getting back into school, earning my real estate appraisers license</span></strong><br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder? <b>I am about the same as I was this time last year, just for different reasons.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />ii. thinner or fatter? <b>The same as I was…but I would love to change that…</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">iii. richer or poorer? <strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">richer in so many ways, poorer money wise</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Exercised, listened to my docs, spent more time with my friends while they were close by</span></strong><br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?<br /><b>Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br /><b>I don't know, I really just want to lie in bed all day and wish it away.</b><br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">2</span></strong><br /><br />56) What was your favorite TV program?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">UFC, The Ultimate Fighter, Prison Break, Lost</span></strong><br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, sadly, there is someone that has burned me and I just really am still pissed off as all hell about it, so yeah, some hatred is running through my Irish blood right now.</span></strong><br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh gosh, I read so many I don't really know where to start. But my fave is Needful Things by Stephen King; I read it just about every year. </span></strong><br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Bloodsimple, A Perfect Circle, Opeth, The 69 Eyes, Death Angel</span></strong><br /><br />60) What did you want and get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just the divorce</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I don't seem to ever get what I want. I want true happiness. I want true love. I want peace within me. </span></strong><br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br /><b>Julie came up from </b></span><st1:state><st1:place><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Texas</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"> and we went out with Shannon and the girls from work. Got tattooed. And partied hard. I turned 32. Whooopeeee<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Perhaps not losing Elonna, Terry…moving…who knows. We really have no way of knowing. Cause if these things did not happen, whose to say something else would not have. </span></strong><br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?<br /><b>I'm just me. I don't follow trends. I like what I like. Comfort. Cool. Calm. Dressed up or down, I am pretty simple.</b>65) What kept you sane?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh lord, I don't think I was sane much this year. But my friends did a pretty good job of not letting me go off the deep end. Especially Shannon while we were working together in hell LOL<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br /><em><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal;">Colin of COURSE!!! And Cillian Murphy! Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell of Prison Break ..Oh and lets not forget them UFC men LOLOL</span></b></em><br /><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most?<br /><b>The war, still. And all the shite in </b></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ireland</span></b></st1:place></st1:country-region><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">. </span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Life is too short for petty shit. Tell everyone just what is on your mind because tomorrow may be too late. That forever is a lie.</span></strong><br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.<br />And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.<br />You cannot save me.<br /><br />Well, it's not the time to breakdown.<br />It's not the time to breakdown.<br />It's not the time to break up this love,<br />Keep it together now.<br />It's not the time to break.<br /><br />Read it all, no need for separating here.<br />You see what you want and try to justify.<br />All your little lines,<br />Convictions and your lies.<br />What right do you have to point at me?</span></b><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />70) Favorite discovered quote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="snippet4"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me."</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">MySpace Comments</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_565522">And still here you are, forging forward, truly phenomenal. Ummmm, but I see no mention of a certain "crow" band in here lol. Guess we are going to do better this next year then?</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a> on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 2:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339060274#" id="addReplyLnk_565522" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339060274&commentID=565522" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><label id="NewDiv_565522"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566460">YEAH! ME TOO</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a> on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 1:15 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339060274#" id="addReplyLnk_566460" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=339060274&commentID=566460" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70517415200490786812007-12-12T15:38:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:58:10.413-04:00350 Words or Less<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 12, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_337459035" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/Elf_Blood/writing.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/srod15/Copyofalvarez.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">350 Words or Less</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I am on the treadmill this morning, flipping through January's issue of Glamour magazine and there is every writers dream come true.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">First, yes chunky butt girl does exercise and second, I have had a subscription to Glamour since I was like 17 years old. Deal with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, I see that Tommy Hilfiger is having a contest to help launch their new perfume, Dreaming. The contest is to write 350 words or less what your Dream is. They will pick 3 winners. And it will become a documentary.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OMFG!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, we all pretty much know what my dream is right? Well the obvious one Ireland. But everyone thinks the only reason this girl wants to go to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region>is just because she is Irish. Well, that's only the half of it. I have a story to tell damn it. Now how the hell am I gonna squash it town to 350 words?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That is not my only dream. So now, I sit here thinking ok, which one do I shoot for? Maybe I need to read the rules. You know that lovely fine print no one ever reads. Maybe I can submit multiple entries if each one is different. I could try for them all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, this is my quest. To try to figure it out in 350 words or less. That's quite a challenge. They also provide you with a link to upload a video. Which is optional. And I am thinking, you know, I don't think they want my drunken chatter youtube videos. So maybe I need to rethink that option as well. They also want a pic. I think I have that made. They should pick me just on my beauty alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*cough cough*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Moving along.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">HAHAHHAAH</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think its time for my voice to be heard and my story to be told.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In 350 words or less………</div><div align="center"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_560862">You got my vote!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - 9:48 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337459035#" id="addReplyLnk_560862" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337459035&commentID=560862" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_560862"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_562162">Do it baby...you can if anyone can.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Friday, December 14, 2007 - 1:23 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337459035#" id="addReplyLnk_562162" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337459035&commentID=562162" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_562162"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14904163" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/55/s_95876e1e56c177d4386c78d3d6bb4c1f.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566336">I think it's a wonderful idea, have fun with it and make it your on. You can do this!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a> on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 11:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337459035#" id="addReplyLnk_566336" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337459035&commentID=566336" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64047730284588186622007-12-11T15:36:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:57:19.718-04:00Picking Myself Apart Today<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, December 11, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_337123622" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Just having one of those days. And when I have one of those days, I tend to be at a loss for my own words...so this says it all today.....<br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>"Going Under"</strong>Pulling myself apart today,<br />To see whats underneath,<br />I analyse the things I say,<br />Its a mystery to me.<br /><br />Why cant I be normal like everyone else?<br />Why cant I become something more than myself?<br />I reach and I'm trying to believe in me,<br />But its just too hard to see.<br /><br />Who am I now?<br />And when will I be found?<br />What if I drown?<br />Im going under now....<br /><br />Lost like a ship without a sail,<br />And terrified to fail,<br />Sick of the sickness that I feel,<br />Its a mystery to me...<br /><br />Why cant I be normal like everyone else?<br />Why cant I become something more than myself?<br />I reach and I'm trying to believe in me,<br />But its just too hard to see..<br /><br />Who am I now?<br />And when will I be found?<br />What if I drown?<br />I'm going under now....<br /><br />I'm going under now<br />I'm going under now<br /><br />Who am I now?<br />And when will I be found?<br />What if I drown?<br />I'm going under now....<br />Who am I now?<br />And when will I be found?<br />What if I drown?<br />I'm going under now.</span></span><br />~By: Saliva~<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8GF0UlgVPiE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8GF0UlgVPiE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_559743">{{{{HUGS}}}} It's ok to have one of "those days" occasionally...just don't let them happen too often!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 7:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337123622#" id="addReplyLnk_559743" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337123622&commentID=559743" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_559743"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_560101">Remember that though there may be shadows covering you, shadows are created by light. You are never alone, and I won't let you drown.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - 1:04 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337123622#" id="addReplyLnk_560101" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=337123622&commentID=560101" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89209783564655620402007-12-09T17:09:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:55:38.518-04:00Open Book<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, December 09, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My life is an open book. Their has always been a reason for that. As a writer, we all look for outlets to showcase our work. Blogging was always an outlet for me. A place not only to talk about life in general, but to throw some of my work in their as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I started this blogging journey a few years ago, I never expected it to turn into what it has.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nor did I ever expect to make the friendships that I have along the way either. Friendships I will keep and cherish forever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize there are many out there that do not understand the whole blogging thing. And that's fine. I can understand that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">While so many of you come to me and tell me how great you think I am for being so open and honest about my life, there is something that I have to confess.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It is not easy. I don't do it for attention. I don't put my personal shit out there for the media addiction. The personal stuff I put out there is first and foremost for, ME. But mostly I do it because as I have stated many, many times I have many friends and family on myspace. And it provides me with a way to keep them updated on life when other things in life keep us so busy that we just do not have time to always communicate with each other. The rest of it, the poetry and stories, that's for me to get feedback on my work.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have learned along the way that there are many things in my life that other people have gone through. And although they choose to not talk about it publicly, they can come to me and talk to me about it. And they do. And that makes me feel good. To be able to sit down and talk to people. To show people YES I went through this in life. And as shitty as it was, I came out on top. I am a survivor and I am a fighter. And you have all seen this. If my stories and events in life help someone deal with something they have gone through, if I can be a friend, then that my friends is the ultimate gift in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I also have another confession. Some of you may forget that my page is private. (this was an original myspace post) So not just everyone can read my stuff. You have to be a friend to read it. And even then, sometimes I put my blogs on preferred list. And I have my reasons for that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have run across a few people in life that don't really like the fact I put my personal life up here. But again, I have to say, my page is private, so it's not like all of blog land is reading my life. And a high ratio of my friends list are people that are REALLY my friends. So talking about life in a blog is no different then talking to them on the phone or in person. So to me, it all makes sense.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The other thing I want to say is I am not as open about life as you think I am. I choose and pick what to throw out there. I am a writer after all. Sometimes I tend to think it writer terms, what will provide the most entertainment? What do my readers what to know about? Stuff like that. I do have my boundaries. (Of course, unless you piss me off LOL ~winks~) But seriously. It is only myspace. And I share only what I want to share. Tell only what I want to tell. Put out there only what I want. There is a whole other person here and life that I lead that you all do not see. Just as I am sure it is the same way with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So while you think you know me from my blogs and all the crazy bulletins I post, the truth is – there is a whole other girl here that really is worth taking the time to get to know.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Chrys~</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_557977">HAHA.....that last graphic is mine!<br /><br />I am glad I have taken the time to get to know YOU!<br /><br />We have turned out to have lots in common & you have been a great sounding board and friend during this rough spot.<br /><br />I know we will continue to be good friends thru it all!<br /><br />HUGS!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, December 10, 2007 - 12:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=336471664#" id="addReplyLnk_557977" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=336471664&commentID=557977" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_557977"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_558124">I am happy to be included here! I do know, however, there are some unscrupulous people out there that can back door their way in if they want to...kind of like breaking in to a locked diary. You really shouldn't be surprised when you find some things that don't make you happy! LOL! I can no longer write about the things at work, unless it's pretty general, because there are people there that DO back door in to my blog and read it. But I am the bad guy for writing about it...not the ones who sneak in and read what they are not supposed to...<br />{{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, December 10, 2007 - 8:18 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=336471664#" id="addReplyLnk_558124" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=336471664&commentID=558124" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_558124"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_558197">I am honored and blessed to be considered your friend-- and your sis. Love ya!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Monday, December 10, 2007 - 11:27 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10312177974921319982007-12-06T19:10:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:54:36.780-04:00One Year Ago Today<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, December 06, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br />One Year Ago Today<br /><br /><br />While sitting here today thinking about what to write I glanced at the calendar and the weight of the world hit me in the chest. Where did the time go? I thought I had more time to prepare the blog I wanted for today?? OMG!! I am such a bad bad bad friend. ~sighs~<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />You see, its <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank">once year ago today that our sweet Lonnie</a> was taken away from us. And I really had planned to write this big, heart warming "we miss you" "R.I.P" type blog. And I know that I should, but the thing is over the course of the year I HAVE! More then once. Everyone around me knows I miss him. Many of us miss him. So many things are not the same since that whole ordeal went down. But, in the stage of life I am right now, no more dwelling in the past. I am working on a new life. And this time I choose to not think about all the bad stuff surrounding his death, but rather, the good. Joey and I are closer then ever. There is a brother / sister bond that will never be broken, no matter how many miles end up between us. And I have met some wonderful people that were friends of Lonnie's that are now close friends on mine. Funny how things in life work out like that. And I know, Elonna and Lonnie are together, our little angles. There to take care of each, and us when we need it.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />So, thinking about the last year…I see just how much my own life has changed. One cant help but wonder, if he were still alive would we have been able to <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">convince Elonna to go to the doctor</a> like we bugged her so much to do. Would she have finally got tired of listening to us? Would the cancer then have been caught sooner and been able to be treated? I often wonder these things. Often wonder had I not cried to Sean about Lonnie and mine troubles would Sean have not raised that final blow that resulted in Lonnie's death. Would Sean and I, or Sean and Joey still be friends? Would our pirate gang still be intact?<br /><br /><br /><br />It's funny how you can sit there and let your mind play out all the sitchys in life. But the truth is no one really has a way of knowing. Who is to say that if those things did not happen, that on down the line something else would not have happened.<br /><br /><br />Life. It is what we make it, only to some degree. Other things we just really have no control over.<br /><br /><br />And everything happens for a reason, right?<br /><br /><br />The old me would have been spending all day worried about the past. Wondering. Thinking. But, the new me, the one who has had a great epiphany as of late has decided that my own life is much too short. I will remember and continue to love those I have lost. But I must continue to move forward and be me. I see what I have done in that year, I reflect and then I see what I have accomplished. And that my dear friends, is a great feeling.<br /><br />I am "I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/11/i-am-woman.html" target="_blank">Phenomenal woman</a><br />That's me."<br /><br /><br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>MySpace Comments:</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555137">Everything does have a reason, for without these things, you and I may not be the friends we are today...I feel very blessed to have you in my life :)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 9:59 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555137" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687&commentID=555137" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555137"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555142">My darling Shan...my bff...I love you more then words can say. You have been there with me thru some of the worst time of my life. And, some of the best. I miss you dearly. But, even tho miles are between us, our friendship remains the same. I am ALWAYS gonna be here for you. With out your love and support, I may have ended up in that padded room after all. LOLOLOL....</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 10:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555142" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687&commentID=555142" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555142"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Beeg</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=133902747" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/74/s_1c09789890e0e272f027948687a2b9ac.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555129">Yes you are a Phenomenally Phenomenal woman!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Beeg</a> on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 9:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555129" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687&commentID=555129" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555129"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555144">THANK YOU!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 10:02 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555144" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687&commentID=555144" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555144"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555231">And thank YOU for being a part of mine!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 10:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555231" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687&commentID=555231" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555231"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555554">I know...its been a rough year huh. Lots of changes...lots of emotions...lots of hurting.<br />Hoping next year is a better one...love you.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 11:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555554" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=335578687&commentID=555554" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555554"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555578">For you, for me and for "us". But , thats OK, its life, right? I hope next year brings a new start for us both, in so many ways. Love you too babydoll. *blows you a kiss*</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 12:01 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66676991036721969072007-11-29T08:04:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:51:53.598-04:00Left of Center<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 29, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/among_the_darkness_by_my_dark_desir.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes in life the smallest things hit me with no warning. I don't know where it comes from. Some place in left field. Or left of center. Depending on your own outlook and gravitational pull in life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While trying to move forward I find myself at a crossroad of sorts. Not really sure if I should keep on this path or make the left turn. Or was that a right?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, this blog is going to be way outside the box and rather cryptic in nature just because I don't want to throw too much out right now.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or because I am not sure how anyone is going to handle what I have to say.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't need backlash. I only need faith, love and support.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is pretty much a given that I am always going to do what I want to do. I will listen to those around me, take in and absorb what is being said. But in the end, I just have to be me.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I am walking this road, and today their was a huge pot hole. I stepped in it. Made a big splash. Huge. Splatter. Like a little kid in those cute lil plastic rain boots walking to school.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, I laughed. Sure I got a little dirty. But I brushed myself off and went on down the road. Faced with that fork. I went left.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wonder, is left the way to go? Will I be forced to walk this path alone? Will others desert me when they know what I am walking towards?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I should turn around and go back. Maybe. Just maybe.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know. I am so bloody confused.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not blind you know. I can see where I am going. I know where I am walking and exactly what I am walking towards.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know what I want. It's just getting there that might be the problem.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am I really ready for this? Should I just take off running like the speed of lighting. Nah. I think a slow and steady pace will suit me just fine.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is going to be a long walk. Very long.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I might get there, and I might not. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All I ask, is no matter what direction I take, keep walking down the left or turn around and take the right; I just ask you walk beside me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_545573">Ditto what I said on 360! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 8:56 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332954439#" id="addReplyLnk_545573" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332954439&commentID=545573" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><label id="NewDiv_545573"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547315"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w51/xoxoiloveyouxoxoxo/ICONATOR_cbe540710ba856c91e4ed10d81.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 1:09 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332954439#" id="addReplyLnk_547315" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332954439&commentID=547315" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><label id="NewDiv_547315"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_548683">I'll be here honey!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>on Saturday, December 01, 2007 - 1:28 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3999525959297833662007-11-28T03:11:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:51:47.111-04:00While Sorting...The conclusion (for now anyway)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 28, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~On Terry~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, while sorting so many things the last few days I realized that their was something missing. Something that I have sort of been holding on to and just leaving in the shadows and out of the limelight. Terry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank">Why haven't I talked about Terry?</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well, that's very very easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">BECAUSE IT HURTS.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There, simple enough answer?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's been a month since I have heard from him. And his birthday was Thanksgiving. So those thoughts don't make anything easier.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think a lot of the feelings I have been having lately have much to do with all the stuff I packed up and hid away about Terry. I have not really put the cards in front of me and dealt with that loss. I think the drama I just went through only poured salt on an old wound that really was never healed to begin with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> And this constant not knowing that plagues my mind is no help either. His darkness surrounds me. There is no question of that. And it's a given its not going to go away any time soon, if ever. But this not knowing whether he alive still, slowly living out his existence in some cold dark stank cell on death row, or whether he has been executed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Have I ever mentioned I HATE NOT KNOWING?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My words will never ever be able to describe what we shared. I care not to share what we had planned. And words can not fathom the idea of how much and how deep the pain is of him being gone from my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I often wonder if I knew then, when we first met, what I know now, or even what I learned a few months ago, if things would have been different.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, maybe so. Maybe not. There is really no way of telling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But the point is, he was once mine, we were once together, we once had hopes and dreams and now they are dead. All off it dead.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And now, its time that I put all of this behind me before I make myself sick with frustration, hurt and anger.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am going to heal.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I am going to be just fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">MySpace Comments:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_544303">{{{{HUGS}}}} and more {{{{HUGS}}}} what more can I say? The hurt will ease eventually, but it will never go away. I have not deleted him from my list because that seems so final. I barely got to know him, but he seemed like a good guy.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 7:50 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332752842#" id="addReplyLnk_544303" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332752842&commentID=544303" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_544303"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547308">You will heal honey! We all will...but you have to heal to the best of your ability. I kinda understand how hard this is for you.<br /><br />I am glad you wrote this!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 12:59 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332752842#" id="addReplyLnk_547308" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332752842&commentID=547308" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59018518253257720872007-11-27T22:01:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:51:10.175-04:00I Am "PHENOMENAL WOMAN"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, November 27, 2007 </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>PHENOMENAL WOMAN</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by Maya Angelou</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pretty women wonder where my secret lies<br />I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size<br />But when I start to tell them<br />They think I'm telling lies.<br />I say<br />It's in the reach of my arms<br />The span of my hips<br />The stride of my steps<br />The curl of my lips.<br />I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I walk into a room<br />Just as cool as you please<br />And to a man<br />The fellows stand or<br />Fall down on their knees<br />Then they swarm around me<br />A hive of honey bees.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />I say<br />It's the fire in my eyes<br />And the flash of my teeth<br />The swing of my waist<br />And the joy in my feet.<br />I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Men themselves have wondered<br />What they see in me<br />They try so much<br />But they can't touch<br />My inner mystery.<br />When I try to show them<br />They say they still can't see.<br />I say<br />It's in the arch of my back<br />The sun of my smile<br />The ride of my breasts<br />The grace of my style.<br />I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now you understand<br />Just why my head's not bowed<br />I don't shout or jump about<br />Or have to talk real loud<br />When you see me passing<br />It ought to make you proud.<br />I say<br />It's in the click of my heels<br />The bend of my hair<br />The palm of my hand<br />The need for my care.<br />'Cause I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>I know who I am. Inside and out. I have said it before and I need to say it again, I will never compromise who I am! Ever. It took me a long time to love me just as I am. I am strong. I am beautiful. And I am ME!</b></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>~C.~</b></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_543934">I love Maya Angelou and this poem just fits you to a T!! Love ya!! Stay strong, stay positive!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 1:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332509233#" id="addReplyLnk_543934" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332509233&commentID=543934" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_543934"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=113569504" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">KRAZ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=113569504" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/71/s_676467b66955169481b4acc944eefc45.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mike Kraz</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_544447">I would have to agree, you are quite the woman!!! I know things have been rough as of late between us but I do appreciate the kind texts you send... Thank you Kraz.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=113569504" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">KRAZ</a> on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 9:41 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332509233#" id="addReplyLnk_544447" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332509233&commentID=544447" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=113569504" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_544447"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547321"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa253/bi_jewel234/Blinkies-minis/Phenomal.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />I LOVE this!!!! Woot Woot!! And the new pics are fabulous!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 1:12 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332509233#" id="addReplyLnk_547321" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332509233&commentID=547321" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68658287457402102007-11-26T19:23:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:41:49.490-04:00Sorting Some More - Life & Dating<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 26, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w108/LadyRoslynn/GoddessChrys.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Back in the Dating Game</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, everyone keeps telling me – "Chrys, get off your ass and get back out there"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">UGH</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right now, it scares the fuck out of me. Literally.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I DO NOT know what my problem is. If I did, I would have fixed it by now. Seriously folks, have you ever known me to not be in "boy crazy" mode???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, me either. But, it has happened. It could be due to the last boy, or it could be due to everything else that's going on around me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who knows?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And really, I am not caring.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All I know - I feel myself hiding. Feel myself pushing certain people away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can not stop myself. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I CAN'T!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to scream and pull out my hair. You just have no idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know that NONE of you liked Mike. From the very beginning. That first missed phone call that first missed hang out. I get it. I HEAR YOU ALL!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But that does not change how I FEEL. I am not a light switch; I can not just turn feelings on and off. And despite what happened and how things ended, I still see the part of him, the part of us that was good. And that's hard to get over. I know you all read the blogs, and you saw it for what it was. But, there is a whole other story, and another side.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> His.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> And trust me; I heard it yelled to me for quite some time. So, standing in both shoes and seeing the entire situation, it's just a mess and miscommunication, misunderstanding and shit on both sides. I am not making excuses for mine or his behavior. It is what it is. But it still does not change feelings. It does not change how when that phone rings and I see his name flashing that my brain says not to answer but my heart sinks. I answer. We talk. I can not tell you enough how awkward it is to resort to being just "friends."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I would be a liar if I said I didn't want him back. If I didn't want to try again. That's the fighter in me. But I am not so sure this is a fight that needs to be finished. I just do not know. I know too much, I have seen too much. But, at any point, the reality is, getting back together is not likely an option anyway. He made that very clear during our shouting match.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, moving on is what I have been doing. Although it is proving to be a hard task.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's always been so easy in the past. Moving forward. As my girl Myca would say "go on, brush your shoulders off and say NEXT."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I AM TRYING!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">DON'T YOU HEAR ME?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How much clearer can I make it?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I am ready to hang out with a guy again, when I am ready to date – I will know it. I have to do this my way. My speed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So for now all I ask is give me my space and give me my time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Living my life for me. Taking care of me. This is what I have to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">MySpace Comments:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_542775">Hmmm...well my bisexual sweetheart...maybe its time to hang out with a girl for awhile...<br />~~~shrugs and winks...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 1:18 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_542775" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000&commentID=542775" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_542775"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_542820">It's kinda of like crowd control girl, you just have to tell everyone to "back off" until the main act comes on stage. Just think about it as if you're the bouncer of your own life, you just have to take control of the situation and wait until "YOU" are ready and nobody else. Simple terms, but effective. LOL, you know what I mean. It's all down to you mami!! Much love and support even through, during and after the dufus days!! LOLOL</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 2:17 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_542820" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000&commentID=542820" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_542820"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_542902">Don't go back out there because "everyone" keeps telling you you should...this mom is saying "wait a little while", because I am like you...I cannot flip a switch and be over it! These things take time. If the whole friendship thing isn't working for you...tell him! Tell him you jumped in with both feet, giving the relationship everything you had to give and it is not fair to ask you to back it down and be just friends. I know you Chrys...you are doing it because you feel it's better to have him in your life in some capacity, than to not have him in it at all. You will heal faster if you boot him out. It's up to you though, dear one, and I will respect any decidion that you make! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 7:46 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_542902" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000&commentID=542902" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_542902"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_543365">As you know sis, it took me over 10 years to get back out there. So I would never in a million years tell anyone to hurry up and jump back in. If anything, I would recommend taking your time!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 7:40 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_543365" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000&commentID=543365" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_543365"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=48249032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">sinn</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=48249032" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/s_a63399d36438f2de3ddb90f9cc418170.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_544848">boys aren't going anywhere and we're not in short demand lol. take all the time you think you need. enjoy a'lil drama free living for awhile... for yourself.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=48249032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">sinn</a> on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 1:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_544848" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000&commentID=544848" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=48249032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_544848"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547297">Well I agree! Once again.....live your life for YOU!<br /><br />It took me 6 years to really get back out there and look at it all....<br /><br />Do what makes you happy chickie!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 12:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_547297" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332238000&commentID=547297" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91303820680771088832007-11-26T00:16:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:44:27.970-04:00Just Sorting <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 26, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just Sorting</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am trying to sort some things out in my head. It is proving to be much more difficult then I had originally anticipated. ~sighs~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As you all know, there has been a lot of stuff going on around me these days. Lots of thoughts running around in my brain. So, this blog is going to mostly be for me. To just start throwing some of this stuff out there and try to make some sense of it. This is nothing personal towards any family or friends, so I hope none of you take it as such.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The big topic as of late has been the move. Whether I will move back to <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma </st1:place></st1:state>or not. And, you know what; right now I still really can not answer this. I just do not know. I mean, I left OK for many reasons. For one, I needed to get as far away from Marcus as possible. Not because I feared him, or felt he would come after me and hurt me. But more so because once you spend 10 years with someone, sometimes it's not easy to just up and say goodbye. It was not the first time I had left him. So I was afraid of those weak moments, us crossing paths, and just having to deal with it. So I ran away. I had to. For no one but myself. As for all my friends, I miss you guys so much. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder what you guys are doing. And it hurts. It is hard to not be there for you. I know a few of you are going through some rough patches right now and it has been so hard for me to not be able to put my ass in my car and come over and be with you. But, I left OK cause I needed to take care of ME. For too long I have put the needs of everyone else before myself. I came to MI to clear my head, to sort my life and to once and for all take care of me. I made the choice to start over, because I felt that's what I needed. A fresh start. It was nothing personal to any of you and it was not because of anything you did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You guys have been my "family" for the last 20 plus years.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Being in OK, I missed out on so many things with my blood family, that when I was wondering where I was gonna go, the choice became clear. A few people offered for me to stay with them when the divorce came out. And I appreciate that. But, I felt it was time to come to MI and be with family. You guys had me for all these years, now it was their turn. I did not want to miss out on any more things. And once grandpa and grandma were lost, that need to come home became even stronger.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I knew their were going to be adjustments. I knew their were going to be road blocks. Moving across country is never easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, when I think about moving back it makes me feel like I am taking the easy way out. I look at what's been offered to me. A place to stay, a career, a car, my moving expense all take care of, and to be an hour from my friends. It would be very easy for me to pick up the phone and say "OK" lets do this, and I am off and running again. But, then I have to think about what if that did not work? What if I did not like being back in<st1:city><st1:place>Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city>? All the what if's. Then I am back at square one. I stop and take a look and see what I have had to deal with since I have been here. Mostly I have had to play the waiting game because of the divorce, but now that it is final, things are slowly starting to fall in to place and come together. And its like, do I want to run away from all that I have done now? Shouldn't I at least give it a chance? I mean I really not have been here all that long.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That, and now that I am here..its like..No big deal. I don't know.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Of course,<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/11/for-all-of-you-i-have-something-to-say.html" target="_blank"> I think the recent events with Mike put me in a tailspin.</a> It's like I told him, when him and I were together, I thought OK, I am going to give this relationship and this move a chance. And now, I don't have that relationship. I am now looking at things with a whole new perspective. I am not sure that's for the best. I am still sorting that one. And there is still a lot surrounding that whole situation. And it's hard, because as much as I am open about things in life, this is just one thing I don't want to talk about publicly anymore. There are a few close to me that know what's going on. And that's all that needs to know. Let's just say, it has affected me. I want to run away and hide. So when the offer to move back came into light, I was ALL for it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know, there are a few of you who DON'T want me to move. And trust me I have listened to you, and I understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But this is me. Decisions. Choices. Life. And in the end, I have to do what's best for ME.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think only time is gonna sort this one out. But for right now, I am still here.</div><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_541656"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/Inu-lover/My%20pictures/headempty.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />No great words of advice....you said it all yourself. This has to be for YOU girl!<br /><br />It took me a long time to quit living my life for someone else.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, November 26, 2007 - 1:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332000980#" id="addReplyLnk_541656" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332000980&commentID=541656" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_541656"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_541694">Your a pretty awesome lil lady, I'm sure you'll do what's best for you. Life is hard and we all have things that we need to do. I know I wish you the best in all your endeavors and everything that you do, and I'm sure there are lots of others better then me who wish the same! I hope you can find peace in your heart and a beautiful smile for your lips. I know that if you keep working as hard as you are to make things right in your life there is no way you can fail at whatever you do!! I guarandamntee it!! lol But we know how retarded I am!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a> on Monday, November 26, 2007 - 1:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332000980#" id="addReplyLnk_541694" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332000980&commentID=541694" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_541694"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_541829">Running away is never the answer. I am glad to see that you already know that! (But if you decide to, you could always come to Texas, LOL!)<br />Anyway, I know things will work out for you. You are strong. {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, November 26, 2007 - 7:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332000980#" id="addReplyLnk_541829" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=332000980&commentID=541829" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2765001518490610662007-11-22T11:22:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:44:51.991-04:00Turkeys and Snow - OH MY!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 22, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Good morning everyone, I hope your day is starting off well!<br /><br />Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and offer many blessings to you and yours.<br /><br />Blessed be.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />We have snow today. Yes! SNOW! Can you believe that?? Well, ok those of you living up here, can. But those of you back home, you know how long its been since we have seen a white turkey day.<br /><br />Anyway, enjoy the day. Be thankful for all the things you do have in life. Cherish that. And try not to dwell too much on the things you do not have.<br /><br />I am off and running. People to see, places to go, snow to play in, food to eat, Guinness to drink, hmmm maybe I will get some pictures! LOL Its fun and maddness today !!<br /><br />Be safe. See you all soon.<br />xoxo<br />CChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41542103813180448502007-11-21T15:02:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:45:18.340-04:00Turkey, Bedlam, and more... Lets play catch up<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 21, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Ok first thing on the agenda..<br /><br />High Speed Internet!! Ok for those of you following along, you know since moving here to mid of nowhere, I have been living in the land of the dead dial up. Well, Monday that will all change, as oh'dude from the cable co will be arriving to set up the high speed.<br /><br />Oh you all know what that means.....(Shannon...get that pando ready LOL)<br /><br />Arrrrrr...mateys... LOLOL<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />That also means work and school are about to take off like a rocket and I am going to be a busy little bee. And I welcome that with open arms.<br /><br />Already been busy..hello appraisels... ~winks~<br /><br />Ok, next matter...<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving to YOU ALL! Count your blessings and blessed be!<br /><br />What else....darn it I know I had something else..<br />.<br />Oh yes, thank you for those who asked and sent well wishes, I am feeling a little better.<br /><br />OH! BEDLAM!! How can I forget!!!<br /><br />Yes, so bedlam has approached. OSU/OU and this will be the first bedlam I have missed in 20ish years. So, let me just say, even tho I now live in Green and Blue territory... I still bleed ORANGE!! Oh yes, I SAID ORANGE. I did go to school at OSU and live in da'waters for over 10 years. That certrify's me. Did I mention I did some time on the OSU spirit squad in college?? GO POKES!! Ok ok, for all you die hard bleeding red Sooner fans, I did my time at OU as well...but my heart is just in orange...sorry folks....Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7026130271703161472007-11-21T10:13:00.000-05:002014-07-25T21:02:39.585-04:00Twisted<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 21, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Twisted</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am so twisted on the inside. And not in a comical way either. There is so much going on inside of me. Mentally and physically that I just want to crawl up into a big ball and just croak. Just let this world pass me on by. I'm feeling ill again these days. My guts are all in knots. I can't eat. My head hurts. I am either freezing or having hot flashes. And food is my worst enemy. Sure we all want to lose a few pounds, but this is NOT the way I like to do it. I have no energy, the treadmill wars have been far and few between. I called my internal specialist back in OK with the hopes of her being able to refer me to someone up here. But I have not heard back from her. If I did not know any better, I would think their was some underlying reason with the ex as to why none of my old healthcare people want to refer me to anyone up here. Seeing as how it was his insurance card I was a proud carrier of. LOL. Yeah yeah, the world is out to get my syndrome. Whatever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It could be stress related. The recent dramatic effects could very well have brought on this onslaught of icky feelings. But I know that even if this were the case, this is only part of the problem. I have in the past made well aware of my internal illness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It could just be an adjustment to the weather. A come on of a cold. Who knows. No telling at this point. All I know is yesterday and today I was feeling pretty horrible.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And if I hear one more pregnancy joke, I swear I am going to rip out every strand of hair on my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, not really, I rather much like my hair. But, seriously, NOT FUNNY PEOPLE!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Normally I would just laugh it off with some smart ass comment. But given the recent drama that unfolded with a certain someone around here just a few days ago, this time, its just NOT FUNNY.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO I AM NOT! END OF STORY!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As for being mentally twisted. Well, we all knew that already. HA!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok ok, kidding aside. Their really is a lot, and I do mean A LOT going on around me right now. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am twisted on my feelings, my thoughts and emotions. I keep thinking, if I just close my eyes one more time, it will all go away and settle. But that's not happening.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I keep hearing <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">this familiar voice </a>and it just ignites everything all over again. Letting go has usually been easy for me. Walking away, no problems their either. When it's me making the choice to do so. Losing a battle well was never an option for me. I am a fighter. I do not give up so easily on anything. So, it would seem that this would be no different. Even though I should, and I know better. I know there are just some battles that are better left alone. I know this. But I can not make myself leave well enough alone. I suppose I am glutton for punishment. I do like pain after all. But emotional pain, I don't like. And because of all that, I feel myself crawling back into my shell.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Being born in July, I am a true cancer crab all around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But I am not really sure when or if I want to come out right now. I feel like an outsider looking. I am numb. I literally am feeling nothing. I am slowly feeling out all the situations presenting themselves around me. Just the slightest touch. The smallest word. Not really putting a lot of myself out there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> Wondering what to do next. What direction to turn in. One direction I wonder should I be closing in on? Not that it matters cause I feel myself treading further away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Another direction I am slowly walking towards with such fright and terror that I wonder shall I just run away. Would that be easier?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been thinking and looking back in life on so many things these last few days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Life truly has me twisted up inside, in more ways then one.</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_535227">Sis, there is something in the air, as far as cosmically speaking goes. You might want to do a clearing, or have someone else do it, of your aura and energy field. I am actually having this done on Friday, because I am experiencing one mishap/negative BS after another. Just a thought...{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:23 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29851710157467358812007-11-21T01:01:00.000-05:002014-07-25T21:00:01.038-04:00This One is About Elonna....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 21, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;">*grabs a box of tissues*</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Words will never describe how much <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">I miss my "sistagurl"</a> especially now that the holidays are here.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I was rather surprised to see a message from Liz, her sister in law. I am glad her and I are still in touch. But, what I read sure made me reach for the tissues.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I wanted to share it will you guys, since so many of you were friends with Elonna as well.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><em><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">****The saddest thing happened this past sunday. Lonna came back for her kitty Mia. After Lonna passed, Mia was sooooo sad, constantly walking around meowling for her. Mia stopped eating about a week ago. Mom started feeding her baby food, and she was eating that a lil bit. On Sunday, 7 weeks to the day that lonna passed, mom fed mia some babyfood, petted her till she purred, as mom was leaving lonnas room, mia let out a long sad meow. When she returned about an hour later, Mia was curled up on a pile of Lonna's clothes, dead. Very sad stuff....*******</span></b></em><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I have no words of wisdom, nothing profound to write here.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">*starts passing around the box of tissues*</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_535249">She wanted her Mama......bless them both.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 1:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330686655#" id="addReplyLnk_535249" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330686655&commentID=535249" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_535249"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_535269">~hugs~ Chrys.. no words really.. I just want to get drunk.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 1:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330686655#" id="addReplyLnk_535269" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330686655&commentID=535269" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_535269"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_536161">*sighs*<br />Wow.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Thursday, November 22, 2007 - 12:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330686655#" id="addReplyLnk_536161" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330686655&commentID=536161" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15341140772895364552007-11-19T16:14:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:58:56.090-04:00For ALL of you ~ I have Something To Say<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Monday, November 19, 2007 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"></span>~stand up on pedestal~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*clears throat*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let me explain something to you all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/11/why-i-liked-him-sighs-and-why-i-miss-him.html" target="_blank">What happened with me and Mike had nothing, I repeat NOTHING to do with ANYTHING any of you replied to on those blogs.</a> (That means you too sapph, love u sis)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I made the choice to put <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">our personal stuff out there</a>. That was all me. I was mad, I was angry, I needed to vent. Irish temper got the best of me.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe it was not the best choice I have ever made, but it's in the past and I can not take it back. And for that I have apologized to him. Some people are just much more private then others. I should have respected that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> He didn't read it, nor did he even see the comments. But someone he knew did, and told him all about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I am going to leave everything else alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I removed the blogs for MYSELF. NOT him, not anyone else. I no longer wanted that reminder of all the drama that surrounded it. I just want to hold on to the good memories and let the rest die.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm moving along. I AM going to be just fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~gets down off pedestal~</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_534121">~Stands up and cheers as you step off the pedestal!!~ You go girl!<br /><br />You do what is best for you...We ALL stand with you thru the good and bad!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 11:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330193441#" id="addReplyLnk_534121" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330193441&commentID=534121" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_534121"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_534170">I knew you were going to do the right thing and I am proud of ya my Hot ass Irish buddy! ;) I hope ya enjoy yourself when ya go back to the dating pool! Take care and sending ya my Irish Luv! xoxoxoxoxo ♣<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/irishdog36/Cloversheart.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 12:51 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330193441#" id="addReplyLnk_534170" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330193441&commentID=534170" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_534170"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_534313">Of course you will be alright...you are IRISH! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 7:50 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330193441#" id="addReplyLnk_534313" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330193441&commentID=534313" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_534313"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_534402">{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}} sis, glad you are dusting off and moving forward!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 11:16 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330193441#" id="addReplyLnk_534402" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=330193441&commentID=534402" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21714369794865988382007-11-18T17:50:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:56:42.932-04:00Why I Liked Him ~sighs~ And Why I Miss Him<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, November 18, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />So, I am getting dressed this morning, when a familiar t-shirt falls to the floor. A t-shirt only a matter of days ago I had pushed into the back of the closet. Not thinking I really ever wanted to see it again. But, there it was, unfolded on the floor. I picked it up, and as soon as my fingers grasped around the black material, every single memory came flooding back. It made my head spin and I had to sit down on the floor at catch my breath.<br /><br />How can something so simple as a t-shirt bring back so much?<br /><br />I suppose only I can answer that, and I am not going to do it here.<br /><br />I put too much out there already. I know, I have always been open about things in life. So my family and friends always know what was going on. But maybe this time, this time was too much. I am sorry. This is me saying I am sorry for throwing personal business out there that involved another person who is more private then I.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In my own defense, I was hurting. And I was angry. Upset. Not sure what to think. And I just was wanting family and friends to read it and give me their 2 cents.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Lets say, I got a lot more then 2 cents.<br /><br />I thought a few days ago, when all the drama unfolded, I had pretty much made the choice I was moving on. That I was going to move away from those thoughts and memories and continue on in life as I always have. That I was just going to walk away and let go.<br /><br />I am strong. Right? I know this.<br /><br />Every relationship I have ever been in, I was always in control of myself, my feelings and emotions. I have always had the strong hand. Strong willed, strong minded. In control of me. And I was always the one walking away in the end.<br /><br />I don't know what happened. Maybe I do and I don't want to think about it. But, I let go of myself this time. And this time, it hasn't been so easy to walk away. To let it go. Hasn't been so easy to push those moments, those thoughts and feelings aside. And believe me I have tried.<br /><br />It's not the moving on back into the dating pool that's hard, already been asked out by a few fellows. It's the moving on inside my head. And I really don't know what to do.<br /><br />Maybe this time, I am not so strong. This time, I fell and I became weak. And even though I was in the process of moving forward, I guess their was still that part of me holding on to that last bit of string, hanging for dear life, thinking we could fix things.<br /><br />Doesn't matter. Let's just say I got the closure I had been asking for the last few days. The answers that I wanted from him. And with that, even though this is "my" space and my little corner of the blogosphere to say and do as I please, I am now revoking my right to my freedom of speech and not going to discuss this personal matter about him anymore.<br /><br />I know, after everything you are ALL thinking, Chrys, why on earth would you even want to try to work things out. And I have no answer for you. Well, I do, but truth is, I don't want to answer that. Instead, I am just going to repost the blog I wrote, entitled "Why I Like Him" and you can draw your own ideas from that.<br /><br />This one got to me, this one got under my skin. And this one has eaten me alive, chewed me up, and spit me out. But the fact remains, I still miss him.<br /><br />And for now, I will hold on to that familiar t-shirt that holds so many memories.<br /><br />************************************************************************<br />(this part was written the begining of Nov.)<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Why I Like You <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, as Mike and I were having those all inclusive lets be serious and talk "talks" one of the questions he asked me was "Why do you like me?"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ok, first, let's talk about him putting me on the SPOT like that. LOL. If ever their was a day I wanted to hide my face from someone, it was that moment. I am sure my facial expression was a force to be reckoned with, but seriously. How do you answer something like that? I mean, you know how you feel, but how to explain it. How to convey that message in words without sounding like a total sap. Or a retard, whichever. LOL</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I think I just rattled off something about our chemistry, how that's hard to come by, and how he makes me laugh. The butterflies that flutter in my stomach when he's around. Sure that's the truth, but that's not all of it. So, allow me to officially break it down, and tell the world just how this man makes me feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, this one is for you Mike… if you ever decide to read my blog, this one should be it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Since the day we first started talking we had this rapport that was a force not to be messed with. Both being a couple of smart asses, it was easy to get into the groove and find common ground to communicate on. Then came the laughter. And not just a few HA HA your are funny fake giggles, but I am talking down on the floor laughing until I can't breath laughter. And it has been like that since the first day we talked, and then once we met in person, that chemistry became ever stronger.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The two of us just have this certain vibe. We are so comfortable around each other, it's like we have known each other forever. We can say and do pretty much anything, and it's ok.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We sometimes seem to understand each other without really even having to say a word.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Every time I think about you, I smile. Every time I see you I want that initial hug and kiss to last forever. The butterflies start to flutter and I feel like a school girl with her first crush again. I had forgotten what that feeling was like.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I can be a big dork and laugh at myself and you just laugh right along with me. You don't judge, nor have you tried to change me. You have been perfectly accepting of me and all my quirks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">See even now, trying to get all this out there, I get all flustered and tongue twisted and just don't know what direction to go in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, per usual, its Lyrical Intervention time….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With You- Jessica Simpson</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The real me is a Southern girl<br />With her Levi's on and an open heart<br />Wish I could save the world<br />Like I was Supergirl<br />The real me used to laugh all night<br />Lying in the grass, just talking 'bout love<br />But lately I've been jaded<br />Life got so complicated</span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I start thinking about it</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Almost forgot what it was like</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">To know when it feels right</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">But with you</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I can let my hair down</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I can say anything crazy</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With nothing but a T-shirt on</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I never felt so beautiful</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Baby, as I do now</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Now that I'm with you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With you</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With you</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With you</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Now that I'm with you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">You speak and it's like a song</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">And just like that, all my walls come down</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It's like a private joke</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Just meant for us to know</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I relate to you naturally</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Everybody else just fades away</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Sometimes it's hard to breathe</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Just knowing you found me</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">'Cause I start thinking about it</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I almost forgot what it was like</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">To know when love feels right</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">'Cause with you</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I can let my hair down</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I can say anything crazy</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With nothing but a T-shirt on</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I never felt so beautiful</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Baby, as I do now</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Now that I'm with you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With you</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With you</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Come and take me</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Love you, save me</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Like nobody else</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Now I can be myself with you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I can let my hair down</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I can say anything crazy</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With nothing but a T-shirt on</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I never felt so beautiful</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Baby, as I do now</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Now that I'm with you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I can let my hair down</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I can say anything crazy</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">With nothing but a T-shirt on</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I never felt so beautiful</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Baby, as I do now</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Now that I'm with you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 3pt; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">( this part was finished up about the 11th or 12th)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Ok, so I started to write that a few weeks ago when the question first came about. But, then, for whatever reason we brought it up again. And so it was discussed on both parts, why I like him, why he likes me</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It's not so easy trying to verbally convey those types of feelings, as I am sure now he knows how I felt when he first brought the question to me.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">But, as I sat there, telling him how I felt, I realized, that I was able to get a lot of it out. A lot of what I wrote here, in the beginning of this blog, I was able to tell him. And that made me think about that comfort level. I am so comfortable with him. And I think, I hope, he has realized that. Because this is something where my actions have spoken louder then my words.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It's the way he looks at me when we first meet up for the day. How his face just lights up, his eyes, they shine. Those are feelings you can not hide from someone. Seeing that makes my smile that much bigger. He really is a ray of Sunshine when he looks that way.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">When we are out to eat, it's the way he reaches his hands out across the table to hold mine. How he looks at me when I am talking. Or, not saying a word at all. His cute lil wink he does.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">How no matter where we can be, or what we are doing, we can make fun out of it. Or fun of it whatever is the case. Something so simple can turn into the biggest joke for us.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It's how he takes the time to greet my fur babies Cain and Casey every time he is around. I know that may seam trivial to many, but to me, it's a big deal. Those are my kids. And it's a big deal for me to have someone in my life that is an animal person and doesn't treat them like some sort of beast they just have to deal with because I wanted them.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Insert all the XXX stuff here that I am not sharing….</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The fact that he doesn't sit around in front of the TV watching every sports known to man. I don't mind seeing things live, but ugh..the TV. NOOOO! And I know A LOT of you that know me and my twisted love for fighting, might think I am just with him cause he's a fighter. NOOOOOO!! That just means I have someone to share my sick and twisted love for bloody painful sports. LOL.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">In time I think he will learn little things mean a lot to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We had the talk about the dad and the father. That's always an ordeal. Its hard to determine when the right time to talk about it is. And you never know how that person is going to take it. Of course there is always that, "should I ever bother telling this person?" that always runs around in my brain. I haven't had issues with what happened to me in a long time. But this is a new relationship, and when I post bulletins about how fucked up the dad(s) are, I guess it might raise some eyebrows. Or how my dad lives a few miles up the road and I never see or talk about him. Or how my father lives a town over and yet I never discuss it either. So maybe, it was just the right time, the right moment to tell him what the story was. And out it came. I thought it was going to be hard. But it was so easy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">That comfort level.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">And blurt it all out I did. And he didn't push me away or look at me like I was some sort of damaged goods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Instead, he listened and then he asked questions. Yes, you heard me right, he asked questions. NO ONE has ever taken the time to ask questions. Most people just look at you with this blank look. Like they are not sure what they should say aside from, they are sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">So, that was kind of a big deal for me. It meant a lot that he took the time to try and understand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Big brownie points there!!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">My situation, its not ideal. Just getting over a divorce. And really was going through it when we first started to date. And that did not scare him off. As you all know, I left everything behind in the divorce, and I am literally starting life over from the ground up. He has been my own little cheering section. When we talk, he takes the time to listen to what I have accomplished (or not) and always offers encouragement and understanding. He understands the living situation. He's accepted the car situation. And well, just my life in general. It's understood this is not how things are always going to be for me. And it means a lot that he has been so understanding about it all.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I've dated a few that haven't been. It's like I have the plague or something.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The best thing really, he accepts me – for me!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">There really is so much more. And I could go on and on. But the truth is, I have been working on this blog for far too long. And I think tonight is as good as night as any for him to see, just what he means to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Have a good night everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">XOXOX<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">~Chrys~<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">***************************************************<br />And in closing....not really sure what to say now....<br />But those memories are strong....no matter how bad the drama got.</span><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_533165">You always were a fighter Chrystal...why stop now right? I wish you the best...<br />~~hugs...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 10:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329824425#" id="addReplyLnk_533165" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329824425&commentID=533165" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_533165"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_533168">Get back up, be strong, do the right thing and the very best for ~Irish Chik~! Love ya hun! ♣</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 10:45 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329824425#" id="addReplyLnk_533168" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329824425&commentID=533168" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_533168"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_533232">Ok...TRUST me.....I know how this feels.....I had one like this that got to me.<br /><br />Pick yourself up, dust yourself off......and live life. It will go on...don't let it pass you by.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 12:13 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329824425#" id="addReplyLnk_533232" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329824425&commentID=533232" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_533232"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_533466">Sorry if my comments were part of the problem, sis. I guess I am still bitter about how my ex-hex treated me; too many simpatico feeling were stirred up by your situation!<br />However, whatever may happen, know that I always got your back, and support you whatever you decide in life. {{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 11:17 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58904104991258218102007-11-17T12:48:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:52:09.499-04:00Whats Up With Chrys?? - Mid November Edition- SUCESS!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, November 17, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_329436209" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a SUCCESS</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am BEAUTIFUL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am SMART</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am TALENTED</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am MOTIVATED</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am STRONG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a SURVIVOR</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will HAVE A GREAT LIFE</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will BE SOMEBODY</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I WILL MAKE AT LEAST ONE PERSON SMILE DAILY</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OK, so I am highly motivated once again. My road trip did me a lot of good in so many ways. I tend to bounce back pretty quickly; this one took me a little longer then usual. I just needed to refocus my attention on what I DO have and not think about what I NO LONGER have. Sweep it all under the rug with all my other dealings in life, step on it, squash it like a bug, and just move on.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, yesterday I took a little road trip. My mom and I met up with my Aunt. The aunt that does the Real Estate Appraisals and Mortgages. The same aunt that was pushing me along for me to get my license and such. At any rate, we took a road trip across the state to go see her son/my cuz and his family. On the way their, we talked about many things. Included what happened with Mike. Of course my aunt, right off the bat, "Oh he's a fighter…one of those….uh, groupies, I am sure you are better off anyway." It sort of made me laugh, but then at the same time I remember joking with him about the groupies and the answer he gave me back, which was pretty funny. But, whatever. That's neither here nor there. We spent some time talking about the divorce. Why I left so much behind, why did I not get anything. I guess she just wanted to understand. And to be honest, there are still pieces that I don't even understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have to say, I have always looked up to this aunt. When I was little and lived here in MI, she lived right across the street with my cousins Scott (redneck hippie on my friends list, which you cant see right now LOL) and Tim. They were more like brothers to me then cousins. Still are. And she was always like my 2<sup>nd</sup>mom. I always looked up to her. She divorced my uncle 17 years ago, and I have seen her ups and downs in life. I see her today, and I am so proud of her. Proud of what she has accomplished. And now, she wants to pass that knowledge on to me. She wants me to be a success. She wants me to follow in her footsteps.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Some of my family is rather protective of me because of what has happened to me in life with the dad(s) ordeal. And she is one of them. I see it as she just wants me to be my best and not let anything in life get me down. Wanting to prove to myself just how strong I really am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She has wanted to talk to me about these things. She told me that in an email. But she doesn't want to talk about it in front of my mom. I do not know if we will have any alone time to talk about things while she is here. She lives here in MI, but for most of the winter she lives in FL and works down there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, back to my point. We talked a lot about the whole real estate ordeal. Appraisals and mortgages. She is putting her resume in with a company that she had told me to contact last week. She is hoping to get in there. I guess she has an appointment there Monday or Tuesday. She wants to bring me in as well, and get me taught how to do them. With my financial background, this should not be a problem. I told her the girl I talked to sent my resume to the big boss, I had not heard back from them, but it has only been a day or two. So I guess right now, I just wait and see. She mentioned moving me out of here (countryville) and over there because there is just a lot more going on in that city. Oh I am sure. I live in the middle of nowhere. Then we talked more about the appraisals and she told me what I really needed to be doing as far as finding a company to get my hours with. Well I have 2 companies that I have already contacted me and I told her the ordeal with that. And she was like OH I GOT LEADS!!! So, I will be calling them Monday and saying, OH YES, I can get plenty of leads if you just allow me to earn my hours under your business name. WOOHOO.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mover, shaker, motivated money maker!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We stopped for lunch, just the 3 of us. At the beginning of our trip. And when my mom got up to get to the salad bar, my aunt was like, I know you want to get out of that house, I know you are not happy living with your mom, I know you want to get out there and do things, you are too much like me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">DUH!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is it that obvious?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just worry about my mom. She had to go through so much, watching both her parents die. And she gave up her life to come here and be their caretaker. I worry she has her own demons in life that she will never go seek help for. And it's like, if I am not here, who will watch over her and make sure she is ok, and doesn't fall into that darkness that I know only so well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There is more, but the general idea is, good things are coming. And I am excited about that. My aunt is not going back to FL until Dec. 1. So I think some things are going to fall into my lap very soon.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We got to my cousins house, him and his wife Chrissy, their two daughters Chloe 7, and Casey 5. We had a great time talking, all us girls until Scott got off work. Then we all loaded up and went to<st1:city><st1:place>Logan</st1:place></st1:city>'s Steakhouse. This place is pretty interesting. There are barrels of peanuts all over. And then buckets on all the ledges and tables. You eat the peanuts and all the shells get thrown on the floor. OMG it was such a mess, but it was so funny to see and watch. Dinner was great. Hanging with my cousin is always fun. We tend to think we are still kids sometimes. Throwing peanuts across the table and each other and stuff. Classic. Hanging with the girls was a blast. Had a couple of Guinness while I gagged watching Scott chug down Killian Irish Red. *puke*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And it was so cute, when we said our good byes little Casey comes over and she's like "um um Chrystal….um you are my favorite so far" Everyone was like awwww…. It was so cute. I told the girls; when I come back, we will pick on Daddy a whole bunch more.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So my mom and I left pretty late. My aunt's truck was at Scotts and so she was just going to stay with them a few days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">On the way home, mom and I talked about the <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>venture.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I few of you caught the survey results the other day about the sugar daddy and <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>ordeal. Pretty funny. But I guess I should explain some things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have known Steve forever. (Not to be confused with Steven that Joey and I know) I mean, we have known each other since middle school. We did not go to the same schools until college. We had friends who knew each other. We would always see each other around. Never really talked. Went to all the same places. Growing up, we just always bumped into each other, on way or another. And this went on until he graduated from college. I did not hear from him for a long time. And then, the powers that be crossed our paths about 4 years ago. And we have not let each other go since. Their have been a few times I have talked about Steve. Not really mentioning his name. Just saying my friend or whatever. On my old myspace that got hacked, I had writing a poetic peace when he had told me about his cancer. Anyway, their has always been some attraction there. Always. But it just never happened. He was with someone. I was. Then he got married. Then I did. He got divorced, and I was still married. He got a girlfriend, and another and another. LOL. Then I got divorced and moved. Sooooo…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You know how those kinds of stories go. He's my best friend. And I love him dearly. He has been trying to get me to come work for him for a few years now. I just never wanted to take the hour plus drive from<st1:city><st1:place>Stillwater</st1:place></st1:city>to<st1:city><st1:place>Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city>. Right out of college he got a job with<st1:place>Southwestern Bell</st1:place>, which eventually became ATT and bought out everything. He became a huge success CEO member of the company. He traveled all over the world sealing deals getting people to sell out to ATT. Anyway, on the side, he started his own business. And he literally started it from the ground up. And it's a huge success. He was closing his books out the other day, over a million gross, he pockets $600,000 personally. He is getting ready to open in OKC and waiting on his license to franchise.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, it's a big opportunity for me to be brought in to this company. Would have been nice if I would have been told about this BEFORE I moved. But that was partially my fault. I did not call him and tell him what was going on. Really, everything happened so fast, I just didn't have time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, yeah, I have been offered anything and everything I could ever want in life. Job, car, house, money. Movers to get me moved. And a chance to be back with my friends. Who really has been my family for the last 20ish year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My mother says, I have to do what is going to make me happy and not worry what everyone else is going to think. Oh that's helpful. And she added, but I am not helping you move again. LOL. Can't say I blame her on that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So right now, I am sitting on this fence. Wondering what direction do I go in?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Here, there…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh and those of you wondering about my job that I had accepted…just going through the certification process right now. And since the phone and cable are in the grandparents name, I have to go down to the courthouse and get certified copies of the death certificates, then go and have it switched to my name before they will install the phone line I need, and the cable internet. MESSY!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I did get all my stuff taken care of for school, so it will be back to college for me ASAP!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_531961">WOW...I do have to agree...do what is gonna make you the happiest. You have to live your life for yourself and your future.<br /><br />A lot to think about...but I know you will make the right decision...we live and learn...that is what it is all about!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 2:29 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329436209#" id="addReplyLnk_531961" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329436209&commentID=531961" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_531961"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_532049">well... I still say COME BACK!!!!!<br />I know how times like now can be rough. Leaving is never easy and to be honest I've been here 6 years and it's still not easy. All my friends are back in Kansas, except you and damn it I was gonna claim Laura , but that girl has even more issues then before!!! LMAO. Still love her to death though. Well you know I'm here for you either way you choose, but I sure wish you were here, cause I need someone to hang out with! Best of luck! MISS YA!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a> on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 4:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329436209#" id="addReplyLnk_532049" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=329436209&commentID=532049" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_532049"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_532143">I am so glad to hear the smile back in your blog! And I also agree..do what is going to make you the happiest. If you want o t do the appraisals and mortgages, tehn stay where you are adn do that. If you want to go back to OK...then do that! If you go in to the real estate part, we may cross paths business wise...the company I work for makes property management software! I wish you luck with which ever you choose!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 5:58 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13280950775345762032007-11-15T15:08:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:53:57.996-04:00TAG! You;re It!! Or is that I’m it???<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 15, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Ok, so my best friend Shannon tagged me...and I promised her I would play along. It has been a long time since I have played a game of tag. And sitting here, trying to remember the last time, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">Lonnie was still alive</a>, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/haunted-today-is-for-sean.html" target="_blank">Sean was hanging around</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Pirate%20Gang" target="_blank">Joey was not MIA</a> , and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">Elonna was still alive</a>. ~sighs~ But, I am not going to dwell on that right now.<br /><br />Lets play a game of tag.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><strong>TAG Here's how you play. Once you've been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random things, facts, or habits about yourself. At the end, you choose 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them to be tagged. Don't forget to leave them a comment "You're It!" and to read your blog. You can't tag the person who tagged you. Since you can't tag me back, let me know when you've posted your bulletin so I can see your answers.....</strong></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><strong></strong></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span style="background-color: white;">1. Sometimes, I fold my dirty clothes before I put them in the basket.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">2. I love Myspace, its like crack to me. My real life friends and family. Much cheaper then a phone bill! And I get to meet people I would not have had chance to in real life. Its wonderful.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">3. I love Myspace as a writing tool. I love to write. I want to be a writer. And I like to share my work.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">4. I am a lipgloss/lipstick junkie. I have 2 sitting on my desk right now. And their are 5, YES FIVE in my purse that I carry with me every place I go. And another 6 or 7 in my make up bag.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">5. I have a new addiction to Blue Cheese. I don't know why or where it came from, but I just do.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">6. I have about 50 pairs of sunglasses. Every time I go shopping I buy a new pair. Its so bad, I don't even know where they all are. Some are still packed in boxes. The ones I have found are all lined up in a neat little row on my dresser. Along with my regular glasses that I am suppose to wear, and don't.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">7. I tend to get a little OCD about organization and order. Everything has its spot, its place, and it needs to go right back where it came from. Move it, put it back. And I can not sleep until everything is neatly put away and organized.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">8. Music. I am addicted to music. So many of you see my blogs you see my little lyrical spin I put into certain blogs. It all goes back to the writing. Music has some great writing out there. And I listen to all types of music. I'm really a rocker girl at heart, but their really is some great lyrical music out there. My itunes/ipod is filled with over 5000 songs, and it ranges from A-Z, literally. I have to listen to music no matter what I am doing. Its just a rule of life.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">9. This goes with 8. I can't sing, and I know this. I tried. I had a vocal coach train me back in college. That was not fun. But, I do it anyway. Out of tune, out of pitch, sometimes in. But I don't care. It makes me smile. Otherwise, you can catch me humming the tune as well. I'm just a dork like that.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">10. I don't like having to make my big ass bed every morning. So, I keep it all nice and pretty, but sleeping on top of the covers and just using the warm blanket I keep folded and tucked away under my bed. I wake up, fluff the pillows, fold the blanket, put it away, and POOF! Magically the bed looks freshly made.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>BONUS - I think people are funny. I love to just sit back, hang out, and watch people.<br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I am tagging ~</span><br />1. Daisybug - cause when someone has 2 profiles, you can still tag the other! C'mon shannon, you can do it twice!<br />2. Cathy - aka my internet momma....<br />3. Jeran - my newest friend and partner in crime<br />4. Julie - cause I could really use a laugh from her right now<br />5. Shannon - the princess fairy ;)<br />6. Rob - just cause I want to know!<br />7. Patrice - cause I know girl you got some funny things that will make me laugh :)<br />8. Kevin - come on my survey partner in crime, play along<br />9. Stacey - my other best bud back in okie..play along...i miss ya<br />10. I'll leave this one open, to anyone who wants to have a laugh and play along.<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_530251">Miss you too!!! Ok there you go , I did it. Be proud of me. Took me forever but its just for YOU!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a> on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 9:25 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=328893690#" id="addReplyLnk_530251" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=328893690&commentID=530251" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_530251"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_530421">I'llcatch you tomorrow on this...too tired tonight! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 11:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=328893690#" id="addReplyLnk_530421" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=328893690&commentID=530421" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_530421"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_530470">Awww hell! I have never been blog tagged before!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Friday, November 16, 2007 - 12:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=328893690#" id="addReplyLnk_530470" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=328893690&commentID=530470" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21190696138599707332007-11-15T14:36:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:51:48.333-04:00I’m Fighting My Insides – Gut Muck<div class="MsoNormal">I’m Fighting My Insides – Gut Muck</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My insides are bleeding. I am trying to push everything back inside. But, I am fighting this one and I don’t really understand why. Why would my mind even tell me it wants to “fix” things? Why do I always feel the need to fix what is broken. Why do I always have to be such a fighter? Knowing what I know, why would I even follow this path? Think these thoughts? <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">I adored him</a>, doesn’t he know that? Why treat someone this why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">Losing Lonnie, </a>I mourned his death. I cried. I asked WHY? Over and over again. I blamed myself. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/02/my-valentine-story-beauty-and-beast.html" target="_blank">When Sean</a> stopped hanging around I just pushed passed it. I started to blame him for Lonnie so it made it easier. Not <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/introducing-terry.html" target="_blank">knowing about Terry</a>, we had to make our peace with the outcome together long ago. Every day I miss him, but every day I find a part of him with me, his strength there to guide me when I need it and I move forward. I left my marriage and I felt the world was lifted off my shoulders for so many reasons. I never shed a tear. I just moved away and left it all behind. It's my friends I miss I hurt for. All the others since I have been here, nothing. I moved on, it was no big deal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But this time, this time I feel a hurt and a pain like no other. How can I mend when I am not even sure what I feel? I am finding it hard to completely let go and make my peace. I just want answers that I will likely never get. Especially since he wont even talk to me now. Why would he lie to me? Was no reason for it. Why tell me it is to be just us, when that’s not what he really wanted. Why tell me all these things and tell someone else something completely different. Why even waist the time on it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>His presence still lingers here.</b> I can close my eyes and smell him. I can remember ever inch of him. I remember every detail about us. Everything we shared. Memories that I don't know if I can soon erase. His words that echo over and over in my head. <i>How can someone be so hurtful and mean to another human being? </i> Especially when their just was no reason for it. I am the most open and honest person, I made it easy for him to be the same. Why say, no more dating, when that not what you really wanted? I am just so baffled. Then to be caught red handed, and I have proof, and to sit there and lie to my face. I just do not get it. Nothing about this will become clear to me. His presence is so hard to shake. I’m just gone…Lost and right now, I do not know that I want to even be found.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While I am falling back into the darkness, I see that familiar face. I am not afraid of the dark, fore Terry’s presence will always linger there. When Mike decided we should just be “us” Joey had thought maybe for once Terry had used his magick for something good, my happiness. I know Terry wanted nothing but happiness for me in life, but I know he did not want me to be with Mike. He saw the signs, how he always blew me off, even in the beginning when we first started to date. But, magick sometimes has its own way of working, no matter what spell you might cast. On All Hallows Eve I knew whether he alive or dead, Terry was going to drum up all his black magick and make himself be known. And he did. I felt consumed. Pressure built up in my chest. Couldn’t breath. It lasted for about 3 days. I took that as a sign. Something was going to happen. And, it did. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/10/terrys-fate-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">Terry got what he always wanted.</a> But now it’s my happiness that suffers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So I am staring in to the darkness.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not sure what to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal">This burning fire inside</div><div class="MsoNormal">Who knew?</div><div class="MsoNormal">That hell just grew. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4391467793567460252007-11-13T15:18:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:40:43.085-04:00Why I Like You<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Why I Like You <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, as <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">Mike </a>and I were having those all inclusive lets be serious and talk “talks” one of the questions he asked me was “Why do you like me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ok, first, let’s talk about him putting me on the SPOT like that. LOL. If ever there was a day I wanted to hide my face from someone, it was that moment. I am sure my facial expression was a force to be reckoned with, but seriously. How do you answer something like that? I mean, you know how you feel, but how to explain it. How to convey that message in words without sounding like a total sap. Or a retard, whichever. LOL</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I think I just rattled off something about our chemistry, how that’s hard to come by, and how he makes me laugh. The butterflies that flutter in my stomach when he’s around. Sure that’s the truth, but that’s not all of it. So, allow me to officially break it down, and tell the world just how this man makes me feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, this one is for you Mike… if you ever decide to read my blog, this one should be it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Since the day we first started talking we had this rapport that was a force not to be messed with. Both being a couple of smart asses, it was easy to get into the groove and find common ground to communicate on. Then came the laughter. And not just a few HA HA your are funny fake giggles, but I am talking down on the floor laughing until I can’t breath laughter. And it has been like that since the first day we talked, and then once we met in person, that chemistry became ever stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The two of us just have this certain vibe. We are so comfortable around each other, it’s like we have known each other forever. We can say and do pretty much anything, and it’s ok. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We sometimes seem to understand each other without really even having to say a word. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Every time I think about you, I smile. Every time I see you I want that initial hug and kiss to last forever. The butterflies start to flutter and I feel like a school girl with her first crush again. I had forgotten what that feeling was like. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I can be a big dork and laugh at myself and you just laugh right along with me. You don’t judge, nor have you tried to change me. You have been perfectly accepting of me and all my quirks. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">See even now, trying to get all this out there, I get all flustered and tongue twisted and just don't know what direction to go in. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, per usual, its Lyrical Intervention time….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With You- Jessica Simpson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The real me is a Southern girl <br />With her Levi's on and an open heart <br />Wish I could save the world <br />Like I was Supergirl <br />The real me used to laugh all night <br />Lying in the grass, just talking 'bout love <br />But lately I've been jaded <br />Life got so complicated <br /><br />I start thinking about it <br />Almost forgot what it was like <br />To know when it feels right <br /><br />But with you <br />I can let my hair down <br />I can say anything crazy <br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground <br />With nothing but a T-shirt on <br />I never felt so beautiful <br />Baby, as I do now <br />Now that I'm with you <br /><br />With you <br />With you <br />With you <br />Now that I'm with you <br /><br />You speak and it's like a song <br />And just like that, all my walls come down <br />It's like a private joke <br />Just meant for us to know <br />I relate to you naturally <br />Everybody else just fades away <br />Sometimes it's hard to breathe <br />Just knowing you found me <br /><br />'Cause I start thinking about it <br />I almost forgot what it was like <br />To know when love feels right <br /><br />'Cause with you <br />I can let my hair down <br />I can say anything crazy <br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground <br />With nothing but a T-shirt on <br />I never felt so beautiful <br />Baby, as I do now <br />Now that I'm with you <br /><br />With you <br />With you <br />With you <br /><br />Come and take me <br />Love you, save me <br />Like nobody else <br />Now I can be myself with you <br /><br />I can let my hair down <br />I can say anything crazy <br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground <br />With nothing but a T-shirt on <br />I never felt so beautiful <br />Baby, as I do now <br />Now that I'm with you <br /><br />I can let my hair down <br />I can say anything crazy <br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground <br />With nothing but a T-shirt on <br />I never felt so beautiful <br />Baby, as I do now <br />Now that I'm with you<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ok, so I started to write that a few weeks ago when the question first came about. But, then, for whatever reason we brought it up again. And so it was discussed on both parts, why I like him, why he likes me <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s not so easy trying to verbally convey those types of feelings, as I am sure now he knows how I felt when he first brought the question to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But, as I sat there, telling him how I felt, I realized, that I was able to get a lot of it out. A lot of what I wrote here, in the beginning of this blog, I was able to tell him. And that made me think about that comfort level. I am so comfortable with him. And I think, I hope, he has realized that. Because this is something where my actions have spoken louder then my words. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s the way he looks at me when we first meet up for the day. How his face just lights up, his eyes, they shine. Those are feelings you can not hide from someone. Seeing that makes my smile that much bigger. He really is a ray of Sunshine when he looks that way. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When we are out to eat, it’s the way he reaches his hands out across the table to hold mine. How he looks at me when I am talking. Or, not saying a word at all. His cute lil wink he does.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How no matter where we can be, or what we are doing, we can make fun out of it. Or fun of it whatever is the case. Something so simple can turn into the biggest joke for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s how he takes the time to greet my fur babies Cain and Casey every time he is around. I know that may seam trivial to many, but to me, it’s a big deal. Those are my kids. And it’s a big deal for me to have someone in my life that is an animal person and doesn’t treat them like some sort of beast they just have to deal with because I wanted them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Insert all the XXX stuff here that I am not sharing….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The fact that he doesn’t sit around in front of the TV watching every sports known to man. I don’t mind seeing things live, but ugh..the TV. NOOOO! And I know A LOT of you that know me and my twisted love for fighting, might think I am just with him cause he’s a fighter. NOOOOOO!! That just means I have someone to share my sick and twisted love for bloody painful sports. LOL. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In time I think he will learn little things mean a lot to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We had the talk about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">the dad</a> and the father. That’s always an ordeal. Its hard to determine when the right time to talk about it is. And you never know how that person is going to take it. Of course there is always that, “should I ever bother telling this person?” that always runs around in my brain. I haven’t had issues with what happened to me in a long time. But this is a new relationship, and when I post bulletins about how fucked up the dad(s) are, I guess it might raise some eyebrows. Or how my dad lives a few miles up the road and I never see or talk about him. Or how my father lives a town over and yet I never discuss it either. So maybe, it was just the right time, the right moment to tell him what the story was. And out it came. I thought it was going to be hard. But it was so easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">That comfort level. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And blurt it all out I did. And he didn’t push me away or look at me like I was some sort of damaged goods. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Instead, he listened and then he asked questions. Yes, you heard me right, he asked questions. NO ONE has ever taken the time to ask questions. Most people just look at you with this blank look. Like they are not sure what they should say aside from, they are sorry. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, that was kind of a big deal for me. It meant a lot that he took the time to try and understand. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Big brownie points there!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My situation, its not ideal. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/the-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">Just getting over a divorce.</a> And really was going through it when we first started to date. And that did not scare him off. As you all know, I left everything behind in the divorce, and I am literally starting life over from the ground up. He has been my own little cheering section. When we talk, he takes the time to listen to what I have accomplished (or not) and always offers encouragement and understanding. He understands the living situation. He’s accepted the car situation. And well, just my life in general. It’s understood this is not how things are always going to be for me. And it means a lot that he has been so understanding about it all. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ve dated a few that haven’t been. It’s like I have the plague or something. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The best thing really, he accepts me – for me! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There really is so much more. And I could go on and on. But the truth is, I have been working on this blog for far too long. And I think tonight is as good as night as any for him to see, just what he means to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Have a good night everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">XOXOX<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">~Chrys~<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53115660897475434362007-11-12T12:22:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:41:14.036-04:00Thankful<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 12, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;">Ok, so Shannon asked me to participate, so here goes...</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">*********************************************</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Since I cannot put a thankful tree on my page, I will do a thankful blog. All I ask is that if you read this, you post a comment stating one thing you are thankful for this year. Just post the comment on this blog. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Holidays can be hard for people. This year we have experienced several losses and I would like to focus on the positive things. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I know we are all thankful for family or friends. Let's try to go a little deeper than that. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thanks,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;">Shannon</span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></st1:place><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;">****************************************************</span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;">MY REPLY ON HER BLOG:</span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Ok, yeah yeah I am thankful for family and friends. Thats pretty typical and the easiest thing to come up with. So is health. Which, mine could stand to be better. But, right now, in my life, I am thankful I am a survivor. I am sure I do not need to explain that to you. Without being one, I could not have gotten as far as I have with my life. Especially as of late. I am thankful I am stronger then I sometimes give myself credit for. And I am thankful I am able to get out of bed every day, and at least try.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">****************************************************</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Reading that, sort of bums me out. Actually, I am rather bummed today. Just really missing all my friends and just wanting to pack a bag , take a road trip, and go back home to see all my friends.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Holidays have never really been easy for me. Never really getting to spend them with my own family. Aside from my mom. But for the last 3 years she was up here in MI. And now, I am facing the holidays with my own family, but yet thinking about the family I did spend the last 10 years worth with. Very hard adjustment. Maybe would not have been so hard if I would have said goodbye to everyone.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">But thats life.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Thinking about the friends and loved ones I have lost. How this holiday I will be without them.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Forgive me if I get a little bah humbug.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Chrys</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><br /><br /><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526585">I am thankful for the choices I made in life last year. Without those choices, I would not have met you. And I am very thankful for you.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 1:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526585" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=526585" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526585"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526497">Thankful, huh???<br /><br />Yeah the obvious, but yet where to begin? Of course family and friends without a doubt. I'm thankful that God gave me the will to get up every morning, to go to a job, to listen to other peoples problems, knowing I'm not the only one, and to be here for the one's that need a shoulder to lean on.<br /><br />I'm thankful for life. Without it you know where you'd be. Also, thankful for being able to be ME!!! Thankful to not pass judgement on people with indifferences and to lend a helping hand when possible.<br /><br />Wow, that all seems very simple. But I'm THANKFUL I can do these things!<br /><br />Stacey</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a> on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 12:47 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526497" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=526497" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526497"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526586">I am thankful I can just be ME. I am thankful I am strong enough to accept myself as is, and surround myself with those that think the same. Girl we been friends forever...I am so happy we have myspace to help keep us connected over the miles.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:00 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526586" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=526586" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526586"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526588">I am thankful for that, even if sometimes I dont want to. You realize, you and I never said goodbye....and their is reason for that. Our friendship will never be goodbye, it will always be, See you later. Because I will see you later Shannon. Miles are nothing. Distance will only make us stronger friends. Appreciate the time we do have together.<br /><br />I am searching for my faith. Belive me on that one. I know it is lost. But I know, at some point, it will be found again.<br /><br />Love ya Shan!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:02 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526588" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=526588" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526588"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 97px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/116/s_b692b5e1ffb84338adf0163630f4724b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Segmullier</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526553">WELL I AM THANK FULL FOR BEING ABLE TO RIGHT POETRY THAT SOME TIMES MAKES A NATHER PERSON ACROST THE WORLD SMILE.AND I AM THANK FULL FOR BEING ME.AND FOR STREET PUNK MUSIC""OI OI OI"" AND MOST OF ALL PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO READ MY POETRY THANKS AND MAY YOU WISH'S AND CELTIC LUCK HOLD STRONG<br />DUSTY</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 1:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526553" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=526553" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526553"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526590">I am thankful for my ability to write. And thankful for people like you who share the same passion.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526590" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=526590" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526590"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_527293">I am thankful to have met such a wonderful lady, and fellow U2 fan!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 11:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_527293" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=527293" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_527293"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_527286">WOW...I agree with all of the above!<br /><br />I am thankful I am close to my family for the holidays and I am extremely thankful for all of my friends that have been here for me...good times & bad.<br /><br />And you know I am so thankful for Joey being a part of my life & making friends with you girl!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 11:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_527286" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=527286" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_527286"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_527298">I am very thankful for me brother Joey...and thankful he has brought us together....</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 11:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_527298" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=527298" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_527298"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_527526">I am thankful for so many things! Of course my wonderful hubby, kids and grandkids...but I am thankful that I get to enjoy time with them! Yes, I sometimes complain that it is too much and I need a break every now and then, but this time with the little ones is so precious. Watching my son's boys grow, experiencing the wonder through their eyes again! Yeah...I am thankful for that! I am also thankful for this new job of mine. I really enjoy what I am doing (most of the time!), meeting new people and having FRIDAY actually mean something! LOL!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - 7:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_527526" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=527526" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_527526"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_528658">I am thankful for family, friends, life, and love. Here's to happiness and great health. I am thankful to the Goddess for all the abundance that I experience!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 10:29 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_528658" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327865050&commentID=528658" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24902918473734852932007-11-10T20:04:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:41:46.966-04:00~Stronger~<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, November 10, 2007 </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>"All of my life I've fought hard for the things I have wanted, caught up in blindly believing the strongest survive, but here, in your eyes, I see everything I've ever needed and I am afraid, if I rush in, if I move too fast, I just might frighten myself" ~unknown~</i></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_524425">Fucking A...<br />~~~hugs...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 9:49 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327368257#" id="addReplyLnk_524425" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327368257&commentID=524425" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><label id="NewDiv_524425"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526115">You are STRONG....and You will SURVIVE....just as we all do.<br /><br />Good things come to those who wait...just think.....as long as we have waited.....it's gonna be well worth it when it comes your way!! lol : )<br /><br />These are such great words....thanks for sharing!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 11:27 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57944677448144252362007-11-09T23:45:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:44:24.295-04:00Cleaning Out My Brain<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, November 09, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cleaning Out My Brain<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I need to clean out my brain. So much stuff swirling around lately and honestly I don't even know where to start.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know, some of you were worried about my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/11/broken-promises-and-trust.html" target="_blank">little mood swing the other day</a>, and for that I am sorry. As many of you come to realize by now, that I am not always in a constant state of happiness. I have moments when something just sets me off and I just crash and burn. And that was such the case. Then such a whirlwind happened afterwards that I never got a chance to come back and change my mood.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes things happen we have no control over. And that seems to be the case for me lately.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was put in a position to make a choice a few weeks back, and I made it. That was the choice to stop dating around and to settle with just one person. I know <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">I have mentioned Mike</a> a time or two, but never really much detail. Odd for me. Usually I am so open about things. But, he's not really in to the whole blog thing and so, out of respect for him, and our relationship being so new, I haven't really talked about it much.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think everyone close to me was shocked when I told them I was just going to be with Mike and him only. I know my friends love me and just want what's best for me. And maybe they think it's too soon for me to settle down. Maybe they think I am not capable of settling down. But you know what, Mikes not my rebound. Not from Marcus, not from Terry, not from anyone. I don't rebound. I never have and never will. If you must insist I rebound, well then you can count the 8 or so other people I dated before I reached the point of deciding to be with Mike only. If ya need to classify me as a rebounder, pick one of those guys as my rebound.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My head is clear and I am just fine thanks. No worries.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But this is what I have gotten involved in. As you can see from his pics on his myspace, he's a fighter. But he doesn't just fight, he trains fighters too. However, that's not his day job. He's a private investigator by day. My own Private Dick. LOL. In more ways then one. (HA, yeah I had to go there)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, that means he's a busy lil worker bee. And I DO mean busy. And while I understand that very much, sometimes it puts a damper in our plans. First off, I guess you can consider this a long distance relationship. But don't freak peeps; he DOES live in the same state, just about an hour away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And as we all know, my car got left behind in the divorce. My mom has the van that the grandparents left to her. I have her car, but after I got it tagged and up to date and the insurance put on it, she tells me that there are things wrong with it, not exactly making it safe for road trips. So, for me to see Mike, it has to be when his schedule allows him to come this way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And he tries. But sometimes, we make plans, and the forces that be start to meddle and he's called off to work. Which is fine, I get that. But, my temper flairs when he doesn't take the time to call me and tell me that something came up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, when you see my lil mood thingy change the other day that was why.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We have talked/seen each other since then. I have tried to get him to understand it's just hurtful to be sitting here wondering where my man is when we had plans made. Course then I have to be the one to just understand sometimes work calls and he just gets tied up, it can't be helped.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">New relationship. New adjustments. New things to learn, understand and compromise on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's just how things are. It's a pretty constant back and forth. We can't be together as much as we like, but that's OK. It makes that time we are together more cherished.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think he's amazing, and worth holding on to. And I miss him when he's not around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, while I am working on my relationship with him, got all this other stuff going on around me too.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Getting all the paperwork I have been waddling in taken care of. I didn't realize how much crap I have to change my name on. And how this needs this changed before this can be changed. It's just an endless circle of paperwork. And it seems like it is never ending. But the bulk of it has been done. Which is good. So school enrollment is getting taken care of. And next week I will be working on getting the stuff set up for my home office so I can get started on this job.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My brain has been hyperactive lately. Not that it is anything new. But, I just have a lot going on around me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At any rate, I have another blog already in the works. I started working on it last week or so. Mike and I were talking, and he asked me <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/11/why-i-like-you.html" target="_blank">"why do you like me?"</a> and it was a hard question to verbally find words for. Then we talked about it again when he was over the other day. I laughed and said, you know I am writing it out. Expect a blog. He sort of just laughed at me, and then asked, how do you get to the blogs anyway? Hmmmmm looks like we are going to have to train him. Hahhaa…Anyway, we answered the question, but I think my written words can do more then my verbal words, and I thought it would be nice for him to finally have his own blog. So, look for that to come at some point.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Until then…. Take care</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Chrys~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_523391">Relationships are never easy, sis. Good for you for not giving up when it gets hard-- as they always do at times!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 1:52 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_523391" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805&commentID=523391" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_523391"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=89162783" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/s_da8a59384995a3b19c0772ea52e5b379.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_523489">Just thinking about you, reading your words and hoping things will workout. I wish I was half as prolific with the blog as you are...one day maybe. You're right, relationships take work, or at least effort. So have you started the screenplay for your life yet? Why do I see kim basinger playing you? Anyway, just a thought. Keep up the writing.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a>on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 5:06 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_523489" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805&commentID=523489" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_523489"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_523537">I am glad you have someone in your life that makes you happy! Mine is still making me happy more than 20 years later, LOL! Counting the time we were dating, it's been 27 years! OMG! That is more than half my life, LOL! Anyway, I wish you as much happiness as I have had! No matter what your impression is, sometimes it HAS been work...we just chose to work through it together! It's been worth it. {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 8:04 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_523537" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805&commentID=523537" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_523537"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_523650">I know all too well how easy it is to want to give up when things get hard...just to want to run and hide...lol<br /><br />But, it is like you said...if he is worth fighting for...put up that fight girl.<br /><br />Thanks for being there for me and being a great new friend!<br /><br />~Hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 10:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_523650" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805&commentID=523650" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_523650"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_524806">Well babygirl, you know this has taken you on a rollercoaster ride but you have the strength to hang on! Just take it a day at a time, lots of deep breaths and everything will work out as it should!! If not, just hop on yahoo and we'll have a bitch fest!! Love you!! xxxxx</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 3:26 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_524806" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=327147805&commentID=524806" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85568195067697946012007-11-05T16:50:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:35:34.114-04:00Success My Way<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 05, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, FINALLY after THREE long fucking months, guess who landed a job?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yup Yup!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I about fell out of my chair. Thankfully I didn't. It might have hurt. LOL.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, here is the deal. Shall I choose to take it, which I am pretty sure I am going to - It's not some fancy swanky big time I am using any of my degrees job. However, it's a great opportunity which provides many benefits and time to allow me to accomplish other things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was actually offered this job in the past, some of you may have heard me talk about it, but I took the job with the city instead. And for that I am thankful, otherwise I would have never of met <st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>. (Or Alison or Melissa for that matter)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, it's a work at home job, taking inbound calls for a call center. Since I am such a chatter bug, perfect. And since all my jobs required customer service, that's just perfection.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, while I am able to set my own schedule, and make some money, I can work on getting the 2000 hours I need to get my state license in appraisals. Cause right now I am just a limited license. I have also been looking into (in part due to my aunt LOL boy I love her) getting into Mortgages as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ooohhh and time to write! Well, I already write alot , but maybe now I will be more motivated to submit more things for publishing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am also enrolled to get my ass back in college. Time to move up the associates degrees, well at least one of them, to a bachelors, and perhaps a masters. Since I am so close to my Bachelors in Accounting, I am going to go for that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This job will allow me to do all that and not have to worry about being around someone else's schedule. So it has its perks. And I am pretty excited about that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And, when the day comes for me to move out (boy I can't wait LOL) , I can take this job with me if I need to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What I am not looking forward to - waiting around for the installation of the phone line and cable internet. As you all know, I have no patience. LOL.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OOOOHHH cable internet…..back to high speed…..I can't wait.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">hmmm Have I mentioned I have ADHD like qualities??? Anyway, Shannon knows all about my "I wanna be a pirate" addiction... hello pando here I come .....wooohooooo</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I got two weeks to get all my paperwork in, no problems there. And I have 30 days to get all my stuff installed, and get my certification done. This is no problem either. I have already been through it, so it should be a breeze.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh and the fun of shopping for a new desk and chair and make me a comfy home office!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Seems things might just be looking up in my world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Time to be a busy little worker bee and live life to the fullest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And this time, no one is barking in my ear telling me I CAN'T do it.</div><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=244523549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ronnie Meggers *Gun Czar*...</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=244523549" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/147/s_2cf035ac8cfb4b568e286f256139b2d3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518949">This is fantastic girl! I love your attitude and positive energy!... Sending you warm thoughts and hugs:) Ronna Megan:)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=244523549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ronnie Meggers *Gun Czar*...</a> on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 11:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=325832524#" id="addReplyLnk_518949" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=325832524&commentID=518949" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=244523549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_518949"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518952">Whooooo hooooo!!<br /><br />If it is something you wanna do girl...go for it!<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Profile%20Images/48046fi2ejpr0yp.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 11:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=325832524#" id="addReplyLnk_518952" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=325832524&commentID=518952" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_518952"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_519180">OMG that is AWESOME, Chrys! I wish I could have found a work from home that was not selling insurance! LOL! But, hey, I really like my job, so it all works out! I am so happy for you! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, November 06, 2007 - 7:49 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21728920875911384482007-11-05T14:05:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:36:16.690-04:00Why Am I Here?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 05, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Why Am I Here?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well I don't know why some of you are here, but I know why I am here. First and foremost I am a writer. Its what I do. Some see it as a hobby, but its what I crave to do with my life. I first came to myspace with a bunch of other writers. We connected with more. It is an outlet. Sure I blog about life, but thats because I also have real life family and friends on here. Many of them miles and miles away. Myspace helps to bridge the gap when sometimes the daily hustle and bustle of life deters daily </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 13px;">communication</span></span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">. </span></span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">It also has become a haven for me to connect with other people of the same culture, people who have the same beliefs as I and what not. Myspace bridges that gap as well. Those that I have never met in real life are like a second family to me. We share stories, ideas, provide feedback, and even a helping hand whenever it is needed. I enjoy the company of others. I listen to the advice given, or the critique on a piece of work, or whatever. Myspace isnt all fun and games. It really is a social networking tool. Without it, I don't think my writing would have reached the level it has, I don't think I would have made any effort to get things published if not for the pushing of my friends. And, I would not be as close to my friends and family that are so far away.<br /><br />So, these are the reason I am on myspace.<br /><br />Now, why are YOU here?</span></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br />MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518641">Someone with the initials JC brought me here...and I stayed! I have gotten in touch with people I otherwise would not be in touch with (4 of my niece's for example) and I even was found by an old high school friend. I have too many good people on my list for me to pack it all in and go away...which I thought about doing not so long ago. I would write a rant on the reason why...but the reason why is why my blogs are now rather BORING...nothing is sacred and you cannot even blog in a private blog without unscrupulous people back dooring their way in and reading it anyway! Good people are why I am here and staying! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 7:53 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56084535444751637342007-11-04T11:25:00.000-05:002014-07-25T20:38:12.028-04:00Birthday and Such<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, November 04, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Birthday and Such</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Today is my "fur baby" Cain's birthday. He turns 4.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Such a handsome big boy he turned out to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And, I had planned to take him outside to get a good pic for this blog, but HELLO its 35 degrees outside right now. So, that pic will just have to wait.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My southern blood still is not quite ready for this. I have been through plenty of Michigan winters, lived here, and visiting and such. But, we shall see how well I survive this one. LOL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not really looking forward to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well, maybe it will be good, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">with cutie patootie</a> to snuggle up with.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, so yeah..Happy that Cain is here with me. Not that I ever thought leaving him and Casey behind. The ex was never really nice to them. He more or less just put up with them. Yelled at them a lot. Cain was always very skittish of him. Casey, she never really bonded with him , so that didn't really matter. She was my rescue baby. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I had to give her lots of TLC in the beginning. I worried about moving them here. Worried about taking them away from the only home they had ever known. I was worried that once they got here they would be all unhappy and sad. Despite how mean he was, maybe they would miss their "people daddy" That doesn't really seem to be the case at all. They are here with "grandma" and he little dog. They have 3 acres they can run freely on. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Although they tend to like the neighbors better then their own yard. But, its ok, my grandparents had a boxer long ago, so they are used to boxers running lose. I guess it brings back memories for everyone. The good thing, Cain warmed right up to Mike. So that might be a good sign. He is usually pretty leery of men he doesn't know. But , he sees Mike and gets all wiggly, just like when he sees his momma.<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>Casey on the other hand, she still isn't quite sure of him. This is odd for her cause she's usually the one who runs to greet everyone and its Cain that lags behind. She is getting better with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Memories. How I wish I could forget some of them. Even though it's a happy time, to celebrate Cain's birthday. I know to some they are just "dogs" but, to me, these are my "kids" and they mean everything to me. But, today is also the ex's birthday. And try as I might to forget that, after 10 years it's hard to push out of your mind. So then my mind starts to roam about how this is November. The wonderful month of the adoptive dad ordeal. Which I will get into perhaps another time if you don't already know the story.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Happiness is that this will be my first holiday season with MY family. And am looking forward to that. I have spent a few Christmas's up here, but I can't remember the last time I had thanksgiving with my own family. Aside from an aunt and uncle who visited me and mom in <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>a long time ago. But for me being up here with everyone, that was most likely the year I spent up here after I graduated high school. It is going to be a new experience for me. A good one. But then I think about how I spent the last 10 with the ex family, my 2<sup>nd</sup>family. Part of me misses them. And part of me is so upset that I never took the time to go say goodbye to them. My lil brothers and their girlfriend/wives and kids, my 2<sup>nd</sup>mom, my 2<sup>nd</sup>grandma. I feel awful that I did not talk to them and say goodbye. I simple told the ex I was leaving and in 2 weeks I was gone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But, I can't keep thinking about those things. I have to see the whole picture in front of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">ME and my life. Moving forward. The happiness I do have around me. The life ahead that awaits me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And a "fur baby" that's waiting to celebrate his birthday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A word to everyone, take the time to day to realize what you do have. Stop dwelling on what you don't. Cherish each and every moment in life, no matter how small or big.</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_517313">Awwwwww.....you know my Caleigh...my fur baby is like my kid too! Her birthday is coming up on the 19th....we are both Scorpio babies..hehe<br /><br />Glad you get to spend the holidays with YOUR family for a change....that means a lot to them.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 11:37 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=325356046#" id="addReplyLnk_517313" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=325356046&commentID=517313" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_517313"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_517325">Ahhh sis makin me miss me best mate Larry. What a good boy he was. ~sighs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 11:58 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=325356046#" id="addReplyLnk_517325" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=325356046&commentID=517325" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_517325"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518239">tell him happy birthady for me,</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 10:57 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50904038245181643882007-11-01T23:36:00.000-04:002014-07-25T20:33:41.911-04:00Broken Promises and Trust<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 01, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Broken Promises and Trust</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I don't trust so easily. There, I said it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I know it might look like on the surface that I do. But the truth is, deep inside, I have issues. And really, who can blame me. Given the shit I have had to deal with in life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Sexual Abuse, Verbal Abuse, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse. All at the hands of men.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I can't imagine why anyone would tru</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">st easily. But I know their are some out there that do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Despite all that has happened to me, I am strong. I have lived through all that and worked through the pain. I am better now, and in a better place in life then I ever have been.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">But, that trust thing will get me every time. I can't help it. I am still a work in process.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I am a SURVIVOR! I am strong, not weak.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I have always said I have NO regrets in life. I lived, I have learned and I have moved on. I would not be the beautiful, kind, full of soul and spirited woman I am today without the life I was given.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I do however wear my heart on my sleeve and sometimes that does me more harm then good. I am always giving, and give far more then my fair share. But it doesn't work when its one sided.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Give Give Give<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Take Take Take</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">It should be equal parts Give and Take.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I find myself thinking about things lately. Maybe</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"> I am thinking about things too much. But, I can't help it. That's what I do. I am a thinker. An analyzer. Especially where my heart is concerned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I don't think it is hard to earn my trust, especially if you make the honest effort to at least try.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Right now, I am not seeing that <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Life%20With%20Mike" target="_blank">from someone</a> I should be seeing it from. Small changes have been made in a relationship, but nothing in regards to the trust aspect of it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Don't say you will call, then don't.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Don't make plans, and then blow it off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Just to pretend it was never discussed at all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Don't do that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Simple?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess not.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Is it wrong of me to want that phone call?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Wrong of me to want some attention?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Wrong of me to want to spend a little time together?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I guess so.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I dont consider those things clingy, of feeling like I am being needy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I just want to know I am wanted...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I am having this war right now about running away. Just shutting it down, closing the door and running as fast as I can. I don't feel like being dragged through the mud and getting dirty right now. I just got myself cleaned off.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Maybe my heads just not on right. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Maybe I am over thinking things.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Who knows?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">All I know is right now I feel very out of sorts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">MySpace Comments:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_515571">{{{{HUGS}}}} You deserve those things you asked for...common courtesy is what I see in those questions...have the courtesy to call when you say you will, have the courtesy to say plans have changed...and have the courage to say you screwed up! "I forgot" or even "I didn't realize those were solid plans" is much better than "what are you talking about?"<br />Keep smiling my Irish one...Things will get better!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 6:31 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=324564294#" id="addReplyLnk_515571" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=324564294&commentID=515571" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_515571"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_515610">Baby Girl....I am the same way. It is NOT too much to ask - it is what is right. It boils down to respect. Put a stop to it NOW or it will be like that always.....believe me, I know.<br /><br />xoxo</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice</a>on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 8:50 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=324564294#" id="addReplyLnk_515610" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=324564294&commentID=515610" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_515610"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_515738">Sis, of course you deserve respect and common courtesy. I have learned (2 marriages and tons of heartbreak later) that you can't change people, so you have to take them as they are. Hope things work out with your heart. {{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 1:21 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50382227680982284892007-10-31T14:16:00.000-04:002014-07-25T18:55:31.534-04:00Ugh...Holiday’s and the Price of Happiness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 31, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/6862d217212a.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/6862d217212a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>" When death comes, it is not enough to have been charitable; and it is not right to touch the body or lay it out for a couple of hours; for the soul should be given time to fight for itself, and to go up to judgment. And sometimes it is not willing to go."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>~Lady Augusta Gregory</i></b></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ugh… <st1:place>Holiday</st1:place>'s….Yeah I am happy but…sometimes I wonder, whats the price....</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, yeah I am happy, still. That's not changed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But as much as I just try to blow today off like it's just another normal day, I can't seem to shake it. Then after reading my brothers blog, it made me think even more.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All Hallows Eve, the day Celts, mostly pagan, celebrate not only life, but death as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Death. Can't seem to escape that. As much as I want to close a blind eye to it. As much as I do not want to deal with it, I still have to. How can I celebrate losing <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">Lonnie</a> , <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">Elonna</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/10/terrys-fate-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">Terry?</a> Or my grandparents for that matter. Which I have to deal with every day in this house. This constant tug of war in my soul.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My insides are turning, burning, in this wretched pit of fire. I feel sick. I just want to curl up and die myself. Even if just for one night, this one night of darkness to see them again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But that's not going to happen. My soul is not ready to soar.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">They are not the only people I miss.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was talking to <st1:place>Shannon</st1:place> this morning, and it just hit me, as it usually does when we talk, how much I miss her.<br /><br /> How much I miss all my friends back in OK. And now, here it is Halloween, our big party day, and I am not there. I sit here thinking about all the Halloween's in my past, how they were celebrated, things I did, the people I hung out with, and I feel very much alone right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So even though I have succeeded in some happiness, there is still some sadness lurking about.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I leave you with my lyrical concept for the day:<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">H.I.M. – Join Me in Death</div><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1V4AscLidWg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1V4AscLidWg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">We are so young</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Our lives have just begun</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But already were considering</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Escape from this world</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And weve waited for so long</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">For this moment to come</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Was so anxious to be together</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Together in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This world is a cruel place</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And were here only to lose</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">So before live tears us apart let</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Death bless me with you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This live aint worth living</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This live aint worth living</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This live aint worth living</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This live aint worth living</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Cathy McElhaney</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /> </span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514582">{{{{HUGS}}}} I hope you have a happy Halloween anyway. I know it is tough to celebrate when you have had so many losses. YOU are a survivor and I am happy to see you doing as well as you are!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 7:16 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76116209679013206102007-10-30T23:22:00.000-04:002014-07-25T19:57:39.280-04:00Whats Up With Chrys?? ~ October Volume ~ Happy Times<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, October 30, 2007 </span><br /><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A Little of This and A Little of That, or more aptly titled, Good Things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess as the saying goes, "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was beginning to wonder, just how long I was going to have to wait.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not going to talk about any of the sadness, that's all in past blogs and I am moving forward. Too much happiness around me now. That's what I am grabbing on to, and that's what I am going to share here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Going to enjoy this ride, and hope that it lasts. I am hoping the turn of events is a sign of many wonderful things to come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~insert the biggest smile I have ever given here~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As many of you saw from my bulletin the other day, I got word that the divorce was finalized. I was so excited I about fell out of my chair. But, it is even better news today, as the papers I am now holding in my hand. They came today. ~happy dance~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is such a good thing for me. I mean, I have been moving on in life, but so many things had to be put on hold until everything was final.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The biggest headache so far really has been the bank accounts. Ugh. Disaster in action. But now, I can close the OK bank and have my name changed on the account that I opened here. And order bank cards and checks. I opted not to do that when I opened the account because it seemed pointless.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now the fun stuff begins. Oh joy. Passport needs changed. Drivers License, not only do I need a MI one, I need a name change. Hmmm lets see what else, a credit card or two that didn't get changed, now can be. Social Security cards, oh they are always so much fun to deal with. LOL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The biggest thing – I CAN NOW ENROLL BACK IN COLLEGE!!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">YEAHHHHHHH!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was waiting for things to be final because I wanted to be able to check the DIVORCED box on the financial aid and not have to worry about putting his information down because we were still legally married.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Over! Over! OVEEEEEEEER!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I AM</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">FFFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, well not really free. Free from him yes. But technically not free from a relationship. This is a very good thing. For those of you who have been paying attention, you may have figured out who it is. Those of you who haven't, you got some work to do ;)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In all seriousness, there is someone I have been seeing for a little while now. He's adorable and quite simply, amazing. We have decided to just be together and not see other people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, pick yourself up now. You heard me correctly. Yes, this coming from the girl who said she was just gonna date and have fun and blah blah.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well, I did that. For 3 months.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And now, I am stopping and just going to be with Him. Yes, just Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Him… who is Him…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Read a bulletin lately?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Notice a top friend's rearrangement?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let's go from there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/the-great-date-debate-is-now-over.html" target="_blank">Cutie patootie..aka…Kraz…aka Mike</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let the round of introductions begin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so anyway. Moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Am I happy? YES! Very much so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It is pretty amazing how things just all seem to come together. How you can be so comfortable with someone, like you have known them forever, when the reality is, you have only known them a short while. I am totally free to just be myself. He makes me smile, he makes me think, and he makes me laugh.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And that's all I am gonna share about that for the time being. I just wanna keep him all to myself and not share him with anyone…including my family and friends here. At least for now ~winks~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What else..What else…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hmmmmm lets see…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh I finished my Real Estate Appraisal class with flying colors. Got my certifications the other day, now just need to send them in to the state and register my happy ass. I also got a call back from a company to do appraisals for them. So, that's a step in the right direction. My aunt is trying to get me hooked up with that as well as mortgages because she does both and then I can help her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have had 2 works of poetry get picked up for publishing…and goodness the title of the book escapes me right now. Will have to find my papers and get back to you on that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, all in all, life's on the upside these days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~trots out doing the happy dance~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Until next time…have a Happy and Safe Hallows Eve….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">X's and O's</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Chrys~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/6be851902e10.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/6be851902e10.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514079"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Quotes/happienesseffort.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yay! Yay! Yay! Happy things are always good! We all have to get down before we can get up...life.....isn't it grand!<br /><br />So happy for you being happy! You deserve it!<br /><br />~Hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 11:49 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514079" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868&commentID=514079" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514079"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514150">Yay, relationships are definitely not as bad as we used to think they are! I am very happy for you sis!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 1:23 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868&commentID=514150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514150"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514203">It makes my heart smile to know you are so happy! Congratulations!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 6:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868&commentID=514203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514203"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">KRISTI C</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514297">So glad your HAPPY!! We all deserve just a little bit of happiness in this chaotic life :)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a> on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 12:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514297" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868&commentID=514297" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514297"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514348">Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!<br />xoxo</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 2:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514348" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868&commentID=514348" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514348"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_516721">Errr...I notice who has been moved OUT of the top...ehem...<br />Seriously though... I am happy for you Chrys...hope it all works out.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 5:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_516721" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=323981868&commentID=516721" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11706742745777606682007-10-26T08:43:00.000-04:002014-07-25T18:11:54.920-04:00Big Thank You All Around<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, October 26, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Early for me..heheheh...I forgot what 8:30am looked like.<br /><br />Anyway, I need to tell you ALL Thank You.<br /><br />Thank You ALL from the bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you that <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/10/terrys-fate-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">extended your hand in friendship yesterday.</a> The outpouring of mail, IM, phone text, phone calls , etc was a lot more then I expected.<br /><br />Listen to me when I tell you, I am FINE!! Thank you for caring, thank you for checking on me.</span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br />Life is a constant circle. And I keep going forward. Today is a new day, and even though its a little chilly yet this morning (bbbrrrrrr) its always going to be blue skies ahead for me.<br /><br />I love life too much to get down and out.<br /><br />So ~smiles~ and ~hugs~ all around.<br /><br />xoxoxo<br />Chrys</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509221">Life goes on sis. ~brotherly hugs n spins~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509221" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544&commentID=509221" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509221"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509222">Life goes on sis. ~brotherly hugs n spins~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509222" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544&commentID=509222" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509222"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509223">GRrrrrrrrrrr why do me posts keep doublin????</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:35 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509223" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544&commentID=509223" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509223"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509639">Just showin some luv!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509639" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544&commentID=509639" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509639"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509643">LOL at Joey!<br />I am sorry to hear about Terry though, sweetie. Glad to hear you aren't throwing yourself into "the abyss," as Joey would say. {{{{{{{{{{{Sis}}}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509643" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322581544&commentID=509643" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509643"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_511256">That's right baby, ALWAYS keep your head up! You got so much to offer! I pray for ya and may God hold ya in the palm of His hands! ♣</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 8:24 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79516877561995163682007-10-25T12:35:00.000-04:002014-07-25T18:10:58.856-04:00Terry’s Fate - The Last Good-Bye<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, October 25, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Words can not describe how I am feeling right now. How yet again someone so close to me is being taken away. How much death and destruction can one person be faced with in such a short amount of time. I wondered that with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">the passing of Elonna</a>. And now, here I am facing it again just a matter of weeks later...:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/news-on-terry.html" target="_blank">Terry's fate. </a>Left in the hands of others for something he did so long ago. Life always has a way of catching up with us. I guess we had hoped his would catch up with him later, rather then sooner. But that is not the way the world wanted to work for him. So as you know, his past did catch up with him. Word got out, and he fled to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Spain</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">. Their was a 2 month period where him and I did not talk. And when we finally did, he was sitting in a prison cell in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Belfast</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">. This past Friday began his sentencing trial. And today I received word from him while he was at his lawyer's office.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">We knew the day would come. This is why he pushed me so hard to get on with my life. And I think I have done a pretty good job of starting life over here. I have been full of a lot of Sunshine...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"> We had a feeling this would be his fate. But nothing and I do mean nothing in this world can prepare you for such news.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">This beautiful man whom I have come to love and adore. This man who is my best friend and means so much to me. Has done so much for me. Is now being ripped away from me. To be disposed of like some piece of human garbage.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Terry is being moved to </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Belarus</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"> to be executed. He does not know when. Nor does he think we will ever be in touch again. We have said our goodbyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Goodbye seems so final. So finished. So over. For me, it is not over. For his spirit, no matter how dark will live on. I know that part of him will always be around to protect me. To watch over me. My dark angel. For in lightness, we also have to have dark. I am not afraid. Some day I shall see him again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Now it is my turn to once again cry, vent, scream, and throw things in an ecstasy of rage. Bitch about how life just is not fair. And then, begin to heal and carry on in life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So, bear with me if I do not seem myself today. It is only my minds way of saying…I need to heal. I need some time to mend. And even if you don't see me crying, know I am crying on the inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">And please do not worry about me. I am going to be just fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Time to write the final chapter of this book, close it, and continue to move on in life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Zi1xweDRSA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Zi1xweDRSA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The Last Goodbye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I've been done here once before</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Once again, never again, forevermore</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road once more</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This ain't the last goodbye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just to see a smile on your face</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All that is and all that was cant be replaced</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road once more</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This ain't the last goodbye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This ain't the last goodbye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_507615">You are right when you say that you will see him again - love and friendship such as yours does not die with the body - but lives in spirit. Bless him and keep him - and do not say "goodbye" - say "see you in another time".<br /><br />Much love and big hugs.<br />P.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 1:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_507615" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=507615" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_507615"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_507637">~huggin ya close~ Ahh Chrys.. I am so sorry sweet lady.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 1:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_507637" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=507637" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_507637"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_507663">Oh girl I just want to cry for you. For such a sweet person to have to go through so many losses, it just seems so unfair. You deserve nothing but sunshine in your life. ~Big Hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 1:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_507663" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=507663" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_507663"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_508336">I am so sorry, Chrys! I had hoped there would be a different outcome. So many losses for you in such a short time. {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 8:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_508336" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=508336" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_508336"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_508434">Words fail me, I don't know what to say, I'm sorry just doesn't say it. I wish I could do or say something to ease your pain.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 9:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_508434" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=508434" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_508434"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_508622">wow. {hugs}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a> on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 12:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_508622" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=508622" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_508622"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509219">He was quite a man. His spirit shall defintely live on.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_509219" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=509219" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509219"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509220">He was quite a man. His spirit shall defintely live on.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_509220" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=509220" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509220"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_510075">Shit...dont know what to say besides sorry baby...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 10:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_510075" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=322321904&commentID=510075" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53488338947322236732007-10-24T12:57:00.000-04:002014-07-25T18:08:42.051-04:00Poetry In Motion: For Terry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">My Darling</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Master</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Daddy</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Baby</div><div class="MsoNormal">My One </div><div class="MsoNormal">My Love</div><div class="MsoNormal">All these things he is to me</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nothing more</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nothing less</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just him being Terry</div><div class="MsoNormal">His life and the things he’s done</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is enough to make any woman run<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">But yet, here I am</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right beside him my feet firmly stand</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our relationship</div><div class="MsoNormal">No longer free to roam</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now a metal barred room</div><div class="MsoNormal">He is forced to all home</div><div class="MsoNormal">You ask</div><div class="MsoNormal">Why do I stay</div><div class="MsoNormal">Why not run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Run away</div><div class="MsoNormal">The answer is so very clear</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether he is far or near</div><div class="MsoNormal">Makes no difference to me</div><div class="MsoNormal">For it is love</div><div class="MsoNormal">Can’t you see?<br />(C) C.M.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79552250419390852892007-10-24T10:37:00.000-04:002014-07-25T18:04:28.800-04:00~Shamrocks~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 24, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/716001f8e9ee.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/716001f8e9ee.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>I wear a shamrock in my heart.</strong></div><div align="center">Three in one, one in three---</div><div align="center"><strong>Truth</strong> and <strong>love</strong> and <strong>faith</strong>,</div><div align="center"><strong>Tears</strong> and <strong>pain</strong> and <strong>death</strong>;</div><div align="center"><strong>O sweet my shamrock is to me!</strong></div><div align="center">Lay me in my hollow bed,</div><div align="center">Grow the shamrock over me.</div><div align="center">Three in one, one in three,</div><div align="center">Faith and hope and charity,</div><div align="center">Peace and rest and silence be</div><div align="center">With me where you lay my head;</div><div align="center">O dear the shamrocks are to me!</div><div align="center">~Lady Gilbert~<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_506352">Aaahh... What a great blog! Ya need to sing it to me milady! ;) ♣<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/irishdog36/SHAMROCKS.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 6:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=321982517#" id="addReplyLnk_506352" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=321982517&commentID=506352" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_506352"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_506456">Awesome! Thanks for sharing!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 8:23 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=321982517#" id="addReplyLnk_506456" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=321982517&commentID=506456" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29239736337066542842007-10-23T09:55:00.000-04:002014-07-25T18:07:56.562-04:00Another Chapter ....or Two<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, October 23, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No Loss for words.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Certainly have plenty of those.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just can't figure out the jumbled mess in my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How to start. Where to start. What's the beginning and how shall it end.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Does it really even end?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Boy when the Goddesses answer, they make it pour.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not at a loss for words, I just have too many.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is that really even possible? For me to have too many words?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am still feeling torn, what to share, what to keep to myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What is this person going to say, or that person going to think?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not that it has ever mattered to me before. But right now, I just have so much inside that I am sure I would feel better about if I shared it…especially since some of it is good. But what is the price I pay for sharing?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can not believe I am even awake. Here it is <st1:time hour="9" minute="10">9:10am </st1:time>and I am wide awake. Lately, my mind keeps me awake until <st1:time hour="5" minute="0">5am </st1:time>and I am up every 30 mins. Finally between 11 and 1 I roll my ass out of bed and DO SOMETHING. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I read. It keeps my mind active. I write. And goodness knows I have written so much since moving here. I have stuff to be submitted. I just can't seem to get past the whole process of actually DOING it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The one thing weighing heavily on my mind right now is Terry. Friday they came and got him and took him to the courthouse to begin his sentencing trial. It is to my understanding he will stay in that holding cell until it is over. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This means no access to the outside world. Period. So, I have no way of knowing what's going on in his world right now. It is hard, when someone you care about so much is going through such a thing and there is nothing you can do in this world to help, or to "fix" it. So now, all I can do is wait. Once again left waiting, wondering, hoping, wishing. When one is faced with life or death, what does one hope for? Just when I think I have my feelings sorted, I rethink the situation and my mind changes. This is a daily thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I sure have been faced with a lot of trials and tribulations in life. One would think it would slow down at some point for me. But it never has. I have seen more death and destruction in the last 22 months then any one person should ever have to bear with. This must be my test in life. I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe Terry and I crossed paths for a reason. Sometimes that reason is very clear. Sometimes I doubt it and it becomes cloudy. The darkness within him sometimes is even too much for either of us to carry. But it is what it is. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Everything that has happened to me in life as made me stronger. And now, here lies the test. Will what ever happens to Terry be my breaking point in life, or will I carry on in my world full of happiness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess I can not really answer that. I know what I choose. I choose to remain a constant in life full of happiness and smiles. No matter what happens, that is how Terry would want it to be anyway. So, for now, I will cherish the time we had in life together. The powers that be that connected us, and keep holding on to my beliefs that even in life and in death, he will be with me and I will see him again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I see another chapter to be written there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A jumbled mess in my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A constant back and forth battle that goes round and round.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There are some other things going on in my day to day world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Something else that constantly turns my world around and around for about the last 2 months now. Back and forth. Thoughts. I rant and rave and get angry. The Irish temper flairs. I leave. I go back for more. Why does life have to be such a battle? I am not the fighter here. But yet I seem to be the one doing the fighting. What round are we on now? Who is keeping the score? Who is going to ring the bell and declare the winner? Should not be a winner, or a loser. Should be a constant equal. Should be. But I often wonder if it is. I want it to be. The same page, the same chapter. But I think a different book is being written. Get out your pencil, its time to take a quiz. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feelings. Ugh I hate feelings. Why can't they just be easy? Or better yet just go away. Leave me alone and let me stay numb to it all. Under my skin. Itches. I scratch and yet it still there. Nothing I do will make it go away. It just keeps coming back. More and more and more. My powers have no affect. But then again, thinking back, maybe they do. I did ask, maybe the Goddess within listened. But, She should know what's right and wrong for me by now. So I have no choice to put my trust in Her with the hopes that the powers that be will prevail. OR perhaps, tis I the one being tested. I gave up on Her a long long time ago. And have only recently called Her back into my life. This is a test. Hopefully, I shall pass. The itch will go away, but the thing that gets left behind shall stay. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Dangerous. Could be dangerous. But, I like danger. I like excitement.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A new chapter starts. A big ray of sunshine. I see something I have never seen before. No, not the sunshine, for that I see. But something around it. Can't quite put my finger on it. Something I am not used to. It baffles me. I take it as it comes, but I am unsure I am doing the right thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am only human after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">More thoughts swim.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Grab the bait, throw the line and see what gets pulled out of this mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Musings. That's all it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A cryptic message that perhaps only I can understand. Sometimes I wonder if even I can understand it. I have no decoder. So what shall I do?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well, I know what I am going to do now, I am going to finish up my wonderful, warm coffee and ignore the fact it's cold and rainy out. I am going to think about the wonderful things I do have in my life and I am going to happily take my arse and have a war with my treadmill and see if I can not clear out some of this jumbled up fragments of words and put together some sort of clear thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe. We shall see.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I hope you all enjoy your Tuesday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">XOXO</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Chrys~</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_505570">{{{{HUGS}}}} I hope for the best for Terry! I don't know what he did,but I am sure he had his reasons. Take care of yourself!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 8:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=321648206#" id="addReplyLnk_505570" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=321648206&commentID=505570" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_505570"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14904163" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/55/s_95876e1e56c177d4386c78d3d6bb4c1f.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_507573">Your doing the right thing keep your mind busy,enjoy your warm java. It's in God's hand whatever shall be. I don't know all of the story about Terry, hope all will be well. Take care and keep your heart in tack. Keep the faith always.<br /><br />love n peace</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a> on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 12:35 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83787875887217834812007-10-21T23:31:00.000-04:002014-07-25T18:06:46.956-04:00Just Ramblings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, October 21, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/f98aa28d30f8.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/f98aa28d30f8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/bacb11556638.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can't sit still.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Never to be idle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Never to sit and waist time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No, I can't sit and watch life pass me by.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I don't heal like most do. I don't take a step back in life. I always keep moving forward. I might take a moment or two to breathe and perhaps rant, but then I just keep going.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So fucking hyperactive it's ridiculous.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I had a fabulous weekend. A weekend full of laughs and smiles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And now, I sit here, writing my words, pondering. What to say, what to do. What to reveal and what to keep to myself. I have always been so open. But, for the last few days so much has happen in my world that I do not know what to hold on to. What to just keep here for myself, and what bits and pieces to pass along. Ramblings. Inside my head is so much ramble. There is a lot there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My body sits, but my mind keeps going. It won't shut off. There is no on and off switch.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Afraid to sleep these days. Dreams holding the key to my life's events. Afraid of what I am going to find out in my dreams. What's going on? What's the answer that I seek? And why should I be afraid. I have never been afraid of what my dreams brought me before. This time, it's different. It is quite literally a matter of life and death. I need to know. Don't want to know. Have to know.<br /><br />Spins me around and around. Please someone make it stop. Stop this madness that goes and goes in my mind. I know the answer. The answer to make it stop. But that is not an option. No. No. I refuse to even accept that. So on and on I go. I am not selfish. I am not heartless. I don't do this for me. I do this for the one that needs me most in the world. Everyone needs human contact. Everyone needs a link to the outside world. I am that link.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I seem to be a link for many powerful things. Gifts people call them. I often wonder how I was picked. Why me? Out of all the people in the world, how is one chosen for such things? Sometimes I want to throw them away, throw them in the trash never to be seen again. But, I have been dealing with this since I can remember, at the age of at least 6 or 7. So it is so much a part of me, that being without it, I would almost feel naked.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, let's not imagine me running around naked. That is not the direction this blog is going in.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There is a darkness that follows me. I know why. And I am not scared. As a matter of fact, I feel calm and at peace. I feel protected.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I climbed a little bit...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">kept going</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And right now, I am on top of the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Still, some things in life need to change and be taken care of...and they shall...it will all fall in to place.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_502638">... In the darkest night, when it feels that no one is there, lonliness takes its toll. But, though the darkness swallows you whole just know that you are never alone. Know that my thoughts go with you, into those lonely corners of dreams dark demise. When you need a hand, I will offer one.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 12:01 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=321227928#" id="addReplyLnk_502638" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=321227928&commentID=502638" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_502638"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_502664">Gifts can often feel like burdens.. just as in the yin and yang of life.. the dark to light.. we choose from day to day which way to go.. never easy and always difficult to be different.. but at the same time Chrys.. who the hell wants to be normal? Trust in yourself as I know you do... and as you say, it will all fall into place.<br />My blessings and ~warmest hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 12:36 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64170104433868700502007-10-16T11:53:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:54:27.211-04:00My Stupid Ex Husband<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, October 16, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I am writing this blog today because their are so many of you out there that know him. I just want you to understand some of the stupid shit I have had to put up with for the last 10 years.<br /><br />All I hear is "oh he was such a nice guy" "Oh he treated you so good" "you guys seemed so happy together."<br /><br />Blah.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />First , I never said he was a bad person, or the he treated me bad. And on the surface we were happy. It was me the was dying on the inside. So many things lacking in that marriage that is just finally ate me alive and I had to make the choice to walk away.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />One of the biggest things was communication. Their just was not any. No one can survive a one sided marriage. It just is not going to work. Over time my love left and it was pointless for me to stay.<br /><br />At any rate, for those of you who still bump in to him, please explain to him that I am not a child, and to Shut the F*ck Up.<br /><br />I get this phone call from him this morning. Funny in the aspect he never talks to me anymore. So, hes all trying to tell me about the lawyer and how he hasn't been able to get in touch with him and so he has no idea if my notarized papers I sent two weeks ago made it. He has no idea when the court date is to see the judge and blah blah.<br /><br />Again, proving my point on the stupid male population. UGH!<br /><br />Then, he starts to talk to me like I am a child. Fuck that I already have 2 worthless fathers, I certainly do not need another one.<br /><br />He then goes on to give me at least a 15 min lecture on my cell phone usage. Well fucking DUH. I have an Oklahoma cell phone that we cant get turned off until the divorce is final because we will be slapped with an early termination fee. So, even though I am calling my friends back home and using my minutes, I am still roaming. And when I call people here, its roaming and long distance.<br /><br />And I dont fucking care. So many things came to the surface after the divorce, shit he had done. I did not give a fuck if I rang up a hellious phone bill. He can afford it, and its the least he can do.<br /><br />So then I get even more shit about the text messages. Apparently I have sent out over 2200 texts. HAHAHHAAHHA..why am I not surprised.<br /><br />As he goes on, I am trying not to laugh. Thinking to myself you get just what you deserve.<br /><br />I have a Michigan cell, but why use the minutes on it, when the other one I dont pay for??? LOL<br /><br />So, for those of you who have my OK cell number, message me and I will give you the MI cell number. I suppose I can start transferring everyone over. Besides its only a matter of time before the lawyer pulls his head out of his ass and the divorce is final , therefor causing the ex to march down to the cell phone place and turn off my phone.<br /><br />So, as I am being lectured, sitting here feeling like a child, he asks me if I have anything to say.<br /><br />I say yeah, if you would of let me keep my car, I could have just went and visited all these people I was calling and not have to worry about a monster phone bill.<br /><br />And I hung up.<br /><br />I have a point and I made it.<br /><br />I took nothing, he got everything, he can deal with the cell phone.<br /><br />I will be so glad when this is all over.<br /><br />Just counting down the days.<br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_496526">God you are good!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 12:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319552645#" id="addReplyLnk_496526" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319552645&commentID=496526" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_496526"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_498473">Wow.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 1:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319552645#" id="addReplyLnk_498473" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319552645&commentID=498473" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_498473"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_499285">Girl I know how ya feel on that one...but if you had the strength to walk away...you will only grow stronger as time passes & you find yourself again.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 9:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319552645#" id="addReplyLnk_499285" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319552645&commentID=499285" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86384086089840238482007-10-14T23:39:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:55:00.615-04:00I’ve Had Enough Already<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, October 14, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/part32.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What do I want?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, its been suggested that I make myself some sort of a list and figure out exactly what it is I want.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How does one do this? I mean, right now I feel like I am at Baskin Robbins home of the 31 flavors and I am sampling a taste of each. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">After the recent drama I went through, maybe Joey was right. Maybe despite knowing on some level what I was looking for, maybe, just maybe, I really needed to dig deeper. I started a list.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Someone who</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Doesn't want to own me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Or control me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just lets me be</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Will love me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Respect me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not reject me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Does accept me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Free to be</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's the biggest issue people seam to have. They want to change me. Morph me in to what suits them better. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sorry. I am not programmed like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will not compromise me!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The other problem I have is they don't want to listen. Right now, I am just in the dating pool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Besides I need TRUST and it's sort of hard to be in a relationship right from the start with someone you just met. You have to earn your trust I am not going to just hand it to you on a silver platter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No secrets</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No lies</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am very open and I expect you to be as well</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Communication is a MUST</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Without it the relationship falls apart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is this really too much to ask for?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Apparently it is, as I am finding out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I am taking myself out of the dating pool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In recent turn of events that I really care not to get into, rather then leaving me angry and able to walk away, it has left me hurting and crying on the inside, unsure of myself and what to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't like feeling this way. So it's safer to just close up shop and just run away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">MySpace Comments:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_495137">Sweetness, I don't know what else to say besides what I wrote to you in email.<br />I certainly wish I were able to give you what you need.<br />Although, the owning and controlling part, we would have to compromise on.<br />Winks...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 1:03 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319115027#" id="addReplyLnk_495137" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319115027&commentID=495137" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_495137"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_495151">Aahh just drink Guinness and have a great time and wait until a real MAN comes around... Sorry to hear about the dating not going so good... Cheers to ya & slainte to my fucking bad ass friend! ;) &club;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 1:41 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319115027#" id="addReplyLnk_495151" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319115027&commentID=495151" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_495151"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_495251">I so do NOT envy you! LOL! I don't think I would do very well with the whole dating thing! I am happy to say that it has been more than 26 years since I have had to do that! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 6:46 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319115027#" id="addReplyLnk_495251" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=319115027&commentID=495251" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_495251"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_495358">My poor {{{{{{{{{{{{sis}}}}}}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 11:26 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88289812856628854032007-10-10T22:42:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:55:04.127-04:00Make Like A Dolphin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 10, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br />People often ask me, "Chrys, what's with the dolphin tattoo?" It just doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason to fit in with the rest of my tattoos. Sure it, it may not have an Irish / Celtic/ luck theme to it; however it does fit with ME.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05LJ7QntiGo/Tgo-13Gr0xI/AAAAAAAAAcc/r-s21X0hClQ/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05LJ7QntiGo/Tgo-13Gr0xI/AAAAAAAAAcc/r-s21X0hClQ/s1600/l.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This was the 2<sup>nd</sup> tat I got back around 97. It was a night of birthday, good parties, good times and good friends deep in the streets of Austin Texas. Austin had become a popular hang out for me in college. My best friend at the time was from there, so we were constantly taking road trips. Those were some of the best times of my life. So many stories, so much fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was sitting here today, thinking about my life long ago. Well it seems to long ago. I thought I had life figured out. I thought I knew exactly what path I was to follow and where I was going to end up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The dolphin was more then just a symbol of life for me. It was what I wanted to do with life. My dream of being a marine biologist and studying dolphins was shattered. For reasons I care not to rehash today. But I never stopped learning everything I could about this animal. This animal that I could never own or control in life like a cat or a dog, but an animal that brought me so much inner peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For anyone that is a fan of Poe, might just know where I am going with this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For those that do now, here once again here is a lyrical spin for you.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Poe - Dolphin<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">There's a broken beam inside of the big big bridge<br />I guess that whole thing is caving in<br />Maybe it is time I learn how to swim<br />I'll be a dolphin, I'll be a dolphin<br />Sometimes I think I'm breaking down<br />And other times I think that I'm fine<br />But something got into my engine<br />It slowed me down<br />Now I gotta turn this whole thing around<br />I'm gonna be a dolphin<br />Gonna be a dolphin<br />I'm gonna be a dolphin<br />Gonna be a dolphin<br />There's not a lot I believe anymore<br />I mistrust everything I had been longing for<br />There's not a lot that I know anymore<br />But I know if good bridge is burning<br />You gotta be a dolphin...You gotta be a dolphin<br />You gotta be a dolphin...You gotta be a dolphin<br />Sometimes I think you're crazy and sick<br />And other time I think you're so fine<br />But I know I'm in danger 'cause you feel like a stranger<br />And I know that something's going give<br />When I dive into that ocean<br />God I hope I don't sink like a stone -- no<br />I'm gonna move like a dolphin<br />There may be a lot I don't know about you<br />But I know if I don't swim<br />I'm already drowning<br />'Cause a broken bridge<br />Is a broken bridge<br />So I swim to you now<br />Here I come...Here I come<br />Here I come...Here I come<br />I'll be a dolphin<br />There's a broken beam inside of the big big bridge<br />I guess that this time I'll have swim (I'll swim...)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">Now, I take a look at my life today. What I have been through in the last 10 years. I often wonder did I make the right choices. I wonder why. Why, why why.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">Then I think I am like a dolphin these days. Swimming around life. Hoping not to sink. Simply tasting freedom.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_491146">YES you made the right choices, stop wondering and start enjoying your life, baby. Dolphins do not just swim around, hoping not to sink. They leap through the air, and experience great joy. Experience life, sweetness, don't just muddle through. Take huge gulps, not small tastes.<br />Enjoy life, it is far too short not to, baby.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 12:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317959411#" id="addReplyLnk_491146" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317959411&commentID=491146" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><label id="NewDiv_491146"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_491276">Dolphins are "fun" they like to play! Have fun today! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 7:56 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317959411#" id="addReplyLnk_491276" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317959411&commentID=491276" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><label id="NewDiv_491276"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=146472038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♠Sparrows¤In¤†he¤Murder♠ </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=146472038" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_41d53951cf204832a07cca4c527570fc.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sid Duece</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_491860">wanted to be a marine biologist too, always thought dolphins were hiding so much knowledge and spirit inside them that we have yet to really understand. i think thats why i love the song Incubus made - The Warmth , becuase of the sirenic moans of the guitar and violin reproduced marine sounds at the beging before the phycodelic sythe hits.<br /><br />the poem, first time ive read it but i already feel pre-attached to it. Well thats calmed me down for the evening.. guna go hit that song "and leave the air behind me clear" ;p</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=146472038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♠Sparrows¤In¤†he¤Murder♠</a>on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 9:50 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317959411#" id="addReplyLnk_491860" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317959411&commentID=491860" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=146472038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><label id="NewDiv_491860"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_493390">I love this Chrys!! The poem is so powerful & a dolphin is a wonderful creature! Here is a little something for ya....<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t145/akamissrubytuesday/2uj78du.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hope to get to chat again soon...have a great weekend!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a> on Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 9:55 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317959411#" id="addReplyLnk_493390" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317959411&commentID=493390" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><label id="NewDiv_493390"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_493985">~~~hugs you...<br />I understand...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 10:28 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24689325090953105132007-10-10T00:37:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:50:58.610-04:00Find A Way - Get To Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 10, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_317681548" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Anything is possible if you just try.<br />You can make it work if you really want it to.<br />Point is, not to give up.<br />Things will not always be this way.<br />Nothing is constant, things always change.<br />Forever moving forward.<br />One step at a time.<br />~C~<br />*********************************************************************</span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0OJvFpzHGIc" width="425"></iframe><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_317681548" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_317681548" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Well an airplane's faster than a Cadillac<br />And a whole lot smoother than a camel's back<br />But I don't care how you get to me<br />Just get to me<br />Parasail or first class mail<br />Get on the back of a Nightingale<br />Just get to me I don't care just get to me<br />Prokeds, mopeds take a limousine instead<br />They ain't cheap but they're easy to find<br />Get on the highway point yourself my way<br />Take a roller coaster that comes in sideways<br />Just get to me - yeah<br /><br />Go on hitch a ride on the back<br />of a butterfly<br />There's no better way to fly<br />To get to me<br />I look around at what I got<br />And without you, it ain't a lot<br />But I got every, with you, everything<br /><br />Maybe you could pollinate over the<br />Golden Gate<br />Take a left hand turn at the corner<br />Of Haight<br />And then a sharp right<br />At the first street light<br />And get yourself on a motor bike<br />And if you think you'll get stuck in a<br />traffic jam<br />That's fine, send yourself through a telephone line<br />It doesn't matter how you get to me<br />Just get to me<br /><br />Cause after every day<br />The wind blows the night time my way<br />And I imagine that you are<br />Above me like a star<br />And you keep on glowing<br />And you keep on showing me the way<br />SHINE SHINE SHINE<br /><br />Train- Get To Me</span></span></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_490357">Pretty sweet alright. I love you, My slut baby.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 12:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317681548#" id="addReplyLnk_490357" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317681548&commentID=490357" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_490357"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_490532">True so true sis.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 11:58 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317681548#" id="addReplyLnk_490532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=317681548&commentID=490532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51263300540785817552007-10-09T17:22:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:47:27.402-04:00Terry: Cravings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Tuesday, October 09, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span></span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Craving the sharp point of the needle</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">As it pierces the skin, and then</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The rush, as it spreads throughout My body</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">That feeling of perfection, serenity</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Of nothing, nothing, nothing at all.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Craving that first taste, that first crack</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Of the cold beer as it hits My mouth</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Slides down My throat, and warms My belly</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Spreads through the body and I feel</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Just nothing, nothing, nothing at all.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Craving that hit, that toke, that blast</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Off the pipe, as I light it and inhale it</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Breathing so deeply that it fills up My body</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It calms me, enlightens me, opens my mind</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Into nothing, nothing, nothing at all</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Craving the touch, the smell, the feel</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Of a warm body, underneath mine</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The breathing of a soft, submissive breath</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">As I open up, take possession of what is Mine</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Make it respond to only Me, because everything else</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Means nothing, nothing, nothing at all.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">~Terry O'Malley~</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">MySpace Comments:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"></span></span></span></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_180546">Wow!<br />Baby, I have no words for this.<br />I wanna be under You, with You, all around You...forever, here to enternity.<br />I love You T.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a> on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 1:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=317687171#" id="addReplyLnk_180546" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_180546"></label></span></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_180650">That's f-ing awesome!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 9:08 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=317687171#" id="addReplyLnk_180650" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_180650"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 15px;"></span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_180731"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 15px;">Ahhh mate I knows bout cravin all too well. As usual ya says what I am thinkin but in much better words n I kin come up with.</span></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 15px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 11:59 AM</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15513204246910326652007-10-06T16:31:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:47:11.476-04:00Terry: MySpace Survey About ~c~<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1. What's one thing thats heavily weighing on your mind?<br />Death and my relationship with ~c~<br /><br />2. What's one thing you've learned from a good friendship gone bad?<br />People can't always be trusted, even if you think you know them <br /><br />3. What's one thing you've learned lately from love?<br />It's fucking hard but worth it, I think<br /><br />4. Is there anyone special in your life in general at the moment?<br />Yes<br /><br />5. What's a happy time you've had in the past week?<br />Not feeling happy these days, but must have been while reading a sexy email from ~c~ <br /><br />6. Is there anything in your past that you'd like to try again?<br />Yes</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />7. Who do you like to spend your nights with?<br />I wish I could spend them with ~c~<br /><br />8. Are you an emotional person?<br />Depends on the emotion<br /><br />9. Are you self conscious?<br />No<br /><br />10. Do you think of others before yourself?<br />No, I am a selfish bastard<br /><br />11. What's something that can always make you feel better?<br />Dirty, dirty, dirty fun stuff<br /><br />12. Who was the last person you had a crush on?<br />Can't say I have ever had a crush<br /><br />13. Where do you see yourself this time next year?<br />No idea, either dead or alive <br /><br />14. Do you tend to make relationships complicated?<br />Very much so<br /><br />15. Who do you feel the most comfortable around?<br />I don't feel comfortable around people in general<br /><br />16. Is there something that you're waiting for?<br />Answers<br /><br />17. One thing you're not looking forward to?<br />The future <br /><br />18. How do you feel about change?<br />Fuck it<br /><br />19. What are you most looking forward to?<br />Nothing<br /><br />20. What are your plans for your next birthday?<br />None<br /><br />21. Do you even care about your birthday?<br />No<br /><br />22. Do you think anyone in general out there loves you?<br />Yes, I specifically know who<br /><br />23. When do you think the world will end?<br />Do I look like I give a fuck? When it ends, it ends<br /><br />24. Whats the most expensive piece of clothing you own?<br />HA! Prison blues are free money-wise, expensive other-wise<br /><br />25. If you could be on a reality show what would it be?<br />Escape from Prison<br /><br />26. Do you still talk to the person you LAST kissed?<br />Online, yes I do, in person, no <br /><br />27. Have you ever seen your best friend cry?<br />No<br /><br />28. What kind of vitamins did you take as a kid?<br />None<br /><br />30. Did you get any compliments today?<br />No<br /><br />31. Are you friends with your neighbors?<br />No<br /><br />32. What were you just thinking about?<br />How this has to be the most fucking depressing thing for me to be doing right now, answering these bloody questions<br /><br />33. Name the places you have lived.<br />No, don't feel like it<br /><br />34. When was the last time you drove more than 15 minutes?<br />Last time I worked, I guess</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55690565632500112662007-10-06T03:05:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:46:37.373-04:00Terry: No Regrets ~c~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, October 06, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Heart is breaking, it feels cracked in two</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I kept up My wall to avoid this, tis so true</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Yet here it is, I let myself fall in love</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">you got over my wall, scaled it from above</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I did so many things in my life that were wrong</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">And somehow I knew it would happen, all along</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">The time would come, that I would have to pay</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">you would end up hurting too, along the way</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">My mistakes, My anger, My pain, My fears</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Would cause nothing but grief and future tears</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">But baby, I wouldn't trade it all for anything</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I love you, I cherish you, I regret nothing.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Nothing, My love.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">~T~</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">MySpace Comments</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_178039">Wow mate I could of writ this myself. I am feelin much the same. Great piece o work here.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Joey</span></a>on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 10:05 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=316476196#" id="addReplyLnk_178039" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Reply</span></a><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=316476196#" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"> to this</a></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">] </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_178039"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_178305">my Darling ~T~<br />if only You could see<br />what You really mean to me<br />my wall was up<br />built so high<br />but over it You came<br />like You could fly<br />i let You in<br />and You i<br />here i am<br />holding on to what we do have<br />not letting it pass us by.<br /><br />Baby, I love You. More then I can ever express to You. You mean so much to me. I simply adore you.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><b>Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">♣IrishChik♣</span></a>on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 8:34 PM<br />[</b><strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=316476196#" id="addReplyLnk_178305" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Reply to this</span></a></strong><b>] </b></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16326656729062031012007-10-03T14:56:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:42:26.685-04:00My Personal Thank You’s<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 03, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">First, I want to thank each one of you that personally took the time to contact me and give me your thoughts, prayers, well wishes, blessings and white lights with the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">passing of my best friend Elonna</a>. It has been a long and rough week and I am sorry it took me so long to contact you all and give my thanks. I think I got everyone back with a comment and a letter that sent one my way. If I missed you, I am sorry and just know I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those of you with the shoulders I cried on and the ears that were lended, I am forever grateful. I would not have gotten through this without all the love and support of my friends.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Second, I want to thank each of you who have put up with me and my round of drama since <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/news-on-terry.html" target="_blank">Terry got back</a>. I know the sitchy is complicated and him and I just made things worse by not accepting the outside world to dictate what we should and should not do. But, in the end, friends are what we needed. Friends that were willing to just tell us like it is and make our stubborn Irish asses listen. We needed that outside source to give their opinion. So, when I asked for help, I sure got it. You guys know who you are, and I am blessed you are such true and wonderful friends. I am blessed that you have also taken the time to reach out to Terry and offer your hand as well. That really means a lot to me.<br /><br />To the rest if you , sometimes in life we are faced with things we do not want to deal with. Faced with decisions we do not want to make. Well I have made mine. I do not care how far away Terry is. I do not care that he is faced to live out the rest of his life in a 4X4 barred cell. All I care about is that he is in my life. And you will just have to understand that and accept it.<br /><br />As I have said over and over, I am a girl with a big heart. I love many of those around me. I will give you love if you deserve it, and expect you to love me in return. Respect me. Let me be me. Let me be open to the world around me. Understand me. And you must just accept me as I am. I am not willing to compromise on this. Terry is here to stay, you accept that or your don't. You take me as is or you don't.<br /><br />Big hugs, kisses and thank you all around.<br /><br />xoxo<br />Chrys<br /><br />MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_484787">~brotherly bear hugs~ back to me sis.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 1:28 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=315695908#" id="addReplyLnk_484787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=315695908&commentID=484787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_484787"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_486076">{{{{{{{{Chrys}}}}}}}} you are always welcome sweetie!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 6:11 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=315695908#" id="addReplyLnk_486076" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=315695908&commentID=486076" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_486076"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_486470">I agree with the thanks to friends, and thanks to you, My slut baby, for putting up with Me.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 2:35 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32727696406243570492007-10-01T12:22:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:43:36.193-04:00My Post on Terry’s Words<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, October 01, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Terry's Words</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As many of you have followed my soap opera of a life, you all <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank">know the Terry sitchy.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And you all know the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/news-on-terry.html" target="_blank">circumstances that have recently come about.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have not really wanted to talk about it. Doing so makes it seem real.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But, I guess I can not hide from it any longer. I was going to blog it, but, he beat me to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Here is his blog:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><i>So, yeah. A new blog, and nothing good I wish to say, really.</i></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><i>I am locked up, and the outcome does not look good. I want to continue to own and control ~c~ while knowing that I must let her go.</i></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><i>Even as she begs Me to hold on to her.</i></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><i>It bothers Me to hear that other men out there, men who can actually BE with her, are ignoring her, mistreating her, smothering her, annoying her, not seeing what a truly amazing and powerful woman she is and admiring her for that.</i></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><i>Cherishing her for who she is.</i></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><i>Annoys Me in the sense that I want to be her One and I can't, I can't, I can't.</i></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><i>Annoys Me that these other fucking wankers cannot give what I could, but I can't, and apparently they can't either.</i></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><i>I don't know what to do.</i></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><b>My comment:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.~~unknown<br /><br />I love You so much Terry. I wish that could be enough for You. Hope that it can be.<br /><br />You have let me go, set me free. In some aspects of life. Owning and controlling me is one thing, letting my live life is another.<br /><br />I wanted more then anything to have this life with You. The circumstances are unfortunate, but one thing still remains...my love.<br /><br />I realize we can no longer have that life together we dreamed of. But we are still given something. And I fully intend to keep You as close to me as possible for as long as I can.<br /><br />That is why I do not want to go. Why I do not want You to let me go.<br /><br />I gave you an oath, and although was not marriage, was still the same aspects in life..."Till Death Do Us Part" meaning I will walk beside You through it all. And even in death, You will still be with me.<br /><br />Our love, will never change. Our hearts, our souls forever entwined together. Your tattoo, my tattoo...things no one can ever take away from us.<br /><br />The answer of what to do, for me is clear. To continue to love You, to hold You as close to me as possible. Keeping You in my heart. Keeping all Your wonderful words, thoughts, and memories alive.<br /><br />That is what I want.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><b>And my BFF Julies comment:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">The only thing you can do at this point, in this life, under these circumstances is to Love her. And she knows that, accepts that and loves you still the same. It's the power of the love between you that will always bind you together. There are so many things in life that we want, but will never be able to possess, not completely. We accept the limitations that are placed upon us and are thankful in our own right that we have what little we do.<br /><br />As unfortunate as the situation is you two are facing, it would be even more tragic still to let go of what life force she brings to you, some small bit of normalcy you can hold on to. You're right, she is a strong and powerful woman and she knows who and what she wants. When it's time, she and only she will decide what's best for her. Until then, let her love you and you do the same. I think that is all anyone could ever ask of another human being…love me, accept me, have faith in me.<br /><br />And as far the collection of human garbage that has crossed her path. As disruptive as they are to her, she knows how truly little they mean in her life. It's a shame that people feel the need to treat others in a such a way that leaves them feeling worthless and cold. We all make choices that turn our fates in one direction or another, but I believe in her case these choices as of late are merely distractions. This pain will fade and a new life will eventually find her and she will be filled with the happiness she deserves.<br /><br />I can't bring you any words of comfort that I think would truly make a difference, but she loves you enough to stand beside you through all the good and bad this life brings, how lucky you are to have this. In time, however you two decide to handle your relationship is only something you can know in your hearts. But I think right now you both need support, you need each other to help get one another through this new chapter.<br /><br />Don't let this torment you, Chrys knows she is loved, by you, by me and a hell of a lot of people on this earth….baby girl, you're going to fine, just fine.<br /><br />And to you Terry there is nothing I can offer accept love as a friend and support however it may come. You are not forgotten…</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 3pt; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">So, that's what is going on right now. A love that can now never be anything more then what it is today.</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">A love that neither really wants to let go of.</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">What's wrong, what's right, what's the kind thing to do?</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">I do not know really what the question is we are searching for, nor the answer. All I know is how I feel for this MAN. No boy here.<st1:state><st1:place>Man.</st1:place></st1:state> My <st1:state><st1:place>Man.</st1:place></st1:state> A man I can never have now. I mean, I have him in some sense, but not in the way he and I had once dreamed of. Life does continue to move forward….and I am forced to move along with it. </div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">~sighs~</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">MySpace Comments:</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_482274">Tough spot for you both {{{{{{{{{{{{{{sis}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br />No answers, just my love and support to you both.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 1:42 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=315014031#" id="addReplyLnk_482274" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=315014031&commentID=482274" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_482274"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_482325">Well I posted on me mate Terrys blog n now here ya go sis. Dont give up on this love n this man. Dont let him give up neither. Tis too important to ya both baby.<br />All will be well I just knows it. ~big brotherly bear hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 2:39 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=315014031#" id="addReplyLnk_482325" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=315014031&commentID=482325" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_482325"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_482575">{{{{HUGS}}}} Sometimes I wish I had a magic time machine, so we can go back and fix some mistakes (leave others as lessons)...but I can't do that. All I can do if offer hugs and hope for a miracle!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 6:59 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43303556703604250022007-10-01T00:48:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:45:19.763-04:00Terry: New Shite<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, October 01, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br />So, yeah. A new blog, and nothing good I wish to say, really.<br /><br />I am locked up, and the outcome does not look good. I want to continue to own and control ~c~ while knowing that I must let her go.<br /><br />Even as she begs Me to hold on to her.<br /><br />It bothers Me to hear that other men out there, men who can actually BE with her, are ignoring her, mistreating her, smothering her, annoying her, not seeing what a truly amazing and powerful woman she is and admirng her for that.<br /><br />Cherishing her for who she is.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Annoys Me in the sense that I want to be her One and I can't, I can't, I can't.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Annoys Me that these other fucking wankers cannot give what I could, but I can't, and apparently they can't either.<br /><br />I don't know what to do.<br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_174902">Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.~~unknown<br /><br />I love You so much Terry. I wish that could be enough for You. Hope that it can be.<br /><br />You have let me go, set me free. In some aspects of life. Owning and controlling me is one thing, letting my live life is another.<br /><br />I wanted more then anything to have this life with You. The circumstances are unfortunate, but one thing still remains...my love.<br /><br />I realize we can no longer have that life together we dreamed of. But we are still given something. And I fully intend to keep You as close to me as possible for as long as I can.<br /><br />That is why I do not want to go. Why I do not want You to let me go.<br /><br />I gave you an oath, and although was not marriage, was still the same aspects in life..."Till Death Do Us Part" meaning I will walk beside You through it all. And even in death, You will still be with me.<br /><br />Our love, will never change. Our hearts, our souls forever entwined together. Your tattoo, my tattoo...things no one can ever take away from us.<br /><br />The answer of what to do, for me is clear. To continue to love You, to hold You as close to me as possible. Keeping You in my heart. Keeping all Your wonderful words, thoughts, and memories alive.<br /><br />That is what I want.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">♣IrishChik♣</span></a> on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 2:33 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=314915524#" id="addReplyLnk_174902" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_174902"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_174928">The only thing you can do at this point, in this life, under these circumstances is to Love her. And she knows that, accepts that and loves you still the same. It's the power of the love between you that will always bind you together. There are so many things in life that we want, but will never be able to possess, not completely. We accept the limitations that are placed upon us and are thankful in our own right that we have what little we do.<br /><br />As unfortunate as the situation is you two are facing, it would be even more tragic still to let go of what life force she brings to you, some small bit of normalcy you can hold on to. You're right, she is a strong and powerful woman and she knows who and what she wants. When it's time, she and only she will decide what's best for her. Until then, let her love you and you do the same. I think that is all anyone could ever ask of another human being…love me, accept me, have faith in me.<br /><br />And as far the collection of human garbage that has crossed her path. As disruptive as they are to her, she knows how truly little they mean in her life. It’s a shame that people feel the need to treat others in a such a way that leaves them feeling worthless and cold. We all make choices that turn our fates in one direction or another, but I believe in her case these choices as of late are merely distractions. This pain will fade and a new life will eventually find her and she will be filled with the happiness she deserves.<br /><br />I can’t bring you any words of comfort that I think would truly make a difference, but she loves you enough to stand beside you through all the good and bad this life brings, how lucky you are to have this. In time, however you two decide to handle your relationship is only something you can know in your hearts. But I think right now you both need support, you need each other to help get one another through this new chapter.<br /><br />Don't let this torment you, Chrys knows she is loved, by you, by me and a hell of a lot of people on this earth….baby girl, you’re going to fine, just fine.<br /><br />And to you Terry there is nothing I can offer accept love as a friend and support however it may come. You are not forgotten…</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Jules</span></a>on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 5:09 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=314915524#" id="addReplyLnk_174928" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_174928"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_175201">Hugs to you both {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Terry}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}]<br />I told my sweet sis I didn't have any answers, but one just came to me. Life is short, love is precious and rare. Take whatever you can and hold onto it (her) as long as you can.<br />Maybe you can't control her but I have a feeling you definitaly already own her. ;)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">MySpace </span></a>on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 1:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=314915524#" id="addReplyLnk_175201" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_175201"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_175228">Terry I knows yer sitch all too well here. I been locked up seems like more n I been a free man since I committed to me darlin Elonna. Ya knows how frustrated n helpless I felt as well. Expecially when she became ill n I couldnt be there with her. I tried to heal her from a distance n lost her anyways n cant help but feels like if Id of been there she wouldnt of gone. Like is partly me own fault.<br />Terry I knows from one man in prison to another that there is some things ya kin control n some things ya kint. Yer own feelins yer own words n yes even yer own actions ya gots control over. Ya kin drive yerself mad if ya tries to control yer girl n what she does with ya bein gone.<br />Must say I also knows me sis real well. She may play round n have fun but when she gives her love to ya is fer real. Do yerself a huge favour mate. Take her love. Dont turn it away. Will keep ya goin n keep ya sane n sorted. I should know. All yer gonna have if ya gives her up is more heartache n pain fer the both o ya. Is already bad enough as is.<br />I already has a great feelin o love n respect fer ya as a mate n as a person I has so much in common with. So I hopes ya takes me words to heart. I knows me sis so well. I knows how much she loves ya. Go with it.<br />~hugs n back pats~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Joey</span></a> on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 2:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=314915524#" id="addReplyLnk_175228" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22581802577680503182007-09-30T16:26:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:35:01.173-04:00The Great Date Debate Is Now Over<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, September 30, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The Great Date Debate</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The great date debate is over. At least I am declaring it as such.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Since I doubt Mike even reads these things, I am gonna dish. Maybe if he would have gotten nosy in my blogs like he does everything else on my page, maybe he would have learned a thing or two about me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And Mike, if you are reading this...because I remember you once told me you do know how to read LOL...I do like you, and do want to hang out again...but really..I am FRUSTRATED WITH YOU!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For those of you who picked Mike, and took his side, well, you lose. Not that their really is a winner or a loser cause I AM NOT PLAYING GAMES.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I may only be dating right now, but there is a reason for dating. To find that person I potentially want to spend more time with and get to know. I am not trying to see how many people I can date or sleep with. Not trying to play games or just string anyone along.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But I am trying to find someone I can connect with on all levels. Someone I could see myself going on another date with and taking the time to get to know.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I thought I had found that with Mike. We had made plans to hang out again. We do talk a little ever day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But two weekends in a row now I have been blown off. The red flags are now going up all over and as Julie said – "Run Forrest Run" and that is exactly what I should do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Was easy enough to walk away from all the rest of them, but why can I not so easily walk away from Mike. What is it about him that keeps me coming back for one more word? I don't get it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am well aware the man is busy. I am well aware he's dating other people too. I get it. I am not retarded. I also get that I live over an hour away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But you don't tell someone all week long you are going to hang out on the weekend, then when the weekend rolls around, just OOPS something came up and then blow the whole rest of the weekend off.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was sympathetic and understanding about the Aunt last weekend. Those things happen. A little bummed we didn't get to hang out and a little disappointed he could not extend the common courtesy of calling me and letting me know he was not coming even after he said he still was.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am understanding to the fact that he had to go to Ohio Friday night and that he had a fight to attend. I get that. He's a fighter. He trains fighters. Its part of his job. But you obviously knew you were going. So why all week tell me we are gonna hang out this weekend. I told 4 other people I had plans, thinking Mike and I were gonna hang out. Then I get this at the last minute. But then he goes on to tell me he will be home Saturday night. WTF ever. Do I look like I was born yesterday?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So now here it is, late afternoon Sunday that I am writing this. I see Mike online earlier so I dropped him an IM to ask how the fight went. Small talk. And then, as usual, he quits talking. Just like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, he's busy. ~ROLLS EYES~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You weren't quite so busy when you first met me. You had time to talk to me then. Ugh. I just don't get it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This man has only called me once. And that was before we went out. We don't mail each other anymore. He hardly ever IM me. I am always the one to initiate conversation anymore. As for calls, right, that's all me. He asks, and I call.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He always seems happy enough when I say hi. I would think that if he didn't want to talk to me he would just be honest enough to tell me so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm not a clingy person. I give him all the space he needs and wants. I need and want my own space anyway so it works out well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am open, so there is no reason to have to lie to me or tell me stories.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He said to me once he doesn't get why after a few weeks the girl changes and he wonders where the girl he first met just went. Makes me wonder; don't think maybe it's the girl that changes so much as it is him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just think he's cool as shit and like to talk to him, and would like to get to know him more.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think at this point it is a lost cause.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Most likely a typical guy who got what he wanted and no point in going in to that any farther.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, Round one of the great date debate is over. I am going to start wiping this slate clean. All the guys I have talked about dating up to this blog, gone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I am just going to run away for a little while.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, that's it. Running away. That is what I am going to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div>I want to run away. I want to go "home" Not that I have a home there anymore, but, I miss my friends. They were my family. I miss everything I have ever known. I've had 2 people ask me to come back home. 1 of them said I was more then welcome to come and stay with him and his daughter as long as I wanted. I've known him practically since we were teens back in T-town. So it was very nice of him to say that. Maybe they are right; maybe I don't quite fit in up here. I mean, they are closest to me after all. Maybe this really isn't the life that was meant for me. Just because my family is here, obviously doesn't mean anything. It's not like I see any of them.<br /><br />I'm trying to make it work, but it's just a whole new mess of issues here.<br /><br />Every time I think I made some progress, I get knocked right back down.<br /><br />I don't know what to do anymore.<br /><br />So my old feelings start to flood my mind.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I run and I hide. I hide in that cold dark hole. You know that one I run to often.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These thoughts start to consume me and flood my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm running away. Yes, that's it. That is defiantly what I am going to do. I can't take this life chosen for me anymore. The choice I made doesn't seem to be the right one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These bad times – <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">the passing of Elonna</a>, the job market being as shitty as it is, my mother constantly being up my ass like I am 12 again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These powers and gifts are too much for me. I see everything. I feel everything. I sense things. Sometimes I just want them to go away. I promised Terry I would see the good in them. I promised him I would use them and not let them run dormant again. My promises to Terry I will always keep. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This heart of mine. Huge loving heart. Seems it does more harm then good. I am good natured person. I might have a tough shell on the outside. Not wanting to get hurt again. Not wanting to fall to fast, and not ending up with the wrong person. But on the inside, I am sensitive and I have feelings just like everyone else. So it hurts my heart when I get stepped on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm lost and very much need to find my way. I don't even know where to start anymore. Here I am walking all alone. Friends and loved ones are so far away. You know where to find me, but yet I won't let you in. It's hard. I want to keep you close to me, inside my heart. But the distance makes it so hard sometimes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My doors have been shut, windows locked. I can't let anyone get close. No more letting anyone in. No more open book. Barbed wire around my heart. Covered in glass. Only this time, even if the glass does shatter, how you gonna get around that wire?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Am I the one that is dangerous? Or is it them?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Poetry%20in%20Motion" target="_blank">Remember those razor blades.</a> Oh how they shine. Was that your blood, or mine?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No matter. It's only me here now. Me sitting quietly in my little hole. I want to go back to playing with shiny sharp objects. Back when I had no feelings or a care. Why didn't you leave me in that hole?? Why couldn't you leave me there? You made me come out and now look at me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've got to run away. Please don't chase me. Just let me go. In my own world now. Safer there for me. Don't know what I am doing. What direction to turn. May as well just stay here. Away from everyone. Away from the world. Not able to hurt. Not able to feel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just so sick of this crap. <i>My life since I was born has just been one awful thing after another.</i> Is it ever going to end? Or does the ending lie within my own two hands. Am I my only fate here?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The luck of the Irish is NOT on my side.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, whatever, we all know I dont stay down for long..vent over...moving on...~sighs~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonnas-obit.html" target="_blank">Have I mentioned I miss ELONNA????</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13150892346874580652007-09-29T20:05:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:39:05.935-04:00No Religion In Which I Follow<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, September 29, 2007 </span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/5b9766d529f5.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/5b9766d529f5.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No religion in which I follow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There, I have officially said it. I am sure many of you have figured this out. And I know many of you watched me go through my few years going to church faithfully. I did not do it for myself. I did it for my friend Mandy who was trying to help me and Marcus. Marcus thought it was helpful and so for him I continued to go. I spent my time in the toddler's room with the kids. Mandy had a daughter, Madisyn, who was my little buddy.<br /><br />My joy was in watching those kids. Not opening my heart to God. I do admit I liked going to the church I went to. I made a lot of friends. We had one of the best Christian Rock bands in the tri city area. And every Sunday was a daily lesson that I was able to take something away from. <b>However, I never found God. Or religion for that matter. </b>Maybe I did church for the wrong reasons. Maybe not. Each of us has our own path in life. We take what we can from experiences and learn and move on. That's exactly what I did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Have I read the bible? Yeap. And I have taken from it what I need in my life. You do what works for you in your life.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've never really been outspoken about my paths in life. Those that are close to me know my paths and what gifts I have been given in life. And that's all that needs to be said about that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>But just because I do not follow the same path as you does not make me a bad person.</b> Some of you have gone a little overboard with the religion towards me. I don't need saved. I've been saved. I don't need to listen to God. He is not the one who talks to me. It is good He talks to you. But, not me. And I am OK with that. I have been open enough to allow you to believe what you believe and not tried to debate you or change your views on things. I would expect the same courtesy towards me that I have given you. If you can not accept me as is, then perhaps we should not be friends. I appreciate all the kind words you do pass my way, for thinking of me and what not, but you just need to understand that not everyone follows the same path in life as you do. Or sees the world in the same light.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The one thing in life I have learned and this you have heard me say a lot lately, I am not going to compromise or change myself for the likes of others. End of story.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My path in life is different then yours and you need to accept it.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So what exactly is my path? Good question as I am not too sure of it myself these days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I grew up with an Irish Catholic family. I have a lot of that inside of me. Sort of hard to not have a little part of it. Growing up though my parents never forced religion on me. I went to church a few times here and there with friends, but I never felt comfortable. Never felt it was where I wanted to be. I began to fall into the Pagan way of the world. Moving into Wicca. Call me a witch or whatever. Now, I am about to share something that I have only told 2 people in my life. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank">Terry a few months ago</a>, and then <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Pirate%20Gang" target="_blank">my brother Joey not all that long ago</a>. In high school I began to go off the Wicca path and went into the darker side of it. Was there about 3 years until I graduated high school and moved, oddly, here to Michigan, where I stayed a year. I moved back to <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state> and pretty well followed no path. The magic I carried was still with me. But it was dormant. Every once in a while it would make its presence known. A few years ago, some things became much clearer to me regarding a past life. And it got stronger and stronger as the years progressed. But that will have to be another blog as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These days I am well aware of what I am capable of doing. That also will have to be another blog. And when I am ready to follow the paths again to hone my skills and make myself complete again, I will. (Terry, Joey, Sapph and Shan (my faireegirl) this will be where I ask you for your lights)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>The point I am trying to make is I am different. And you know what, that's just something that makes me, me.</b><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Cathy McElhaney</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"> </span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_480994">Again, I say, you are a good person with a huge heart...don't let anyone make you feel "unworthy"! {{{{HUGS}}}} You believe in the way that is right for YOU.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, September 30, 2007 - 8:46 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80399896793129537632007-09-28T03:33:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:32:09.125-04:00Elonna's Obit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, September 28, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Elonna Rochelle Utt</b></span></div><h3 style="font-size: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><mcc subhead=""></mcc></b></span></h3><div class="byline1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><mcc byline1=""></mcc></b></span></div><div class="byline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><mcc byline2=""></mcc></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Web posted September 27, 2007</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><mcc story=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><mcc story=""></mcc></span></b></span></mcc></span></b></span></span><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><b>Services for Elonna Rochelle Utt, 30, will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at Griffin-Hillcrest Chapel with Pastor Ken Keith officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.</b></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><mcc story=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><mcc story=""></mcc></span></b></span></mcc></span></b></span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Born on May 3, 1977, in Plano, Texas to Otto and Linda Barton Utt, she died on Sept. 23, 2007 in Ardmore. She was preceded in death by uncles Milton "Bobo" Utt and Tipton Utt; maternal grandparents, Clayton and Frances Barton; and paternal grandfather, Otto Utt Sr.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Elonna graduated from Plainview High School in 1995 and earned her CNA license from the vo-tech before moving to Stillwater. She worked in home health as a certified nurse's assistant as a way to help people, and also attended Oklahoma State University. Elonna eventually returned to Ardmore and worked for 1-800 Flowers for five years where she developed many friendships.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Elonna's dear uncle "Tippy" died in 2005. She was very close to him. Her health began to decline after his passing. It wasn't until Valentine's Day 2007 that she was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. Then on Sunday evening, Sept. 23, 2007, quite unexpectedly, her Lord Jesus sent His angels to take her home to be with Him. Our hearts are grieving for our loss, but rejoicing with her that she is free from pain once more and in her heavenly reward.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>She is survived by her parents, Otto and Linda Utt; paternal grandmother, Delia Utt, Dallas; brother, Josh Utt and wife, Liz, and their children, Zeke and Ivy; sister, Heather Huey and husband, Craig, and their children, Trey and Misti Minyard; uncles, Kenneth Barton and wife, Cindy, Bobby "Gabe" Utt, Dallas ,and Bill Barton and wife, Nettie; aunt, Alice Taylor and husband, Harvey; cousins, Cheryl and Jeff Barton, Danny Ezell, David Ezell, Tammy Ezell and Jessica Taylor, all of Ardmore. Her special friend is her kitty, Mia. A person with a very close place in her heart was Joey Vagance of Ireland, whom she had known online for a long time.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Bearers will be Eric Darkis, Bill Barton, Ben Barton, Craig Huey, Harvey Taylor and Jay Wallace. Honorary bearer is Pat Clark.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Memorials can be made to Cross Timbers Hospice.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_479038">I think that is one of the nicest obit's I have read! Thank you, Crys for sharing this! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 6:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=314096682#" id="addReplyLnk_479038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=314096682&commentID=479038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><label id="NewDiv_479038"></label></b></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_479084">God bless her.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 9:11 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=314096682#" id="addReplyLnk_479084" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=314096682&commentID=479084" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><label id="NewDiv_479084"></label></b></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_479147">Thanks for sharing that, sis. How sweet that they mentioned her kitty, and Joey!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 11:00 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29951187182542182982007-09-27T00:24:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:30:00.456-04:00Starting to Think Dating Sucks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, September 27, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Sorry no pretty picture today. Just me venting.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been working on this blog for a while now, and just when I think I am done the turn of events change and then I have a whole new outlook and have to come back and rewrite this. It defiantly has been quite a challenge.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I had some drama fall down around me. It really sucked. It was such stupid high school drama crap that I did not want to be a part of, but yet found myself smack dab in the middle of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Little update for those of you new here and/or not following along.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I left M the end of July. Moved here to Michigan and started dating. I kid you not I had a date the first week I was here. Those of you that know me and how my marriage has been these last few years this comes as no surprise. To the rest of you, this may seem like I am jumping right in eyes shut. Not at all. My eyes are wide open and I am doing just fine. These boys on the other hand are not.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Much has happened since the last dating blog that I don't even know where to start. But, I am going to try to start somewhere. As I said, I had this big spell of drama overflow my pot. I did not much like it and went running right to my brother Joey. And, he said something very smart. Not that he isn't smart or doesn't ever say smart things, but I am a bit of a rebel and as much as he dishes advice, I don't always listen to him. (Hehehe) He said to me I needed to write down what exactly I wanted- what it I was looking for. I took that advice. And I started to make a list. A list that started to turn into a new blog. I started writing what I wanted, what I was looking for. Not just in boys but in life overall. And that will more then likely is a blog all on its own. Right now, I guess I am going to update you on the drama.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We all know I hate drama, and I tend to run away from it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So we all know that Steve and James turned out to be dud dates. Bye. As for Tom, well we still talk once in a while. But, he was put into the ER a few days after our date. And ever since then, things have just been … well for lack of a better word, WEIRD.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then we have Mark. Which started out ok, but I had to kick him to the curb. And as I sit here thinking about things, I wish I would have seen all the red flags in the beginning. But I was just so caught up in my own shit in life that I really wasn't paying attention. We had one date a few weeks ago. Took me to the movies. And I should have thought twice when we got there and he did not have enough money to pay for us. WTF? You gonna take a girl out; make sure your ass has enough money. So guess who footed the bill?? Don't get me wrong, I have no problems paying for myself. But he did offer to take me out. Never once was their mention of going dutch. Oh and, he's not on my myspace anymore so as you can see I plan to talk freely about him. He knew from day one I was not looking for anything serious.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, let me back up on that. If, and I say IF I am dating someone and things are working out well then I have no problems with being serious with just that one person. But, until that day comes and I am 100% sure of my feelings, things are mutual and we are on the same page, then it is just going to be DATING.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, back to story.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mark knew I just wanted to date. And he said he was fine with that, he was dating to and blah blah. He called EVERY DAY. Sometimes more then once. Yes we all want that guy that calls us. But when you call me, please have something to talk about; don't just sit there on the phone in silence. And please don't bore me with your whining. Stop the whining and do something about it. It got to the point where I would not answer the phone. I would dread just talking to him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">About 2 weeks ago I had a date with someone else (Jed). Mark called while I was gone so many times. When I got home and my date left, I got online. Mark was waiting. Wanting to know what was going on. I told him the truth. Then he got all hateful and got all pissy. So I just stopped talking to him. The next day I told him I did not appreciate his behavior that he did not own me and he apologized.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well this guy(Jed) I went on the date with apparently thought we had the best time and I kid you not that 20 mins after he left my house he sent me a phone text asking me about calling me his girlfriend.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">EEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKk</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OMG I so want to run away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just went on one date with you; I am not going to commit to you like that. Sorry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I ran. I ran and I hid.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I did come out of hiding. I do still talk to him. He is a nice guy. And we did talk about all that. He did ask if he could take me out again. But I just don't know. Once ya bring me drama, I really tend to just shy away from you. Sorry. It's just how I am programmed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And as of last night, he has informed me that he is dating other people now. Good for you. Thanks for the information. Moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am going to be nice and not mention his name here because like I said, he's a nice guy but I just think we might be better as friends. He is here on my myspace, so I suppose I can be nice and not tell you who he is.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So Mark gets over his tizzy and starts to smother me. I just could not breathe.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>So, when I met Mike, it was like a breath of fresh air.</b> Finally, someone on the same page as me. And finally someone with a real sarcastic smart ass sense of humor that actually understands when I am being sarcastic smart ass myself and not just pretending to get it. So we had made plans for the weekend, but when I called him the next day just sort of a fly by the seat of your pants type thing, he decided to come out. And we went out. And it was a lot of fun. We came back here and hung out for a few hours. More F_U_N!! I heard the phone ring, but didn't really thing nothing of it. Once Mike left I got online to track down Julie. We had talked while Mike was here, he even texted her. It was too funny. Anyway so I am looking for her and here comes Mark. And the first thing he says is" I have been trying to call you all day. "Where have you been? So I told him. He asked, oh you and your mom? I tell him no. Hoping he will just drop it. But he doesn't. So, he asked who. I say Mike.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> I have no reason to lie. He asks I am going to tell. And so then he asks me, oh is that a friend or was it a date. I said both. And he just went off on me like I was some wicked step child. Telling me that hurt him and how he read one of my survey answers and it asked if I liked someone and I said a few someone's. And how Mike must have been one of those few. Again I reminded Mark that we were just dating and we were not exclusive and he did not like that very well. He just kept going on and on. And finally I was like you know what; this obviously is not going to work so we are over. Don't call me anymore. Of course all that does is piss him off and he blows up my IM ending with calling me a little bitch. I was in too good of a mood to let him ruin it and he's not worth my time so I just deleted all his shit and put him on ignore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't need drama, I don't need a baby sitter and I certainly don't need possessive obsessive bullshit in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh and that was just last Monday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">By last Friday everything had calmed down and I was looking forward to hanging out with Mike again on Saturday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was not prepared for what was waiting for me on Friday morning. I mean, I knew the day would come sooner or later. Had hoped it would come sooner. I had Mike in IM when I logged into yahoo mail. <b>And there he was. Terry.</b> Waiting for me. I opened it. Honestly not prepared for what I read. And you all knew what I read. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/news-on-terry.html" target="_blank">I blogged it a few blogs back.</a> Not the details, but just enough that you would know what is going on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nothing in this world care prepare you for that sort of news. Even though I know that man, I know what he stands for, what he believes in, I know what he did. None of that changes my feelings for him. He is facing life or death. Part of me sits here thinking, OK, yes he deserves his punishment, but that other part of me that just sees all the good in the world and in people just gets angry at how unfair life is and how I don't feel Terry deserves to face what he is facing. It's sort of a catch-22 right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">His first email was very short and cold. I know Terry. I knew he was just trying to not have any feelings show. Trying to make a clean break. Trying to do what he thought was best for both of us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not having any of that mess. I wrote him back, telling him so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Friday night, I got a reply from Terry. Well more like Saturday early AM. And so we are emailing back and forth. Oh he's such a mess and it's just breaking my heart. Nothing I can do. Not a darn thing. So I just did the best that I could to be there for him. Finally about<st1:time hour="4" minute="0">4am</st1:time>I had to call it a night.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was up by 9am because my family was all suppose to gather and meet to go to Oktoberfest, which is where Mike and I were suppose to go. Once I got up and out of the shower, I found Mike to see what time he thought he was going to head this way. His aunt had a heart attack and he was at the hospital across the state waiting on family to come up from Tenn. He said he thought they would be here around 3 and he would call when he was heading my way. I told him, if you can't make it, just call me and let me know. So I told my mom and them I would meet up with them later and they all left. They spent the day at the Oktoberfest then they all went out to dinner and have drinks. I think it was like <st1:time hour="21" minute="0">9pm </st1:time>by the time my mom got home and I did not even get as much as a phone call from Mike. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, while I am sympathetic and understanding about his aunt. It is unfortunate and I am sorry for him and his family. But you did say you were coming. I am also understanding that sometimes family comes and you get caught up and things happen. I get that. But, I am bummed that he could not take 2 seconds to just send me a text or a phone call to just let me know he was not going to make it. Easy enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I got up this morning my Yahoo had offlines from him saying he was sorry and that he hoped I would forgive him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nothing to forgive really. But was a nice jester on his part.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So here it is the wee hours of Thursday am… dealing with my dear sweet <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/more-on-elonna.html" target="_blank">Elonna being gone from this world now</a>. Been reflecting on so many things, so much stuff.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been talking to Terry as much as time allows. This for him is not much. But every little bit helps. We seem to be on some sort of neutral ground right now. Still not sure what is the right thing to do, but at the same time we don't care. And so we continue on waiting to learn his fate. And, just sharing life with each other for the time we have.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mike and I still talk, sort of. Here is where the tables start to turn. I told Julie today that I feel like I have suddenly lost control of myself. And I hate that. When that happens, I run. And now, I want to run from Mike. I am the one calling him. The one sending him texts and IMing him. Course, I think he's got such a damn huge ego all that does is feed it. He doesn't seem to mind. I mean, he does ask me to call him and what not. But at the same time its killing me to feel like I am the one who's being clingy or needy. UGH. I just can't win. So, I did try to make a break from him. I saw him come online, so I thought, OK, just going to be honest and tell him what's up. But he didn't say anything. So more or less I wrote again that I was done bugging him and basically was gone. Guess that got his attention. He says he was in the bathroom. Then goes on to say he's going to bed, he misses me and we will talk tomorrow. Going to bed huh, so then why is it I see you logged in to another website? I don't get it. If you just don't want to talk, fine. Tell me. If you don't want to hang out, fine. Tell me. It's not real hard.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am to the point where I am about ready to walk away from it all. I have other things I should be taking care of in life anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_477798">Hmm... all those guys exception to Mike are very stupid! I still think you and Mike should give it a real shot ya know... Take care Chrys!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 2:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_477798" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931&commentID=477798" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_477798"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_477847">{{{{HUGS}}}} Left my comment on 360, just stopped by to drop off some hugs!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 6:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_477847" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931&commentID=477847" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_477847"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_477992">WOW sis! Well I pretty much decided that men suck in general. ;)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 12:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_477992" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931&commentID=477992" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_477992"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_478928">Chrys I will be extremely honest with ya it's up to God to bring you the true man for ya.. I totally gave up on dating and I just pray to God a lot to ask Him to help me find my Queen so I truly believe that is the very best thing for everybody just to put it in God's hands... Oh yeah not all men suck in general...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 1:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_478928" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931&commentID=478928" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_478928"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_478954">Must say, the majority of these comments have Me seeing red.<br />I won't even comment on the blog itself.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 1:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_478954" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=313763931&commentID=478954" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31450688725555541462007-09-26T11:52:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:28:09.768-04:00More On Elonna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, September 26, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">First I want to thank Liz, her sister in law for passing this information along to me. ~hugs to you girl~</span><o:p></o:p><br /><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">As most of you <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/elonna.html" target="_blank">already know by now</a>, our dear, sweet, precious Elonna left this world this past Sunday night around </span><st1:time hour="22" minute="0"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">10pm</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">. I wanted you all to know that she left peacefully and without any pain. She went to sleep and never woke up, due to a lack of oxygen.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><br />We can all take comfort in the fact that she is no longer in pain, which she was suffering greatly from. She is in a much better place, and she is happy, even blissful if you will. She's looking down on us from heaven, and for the first time in her life she is truly happy. All she ever really wanted was to be with her soul mate, my brother Joey.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Liz was in her room on Monday going through some of her stuff (basically getting any "dirt" out before her parents saw) and found the journal she had given her in the hospital the day she was diagnosed with cancer, here is a small excerpt about you Joey...</span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">"All I want to do is love him and take care of him...never let any of the ugly of the world touch him again...such a strong man is my Joey.....I am determined to give it to him still, if only there is time...only time."</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Liz thought that was very touching, and wanted to share it with you all.<br /><br />If anybody would like to send flowers you may send them to Griffin Funeral Home,</span><st1:address><st1:street><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">1610 C St. SE</span></st1:street><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">,</span><st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Ardmore</span></st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">,</span><st1:state><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">OK</span></st1:state></st1:address><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">. The funeral services will be on Saturday, September 30 @</span><st1:time hour="10" minute="0"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">10am</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">. She will be laid to rest @ Rose-Hill Cemetery, in</span><st1:place><st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Ardmore</span></st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">,</span><st1:state><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Oklahoma</span></st1:state></st1:place><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">.<br /><br />Rest in Peace my Dear Sista....<br />Elonna Rochelle Utt</span><st1:date day="3" m..="" year="1977"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">March 3, 1977</span></st1:date><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">~</span><st1:date day="23" m..="" year="2007"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">September 23, 2007</span></st1:date></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41010154740965102972007-09-24T12:02:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:28:46.640-04:00~Elonna~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, September 24, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Elonna has <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/more-on-elonna.html" target="_blank">lost her battle with cancer</a>. One of my dearest and closest best friends. A heart of gold that one. I can't seem to calculate my words right now.<br />*****************************************************<br /><span style="background-color: white;">My sweet darling Sistagurl...my BFF...I love you so much and miss you... Joey and I will take care of each other. We know you loved us with all your heart. We will see you again babygirl. For now, you find Lonnie, that silly goomba of ours and you keep him out of trouble!!! HEHE..</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Your spirit will live on inside of us all. Forever a part of us. Your friends, your love, your pirate gang. *blows you a kiss* ... Like Joey said, the light, will always be on. My door is always open. May you Rest In Peace my precious friend....<br /><br />All my love....Chrys<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_475085">{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Chrys}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} This is so sad and frustrating to see another wonderful person get lost to cancer. As I always say, I am sending my love and light out to everyone who loves her, and especially sweet Elonna herself.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 12:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_475085" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145&commentID=475085" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_475085"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_475147">This is killin me.. but ty for always keeping me updated and for letting me know.. Been at work so I hadn't logged in or checked in today.. until your e-mail. Again.. thx Chrys.<br /><br />My love to you.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 1:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_475147" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145&commentID=475147" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_475147"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_475662">{{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 10:20 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_475662" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145&commentID=475662" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_475662"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_475829">So sorry, sweetness.<br />Holds you close to Me and whispers that I love you...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 12:44 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_475829" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145&commentID=475829" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_475829"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_476885">I am so so sorry Chrys... My prayers to Elonna and you... She is certainly in God's hands now... Peace be with you Chrys...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 - 2:58 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_476885" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312907145&commentID=476885" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77839193289516345162007-09-24T02:04:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:21:11.336-04:00Terry: SOME WANKER PHISHED MY PAGE!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, September 24, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br />SO I have been offline for two monthes, and in my absence, my page was phished, which apparently means they stole me pics and music, and totally fucked it up.<br /><br />In order to get back on here, I had to change my password. If there is any asshole out there who can figure this password out, then I guess you deserve to be able to get on my page.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But beware the consequences. I will NOT be toyed with. I am in NO mood, trust me.<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_169811">You tell them Daddy.....<br />hmmm baby have I told You how much I missed You???<br />We'll get your page fixed. It will be ok. *blows you a long wet hot kiss*</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 2:35 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=312828608#" id="addReplyLnk_169811" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_169811"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_170613">HA! Got My music player back. At least that survived unscathed.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 12:56 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=312828608#" id="addReplyLnk_170613" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_170613"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="20" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_170628">~claps hands together~<br />YEAH!! Thats good news :)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 1:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=312828608#" id="addReplyLnk_170628" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=312828608#ixzz13bjLhICl" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">l</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33776358570961309762007-09-21T21:41:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:21:14.181-04:00Joey: Askin me mates fer good thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br /><h4 class="subject" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></h4><h4 class="subject" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></h4><h4 class="subject" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Askin me mates fer good thoughts</h4><div class="blogContent" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Alright I need all me mates out there to send yer good thoughts n healin energy n even prayers if ya got em fer me babygirl Elonna. As ya knows shes been ill n down fer some time.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I feel tis the moment fer me to reveal how serious things are. She has cancer n has been goin thru chemo treatments fer many months now. Monday is when she goes in fer this PET scan to see how much progress was made with the treatments. We are o course hopin to have good news here.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So am askin me dear ones to keep her in yer hearts this weekend n on Monday in particular. Thanks to all ya folks out there as I know yer all amazin n carin people.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hang in me darlin Elonna. I loves ya n I just knows all will be well in all o this. Not much longer n yer gonna be healed babygirl.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13920415984763414272007-09-21T12:06:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:22:01.802-04:00News On Terry<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, September 21, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Just wanted to let you all know that I have heard from Terry. After 2 months of waiting and wondering, I am afraid the news I have is not good. Again, I know it does not make much sense when I can not really tell you about Terry's life. But just know he's been living life on the run for quite some time now. Lets say, he really is a bad boy. But under it all is a very caring and loving man. As some of you have been fortunate enough to see. His past has caught up with him, and he has been removed from Scotland and sent back home to Belfast, Ireland.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, he is in the prison system facing death row or at the very least, a life sentence. That's really all I know. If I find out more, I will let you know. Right now, he's gone back into hard Terry mode with no feelings and doesn't really want to let his feelings out. Trying to make things easier on him and I. Sort of sucks, but what can a girl do? I can understand why. But, doesn't make things easier. As he knows my life has to go on, and it has. And it is going to continue to move forward. But a part of him will always be with me. I now have some closure and can just move on from here.<br /><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_469482">NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMGoddess all I can do is send you and Terry my love and light at this time sis.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Friday, September 21, 2007 - 12:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312035291#" id="addReplyLnk_469482" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312035291&commentID=469482" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_469482"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_469617">You have him in your heart Darlin' - forever there he will stay.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Friday, September 21, 2007 - 3:40 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312035291#" id="addReplyLnk_469617" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=312035291&commentID=469617" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_469617"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_478971">Move on from here, you say. What is it you want from Me, sweetness?</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 2:26 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59952703327645499942007-09-18T22:16:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:19:12.265-04:00What’s Up With The Back ???? <a href="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/low_back_pain_3.jpg"><img alt="Photobucket" class="size-full wp-image-973" src="http://wahliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/low_back_pain_3.jpg" height="327" width="222" /></a><br /><br /><b>Tuesday, September 18, 2007- </b><b>original</b><b> myspace post </b><br /><br /><b></b>So, first off, sorry to those that didn't know the story and I assumed you did. I tend to forget I have new friends that were not around when the diagnoses came about.<br /><br /><div>Read about my back problems here - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/05/what-up-with-chrys-dreaded-doc-edition.html" target="_blank">click!</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I have the best friends in the world, and thank you to all of you who expressed concern and worry!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I know I have written in a few surveys the answers about my pain in my back and what not..so here is why....</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Ok, so I have <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Degenerative%20Disc%20Disease" target="_blank">degenerative disk disease</a>. Sounds just lovely doesn't it? Oh and it is let me tell you. Last fall, I guess about October. Maybe September my back was hurting far worse then a regular back ache. I had pain shooting down my right leg. And it would not go away. So, off to the chiro I went.</div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Something not so sexy or fun about being twisted up like a pretzel. Asked over and over again, does this hurt? How about now? I got really lucky, my chiro turned out to be the funniest, craziest, cutest man ever. I would say something smart and start laughing, and he would just crack up. Kind of hard to pull someone apart when they are laughing. He used to tell me all the time I was such a fun patient for someone in such pain. I was like well, laughter makes the pain subside. So, I had to find humor in it. At least he didn't say I was special, make me feel like I should have ridden the short bus and licked windows as a kid.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>So, when he told me what was wrong with me I was sort of in this zone like "ok now what?" Of course he says surgery. Fer fucks sake. Who wants to have back surgery at 31 years of age? Certainly not me. But he said I was too young and we didn't want to go that route. Instead, we did intense treatments. Started out almost everyday, then 2-3 times a week, then 1 time a week until there was enough separation between the disks.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>What the problem is, because I have this disease, it causes my vertebrae in my spine to basically disintegrate. My bottom 2 disks are pretty well shot, and they rest on top of each other. Apparently I have had this a while and since I never had pain in my back, it was never caught. It also caused my right side to be up higher than the left. My hips are crooked due to the lining of the vertebrae. FABULOUS! Thankfully I am blessed enough to have HIPS and you can't tell. But, I can feel it in my bones and it SUCKS.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>When I went to the docs, I would be strapped lying down on this table. The damn thing reminded me of 1800's torture devices. It scared me and it sucked. Now we all know I have a thing about pain. But, not this kind of pain. This sucked and did not rock my world. So I lay on this table, for about 30 mins each session while it basically rips my bottom half from my top half to pull my disks apart. And it time, it puts some space between them. Pain gone in time. Of course each session caused its own pain. And then I would have to go to his office so he could push and pull on my right leg and hip to try to get it to catch up to the other side of my body.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>NOT FUN</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>NO</div><br /><br /><div>NO</div><br /><br /><div>NO</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>In time I was able to move around with no pain at all. So I was happy. My doc of course gave me some exercises to perform at home to "keep it separated" and of course suggested weight loss (don't they all, I mean no pressure or anything). I kept up with those. And I go round and round with the exercise and weight loss thing.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Then my ass moved here.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Quite literally moving furniture and boxes was a no no no no no. But, I had no one else to do it, so I had no choice. It had to be done.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Slowly, little bits by little bits my back has started to hurt again. Until about 2 weeks ago, it wasn't too major. Now, it a pain in the ass, literally. I can feel my hips shifted again. My lower back hurts daily and all day long. Pain not only shoots down the back of my right leg, but now the left too. And, now I get this numbing in the top front of both legs.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>DAMN IT</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am falling apart.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I know I need to go back to a doc. I need to have my chiro research and find me one here to pawn my ass off on. Refer me. But, there are reasons why I can't go, and I am sure many of you have figured that out by now.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>IT FUCKING HURTS.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>And if I whine too much about it, I am sorry. I am trying not to. I can dull some of the pain with meds. The heating pad has become my best friend. And I can get around just fine, thank you. And I am still laughing and smiling. Not about to give up on stuff now. I can't. So please, don't worry about me!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>As we all know, I always land back on my feet!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>So, this blog is for those of you that were wondering why I have such a back-ache and what did I do to myself.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>*blows you all a kiss*</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>xoxoxo</div><br /><div>Chrys</div><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td><td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td width="100%"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><br /><div>We had to find a new chiropractor when we moved here to Texas...we were lucky and found an awesome one! Good luck!</div><br /><div>Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 7:16 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=311304313#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=311304313&commentID=466862">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15322142000091653732007-09-10T21:30:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:16:17.960-04:00Yes, YouTube I am Alive!Ok. Ok. Here is a little something to keep you entertained.<br /><br /><object height="344" style="background-image: url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/X1LVGAadX18/hqdefault.jpg);" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X1LVGAadX18?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X1LVGAadX18?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29425809229352031702007-09-07T19:12:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:19:44.833-04:00Overdue Good-bye<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, September 07, 2007 </span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m-wbogBG_eI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m-wbogBG_eI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Anastacia - Overdue Goodbye Lyrics</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="color: #858585; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><br />This is a message<br />pay attention<br />I got something to say<br />pleasant information<br /><br />This is me walking<br />that you're waving<br />this might get away<br />my taste of freedom<br /><br />Goodbye<br />goodbye</span></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"></span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><br />This is a calling<br />not a conversation<br />no manipulation<br />if love is a season<br />you are my winter<br />you are just the ice<br />layin' on my finger<br /><br />This is a message<br />pay attention<br />nobody's gonna love me the wrong way again<br />this is a calling<br />not a conversation<br />this is my overdue goodbye<br />yeah, overdue goodbye<br /><br />Oh, in my tomorrow<br />all the fields are golden<br />and all the papers say<br />that the spell's been broken<br /><br />To my future lover<br />fate will find you<br />'cause you have the power<br />of truth behind you, yeah<br /><br />Goodbye<br />oh, yeah<br />goodbye<br />said goodbye, baby<br /><br />This is a message<br />pay attention<br />nobody's gonna love me the wrong way again<br />this is a calling<br />not a conversation<br />this is my overdue goodbye<br /><br />Yeah yeah<br /><br />Goodbye<br />I said goodbye<br />goodbye<br />I said goodbye baby<br /><br />This is a message<br />pay attention<br />nobody's gonna love me the wrong way again<br />oh yeah<br />this is a calling<br />not a conversation<br />this is my overdue goodbye<br /><br />(this is a message) oooh<br />(pay attention) said pay attention<br />(nobody's gonna love me the wrong way again) nobody, nobody, no<br />(this is a calling) a calling<br />(not a conversation)<br />this is my overdue goodbye<br /><br />heya<br />goodbye<br />oh oh<br />goodbye<br />come on and sing with me<br />one more time, one more time<br />goodbye<br />ooooooh<br />goodbye<br />yeha yeah<br />goodbye<br />mmm<br />goodbye<br />goodbye<br />goodbye<br />goodbye<br />goodbye<br />yeah he<br />goodbye</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_455069">Love those words!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 9:11 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=307780921#" id="addReplyLnk_455069" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=307780921&commentID=455069" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b><label id="NewDiv_455069"></label></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_455445">Hope this aint directed at me...lol...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 6:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=307780921#" id="addReplyLnk_455445" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=307780921&commentID=455445" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b><label id="NewDiv_455445"></label></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_455496">No way babydoll!!! This is me moving on from M and sort of setting myself free. Ya know I'll always love ya!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 7:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=307780921#" id="addReplyLnk_455496" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=307780921&commentID=455496" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78002899049297278182007-09-03T22:34:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:08:39.787-04:00Just Some Things To Clear the Air<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, September 03, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I need to make myself clear about some things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I said I was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/08/not-looking-for-love.html" target="_blank">not looking for love,</a> which did not mean I did not want it. It just meant at this time in my life I am just not setting it as my top priority of things to do. And there are many reasons as to why. I am not running away from it. I just have many other things I need to get settled with in life first.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">As for the love that I carry for Lonnie, well that's a given.</a></b> My guardian angel will forever have a part of my love, as well as my brother Joey. As for the love I have for Brian, Terry and Stevie, as we all know by now, I am a girl who is not like every other girl in this world. I was given a smile and a heart for a reason. To give my love and cheer to those that deserves it. I am fully capable of giving love to more then one person. Be it male of female. Love. Not to be confused with IN love. Got it? I hope so, because it gets rather hard to try to explain. Until I am around Brian or Terry, I will never fully know if I am IN love with them. And that's OK. Our relationship is perfect just the way it is. Brain understands me and he doesn't try to change me. Accept me just as I am. Thank goodness somebody does.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Having said all that, its time for a rant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, as you know, I had decided not to use names here to protect the privacy of those I had dated. Well, you know what, who gives a fuck anymore. This is my blog and I have always been open about all aspects of my life, and if someone does not like it, then perhaps they should not be a part of my life. Simple.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So. The first boy I started talking to before I even moved here to MI was Chris. Thanks to Julie and our night of dares, I had signed up for the Yahoo Personals. And Chris was one of the first fellows I started talking to from their. He's cool. I like talking to him. WE have tried to make plans to get together, but something always happens. So, maybe it's just not meant to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then, their was Steve. He was the first date I went on when I moved here. The one that I felt safe enough to swap spit with and have a good ole time, for him to never ever call be back. So, I booted him off myspace and kicked him to the curb. Fine, he was too short for me anyway, but how hard is it to call someone and say you are not interested.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then we have James. Ah, Mr. I wanna be a rock star James. Again, nice guy. Had a great time. But, something just didn't click. Now, I had hoped we could hang out again as friends. I am pretty sure my profile says FRIENDS FIRST. But apparently these guys can't read. So, after a week of not hearing from him, I booted him off myspace. Then I get an email from him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is what he writes:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">Chrystal,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">Sorry. You didn't make me not want to talk to you. (and if you're referring to me being 'invisible' on yahoo all the time now, I'm not hiding from you...that's actually in response to a friend that gets drunk and IM's me all the time and annoys the heck out of me) I had a good time with you and am glad we met. I just didn't feel we were compatible for a romantic relationship. But I apologize for leaving you guessing and not communicating that to you earlier. That wasn't fair or respectful. (And I know how much I hate it when my feelings are ignored or taken for granted. I'm sure there's some rock line in there somewhere about 'being what you hate')</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">I hope all is well for you! Thanks again for letting me take up some of your time!</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">Take it easy,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">James</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What a fucktard. Ok first of all, if ya don't like a girl, take her home after dinner not head to the bar. And if you still don't like a girl, take her home not bring her back to your place for a movie. Or if after you watch that movie and you still don't like her, take HER HOME don't sit there and watch a porn with her. Oh yes people, WE WATCHED PORN. And nothing happened. Fucking ridiculous. And he had to nerve to ask me if I wanted to stay the night afterwards. I said no, please take me home. So he has the nerve to write me this idiotic letter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Whatever, at this point, I just want to throw in the towel at the dating game. But…then again maybe not.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so there is Tom. Actually him I met on another dating sight. And he's cool as shit. As I have written about him in the past, he came over here and we just chilled till like <st1:time hour="3" minute="0">3am</st1:time> watching movies. But it's been hit or miss trying to talk to each other since that night. And when I tried to talk to him the other day he was in the ER. (Oh I can hear Julie now!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So who knows what's going to happen at this point. And sorry to say he's not on my 360 or myspace so you all can't go spy on him!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then there is Mark. He was the one I was supposed to go out with Friday night. This got changed to Saturday night. But, he got sick and I got sick and what a lovely pair we would have made. So that was called of. We talk pretty much talk every day. And I really enjoy talking to him. So, I look forward to when we can get together and go out. And now he's connected here at myspace and 360! So we can keep an eye on each other, and you all can go be nosy!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am starting to feel a little better. Between my allergies and stress and just all the bullshit that's been going on around me, I think I just broke down. I needed some rest, and I sure got it!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, this is short and sweet, not sure what else to say.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I took the first of two finals in my real estate appraisal class and passed with a 95%. So that was GOOD!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I think I will be getting my car situation taken care of this week *crosses fingers* let hope. Because it would help with the job hunt so much more if I had my own car to drive! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I still <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">HATE my dad</a>, I am <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/08/whats-up-with-chrys-august-update.html" target="_blank">still ANGRY about all that shit.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I finally got some papers from the lawyer for the divorce. What a slow poke ass. Good lord. We should have been done with this crap by now!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And when I am ready to settle down with one person , I am sure, I will let you all know. For now, one day at a time. Taking things slow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, on that note…I'm off…see you all later.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Xoxoxo</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Chrys<br /><br />MySpace Comments<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Brian Kinney</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"> </span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_449758">Love you too Chrys...glad you are feeling better baby. ~~~kisses all over you</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Monday, September 03, 2007 - 11:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=306529335#" id="addReplyLnk_449758" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=306529335&commentID=449758" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46896476702905577802007-09-03T03:42:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:04:12.309-04:00Sick..Sick....owie.....Sick...blah<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, September 03, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />So it's 3:30am Monday.....and I still feel like total shit. And have quite literally been in bed for the last 24hrs. Blah. I feel like a zombie. So, anyway, thats why I have not been around to see any of you.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Hope you all enjoy your holiday, my bed is calling my name again.<br /><br />C<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_448678">Girl you're must be sick putting virus in my computer go back to bed ha ha! JK! Actually you need to put your ass in my bed hehehe Get well or I'll spank ya good! ;P Take care babe! ♥♣♥</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Monday, September 03, 2007 - 3:58 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=306267750#" id="addReplyLnk_448678" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=306267750&commentID=448678" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_448678"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_448760">{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Chrys}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br />Get well, sweetie!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Monday, September 03, 2007 - 8:56 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=306267750#" id="addReplyLnk_448760" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=306267750&commentID=448760" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88895547860540511042007-08-31T22:17:00.000-04:002014-07-25T17:02:18.757-04:00Not Looking For Love<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, August 31, 2007 </span><br /><br />Not Looking For Love<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No, I am not looking for love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHAT?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did she just say that???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why yes, yes I did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now before you get all confused or your panties in a wad let me explain.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You might be asking yourself "If she's not looking for love, then why is she going out on all the dates" or "Why is she bitching about these boys not calling her back after the date?"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have an explanation for that! It's called DATING! <b>I am JUST dating!</b> Nothing more, nothing less. Just keeping my options open and seeing what's out there. Networking. Meeting people. Just getting out there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not looking for love right now. Not that I am running from it. But right now, it's just not the top priority on my list.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>I have love in my life.</b> I have some wonderful men (see there, I said MEN) in my life that love me unconditionally. And, I expect anyone in my future to love me just the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These boys that I am going on these dates with, I am only allowing them to see so much of me. And, I ask those questions, I test them. I have to know how they view certain things in their life. Lets face it folks, I am not your typical girl. My sexuality and my bedroom activities in general are not your typical all American girl next door type adventures. I mean, I have my moments when I can be that girl. But, this other side of me has to be taken care of too. And the truth of the matter is it is going to take a special kind of guy to be comfortable with that. Perhaps a guy with the same kind of lifestyle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I bet you are wondering then why I am not with these men that share this love with me. Pretty simple really. <b>One happens to be my brother.</b> A totally different kind of love but Joey and I are very much alike when it comes to our sexuality and lifestyle. As well as the things we want in a partner. He keeps me going, he keeps me true and real to myself. He won't let me hide, even when times get tough and I want to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Then we have Brian. </b>What can I say about Brian besides the fact that I fucking love that man? Every day that passes my heart bleeds for him just that much more. I have known him just about a year now, and what a year it has been. If you have been around that long, well then you know the story. If not, happy reading as there is a lot of it mixed in the blogs from the past. Brian and I, we do have many common bonds. Share many common interests. A love that doesn't ask questions and is unconditional. Why aren't we together? I am here and he's across the states. Seems simple doesn't it? Their should be a simple fix to that. Wrong. There is more to it then just that, and it's complicated and not for me to share. If there is a time and a place for us, only time will tell.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I bet you thought Terry would be the first person mentioned huh? Yeah, thought so. <b>Things with Terry are hard to talk about.</b> I swore, after Lonnie died that I was never going to open myself up to another man. Brian was already over my wall at the time because of a mutual girlfriend we had. (Oh I know my shit is complicated LOL) My wall was up. Way up. Higher then ever before. And it was triple layered after pushing Sean out of my life. And then I met Terry through Stevie (yet another man I love). And, it was innocent enough. Fun. Harmless. And I don't know what happened. I still sit here today wondering how I let it happen.<br /><br /> Part of me is angry for letting him over that wall. Not that I really let him in. His ass just barged on over it, then kicked it and knocked it down. But, another part of me has never had regret about anything in life. I take what I can from it and move on. I am confused about this relationship. So much happened so quickly. And all these plans had been put in order and started to be processed. And then, *poof* he is gone. As I have said time and time again, I KNOW why he had to run. Why he had to go. And maybe that makes it harder to deal with. I worry that something has happened to him. I worry he is not safe and sound. He asked me not to worry, to trust in the end everything would be ok. And I am trying to find comfort in his words. He has had to go through this before and came out OK. I wish I could explain things to you, but its Terry's' life and not my place to discuss the matters. But, it's been over a month now.<br /><br />This other side of me is starting to get angry. I don't care who you are and what you life entails. In this day and age there are so many means of communication. And if he can't do it himself, he has mates that could do it for him. He's got my email, my home address, my home phone and my cell phone. You tell me he has no way to get in touch with me? Whatever. Someone needs to tell me something soon or I am going to go out of my mind. This whole not knowing thing is just the hardest part. Every day I look for him. Hoping today is going to be the day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i>So at what point does one give up?</i> Should I walk away now and just turn my back? I don't know what to do. I am moving forward. I am still doing what I need to do to get my life back in order. But at what point do I stop holding on to that last thread of hope and just say hey girl, he's not coming back, let him go. Let it go. When do I do that? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I went through this will Lonnie last year. When Joey was transferred and we didn't know where he went or what happened Lonnie got all upset and took off. Did not tell anyone where he went. Sean got wind he where he was a few weeks later, but still no Lonnie. He did come around almost 2 months later. And it was rough.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I went through this earlier this year. When Sean was away for Lonnie's death, this is when I had starting a relationship with Brian. Then Sean came back and my life had moved forward. He got on to me for moving on from Lonnie so quickly. He made me feel bad for my choices. He also made me feel very guilty about Lonnie's death. So as we all know, I went back to Sean and broke up with Brian. Course I ended up breaking up with Sean in May and somehow these last few weeks find myself back in Brian's arms.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, you see, every time I move forward and away from the one I am with, it always seems that one returns.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These days I am forced to think in different terms. Now that I am divorced I can think of these relationships in different terms. My relationship can go farther then they have in the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>I want to share my life with someone that understands me.</b> Someone that knows me inside and out. Someone that won't try to change me but takes me and accepts me just as I am. And I know that is not too much to ask. I know I deserve to have that person in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right now, how I am feeling today, I would move heaven and earth to try with Brian. But, with our separate situations, I do not know if that is possible. Well, today its not. But, neither of us knows what "could" happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And as much as I miss Terry and love him, I can't help but wonder, <i>is it real?</i> And could it really work? Him and I are so much the same, but yet so different. And there is the whole living across the world from each other.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>I don't know.</b> I just don't know. I think about how I got lashed at that I let Brian go. I know how happy some people are that he's back in my life. And I know how worried some people are about the differences Terry and I do have.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Having said that, I think the answer is clear. I am taking in to consideration what everyone has said to me. But, I am listening to my heart on this one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now you can see why I am not looking for love these days. I have it. And I know who I want it from.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For now, I will continue on the path I am following, and see just where the road takes me.<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_446923">Thanks for writing this blog baby...love you and glad to be part of your life.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Saturday, September 01, 2007 - 10:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305603087#" id="addReplyLnk_446923" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305603087&commentID=446923" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_446923"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_446931">{{{{HUGS}}}} (psst...he's a cutie pie! LOL!)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, September 01, 2007 - 10:52 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305603087#" id="addReplyLnk_446931" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305603087&commentID=446931" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_446931"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_446936">Ok, so I just went to is page and found that he's a "Picksburgher"...that makes him even better in my book, LOL! Wait...unless he's NOT a Steeler fan...if he's not a fan then I think you should look for someone who is! But that's just "mom's" humble opinion. LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, September 01, 2007 - 11:00 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37991295139244336632007-08-30T03:19:00.000-04:002014-07-25T16:58:50.907-04:00Whats Up With Chrys??? - August Update Edition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, August 30, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so I need to write a new blog. And we need to insert a new guy here, or right here. Whatever. Notice I said guy, and not boy???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, could be a reason for that. So, the boy <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/08/spirits-lifted-wooohooooo-hope-is-alive.html" target="_blank">I went out with last week</a>, the one that sent me stumbling home at 4am, yeah him, had such a great time and now he doesn't call. What is up with these boys? How hard is it to pick up the phone and call, or even text, or use IM, or even myspace for Christ's sakes and say hey, Had a good time but you are not the girl for me. FINE! It's not hard. I am a big girl. Thanks for the dinner and drinks. Moving on. Write him off and he can stand next to boy 1.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, yes, let me tell you about this guy. I can tell you all I want about him because he's not here on myspace. Well he may be, but he's not on mine. Nanny nanny boo boo! Neener neener! I was going to tell you the other day, but I needed to get Lonnie's blog up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have not known him long. Not that I knew the others long. But, his time as been even shorter. But, it has been so cool and we just hit it off instantly. SO many things in common, it's almost creepy. Very twilight zone. Ha-ha... anyway, he came over my house and brought some movies. And we just chilled here watching movies and TV till, eeek I think it was about <st1:time hour="3" minute="0">3am</st1:time>when he left. He text me when get got home, and we have talked every day since that night.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Finally folks, we have a guy and not a boy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, we had plans to see each other again for Friday. And he said Friday he was DJing at a club in a town close by. So he wanted me to go with him so we could hang out. Fine. So I had asked my mom, my cousin in law and her sis to go with me so that I would have someone to talk to while he was working. Cool. All set. Well, my aunt is in town from <st1:state><st1:place>Arizona</st1:place></st1:state>, and she wants to go out tonight, Thursday, to this place that has great food and karaoke. This happens to be one of his fave places. So I ask him if he would like to go. And he's all like Uh, Chrys; I am DJing in <st1:city><st1:place>Flint</st1:place></st1:city>that night remember??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">YOU SAID FRIDAY!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So needless to say our plans are all messed up. Because he is DJing in some town Friday and Saturday that I have never heard of. So, guess I won't be seeing him for a while.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, you might think I am all bent up over it. And maybe I am just a little because he's really cool. But…I just made a date for Friday night with a boy to go see the new Halloween Rob Zombie movie that starts that day. I am pretty excited about this. That movie is gonna rock! And this boy seems pretty nice. We shall see if he moves from boy to guy status when all is said and done.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so last night, I had to go over to <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">my dads</a>. Yuck. I hate it. Every time I think about having to go there I get all bunged up inside. I don't want to be around him, in that house, nor do I want to be around his mother. I want quite simply to be rid of him forever. I just can not deal with being around him anymore. I tried. And it just messes with me too much. Anyway, he paid for my truck rental to move up here. And he expects me to pay him back the $420 for it. Funny, as my mom doesn't expect me to pay her back a dime for the gas and what not she paid for with the truck and the van. Anyway, he sent me a money order and I put the money in my checking account. Picked up the truck and had them charge my debit card. Well, here a month later, no money has come out of my checking. So dad calls and says they charged him. He's all pissed. So I am like its not big deal they charged you instead of me I will get the money you gave me out of my checking and bring it over. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So fine, I have mom drive me because we are going to head to my cousins, and I get out the give him the check and he's all shoving papers at me. Trying to show me the charge and he's going on and on and on and he's thinking he being double charged and paying twice and that I am going to owe him $840 and blah blah blah. I am the accountant. I went to college. I have a degree. I get it. You have a GED and are a fucking child abusing drug addict get out of my face! UGH! So anyway, his girlfriend starts getting in on it, by this time I am screaming because he won't listen to me. The neighbors are out. My mom has had enough and she's like will you just listen to her! She is trying to explain. Ok, bless my mom for standing up for me, but I am not 5, she should have just stayed out of it. Well that got ugly. My dad walks over to the van to tell her to shut up and that he's thinks he's being set up and blah blah blah. I am like fuck you. I can not believe you would think me of all fucking people would be trying to rip you off! So my mom starts screaming at him. And off they go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No mind you, this is maybe the 3<sup>rd</sup>time my parents have spoken to each other in 15 years or so. And it was fuck you bitch, shut up cunt, fucking asshole, everything you could think of they said. So then he's telling her to get off his property and i am like mom just go I will walk home (we just live a few country miles away LOL) and dads like I will take you home. I am like I am not going with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So mom doesn't go, they keep screaming, and then the girlfriend is starting to call the police. Great. Just great. And there is the wicked grandmother standing at the window. YUCK. Someone just shoot me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Finally my dad comes over and says wont you just listen. So I stand there, and listen. I say one thing and that's I will pay you back the $420 when I get a job just as we discussed. And he looks at me, kid you not plain as day and says calmly, OK that's all I wanted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHAT THE FUCK. Did I just get off the boat? What crack are you smoking??? Why the hell were you just all bent about $820??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>I think my dad did too many drugs and has fried his brain.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I get in the car, mom takes off like a bat out of hell and she starts in on how he had no right and blah blah so I look her dead in the face and said you are just as much to blame, and you had no right either.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No wonder I am so fucked up mentally in the head!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Aye, I need to find a free shrink up here. I thought I was done with all that, but those two gave me a migraine that hasn't stopped. I have been off my meds for about a month now and I would like to keep it that way, but they are going to put me in the nutty house for sure!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, we get home and the first thing my mom does is get on the phone with her poor pitiful me to who ever she was talking too.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">HER???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHAT ABOUT ME???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I am already counting down the days until I can move out of here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Isn't life grand?</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444056">Just stopping by to drop off this----> {{{{HUGS}}}}!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 6:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305034663#" id="addReplyLnk_444056" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305034663&commentID=444056" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_444056"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444074">I would never fight my ex wife in front of my child.. It's so selfish! I'm praying for ya Chrys and you take your time dear and so love will find ya! Take care hun! xoxoxoxoxo ♥♣♥</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 7:27 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305034663#" id="addReplyLnk_444074" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305034663&commentID=444074" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_444074"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444128">Ahhhh sis gots to love them guys over them boys n if the folks wanna fight then not much ya kin do there. Keep hangin in n bein strong. Loves ya. ~brotherly hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a> on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 9:59 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305034663#" id="addReplyLnk_444128" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305034663&commentID=444128" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_444128"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">KRISTI C</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444233">WOW SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD QUITE THE EXCITING NIGHT!! SORRY YOU HAD TO GO THRU THAT!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a> on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 12:15 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305034663#" id="addReplyLnk_444233" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=305034663&commentID=444233" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_444233"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444428">chrys, it sounds like you need a hug, and the reassurance that you have lots of people who care about you, no matter what.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a> on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 4:14 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48644977643379536702007-08-25T23:04:00.000-04:002014-07-25T16:50:02.976-04:00Spirits Lifted ~~wooohooooo~ Hope is alive and well today!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 25, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My spirits are listed for now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am sorry <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/08/joey-thoughts.html" target="_blank">my darling brother thought he was the reason</a> as to why I had gotten so down that last few days. Life has certainly been a roller coaster lately, and my last episode was no exception. But, we all have to moments when we get down and out. I know that all to well. But, this time, everything I had been dealing with, on top of some things I had not dealt with all blind sided me all at once, and quite literally knocked me down and sucked the wind out of me. I had to take a step back for some time. I had to think about some things, and think about how I am going to handle those things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am feeling better. I have much more clarity then I did a few days ago. Sure, some things are still bugging me, but those are just things that I am going to have to deal with.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At any rate, let me tell you what I have been up to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been taking a Real Estate Appraisal class. This has really pushed my brain because it's an accelerated course. Now, I have a company that's waiting on me to finish as they would like to contract work with me to help me get the hours that I need after I finish the class as get my certification. I have to get like 2000 hours while on my limited license, before I can sit for the state exam and have a full license. This basically means I can work for myself and not need to have a supervisor. It is really nice of them to offer this to me. However, it doesn't contract a lot of work in my area, but it's a start. And I can find another place to work for in the mean time. I am also getting ready to take an exam to do bank foreclosure inspections. Again, just starting out, the money is not the best until you have been with the company for a while and get your name out there. I have debated about getting in to real estate as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't know, I am just questioning whether or not I want to get back into accounting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been thinking about taking a part time job at the mall, for plenty of reasons, but mostly just to get out of this house and talk to people. Network, meet people, and make a little cash while I am at it. I know some people at a few stores that have asked me to stop by and come talk to them. So I might go see them Monday and see what they have to say. I don't really want to get into retail; I did my time in college and high school. But, again, it's all about talking to people, networking and getting me out of the house.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What else?? Well as we know boy 1 as yet to talk to me since our eve out. So I have written him off. Buh-bye. Thanks for the free dinner and drinks! I had a dinner planned with another boy. And I know I had them numbered a few blogs back, but I can't remember who go what number. And I know they are too old to be calling boys, but whatever. That's what I am going to call them. So anyway, this boy had to cancel, so perhaps we will reschedule at some point.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then, this other boy asked me to have dinner and drinks on Friday. And I did exactly that!!! It was a great time and I had great conversation. We hit the bar, and then when our table was ready, we ate. Talked and talked and you know me, talked some more. After we finished eating, off to the bar we went. And it was so much FUN! We had 2 bartenders and they were so funny. I really enjoyed talking to them as well. And their was one waiter that was having the most difficult people all night and he kept coming back to tell us his stories. Was pretty funny. We shut the bar down, which closed at 11:30, since it was a restaurant. And went back to his place to watch movies. I think by the time I had stumbled my way in to my room, the clock said it was pretty close to <st1:time hour="4" minute="0">4AM</st1:time>!!!! OYE!! Was it really???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And you ALL get your minds out of the gutter because I was a perfect angel!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I know you want details…but this is all you are getting !!!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I slept half the day away today. Got up, dressed and off I went with my mom to meet up with some friends of her for a Biker Poker Run. It was a charity event for Jude's Hospital. It was a pig roast and free keg and my mother's friend's band was playing. We ate, we had a few drinks, we laughed at the stupid Hooters hookers, we met some people, drank more, listened to the band. Checked out a ton of Harleys. Met more people. And I met a boy. He wanted me to come with him and his friends to a bar that's actually not far from my house at all, and I have been there plenty of times in my life. And, as much as I wanted to go, I just really wanted to come back here and chill. I am not 21 anymore, I needed to rest. Besides, despite the fact this boy knew everyone I knew, I would rather talk to him a little more before I go saddling up on his Harley with him for the next round of drinks. Oh I know, would have been fun, but I really was starting to get sort of tired. Anyway, I gave him the digits and said for him to call, that I likely would not go with him tonight, but would be glad to hang out with him out there some other time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSHH</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All the sudden I feel like singing …."Its raining men, hallelujah it's raining men….."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So anyway, here's a couple of pics I snapped with my phone, the hooker girls did a stupid dance to Cotton Eyed Joe, that made me laugh so hard I almost pissed myself. I really liked the fact that this boy I was hanging with was saying someone needed to feed them girls they was looking all anorexic. HAHAHHA…. Seriously, I have nothing against hooters girls, but these 3 were not even cute. And then my momma hahahah and some pics of the band members. Did not turn out very well, but you get the general idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, spirits are lifted right now. However, I will warn you, there will be a blog coming up that you might think I am down, but, you see, its Lonnie's birthday in a few days, and, as I finally spend time on me and taking care of me, I am now taking the time to mourn his death properly as I should have long ago. So, as I remember him on his birthday, I will remember what was lost to me and Joey, but I will also remember the good times we shared.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_439295">Cool I'm glad ya had a great time! Cheers to ya!!! ♣</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Saturday, August 25, 2007 - 11:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_439295" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409&commentID=439295" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_439295"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_439607">{{{{HUGS}}}} Happy Sunday!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Sunday, August 26, 2007 - 8:16 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_439607" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409&commentID=439607" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_439607"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_440438">Glad you are in a better mood, sis! That's great that you had a wonderful weekend! I did too *wink* and will probably blog about it!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Sunday, August 26, 2007 - 11:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_440438" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409&commentID=440438" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_440438"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_440709">Well me darlin sis sounds like ya gots lots to think bout. What career ya wants as opposed to what job ya will take in the meantimes. I thinks ya would do great at real estate or retail. Cause ya likes people n kin charm em. Like yer bro. Hehehehehehe.<br />An sis I am yer bro I kin get away with sayin. When it comes to males maybe yer problem is ya keeps goin fer the boys n not the mens. Boys are always gonna be immature n selfish n not have yer best interests at heart. They wont know how to treat ya right. Or even how to handle ya n I knows ya kin be quite a handful indeed.<br />I loves ya n just somethin to think bout baby.<br />Am glad ya had a great weekend n wow yer mom is lookin damn good. Hehehehe nothin wrong with older women. ~wicked grins~<br />I knows what ya means bout not bein 21 no more. Gots to take care of that ole body. ~winks~<br />Loves n glad yer feelin better.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>on Monday, August 27, 2007 - 10:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_440709" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409&commentID=440709" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_440709"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_441979">It sounds like you are doing exactly what you need to be doing! Enjoy it Lady!<br />xoxo</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 9:30 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_441979" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=303481409&commentID=441979" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53897660176161271352007-08-24T21:42:00.000-04:002014-07-25T16:47:35.150-04:00Joey: Thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br /><h4 class="subject" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/i_am_joeyv/blog/302955513" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #88181b; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 25px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thoughts</a></h4><div class="blogContent" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not sure what I am feelin right now. Sort of ill actully because Elonna is so ill n I cant be there fer her. I am frankly wishin I had taken different paths n made different choices in me life but cant go back. Even that which I said I stood fer n would die fer I am regrettin. Because now I cant be where I want to be n that is by Elonnas side helpin her n healin her in person.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I put up one o me sexy pics cause honestly I am tryin to get back to that way o lookin n thinkin. Fer a time I was losin weight n very unhealthy n now I am eatin better n workin out again. But today cant seem to do neither.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Me sis is goin thru some hard times n I cant seem to help her. In fact I am feelin like I make things worse. Both cause I am in this fuckin prison n cause I reminds her o the past. Things that she used to have that are now gone. I am sorry fer that.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I miss Lonnie so bloody much n as his birthday approaches it only gets worse. I always will wonder if I werent locked up like a bloody wanker if what happened to him wouldnt of been avoided. I were always the peacemaker n with me gone werent no peace to be made.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">At any rate all I kin do is keep goin cause I gots no choice. Onward I goes n tryin to avoid the abyss which just waits to suck me in.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44957061736765828062007-08-18T15:44:00.000-04:002014-07-25T16:46:54.602-04:00Date Blog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 18, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_300862971" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/08/a-dare-that-turns-into-date.html" target="_blank">About the date blog.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ok, I have it set to preferred list for a reason.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Those on my preferred list are those that are closest to me in life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I trust them and they trust me. And they know when I am just ranting and mean nothing by it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">This was a very personal blog for me. I know many of them are, but this one also involved someone else on myspace. Again, as many of them do. But, most of you know those who I speak of as we have all been connected here for quite some time now. This person, not only is he new to my world, he is new to my myspace. So I felt maybe I had crossed the line a little bit by throwing our personal things out there. Although, I did warn him. And he really did not seam to mind. Who knows?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">But, for those of you who can not read it, let me give you the readers digest version. We went out; we had a great dinner, a lot of fun and a huge amount of laughs. I really felt like there was some connection. We got a long great and it wasn't a dull moment. We finished dinner, walked around a bit then came back and hung out at my house for a little bit. Talked some more, joked around, and again just a lot of goofing around and laughs. It was really great to be able to have some fun with someone like that. Someone who had the same sense of humor as I did. Sarcastic to boot. And when it was time to say goodbye, we shared some wonderful passionate kisses. That whole heart beating fast nervousness butterfly in the stomach type thing. But since he had a long drive and had to get up early in the AM for his commute to work, we had to call it an early night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">That was Tuesday. It is now Saturday and I have not heard a word from him. I left him a funny comment on his myspace Wednesday and he sent me mail saying "thanks for the comment" And now I see they are not even on his page anymore. So I don't know if he removed them, or if it was the myspace monster hard at work again. This is stupid because it wasn't like I left him porn.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">No comment left for me. No phone call. No text, not even an IM.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ok, so maybe I am old fashioned when it comes to dating. But is it not a common courtesy to call the girl back and say hey, had a good time and let her know whether or not ya want to see her again. I mean, I am a big girl, I can handle rejection. Sure we had a good time, but maybe I am just not the girl for him. And that's fine. Just tell me. Or sure he is busy, but you were busy before I came along and ya still made time to talk to me and what not, now all the sudden you have no time to say hello.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I just do not understand.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">And also, myspace rules, common courtesy, when someone leaves ya a comment, it's always nice to get one back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now then, my ego has been crushed. My feelings have been hurt, and I now feel like this wonderful date, maybe I was blind and it was not so wonderful after all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">And that's how that story goes. Once my feelings have been hurt, my defenses go up. It's just how I am.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Anyway, it's done and over, and whether he chooses to talk to me again, still remains a mystery.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm sorry I ranted…I tend to do that some time</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Slap a warning label on me…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Warning: Irish and Moody</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/ae3a3954a0.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/ae3a3954a0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_428987">Rant away, my moody Irish one! It's us Cancers. We get that way and should not have to explain it to others! They should just know! LOL! Anyway, it's his loss and maybe there IS a good reason for it (doubtful)...but just maybe.<br />Have a good weekend in spite of the guy! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 4:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300862971#" id="addReplyLnk_428987" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300862971&commentID=428987" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_428987"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_430349">Men really do suck...and not always in the good way. I should know...I am one.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 9:24 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300862971#" id="addReplyLnk_430349" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300862971&commentID=430349" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6615579488207085822007-08-17T23:34:00.000-04:002014-07-22T14:29:07.103-04:00~Dreams~ (I Need The Dream Experts !!! )<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Friday, August 17, 2007 </span></span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/f98b8a593b13.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/f98b8a593b13.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ok since date blog is posted, now I can tell you about the dreams.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Three times last week, Terry found me in my dreams. But, it wasn't the usual Terry type dream. (Oh get your head out of the gutters!)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">But rather, 3 days, 3 separate dreams. Each different, but each so much the same.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I don't remember which dream came first. I can hardly remember the details at this point. But, I can remember the main keys to them.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ok so one dream was basically me walking outside and him standing in the middle of the street. Just standing there. Not really looking at me. Or at anything in general, but he was facing my direction. He seemed, opaque. But still solid at the same time. This is the only part I really remember.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The other dream, I am inside the house and my mom comes in to tell me someone named Terry is outside looking for me. I am baffled. Thinking it has to be some sick and twisted joke. I go running outside, and there he is. Standing there. Just him. Nothing more to this dream really then that.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The third dream, I go outside and he is in my driveway with suitcases. I don't know how I knew to go outside. I just went out. And there he was. And that's all I remember about this one.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ok, so this week, the night of my date, I have a 4<sup>th</sup> dream. Only, it was sort of horrible and more of a nightmare to me then anything. I woke up, bolted right out of bed in a cold sweat. I did not much care for it. I am outside in the yard. A black mafia gangster style call slowly rolls in front of my house. Sits for a moment. I guess I was in the flower bed because I stood to look. The car pulls into my driveway. The windows are so tinted, they can't be legal. I do not feel any sort of fear. The driver window starts to roll down and I walk over. I see a hand fling a piece of paper out and dangle it in front of me. I grab it, and hold it. Looking down at it, I see it's a death certificate. For Terry. I don't remember any sort of emotion coming out of me. I just remember the next thing I know a car door is opening. A person gets out, hands tied, and a long black cloak. The hood is on. Once out of the car completely and standing, the hood falls, revealing a person in a black mask. No eye holes or anything. I don't remember anyone getting out of the car. But I remember starting to cry as this person drops to their knees and the mask is removed. Don't know how. But at this point it's gone. It's Terry under this mask and cloak. He's been beaten. He looks terrible. Bloody. Bruised. He is crying. I don't remember much more of the dream. I know once we stand, his wrists are free and the car is gone. He still has on his cloak and I am still holding his death certificate. It becomes clear to me that he has faked his own death.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I know why. And that part I can not tell you. I can not tell you anything <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank">of Terry's life</a>.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Anyway, the dreams are freaking me out a little bit. Terry is very powerful. Magickal if you will. I don't know if he is trying to tell me something. And if he is, what? Is he telling me he is OK? Is he telling me he's safe and will be back to me very soon? Is he telling me he is working on making his way here to the states? Or is he trying to tell me good-bye he will see me in the next life because the powers that be have gotten a hold of him and he is not long with the living??? Or was this dream to frighten me because I went on a date without his permission?? So many things running in my mind right now.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I want to believe he is safe and sound and just hiding right now. Waiting for a safe moment to contact me.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">But, I am very worried and very much afraid right now.</span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">MySpace Comments:</span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_428241">Wow sis, people always ask me to interpret their dreams because I practice magic and witchcraft and am of the psychological bent. And it has happened 3 times in the past week! Now this makes 4. Weird!<br />I turn it back to you-- what does it mean to you? You feel Terry is trying to contact you, so this is probably true.<br />But on another level it is your own subconsious mind trying to speak to you also. I think these questions you ask-- is he okay, is he safe and will be back, etc-- are ones that you want to be true. The other questions-- is he telling you goodbye or trying to frighten you-- represent your worries.<br />Terry for his part, I think is simply trying to keep your connection strong.<br />I can't tell you what this means as far as what is going on with Terry, I think you need to look inside yourself for those answers. Or be patient and wait for the answers when they come. The dreams might even represent you feeling impatient to know the answers, which certainly makes sense.<br />Dreams, pretty amazing stuff. Try not to be worried and afraid-- after all, look at how things worked out with Joey!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 12:10 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300683111#" id="addReplyLnk_428241" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300683111&commentID=428241" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_428241"></label></span></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 97px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/116/s_b692b5e1ffb84338adf0163630f4724b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Segmullier</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_428327">IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT COLORS AND IN WHAT PLANTS OR TREES YOUR ARE AROUND<br />WERE YOU ON A HILL OR BY A HILL AND WHAT DID THE SKY LOOK LIKE OR WEIR YOU WERE AT WHAT DID IT LOOK LIKE AND ANIMALS THEIR IS SO MUCH TO NO TO EXPLAN A DREAM....<br /><br />READ MY BLOGS AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK<br />DUSTY</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a>on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 1:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300683111#" id="addReplyLnk_428327" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300683111&commentID=428327" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_428327"></label></span></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_428907">Fuck...that is some spooky shit babygirl...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 3:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300683111#" id="addReplyLnk_428907" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300683111&commentID=428907" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_428907"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_431378">Anytime travel is represented in a dream - the suitcase, the car, walking - it doesn't necessarily mean you are "going" anywhere. It means that you are on a journey of change. You have just made some major life moves and I believe this is what is happening. You are going through a transistion in your life.<br /><br />As far as the rest - I feel the darkness of the night, cloak, hood represents the sense of lonliness you feel in not having contact with Terry. You fear for his safety. No eyeholes...you cannot see him - physcially or mentally because you don't know where he is or what he doing.<br /><br />And remember - death in a dream does NOT mean death in real life. It simply means that one part of your life is ending....and another is beginning.<br /><br />Have sweet dreams Sweetie....everything will be fine.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 5:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300683111#" id="addReplyLnk_431378" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300683111&commentID=431378" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86792610799849302632007-08-16T12:22:00.000-04:002014-07-22T14:27:50.415-04:00A Dare That Turns Into A Date<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, August 16, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/668cfba676b1.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/668cfba676b1.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh yes, Chrys had a date last night. Well, Tuesday, since I have no idea when I will actually finish and post this blog, better throw that date in their.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Did I forget to tell you all that? That I even had a date?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">HA!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sorry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">See, life does indeed keep moving forward.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Before I get to the date, there is actually a funny story behind the meeting of this person. Well, maybe not funny, but, it just proves to show, sometimes you never know just how things will work out in life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />As you may remember, Julie came up the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/thirty-two.html" target="_blank">weekend of my birthday</a> and spent a few days with me before I <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/the-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">packed up life and moved up here</a>. We were up one night, and I really think it was the night we came him drunk from my birthday. Anyway, we were both online messing around, and I had mentioned something about how I should just join and online dating sight. I was half assed joking. I mean really, who was going to want to date me anyway??? But, she was like, oh you should, you should and we had a good laugh about it. So, on a whim I did it. Cracking up laughing the whole time. I felt like such a dork. Woman seeking Man. Yeah that lasted all of maybe 2 days. Then I switched to it Woman seeking Woman. Yeeeesshhhh…..<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And then, I deleted it. But even though I deleted it, my profile thing was still actively sending me emails. So, once I got here to <st1:state><st1:place>Michigan</st1:place></st1:state>, I reset it. Figured I had nothing to lose, and if anything at least I would meet some new people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've defiantly met some people. Thing is, I refuse to pay for a website. So unless the other user is a paid one, beyond an initial "Hi am interested" not much more can be said. To date, their have been 4 that I have actually talked to beyond that initial ice breaker. 1 I have exchanged IM with, once. Didn't really grab my attention. 2. Was actually the first person I started to IM with. We have not met yet. I sit here, wondering what to say, as he is connected to me here at myspace, and even thought you all know I am rather blunt, I don't want to be rude. But, at the same time, I do have to be honest. We do share some IM. But, its just basic chitter chatter. Nothing really that "sparks" and picks at my brain. It's just a lot of questions about me and my "lifestyle" so to speak. Which is great -really, I do not mind at all explaining that lifestyle to anyone. I just do not know if there is anything outside of a friendship here. And that is OK with me. He's a really cool guy. So, then there is 3. Who ends up being a few years younger then me. His pick up lines make me laugh so hard all I can think is "wow, dude really you need to get past college life, this isn't the frat house" Although I find him amusing enough, at his own expense, again he bores me to tears as he cant think of one original thought to talk about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, that brings me to 4. You may as well say I have saved the best for last. Not only is he connected here at myspace, he also STOLE <st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>'s bday card as his profile pic! HAHAHAH. Now then, FINALLY someone with a sense of humor makes me laugh and keeps me laughing. After only a few days, yes I said DAYS of talking; off we go on a date. Oh yes, Chrys went on a date. Can you believe that? At first I was like…WTF is that? Ohh…dinner…OK. That I can do. I am a girl that likes to eat after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so set time – <st1:time hour="18" minute="30">6:30pm</st1:time>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm talking to Julie…what to wear, this? How about this? Or maybe this? A million things going around in my brain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Fine, casual, jeans it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But then here comes the rest ….top…shoes….oye! What a headache….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Outfit settled, and I settled in on the couch and got glued to some fashion design reality show on Bravo. I was cracking my ass up. I look at the clock and I am like, odd that he hasn't called to tell me he's on his way, or maybe to check and make sure he's heading in the right direction. I mean map quest is not 100% perfect. I wait…and wait…and wait. Then, I see this car pull in across the street. Looks like their car, but it's already in the driveway. Hmmmm…the car goes back the way it came. Few minutes later I see that same care go right past again. I giggle to myself and I am guessing that it's him. So, I head to the dinning room, thinking if I see him go past again, I'll run out and flag him down. But then I heard my cell phone beep. I had call.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, now, I have to add this here. I still have my <st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state> service with US Cellular. They do not even have stores up here! But, I can not switch things over to a new cell phone company until the divorce is final. If I switch it over now, and my phone gets used, which it will because I love my Project (RED) phone, then US Cellular will charge butthead a $150 bill for terminating service before the contract was over. So, having said all that, inside the house, there is no reception in parts of the house. It's so random how it works in here. Sometimes it works outside. You just never know. I never heard that damn thing right.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But now it is yelling at me telling me I have voice mail.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Guess who it was?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh yes, Mr. Date man.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">So I try to call him, just as the house phone rings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yup, Date man.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, I tell him, turn around and come back. You turned around in my neighbor's yard. I am across the street.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">He gets here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Finally.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">By this time I am already cracking up that any amount of nervousness I had has left the building.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">We hug and already got the mouths yacking and the laughs going.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">He comes in to sit for a bit (the mom went down to my cousins) because I got so addicted to this stupid show I had never watched before.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">It was over and off to UNO's we go. Now, for those of you never having been to an UNO's you are missing out and I feel sorry for you. Deep dish </span><st1:city style="background-color: white;"><st1:place>Chicago</st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white;"> style pizza. I did not even care what else was on the menu, I wanted pizza.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I got pizza. Boy that was easy. We had pizza. End of story. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Nooooo I AM NOT spoiled…..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, we eat…we drink…swallow down a few Guinness…the laughs keep going.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">A warning to you all: be sure to check the lids before you go dumping extra things on top of your pizza. You see, I had asked for ranch on the side to dip my pizza in. I also added those hot red pepper flakes to it. Well, we BOTH had been adding the flakes to the ranch, and to the pizza. So, we don't know really who did not tighten the lid ( I say, him heheh) but when he picked it up to put some on his pizza, pretty much the whole thing dumped out and covered his plate. We were both laughing hysterically. Our poor waiter, I can only imagine what he thought about us. He came over and said "Oh my what happened here?" well derrrrr what does it look like ya moron? It was too funny. But he just dumped it off and ate his pizza anyway.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">That my friends, was fan-fucking-tastic. It just does not get any better then that for first time date blunders. But, we were able to just blow it off and laugh about it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Dinner over, we decided to go walk down part of the Outlet Mall since it is right across the parking lot. But, most of the stores were closing up, so not much to see. Off back home. Mr. Date can't stay out too late anyway, he has a curfew. Well, a drive back home and an early morn as he has an hour commute to work. Yeeeeeessshhh…. So, we went back to my house and hung out on the swing and just talked. And laughed. And laughed some more. Then, time to go. We kissed good bye. And kissed. And kissed again. Then off he went.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now, I started writing this blog the night of the date. And now, here it is Thursday night and I have not heard from Mr. Date man. So, even though, things might look like they went well on the surface, now looking at it some days later, maybe, it was not so good. I had fully intended on making this a fabulous blog, but, now my mood has changed. I thought we had a connection and had a great time. Maybe not. Now, I feel like a fool for ranting about how great it was and how much fun I had. I don't like to feel like a fool.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Doesn't anyone follow the dating rules and etiquette, ya know, some common courtesy?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Are you reading this Mr. Date man? Am I being tested?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Well fuck that, I don't take tests. Sorry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">A hello, a hi how are ya?? Something…anything....that's all ya had to do…but no, I got nothing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">If ya don't like me, at least be man enough to tell me so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Ok, wait. I did leave him a comment on his page. He mailed me saying, thanks for the comment. WTF?That's it, THANKS?? I don't get a comment back? Ok whatever… not only is their dating etiquette, we have myspace etiquette as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you are going to play on myspace, please, word to everyone- LEARN THE RULES</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Oh well, fuck it, life continues to move forward.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Whose bright idea was it again for me to look for boys in my own state??? ~winks~</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Back to boys are stupid mode….ok well not all of them…and they know who they are, they know when I get on a rant not to take my rants personally…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">At least I had one night out and some fun on way to look at it, or as Julie likes to put it "FREE FOOD" hahahhaah</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">I know I am a moody bitch, I fully admit it. Doesn't take much to make me happy. Simple really. Whatever, I'm Irish, that's my excuse and I am sticking to it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Am I mad? No way! Not worth getting mad over. I really just do not care to be honest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Like Julie and I were talking, maybe there is still one guy (or maybe girl) out there who will prove me wrong. That they are not all the same.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Ok, next blog…will talk about the return of my brother, and some other interesting things going on in life. I've also got a brand new Erotic Confession in the works. Since you guys keep bugging my ass for a new one!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Keep smiling, I know I will.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Xoxox</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~c~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_426093">Girl, I think boys have some kind of after date mental block when it comes to contacting us. They act all warm and fuzzy on the date, even make out with us, which I've come to learn is just a primitive caveman instict to reproduce (LOL). It's like trying on a glove, let's see if it fits? They often lull you into a false sense of security, say what a great time they had and they want to see you again. But then days go buy and no word. No peep. No sign of life.<br /><br />I understand common courtesy, you don't want to go ape shit on the date say ugh huh, no way babe, not you, not ever....but it's more courtious to let you know that "it ain't gunna work, you're not my type, let's be friends". We're not going to break and more then likely, we really don't like you that much anyway!! But this ignoring us nonsense is childish, stupid and plain rude. I have heard it over and over from my girlfriends, you can pretty much set your clock by it.<br /><br />Grow up fellas, this is 2007 and the "rules" are out the window. If you like us let us know, if you don't, LET US KNOW!! And don't tell me you'er busy, you weren't to busy before we went out to crawl up my crack and beg for my time. Just get a grip and realize, it's not the end of our world if we don't here from you, but a little feedback would be nice so we can delete you from our list if necessary! Amen!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center>..<br /> </center></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 12:36 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300362145#" id="addReplyLnk_426093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300362145&commentID=426093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_426093"></label></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 152px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_426112">Have I told you latley I LOVE YOU!!! hahaha...girl...no wonder we are the best of friends!<br /><br />Ok but seriously, I know, I have been out of the "dating" game for some time. But, I know how it goes. Just because I was married doesnt mean I was hidden under some damn rock. I went out with friends. Hell, I went out. I know how it goes. Online, in life, all of it, the same.<br /><br />COMMUNICATION<br /><br />How freaking hard is it? You communicated with me a few days ago, how come you can't now?<br /><br />I am not going to break. You don't want to hang out again, fine. Just tell me. Just want to be friends, fine, just tell me. My world is not going to end. Hell knows I have been through enough shit in life that one date with someone who isnt all that in to me is not going to be the end of my world.<br /><br />Oye....boys boys boys boys.....moving on...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a> on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 12:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300362145#" id="addReplyLnk_426112" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300362145&commentID=426112" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_426112"></label></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 152px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_426102">Let's see if it will work this time....<br /><br /><img br="" src="http://www.photocasket.com/happybunny/hb21.bmp" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /> </div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 12:43 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300362145#" id="addReplyLnk_426102" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300362145&commentID=426102" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_426102"></label></span><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_426200">Well sis, it has only been two days! I don't know, since I am guilty myself of getting busy and not always staying in the best touch (just ask those I date), maybe I feel like defending him. Give him some time-- don't give up just yet!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 2:29 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300362145#" id="addReplyLnk_426200" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=300362145&commentID=426200" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14378404010112648172007-08-11T20:19:00.000-04:002014-07-22T14:21:49.520-04:00Even the Best Fall Down Sometimes...I Guess I Fell<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 11, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Ok, so yesterdays blog wasn't the bright and sunshine girl you all know. But even I have my moments. Many of you here have seen my dark side. It's not the first time I have fallen into my dark hole. Nor will it be the last.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I can not say today was a better day, but it was a new day. Seperate from yesterday and my spirits are better.<br /><br />Thats really all I have to say right now.<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_418733">Hope your better today baby...<br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/7af21e8ed38b.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/7af21e8ed38b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Sunday, August 12, 2007 - 1:56 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66934611151319115622007-08-10T22:16:00.000-04:002014-07-22T14:21:05.322-04:00No MORE!!!!!!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, August 10, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Do you ever have those days where you just want to give up?</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I don't mean just give up on things in general,</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I mean life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Oh yes, I said it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Not often, if ever have I thought about giving up on my life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I have always held my head high and always took pride in the fact I saw the good in everything.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Not today.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I can't do this anymore.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I'm stuck and I don't like it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Right now, I only see one way out.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Yes, I am down, back in my dark hole.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Sad, my brother is not here to hang out with me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Fucked up world that I don't really even know where my brother is anymore.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Screwed up world as well, my angel Lonnie is lost to me now too.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I can't find his guidance anymore.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Even my<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/The%20Story%20of%20T" target="_blank"> dark angel Terry is no place to be found</a>. WTF ... seriously..I mean I know whats going on. I know why he is gone, but this long?? And no contact? I am so fucking worried right now it makes my head spin. I have no idea what to do. I am stuck in this limbo.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/beautiful%20Elonna" target="_blank">Elonna, my sistagurl,</a> my partner is crime…where is she? Why wont anyone tell me what's going on with her? Why wont she return my calls, my cards, my letters, my emails???</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">You know what? I am having an emotional breakdown and I rightfully deserve it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">But you know what, this time, I am not coming back.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I am staying right here in my dark pit. Cold. Skanky. Lonely.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">This way, I (my heart) am safe and will not have to hear or say another good-bye.</span><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">e </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_417491">Sis-- I don't know what to say, it hurts me to read this. I want to help-- you have been there for me through so much. It sounds like you don't want this, but I am here if you need someone to help pull you out of the muck! *holds out my hand to you*<br />And yes, I have felt that way. Even now with my shit supposedly together and being so fucking qualified to help other people with their problems, I still feel this way sometimes. And it sucks!<br />Please email, or even call me, if you want to talk. Love you sis, don't give up. PLEASE.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 3:10 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=298069813#" id="addReplyLnk_417491" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=298069813&commentID=417491" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_417491"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_417814">Shit...yea I know that dark pit...<br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/d5022e0c9fa4.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/d5022e0c9fa4.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 6:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=298069813#" id="addReplyLnk_417814" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=298069813&commentID=417814" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_417814"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/s_96a667ab6ed425fc38de4ce2f9bb0e29.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_421320">...breathe...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a> on Monday, August 13, 2007 - 11:48 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=298069813#" id="addReplyLnk_421320" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=298069813&commentID=421320" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37360696064869476522007-08-04T23:09:00.000-04:002014-07-22T14:07:51.971-04:00Memories<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 04, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Memories</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Been sorting through my grandparents things. The things that got left behind that no one wanted. Helping my mom figure out what we should do with them. Wondering if maybe a cousin or their kids would like to have it. Who knew that two people could accumulate so much stuff! And this house is not a mansion, but we are finding all these little hiding spots grandma had. It's been pretty funny. Sad in a way. Remembering all the times I had with them. And how much time I missed out on with them being so far away. But, they are together now, pain/cancer free and happy. So, that's what keeps me going.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As we sort their things and move out of their room, guess who is moving in??? My mom does not want to live in their bedroom, makes her too sad. As for me, it makes me happy, gives me a chance to be close to them. A change to talk to them using the gift I have been given in life to do such. Last night was the first night I actually slept in there. It was comforting. I felt safe. I felt, home. It was good.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Something else good too, and I don't know really how to explain it. As you know, it's been about 2 weeks since I have <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/08/whats-up-with-chrys-for-july-and-little.html" target="_blank">spoken to Terry</a>. It's been hard. And I miss him a great deal. I am trying to keep my worry for him at bay. I don't, and he doesn't need my powers carrying my worry to him. He has enough on his plate to deal with. I have tried to keep myself busy to not think about it. But, in doing that, I have felt disconnected from him. He and I have this special powerful connection of magick and sometimes its greater then him and me. And sometimes, like now, I feel not so connected. I have tried a few things to bring that connection back for me to grab, with no luck. But, last night, I felt him. I felt him so close. The darkness smothered me, and I knew he was there. It was welcomed with open arms and I needed to feel his closeness. I believe he's trying to let me know something. But I was so overwhelmed to see feel him that I just could not see past anything else. I hope he was trying to tell me he is ok and will be in contact too. I need to get my mind cleared, push the worry aside and open up again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I awoke today in a great deal of pain. Not just physical, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Mental%20Health" target="_blank">but mental as well</a>. All this moving around furniture and boxes has aggravated my back. Not good. As many of you know <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Degenerative%20Disc%20Disease" target="_blank">my back issues</a>. Going to have to call my Chiro back home and have him refer me to someone up here. Something I am not looking forward to going thru again, but I can't live with the constant pain I feel right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then mental pain, that's from too many memories. Not just with the grand's, but going through my own things as well. Stuff I had long forgotten. From people I had long forgotten. Some anyway. I found some things from my first ever *crush* from when I was like 4yrs old until who knows. Pictures, letters, cards….ha-ha and he's connected to me here on my myspace!! (Aaron you better watch out, I got blackmail!! Lol) I found things from a college bf that is also here on my myspace (Robert I got blackmail on you too buddy!!!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cards and letters from my long time friend Stephanie, since we were in 5<sup>th</sup>grade. Cards and letters from my grandparents. That was rough seeing. I had to sort thru so much junk. I had to make the choice, keep or toss. Why was I hanging on to it anyway? What am I ever going to do with it? Then, there it was. The box I thought I had long gotten rid of.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As I have said before, I was with girls long before I was with boys. There were a few boys I had messed around with, but nothing serious. I had kept them around mostly as a cover up. The girls I had been with were older. And I did not want my friends to know, unsure of how they would take knowing their friend liked girls more then boys. Especially being at that prime boy crazy age. At any rate, by the time I had hit high school there was one boy that flew over the radar. We dated off and on all through high school. Had plans to marry and blah blah. Let's just say it ended badly. Very badly. But for some reason I had held on to this box. A box full of memories. Seeing all this stuff brought so much hurt and anger back. Thinking about the girl I was then, and the woman I am now. How big of an impact that relationship had on my life. I pushed it all aside and just sat and thought about things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The girlfriends. The boyfriends. Love lost. Wondering where are they now. Wondering was I wrong to let some of them go. Thinking was always me that called things off. Seems to still be the trend in my life. Somehow, I always walked away. Something to ponder for a while. Wishing that I could see some of them just one more time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just friends. Many of the same thoughts.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hahahaah….and Melissa and Kristen…don't make me talk about what I found in my yearbooks!!! LOL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sorting out more boxes I found all my old journals. 37 of them spanning from 1984 to 2005 when I started writing and saving everything on the pc and flash drives. And that got me to thinking about the book I had started to write. Thinking to myself I really needed to finish it. Also, inside all those pages, tons and tons of poetry. Words I had not read in years. Everyone has always told me I needed to get my work published. Maybe I should. Maybe I should gather it all together and submit it. What's the worst that could happen?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Pictures. Old lordy all the picture. How many albums does one person need? I love pics. And I have documented every event in my life. So, I sat around thumbing through all my albums. More and more memories flood back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Rather overwhelming the last few days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Memories…. Forever a moment in time….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And right now, I am ready to let old memories go and make some new ones.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As I sit here and think about what the future could hold, I fall back to thinking about Terry. And how much I hope that he is OK and just safe. ~sighs~</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;">And I miss my Shan... :(</div><br /><br /><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_409013">Sorry it took me so long to get here! Just remember that every one of those people have helped to shape you. Every event has gone in to who you are today. We are all here to learn "lessons"...maybe one of yours was "letting go" of people/things that no longer serve you on a spritual level. You learn whatever lesson and move on.<br />Save what makes you smile and throw away anything that makes you feel bad...<br />{{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Tuesday, August 07, 2007 - 6:41 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=295772026#" id="addReplyLnk_409013" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=295772026&commentID=409013" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_409013"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/s_96a667ab6ed425fc38de4ce2f9bb0e29.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_421319">There are some things in our lives that we went through together, seperately. If only niether of us was afraid....</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a>on Monday, August 13, 2007 - 11:45 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17748697420058917362007-08-02T21:54:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:59:47.933-04:00Whats Up With Chrys?? For July and a Little Korn<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, August 02, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So, this is supposed to be an updated what's up with Chrys? blog. And right now, I just am feeling like the wind has been knocked out of me. I had so much that I had wanted to say. And now it's like so much time has passed, I do not even know where to start.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">As you know, I have finally <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/the-last-good-bye.html" target="_blank">left the hubby and packed </a>what I could and did an 1100 mile trek for a move. My mom came down to help. So her, me, a van, a 16ft moving truck and 3 dogs. 2 of which were my 2 monster boxers. Hers, a little half poodle half cocker spaniel mix.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">As well as you know I moved just days after my 32 b-day.</span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I am here now. Slowly getting settled. It's been a long process as I have moved into my mom's house. This was my grandparents. Which is still FULL of their things. So, mom and I have been sorting through that in which no one has wanted, and trying to determine whether to keep, put in yard sale or donate to grams fave charity. So, we pack up only to unpack. It has not been fun at all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I have been here, almost 5 days now and I feel like I have not gotten anything accomplished. It's been maddening I tell you. I want to rip my hair out. Not to mention I have already been reminded as to why I DID NOT want to come live with my mother. Good grief. I already want to move out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I had to go visit my dad today. To gather a lot of bday cards from that side of the family and to drop off some paperwork for him. As well as say thanks again for giving me the money to rent the truck. Oh, and to say hello to my grandmother. Yuck. Got to meet dad's girlfriend. I guess she lives there too. Seemed nice enough. However, I have <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html" target="_blank">issues with my dad and his mother</a>, and well that whole family in general. Those who have been around a while know this and I do not need to rehash it. Those that don't know the story, I don't feel like rehashing it out right now. Just know, that dad and I have issues and let's keep it at that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Right now, I am drowning myself in Guinness. It's been a while and it is certainly needed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I had to call my old job and ask </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Shannon </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">something. It just rips at me to hear her voice. Only gone a week and I already miss the ever loving stuffing out of her. ~sighs~</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">As most have you have figured out, I am not sad at all about my divorce. It has been a long time coming and something that needed to be done. For me and for him. No hard feelings and despite the secrets I have found out, we parted on pretty good terms. So, that's really all done and over with. I am so over it and have already moved on in life as far as relationship and love and all that is concerned. Don't expect me to get emotional about it because I won't, as there is no need for it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">However, there is something I HAVE avoided talking about. Mostly because I just did not want to throw this personal stuff in to the mix. But, questions have started to arise and so I figure I should talk about it and get it out there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/introducing-terry.html" target="_blank">Terry.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Where is he? How does he fit into the mix these days? Mostly, just a lot of what's going on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Wish I had the answers for you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I love him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Simple, but yet so very complicated.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">We want to be together. Have talked about it. Want to walk that path to get there. And we thought we were well on out way since the divorce had started and I was moving away. I've got my passport ready….. But, someone threw some mud in our little puddle and there are some things that Terry has to take care of in his life. Things I can not talk about publicly. I just can't so don't ask. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Terry has had to be out of contact for a little while. The last day I talked to him was the day after my birthday. Told me he had to go, to not worry. That with my powers if I worried it would be so strong and make things harder for him. He asked me to hold him close, hold him tight and not let go. He asked me to use my powers to keep him safe. I have done my best. I have kept myself pretty busy with the move and taking care of things here to keep my mind off of the worry. But, right now, I can not help it. I miss him very much.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">And for those of you on his page too, I am well aware that all the stuff is gone and it looks like he has logged in every day...his page has been hacked. We cant fix it until he gets back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">But, at what point do I say, ok I can't wait anymore, I have to move on? Is their even a point? If you love someone do you wait forever? I just don't know what to do here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">We have called each other boyfriend/girlfriend as well as our little nicknames for each other. Trying to explain our relationship is not easy. I mean, we love each other, and have some sort of commitment to each other. But, it's also a long distance relationship and an open one at that. We know where we stand in each others lives, but at the same time we are with other people. How can one really be truly committed when we are so far away right now?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So, when he gave me permission on week long party spree to be with someone else, it sort of made me take a step back and go..Huh? I need permission? What? Why? When did that happen? Some how a long the way, our relationship changed. Of course, we were not expecting him to have to run and leave a day later either. I just feel stuck right now. Just not sure what's going on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So, my life has not stopped. It is still moving forward. It has to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">BUT FUCK I MISS HIM!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Without Terry around, as well as being newly free from the hubster, it has given me a lot of time to think about things. I find myself back to my old flirty self. I have reconnected with old friends. Not to mention the friends that have just been waiting for me to cross the divorce line. The thing is I have said this before, that I am a girl with a big heart and an open mind. I will love who I choose. And there have been 2 others in my life aside from Terry that I truly love. I am IN love with Terry. But, these other 2, its more then just a friendship love. It's hard to explain. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">They both used to be here @ myspace and on 360. Now just one is on 360, and the other is here @ myspace, but he runs a fan page. If you will remember back, in the middle of the Lonnie death and Sean ordeal, there was someone had fallen for, hard. Brian. No, no, not Brian Kinney, but the actual Brian that runs the BK fan page. We had some good time, and a good solid friendship we had built up for quite some time before that. As a matter of fact, it's been about a year now that I have known him. Anyway, the whole Lonnie/Sean ordeal was just too much, and I had to let Brian go. And that ruined the friendship we had too. But in time, we slowly rebuilt it. I never stopped loving Brian. But, I tucked that love away. Afraid to let it out. And thinking he did not want it anymore. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">In the last week, he and I have had our first chat in month. We hashed out a lot of anger and hurt feelings. Which was hard, but it was good. We needed to do it. But, then those old feelings came out and it turned into something very sexual. And it stirred up a lot of feelings inside. And I am not quite sure what to do with them. Then, I have this other friend, which I met thru my brother Joey. He has been a part of my life for a few years now. And he is actually the one that introduced me to Terry. Steven and I have a wonderful relationship. Never any questions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"> No conditions and no restraints. We can read each other, we know always what the other needs whether it is a shoulder, an ear, some arms to lay in, or yeah, even something sexual. I simply adore him. Love him. He really is a busy lad and I don't see him much. But, we crossed paths, and it turned into something very sexual. Me being very Dom with him. Something we both like. I am afraid all the frustrations and anger I had I was taking out on him. The love I have for him, it's always been out in the open. But, I was never really able to express just how much I adored him, until recently. So, I have these 3 wonderful men. Different types of love for different reasons. I fit with each of them perfectly, on different levels. Each one my best friend as well. And each one far away.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Brian</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Brian/4040675_473561.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p>Steven</o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Stevie/7cae.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Confused yet? Yeah, so am I.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">And there are some other boys that I seem to be talking to a lot lately. Ones actually in the same zip code. Well, one is a few hours away. Nothing too major. Some online , some here in life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">And I sit here thinking…WTF am I doing. What about Terry. Then I go, yeah what about Terry. Where is he? And aren't we a million miles apart and in an open relationship anyway???</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So am I not allowed to feel what I want and talk to who I want????</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">~sighs~ and on that note, today I leave you with Korn's Inside Out… because I need men in my life that will say these things to me, feel this way about me…let me be me</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Korn- Inside Out</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8s67V59xyyA" width="425"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I like the way you're so fucked up<br />Naked and wearing no makeup<br />I watch your pulse beneath your skin<br />Sometimes I wish I could crawl in<br /><br />I don't care what you talk like<br />I don't care how you dress<br />I don't care 'bout your facial features<br />I couldn't care less<br />I don't need conversation<br />I've got nothing to say<br />I know what you're about<br />I want you<br />Inside out<br /><br />I like the way your ''ribs'' contract<br />When you are lying on your back<br />The ''bruises you internalize'' eternalize<br />The thoughts behind those crazy eyes<br /><br />I don't care what you talk like<br />I don't care how you dress<br />I don't care 'bout your facial features<br />I couldn't care less<br />I don't need conversation<br />I've got nothing to say<br />I know what you're about<br />I want you<br />Inside out<br /><br />Bitch so untamed but outside it, a work of art<br />But underneath it you're beautiful when you're torn apart<br />That's the fucking amazing shit the wish that makes you<br />Take the punishment to your heart as I squeeze it hard<br /><br />That's the fucking amazing shit the wish that makes you<br />Take the punishment to your heart as I squeeze it hard<br /><br />I drink the milk thats in your breast<br />I wouldn't even mind your shit<br />I put my tongue inside your ear<br />I'm gonna eat you up right here<br /><br />I don't care what you talk like<br />I don't care how you dress<br />I don't care 'bout your facial features<br />I couldn't care less<br />I don't need conversation<br />I've got nothing to say<br />I know what you're about<br />I want you<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out</span></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gsmx96yFgjI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gsmx96yFgjI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MySpace Comments:</span></b><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_402348">{{{{HUGS}}}} Glad you made it there alright. I can't help you with the love life problem...I'm monogamic. I realize not every one is and I am ok with that. What ever makes you happy! If it works for you, then great! Anyway, good luck figuring it out! (I am a little concerned, though, about why you find guys a million miles away and none "in the same zip code" or even the same country as you...have you worked that one out?) << the mom in me coming out, LOL!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, August 03, 2007 - 7:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=295062094#" id="addReplyLnk_402348" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=295062094&commentID=402348" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_402348"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=164413579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">william</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=164413579" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/40/s_96d8b4fc2a276995a8441ab4b090dd1a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">william Poff</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_402452">"life is like a movie.... just wish i had the f***ing remote every once and awhile."<br />not sure what else to say really. but i really hope everything works out for you and you find the answers you are looking for!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=164413579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">william</a> on Friday, August 03, 2007 - 9:27 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=295062094#" id="addReplyLnk_402452" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=295062094&commentID=402452" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=164413579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_402452"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_403379">Hey baby...thanks for mentioning me...<br />It was a blast last weekend...maybe we can hook up again soon...<br />~~~kisses all over you...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a> on Friday, August 03, 2007 - 8:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=295062094#" id="addReplyLnk_403379" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=295062094&commentID=403379" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60467684753106474842007-07-31T21:13:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:55:46.429-04:00The Last Good-Bye<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, July 31, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The time has come, to say my final goodbye. Suitcase packed, one last walk through the house, make sure nothing of mine gets left behind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There he stands.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Watching.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Waiting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Counting down the minutes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I take a deep breath.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I look at him and think to myself – "He has no idea what I am going thru."<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He just has no clue.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This has all just been so easy for him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Doing nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Killing time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Watching.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Waiting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Counting down the minutes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Until I say that final goodbye.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I gave him one last hug, and went on my way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And on I went.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Passed state line.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Knowing I will never permanently be back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Still no tears did I cry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'll be back to visit,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And then, I will fly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Passed each state, one by one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Closer and closer to my destination.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">1100 miles and my mind starts to roam.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All I can think about are the SECRETS! I hate them. Despise them. All they do is anger me and piss me off. I am so open and honest. I have always been that way. So, it is pretty sad to me when I see that a person I have been with for the last 10 years has a closet full of them. And in a few days time, they all come to surface. I don't understand why he felt the need to keep secrets from me. Like I said, I don't keep them. Never saw a need to. I have always been open with him about EVERYTHING in my life. And I mean everything.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh well, really doesn't matter anymore since that relationship is over and that chapter in life is closed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, as I continue to work on a new What's Up With Chrys? , I am leaving you with Black Label Society – The Last Goodbye. Because, even though I have said so many good-byes in the last few weeks, the reality is we are never really done saying good-bye in life. And just as we say good-bye, we say hello.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wdFZ7XmGYSI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wdFZ7XmGYSI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>LYRICS<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">The Last Goodbye<br /><br />Take me down this road<br />I've been done here once before<br />Take me down this road<br />Once again, never again, forevermore<br />Take me down this road once more<br /><br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />This ain't the last goodbye<br /><br />Take me down this road<br />Just to see a smile on your face<br />Take me down this road<br />All that is and all that was cant be replaced<br />Take me down this road once more<br /><br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />This ain't the last goodbye<br /><br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />This ain't the last goodbye</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_398519">well, can't get the video cuz of my connection, but i'll agree that the lyrics are a poignant testament to what's going on.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a> on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 - 10:24 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=294238304#" id="addReplyLnk_398519" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=294238304&commentID=398519" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_398519"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_399056">One door closes and another one opens...here's to looking at better, brighter future! {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, August 01, 2007 - 6:51 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=294238304#" id="addReplyLnk_399056" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=294238304&commentID=399056" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_399056"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_399345">I pray that God will do what's best for ya hun! Good luck!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a> on Wednesday, August 01, 2007 - 12:20 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55488176031019789072007-07-26T08:57:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:34:21.032-04:00Birthdays , Drinks and Tattoos ~Oh My!!(now with pics)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 26, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Its update blog time!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I had this blog idea all sorted in my head. A very upbeat happy fun time blog. I had a great birthday. But then, as things always seem to do in my life, something came crashing down. It's sort of put a damper on my mood, and I am doing my best to wade through the waters right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/i-am-outta-here.html" target="_blank">Friday was my last day at work</a>.<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span>Very sad. Many did not realize it was my last day. Many thought I still had another week. Well, I did not give much notice when I had decided that I just could not stay another week. Just too much to do and too much going on. One boss took me to lunch. That would be the one no one really gets along with. It was rather awkward. One of our Animal Shelter volunteers brought me a chocolate brownie fudge cheesecake. Which, I saved for me and Julie!! Heheheh It was not easy saying goodbye to anyone. I did not much like it. It got to be like family up there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Saturday I got a little bit of organizing and packing done. Julie came up from Texas and shortly after she got here we headed up to Eskimo Joes for dinner and drinks. I picked this place because it is tradition. I have gone every year for my birthday since I moved to<st1:city><st1:place>Stillwater</st1:place></st1:city>. It was a riot. It was tiki bar theme for the night. So the waiters were running around with lei's. I wanted one. It's my birthday damn it, I want one. So Melissa and Shannon both were trying to rip them off the walls, with no luck. Finally <st1:place>Shannon </st1:place>got some waiter to give his up. So, here I am hanging out sipping my drinks wearing a green lei. Did you really except it to be any other color??? LOL We ate, we drank, and we got loud. Boy did we get loud!!!! But it was all in good fun. Our waiter was a doofus. A regular window licker that one. I asked for a Guinness and he brings me another Amaretto Sour….dude, they sound nothing alike. He just kept doing really stupid shit all night. You got a table of 6 hot chicks; you would think you would do your best to earn your tip!!! We hung out there a couple hours.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(tiff, melissa & alison)<img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0670.jpg" style="border: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(shannon)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0669.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(me and jules)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0663.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Tiffany and Alison left. Me and Julie took off in my car and Shannon and Melissa followed. Off to the tat shop we went. I had picked out what I wanted Friday. It just came to me. I had another idea picked out, but, I knew deep down it would mean more to me if Terry did it. So I decided to wait on it. But, I knew I wanted something. It birthday tradition to get a tattoo!! I did not have to think long before the design flashed in my mind. I ended up getting a design called The Prince of Evil, with a T incorporated in it. In honor of my Terry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0682.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, anyone who knows me knows I am so against anyone doing anything that has to do with names or significant others. But, this just felt right. I was called to it, drawn to it. And I have no regrets and I know I never will. If any of you have looked at Terry's tat, you will see there is a c incorporated in to it. That was not planned, but as his mate started on the work, it was requested. As he said, it just seemed like the right thing to do. However it looks to anyone else, we don't care. What we have is so much deeper then just love. We are bonded together by our souls. By our commons grounds. By our powers and magick.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-bhmro4Er4/TglGEMMYznI/AAAAAAAAAcY/z8ol1Ya5P8o/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-bhmro4Er4/TglGEMMYznI/AAAAAAAAAcY/z8ol1Ya5P8o/s320/l.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh yes, there is much you don't know about me. Many of you only know me on the surface, what I choose to show you here. But, what Terry knows and sees is a part of me I have not opened up to many. Something stronger then both of us, brought us together. And here we remain, despite the odds.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(me and chris)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0684.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0684.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, Julie and I are in the tat shop having a grand time. For anyone that has never gotten a tat, it's hard for me to explain. But those of you with one, that actually like them, there is something very calming and euphoric about it. At least for me. I say, bring the pain. The more, the better. None of my tats really hurt. As I believe pain is all in your mind. This really is a mind over matter adventure. I will say the wrist tat was not comfortable, and the one on my hand wasn't exactly the best feeling in the world. My poor hand went numb for a few days. But, I would not call it pain. The back of my calf is rather tender today, but, I would not call it pain. For it did not hurt in the normal term of hurt. For me, every prick of the needle, every line of the ink, was one step closer for me and T to be together. There was no pain there. Only love. Julie took quite a few pics. In my pic section there are pics of us at Eskimo Joes and at the tat shop.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(me, tat man and jules)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0686.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">While Jules and I were at the tat shop, Shannon and Melissa went down to the adult store.<st1:place>Shannon </st1:place>saw fit to buy my bday present. You can see the cute card she got me in my bday pic section. But, her gift was rather funny. She bought me another lei, and this one had plastic dicks all over it. HAHHAHA… and she got me an emergency kit…a pretty red vibrator! Silly girl…just because I am getting divorced doesn't mean I am becoming a nun LOLOL…toooooo funny… and the people in the tat shop got a good laugh.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(shannons card)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/smcard.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(shanns gift)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/v1JPG.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Melissa and Shan headed to the next bar, Murphy's. While we finished up my tattoo.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We had lots of fun there. Payne County Tattoos, if you are ever in <st1:city><st1:place>Stillwater </st1:place></st1:city>I suggest you look them up. They rock. If I was staying in town, I would go back again and again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I do need to say, that the guy that did this tat is not Shane. Shane is the Irish guy that did the touch up on my wrist band and did the shamrock on my hand. I found out he no longer works there, so I was introduced to Chris. At least that's what I and Julie remember his name to be!! We were pretty well smashed…so no telling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">One the tat was done, and pics taken….we headed to Murphy's. Ran smack dab in to Wally, shans hubby. So I knew it was time for her to go. Her and Melissa finished their dart game and the 3 of them left. So. Julie and I hung out to finish a few rounds of drinks, and then we headed off to get some food and came back to my house. Ate and drank some more.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am going to miss the fuck out of <st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>. That's my girl. I hope that she will see passed everything and see just how much I love her. To understand that even though we are miles away, I will always be here for her. Always.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Our drunken asses got on myspace. Perhaps not a good idea. But sure was funny. We had left Terry some pic comments. He got a good laugh out of them. I love making that man laugh. He doesn't do it often enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We passed out in the wee hours of the morning.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Of course, we did eat quite a bit of cheesecake too!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sunday we were REALLY lazy. We slept, watched movies, ate, slept more, and watched more movies. Then we got on mypsace and said hello to all our friends and passed out the bday pics. I got to talk to Terry for a little while when he got off work.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Monday was just as lazy. At the first half of the day. Julie left to go home later in the afternoon. I got a little bit of packing done. My house is such a total mess right now. And I just can not wait to get out of here!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Julie got me the best bday present. A gold four leaf clover…how fitting huh? She said it reminded her of me awwwwww and I got a candle bowl, which says something about following your dreams because you never know where they will lead. SO TRUE!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(jules gifts)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0704.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0705.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I had the best time with Julie, and I am so very grateful for that day we crossed paths in life and that she was able to come up and spend some time with me before I go to far away fro just a few hour drive. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I spent the rest of Monday trying to get some more things packed up and moved out of the way. I feel like I am not making a dent in anything. Its frustrating.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then, the day sort of fell around me. I can not really say what's going on right now. But Terry is going through some major things. Its burning my heart and eating me alive. I cant worry. My powers are too strong and will carry my worry right to him and make things worse. So, I am trying to keep strong. To keep myself together, to keep us together. Wanting to be there now more then ever, and now, will stop at nothing to get there. To be with him. I will walk the ends of the earth for that man. I would do anything for him. ~sighs~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0682.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just so much going on around me, I don't know which direction to go in anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At any rate, I need to end this now….as I have a friend that could not go out over the weekend wanting to take me out tonight for drinks. To celebrate my birthday and to have one more girl's night before I head out of town.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will do another update later. Sorry this one jumps around so much, I am just finding it hard to settle down and stay in one direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You can find all the pics in the bday album in my pics(on myspace)<br />*****************************************************</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so I figured instead of writing a seperate blog, I would just add to this one. I wrote the blog Tuesday, and today is Thursday. I am sitting here waiting on my mom, who should be here any moment now. She left yesterday to take the wonderful journey from Michigan to Okie land to help her beautiful daughter move her shit!! LOL. Well, and her stuff too. When she moved to Michigan to take care of her parents and sold her house here, guess who stored her entire house full of belongings?? Yeap, you guessed it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, so I did go out Tuesday night with my friend Myca. I adore this girl. We have been friends many , many years and again, as with everyone else, I hated to say good-bye to her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I got trashed, and had a great time. We went to my fave place Bufallo Wild Wings for what else?? Guinness and wings!! I had not been there in a while, with all that had been going on. So, it was good to have one last good time there. We stayed for a little while, but nothing fun was happening in the bar, so we headed over to the college side of town and went to the Stonewall bar.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">One of my old friends ended up being the bartender there. Worked out great as she was not stingy in the least about making our drinks up to par.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">However, being there made me realize one thing, how much I hate the whole bar dating scene. You get there, you scope the place out, no one, and I mean no one did I find interesting enough. Maybe its because I dont care. Maybe its because I am not really interested. Or maybe its because I am so in love with Terry that I really could give a rats ass about any man at this moment. I mean, Terry and I have an open relationship. But, truth is, I really just dont want another man right now. So, having said that, lets get on with the bar chat. I find it rather amusing as the night goes on, the more drinks a person has, how they suddenly feel the need to become louder. I am sitting right next to Myca, and she feels the need to have to SHOUT at me. I am like girl, I am RIGHT here! It was rather funny. She was SOOOO smashed it was unreal. I was feeling a good buzz, but was no where close to being drunk. I knew I had to drive home and I knew I shit I had to get done on Wednesday, the last thing I needed was another lazy day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Something else that bothers me about the bar scene, people go by looks alone. Ok people, look at me. I know I am not Pamela Anderson or Kate Moss. Fuck them anyway who cares. I know I am fluffy. But you know what, I AM BEAUTIFUL!! And if people were not so superficial and hung up on this whole american standard of beauty, I might just give you the time of day to realize just how beautiful I am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, as you can see, I will not be joining the bar dating scene anytime soon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Besides, I have my Terry, and right now, thats all I want to work towards.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">However, I do realize I do need to get my butt back in shape. Doctors orders. So, I have a brand new pair of sneakers in hand and a pavement calling my name once I am moved and settled. Have already scoped out the gyms. But, I need a job first. In the mean time, me, my new sneakers and the dogs can all hit the pavement for a nice long run across the country side. Will do us all good.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, I still have a few random things that I need to pack, so will end this long novel now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Will be heading across the states in just a few days, will try to post one more blog before I head out.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 97px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/116/s_b692b5e1ffb84338adf0163630f4724b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Segmullier</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_389871">best of luck to ya<br />sounds like a killer night<br />and always cheers<br />dusty</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a>on Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 11:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_389871" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574&commentID=389871" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_389871"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_390754">friends, booze, presents and tattoo-<br />what could be better?<br />have a great trip, chrys.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a> on Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 10:56 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_390754" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574&commentID=390754" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_390754"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_391055">The pics are great! thanks for sharing them! I hope you have a safe trip and get settled quickly! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Friday, July 27, 2007 - 7:16 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_391055" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574&commentID=391055" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_391055"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">KRISTI C</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_392777">sounds like you had an awesome bday!! have a safe trip moving.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a> on Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 12:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_392777" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574&commentID=392777" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_392777"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_394069">Great blog baby...and like we talked about...fuck what some people think of as "beautiful." You are beautiful...just the way you are. ~~~hugs</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 12:08 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_394069" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=291474574&commentID=394069" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26328493701790888702007-07-23T21:08:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:26:35.185-04:00Birthday Blog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Monday, July 23, 2007 </span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"></span>Birthday blog coming soon!!!</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></b></span><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></div><b style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>Dont give up on me, I am still here...in the middle of packing, almost time to move!</b></b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></b></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"><b style="font-family: Verdana;">At the current moment...really...not up to par to writing...something just been ripped from me...and...I hurt...badly.. :(</b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /><br />MySpace Comments:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_386139">{{{{HUGS}}}} (did you think I would do something different?? LOL!)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - 7:43 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48573537374407090142007-07-22T07:21:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:25:16.425-04:00Terry: A New Blog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, July 22, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday4.jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br />So, I am supposed to write a new blog here. Seems some sassy ladies decided I needed one. HA.<br /><br />What to say, what to say. Well my lady ~c~ had a birthday today, and I gave her a proper spanking, followed by a paddling, in honour of her special day. I do believe she is rather sore at this point!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />She got herself a tattoo in honour of me, her Master and her Daddy. It is the Prince of Evil, quite fitting, and even has a T incorporated into the design. If you look closer at my own tat, you will see that there is a c in mine as well, which I requested. I had not originally planned it that way, but when my mate started on the work, I asked him to do that. It was one of those things ya just do, knowing it is the right thing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0682.jpg" height="301" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Such as even talking to this lady, at all, when in the past I have kept my distance, kept things cool and mysterious. I can't explain what happened, to this day, all I can say is that it must have been in the fates for this to happen to us.<br /><br />At any rate, HAPPY BIRTHDAY my slut baby, I love you.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday3.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday2.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday1.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0682.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_108735">reaches down to run my fingers across my flesh...feeling the little T's that were left behind after the paddling.....shivers....<br /><br />I am glad Julie got to come up for the weekend and we had a great time hanging out with all my mates. And even tho you were not here physically, you were still here with me , that magick that is with us , bonds us, holds us, shapes us and keeping you with me always.<br /><br />I adore my tat, and am very pleased with it. I love you and I am glad you liked it. Now, forever a part of you with me.<br /><br />We crossed paths that day for a reason....those reasons we sometimes can not explain...but, thats OK. We know enough to know we belong together ...and will be together.<br /><br />So, thank you for everything you did for me on my birthday to make it special. I LOVE YOU!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a> on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 1:26 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=290791184#" id="addReplyLnk_108735" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_108735"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><br /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_109047"></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a> on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 11:51 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=191944130&blogId=290791184#" id="addReplyLnk_109047" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_109047"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="20" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11603772587961608322007-07-20T11:39:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:23:59.120-04:00I Am Outta Here ......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, July 20, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center">I can now offically say:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Good-Bye</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am out of here.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">After yesterdays events, piled on top of everything else I decided that today will be my last day here at work.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">THANK GOODNESS</div><div align="center"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />No more<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"I need to pay my tickets..."</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"I couldnt come to court because...(insert life story here)"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">" I was not carrying my insurance (insert more life here)"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">" I cant afford my fines because....(hmmm you can afford the liquor and drugs that got your ass in trouble, but yet you can not afford to pay to get your ass out of trouble. Makes perfect sense to me)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I DONT CARE</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I don't have a sign on my head that says:</div><div align="center">PLEASE TELL ME YOUR LIFE STORY</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">No more will I have to hear:</div><div align="center">"Why is my water bill so high?"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">FUCK IF I KNOW</div><div align="center">I dont live at your house</div><div align="center">I am not there playing in your water.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">No more do I have to hear:</div><div align="center">"What day is trash pick up?"</div><div align="center">and</div><div align="center">"Why did my trash not get picked up?"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I DONT KNOW</div><div align="center">I DONT WORK FOR THE TRASH COMPANY</div><div align="center">NOR</div><div align="center">DO I DRIVE THE TRASH TRUCK.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">ewww</div><div align="center">thats just</div><div align="center">ewwwwwwww</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I have had my share of dealing with stupid people that is for sure.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Those I will not miss.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">However, their are a few I will miss.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Those that make me laugh, make me smile, and I can make them smile back.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Those I enjoy giving my smile to.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The rest of them, today you get a big FUCK YOU cause I wont be coming back.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The End.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Chapter finished.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Next.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am so ready to be done and moved.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Almost there...almost there...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379671">Great news sweetness, and on to the next step. Hoorah!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 12:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289905633#" id="addReplyLnk_379671" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289905633&commentID=379671" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_379671"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379681">Happy Dance Happy Dance!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 12:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289905633#" id="addReplyLnk_379681" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289905633&commentID=379681" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_379681"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379706">You lucky bitch! Ohhhh if this were my last day.........</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 1:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289905633#" id="addReplyLnk_379706" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289905633&commentID=379706" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_379706"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=89162783" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/s_da8a59384995a3b19c0772ea52e5b379.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_392906">The final day of a job is rival to all other euphoric moments life sometimes offers up. It’s so pure and final. Move forward with courage, clarity, and strength, as these are your assets and will serve you in the next chapter. Good luck, you will do well.<br /><br />-M-</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a>on Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 3:06 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4532122500907698052007-07-19T12:30:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:23:05.589-04:00Pissy ~ Day 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 19, 2007 </span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_289519852" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">So, apparently things just do not want to end.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I WAS in a very good mood.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">However, its all been ruined now.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">FUCK ME</div><div align="center">and</div><div align="center">FUCK YOU</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am so over being pissy, but I can not help it. Any sort of anger I have had brewing inside of me for the last few months is all coming out at once.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I WANT TO BLOW SOMETHING UP</div><div align="center">and</div><div align="center">I WANT TO BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF SOMEONE</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So....</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">you see....<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/i-am-done-oh-yes-i-am-pissed-fck-off.html" target="_blank">oh heffer from yesterday doesnt seem to want to give up.</a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I know, its not worth it, she's not worth my time and energy.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I KNOW THIS</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">but she has pushed the wrong damn buttons and I just want to scream at the top of my lungs.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ok</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Maybe I already have.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I have also had enough shit here at work. I thought, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/ch-ch-ch-changes-aka-divorce.html" target="_blank">once it got around I was leaving</a>, some people were going to get the could shoulder, some were going to just be bitchy, and some would not change at all. Funny, all the sudden true colors start to show. The one I thought would be bitchy and turn a cold shoulder has actually turned out to be rather understanding about things. And the one I thought , who had always stood beside me thru everything, is the one whose being mean and nasty.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I really think I am going to tell boss man today that this will be my last week. I have too much shit to do to try and get it all done.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I do. And I can get it done after work, but I really just do not want to be here anymore and deal with this. I have enough on my plate, and I am sick of people adding to it.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">And then ... not to mention the so-called "friends". The ones that have always been their seem to be questioning me. Going against what I feel I need to do in life. Telling me I am making a huge mistake. Whatever. You really dont have a clue then if you cant see it. Can not see past the mask and see what really went on. Then the "friends" that were not around, all of the sudden want to be my new best friend.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I just do not get it.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">And if one more jackass asks me when we can get together for drinks, I am going to smack him or her upside the head.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">For now, think I will just crawl back into my protective little shell and close off the world. Seems safer that way.</div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_378279">oh girl it will all be over soon enough, just keep strong. im not trying to defend anyone, but is it possible the ones you thought were friends are being bitchy to hide the fact they are sad you are leaving? sometimes when we hurt we end up hurting the ones we love also. course then again, could just be they are a true bitch after all lol.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 1:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289519852#" id="addReplyLnk_378279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289519852&commentID=378279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_378279"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379355">Well, since I am not a jackass, I think I shall safely ask- when are we going out for drinks, baby?<br />Seriously, let it go, not worth getting your knickers in a twist.<br />Lots of Love to ya, my slut baby.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 2:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289519852#" id="addReplyLnk_379355" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289519852&commentID=379355" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_379355"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_380051">Good goddess! Can't people tell when to back off? Give me a break, I can't stand people who try to butt into a good thing!<br />You just keep moving forward sis, and be happy! That is the best revenge!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 5:59 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289519852#" id="addReplyLnk_380051" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289519852&commentID=380051" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18236955834005640752007-07-18T11:52:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:21:18.613-04:00I Am Done.... (oh yes I am pissed the f*ck off, you have been warned)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, July 18, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_289102189" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; padding: 5px 0px;"><div align="center"><b>I'm Done.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sometimes in life you just have to say "you know what, enough is enough" and let things go. I have reached a crossroads in my life, and now, this is me saying, enough is enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I don't know why drama follows me, but it does. I don't ask for it and I certainly do not deserve it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Right now, I feel …wide open. And I don't much like it. I don't like feeling that I am not in control of my own self. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">My own spirit. Right now, I feel like there is another force much stronger then I forcing its way in. And if this force wins, it's my heart that just might lose. And, I am no mood to lose someone else.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I just want to be able to snap my fingers and make everything happen the way I want it to be. I want it to be easy. But we all know that's not going to happen and nothing in life is easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I am not as strong as most of you think. And I am even worse these days when my life is running around with scissors in circles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I want to run and hide. I want to crawl back in my shell and just go about my life. I don't want to open myself up anymore. I feel like pushing everyone away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Save myself from what could come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I don't like this feeling. Hate it. Don't want it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So, where is all this coming from? Here is where I start venting…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This person contacts me. She was civil enough. But, I was livid. Beyond livid, in such a fit of rage. Pissed. And, maybe their really was no reason for it. Maybe not as much as I was carrying. At any rate, she sends me mail. She is not even on my friends list, but rather someone else's. Apparently she thinks a comment I left on our mutual friends page was directed towards her. WHAT THE FUCK? I do not even know this person. Nor do I fucking care. Really people. Are some of you that conceited that you think anything anyone writes on someone's comments would be about you?? Seriously. I have better things to do with my time then sit around pondering what other people are saying in comments and plot against them. So keep your DAMN mouth SHUT and MIND YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESS. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Oh but she goes on. Oh yes, she doesn't stop. Decides she must tell me that she's a flirt and that's just how she is, and blah fucking blah. In girl terms that means, fuck you, I am going to do what I want anyway. CUNT. If she was on my friends list, the bitch would have been removed already. But she's not, and I cant. I could care less who flirts and who doesn't. What pissed me off and made my blood boil was her assuming something was directed to her that was not. She has no fucking clue what goes on between me and this person. Then to contact me as if its no big deal and tell me she's basically going to do what she wants anyway regardless of the situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">AND she thought I thought she was a threat to me!!??? WTF!! I do NOT and will NOT feel threatened by ANY woman for ANY reason.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">That to me is just disrespectful.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Apparently I have not calmed down about it 12 hours later. Apparently it still pisses me off. It was just RUDE of her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So, I bitched about it for a while. I was going to reply to her mail right away. I just felt so damn disrespected. But I knew, if I did reply right away, that the person to whom we had mutually would hear about it, and I just did not want that wrath or drag that person in to it. It was obvious to me that this CUNT was just trying to stir the pot. So… you know what my mother taught me??? ~ kill them with kindness and I did exactly that. I wrote her back, and I was as civil as I could be, but yet keeping my bitch charm that I am so good at. As of right now, no reply to my cheeky ass. Not that I really care. What I do care about is her not brining our mutual friend in to it. This is not that persons battle , its hers. She started it. All she had to do was leave things alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I would have been happy with a simple, "was that comment about me?" to which I could have replied no and been done with it. But , like I said, she over stepped the line with her words.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Again I repeat ~ DRAMA – DON'T BRING IT HERE</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I WILL RUN AWAY FROM IT</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The worst part about it, she made my mind race off in directions it did not need to go. I have enough on my plate as it is, I did not need to add to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">But she did. And I did. And their just was no way around it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">My mind rambles. Its restless now more then ever. This little tidbit of childish drama is what's making me want to run and just say enough is enough I don't want to do this anymore. Its just not worth it. Stacking it on top of other things. Opens my eyes and make me see things perhaps I turned a blind eye to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">FUCK HER and FUCK THIS</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I know I can be a bitch, but you know what, this is my playground and if you don't like it, you don't have to stay and play.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_376532">OMG - we have got to be living in the same cycle! My life is all about drama right now and I want it to stop!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 12:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289102189#" id="addReplyLnk_376532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289102189&commentID=376532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_376532"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_376535">Well I am about to rain down like lighting on someone, so ... ya want me to come up to your neck of the woods and help clear out some drama for you?? hahah ~winks~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 12:27 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289102189#" id="addReplyLnk_376535" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289102189&commentID=376535" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_376535"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_377382">wow.<br /><br />i wonder.... are we back in high school or something?<br />i mean maybe some people just like living in never never land, 'cuz they just can't grow up.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a> on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 8:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289102189#" id="addReplyLnk_377382" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=289102189&commentID=377382" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_377382"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=86105268" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">grandpabear</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=86105268" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/87/s_dc0f62f3a125452c80c1b55958967f77.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_377603">Dontcha just love peeps that can't read??? Sorry to hear about the trouble; road trip?? Did I hear road trip??? LOL</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=86105268" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">grandpabear</a>on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 11:17 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51890390264480810592007-07-16T21:27:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:20:11.224-04:00Blah Blah BlahJune 16, 2007<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I know, I have been out of sorts as of late. As many of you have noticed by the flooding of my mail box :)</span><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Haven't been posting surveys, been slacking on the blogs and comments.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I am here.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But, myspace seems to just have so many memories for me right now. Everyday I log in, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/beautiful%20Elonna" target="_blank">I see Elonna</a>, Joey, Lonnie, Sean and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Pirate%20Gang" target="_blank">I think about everything that has happened with us</a> all and where we all are in life right now. It put me in a slump and has made me just really not want to be on myspace these days.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">So, I just come by, check in. Answer mail and try to leave a comment for those that leave one for me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But, thats about all the effort I put forth.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I know, this is not fair to those of you I have made a good solid friendship with here.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe its just a mood swing and I will be back to my normal chatty self in no time.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">We shall see.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">However, if you have a Yahoo 360 page, you can visit me there as I post blogs pretty much every day, and comments and what not. And well...their is happiness there.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_319869">:) Just saying hello!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 5:05 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47390082650263045082007-07-16T11:27:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:17:53.965-04:00Thirty-Two<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Happy_Birthday%21.png" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Birthday Shaftora" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Happy_Birthday%21.png/300px-Happy_Birthday%21.png" height="114" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Happy_Birthday%21.png" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, July 16, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Thirty-Two</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did I just say that out loud???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh my, I am getting OLD! Hehehe…ok maybe not THAT old.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I have the Monday blahs. My morning started out pretty great. It's rather amazing how most things just seem to be bouncing off me. I just don't see the point in letting anything get to me. My mind is clear and I intend to keep it that way. I have too many things to look forward to. That's my focus. That's where my energy goes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> Anyway, today starts the day it gets around that<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/ch-ch-ch-changes-aka-divorce.html" target="_blank"> I am leaving</a>. I had to tell a few people I sort of dreaded telling. These would actually be the people I like. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> One of them being my fave Officer -Jarvis. There is a Paddy Day pic of me and him in my pics section. It was pretty heartbreaking. I have seen this kid go thru so much just in the year I have known him. He has bloomed quite a bit too. But because he is the youngest officer, he gets the bunt end of everything. I feel bad for him. He really is a nice guy. One of those nice guys that people take advantage of, girls included. I have seen this time and time again. Poor guy constantly getting his heart broken. We've had many talks about how he can change that. Whether he chooses to listen, that's another story. He's young, what can you do?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Of course, everyone has said, "I am sure going to miss you" and I just sort of laugh. I am sure some of them really mean it. But all I can think about is sure you are going to miss my loud, obnoxious, sarcastic, but full of laughter personality. And then put me and Shannon together….OUCH! We can be quite the pair. And her I will miss most of all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've been contemplating how to spend my birthday. Since it is Sunday, and you know here in OK its dry county on Sundays. I was thinking about going out with my girls for one last hoooorah Saturday night. But I really need to PACK! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At first I was upset that I was going to have a birthday while in the middle of all the crud going on around me. A sense of sadness that all the things I had set out to do in life had not been accomplished.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let's just say I had an awakening and leave it at that. Goals have been reevaluated. I am now looking at this next year of life as a whole new chapter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Bring it on, I am ready for it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>MySpace Comments:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_371927">You go girl! LOL! Like I said before...no regrets...just lessons...right? Moving forward, taking the good stuff with you and leaving the "bad" behind...<br />Enjoy your birthday anyway, even though there is sadness and packing to do! Go out Saturday night and stay home and pack on Sunday....a new adventure awaits! {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Monday, July 16, 2007 - 11:43 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=288272854#" id="addReplyLnk_371927" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=288272854&commentID=371927" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_371927"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_373510">PLEASE do not say that 32 is OLD-- because if that is true, I have one foot in the grave!<br />Happy birthday sis, and here is to new chapters!<br />{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Monday, July 16, 2007 - 11:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=288272854#" id="addReplyLnk_373510" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=288272854&commentID=373510" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=916b8787-dfca-4c3e-ab85-5e2789118c68" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39524659441212251092007-07-15T14:18:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:12:28.937-04:00New Life<div class="MsoNormal">Don't really know how to feel right now. I’m sitting here, trying to focus on what I am feeling. But, it is proving to not be an easy task. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I do keep focusing on is the countdown ahead. Tomorrow I must face everyone at work, as the City Manager will make <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/07/ch-ch-ch-changes-aka-divorce.html" target="_blank">the announcement that I will be leaving</a>, and have given my two weeks. I then get to face every city employee with the string of questions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Where are you going? – I am moving</div><div class="MsoNormal">But where? – <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why? – my family is there</div><div class="MsoNormal">What about him? He’s not coming, we are splitting up.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And then here come the oooohhh I am so sorry. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Well, I am not. It’s been a long time coming. Friday, one of the girls and I were talking about it. She was like, I am sorry to hear things didn’t work out; you guys were such a cute couple. I didn’t mean to, but I laughed at her. We had her fooled. Really, we had everyone around us fooled. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m OK!! Really. Why can’t anyone believe that?? I am not and have not been sitting around crying my eyes out thinking what happened? What made this fall apart?? I know what happened. I made this fall apart. I compromised myself and I had to learn the hard way that I should not have. Never again. I am who I am and will never apologize. I will never again compromise myself for anyone. I am not ashamed to be getting divorced. I practice no religion so it makes no bit of difference to me. It’s just a stupid piece of legal paperwork. Big deal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At any rate, I have spent the last couple of days sorting and packing. I really had thought I was not going to be leaving with much. But then it seems stuff just started to multiply. Thankfully it has been relatively easy sorting out who gets what. I hope it stays that way. But the memories are there and they have become a pain in the ass to deal with. So, I had to get rid of them. So far, it has worked. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My soon to be ex mother in law came by yesterday. I was in the bedroom listening to my iPod when I heard her big mouth. I shall assume he has not told her. Or had not up until this point because all I heard her mention was why things were packed up. I turned the iPod up louder and quit listening. I wanted no part of that conversation. Want nothing to do with her or the rest of the family for the rest of my time here. I have nothing to say to any of them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I just seem to be going thru the motions of life. Counting down the minutes. The days until my ass gets out of this house and my feet firmly planted north. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The transition to my new adventure is not going to be easy, I am sure. I am leaving a great job and some great people behind. I am going by my luck that I am going to find something equally as good with a good group of people. I am going to have to face my family and all their questions. The apologies. And I know what they are going to think, like mother like daughter. Hmmm, well my mother had good reason to divorce my dad. And my family knows this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This coming Sunday I turn 32. Been sitting here thinking, grams birthday is the day after mine. Thinking about her and life in general. Thinking about where I have been in life and where I am going. As I start a new year of life, I start it with much anticipation. Many hopes and dreams. </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4388618569693894602007-07-15T02:44:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:10:50.963-04:00~Terry: Our Plan~July 15, 2007<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">You are</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">my gift.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">I will</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">never question</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">your presence</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">in my life.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Not now.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Not ever.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">We crossed paths</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">that day</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">in a special</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">kind of way.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">A way</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">with meaning.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">A way</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">with purpose.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">We may</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">not have all the answers.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Not now.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Their is a plan</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">laid out before us</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">A plan for</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">you and I.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">When I look</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">at the sky</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">and see</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">that darkness</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">deep in the night</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">I know,</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">within that</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">is you.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Together</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">we share</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">something special</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">You and I.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Who are we</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">to question</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">the purpose</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">and the plan?</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Not me,</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">and surely</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">not you.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">© ~c~</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_374427">Maybe I do question too much, I know what we have is special. I do love you, sweetness.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 - 11:56 AM </div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45772403520885151772007-07-13T14:10:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:09:53.014-04:00What Makes A Woman Rubenesque?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11px;"><b>Friday, July 13, 2007 (original posting on MySpace) </b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Quite frankly, beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. And today, when most people think of an attractive woman in the fashion sense, they usually imagine a slim-hipped waif with hollow cheeks, narrow shoulders, and a rather unremarkable bustline. This is what commerce has brainwashed modern society into believing is the ideal woman.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br />It is a lie, propagated by marketing forces and fashion designers who use<br />the obsession with a slender female form as a means to earn millions of<br />dollars selling weight-loss products and other health routines.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br />But some of us know better. There is another female form that has been<br />idealized for centuries. She is the familiar hourglass or pear-shaped woman of wide hips, an ample bust, plump cheeks, soft-full lips, and a generally healthy profile of alluring curves and crevasses.</span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />She is the Rubenesque Woman. Elegant. Cultured. Educated and Beautiful.<br />In fact, the very word "rubenesque" originates from the adorable plump<br />women so frequently put to canvas by Renaissance Master Peter Paul Rubens.<br /><br /><br />Rubens paintings were so treasured because he painted the lovely women<br />that he saw around him. In Ruben's time, what are today called plus-size,<br />ample-bodied, full-figured, or pleasingly plump, were considered very<br />attractive, if not the most sought after of all women.<br /><br /><br />A firm heavy bust, complimented by shapely hips were physical features<br />that women of Ruben's day could be proud of. In fact, the fashion of those<br />times exaggerated these very features. Even slender women struggled into<br />agonizingly tight-fitting corsets and brassiers that held the mammaries upright so as to enhance their God-given(or perhaps the Devil) curves.<br /><br /><br />Sadly, today these concepts of female beauty are all but lost. Even the<br />over-used term BBW { big beautiful woman } seems an attempt to force<br />a positive image upon women who should be regarded as comely, just as<br />they are!<br /><br /><br />So this ~IrishChik~ rejects the modern fashion trends and<br />celebrate the elegant, independent, well-attired, and proud plus-sized female. ME!<br /><br /><br />Men, don't be afraid to love a woman with curves!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And ladies, if a man doesn't love you for who you are, then he's just not worth having around to begin with.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">~Anon</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_367831">Daddy loves this blog, baby!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w123/phillizzatty/bam2Asmall_cr.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/trutiea/biggirls.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 2:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_367831" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799&commentID=367831" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_367831"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_368203">~insert happy dance here~<br /><br />I am glad Daddy is happy ;) as I know my Daddy HAS the right equipment ;)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:26 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_368203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799&commentID=368203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_368203"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_368162">AMEN Sister! Skinny chicks are for wimps!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:07 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_368162" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799&commentID=368162" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_368162"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_368185">You go sista!!! xxxxxxx</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_368185" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799&commentID=368185" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_368185"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=61526780" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Atlanta Cellist.....</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=61526780" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/13/s_e29970b183b24d8992ed5e871c09cdb6.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_368591">my opinion on the "fashion-skinny" women of the world is because MOST of the fashion designers are GAY men.<br />Gay men can't look like sexy full-figured women because they're MEN.<br /><br /><br />sooooooooooooo, the models that they create (to me) are like women who LOOK like gay men! :)<br /><br />And what is funny is that men who are "homophobic" like these skinny women....LOL!!!!! haha!<br /><br />I'm all for REAL women (smile)...bring on the curves baby!!!!<br /><br />kisses~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=61526780" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Atlanta Cellist.....</a> on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 10:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_368591" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799&commentID=368591" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=61526780" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_368591"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_369777">Great blog, sis, and when I saw that "bountiful" pic before (okay so I admit I have lost weight since then-- but still, I will never be a <myspace>size</myspace> 8!), I always wondered<br />"Who the hell put that hidden camera in my bathroom????"</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 11:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_369777" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799&commentID=369777" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_369777"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_369798">Great blog, sis, and when I saw that "bountiful" pic before (okay so I admit I have lost weight since then-- but still, I will never be a <myspace>size</myspace> 8!), I always wondered<br />"Who the hell put that hidden camera in my bathroom????"</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 11:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_369798" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799&commentID=369798" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_369798"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_369805">DOH! I hate that when you hit reply and it gives you an "error" message, so you hit it again, and THEN find out the first one went through. Grrrr!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 11:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_369805" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=287283799&commentID=369805" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9d194e54-1cd8-46a9-a1bc-738ac821251f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46194135196058406852007-07-11T11:04:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:08:31.243-04:00Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (aka Divorce)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, July 11, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Why, Yes I AM thank you!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">(*cough *cough- little dusty in here-been a while since a blog)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ok, I am really TRYING not to be, but I just can't help it. I am finding it hard to keep my bad mood inside. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Because right now I just want to scream</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"FUCK YOU ALL I AM NOT COMING BACK!"</div><div align="center"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">To all those people that get on my nerves.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Big changes in life. That is what is going on with me.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Let me just spell it out for you:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">D-I-V-O-R-C-E</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">and</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">M-O-V-I-N-G</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">making one last and final trek across the states to Michigan.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Yes, indeed. It's going to happen. Things are already falling in to place.</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><div align="center">I debated about when I should tell anyone. Making it official. Some people close to me already know whats going on. It came down to- tell spouse-toid at the last minute, then bust my ass trying to get packed and moved as quickly as possible OR tell him now and make the next couple of weeks miserable here at home. Which will most likely make me miserable at work. But at least that gives me time to pack my things and sort through our shit properly. Doesn't matter either way, its just going to suck.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Its not like he doesnt know its coming. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/05/made-in-michigan.html" target="_blank">When we came back from Michigan the first time,</a> over Memorial Day week, I told him (yet once again) how unhappy I was. How I wanted to go. But he didn't listen. I guess he has developed this "I will believe it when I see it" attitude. I can't try anymore. It is time to close the book on the last 10 years. I have tried to "fix" the last 3 years. It is just not going to work. The End.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">A whole new book awaits me.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">It's going to start out rough. It's not going to be easy. I am going to fall down and make some mistakes, I am sure.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Anyway, work is about to get their two weeks notice.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Making it Official.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">(i apologize ahead of time to Shan)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">As the mood around here is about to change rather quickly.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">As I will TRULY MISS YOU!!!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">~sob sob cry cry~</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">But you know, you can come visit anytime!!!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So, if you guys don't get a blog for a while, you know why!</div><div align="center">~c~</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364047">I'm sending you lots of strength.....emotionally to handle all the ups and downs and physically - couches are heavy!!!<br /><br />Keep in touch Lady!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 2:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364047" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130&commentID=364047" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364047"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364279">{{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 4:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130&commentID=364279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364279"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364510">You know you always have my love and support. You will get through this and come out on the other side a better person for it. There are so many people who are here for you. My thoughts are with you xxxx</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a> on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 7:10 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364510" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130&commentID=364510" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364510"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364517">Girl Ive been there twice myself. Yeah its tough...the doubts and the guilt dont help, but in the end you have to do whats right for you. You're strong and you'll make it through....just look for the rainbow at the other side.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy & Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 7:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364517" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130&commentID=364517" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364517"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 96px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥KittenShark♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/105/s_ecbcd41b0d214521ac925babda385e4e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364555">Ahhh....divorce...what can I say...bittersweet memories that I wouldn't trade for the world!!! Freedom awaits you, grab it and GO!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥KittenShark♥</a> on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 8:04 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364555" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130&commentID=364555" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=87565705" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364555"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364878">Oh sis, been there twice, actually the moving and starting over thing more times than I can count. It will be worth it in the end! Freedom and happiness awaits! {{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace </a>on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 11:08 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364878" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=286492130&commentID=364878" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65010729925353138942007-07-07T12:56:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:18:13.627-04:00So Sick Of This Game We Call Life<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, July 07, 2007 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Joey/joey32007.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20.5pt;">So Sick Of This Game We Call Life</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Warning – I am pissed, I am angry, so if you think I might offend you, then I would suggest you not read any farther. If you do get pissy with me, or whatever, I apologize ahead of time. I tend to get in pretty foul moods when dealing with shit I really just would rather not have to. And so, it tends to pour out in my writing. I also suggest you duck because I have been known to throw things across the room. My writing is my outlet. And if I don't bitch and rant then I might blow up and do a lot worse.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ok, warning over…..on to the rant:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I am quite literally sick sick sick of it all... really... I mean I KNOW we all go through the motions of life. I KNOW we all lose people around us for whatever reason. I get that. I don't really need another person to tell me that.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">However, why so much, so many, in such a short time? In the last 18 months I have had more then my fair share of losses. I also get, that sometimes for something you lose, their is something you gain. And sure, I have gained someone truly wonderful, but look at the cost. (I know that sounds bad…sorry) Not that I want to give him up or trade him back for anyone or anything. (No never, I want to keep him forever and ever and ever) One door closes, another opens. I get it. Doesn't make anything easier. The cycle of life.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I also get that we are never given more then we can handle in life. Right. Whatever. I have been given more then my fair share of shit to handle in life. Pass it on to someone else for a while and let me have some peace and happiness.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Him (Joey) and I share the same birthday, that is only a matter of days away....I don't even want the day to come. I do not want to think that we will not be celebrating together. This whole thing just reeks!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I am angry, I am hurt and I am down right bitter.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">It starts with grandpa, then to Lonnie, I feel like I have lost Elonna, may as well say I have lost Sean, and Ray followed his path.(that's a whole other blog, yeah sorry I have not wrote about that ordeal) Lost my grandma. And now, I come back from dealing with that, and learn I have very well lost my Brother Joey, too!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">WHY? WHY? WHY?</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I know what you are going to say....don't focus on what you no longer have and focus on what you do.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Right.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">OK. So what do I have?</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/introducing-terry.html" target="_blank">I have Terry</a>. And if not for his strength I would not be making it through this as good as I am. (I love you!!) I would have already called it quits like I did after gramps death, once again to my bottomless pit (that I often shared with Joey), and this time, I wont return.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I have Steven. He being close to Joey too (as well as the rest of the gang) understands my feelings and emotions right now. We sort of have to lean on each other.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I have wonderful friends all over that support me in everything I go thru. And, I have my family. You know who you are, so let's not get mad because I did not mention you here. This isn't a blog about shout-outs.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Life is not so bad, I realize this. But it sure SUCKS right now at this very moment.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">As another saying goes, that you don't need to tell me, I have heard it all too many times before… And this too shall pass….</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ok..Just needed to rant and vent and get it off my chest. Time for me to go about my day now.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">~c~</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_355115">{{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a> on Saturday, July 07, 2007 - 4:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=284976432#" id="addReplyLnk_355115" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=284976432&commentID=355115" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_355115"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_355150">I love you too, darling.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a> on Saturday, July 07, 2007 - 4:50 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=284976432#" id="addReplyLnk_355150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=284976432&commentID=355150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_355150"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_359516">I can't say anything to ease your anger and pain - only that I'm sending strength to you that will hopefully help you through your struggles. Big Hugs and Kisses.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice </a>on Monday, July 09, 2007 - 9:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=284976432#" id="addReplyLnk_359516" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=284976432&commentID=359516" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-479259484820768552007-07-01T17:48:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:11:41.973-04:00My Blog for T<div>Ok, so I have realized <a href="http://www.myspace.com/_master_t/blog">T has written 4 blogs now for/about me</a>. And I have yet to return the love. I mean I have written things for him and about him, but have not talked really personally about him. So, allow me to do so now.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>So, who is T.. or ~T~ as it usually goes. Well, that’s him (points over to the left) over there in that picture. Terry. And if you go to my friends list, you will find him there.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-bhmro4Er4/TglGEMMYznI/AAAAAAAAAcY/z8ol1Ya5P8o/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-bhmro4Er4/TglGEMMYznI/AAAAAAAAAcY/z8ol1Ya5P8o/s320/l.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div>When I came up with the idea to do this blog, I thought I knew exactly what I was going to say. Knew exactly what I was going to tell you all. But, truth is, every time I think about this man, my words fall short. Didn't think it was possible to render me speechless now did you? Well it’s true. And it happens more often then I admit.</div><div></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />So here I am. Searching for the right words. Thinking about what I want to say. Thinking about everything that’s happened between us so far. And I just get so overwhelmed.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>How we met seems like a good place to start. I suppose we should thank Steven for that. As it was thru him that I learned of Terry. Had gotten nosy and asked Steven about him. I would go to T’s page and read his blogs. Absorbing it. Reading his comments. Reading what he would write for others. Not so much to be nosy, but more so just to get a feel for his personality. Something about him is so intimidating. Even to this day I still feel that way. On top of all butterflies in my stomach every time we talk.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23942423597420155582007-06-26T17:30:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:09:55.070-04:00Introducing Terry!!!!!!!!!!<img alt="Silly me by " src="http://a2.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/9635eb0532580a20de26fb9f2fdfc651/l.jpg" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">Ok....</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I know you have noticed. Sort of hard not to. And those of you on my 360 …well you already knew. But, now that it's moved here, sort of hard to just let things slide by.</span></div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I also know , I don't need explain anything. My life is what it is. And if someone doesn't like it, or doesn't approve, that's on them, not me, and you can quickly remove yourself from my friends list.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Simple.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">As the saying goes…one door closes in life and another opens.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I believe all things in life happen for a reason. We cross paths with certain people at certain times in our life for a reason.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">And I believe, the path I crossed with this person was simply meant to be. Sometimes it is not clear to us why they have been brought into our life, and that's not always necessary to enjoy what you have with that person.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">So, who am I talking about???? <a href="http://www.myspace.com/_master_t" target="_blank">Terry. My Master, my Daddy,</a> my protector of all things, my safe haven, my friend, my heart and soul.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I am truly, madly, passionately, fiercely IN love with this man.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">And these things are hard for me to say. my Master. I am not an easy one to tame, as most of you know my personality. I tend to be a little (ok a lot) cheeky :) Some have tried and failed miserably. Or maybe it was me...maybe my heart was not in it as it is now. It just was not right for what ever the reason. my Daddy. even harder still to spit out. For reasons many of you know. But, for the first time in my life, I can say it.... with total love and adoration.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I can not explain it much simpler then that.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes, I said it….Love….that grand and splendor thing that I seem to exude so much of for others. But, being IN love is not to be confused for having love for someone. I love those that are close to me. They know who they are and I have no problem telling them I love them. And Terry knows my feelings for Him and where He stands in my life.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Right now, I am really at a loss for words when it comes to talking about Him. I mean, I can write poems and stories that are inspired by Him, but I just get so overpowered with emotion when trying to pour out words about him. Everything that has happened between us since we met…..it is simply put…AMAZING. So amazing that my simple words can not describe. Men have come in and out of my life, for so many reasons. But not a single one of them have ever made me feel the way he does, picked my brain and made me think the way he does, tapped in to things no one else ever knew about me…things about myself long forgotten.....long put away....the girl i was...the girl i should be....the girl i will be again.....He just understands me without having to give these long drawn out details. He doesn't judge. He doesn't try to change me. Doesn't belittle me for the things I do. He fully accepts me as is. And I am just about comfortable in my own skin...There is only one thing I can honestly say I would change about Him if I could…and that would be, the distance between us.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">You have all heard me say this before….but its worth repeating….what's meant to be with always find a way.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">There are many changes that are happening in my life these days. And only going to become a rocky road ahead. It's good to know He will be there every step of the way.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">So…there you have it.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Stop by – introduce yourself, and say hello to him.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Terry -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Gráím thú , Tá mo chroí istigh ionat - Ádhraím thú !!!!!</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Ok..I am getting a little forgetful this morning... I forgot to comment here, LOL! Anyway...it's nice to meet Terry, but I cannot comment on his page because I am not his friend :(. Ok, so I will send him an invite. There is a huge difference in loving someone and being in love with them...you are sooo right on that!<br /><br />I cannot/will not ever judge you for your choices...I agree with you that people come in to our lives at certain times for certain reasons...when we are ready to learn the new lessons and experiences they bring to our lives. I am glad you found someone that makes you happy. Too bad he is in another country! Are you ready to take off and go be with him? Is he willing to come here? So many obstacles!<br /><br />Anyway....{{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 8:26 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375&commentID=335953">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967">Patrice </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Congrats Baby - he is beautiful!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967">Patrice </a>on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 9:11 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375&commentID=335994">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851">???????? Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm ????????</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Jessica Betts<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Glad to see you're happy. Every naughty girl needs a strong man to keep her in line lol. Next month will be 2 yrs for me and mine. Been the best 2 yrs of my life! Who knew being bad could be so fun!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26416851">???????? Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm ????????</a>on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 10:43 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375&commentID=336115">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=26416851"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Oh yay, he's over here now! I was so sad when he lost his 360 right when I was getting to know him. And may I say: FUCKING HOT!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace</a>on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 11:59 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375&commentID=336233">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130">~T~</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Wow baby, I don't quite know what to say. What a way to be welcomed to Myspace. Why am I not surprized? Thank you, my precious ~c~.<br /><br />Taim i ngra` leat<br /><br />Ta` cion agam ort<br /><br />Tha gaol agam ort<br /><br />Je t'adore<br /><br />Te quiero<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191944130">~T~</a> on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 1:40 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280735375&commentID=336379">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=191944130"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53272367895304573142007-06-24T17:28:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:08:51.477-04:00Still Hanging In....Grams Part 2<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ok, so maybe I jumped the gun a little on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/my-grams.html" target="_blank">this mornings blog.</a> But I was just going by what my mom had said. So, here it is 24 hrs later and my mom decides to call again, with the news that grams is still hanging with us. But, in a great deal of pain despite the tripple dose of morphine. ~sighs~ I just wanted her to go peacefully, with no pain and no long drawn out drama. Tis so very sad....... thats all I can say right now....</span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"> </span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_333116"><br /><br />I will keep you both in my prayers! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 9:06 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280067636#" id="addReplyLnk_333116">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280067636&commentID=333116">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=19144538">april</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=19144538" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/74/s_d9faa445f0b34db68eb027b5ee4291ad.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_334662"><br /><br />I'm with you. Got a call from Carmel on Sunday to let me know the situation. I started looking for tickets to get back. I guess I will see you soon, unfortunate circumstances. I was hoping to get there in July before she passed, but that didn't happen. I called Carmel last week to make sure the time and locations of my tickets would be okay before I bought them and she told me to hold off. I knew that wasn't good. But, like you said, she will be back with grandpa soon, and out of pain.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=19144538">april</a> on Monday, June 25, 2007 - 3:18 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280067636#" id="addReplyLnk_334662">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=280067636&commentID=334662">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=19144538"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49345887868830528422007-06-24T17:23:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:07:56.492-04:00My Grams<span style="background-color: white;">My mom calls me yesterday, about 5pm. I can tell by the tone of her voice when she says hello that somethings not right. And I know exactly what it is. I have been expecting this call ever since <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/05/made-in-michigan.html" target="_blank">returning from Michigan</a>. Then, she began to cry. In between those tears I got, "its bad", "not going to make it thru the night" , and "at best she only has a few hours" followed by, "i wont call you back tonight, will call you tomorrow." Of course their was the "better start checking on plane tickets or figuring out to get back up here."</span><br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>So, I sit here writing this assuming of course, that she did not make it thru the night. And, knowing what I heard from mom, and what I felt .... she has passed on to the next world.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>Both of my grandparents led a wonderful and filled life.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The only regret I have is not moving back to Michigan soon enough to spend more time with them.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am sort of just numb about it right now. I know it was her time to go. And I know she is in a better place free from pain and suffering. A place where she can be with gramps once again. But I am still angry. Angry for the higher powers that be taking her away. I am selfish and just was not really ready to give her up yet. But my heart deep inside knows, my mind knows, my inner self knows, I will see her again.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>(ps- sorry for the typos..I am not using word to write this. Instead just writing directly to blogland. No spell check, and really just dont care to proofread right now. )</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/39/s_5d7a69923d6d43edb4bf2131f2f15282.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Debbie Noneya<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_332266"><br /><br />Huge hugs filled with love girl! You are right she is in a better place right now with your gramps, without pain and suffering. She also able to help rock those babies that need a grams hands to make them feel that comfort.<br /><br /><br /><br />My prayers are with you and your entire family. Love ya girl!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a>on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 9:09 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_332266">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482&commentID=332266">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42336335"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_332266"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_332289"><br /><br />You know sis I could sit here and write all the flowery, comforting phrases that we all drag when these things happen-- she is with your Grandpa now, she is at peace, in a better place, etc.<br /><br />But having lost three of the very dearest and closest people in the world to me in the past 5 years, I am going to say-- straight from my heart, how I really feel--<br /><br />Death sucks.<br /><br />{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Chrys}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace </a>on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 9:46 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_332289">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482&commentID=332289">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_332289"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_332408"><br /><br />{{{{HUGS}}}} Everything to be said has been said, so I will sit here quietly offering you {{{{HUGS}}}}! Love you girl!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 12:00 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_332408">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482&commentID=332408">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_332408"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174">Brian Kinney</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Brian Kinney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_332500"><br /><br />Ahh jeezuz Chrys...I am so sorry baby...<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=83231174">Brian Kinney</a> on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 1:34 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_332500">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482&commentID=332500">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=83231174"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_332500"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967">Patrice </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_334133"><br /><br />I'm in the same boat with you Baby - let us be strong together. Prayers and hugs....<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967">Patrice </a>on Monday, June 25, 2007 - 8:51 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_334133">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482&commentID=334133">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_334133"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020">Kristi</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />KRISTI C<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_334241"><br /><br />I am so sorry to hear about your grandma! I understand those feelings of selfishness and not wanting to give them up, such a very hard situation. My thoughts &amp; prayers are w/ you and your family.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020">Kristi</a> on Monday, June 25, 2007 - 10:11 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_334241">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=279917482&commentID=334241">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=81869020"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51465045304990756452007-06-17T17:21:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:05:05.793-04:00That Darkness<span style="background-color: white;">I just woke up from getting all of maybe 2hrs sleep. Pissed off to no ending degree. Having no idea where this anger was coming from. Then I realize…oh yeah, it's <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/ughi-really-hate-fathers-day.html" target="_blank">Father's Day.</a> Great…just great. Let me crawl back in to bed and not deal. Let me climb back in my hole and hide here.</span><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Blood/thblood2.jpg" /></a><br /><div>The dark side, the darkness within, however you want to put it, it's really all the same in the end. We all have a dark side. Oh, its there, trust me. However, the degree to how dark one is varies with each individual. I've done pretty well in my life hiding that dark side of me to those in my life. I know I let bits and pieces of it out here and there. Sometimes it comes out in the things I write. But, there are even few who know the real darkness inside of me. And I like to keep it that way. I would rather the world see me in smiles.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><div>But just because I put forth a smile, does not mean that darkness isn't consuming my every fiber in which I am made. And lately, it's been a struggle to keep the lid on it. Pushing it down, latching the latch but it keeps getting open. Poking at me. Making my insides itch. I scratch, tearing at my flesh. I'm bleeding all over the place and I can't stop it. The anger is boiling over. I have to push back fits of rage. All I want to do is rain down like lighting on someone or something. Don't know what to do about it. When my eyes are open, it's like they are closed. Darkness all around me. But I am not scared. It's always been there, always been a part of me. I feel myself falling. I am not sure why. Maybe it's because of all the things going on in life. The changes that are about to be made. I feel stuck. I don't like it. I want to move forward but I can't. I am stuck here in this puddle of blood a while longer. I'm standing here and I can see the direction I need to take. But I can't move. I am consumed with too much of something that I can explain. I can reach out and grab the small things I need to follow my new path in life, but I can not get much farther then that.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>I find it ironic, that there is one, yes that One…who has his own darkness, but yet I find so much light in him. His strength, His power they are with me every day. I absorb it; take what is given to me.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/2hn5rlw.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>But I don't know if that power and strength is enough. I don't know if that can pull me out of this hole I have fallen back in to. I've really had enough of this cold skanky hole I am in. I know I have much I need to deal with in my life. I realize that. I accept that, and will do what I need to do in order to save my sanity.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>My being in this cold dark hole is not helping myself. All it is doing is oozing my bloodlines all over every one else. The one thing that put me in this hole looks like it is a never ending bottomless pit of vile.</div><div><br /></div>Perhaps that vile wants me to stay there. Alone to rot in the stench.<br /><div><br /></div>But I know I don't want to drown in a bloody stench right now.<br /><div><br /></div>I know the girl I am and the girl I want to be.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_321428"><br /><br />Usually it's fear that keeps us immobile. You just have to figure out what the fear is about...failure? success? rejection? change? Once you figure that out, it will be easier to start moving in the direction you want to go. There are many of us here that will reach out our hands to help pull you out, but first you have to want to get out...and it sounds like you do. Hate and anger towards those who have hurt you, only gives them the power to hurt you more. Letting go of it puts you back in control. It's not exactly forgiveness, but taking YOUR power back. {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya, girl...you know I do!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Monday, June 18, 2007 - 5:05 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277405630#" id="addReplyLnk_321428">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277405630&commentID=321428">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_321428"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_321657"><br /><br />Sorry that I don't have time to answer your email right now sis, and I already commented on this over on 360. But I would like to add that while our men--and our women, distract us, they don't solve our core issues. I know mine is your basic low self-esteem, and that having a younger man (who looks like Joey!) falling all over me is very ego-boosting and good for my self-esteem right now. BUT I really need to find that within, which has been and continues to be a struggle for me.<br /><br />NO you are not meant to be stuck in that hole sis! *reaches out a hand to pull you out*<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace</a>on Monday, June 18, 2007 - 10:07 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277405630#" id="addReplyLnk_321657">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277405630&commentID=321657">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_321657"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826">Jules</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_322878"><br /><br />After being in the darkness myself, I know what you are feeling. So take my hand friend and we can pull each other out of the pit. Life can be joyous, it can be good, it can be happy again. I think it's just been so long since someone has taken our hands and showed us this can be so. much luv xx<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55296826">Jules</a> on Monday, June 18, 2007 - 10:33 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277405630#" id="addReplyLnk_322878">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277405630&commentID=322878">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=55296826"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48588275344575111172007-06-17T17:18:00.000-04:002014-07-21T18:02:20.323-04:00Ugh....I Really Hate Fathers Day<div>June 17, 2007 (originally posted on MySpace)<br />Possible Titles: Why I Hate Fathers Day</div><div>Swearing off Men</div><div>Men Suck</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Ok, first let me say, this is NOT a rant towards my family and friends who are good men, and/or who are good fathers. You know who you are, how I feel about you and where you stand with me. Rather this is a rant that is based on my own personal experiences and my feelings towards them. Nor is this rant geared to the One closest to my heart right now (~T~)</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Since I can not seem to decide on a title, I am just going to leave all of them here.</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>There are quite a few of you that have been around my blogs for a while. Those of you that have been around, you know <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/sexual%20abuse%20survivor" target="_blank">my issues with men.</a> Why they totally disgust me. Well you know most of them. Although I am rather open about many things in my life, there are many in which I don't tell and many in which I make so cryptic, you think you have an idea, but the truth is it may not be that way at all. As a writer I have mastered the art of word manipulation.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>You are not going to see my nice side in this blog.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I have so much shit rolling around in my brain, I have to let it out or I am going to go crazy. I have decided that I am no longer going to fear rejection and I am finally going to start working on getting some of my better writings published. And there is a book idea in the works. Elonna and I have talked about this book for years now. And I think, today is just as a good of day as any to get started on it. Life is just too short. Right now it's just a jumbled mess of my thoughts and ideas. But, it will turn into something with time. I know the direction I want to take it in. Where I want to go with it and I might post part of it here to get feedback. I realize a true work of art does not happen overnight, and I know this is not an exception to that rule. At any rate, I am getting off topic and ahead of myself.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Today is Father's day. And I hate it. Loath it. Despise it. It disgusts me and makes me want to wretch and vomit from the depths of my soul. It's a constant fucking yearly reminder about the cards that I was dealt with in life. I think for the most part I have lived rather well with my hand, but sometimes I am given the Joker when I least expect it. And Fathers day rolls around every year, it's a given these thoughts are going to invade my space. I can't run from it or forget it when there is a constant reminder of this day. Trust me, I have tried to run from it in all sort of manners. Nothing works. Nothing is permanent. I hope at some point in life that will sink in, but for the time I do what I must to keep it pushing inside and away.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So as I am sure you have guessed I likely have father issues. And you would be correct. As I look back, thinking about it, I see their has been a pattern with past men in my life. It's made me so leery of them today. Why I don't let them get close to me. And when I feel one too close, I push away and start to close myself off, give distance. I don't want to do this, but my defense just goes up having been so hurt so many times. After Lonnie died I vowed I was never going to be with another man. I was never going to let someone get over my wall. I was just going to keep those close to me that were already over my wall, build it back up , much higher, bar all windows, close the gate, lock it and throw away the key. I was going to live out the rest of my existence, first getting out of the situation I am in, and then living my life as a bisexual girl who preferred woman over men. In all my female relationships, it's always been a mutual parting. Things just didn't work for whatever reason. And I still remain friends with them to this day. I don't know what it is about me staying friends with my ex's because as I think about it, there are quite a few that I still converse with as friends. Oh well, not going to analyze that. It's a whole other topic that would render its own blog if that was an avenue I wanted to walk on.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Father issues. Yes, I have them. Two of them as a matter of fact. Both of them disgust me for different reasons. Now I am sitting here watching this cursor blink thinking, how personal to I want to get here. What do I want to say? Who will stay and who will run away. If you were fortunate enough to be around before I tore all my blogs down, then you may recall a blog titled <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html" target="_blank">"Cards on the Table" </a>that blog was all about dad #1 and father #2. Not much detail, it touched on the surface. For many of you, the tale I can tell will be of no surprise because you have read it all before. But for those of you new to my world, it's defiantly a horror story of the sorts.</div><div><br />I think, I don't really want to talk about it right now. Maybe another time. I am not really feeling like opening myself up right now. The wounds already cut, I am already bleeding out, and talking about it is going to be like pouring salt on it. I would just rather not go there today.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Men Issues. Yes, I have them. Obviously. But let me clarify once again NOT ALL MEN. If I talk to you, then obviously I don't have an issue with you. But, as I have said in previous blogs, entering my world their will be a test to see whether I let you stay in it or not. I do this for my own reasons and don't think I need to explain it. Should be pretty obvious.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Sexual abuse, adoption, abandonment, rape, death, destruction, physical abuse, and mental abuse should be a pretty good indication. WOW! And I said I wasn't going to go there didn't I. Now I sit here thinking, should I go back and delete it, or keep it in? Fuck it. Keep it in I say. I am not ashamed of it. Its things in my life that make me the woman I am today. Why I behave the way I do. Why my guards are constantly up. Why I always have to be in control of myself. In control period. Of course, with the exception of One, I will never ever render myself powerless. Never put my guards down and let someone be in control of me. It's just not going to happen.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So for these reasons this is why Fathers day truly bothers me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />{{{{HUGS}}}}!For once I have nothing to say. Just plenty of hugs to send your way! Hey! That rhymed! LOL! Mercury is retrograde, so communications will be messed up right now...it's ok to start thinking and planning, but just remember if things go wrong just wait a few weeks and start over! Here is a link to a really good astrology site. www.astrologyzone.com. Mercury stops it's retrograde on July 9th.<br /><br />Have a wonderful Sunday despite the day it is. As Don says...it's just another day! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 5:03 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277131811#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277131811&commentID=319867">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />It's a rough Fathers day over here too sis, for different reasons. But I can totally relate to the feeling of blah for this day. Have been through the Swearing off Men and Men Suck stuff too. Still do at times!<br /><br />(((((hugs)))))) to you sweetie!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace </a>on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 12:56 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277131811#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=277131811&commentID=320163">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20538609386547342082007-06-10T17:09:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:59:30.677-04:00Just Me - Part 3 (The Last)<div>June 10, 2007 (originally posted on my MySpace)<br /><div><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/BBW/My%20Name/ee61.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/just-me-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/just-me.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a><br /><br /><div>This might very well be the last of this series. Even though this hardly even touches or scratches a small fragment of the surface, I have grown tired and become quite bored of it. So, just going to throw a few random things out there and just be done with it. This should pretty well (all 3 parts) answer all the questions you all have thrown my way. If I missed something, you are more then welcome to drop me a line and ask. I may answer, I may not. Or I might just play with your mind and leave you more confused then how you started.<br /><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>As you can see I am pretty laid back, but I am sharp tongued. I am SARCASTIC people, get over it. You call me out and I will call back. I am quick to the draw. If you lack common sense and are just plain stupid I will call your ass out on it. It's as simple as that. Don't come up in here proposing to think you know me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Quite frankly, I am pretty easy to get along with if you would just take the time to do so and not pass judgement first.</div><div><br /></div><b>Jealousy. </b>It irks me and makes me want to throw things. It's retarded and I have no place in my life for it. I know where I am in life. I know who I am in life. And I am comfortable in my own skin. I know who I stand beside and who stands beside me. If you have issues with that, then perhaps you need to do some searching for the issues that lay within yourself, because it goes much deeper then what's on the surface. If you are trying to make me jealous, it won't work. All it does is make you look like a stupid ass and don't be surprised if I call you out on it and make you feel like a fool.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>What's mine is mine.</b> Simple is that. I might be selfish and possessive of things which are mine. But, I do play well with others and am willing to share with the right person.</div><div><br /></div><br /><b>Trust.</b> Trust is a big deal for me. In a world where it is so easy for a person to throw a fake pic up and pretend to be someone they are not. It will take a lot for me to trust you, so really, just don't expect it.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>Don't try to Master me. </b>I know I am wild. I don't need you to tell me that. I am not yours to tame. Nor do I want you to try to tame me and settle me down. You won't get there. Don't question my actions. I am stubborn. I generally have to have the last word. I will not back down, nor bow down.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>As it stands there is only <b>ONE </b>I will bow down to, and he has rightfully earned that. I do not need nor do I want another. Don't expect to try and dominate me. I will be the one in control here. I don't care if you are on a mission in this world for total domination. I want no part of it. I won't even let you get close enough to try.</div><div><br /></div><b>This is my court and these are my rules.</b> I will be the one in charge, its that simple. Again I say there is only ONE person these rules do not apply to. And he knows who he is.<br /><div><br /></div><b>You can not break me or control me.</b> So don't bother. I am not broken and don't need to be fixed. If you think you have control then you really have not been paying attention. You cannot own me, but I can certainly own you. I don't play games so don't waste my time. No strings, no feelings and no emotions. I will not let you get that close to me. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/just-me.html" target="_blank">Please refer back to part 1.</a><br /><div><br /></div>If you think I am <b>being a bitch</b> I will stick my tongue out at you. But you are not likely to get a rise out of me. It's not worth my time and effort. If I think you are being one, I will be sure to tell you. And might just flip you off in the process.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>I am easily amused.</b> Hard to entertain and it takes much to keep my attention.</div><div><br /></div>I can pick up after myself, and I expect you to do the same. I am not your mother and therefore I will not pick up after you. Don't bring your mess here.<br /><div><br /></div>My life is a very organized mess.<br /><div><br /></div>I tend to be a mess of my own insecurities. But I hide it well.<br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/BBW/NEW_Bountiful_Deviant_ID_by_Bountif.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>I do have a dark side, and it does come out quite often.</div><div><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Blood/Butcher_Girl_by_BlackSunRising.jpg" /></a><br /><b>I am not a religious person but I am spiritual. </b>Don't assume just because I am Irish I must be Catholic. That's nothing more then stereo typing on your part. I won't do that to you. I'm not a judge either. I did grow up in an Irish Catholic family. As a teen I strayed away following the path into Paganism eventually falling into being Wiccan. I fell from that and went into non believer mode for a long long time. I did go back to church 2 years ago. Non Denominational. Even went so far as to volunteer and watch the toddlers during one service. I have written in the past about "my kids." But their came a time when I started to feel fake. Knowing this was not the path for me. I loved my kids and I miss them a great deal, but they deserve to have someone who is true to their beliefs. That was 6 months ago. Now, I am back on another path.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>I like speed.</b> I tend to think I am a race car driver. I like fast cars and fast choppers. And I don't mean motorbikes or motorcycles and certainly not those foreign imports dubbed crotch rockets. Nope, I am talking about good old fabricated by one man with 2 hands, nothing but chrome and steel, no two alike, the real deal chopper.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>I don't like labels of any kind. </b>However, I love my Seven brand jeans. Sexy! Flip flops in the summer are a must.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>Music.</b> I have a pretty eclectic taste in music and I pretty well like all types. I good tune is a good tune. However, I am a rocker girl at heart and always will be. But don't put it past me to go to a club and get totally lost in a good trance/industrial mix.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, that's enough talking about me now!</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47608059105853610202007-06-09T16:54:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:56:57.301-04:00Let Me OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!<div>Ok, so I am not really in the blogging mood today. For many reasons, but mostly because my mind needs a rest. Too much going on inside of it right now. So, I am going to let it all out , save it, and put it all together later.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>My world is going to take a turn. Don't know when. But it is going to. The wheels have already been set in motion. I am unsure of my path right now. But, all I know is I have to leave the place in which I am in. And thats leaving the spousal unit behind.</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div>Indeed, there it is. Separation. Divorce. Whatever you want to label it. I am walking away.<br /><div><br /></div>I'm done with it all.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, until my brain is back in proper working order, I leave you with this ..... because it seems to be on constant repeat on my ipod.</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6rndltmm3oE" width="425"></iframe><br />what i want from you<br />is empty your head<br />they say be true,<br />don't stain your bed<br />we do what we need to be free<br />and it leans on me<br />like a rootless tree<br />what i want from us<br />is empty our minds<br />we fake a fuss<br />and fracture the times<br />we go blind<br />when we've needed to see<br />and this leans on me<br />like a rootless...<br />so fuck you<br />and all we've been through<br />i said leave it<br />it's nothing to you<br />and if you hate me<br />then hate me so good that you can let me out<br />let me out of this hell when you're around<br /><br />what i want from this<br />is learn to let go<br />no not of you<br />of all that's been told<br />killers reinvent and believe<br />and this leans on me<br />like a rootless...<br />so fuck you<br />and all we've been through<br />i said leave it<br />it's nothing to you<br />and if you hate me<br />then hate me so good that you can let me out<br />let me out of this hell when you're around<br />let me out...<br />and fuck you, fuck you, i love you<br />and all we've been through<br />i said leave it<br />it's nothing to you<br />and if you hate me<br />then hate me so good that you can let me out<br />let me out...<br />it's hell when you're around<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br />MySpace <br /><br /><br /><br />Sis, I know this is a tough decision. I have been there--twice, and it is not easy to walk away from a marriage you have put so much into. Also not easy to walk away, even when you are miserable, because it's so hard to start over, on your own.<br />But so worth it! I have been single for 10 glorious years, and except for love-life complications the past few months, I have never been happier. And even with those complications, I am so glad to be FREE!<br />Let me know if you need ANYthing, sis. I am more than willing to help in any way that I can. Love ya!<br /><br />Posted byMySpace on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 2:36 PM<br />[Reply to this] [Remove] [Block User]Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82802220627997401972007-06-07T16:50:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:55:35.223-04:00Just Me - Part 2<div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Ok, so evidently my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/just-me.html" target="_blank">About Me </a>blog raised more questions then it gave answers.Well, good. I am complicated, I admit that. And I like to keep you guessing. So, just when you think you know me and have me figured out, you will soon find out that this is not the case.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">There is something that I must address. I usually stay clear of this conversation because there are too many out there that take it to the extreme. But the fucktards in this world won't leave me alone. So let me just answer it once and for all.</span></div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="background-color: white;">We all know I am Irish. (duh!) I don't think it matters how much or how little. But, I will tell you anyway just because I am tired of getting asked this question and constantly feeling like I have to prove to people how Irish I really am. I am proud of my heritage and I am proud of where my roots come from. I know what my family had to endure to be able to come to America and give me the life I have now. I know their struggles. It was not easy for the Irish in America. But, I am not going to get in to that here. Plenty of Irish History books for you to read if you want to know about it. This isn't one of those situations where someone feels that just because I was not born in Ireland I am not Irish. There are those people out there. And that's fine. However, it still stands that my heritage is Irish.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>So, growing up I was in a dual household. My mother's entire linage being Irish and my fathers being German and Italian. Good mix huh? The kids I grew up with and hung around were all German descendants. So, it was only natural that I follow that path in life. It made things easier. And we could all relate. One of my best mates, I will never forget her grandmother. She was transplanted here directly from Germany. I loved going over her house all the time to listen to stories and look at pictures. This woman was an amazing treasure. And I learned a great deal from her. Not to mention the baking she did! YUM!! At any rate, I never really felt complete. And I certainly did not carry the sort of pride that I carry with me today.</div><div><br /></div>A few years ago I found out I was adopted by my father. My world as I knew it had crashed. Who was I really? Where did I come from? Well, I got my answer. I found my real father and we began to speak. Another Irish family all the way back in the linage. His family actually came over before my mother's family, but, in time, they all ended up in the same towns together. At any rate, for events I care not to go in to, that relationship dissolved. But at least I am left with some sort of idea of who I am and what I am.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>And that my friend, is indeed, Irish blood thru and through.</div><div><br /></div>The next part is, NO, I will not talk Irish politics with you. So please don't blow by my page with your meaningless "Up the RA" Don't ask me my views on a United Ireland and don't ask me my feeling towards the Brits. You will not get an answer out of me. Not the answer that you want anyway. I will give you one that's so round about that you still will be left wondering. Just don't go there. I am all about freedom of speech and matter of opinion. It's all good well and fine. So, you wonder then do I even know what's going on over there? Honest, yes I do. Thankfully I have family and friends there that are pretty adamant about making sure information I know is true and correct. Things I can not find out for myself. I most likely know more then you. But this isn't a contest to see who knows more then who about what. What it is just plain stupidity in the first place. It's not my job to teach this lesson to you. It's not my job to explain what's going on to you. If you are interested, then it's your job to make sure you know what's going on. Facts. Know them, learn them. The facts are what is going to make this world a better place for you and me. I don't care if you are in Ireland or in America. I don't care if you are 1% or 100% Irish. It makes no difference to me because I can spot a wanna be fake ass wishing they were real IRA rolling ghetto thug a mile away. Its one thing to stand for what you believe in, it's another to make a total ass of yourself in the process. Sometimes, you just take things too far. Please, just don't bring that shit here. I want no part of it.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>If you pay attention to my friends list, you might just learn something.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Having said all that, I am sure you are now thinking to yourself that I must really not give a damn about the motherland. That I have no cares as to what's going on over there. And that's totally bullshit. Those that are close to me and know me; they know where I stand and what I believe. I don't need to clarify it for the likes of you.</div><div><br /></div><br />I will give you one fact. I proudly stand for Ireland and its people.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, so this little rant went a little longer then I had planned.</div><div><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74783383041292324532007-06-07T16:45:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:54:50.461-04:00Just Me<div><br /><br /><strong>It's just me. </strong>And my cousins girls. We went to the beach while I was in Michigan. Had a good time that day. Played in the sand, walked the beach, walked the dock and went to the lighthouse. I sit here looking at Chloe, the oldest and think, lordy she looks kinda like I did when I was her age. Well, her dad too. We look a lot alike. A blessing or a curse, whichever. At any rate, was sitting here thinking about myself. Something I don't think about too often as I am too busy trying to put forth my time into others. Things come to mind, about how I am. How I behave. The things that I do in life. I try to put into perspective how my life has ended up the way it did. You know, how on every ones profile there is the "About Me" section? And no one ever really knows what to put in there? Yeah well, me either. And today, I thought about it. Thought about it long and hard. And I thought, well that's a perfect topic for today's blog. Lets see how much of a mess I can make myself out to be.<br /><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>So, here goes.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>I am simple. </strong>In that I really enjoy the simple things in life. I don't need lots of money , fancy cars or things in general. I am not materialistic. I only need what it takes to live life from day to day and survive. I am complicated in that I have many layers to me. Each one as delicate and fragile as the one before it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong>I have a hard shell on the outside.</strong> I do this protect myself. You don't go through the things I have went through in life and not end up this way. But, its for my own benefit really. I am selective about those I let in my world. And just because you are in my world, doesn't mean I have allowed you over my wall. Very few have made it over. And every time someone does and gets pushed out, I put that wall up higher and higher. There is always going to be a test with me. I will test you to make sure you are someone that should remain in my world. I don't have time to deal with those that are not accepting and just want to try and change me. I don't need to be changed. I am fine with who I am and the way I am. I am soft on the inside. Those close to me, know this. I am loyal to those that are loyal to me. Love those that love me back. Maybe I care too easily. I have a big heart and am not afraid to admit that. I speak freely of my feelings. And if this bothers you, then perhaps you don't belong in my world. I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>I am easy going and pretty good natured. </strong>I have my ups and downs like everyone else. I tend to not stay down long. I always try to find the good in life, grab it and hold on to it. I have a choice everyday. When I wake up, I can be in a good mood or a bad mood. I choose a good mood. Being in a bad mood does me no good. I can be difficult and hard to get along with. I am mouthy and just really can be a real bitch. I have a voice. I am not afraid to use it. You will hear me speak. I have opinions and I am not afraid to share them with you.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>I'm a quoter.</strong> I love quotes to make me think. I am a thinker. I love it when people pick my brain. I would appreciate you more if you held an intelligent conversation with me. I am a thought provoker. I will spark something in you to make you think too. I'm not all about sex. Well, ok scratch that. My sexuality is a big part of my life. However, I am not always about talking sex. So, if that's all you are looking for, you don't need to be here. I am picky , I have my wants, my needs and that's that. If you fill that, then maybe, just maybe you are lucky enough to have me. But I bore easily and it takes much to hold my attention.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong>What I AM NOT -</strong> I am not in this world to whore friends. I would rather have a few that are close to me then hundreds I hardly speak too. I am not a collector. Nor am I into "cams" and showing my "stuff" to people I do not know. If that's what you are here for, fine. But, if that's what you are looking for here, you may as well save grace and walk away now. Its not what I am about. And its not me. For me, that's something more personal and special that I will only share to that someone in my life who deserves it. And its really only one person. For I tend to keep that one person closer then anyone else. Keep everyone else at bay. Random. No feelings, no strings. I may like random hook ups , but that's why they are random, they are meaningless sexual desires being taken care of with no strings attached. I don't know really how to explain it. But there it is, so don't ask me to cam with you. I wont.</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div>However, I do appreciate my friends. And its not a big deal when we turn our cams on to see each other and say hello. As a matter of fact, its pretty entertaining when you can see each others facial expressions. To see when some smiles and laughs. Its amazing. And certainly bridges the gap when you are talking to someone miles away. You can certainly feel that much closer.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok so back to me. Yeah I have issues with straying, in more ways then one.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>Live. </strong>I live my life from day to day as best as I can with what I am given and I expect you to do the same too. I have a hard time with people who whine about their situation and don't want to do anything about it. Now, before you say anything let me clarify something. Sure, I bitch about things in my life. But, this is my blog and I can say whatever I want. And many times I say things just to get them out and off my chest and I move on. This is my outlet. Having said all that, as it stands, I have a big reason I have not made a change I need to make in life. But, I am on my way. And once things fall into place, that change will happen.</div><div><br /></div><strong>Laugh</strong>. You have to laugh in this world. If you do not, you will get chewed up and spit out. I like to cut up , laugh and have a good time. Simple really. I try not to take many things too seriously. Life is too short for that. Their are many things I do take seriously. I expect you to keep up to me and know the difference between the two.<br /><div><br /> <strong>Give. </strong>You know they saying, treat others as you would want them to treat you? Well, I pretty well live by that. If I respect you and treat you well then I expect the same in return. If you are cold, heartless and unwilling to just be nice, then I don't want you around.</div><div><br /></div><strong>Drama.</strong> I despise it and I will run from it. So don't bring it here.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am who I am and I will never ever apologize for being me. Ever. End of story. If you don't like me for me then you can go away, I don't want you in my life anyway.</div><div><br /></div><strong>I am strong.</strong> I've been through a lot in life and had to grow up very quickly. Which in turn makes me hard. I have strong wills, desires, hopes and dreams. And I take them very much to heart. I believe their is a better life on the other side of the pond. I have my weaknesses, just like everyone else. However, they are mine and mine alone. If you are lucky enough to be that close to me, you will have discovered what some of them are. I'm a big kid at heart. I think perhaps I am making up for lost childhood times. Who knows. I just like to have fun and it is what it is.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>And now, I am just bored. So...going to end this now !!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_299264"><br /><br />Nice pic! The girls are cute! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 6:12 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272690568#" id="addReplyLnk_299264">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272690568&commentID=299264">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_299264"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=2719172">DanE</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=2719172" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/60/s_43e69c59d5dcb314df3f3f43289e0a93.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_299938"><br /><br />Thanks for sharing. Lake Michigan rocks! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=2719172">DanE</a> on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 9:52 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272690568#" id="addReplyLnk_299938">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272690568&commentID=299938">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=2719172"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_299938"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705">?KittenShark?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/105/s_ecbcd41b0d214521ac925babda385e4e.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_300199"><br /><br />OMG I swear you were writing my life story....singing my song....crazy insane I don't understand....all except the part about quotes, my memory is shot I can't even quote my age most of the time.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705">?KittenShark?</a>on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 11:04 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272690568#" id="addReplyLnk_300199">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272690568&commentID=300199">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=87565705"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8237386615873946202007-06-04T16:41:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:54:13.099-04:00Moving OnYou know what they say, when one door closes, another opens? Well I am no exception to that. Or one would say I have closed this chapter on my life and already well on my way to writing a new one.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /> I am OK, and I want to thank each and every one of you that reached out to me the last few days.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I know <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/05/made-in-michigan.html" target="_blank">my blog was an out pour</a>, but I had to do it. I had to get some things off my chest and it makes me feel better when I do.</div><div><br /></div>I have already moved on, I don't stay down for long.<br /><div>So... ~smiles~ I hope each of you are well.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47558354">J.R.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47558354" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/101/s_922fafaf943b44b0982e0e358d8e7799.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_296650"><br /><br />Allways say what you want to. Do not worry about what people say. Remember your friends will allways be there God bless you<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47558354">J.R.</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 2:42 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272224991#" id="addReplyLnk_296650">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272224991&commentID=296650">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=47558354"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_296650"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/39/s_5d7a69923d6d43edb4bf2131f2f15282.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Debbie Noneya<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_297678"><br /><br />Love ya girl! I hope each day gets easier for you!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a>on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 10:42 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272224991#" id="addReplyLnk_297678">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272224991&commentID=297678">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42336335"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65194640972863400782007-06-03T16:35:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:52:31.676-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? - The Good-Bye Edition<div>What's Up With Chrys? - The Goodbye Edition<br /><div><br /></div>Good byes. God how I hate goodbyes. So the end. So final. As much as I hate them, I still must say them.<br /><div><br /></div>First off, I left my other blogs about my health hanging in mid-air and I apologize for that. Just so much has been going on that I just have not taken much time to address other matters at hand. But, I just want you all to know that I am healthy. All tests came back negative and all is well. Despite the lingering sadness, I feel just fine.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div>Second, I have no new information on Elonna. Thank you to all of you for your concern about her. I am sure she will be happy to know how much she truly is loved. I miss my sistagurl a great deal and I look forward to the day she can come back to all of us.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Thirdly, there is also no new information on Joey. My brother had some trial times recently, and I am still awaiting the news of this ordeal. Hoping, he too will be back to me safe and sound soon.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Next on my list, Sean. As I know some of you had noticed some changes. And there is reason for that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />This also ties in to – those of you here and on my blog at 360 have noticed the blogs just don't match up. And, there is reason for that too. I was at a crossroads and did not want to talk about it. I wanted to keep what was going on in life to myself for a while. Did not want to open up too much about the events for fear of the backlash and fear of jinxing what was happening. And..well, those blogs were meant for someone and that someone isn't on myspace, so I saw no point in really writing them at both places.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This should be where I talk about Terry. But I don't want to. Not now, not yet.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Or perhaps, Kerry. But, that's pretty obvious since she's here on myspace and that's assuming you have been paying attention.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Another reason being Sean. I have to monitor everything here at myspace to make sure he's not angered by my actions. Always feel like I have to protect him.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I can no do it any more. So, I had to let Sean go. I did not want to take away my love and friendship, but at this point, his actions have left me no choice. All I wanted was for him to love me as I am. For the girl that I am. And apparently he can not do that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So here is a news flash people: I am bisexual. I like girls AND I like boys. I am sexual. I like sex. Dirty, nasty, kinky, unadulterated , no questions, no restraints, random sex. Simple as that. But yet so complicated for some to understand. Funny how Joey and Lonnie can understand that. Even Brian and Steven can get that. Hell, they are just like that. Same mold we are from. Maybe that's why we get along so well. But, how is it that Sean can be best mates with them for so long, take them as they are, but yet, he can not take me? He says he loves me. Fuck love and all that other bullocks!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Who knows, and this point, I don't care. I already have one relationship where I constantly am being questioned about who I am and why I have to be this way. The way I am is not a choice. Its just me. Simple.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So, this is me, saying good bye to Irish One. Maybe someday, we will speak as friends, but right now, I am angry and hurt and my wall is up and back in I don't give a fuck mode. He'll always have a special place in my heart. I have no regrets.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I know what broke me. His words broke me. And he knows this. I tried to move past those words, only to stumble on more. More questions. More doubts. Him always thinking I am with him out of obligation. That I feel its my duty after what happened to Lonnie.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>BULLOCKS!<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I loved that man because I just did. I gave everything up. Pushed everyone close to me away. For HIM. To be the girl he wanted me to be. I loved him that much. But after his words were unleashed, I questioned him. And just felt, it was time to go. To let him go.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Joey was right. It was wrong of me to let Brian go. Should not have let everyone else go. Wrong of me to try and change and be someone he knew I was not. I should have listened to my brother. Maybe none of us would be in this triangle.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I have reasons. But, I just really don't care to get in to that right now. All I know, is now I am picking up pieces to those I pushed away, and getting back to being me again.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I would rather Sean hate me for the girl I am, then love me for the girl I just can not be for him.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So.. that's good-bye.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I don't know what it is about going to Michigan that always seems to make this huge impact on my life. For all this with Sean happened while I was in Michigan.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Not to mention the huge ordeal the hubby and I got into at my grams house. Leaving me to feel hatred and anger towards him. To make me want to leave now more then ever. And I have a feeling that it's going to be much sooner then later. No one, and I repeat NO ONE will raise their hand to me and get away with it. And I leave it at that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>A question that seems to always arise, so let me clarify this one as well. Yes I am married. An open one you want to label it. I do love him. Have some love for him and care about him.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>However, I don't believe he is the ideal man for me. So, why do I stay? Well, its so easy, but yet so complicated. And that's all I have to say about the matter.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>There are many things on the surface I will open up and talk about, but so much deep inside my life I prefer to leave the details out of.</div><div><br /></div>I think, its to the point, to say goodbye to him too. However, I will not do this while grams is still on this earth. I will not put her thru that.<br /><div><br /></div>I had to say goodbye to grams. Saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things I had to do. Her and I both knowing its likely the last time we will see each other. Sadly, she even told me happy birthday and it's not even till July!<br /><div><br /></div>There were some fun times. Being with family and stuff. It wasn't all bad.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>So I am making my peace with saying goodbye to grams. Its weighing heavily on my mind and its making this blog a jumbled mess. So much I want to say, but I just can't put it together.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>And lastly, I can now mend and heal and properly say <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">goodbye to Lonnie</a>. I could not before. I had to push it all inside to be so strong for Joey, Elonna and of course most of all Sean.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I even thought about saying goodbye to myspace. All the memories here. Good, bad, death, destruction. But, I have made many friends here over the years, and would not be kind of me to take my friendship away from those that have offered me their hand in return.</div><div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"> </span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />IIIIIIIIIIII LLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEE YYYYYOOOOUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UR MY BABY GIRL....AND I AM ALWAYS ALWAYS HERE FOR U...MYSPACE OR NOT...WE GOT EACHOTHER, MEN OR NO MEN.....<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by on Sunday, June 03, 2007 - 11:26 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098&commentID=295743">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=197298938"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864">Tabitha</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Tabitha Stone<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Well, find you another edition.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864">Tabitha</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 2:32 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098&commentID=296020">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=32959864"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=64557294">Des</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=64557294"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Des Hubbard<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Hi Chrys,<br /><br />Sorry to read of ur tumultuous life and matters of the heart. Hopefully you will find solitude soon.<br /><br />I know that anytime we have spoken I have tried to be pragmatic and help you to rationalise some things and sometimes that's the last thing people in turmoil want to hear, but I can be a good listener too without being judgemental.<br /><br />I will look for you online to be a friend.<br /><br />Peace<br /><br />D<br /><br />:-)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=64557294">Des</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 7:44 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098&commentID=296198">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=64557294"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967">Patrice </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Much love and healing to you, my friend.<br /><br />xoxo<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967">Patrice </a>on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 9:46 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098&commentID=296294">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=72753967"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705">?KittenShark?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I think you might need this back....good luck in everything you do and every choice you make...<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87565705">?KittenShark?</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 11:07 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098&commentID=296389">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=87565705"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I applaude you! You truly are a wonderful person! xoxoxo -Joey<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 11:45 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098&commentID=296435">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=176888092"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Debbie Noneya<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Damn Girl! You poor thing - so much turmoil. I will pray that you get some peace of mind! Love ya girl!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 10:41 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=272058098&commentID=297676">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=42336335"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6631525176275810552007-05-27T16:29:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:48:55.260-04:00Made in Michigan<div>So many emotions running through my soul right now. I do not even know where to start.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I made it here, to Michigan, safe and sound. I am tired as hell and in desperate need for some real sleep. As yesterday I drove for 12 hrs straight, got stuck in some nasty sleazy ass hotel room, then drove for 5 more hours today to reach my destination.</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br />Words can not describe how I felt walking in to this house. To see my grandmother muster up every ounce of strength she had to be excited and give me a hug and kiss. My poor grandmother, always my rock and life line. To see her so weak and frail. It saddens this Irish girl to tears. I look over and see my mom looking at me, that look that says "Keep it together Chrys" of course, then mom comes over to hug me. And, she fed me! Was nice to have a mom made home cooked meal. Not to mention she made my favorite cookies. I can tell you now I will go home 10 pounds heavier. LOL<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Being in this house is hard. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">Still trying to deal with gramps not being here</a>. It just feels weird in here. He is in the cemetery right down the road, so I will go visit him tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, until the next update... be safe and have a good Monday Memorial Day!</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=107908846" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/s_4fb0e5575f2a44c0b82fc548bb292ebb.jpg" /></a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_282268"><br /><br />I know things are hard keep your head up! Just think in all the good things and have fun Luv Ya<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />xoxoxox<br /><br />Crystal<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byMexican Babe on Sunday, May 27, 2007 - 8:56 PM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85726310206396541842007-05-26T16:24:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:47:33.049-04:00Feelings and My Road Trip<div><br />As I sit here, trying to force myself into my car and get on the road, I am thinking back to the last time I went to Michigan. When I came back, there was a disaster waiting to happen. As when I got back, Lonnie was waiting for me. Wasn't good. As the sitchy is what sparked our troubles and heading him down the path in which he took. Which in turn, turned me. And then, we all know the ending to this story. (R.I.P. my angel)<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />At any rate, it makes me think back to everything and everyone involved in my lil pirate gang. Lonnie, Joey, Sean, Ray & Elonna. And I see, where we all are in life right now. ~sighs~ It breaks my heart it so many little pieces. And, I just don't even know if I can mend it. Nor, if I want to. That pain is a constant reminder of my part in the whole ordeal with Lonnie. It reminds me how much I still miss him. And, it reminds me of my Irish One and all we have been through.</div><div><br />Here lately, I have just been going thru the motions of life. Feeling rather stuck and just floating along. There is something that's brought some sunshine into my cloudy days, but it is something I wish to not talk about publicly here.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I feel myself slipping away, and not sure why. I reach out, but there is nothing there to grab on to. So I slip more with each passing day. I don't know whats happening or what needs to be done to stop it. But, its there. I am thinking I will address it more when I get back from my trip. I dont need it weighing on my mind right now. Even tho, I know, this long drive ahead, my mind is sure to roam right to it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />At any rate, I am off to Michigan. The lovely 1500 mile, 16 hr road trip awaits me. Soon enough I will be seeing grams. I know that is going to be hard. Mom says she is not doing well at all. And it has already broken my heart. I feel, that this quite possibly might be the last time I get to see her. But, right now, I refuse to think about it and enjoy what I can with her this week. I do plan to discuss my study abroad adventures with my Mom and see what sort of advice she can offer up. Maybe just having someone else to talk to will help push me along. The hubby isn't too thrilled about the idea. But, hes not thrilled with my going to Ireland to begin with. ~sighs~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Ok, I have rambled on too much , I really need to get going!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I will try to keep you updated on my adventure as I did the last time I went.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I wish you all a good week. And see you soon.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">MySpace Original Comments:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_279528"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Have a safe trip, Chrys! We'll be thinking of you! {{{{HUGS}}}}</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Posted byCathyon Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 8:15 AM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span><div id="CommentDiv_280219"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Be careful baby...see you when you get back.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Posted byBrian Kinneyon Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 5:12 PM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91292456201266379882007-05-22T16:22:00.000-04:002014-07-21T17:46:49.394-04:00Accepted, Now What?<br /><br /><dd>Here I sit. Wondering what shall I write today. What words shall be released from my fingers and spread themselves thru these pages today.<br /><div><br /><br /><br />I'm late for work this morning. I sort of have to laugh to myself about that one. In the middle of my drunken stupor last night, I distinctly remember saying to Shannon, don't worry girl, I am not gonna be late, will see you bright and early in the AM. And, I got up my usual time, and beat my ass on the treadmill for a while. Went and sat on the couch to catch up on the news. Must have bored me cause the next thing I knew, I was looking at the clock going WTF!!! I think I was more excited that I slept!! I never sleep. Its almost ridic.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />~insert happy dance here~<br /><br /><br /><br />Went and checked email. Perhaps, not a good idea. Out of respect for the other person involved, I wont really get into much of that. But, I seriously got caught up in this email. And, well, time slipped away. So, I called the boss and got myself ready.<br /><br /><br /><br />I stopped at the coffee shop on my way in. I felt I needed to treat myself to my usual creamy delicious treat. A Mocha Big Train. Its this frozen mocha protein extra caffeine kick me in the ass morning delight. As I am waiting, money in hand... thinking back to last nights events.<br /><br /><br /><br />In the middle of the events with the other party, the phone rings. And not my cell. So I don't really pay attention to it. Only important people call me on my cell. Only boring people I don't want to talk to call me on the land line. So, the machine got it. I heard my name being mentioned. So I ran down the hallway to take a listen.<br /><br /><br /><br />Maybe it was something I did not want to really hear. But, I really didn't have a choice at this point.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was a guy calling from the college abroad. Oh yeah, forgot about that didn't you! I mean, its been what, a YEAR since I applied. I wanted to go LAST fall. And a YEAR since I left school. As it is I am going to be paying on student loans for the rest of my life. It wasn't enough to go thru college the first time, I had to do it again! LOL. Anyway, here is the deal, "after careful consideration" as his words, I have been accepted into the study abroad program in Dublin.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now, before you all start to cheer me on, its not so simple. Not by a long shot. If it were, my bags would of been packed and I would be on the next flight out instead of being here at work. I could make a list of the reasons, but I care not to get in to that right now. I guess I should be proud that I got selected. And I am.<br /><br /></div><br /></dd><dd>I turn to leave and I think ; their are certainly other things to be spending my money on.<br /><div><br /><br />Next week, I am off across the states to stay with my mom and grandma for a week. See the rest of the family. And I believe, my mother and I have much to talk about.</div></dd><dd><div><br /></div><br /></dd><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Original MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_271266"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Sounds like it was a good night and sure you had some fun. Sorry about you not going to Dublin I know that is your dream. Hope you have a lot of fun at your mothers. God bless you</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Posted byJ.R.on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 11:47 AM</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3458475026002055722007-05-21T16:19:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:59:57.740-04:00Nothing in Life is Easy, Now is It?May 21, 2007 (originally on my MySpace)<br /><br /><i style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">It's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard;</i><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>to do that because I want you. I want all of</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>you,everyday.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>~The Notebook~</i></span></div><div>**************************************************************</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>If things in life were so easy, many of us would not be left in the situations in which we were. My mind is spinning. So full of many words, but , I am not sure I want to let them out today. Things I need to say. Maybe should say. But maybe I have said too much. ~sighs~ I usually don't have much of a problem of putting my words out there. Maybe with those words, I put too much of myself in the line of fire. Then I build up this wall around me. Not so willing to let people come to the other side. In that rare occasion that someone does make it to the other side, my defense goes up. And the situation I find myself in doesn't appear to be any different.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /> So, I am driving to work this morning. Its a pretty amazing thing. I hate the drive. Really. But, its complete highway from where I live on in to work. Most traffic heads in the opposite direction. I speed. As I am sure most people do. But I tend to take it to the limit. Working at city hall has its advantages. You get to know the police between my town I live and my town I work. Campus police, home police, highway patrol, sheriff, county police, work police and tribal police. That's a whole hell of a lot of police that cross my path on a daily basis. Am I intimidated? Lord no. They are regular people just like me and you. My problem is, since I joke with a lot of him here at work, its hard to take them seriously. I am sure someday, I am going to run into the wrong cop, but until that time, I am going to take advantage of me and the open road. Besides, it helps me clear my thoughts. So, this morning, I got the CD going as loud as I can. My mind doesn't want to catch up. It stuck on rewind. I keep having this same conversation on constant replay. And now that I am at work, its no different. My thoughts keep drifting away from the task at hand. Drifting right back to this sitchy. That, and now I feel like being destructive. Whats next to pierce. What tattoo can I have done?? blah....</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Where did it come from? How did it happen?</div><div><br /></div>And the million dollar question of the day, how do I wrong a right?<br /><div><br /></div>Choices , we all have them. Mistakes, we all make them.<br /><div><br /></div>Let me just hit pause... take a breath, close my eyes, then hit rewind and start over.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52108347996861583222007-05-16T16:17:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:59:20.414-04:00A Blog For You<div>I wanted to write a new blog, all about you.<br /><br /></div>Something about you. Intrigue me.<br /><div><br /></div>A blog just for you. Why? No reason. Just because I can.<br /><div><br /></div>What could I say? What should go here?<br /><div><br /></div>Tell me something. Anything.<br /><div><br /></div>Ready?<br /><div><br /></div>Set-<br /><div><br /></div>GO!<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257617"><br /><br /><strong>HOW ABOUT .. KERRY IS THE SEXIEST THANG TO EVER COME ACROSS UR PATH AND SHE KNOWS HOW TO MAKE MY SECRET PLACES SHINE WITH WETNESS, SHES A SEXUAL TIGER ABOUT TO POUNCE ON MY LUCIOUS BODY WITH THE INTENSITY OF A HUNDRED LIGHTNING BOLTS..ONLY SHE CAN MAKE MY INSIDES QUIVER ...AND BURN DOWN MY INHIBITIONS..AND ALL SHE WILL LEAVE IN HER WAKE IS MY BODY AND MIND MIXED AND CONFUSED AND ALL I WILL SEE IS HER WICKED WICKED SMILE TELLING ME SHE WILL BE BACK FOR MORE!!......LOL DAMN I MADE MY OWN SELF HOT FOR THAT ONE HAHAHA LOVE YOU</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:31 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257617">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257617">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=166964290"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257617"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="10" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257629"><br /><br />OMG!<br /><br />Ok ok... my kerry is the sexiest thannnng evvvaahhhh!<br /><br />She makes me tingle in places I didnt even know existed.<br /><br />Ahhh fuck it, I am too flustered now!! hahahahah<br /><br />Imagine that, me.. flustered... queen of Erotic Confessions... hahahahah<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:41 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257629">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257629">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257629"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257633"><br /><br /><strong>SO TELL TERRY HES GOT SOME DAMN FINE COMPITION FOR UR SEXY ASS ...LOL</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:43 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257633">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257633">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=166964290"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257633"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="10" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257646"><br /><br />Thats just what you need to get the conversation started!! LOL<br /><br />Watch out tho... hes Master Dom !!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:47 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257646">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257646">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257646"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="10" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257643"><br /><br />Oh lord !! ~rolls eyes~ why dont you go on over there and tell him yourself missy!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:47 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257643">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257643">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257643"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="30" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257662"><br /><br />awwww honey bunny..... I loves you!!! ~winks~ Me matey...<br /><br />Ok.. keep checking... I am sure Kerry and I will keep it entertaining LOL<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:53 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257662">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257662">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257662"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="40" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=107908846">Mexican Babe</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=107908846" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/s_4fb0e5575f2a44c0b82fc548bb292ebb.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257723"><br /><br />Hey where I'm I in the mix you need my sexy mexican ass too I'm small you can fit me in somewhere see I was reading somethings well about big girls well you and Kerry are going to have to beef me up a little cus I wanna be part of the club starting today I'm going to eat all the sweet I love starting with you and my blonde babe<br /><br /><br /><br />xoxoxoxo<br /><br />Crystal<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=107908846">Mexican Babe</a> on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 12:34 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257723">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257723">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=107908846"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257723"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="50" /></td> <td><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257742"><br /><br /><strong>AAWW BABY U DONT NEED TO BEEF UP NONE...WE LOVE U THE WAY U R HONEY....ALTHOUGH U EATING US WE WOULDNT MIND HAHAHA ... LOVE YOU..</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 12:46 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257742">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257742">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=166964290"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257742"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="50" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257739"><br /><br />oye... mami.... You come on in and mix with us... pick your poison, choose your weapon. Me and Kerry are sure to take good care of you!! Or...is it you are going to take good care of us??<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 12:44 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257739">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257739">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257739"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="60" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=107908846">Mexican Babe</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=107908846" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/s_4fb0e5575f2a44c0b82fc548bb292ebb.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257751"><br /><br />hmmmmmmmmm.........weapon all have to think about that one ....and we sould take care of each other then will be all safe,warm, and well feed lol<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=107908846">Mexican Babe</a> on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 12:51 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257751">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257751">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=107908846"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257751"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="70" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257784"><br /><br />Well honey .. lemme know ;) hehehehe<br /><br />It would be a fun house thats for sure !!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 1:10 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257784">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257784">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257784"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257884"><br /><br />Blah Blah Blah<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byon Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 2:16 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257884">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257884">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=57526304"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257884"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="10" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257922"><br /><br />oh hush, you're just mad cause we didnt invite you!! LOL<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 2:37 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257922">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=257922">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257922"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="20" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_265093"><br /><br />The heck with me-- I find this whole exchange very amusing! Thanks for the laugh guys!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006">MySpace</a>on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 10:46 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_265093">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=265093">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_265093"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="30" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_265269"><br /><br />heheheheheh.... it was rather fun sis..... add it to the 101 ways to amuse yourself on myspace while at work !!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a> on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 12:26 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_265269">Reply to this</a></strong>] [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152385547&blogId=265230564&commentID=265269">Remove</a></strong>] [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86328193333949446782007-05-13T16:14:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:59:02.131-04:00My Mom<div>I know I have mentioned my mom a few times in passing. I doubt she will ever see this, but thats OK. For I know in my heart, she knows how I feel as I tell her I love her every time we speak. Without my mom I do not know where I would be in life today. Being put through some of the things I had to endure as a child can be just as traumatic to the mother as well as the child. My mother never gave up when she so easily could. She was there for me. She went above and beyond her duty as a mom, even when I reached past the age of 18. She was still there, taking care of me, watching me grow, and molding me into the woman I am today.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /> This pic I am sharing here was taken just this past Easter. Those are my cousins kids. Thats my grandmother on the couch. Sad to see her in such a state. ~sighs~ And that be my mom in the bright yellow. ~smiles~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am very glad that here very soon I will be heading across the states to visit my mom, grandma and the rest of my family. I miss them so.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><em>What "Mother" Means</em></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>"Mother" is such a simple word,</em><br /><em>But to me there's meaning seldom heard.</em><br /><em>For everything I am today,</em><br /><em>My mother's love showed me the way.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>I'll love my mother all my days,</em><br /><em>For enriching my life in so many ways.</em><br /><em>She set me straight and then set me free,</em><br /><em>And that's what the word "mother" means to me.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks for being a wonderful mother, Mom!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>By Karl Fuchs</em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Original MySpace Quotes:</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">?Ken Scott?<br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" /></a></span><br /><div><br /><br />Ken Scott<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_259545"><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">God bless your mother!!! It's really nice to see the awesome mother to raise a great lady like you Chrys! Very cool family picture too! Take care my beautiful friend!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">Ken</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?Ken Scott?on Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 5:29 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90942585531054203112007-05-08T16:07:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:58:43.033-04:00New Tattoo!<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When I feel blue, I get destructive hehehehe....anyway, went to have some touch up work done on my wrist band, and decided to get another tattoo done and add too it. New one is on my hand. Now I have 6!! So, these pics are freshly done , the tat is about an hour hold now, so excuse the patches of blood. I tried to wipe it off before I took pics! I have also posted these pics in my pic section(on myspace). My tats now have their own pic folder. Maybe I should start one of my piercings too!! hehehehe</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="10" /></td> <td>?IrishChik?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_237933"><br /><br />Well, this artist is a keeper. He was awesome. We were talking about me being lopsided and how I needed to have some work done on the other side. So we shall see. Something with color, all my tats except for one are green and black. Go figure. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 7:20 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><label id="NewDiv_237933"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td>?Ken Scott?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Ken Scott<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_237977"><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">Man this tattoo is bad azz! Hey put a clover tattoo on your azz and it should have like Old English letters that says "Kiss my ass I'm Irish!" hehehehe... Or how a bout a fighting Irish dude just like the mascot of Notre Dame! Shit Chrys I hadn't got one yet slow down! LOL JK! I am still thinking about getting a Celtic Cross with Clover bush tattoo... Baby you're just so hot and the tattoos makes you look spicy! xoxoxoxoxo take care hun &amp; I love your new tattoo!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">your Irish pal Ken</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?Ken Scott? on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 8:53 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><label id="NewDiv_237977"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="10" /></td> <td>?IrishChik?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_238000"><br /><br />Oh no! I aint putting nothing on my ass! nuh uh not gonna do it!<br /><br />I have no idea what I will do next. I am sure in time something will come to me. I am sure to slow down. I've spent my money, gotta save up for the next one!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 9:48 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_238000"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td>Patrice<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_237979"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery nice!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by Patrice on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 9:00 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_237979"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="10" /></td> <td>?IrishChik?<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_238001"><br /><br />Thanks girl!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 9:49 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_238001"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" width="0" /></td> <td>Tabitha<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Tabitha Stone<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_238830"><br /><br />That's very cool<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byTabitha on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 7:57 PM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52855431245915313192007-05-08T16:03:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:58:18.809-04:00Even the Best Fall Down Sometimes<div>I make no apologies. Not any more. I am who I am. End of story.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>It's been a rough road the last couple of weeks, and I am doing my best to keep on a bright face and put best foot forward. However, I am only human and I do make mistakes. I can not give it my all 100% of the time. I am not as strong as you think I am. I am going to fall down sometimes. And it might take me a day or two to pick myself up and dust myself off. It's not always right away. All I ask is that you just be my friend and have some patience.</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>Anyway…. No news from any docs yet. So nothing new to report there.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>I talked to my mom this morning, and told her I would be coming up the week of Memorial Day. She cried. I am going to assume it was tears of joy. I even got to talk to my grandma for a little while as I drove into work. That made my morning. She sounded good all things considered.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I still feel very blah. I am tired and worn down emotionally and mentally. I just want to crawl into bed and hide under the covers. I would say sleep, but since I can't sleep half the time sort of a wasted point.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I come to work and I have to be all bright and cheerful. All that does is piss me off cause they way I feel right now, I just want to rain down like lightening on something or someone. I am angry and it's hard not to let it show.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Last time I felt this way was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">right after gramps died</a>. I had just gotten back from his funeral. I was so angry and pissy. I ended up quitting my job and dropping out of school. All that did was send me into a dark downward spiral of depression.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am trying very hard not to follow that path again<br /><br /></div>At any rate-<br /><div><br /></div>Does anyone have a row boat I can borrow? I think I am going to need it. It has rained for the better part of 4 days now. And not just a sprinkle or a drizzle, but a down pour. So if you see me floating by, wave.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td>Kristi<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020"></a><br /><div><br /><br />KRISTI C<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />be careful the current might carry you this wave...I need something to float to work in and get back home. Vehicles are not equipped w/ the proper floating devices!! How many more days of rain are we gonna get? Its still raining here this morning...Anyway if I see ya floating by , I will be sure and wave only if you do the same<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by Kristion Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 10:53 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>J.R.<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47558354"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I wish you the best. We will pry for you. Good luck and I hope every thing goes your way. God bless you.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byJ.R. on Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 11:06 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Sean<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=43233455"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />aye...but me darling beauty always pulls back up....and pulls up her beast at the same time!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted bySean on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 11:42 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>?IrishChik?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />thats because you are always there holding my hand darling!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 11:45 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25369570825493775922007-05-06T15:59:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:57:37.105-04:00F*ck THIS!Fuck this! I can not take any more bad news. My world as I know it just keeps dropping. Now, it's just crumbling out from under me. Crumbling all around me. Just leaving me here to defend for myself.<br /><div><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I just want to curl up and …. Screw that. I just want to have my mind float away. Go some place else.</span><br /><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;">I am tired of the test in life.</span><br /><div><br /></div>Damn it, I am just plain tired.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div>There is someone, very dear and close to me, who is in a bad situation. And something happened to him. Something that words can not even begin to describe. Imaginable. Unthinkable. Unspeakable. And yet, I feel, I should have seen it coming. I should have extended my hand a little longer. Helped. Been there. Something. Anything. And now, I feel so helpless. Wanting to reach out and help in any way I can. But yet, knowing at the same time, their likely isn't much I can do.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>And as if all of last week's doc visits and worries were not enough, my mother calls me to tell me my grandmother is dying. She is going to die. Simple as that. Well, we all know people live and then they die. But, gramps just died last January, must she go too? Now?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Fucking cancer. Taking over all those close to me. Can't give grandma treatment because she is too weak. Can't do surgery because her body won't mend and she will just be a mess of tubes and wires. They don't know how much longer she has. Could be today, tomorrow, next week, or even a year from now. Although I am not holding my breath.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />In the short time since I have found out, I have had to make a choice. My grandmother or Ireland. Because I can not take time off from work for both. At least I don't think I can. I don't know. My grandmother has been waiting for me to go so I can come back and tell her all about it. Just breaks my heart. In so many ways.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I just don't think I know anything anymore.</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td>Cathy<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aww Chrys...{{{{HUGS}}}} You sure have had more than your share these past few years! My grandmother died of cancer 25 years ago, but we found out in early April and she died May 18th...it was really fast and hard to deal with. I still miss her. Sweetie, as much as we would love to "save the world", we just can't do that. Sometimes, the people we care about need to experience things and we just don't know why. It may not make sense and seems horrible, there is a reason for it...we just don't know what that reason is. Extend your hand now, because it's never too late! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The company should allow you to take off for both...if you are talking about the inevitable...the funeral. That is something most places make provisions for and it is not counted as vacation time or personal time. Usually they allow 3 days, sometimes 4 for out of state. As for Ireland...GO...maybe these things are happening to show you that life is short and there are no guarantee's! You have to go for what you want before it all slips away!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">{{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by Cathy on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 5:15 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Joey<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Joey Vagance<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Ahhh sis I am so sorry to hear this. Not sure what to say sides follow yer heart. Ya knows the right thing to do deep inside ya.<br /><br />I knows the feeling o enough is enough. Ya knows I do. Loves ya sis n hang in.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byJoey on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 9:19 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Kristi<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020"></a><br /><div><br /><br />KRISTI C<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I can relate to your pain!! Losing a loved one to cancer is soooo tough. We lost my grandpa 9 years ago... 1 month before I got married. He told us in October and they gave him 6 months and he was gone January 26!! Then last year it was Shane's grandpa and his was very sudden, just a couple of months. I am sorry you are having such a terrible time of it, you and your family are in my prayers!! About your Ireland trip, what would your grandma want for you??<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byKristi on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 9:41 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>?Ken Scott?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Ken Scott<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">Oh Chrys! I am so so sorry about your grandmother :( I will have her and you in my prayers... I would agree with Kristi from above about asking your grandmother what she wants you to do... You take care Chrys! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">your loving friend Ken</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?Ken Scott?on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 10:04 AM<br /><br />[<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Tabitha<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32959864"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Tabitha Stone<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I hopes your mother feel well soon.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byTabitha on Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 1:31 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>MySpace<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=38569006"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I agree, I hate fucking cancer -- I can't begin to count how many people I loved that it has taken. How ironic though about the grandma/Ireland thing. My grandmother has always wanted to go to Ireland with me, as that is her homeland, and now she is not in the best health either. Getting old sucks!<br /><br />{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}} sis.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by MySpace on Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 10:17 AM<br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60684598793813438232007-05-04T20:37:00.000-04:002014-09-09T16:57:08.759-04:00And the Beat Goes On - My Heart That Is. The Dreaded Doc Edition Part 2<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">May 4, 2007 (from my MySpace originally)</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Ok, so after reading the <a data-mce-href="http://wahliving.com/whats-up-with-chrys-the-dreaded-doc-edition/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/05/whats-up-with-chrys-dreaded-doc-edition.html" target="_blank">What's Up With Chrys blog</a>, I thought maybe I needed to write a part two, and catch everyone up on what's going on since.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><strong>Back</strong> – in check, still feels OK.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><strong>Intestinal Block</strong> – well, I am taking meds to try to "un-block" it so I do not have to have another surgery. Some background on this – about 5 years ago my gallbladder ruptured and sent me to the ER. I had to have surgery to remove it, as well as all the stones that had made their way into my body. What was supposed to be an "easy – every day" procedure turned into a nightmare. One stone was lodged in my intestine, causing it to rip. OUCH! Point is, with no gallbladder, my body produces no bile, which is used to break down and digest the foods we eat. Well, in the fall of 2005 I had pains in my side. And couldn't really keep food in me. After some test, we found a blockage in my intestines. Seems my intestines decided to produce their own make-shift bile and it had hardened and lodged itself. That was removed. And I was told at that point, that it could very well happen again. YEAH! I was so thrilled to hear this. ~rolls eyes~ At any rate, it seems that it has happened yet again. But this time, not quite so bad, but enough to make me grouchy and uncomfortable. We are trying a round of medication to see if we can get it to break up and move along on its own so that I do not have to face another surgery of intestinal sucking. LOL!Moving along.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><strong><br /></strong><strong>Heart Issues</strong> – So, I went to the hospital yesterday to get my fun little heart rate monitor. I was really scared and so nervous, just because I did not really understand what was going to happen. I sat in the waiting room for what seemed like an eternity. My poor husband, I just talked his ear off. This was rather funny because usually when I have to wait around like that, I get really reserved and nervous. Odd. Ok, so when the nurse called me back, my heart just started pounding. Nice, right? Ironic actually. So, I am lying on this table, hanging out, chilling. And he's wiping my chest down with alcohol. Phew! Stinky shit!! Then he takes this little sponge and starts to scrape my skin. A sponge you say? That scrape? But sponges are all soft and squishy. Ummm no. Not this one. This was more like a brillo pad. It was unreal. Or, more like a loofah that hasn't gotten wet yet. Wasn't the highlight of my day to be honest. Ok, so then, he put the huge round sticky things on me. Then wires connected to them. All the wires come together and are put on this box. Ok, now this little box looks more like the late 80's early 90's version of the pagers that came out. And don't laugh, because you know you wanted one! Oh, but the best part, it goes in this little case, with a strap. It's like a little purse. The nurse was all trying to be funny. He was saying I could just throw it across my shoulder and let it hang diagonal across my body. Um..dude, seriously. This thing is NOT fashionable by any means.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">So, here I am this morning, writing this when I should finish getting ready for work. I am dressed. Thankfully we can wear jeans. So, I got a belt and looped my little purse thru my belt. Ok, so that's in check. Can't really see it. Because I have a sleeveless hoodie on over my shirt, It's baggy enough that it covers the wires and what- nots that seen to not want to hide themselves under my shirt. Sadly, there is one that no matter what damn shirt I put on, you can see the sticky thing poking out around my collar. So, not fashionable by any means. However, I have done my best to make it not too noticeable.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I am sure some of you are wondering what the big deal is. Well, I haven't told anyone at work. Aside from Shannon (daisybug on my friends list) cause she is really one of my best friends. And, Alison is also on my friends list. She is not in my office; she's next door in the library, so she could possibly know if she read my blogs. Which, hey, it's OK! I do just really not want to talk about it unless I absolutely have too. It's almost like having to admit there is something wrong with me…. ~sighs~</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><strong>The Weight Issue</strong> – I have been watching and writing down all my food. I have been using sparkpeople.com to log everything. And I did work out the other night, but now, with this heart monitor thing, I have refrained from that. But, I get to take it off today, so I am hoping to get a workout in this eve.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">And as you know, I love to be destructive in times of crisis! LOL… So I have an appt Monday when I get off work to work on my tattoo. The one I got on St. Paddy day is all healed. There are a few places I would like to have touched up, and I would like some shading and stuff done to it as well. BRING ON THE PAIN!! Hahah</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Ok, I am off to work. Enjoy the day!!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><strong><br /></strong><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: default; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 8px;"><a data-mce-href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42154919"><img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" /></a><br /><div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Joey Vagance</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><br /></div></td><td style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 8px;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: default;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: text; font-size: 11px; margin: 8px;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Thanks fer the update sis. Loves ya ~brotherly hugs~</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Posted by Joey on Friday, May 04, 2007 - 12:38 PM</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">[<strong>Reply to this</strong>] [<strong>Remove</strong>] [<strong>Block User</strong>]</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><br /></div></td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 8px;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: default; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 8px;"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" height="1" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" width="0" /></td><td style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 8px;">Atlanta Cellist.....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><a data-mce-href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=61526780" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=61526780"><img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/13/s_e29970b183b24d8992ed5e871c09cdb6.jpg" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/13/s_e29970b183b24d8992ed5e871c09cdb6.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default;" /></a></div><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: default; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 8px;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I got to wear one of those heart monitors a number of years ago. It was quite interesting! All I learned from it was that I have panic attacks....and they were what was making my heart jump & speed up (rolling eyes).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I'll be praying for ya!!! :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">big hugs & kisses of course :)</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Posted by Atlanta Cellist..... on Friday, May 04, 2007 - 7:36 PM</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">[</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42045839121533481822007-05-01T15:56:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:54:54.838-04:00What's Up With Chrys? - The Dreaded Doc Edition<div>So, the time has come again. Another What's Up With Chrys blog if you will. I just need to vent a bit, and let some things out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have so much going on inside my mind right now, that I am not really sure where to begin.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I had a doctor's appointment today. Not with the back doc, as that hasn't really been giving me trouble. This is a good thing, considering. The longer it stays better feeling, the longer I have to put off surgery.</div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br />I was at my regular doctor today for 3 hours. We had much to talk about, but in the process something new came in to light.<a href="http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/" name="more"></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><br />For some of you that got an email from me, some of this next part (ok bits and pieces) may seem a little familiar. And that's because I am too frustrated to keep writing the same thing over. Truth is, I just copy pasted some of it. Added to it. Took some away.<br /><div>You get the idea.</div><br /><div>~HANGS HEAD~</div><br /><div></div><br />I am sorry.<br /><div>I know, twas wrong of me.</div><br /><div>~sighs~</div><br /><div></div><br />Ok, my tummy/intestinal problems obviously will never go away. I have been dealing with them for the better part of about 5-6 years now. I have stopped taking all my meds because they don't help. So, why keep wasting my money if it's not doing any good??<br /><br /><div>She (my doc) did not seem to have a problem with that. However, she suggests I keep a food journal and write what I eat and how it affects me. Perhaps I also have a food allergy and need to stay away from certain foods altogether. But, we also know, due to my past surgeries and such, certain foods I should be staying away from.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A big NO NO – Fried Foods! C'mon folks, I live in the south for bayjezus! Ok really, I don't eat much fried foods. Not at home, I bake everything. And when I go out, I tend to shy away cause of all the grease. Greasy foods are a big, big no- no. I will literally lie on the floor and die. My body just can not digest it. Not anymore. Not after the surgeries I have had. Yeah, the lack of a gallbladder and having your intestines ripped opened and repaired can do that do a girl.</div><br /><div></div><br />OUCH!<br /><div>But, I do seem to have another intestinal blockage. Since I do not have a gallbladder, my intestines seem fit to try to produce its own make shift bile crap. And of course, since it's not really a bile producing organ, all it does is block my intestines. Last time, I had to have surgery to remove it. YUCK! We are hoping that maybe this time, we will not have to take that route, and with a little medication, and some time, we can unblock and pass.</div><br /><div></div><br />Basically I should be more vegetarian then I already am. Apparently I need to become vegan. Because it seems any thing animal related causes me much pain and discomfort.<br /><div>But, damn it I hate being told what I can and can not eat!</div><br /><div>~sighs~</div><br /><div></div><br />Next.<br /><div>My blood pressure was good. This means meds are working. So, no adjustments there. For those of you who don't know, I have high blood pressure. Hasn't always been that way. But, not sure if it's due to any of the drugs I am/have been on. Since I have quit taking some and changed others, guess we will just have to ride this one out.</div><br /><div></div><br />Next.<br /><div>Ok, so I have some skin spots. Moles. Brown spots. Maybe age spots. Who knows? At any rate, I don't like them and neither does my doc. So, she called and on Monday the 14<sup>th</sup>I am going to the hospital to have the skin doc check me out. Some of them have changed, I have noticed. And that scares me. Cancer runs in my family. My grandmother is now on her 8<sup>th </sup>round of cancer being back, and it is her 3<sup>rd</sup>type. Her first being skin cancer when she was my age. I was always in the sun, and I spent the better part of my 5 years in college days inside a tanning bed. I kid you not, that shit is addicting. I am afraid my skin may be paying the price now. I take much better care of my skin now. But, the damage may have already been done. Most people don't believe me when I tell them how bad of a tanner I was. Mostly, cause my face shows no signs of it. My face hasn't aged. I get told all the time that I can't be as old as I am. Oh believe me, I am. I just have good genes.</div><br /><div><br />Yeah, oh, and I just found out about my grandmothers cancer being back the other day. I worry, that she may not fight anymore. I worry, that she will just want to give up, and then she can be pain-free and with gramps. I really do not know what to think about this right now. I love my grandmother so much, and right now, I just can not think about losing her. We just lost gramps last year.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Then my poor Lonnie in December. I miss my angel. His angel wings must be tired these days. Fluttering between me, Sean, Joey and Elonna. Not to mention his family and daughter.</div><br /><div></div><br />And now, Elonna fighting cancer as well. I just can not take any more suffering.<br /><div>Ok, moving along before I start rambling.</div><br /><div></div><br />Next.<br /><div>Apparently my heart beat is showing some abnormalities of its own. Not just showing, but I feel it too. My heart goes so hard and fast that I feel like I am having a heart attack. My heart is going to come right out of my chest. And it hurts.</div><br /><div></div><br />No, its not panic attacks. Trust me, I have those too. And they are not the same.<br /><div>So, while I was at the docs they gave me an EKG and a breath test. NOOOO that WAS NOT fun at all. And this was not something I was expecting on this visit.</div><br /><div><br />The good news is my breath test results said I had the lungs of a 16yr old. That's good to know. I personally never smoked, but my mother did, and I always worried about how the 2<sup>nd </sup>hand smoke would affect me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>However, between the 2 tests, it has been determined that obviously, something is off because I can feel it, but it's not showing on their machines. So, Thursday the 3rd I am being sent off to the hospital to get another round of tests and get fitted for some heart monitor deal I have to wear for a few days. Then, once all docs have results, we will go from their.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am so fecking frustrated.</div><br /><div></div><br />Mad at myself for letting my self get so unhealthy. I used to not be this way, and I just hate it.<br /><div>Next.</div><br /><div>So, I guess, I really need to get working harder on the treadmill and with the weights. And stop eating out so much....and likely, cut back on the Guinness as well.</div><br /><div></div><br />BLAH!!!<br /><div>My doc is also telling me I need to check back in with her in a month about my weight. She wants me to keep a food journal, not only to write about how certain foods affect me to see about allergies and what not, but so we can go over the good/bad in efforts to weight loss. She also wants to see how well I can do in regards to losing some weight.</div><br /><div></div><br />Weight loss is not the answer, but we all know it will help. As well as the exercise. In more ways than one.<br /><div>Ok, I think that about covers it.</div><br /><div></div><br />I think I am going to go find something to throw and break now. Let out my frustrations.<br /><div></div><br /><b><br /></b><b>My Space Comments:</b><br /><div><br /><br />Wow - well not much I can say after all that excep that I'm here for you. It will all work out - just takes time. Hugs and kisses to you!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=72753967">Patrice</a>on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 11:52 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />You have alot going on right now!! You will make it thru! I had to wear the whole heart moniter thing when I was pregnant with Cody, had to have it for a couple of days and anytime I felt my heart feeling weird had to hit a button that sent the drs a notice so they would be able to see if what I was feeling would show up!! Nothing did,(Thankfully)but it was still very scary!! I can relate to the whole cancer situation also, runs in my family, and I know it is very scary to go thru & deal with! All my best to your grandma!! Hold your chin up it will get better<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020">Kristi</a>on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 12:17 PM<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45935168873026044042007-04-29T15:54:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:54:27.392-04:00~Pierced~<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:449774550_71ea8a9d82_b.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="several piercings" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/449774550_71ea8a9d82_b.jpg/300px-449774550_71ea8a9d82_b.jpg" height="400" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via </span></span><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So, as usual, whenever I feel like life is overwhelming me and I am up against the world, I feel like I must do something destructive. But, the reality is, its not destructive to me. Pain, brings me pleasure. Hence, the need for tats and piercings. But, whats left is a beautiful reminder of the life I have lived, what I have gone thru and what I have accomplished in life. For every piercing and every tat has a story behind it.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>At any rate, I got my nose pierced again.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>~smiles~<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=1243edfd-8b42-475b-b61f-fa0533077382" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19537225922906459162007-04-12T15:49:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:54:03.705-04:00Passports and Emotions: An Update<div><br />Well, it certainly has been a while since I have wrote an installment of Passports and Emotions. It seemed like it was about due time.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Much has changed since I last wrote of my adventure trip over the big blue pond.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>It seems when I was always ready to give up and throw in the towel, some thing, or some one would toss me a line and bring me back to shore.</div><div><br /></div>Now, I am living in self doubt and beginning to wonder if that is such the case these days.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>So, if you will remember, I had a trip to Ireland planned last summer. For me and my brother, Joey's birthday. Things change. Joey was not going to be around. But, I still wanted to go. As I got to know his friends more and more, the trip took another turn. I have always wanted to go to Erie, in search of my roots and finding out who I really am. As, I have not always known who I was. But, that is another blog story.</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br />So, off across the big blue pond it was for me. A grand adventure waited. I knew that no matter what, it was going to be fun and it was going to be emotional.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I was glad to have Sean in my life, glad he was going to be my own personal tour guide. Showing me around Dublin and Cork, where both of our families are from. But Sean and I, we took another turn in life. He went his way to Sally, and I went right towards Lonnie.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Things happened and the plans were then changed (once again) to come on Lonnie's birthday, which was about a month later.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Obviously that did not work out. Much went on between me and Lonnie. Again, things happened, and the trip had to be postponed yet again. This time, we aimed for this year- St. Patrick's Day. It had seemed at the time that this was achievable; I was just going to travel alone. He was OK with that after much convincing. We pretty much had everything worked out.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am pretty sure most of you know the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">rest of the story with Sean and Lonnie. </a>You know Lonnie has passed away.<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/03/st-patricks-aftermath.html" target="_blank"> St. Patrick's Day has come and gone</a>, and I am still sitting here.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This trip, has once again taken on a whole new turn.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Now, I am sure many of you have noticed Sean and I are …. Well honestly I don't know really what we are. We have always loved each other, through everything. And we want to be together, but just do not know if that will happen. At any rate, I suppose you could say, we are in love, and we are together. Together as two married people oceans apart can be.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>However, we both have a separate life we lead. A life full of others. Honor, commitment, duty and the like. If he and I do not end up together in this life, I am ok with that. All I need is his love. And that is not likely to ever go anyplace. Sean and I will always have what we have. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Anyway, I am tired of putting this trip off. I need to go now more then ever. I won't be able to see Joey, for he's not in Ireland right now. I do not know if I will even be able to see Sean. But I have to try. He was to have his first visit the other day. I don't know if this means the director will allow him visits now or not. As you know, he's doing his time for the passing of Lonnie. A situation which has made things hard to say the very least.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>What no one seems to understand is that I HAVE to see Sean. I missed out on ever being able to see Lonnie. I regret that only thing about our entire relationship. I regret never taking my trip to Erie. I regret putting it off so many bloody times. And, I HAVE to visit Lonnie's final resting place.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I DO NOT care what anyone says. I don't care who tries to protect me. I am going. I have to. I have to make my own peace with the sitchy and say my good-bye. I just wish everyone could understand that. I will find my way there, even if I have to go at it alone.</div><div><br /></div>I do not know what I am even doing any more.<br /><div><br /></div>I am tired of getting my hopes up about this trip.<br /><div><br /></div>I have reached the point where I am tired of the heartache. I am ready to just give up on it all together. I have reached a turning point these last few days. Some things will never change. Some things will never bend and give. Maybe its time to pack my dreams away and just live out the rest of my life in this bleak and mundane existence.<br /><div><br /></div>Right now I just feel like giving up is easier then dealing.<br /><div><br />I am going to put cotton in my ears….no longer hearing Ireland calling.</div><div><br /></div>I want to keep believing. I want to believe in the fairytale. But, I just do not see how anymore.<br /><div><br /></div>It's Ok. I'll be alright. I always am. One way or another.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>As for my boys…my brother Joey, my angel Lonnie and my love Sean….will always love them, always in my heart, no matter where life takes me.</div><div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50216885250996799172007-04-12T15:45:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:53:02.664-04:00This Ones For ShannonFor those of you who don't know, Shannon is Daiseybug on my friends list. We work together. :) and she has fastly become one of my true best friends.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>It's nice to have someone that loves with, without questions, conditions or restraints.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>And I have found that in a friend like her.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I hope all of you have that one special friend in your life.</div><div><br /></div>Cherish them and hold them close.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>Shannon has been there with me through much turmoil. She has listend with open ears AND open heart regarding the loss of <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">Lonnie and the love of him and Sean both</a>. Not once has she questioned it or judged.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>She was there the day I found out Lonnie had passed. She was the only one who listened. The only one who extended a hand in friendship.</div><div><br /></div>She's been holding my hand as all us Irish Pirates hope and pray for Elonna's speedy recovery.<br /><div><br /></div>And she has been there ever since.<br /><div><br /></div>At any rate...<br /><div><br /></div>Shannon, I thank you.<br /><div><br /></div>I read your card and didn't know how to respond. My words get tangled in person, so this was the only way I knew how.<br /><div><br /></div>So, my girl...thank you for everything...and I love ya :)<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>When we rise and fall, its good to know we can rise and fall together.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>~SMILES~</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Original MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_182899"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a wonderful tribute to your friend! I have been lucky enough to have my bestest friend for 42 years...all of her life! My little sister is my closest friend. Even though we are 5 1/2 years apart, we have that "twin connection" and used to freak people out when we would "communicate" without talking...it's harder to do that now that we are 1200 miles apart, but I know when she needs me...</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tell Elonna hi for me and that I am keeping her in my prayers! {{{{HUGS}}}}</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42270576">Cathy</a>on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 7:44 AM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72684382540002728312007-03-28T12:06:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:50:46.931-04:00Migraines SuckMigraines suck. Too sick to my tummy to do anything, can't see anything for very long before it gets a halo around it, can't sleep because my eye won't stop twitching, and I have taken anything I can to make it all go away. Doesn't seem to fully help.....Grr.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Just grr.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I got up yesterday morning at 4 a.m. -- you know, normal time -- seeing as how I never sleep much, and those chances I do, seems ALWAYS have to pee at 4am. Today was no different.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>And I felt bad. Just ... bad. More like shit. I couldn't figure out what was going on, 4 a.m. not being prime diagnostic time for me, so I just kind of stayed in bed and waited for an epiphany.</div><div><br /><br /><br />By 4:30, the hubby is up and getting ready for work, talking his usual bit of nonsense that I pay no attention to, and then it occurred to me that I was getting a migraine.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I figured at some point this was going to happen. I have been having these small random headaches for about 2 weeks now.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Anxiety again? Panic attacks again? Stress?? Who the fuck knows. All I know is I am rightfully sick of it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Now, guys, if you've never had a migraine, it isn't a headache. Other than the fact it's in your head, well, there's really not a lot of resemblance. Mine start with a tightness on the muscles of the right side, at the base of my neck, stiff, achy, and around 6:30a the pain exploded in a fiery hot little ball above my right eye. I had no choice but to call in sick to work. No way could I function. By 7am it had spread to the left eye.<br /><br /><br />No problem, I have fine pharmaceutical products for this. So I took a Imitrex and went back to bed to wait it out. See, I can't really do much with a migraine. So I stayed home. I was a mindless lump, in a vegetative state, waiting for the meds to kick in.<br /><br /> They didn't kick in. I got up around 9 or 10, sent a message to myspace friends letting them know I was ill and would not be around. Waited to hear from Sean and Joey.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Took another Imitrex and some Klonopin and headed back to bed.</div><div><br /></div>Nothing.<br /><div><br /> By 2 p.m. I'd reached the puking, weeping stage, convinced that I was having a stroke/heart attack and/or going blind. I retreated from the dim bathroom to the completely dark bedroom, crawled under the covers, stuck an ice pack on the back of my neck, and cried.<br /><br /><br />I got up around 5 p.m. to find something to eat, in hopes of keeping it down. The hubby was home and all he wanted to do was talk. WTF???? When I say I have a migraine that means I WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE. After 10 years you would think he of all people would understand.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I took my happy ass to the couch, crawled under my covers and decided to watch a few DVD episodes of Queer As Folk.</div><div><br /></div>Went back to bed at 10.<br /><div><br /> Woke up this morning only to find ... migraine. Still there. Less, though, so I took another Imitrex, called in to work yet again, and managed to find my way to the kitchen.<br /><br /></div>Am currently trying to sort through things and get back on the writing track, but it's hard.<br /><div><br /><br />Sorry. Whiny today, but at least the Imitrex and Klonopin is beginning to help, and I can look at the computer screen without much pain ...<br /><br /><br />So, now that my body is achy from laying in bed motionless, my head is a mess and my stomach in knots from all the meds...I think it is safe to say I will be back to work tomorrow.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Slow recovery. I hope I can keep the anxiety at bay (guess thats what I got drugs for LOL) and the stress to a .....well, really I don't think there is any help for the stress.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Original MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156363"><br /><br />thanks honey!! ~hugs~<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:41 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156366"><br /><br />awwwww....my lil daisybug (or is that bugger heheh) I miss you too and am about to go crazy being couped up in the house. Words can not express how miserable I am. Really. No, really, it fucking sucks ass.<br /><br />Special things....for me?? Oh lordy, Rodgers retirement party and DB can only mean one thing!!! HAHAHAHA..... Well, sorry I am going to miss the fabulous time. Perhaps, you can save me a bit of something. Well...no....wait....I'll pass on that DB if your kitchen stinks that bad.<br /><br />I do feel better today then I did at the begining. This is a good sign.<br /><br />Love ya, Miss ya.....be back to sunshine and giggles in no time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:44 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156081"><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">Dang Chrys,</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">Hey I saw your bulletin on here it shows</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">home today<br />ill<br />feel like crap<br />head is going to explode<br />miss you guys<br /><br />xoxo<br />Chrys</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600; font-size: small;"><strong>Huh?! Who's head are you talking about his or yours? LOL! Chrys! You got to slow down on that BJ's ; throat gagging! You're given it all you got!</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">SLOW DOWN you're not always Wonder Woman you know...hehehe..</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">I hate it when you're feeling down well you get better and I know you'll be stepping up to the plate soon! ;) Take care doll!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">The Irish Hunk Ken</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?Ken Scott?on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 11:43 PM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156367"><br /><br />yer funny....now behave<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:45 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156211"><br /><br />I get 'em too. Not as bad as you...but just dull headaches and nausea. I feel your pain. Get better!<br /><br /><br /><br />Dan<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byDanny-Boyon Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 1:21 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156369"><br /><br />Thanks hun..... glad someone understands...well not really, cause I dont wish this pain on anyone...but it is nice to know that someone really gets how i feel, cause so many dont.... they are all like "eh its just a headache take some asprin" right...been there, done that, doesnt help....<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:46 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156362"><br /><br />Yeap...out again...<br /><br />Day 3<br /><br />fecking sucks<br /><br />the world can not stop, but I have to.<br /><br />blech<br /><br />percription meds make me woozie and disconnected, only dull the pain and make my head fuzzy<br /><br />cant see straight<br /><br />sitting here is bothersome<br /><br />i lay down, its like i am drunk and the room spins<br /><br />i really need to get back to work....but i am useless<br /><br />about to go crazy being couped up inside<br /><br />~sighs~<br /><br />anyway...I'm alive....and I'll be around...<br /><br />Chrys<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:41 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15270153635892934662007-03-25T12:05:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:42:42.760-04:00I'm Just FloatingI am just floating around latley. Just roaming around this thing called life. I do not know where I am going anymore. Really, not sure if I ever did. Just when I think I got it *poof* its all gone. So far out of reach. The harder I try to change, the more it stays the same. I'm tired. I'm lost. I'm confused. Which way to go. Which way to turn. What choice to make. ~sighs~ Only one thing I am sure of. But, I guess I will keep floating...roaming....<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />***************************************************<br /><br /><br /><br />Floating like a satellite,<br /><br />deep in space with the stars above,<br /><br />in my dreams, so late at night,<br /><br />dreaming of the one I love.<br /><br /><br /><br />Floating like a satellite,<br /><br />orbiting around your heart,<br /><br />keeping your soul in my sight,<br /><br />to assure we're never torn apart.<br /><br /><br /><br />Floating like a satellite,<br /><br />come join me on this distant moon.<br /><br />Our love shines like the sun, so bright,<br /><br />as we sing this eternal tune.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />MySpace Original Comments:<br /><br />I think there is something "in the air" because I know so many feeling restless, out of sorts, disconnected...maybe something planetary? I don't know, all I DO know is that you are not alone in your feelings here! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted by Cathy on Monday, March 26, 2007 - 4:51 AMChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61395717804491854102007-03-20T11:57:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:41:39.721-04:00Letter to the Missing<div><br /><br />** I will have the after paddy day blog up soon, I promise. (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/03/st-patricks-aftermath.html" target="_blank">ITS HERE</a>) But, as I sit here this eve, insomia has hit. I started going through some of my writings that I never posted. Maybe not such a good idea, for hidden inside were many layers of unspoken words of Sean and Lonnie. Now I am empty and sad, and left with this huge empty hole and ache in the pit of my stomach. I miss him so much. Anyway, last year, Joey was taken away from all of us. Moved out of the country. When Lonnie found out, he flipped. A butterfly he was, always so delecate and fluttering about. Anyway, he took off. Weeks and weeks went by and I didnt hear from him. Worry became anger. When Sean found out where he was, he let me know. I was so hurt and upset. But despite it all, I welcomed him back with open arms. Despite the anger, the frustration, the hurt feelings, the sadness....all of it....there was so much love. I never have any regrets about my time spent with Lonnie. None. Period. I know, I will see him again , someday, when its my turn. For now, he is with me...in spirit.<br /><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br />Anyway, this is a little piece I wrote , hurting, anger, frustration crawls out from under me and presents itself here....its hard for me to read again, after so much time. Seeing how mad I was. Sometimes, I get angry that hes not here with now.....But, its doing me some good to release it, here , for everyone to see. Letting it go....becoming free.....hoping he will forgive me for my words.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />On a positive note......Sean and I are healing and mending. Tis a hard road to travel down. We know Lonnie tis watching us, fluttering about. But we are taking things one step at a time. On the path together, hand in hand. Road is much easier together, sharing a love that only we can share. A tale as old as time, a tale thats ours and ours alone.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />************************************************<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Letter To The Missing<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />It seems like forever since I've seen, or heard you're voice. I feel your absence like a knot in the pit of my stomach. I barely believe in you anymore. You seem waithlike, and fluttering,...half real, and transparent. More dream than a creature having any substance. It is a fearful thing, to love what is only alive and whole in your own head.<br /><br /><br /><br />This is not how I planned you. What I dreamed us up to be. I prefer the fantasy of us that I had when we talked for hours. I am becoming resigned now to feeling this way. I don't understand this change in you? You leave me alone to find a whores comfort in the arms of strangers and still I long for you. It is madness, my feeling affection for you right now. That is me in the corner, half dead, wordlessly. Where are you? What has happened to the you? Who are you? You are no good to me as a rumor. I need you with ground under your feet. I have enough mirages. I am tired out with absences; and with trying to fill them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Your silence is deadly. I hate it, and yet I fear your speaking equally now as well. Your truth might be death dealing. Loving you is nothing less than one of my grandest of self-betrayals. You've brought me no comfort in the last few weeks, only this dull ache. I feel no anger towards you, that is now hidden so deep that I can feel it only towards myself. I am ashamed that I accept this from you, and still want you near me as much as I do. I feel I should be outraged and insulted. Not sad, filled with longing, and missing you. However I am content with the lie that i should feel this devotion towards you. I must be, unable as I am to give you up. For now, it is enough. You create for me something to feel while traversing this empty space. I am passing the time in a web of fantasy and deceit. It is nothing more than hope in you though. I have no faith in you or us as I did before. Just a desperate clinging to hope. It is a sad thing.<br /><br /><br /><br />Mostly, I pass my day in a state that is numb enough that I can pretend to be happy. I pass as content enough. I do so by filling my thoughts with lies that give me comfort. Such as, I am fine, and strong. You are there and real and caring. I will become someone worthwhile. In the springtime I will love life again. In this state of self-defacing ignorance, I can pretend to not feel so alone without you, as the days repeat the same absences of you. It works until I hear the echo of you in the silence, or feel the breath of an empty space, that is when the world becomes more difficult than I have said.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br />"There is no because in love." No reason. I have no explanation. Only that I hunger for you. You fill the void. Despite myself I crave you. I am living for momentary beauty. With you, I know my heart will belong and break. Still I leave it out on the shelf, like an uncertain offering. It is a lonely girls ignorance that keeps it there, knowing, as I do, it must struggle against the sapphire sharpness of the truth's you offer up. Lonnie, they are death-dealing.<br /><br /><br /><br />What I seek in you is not nothing. I am searching for what shines in you. What shines in everyone who's inner flame has not been snuffed out and hidden in thier own dark and murky depths. Mine feels lost and blue. I should know by now to give up wanting to touch it. I cannot grasp it. I cannot trust in love or you, neither have a shape I can see, nor a sound I can hear. I have offered myself up to you in trade for shelter. Although I haven't much to offer. A smile. Eyes. Hands. Mouth. No soul.<br /><br /><br /><br />I have prostrated myself before you. I want to live for you, through you. Making your will, your life, your desires, my purpose. My command center. My touchstone. I want nothing more than to hand up to you all that is me, and let you make it yours. I thought that it was something beautiful and rare. Undoubtedly much of me will be left on the side of your bed, hidden with the many other secret places with in you. In the end will you make me the better for it? Alive, transformed, and renewed? Where are you? Doesn't this mean more to you than all these empty spaces?<br /><br /><br /><br />What more can I say? I am beginning to speak in the past tence. I know fear of loss is not enough to cause love to stay. If hurting my feelings for weeks strait is not enough to move you, you are the anti-christ, a true dream-killer. There are no words that will move you. I put my faith in you, and it is faltering. Why do I hold so little weight? Don't you miss me at all? How can I be so far from your thoughts for so long if you care at all? Do you have some purpose? Or are you simply this careless? I can find no excuse or lie that justifies this.<br /><br /><br /><br />Say something, speak.<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Original Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"> </span></strong></span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_139809"><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/blog/smileys/tired.gif" />This letter is makimg me very sad , but cheer up Joey may return back home when he feel better. <img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/blog/smileys/jealous.gif" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Posted by Tabitha on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 1:26 AM</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong> </strong><br /><div id="CommentDiv_140488"><br /><br /><strong>~hugs~ I think it is going to be a while yet before my brother is released from where he is. But we keep the faith that it is SOON!</strong><br /><br /><strong> </strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Posted by?IrishChik?on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 3:48 PM</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><div id="CommentDiv_140150"><strong><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong>nothing 2 say....</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong></div><strong><br /></strong><div><strong><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong>Posted bySeanon Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 10:46 AM</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong></div><strong><br /></strong><div id="CommentDiv_140489"><strong><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong>I'm sorry darling, to have made you so sad today...:(</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong></div><strong><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 3:48 PM<br /><br /></div></strong></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79948436417716084722007-03-20T11:44:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:42:19.312-04:00St. Patricks AftermathI'm not feeling very artistic today. But I have been telling every one that I am going to write the St. Patrick's Day blog. So, this is me, sitting here at work, when I should be working. But, I have not done crap all day, so why start now. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/03/gearing-up-for-paddy-day.html" target="_blank">I really wanted to write this blog.</a> To tell you all what a fabulous time I had. And I did. Don't get me wrong. It was all great and wonderful. It was even better to be able to share my pics with Sean and Joey. And how it made them smile. That to me means everything in my world. To have my brother and my love happy and give me a smile. That's all I need to make my day complete.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />But the excitement has worn off. As now I am back in the real world. The world full of loss, hurt and pain. A world where I have to realize the place that Sean is in. Realize that I just can't be there with him right now. The place where I have to come to terms that Lonnie is not coming back. The place where I have to face that sometimes Joey just can't be there. And, where I now must face facts that Elonna is facing the biggest challenge of her life.<br /><br />Life has to go on, I know that. I have a whole other world aside from this one here. But, they are such a part of my world.<br /><br />The shine of the weekend has become dull and lackluster.<br /><br />Slowly becoming a faded distant memory. All that remains is a shell of the good time I had.<br /><br /><br />I go thru these periods in life where I am just content with the way life is. I have been in one of those periods as of late. Realizing that this is just how my life is. How it is always going to be. I just tend to go with the flow of whatever is thrown at me, and try to make the best of it. But then, as time passes me by, that contentment turns to anger. For what I really want, what it is that I really need seems so far away and so far out of reach.<br /><br /><br />So, as I begin to think of my words, and how I want to tell the weekend tale, I am slowly reminded why my feet need to move. Why I need to spread my wings and fly. Now days, I cannot follow my butterfly, but I can certainly follow the path left behind. These days, some things are very clear to me.<br /><br /><br />My Friday started like any other. Happy that it is the last day of the week, and even better that it is the last day before St. Patrick's Day. I look forward to this day every year. To many, it's just another holiday in which to drink and party the night away. But for me, it's a chance to get together with those that I love and celebrate my heritage and who I am. It was really nice that we were able to have a little party at work. And Shannon went all out; she even made me a St Paddy Day survival kit. It was the cutest thing ever. She even brought in cookies for everyone and a balloon for me. (Thanks Shannon) It was amazing that work went by as quick as it did.<br /><br />After work, we all met up, at a place called Aggie's Steakhouse. Steaks all around. But me, and my chicken. Drinks were ordered. We stayed long enough to eat and have a few drinks. Afterwards was off to Murphy's pub, which is where most of the pics where taken. The drinks overflowed, and there was always a game of darts and pool going on. We left Murphy's and headed to another local place on the strip called Dirty's. We did not stay there long. We headed to the tattoo shop, but they were pretty booked with only one artist working, so we ended up leaving and calling it night.<br /><br /><br /><br />Saturday was a beautiful day. Nice and sunny with a high of 75. We headed down to Oklahoma City for the parade. I had never been to the city parade before so it was a sight to be seen. There was a point where I have to admit, it was rather overwhelming. Thinking of my gramps, and Lonnie and Sean and Joey Elonna. All the trial and tribulations our little Irish Pirate gang has been through. How I wished they could have all been there with me, seeing what I was seeing. A tear was shed. I had a sense of sadness, but I was also at peace. After the parade we went off to walk around the festival they were having. Bands were playing all over. It was fun to see so many partake in the celebration, Irish or not. We ate, we drank, and we had a good time. I even sat patiently for 4 hours while I got my new tattoo. Sunday was spent recovering I guess you could say. It was just a lazy day.<br /><br />So, I wanted to tell this tale with much more enthusiasm and let you in on the conversations that took place….but, like I said, today, it just seems so dull and lackluster that I don't even want to put forth the effort anymore.<br /><br /><br /><br />Right now I just got one thing on my mind, and I don't think I am going to fully be at peace and be at rest until I get there and do what I need to do.<br /><br /><br /><br />Original MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_140909"><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">Chrys! I pray for you dear! May God grant you an Irish Blessings!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">God wills it!!! Hang in there Chrys! God and His people love you more than you know! xoxoxo take care hun!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">your Irish Hunk &amp; friend Ken</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986">?Ken Scott?</a>on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 8:25 PM<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_141082"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">thanks mate for the prayers and being a friend. I know what is meant to be will always find a way. I just got a little sad cause since we had missed out on my trip on me and Joeys birthday, then again on Lonnies, we had settled on Paddy day....and well...with the events, obviously that didnt happen. But, the trip will happen SOON and I cant wait!! I have faith...believe me....Sean keeps me going many of days when I just want to quit. His love is all I need to keep me going. But, I can not help those off days when I feel a little down and out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 9:47 PM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53048375677857534322007-03-16T11:42:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:38:57.807-04:00Gearing Up for Paddy Day<div><br /><br /><img alt="St Paddy 07 @ work...me with Officer Jarvis...yeap Adam is just silly" src="http://a4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/14/53290bb1b69f7d0d483871f1514d6a35/l.jpg" /><br /><br />Originally posted on MySpace.<br /><br />So, here I am at work, the day before St. Patrick's Day. Geared up and ready to go. We are having a little party here at work, it's been a fun day already and the day has just begun.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Shannon is over flowing with excitement as she has not really had a chance to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. And I am glad that I am the one who gets to be here to share this day with her. it gives me a new sense of the day, a new look on an old tradition that I have grown used to.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br />After work the real fun begins. We will all be heading out to dinner and drinks. I think we are going to Aggie's Steakhouse so those meat eaters can have their thrills. hehehe Then it's on to Murphy's bar where we shall drink the night away. Pool, Darts, Fuse ball and well, Guinness of course! During the night we will be heading over to the tattoo shop so that I can get the next installment of IrishChiks tattoos. I think the piece I have settled on will be a Celtic band on my wrist. I have decided to intertwine the letter M into it as well. So, why the letter M you ask?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />As this St Patrick's Day rolls around, I am reminded of how things have changed in the course of the last year. I see where I was a year ago and where I am today. I see the girl I am these days. My skies not as cloudy as they used to be. So, I celebrate not only Myself, but I celebrate the friends I have new and old, I celebrate family and where I come from, but I also remember those I have lost.</div><div><br /></div>The letter M<br /><div>M for ME as I have grown so much in the past year.</div><div>M for McMahon, McCliggott, and Mahan as these are my roots and a strong part of who I am.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, so you wonder now, well, what about Joey and Elonna or even poor Ray, the other members of the pirate gang. Well, not being really close to Ray, I doubt I will ever have a tattoo that will ever be a symbol that he is included in, unless tis a pirate tattoo that I get. ~winks~ But, not to leave Joey and Elonna out, I already have a tattoo picked out for the 2 of them. That not only symbolizes their relationship together, but also symbolizes what my brother and my bestest girl mean to me. I vow to get this tattoo on my birthday, as it is also Joey's bday too. However, it's a surprise and will be unveiled at such time.</div><div><br />~smiles~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok so, and then I think we are going to be going to another bar called Willies later in the eve to see one of the officers (Adam) brother's band play. Not sure about that. We are trying to convince Adam that he needs to come hang out with all of us.</div><div><br /></div><br />Saturday being St Patrick's Day, and I am not one to break tradition, I will be heading to <a href="http://www.eskimojoes.com/">Eskimo Joes </a>for the 8am tapping of the first keg. I have spent every St Patrick's Day at EJ's since I moved to this town. Will hang out there for a while. Then later in the day I will be heading over to the Irish Celtic festival. Which I am really excited about. Topping off the eve at my favorite hangout. Buffalo Wild Wings for Guinness and wings!!!<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, I am sure that I will get thrown off course of plans once the Guinness hits my blood, but that's Ok. What matters is, its Paddy day and I will be surrounded by my good friends.</div><div><br /></div>My moms already called me this morning to send her love and best wishes.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Today is a happy day. And I am glad to have all of you in my life. So cheers to each and every one of you. May you celebrate what being Irish is really about. Have a pint on me, and be safe.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Much love.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />xoxoxoxo<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Chrys<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />PS- you can look forward to pics next week!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>cant wait for the pics!! sounds like a blast!! be safe and have a great weekend</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=81869020">Kristi</a>on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 11:51 AM</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><strong><span style="color: #009900;">WOW!!! That's great Chrys! The tattoo shamrocks baby!!! GO FOR IT!!! It's another great tattoo for your body and I can't wait to see it on ya! HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY CHRYS!!!!!!! Gurl I love ya and enjoy our friendship very much! I am gonna be cookin' corn beef, cabbage, big arse baked potatoes, &amp; drinkin' me Guinness!!! I am still thinking about getting tattoos but haven't decided... You have a blast and party hard! </span></strong></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><strong><span style="color: #009900;">your Irish Hunk Ken</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #009900;"> </span></strong></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986">?Ken Scott?</a>on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 2:04 PM</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Lol...I think I am STILL drunk...</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Posted byon Monday, March 19, 2007 - 7:28 PM</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=91156594-4b7f-4e2a-8152-53691d4f3acf" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53963041795131020802007-03-12T11:39:00.000-04:002014-07-18T16:38:31.418-04:00My Elonna<img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Elonna/1161018744_l.jpg" /><br /><br />Originally posted on MySpace<br /><br /> I've tried to be the rock for everyone lately, and I just don't think I can be that rock today. I miss my sistagurl a great deal. It has hit me like a ton of bricks in just a breif moment. As I sit here this morning, making out a new card to send, it just feels like I am not doing enough. Its taking all that I have to not bust out in tears while I am here at work. I miss my girl. I have sent her a card just about every day since we found out she was sick. I have sent her flowers. I have prayed. It just doesn't seem like enough. Our little gang of friend have gone through so much just in the last 3 months. What more can I do?<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div>My thoughts and prayers are with her as she goes through this difficult period in life.<br /><div><br /></div>Get Well Soon Sista....I miss you!<br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><b><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"</span>She believes in me. And I'm a dreamer so it's so good to have somebody like that in my life. If she goes away, I don't know what I'm going to do. I mean, she's my best friend, you know?...She's more than that...She's everything.<span style="text-decoration: underline;">"</span></i></b><br /><div><br /></div>xoxoxox<br /><div><br /></div>~Chrys~<br /><div><br /></div><strong>Original MySpace Comments:</strong><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div id="CommentDiv_121608"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had her in my prayers since I found out...if prayers and the love of good friends were enough, she would be dancing around in the best health! Even though I am no longer on her friends list, I wish her the best and will continue to pray for her. She has had more than her share and deserves a little bit of happiness! {{{{HUGS}}}} to you and Elonna!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byCathyon Monday, March 12, 2007 - 11:31 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div id="CommentDiv_121613"><br /><div><br /><br />thank you mamma!!! xoxoxo<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 11:35 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_123036"><br /><br />You are doing all you can.. honestly I haven't felt very strong since I found out.. between the fits of tears I send her everything I have inside.. I miss her too. ~hugs~ Chrys.. keep faith that she is gonna beat this.. we won't have it any other way.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byfairreegrlon Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 12:42 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_123353"><br /><br />Just a temporary lapse in emotions I suppose. I just miss her a great deal. ~sighs~ But, I KNOW, she WILL beat it!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 8:10 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_123835"><br /><br />Damn straight she will.. if there is one thing our sister is.. it's a survivor. And it may sound selfish but damn if I am letting her go w/out a major f'n fight... But I know what you mean.. my cyberspace feels empty without my SS and sometimes I feel so overwhelmed.. Sending lots of ~hugs~ Chrys.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42544956">fairreegrl</a>on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 3:19 PM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_130460"><br /><br /><span style="color: #009900;"><strong>Lady Elonna, I pray for you that the Holy Trinity watch over you and keep you safe. You have my prayers &amp; thoughts May the Holy Trinity bless you in so many ways!</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #009900;">Ken</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121240986">?Ken Scott?</a>on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 1:47 PM<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7817745125450208962007-03-03T10:34:00.000-05:002014-07-18T16:36:52.177-04:00What’s Up With Chrys – Volume 1 for 2007-The Matchmaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgq1Xwb-dm0/U8mE8NfsO8I/AAAAAAAARho/K2Lrtg1jU4o/s1600/poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgq1Xwb-dm0/U8mE8NfsO8I/AAAAAAAARho/K2Lrtg1jU4o/s1600/poster.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>It’s been a while since I wrote an what’s up with Chrys blog, and I know it’s long overdue.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>So this blog is all over the place. But, I just have so much I want to say. It’s been growing inside of me for so long now, that I just need to get this out.</div><div><br /></div><b>The Match Maker.</b><br /><div><br /></div>How I simply adore this movie. No, I am not talking about the 1960ish B&W version. But rather, the 1997 version. With <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000413/"><span style="color: windowtext;">Janeane Garofalo</span></a> & <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641244/"><span style="color: windowtext;">David O'Hara</span></a>.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>You see, if not for my sistagirl Elonna, I likely would have forgotten all about this movie. Having seen it so long ago just in passing, and always passing it up on the movie store shelves for something newer and hipper.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>At any point, last year, she reminded me. I bought it, and have never looked back. For a while there I was watching the movie almost daily. Then weekly, then…well you get the idea. I had not watched the movie in some time because of all the memories tied behind it.</div><div><br /></div>The story is a simple one. Girl meets boy. Boy meets girl. Boy and girl have a few obstacles in the way. Girl and Boy fall in love and all works out in the end. Typical movie, right?<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Right.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>But, this movie, it hit so many things inside of me. For, even the simplest of love stories can touch someone just the right way. Captures them and never lets them go. And this for me is one of those stories.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Marcy is from Boston. A senator’s assistant. He sends her over to Ireland to trace his roots for an up and coming election. She does not find his roots, however, what she does find, is her soul mate.<br /><br />I’ve always been confused about love. Having seen it in such a screwed up manner growing up. Always questioning it. Never really knowing it. Always afraid of it. Not sure what to do with it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I met Marcus, and it seemed as if that was love. It was all the right things at the right time. But, I always felt like something was missing. Not knowing what that was I just went along in life as I should. We have had our bumps in the road. I have had my eyes opened about many things regarding this relationship. And now days, we do what works best for us. Whether that’s a good marriage in your eyes makes no difference to me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Having said that, this isn’t really what this blog is about. Rather, this blog is about someone else. And my meeting that someone else.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I always believe everyone comes into your life for a reason. And this proved no different.</div><div><br /></div>Joey introduced us Dec 2005. I remember the first time we spoke, like it was yesterday. It was a friendly conversation from that point on. Always full of laughter and smiles. We shared stories together through the holidays. I was always eager to hear was he was going to tell me next. But then, I got word that my gramps was very sick. And the next thing I know, I am taking a long road trip in the middle of winter, heading north for a funeral.<br /><br />Nothing in life could have ever prepared me for <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">losing my gramps</a>. He was my rock. My solid foundation of who I was and where I came from. Losing that was like losing a part of me. As I have talked about in past blogs, this event was horrible. The entire weekend was horrible. But, in the middle of everything, here I was, my feet stuck, unable to move. Everything else was moving around beside me, but I was standing still. It was a feeling like no other. I could not go in to that room. The room where my grandfather lay for his wake. But then, it happened. What I felt, was a feeling unlike anything else. What a heard, was his voice. Sean. A million miles away, and I heard him. Calling out to me. I felt him there, with me. Pulling me along. Telling me to be strong, that I was his girl and that I could do anything.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>It was an overwhelming feeling that just about brought me to my knees. A feeling I would never forget.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I did it. His encouragement came when I needed it the most. He was there for me in a way no one else in the world could ever be. He called out to me, and I heard him.</div><div><br /></div>It was also the scariest thing in the world. For this opened up a whole new world. A world I did not know. Wasn’t sure I wanted to know. But, he was there. And there he stayed. And here he has always been.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>After my gramps death, I went through a very rough stage in life. And Sean was always there, cheering me on. Even when he and I parted ways in our relationship, even when I landed in the arms of Lonnie, his best mate, even when we went through our darkest points together, there he was.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This man has touched a part of me no other has ever touched, my soul. There is magic there, between us. The harder I try to deny it, run from it, be scared of it, the harder it drops me to my knees.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Well, no more. I am not running any more. After losing Lonnie, we see, life is much too short. I’m not running any more.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Recently, out of my own actions, I almost lost Sean. Not purposely. But, it happened. The thought of losing him, almost killed me. It was not something I wanted to bare. It’s not something I want to go through again.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>We may never get that chance to be together. We may never get to hold each other in our arms. We many never get to do a lot of things together in life. But, that’s OK. Because what we do have is simple, pure love.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I was reminded of this movie, right around the time Sean and I had parted ways. Deciding we would be better off just as friends. Thinking it would be best for him to work on his marriage. There is a song, Haunted, that he used to play for me. To this day, that song remains a constant reminder of us. What we mean to the other. When I watched that movie, I cried. And I am not talking a few “oh that’s a great chick flick” movie tears, I am talking an all out war with my leaky eyeballs kind of tears. When I see this movie, I get so much emotion running through my veins. I see the shores of Ireland, and I know, in my heart, that’s where I long to be. I see this love, this sharing of souls, and I know I want to have that too. Everything the characters in this movie see together and share, I want that.</div><div><br /></div>Last night, I had a bad case of insomnia. Looking through the stack on movies, I saw an old familiar one covered in dust. I thought the time was right to bring it back.<br /><div><br /></div>Blowing away the dust I stuck the DVD in the player. I watched this movie unfold before me and it was as if I had never seen it before. Wide awake, eyes glued to the tube, I felt a smile pass over my face.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Many of you know the long and complicated story that surrounds Lonnie, Sean and I. So you know this road for Sean and I as well as the rest of our mates has not been an easy one.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">When Lonnie first passed away</a>, I felt him. Beside me. With me. Like he was trying to tell me something. I figured it out. Slowly. But, with Lonnie gone and Sean away, I was just having a really hard time trying to find myself again. Just this constant ball of emotions. And yeah, I ran right into the arms of someone else. Someone who got caught up in the web. I saw Lonnie, once. And he did not smile. It was a look that scared me. I never talked with it to anyone but Joey. I thought, maybe it was too soon after Lonnie’s passing. To this day, I still don’t really know. But, I had to let that man go. It was not fair to be caught up in my web. When Sean was able to have contact with the outside world again, I knew what I needed to do. I needed to stand beside Sean. I needed to be His Girl again. He found out about the guy, and it was an ugly ordeal. And that’s when it all came down around me. I was about to lose someone that was indeed special to me. That was a very part of me.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Now, we heal and we mend our loss together. We walk hand in hand, side by side.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I watched that movie with eager anticipation. Taking it all in. Remembering all the stories Sean had told me. Reminding myself of all the talks we had about my trip to Dublin. My family and Sean’s come from the same area. Sean would talk about where he wanted to take me. I imagined what it would be like, Sean showing me around our families place. I saw it through the eyes of this movie. The air, the people, the green land, the ocean waves. All of it. Just as I imagined. Those thoughts are still with me. They have been awakened again.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Sean and I, we have a lot of obstacles to overcome in life. But, it warms the heart to know we can work things out together. I can understand and accept him; he can understand and accept me. All we need is our love to keep it together. And I am convinced, we will always have that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I laid down, for a short time today. I felt him, there. That familiar smell. I was not scared. And there our Lonnie was. Smiles. He was smiling. Just the way I had always seen him before. The way I will always remember him. It was then, I knew, I was back on track and following the right path in life.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I have indeed met my match.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84561206360675409292007-02-28T11:26:00.000-05:002014-07-18T16:33:04.852-04:00Look What You Have Done ~War Inside My Head<img src="http://www.colombre.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/scream_by_the4dcreative.jpg" height="126" width="320" /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Originally posed on my MySpace</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">"Look What You Have Done!" my brain screams and I hang my head in shame.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Will this war inside my head ever end?</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">The kind thing.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">The right thing.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">How do I know? What choice do I make? What path do I take?</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Oh yeah, looks like I already made those choices. Took that path. And dammit if those answers still are not clear to me.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Oops. Easiest word in the world to say, easiest way to get out of something that was indeed your fault. Oops. Very simple word. Simple to say, simple to write, and simple to walk away from. Or so I thought. Oops sums things up very nicely. Nothing else is needed to be said after saying, oops. Right? By saying oops, that's pretty much an admittance that you realize you have messed up.</span><br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Except in my case. There is plenty more to say here after saying oops. You see, I have a very big oops going on here. Likely the biggest oops I have ever made.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">A big oops that has caused 2 people very close to my heart to come to blows with each other. I'd say I was to blame, that I feel guilty, responsible – Basically I feel like it's all my damn fault. No matter how hard I try to shake the feeling, I just can not get rid of it. I big oops that has caused another to get tangled up in this web. Will I ever make things right? I doubt it. No amount of apologizing is going to align the stars again. It's not going to bring Lonnie back. It's not going to get Sean out. Not going to make our future bright and cheery. And it's not going to save Brian's heart.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Is it an oops? Or is it a Sorry? Either or.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I realized that no amount of time is going to mend my loss of Lonnie. It's forever going to be a part of me. I thought I could push it aside. Maybe sweep it under a rug and forget about it. That worked, for a while. I felt myself pulling away from those that were close to him. Not wanting to be reminded of him. Not wanting to be reminded what I had to do with it. Nothing lasted long. I am forever going to hold myself accountable for my part it in. People have tried to tell me, I am not to blame. I tried to believe them. But I can't. It's something that haunts me in my sleep. Picks at me when I am awake. Once in a while I shake it, and just when I think the game is over…it picks at me again. Will I ever be free of this demon of guilt and shame?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Nothing I can do but accept it and move on. Easier said then done.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">So much left to say, but nothing comes out at all. Sorry. I am full of sorry. But that doesn't matter. No amount of sorry is going to change anything.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Sean, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">mo chroí. Always my Irish One.</span></span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Brian, I am sorry.</span></span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Lonnie, RIP, I miss you.</span></span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I should be punished too. Why does Sean have to go at it alone? It's just not fair. Those who know me and the story with Sean know I would do anything for him. Anything at all. He means the world to me. And this time, it's no different. He should not be the only one punished for Lonnie. So, I am doing what I can do. And that is just being there for Sean. Any way he needs me.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">But, there is one thing I can not do, and that is be someone I am not. I have worked too hard in life to be more accepting of the girl that I am. And I guess I just expect those in my life, to be as accep</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">ting of me as I am.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Well that and I can't bring Lonnie back.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I don't know what to do anymore. I'm trying to just go one foot in front of the other. Trying to make things right. Do what's right. But that does not seem to be working for me. I keep getting stuck in these damn pot holes. Lingering. Waiting. Wanting so much more. I am really tired of it all really just want to give up. Blah. I hate feelings this way.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I just want to stay here, in my little hole. Not wanting anyone to reach me. Being here alone means I can't hurt those around me. I can't get anyone else tangled in my web. It's safe here. Maybe I will stay here a while longer.</span><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Original MySpace Comments:</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></strong><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I understand. And...I forgive you.</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Posted by Brian on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 9:55 PM</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Thank you for being so understanding Brian. I am glad we were able to work thru things and remain friends. You are a dear soul. Don't cut yourself short in life. Now then, if only I can forgive myself, maybe the stars will align again in life.</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 10:46 AM</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">~crawlin down into yer hole with you, just holdin ya close to me... lettin ya rest yer head in mylap as i stroke yer hair...~ i have nothin wise, no life-lessons. only i am here for you as always.. and as you have always been for me.. i didn't bring the teddy.. that's yours ad joey's.. did bring the double headed dildo *wigglin my brows suggestively* LMMFAO.. hey, if i get to make inappropriate jokes in the middle of my cat dyin and me comin down with cancer i certainly get to make them here ~stickin my tongue out at you before givin ya a tickly tongue bath all over~</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><div><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=39469127">???Elonna???</a>on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 10:24 AM</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></strong><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">~perks up~</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">hehehe...girl you knows I am at work..how am I suppose to respond properly? Sick and twisted wench, must be why I loves ya so!!</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Double headed dildo you say?? hhhmmmmm...</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">~insert big cheezy smile here~</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">My sistagurl, ~wraps me arms around ye and holds you tight~ I too, have been at a loss for words as of late. Daily blog postings have turned into weeks.</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> I got teddy here with me. Hanging on to him for dear life. He's pretty wet and soggy right now from my damn leaky eyeballs. Stupid fuckers, why can't I shut them off?</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Wiggles around in giggles as you errrrrrr...ummmm...tongue me? hahahaha</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 10:44 AM</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29393187533806369082007-02-26T11:06:00.000-05:002014-07-18T16:32:31.786-04:00I'm Gone~ No Way to Reach Me~So Let Me GO!<div>Here I sit. Blank page staring at me. So many thoughts rambling around in my head but I don't even know where to start. Even if I started, I wonder can I even put the words together right?<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I've got plenty to say. But yet, nothing wants to come out.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>My mind keeps roaming around in search of a complete thought. I'm so numb I can't feel a damn thing. I am so far gone I don't think anyone can find me. </div><div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div>And why would anyone want to? I would be useless to them.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am no longer anyone. I am nothing. Simply, I am gone.</div><div><br />I know I am lost. I can feel it. I see it. The way I am pulling away from all those around me. Secluding myself back into my own little world. This time, I didn't leave myself a trail to find my way back. I don't want to come back. Coming back from the world I am in means I am forced to feel. I don't want to feel. I felt enough in the beginning of this. Now, it literally is killing me. I numb it. I numb it to live.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div>There really is no way to reach me.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Maybe I don't want to find my way back. Maybe I deserve nothing more then to be here, alone to rot. No one will find me. My body long decayed. No one will even notice I am gone.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The mask is back and I have no choice. I know I can't be down. I know I can't let the depression kick back it. I tried to push it away. I tried to stay positive and seek out what makes me happy and hold on to it. It's not working. I guess I really don't deserve to be happy. Every time I am happy, it get kicked down. Why even bother. May as well just stay down. </div><div><br /></div>Simple. Easy. Less drama.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>It doesn't fucking matter. Does it?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Deep inside the darkness pulls me. I feel myself caving in. Going back to that place. That darkness. It welcomes me with open arms.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am falling into my hole. My deep, dark, cold and lonely hole. No one is there but me. Alone with my thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>These thoughts consume me. Haunt me. I awake with these thoughts that follow me around all day. I sleep, these thoughts invade my dreams. I can't escape them. It's just me and these thoughts. Day after day after day.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The one thing I want in this world. Gone. Out of my reach. The one thing I need is this world. Gone. I have lost my strength. I want to hold on. Hard to hold on to something that seems so out of reach. Hard to hold on to something that possibly doesn't want to be held on to.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I believe my fairytale ending has died. May as well let myself go along with it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I'll keep my mask on and go about my life. Still Chrys to those who see my outside. Everything else will be kept behind it so that no one will see the demons I hide.</div><div><br /></div>I'm Gone. And there really is no way to reach me……….<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />© C.H.<br /><br /></div><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41063596455330718052007-02-14T11:03:00.000-05:002014-07-18T16:29:05.557-04:00Todays Blog- I'm On YouTube! A Valentines Gift for You.<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ok, so, since my space got hacked and ruined, I just have not felt like writing. And, I have become a You Tube addict. After a year being there, I felt it was time for everyone who I left comments for be able to see me. <a href="http://youtu.be/qhM1FtDTkS4" target="_blank">So, I made my very first vid.</a> I would like to share it with all of my myspace friends. Maybe this is just the inspiration I need to get my writers block "un-blocked"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qhM1FtDTkS4" width="425"></iframe>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4946625868203823112007-02-06T10:55:00.000-05:002014-02-17T10:27:45.127-05:00~Reflections~ ( of 2006)1) Was 2006 a good year for you?It was a serious coaster ride. It had many up and downs. Death. Depression. Heartache. Illness. But, on the flip side, I grew, I lived, and I learned. I had to overcome many things, and I did. For me, that is something to celebrate. And now, I face each day as best as I can, with a smile to help push me forward.<br /><br /><br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year? When I finally was offered a great job and got out of a serious 6 month long stay in bed depression.Yes, it really was that bad.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year? Jan 3 - the loss of my grandfather Dec 6 - the loss of my dear sweet love, Lonnie<br /><br />4) Where were you when 2006 began?in Okie, where I always am.<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><br />5) Who were you with?When the new year hit in Ireland (6pm okie time) I was with Elonna and Sean. When the new year hit in Okie time I was with Marcus.<br /><br />6) Where will you be when 2006 ends?Someplace with Marcus I am sure, since it is also my anniversary.<br /><br />7) Who will you be with when 2006 ends?See #6<br /><br />8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2006?I didnt make any. I was too depressed to care.<br /><br />9) Do you have a new years resolution for 2007?Yes, to keep taking charge of my health. And get my ass to Ireland once and for all.<br /><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2006?Yes. More then once. Love that will forever be with me. Forever a part of me. Never having any regrets.<br /><br />11) If yes, with whom?Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that, for it was with Sean, then with Lonnie.<br /><br />12) If yes, do they know?Of course they do. For they love me just the same.<br /><br />13) Are you still in love with them?YES!! I will always love Lonnie. He is my guardian angel now. Forever a part of me. R.I.P. And I will always have a love for Sean.<br /><br />14) Do you regret it?Not at all. And never will. And I mean that, NEVER. For in this life I have learned, live life, no regrets. Learn and move on.<br /><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2006?No. Sean and I parted ways mutually although that love was still there. We always found a way back to each other. And well, Lonnie and I didnt not ever break up. You all know what happened there. If you don't, then I suggest you go back a few blogs and read.<br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2006?I sure as heck did. LOTS of them!<br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?all of them....<br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2006?March and July<br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2006?No :( ..... but I should have, was suppose to, and now wish I did.<br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2006?Michigan in Jan for gramps funeral, and again in Oct to visit mom and family<br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2006? My gramps in January, and my love, Lonnie in December.<br /><br />22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?YES! My gramps. My mom when she moved to Michigan for good. My family. Some of my friends. And I miss Lonnie a whole hell of a lot right now.<br /><br />23) What was your favourite movie that you saw in 2006? Boondock Saints and The Wind that Shakes the Barley(thanks for that Patrick!)<br /><br />24) What was your favourite song from 2006?Oh I have a few:<br /><br />1. One - U2 and Mary J Blige<br /><br />2. Far Away - Nickleback<br /><br />3. Window in the Skies - U2<br /><br />4. Red - WHY<br /><br />5. Guardian Angel - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus<br /><br />6. Tell Me Baby, Torture Me, Make You Feel Better & Hard to Concentrate - The Red Hot Chili Peppers<br /><br />7. Time of my Life - Justin Manville<br /><br />8. Savin Me - Nickleback<br /><br />9. Lips of an Angel - Hinder<br /><br />25) What was your favourite album from 2006?Hinder, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus<br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2006?Zero<br /><br />27) Did you have a favourite concert in 2006?N/A<br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2006? More then my fair share, especially the first half of the year.<br /><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2006?Only those prescribed, and that was a whole hell of a lot for a while there between the depression, the stomach and intestinal illness and the back issues.<br /><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2006? not answering this one... sorry guys<br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?~SIGHS~ Yeah, maybe.<br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2006?wasnt so much that i lied, its what I kept to myself. But its pretty much all in the open now.<br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2006?I dont even want to go there right now. Sorry.<br /><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2006?There was a period when I was not very nice to Sean. And I feel badly about that still. Even though we have made our peace about it long ago. There are some friends that reached out to me during my depression that I just didnt want to have to explain what was wrong with me. And I pushed away a lot of people. I regret that now.<br /><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2006? Yeah, there were a few people that stepped on me and used me and treated me like shit. And all I got to say is, Karma ...it's a bitch.<br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2006?Since I started working again, I am sure way more then I should.<br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2006?Oh! Lets see........<br /><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2006 and change it, what would it be? Most of you already know the answer to this. For that would be<br /><br />(1) to not have felt like I had to prove anything to "A", then maybe Lonnie would have never of gotten upset with me<br /><br />(2) that event caused the whole downfall of our relationship for then he felt I had left him and off he went to his ex<br /><br />(3) which led to him asking her to marry him for all the wrong reasons<br /><br />(4) which led to me finding out from everyone but him<br /><br />(5) when he did tell me I was very upset<br /><br />(6) and sean was already angry at him, which led me to rant and rave even more<br /><br />(7) knowing how sean still felt about me i should have kept my ranting and ravings to myself<br /><br />(8) perhaps the brawl with lonnie and sean would not have happened<br /><br />(9) perhaps lonnie would still be here<br /><br />(10) and sean would not be sitting in jail , where he was awaiting trial for the murder of one of his best friends, but now, is going to be paroled and they are just trying to figure out when.<br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2007? To just keep plugging away at life one day at a time. To continue on the path of just being me.<br /><br />41) What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?had to experience death of 2 people close to me<br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?yeah my cousins<br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?Less anxiety and panic attacks. More time to write. More real friendships. Acceptance for the person I really am.<br /><br />44) What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Jan 3 - gramps died July 25 - started my new job Dec 6 - Lonnies death I dont think any of these really need an answer as to why.<br /><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?Getting a new job<br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?quiting my job after gramps death, dropping out of school, falling into a deep depression and not working for 6 months.Losing Lonnie.<br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought? My project (RED) Motorola Cell phone<br /><br />48) Whose behaviour merited celebration?hmmmmmm.. Brett for sure. Hes accomplished SO much this year (woo hoo *wepod* I am so proud of you!)<br /><br />49) Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?my own at the beginning of the year<br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about? Having a job again<br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:i. happier or sadder? Well this time last year I had just lost gramps, and was starting on my downward path to severe depression. Right now, I am still dealing with the guilt of Sean being in jail, and Lonnies death. Dealing with loss of Lonnie. But, all in all, I would have to say that I am in a better place today, then I was a year ago. I am dealing with things much better. Don't get me wrong, when I think of Lonnie or Sean I get a extreme feeling of sadness that sometimes overwhelms me. But, I am able to cope much better with it.I have great friends and people who love me that surround me. And that has helped a great deal.<br />ii. thinner or fatter? the same<br />iii. richer or poorer? richer in so many ways<br /><br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?exercised, listened to my docs<br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?Being depressed, blaming myself for so much<br /><br />54) How will you be spending Christmas?Spent it @ my in laws house.<br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?ugh whats with these questions<br /><br />56) What was your favourite TV program?Miami Ink, Lost, Prison Break<br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, sadly, there are a few people that have burned me and I really am still pissed off as all hell about it, so yeah, some hatred is running through my irish blood right now.<br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?Oh gosh, I read so many I dont really know where to start.<br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?Christian Rock<br /><br />60) What did you want and get?lovea better understanding of me from the hubby<br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?Peace within me<br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?I went to arkansas and partied with my best friend steph and her husband and got my irish angel tattoo. I turned 31.<br /><br />63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?Not losing Lonnie.<br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? just me, relaxed and comfortable, at home, to relaxed professional at work.<br /><br />65) What kept you sane?Oh lord, I dont think I was sane much this year. But, Elonna helped me out a great deal.<br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?Colin of COURSE!!! And Cillian Murphy!<br /><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most? The war.<br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.Life is too short for petty shit. Tell everyone just what is on your mind because tomorrow may be too late. That forever is a lie.<br /><br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric."That I love youi have="" loved="" you="" all="" along="" And I miss you Been far away for far too longI keep dreaming you'll be with meand you'll never goStop breathing ifI don't see you anymore "<br /><br />70) Favorite discovered quote.""I'm troubled, I'm dissatisfied. I'm Irish."" •Marianne MooreChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5293215756075991042007-02-03T10:45:00.000-05:002014-07-18T16:26:14.984-04:00YEAH!! Finally GOOD News!<div>Yeah!!<br /><br /></div>All the prayers and positive thoughts sent Seans way, just may have worked!<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Just got word this AM from Joey that Sean has been paroled!<br /><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div>I am not sure when he will be released and when he will be home.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>But, at least it is some good news!<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">*kisses my Irish One....hope to cross paths soon.*</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I Miss You!</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20050918498974758422007-01-26T10:37:00.000-05:002014-07-18T16:25:21.242-04:00~Starting Over~ F@cking Hackers!<div>OK, so here I am. I have to start ALL over. Everything is gone. 1.5 years worth of blogs and comments GONE.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I was in my old account. Sending out a comment. A friend was in chat telling me they could not see me. I sent the comment, and was taking right back to my home page. I could see my friends, but I was gone from all of their lists. I tried to restart that account and I got kicked out and could not get back in. It was gone, all gone.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>So, here I am, mad as hell cause there are so many things that can not be replaced. The major thing being, Lonnie. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">Since he has passed</a>, how the hell is he suppose to add me back? How am I suppose to mourn his loss and drop by a comment or two so his spirit can live on in memory. And what about Sean. Huh? How can he add me back from where he is? Really. You have no idea how bad this sucks for me right now.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Everyone else, I can find again or they can find me. My blogs, I saved to disk, so thats not a problem there.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>WHY did this have to happen to me?<br /><br /></div><br /><div>SUCKS!!</div><div><br /></div>Anyway, welcome back to<a href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik"> my new space.</a><br /><div><br /></div>~Chrys~<br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Original MySpace Comment:<br /><br />Oh, I know how it's feels<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Posted by Tabitha on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 1:07 AMChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41404170314147988282006-12-27T10:32:00.000-05:002014-07-18T16:24:24.697-04:00Some Things That Must Be Said (For my brother, Joey)<div>I've had some ideas rolling around in my head lately about blog ideas. Not really sure what direction to turn in. I know I have had many folks ask me if I am going to bringIrish Chiks Erotic Confessions back, and truth is, I am still up in arms about that. I will have to think about that one a while longer. Anyway, I have some feelings that have been harboring up inside of me for quite a while now. Some things that I should have said long ago that I never did. And now, I have learned that I need to say what I need to say and not hold it in cause tomorrow could be too late. So, today's blog is long over due. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/i_am_joeyv/blog" target="_blank">And tis for me dear brother Joey.</a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, ~deep breaths~ here goes.</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>Joey, there is no easy way around this. There is no way to just beat around the bush. So, I am just going to blurt it out for the world to see. <u>I love you.</u> Not only are you one of my best friends, but you truly are the real definition of a brother. Being an only child, I never knew what it was like to have an older brother. Never had that feeling of brotherly love. Never knew what it was like to share those types of things with a sibling. But it is not coincidence that you and I were born on the exact same day. For it was some higher power greater then us both that had a plan. It was not just fate that brought us to cross paths, but it was our destiny.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>Thank you Joey.</b> Thank you for accepting my hand in friendship that first day. I can remember really the first time we talked after meeting. It was a blog on yahoo about my weight. And the comment you made, really opened my eyes about how I really needed to accept myself as is. That there were people out there that would like me even if I was not a size 2. And ever since that blog, I decided you were right. I was a beautiful person inside and out, and that I was never going to stop short of just being me. You have taken me under your wind, and helped to mold me to the girl I am. I know you don't think you have done that much for me, but the truth is, you have.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Thank you for allowing me into your world. You let me into your world, and you shared a part of your heart. For that I will forever be grateful. As time goes on, our relationship grows stronger and stronger. Forever sharing common bonds. The miles may separate us. Always at two different places at different times. But there is one thing that remains a constant, and that is our relationship.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />You are my big brother, and I your lil sis. You have given me a gift. A gift that no amount of money could ever buy. The gift of being loved and accepted. The gift of being taken under your wing and cherished. The gift of being a protector. The gift of just being you.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I look back and I see all the things we have went through. So many ups and downs. So many people walked in and out of our life. But yet, here we still are.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.myspace.com/43233455/blog" target="_blank">You gave me the gift of Sean</a>. For bringing Sean into my life brought me more smiles and happiness then you could ever imagine. He has brought me so much love. A love that I never knew existed.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/goomba676/blog" target="_blank">And, you gave me Lonnie</a>. You didn't have to share Lonnie. But, you did. You trusted me enough to love him. That speaks volumes. Thank you for putting your trust into me.For having Lonnie in my life brought me so much. The love we shared unlike nothing words could explain. Love that opened my eyes to so much. For the first time I learned about unconditional love with no strings and restraints. For once I could really be me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Together, all 3 of you brought something into my world. Without you I would not have had the other 2. Without you, I would not be the girl I am today. For so long I let the real me be buried deep inside. You opened my world back up. You showed me that I should be me and those that don't like it can basically fuck off. And one step at a time, I let that girl out. And it was not an easy road. It had many obstacles. But, here I am. And it all started with you.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />As the year draws to a close, I think about all the good times, as well as the bad. The sadness that surrounds us now, it's hard to ignore. But, we are still together you and I, holding hands, walking down that path together. Once in a while we hide together in that hole, but one of us always seems to jump out and drag the other with them.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So, while those thoughts linger around, its also a time to think about the things that I cherish. And brother, I cherish you.</div><div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67245263641908982412006-12-23T09:40:00.000-05:002014-07-15T19:54:37.912-04:00Am I Ok?<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My eyes are red, swollen, puffy, and just plain ugly. No amount of make-up is going to bring these irish eyes back to life. I was at work when I heard the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">news of Lonnie Tuesday</a>. I had to fight it with every inch that I got. I lost it a few times. But once I got home it was a total disaster. I woke yesterday with a migrane and called in sick. The tears ran all day. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This morning, my eyes are all dried up. I know deep inside more tears are building. I had to take the tear pic down. It was too much. Everytime I put a crying pic up Lonnie would tell me how much he didnt like to know I was sad. I can hear his voice echoing in my head now, "No more tears Chrys, please, no more tears. That pic is too much for me." So, the pic is gone. But just know that just because you are seeing my smile again, doesn't mean the sadness has left me. Not only am I mourning Lonnie's death, but I am also dealing with Sean and his trial. Its going to be a long and bumpy road ahead.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />This is a very special song with deep meaning between <a href="http://www.myspace.com/43233455/blog" target="_blank">Sean</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/goomba676/blog" target="_blank">Lonnie</a> and I.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Tell that someone that you love, just what you are thinking of. Whether its family, a friend, or your true love. Dont hesitate to tell them. You never know when you will have that chance taken away from you.</div><div><br /></div>U2~ One<br /><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZpDQJnI4OhU" width="420"></iframe> <div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">One Love Baby</a>.....your angel wings will wrap me in comfort when I need you. I shall see you again my love. My love to you.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/haunted-today-is-for-sean.html" target="_blank">One Soul One Heart </a>....I will be right there beside you every step of the way. My love for you.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4720840829739477812006-12-20T10:29:00.000-05:002014-07-15T19:52:04.204-04:00No Title (ugh, holidays) But this is a feel good story.<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Christmas_carol.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A mother plays the guitar while her two daught..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/The_Christmas_carol.jpg/300px-The_Christmas_carol.jpg" height="423" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Christmas_carol.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br />So, usually this time of year I am sitting around thinking, well, about why I don’t like this time of year. As a matter of fact, this year about this time I wrote a blog entitled “Why I Hate This Time of Year.” I remember thinking while I wrote that, hoping, this year’s holiday would be better. Yeah well that didn’t quite work out as planned now did it?<br /><br />~shrugs shoulders~ Well, I tried.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It’s just that every year for at least the last 5, could be more, but I have lost count. Anyway, seems something bad has happened around this time of year. Every stinking year it’s been something. And this year proves to be no different with the loss of Lonnie and Sean’s sitchy. Another big one is that my mother moved to Michigan so she is not here with me this year. Basically I am alone here aside from Marcus and my in-laws(which I NEVER see) ~sighs~<br /><br />As this day starts out like any other, these thoughts cross my mind.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />But when I got to work, something happened that totally changed my outlook. At least for today. For today my eyes were wide open.<br /><br />As many of you know, I work for the city. Not the city in which I live. But for a very small town just outside my city limits, about 20 minutes away. Population is about 4000. That’s like 1/16th of my city size. My actual job title is Deputy Court Clerk and Payroll Clerk. But I also help with the Utility Department. And this morning was no different. As a customer walked in to pay their water bill, I assumed this transaction was to be like any other.<br /><br />Boy was I wrong. The town in which I work is not a big town. It’s not a prosperous or wealthy town. Many people that live there struggle to make ends meet day in and day out. I know there are many people in many towns like this, but you would just have to be in this city to understand there really is no wealth there.<br /><br />This lady comes to my counter. She is very plain dressed. Hair pulled back in a braid. No make up. Clothes show signs of age and wear. But she doest seem to care. She doesn’t notice that the girl behind the counter has no Christmas cheer. She is too busy spreading it to those that need it. For this lady came in and paid over $800 to 13 families on their water bill. She was from a local church and they had received a donation. This is what this woman felt she was called to do. As Shannon and I looked through our list of people who had not paid and were soon to be cutoff, every worry that we had in our own mind went out the window. She had asked that we not tell these people who paid it, to just tell them that it was an anonymous donor. We spent some time with this lady. Just talking to her. And her words just touched my soul so deeply that my tears began to flow for her. When she was done I asked her if I could give her a hug. And she gratefully accepted. And when I did, she just held me and began to cry too.<br /><br />After she left, Shannon and I made cards for the people who had their bill paid by this woman. Shannon donated her own stamps. And I begin to think, you know, some of these people, their bill may only have been $30 and so minimal to some of us, but to them, it is the start of something good. It’s a little more then what they had in their pocket that morning. Perhaps some more Christmas cash. They will see that their is some good in the world. They will see that someone does care. Something so small and simple can amount to such a great deal. And this lady was not asking for anything in return. She did not even want to know who it was she was paying for.<br /><br /><b>Pay it forward.</b><br /><br />What goes around comes around.<br /><br />This lady may have been one of the poorer people in town, but she is one of the richest.<br /><br />Just when I thought I really had lost my Christmas spirit, this lady and her love for others brought it back. When I thought my year was rough, I was shown that others have it rough, too. Some even worse then me. Even when you are poor, you can be the richest person in the world.<br /><br />As the tears begin to swell in my eyes again, let’s just say that one lady, one small simple deed, brought back my faith.<br /><br />My eyes are open, and I can see ME again.<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=25ae7281-94db-4517-b7db-e3277a2d2035" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45032389391808716472006-12-17T10:18:00.000-05:002014-07-15T19:51:15.408-04:00ssshhhhhhh He Said In A Dream<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Lonnie/?action=view&current=376518961_m.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Lonnie/376518961_m.jpg" /></a>"No, don't go. Don't you leave me here all alone. Don't go where I can not follow" ~samwise LOTR~<br /><br /><br />So, I am driving home from work Friday after a relatively eventful day, and I throw in a CD. Not really paying attention to what it is. It's the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Cool. Love that CD. Thinking I can just pass over the Guardian Angel song, since it tied to Lonnie. It is at the end of the CD, I will be long home before then. But then, this song comes on. Cat and Mouse. And the line goes like this:<br /><br /><br /><i>"You said that you would die for me, well you must live for me too."</i><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />That just echoed in my head. My soul started to scream at me. For there were times when Lonnie would tell me, he would die for me. At one time he even put Prince's "I Would Die 4 U" song on his myspace. I just started bawling. The tears were falling down my face faster then I could drive. It left me no choice but to pull over. And, that I did. When I did, I sat there, watching the whole world just pass me by. As I sat in my car, listening to this song, I was having a war inside my mind.'Tis all my fault. No its NOT. YES it is. NO. YES. NO. YES. If only…..he would still be here. This played in my mind over and over and over. I screamed. I cried. I punched the dashboard. I asked <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">WHY? Why Lonnie</a>. If their was ever a time I questioned my faith, it was now. As I started to have a conversation with God.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br />God, I know Lonnie wasn't faithful to his church. But he tried. And he was doing so much better as of late with finding his faith inside himself. He was trying so hard to do right in his life. Why would you take him from us now? When Lonnie said he would die for me, he did not literally mean it, I am sure. Right? NOOOOOOOOO…It can't be true.….I take it back. I take all those words back. I would give anything, anything at all if you would just give him back to us.<br /><br /><br />When I realized I was not being answered, I gathered my thoughts, wiped away my tears and pulled myself back onto the road. When I got home, I prayed. I prayed more in one night that I have in all of my time in life. So many things I prayed for.<br /><br /><br />I slept that night, a deep sleep. A sleep unlike any other.<br /><br /><br />He came to me in a dream that night. As real as the flesh and blood of you and I. I said I would die for you. A phrase that lingers in my brain. I never thought you really meant it.<br /><br /><br /><em>"Aye, but babygirl I did, for you it 'twas whom I died for. For your love, Chrys."</em><br /><br /><br />I find no peace in that.<br /><br /><br />He looked into my eyes. Smiled that little smirk, where the corners of his lips curl just ever so slightly and there was a radiant gleam in his eyes.<br /><br /><br /><em>"My Irish Angel," He said to me, "In this life I knew real love. I was loved by you. And in return I loved you back. A love that is as pure as this winters snow. I gave you my heart and you shall always have it. We were together once before, you and I. I have always told you that. Look inside yourself me wench, for all the clues are there. 'Twas a past life indeed for you and for I. And through it all, we found each other in this life. Hold tight to me my Irish Angel, for we shall find each other again. "</em><br /><br /><br />In reply I said to him, my angel of the night – For you I would have given anything, even if it was just for one night. I'd give my whole world just to be with you. Just to hold you tight. For you, I would die, too.<br /><br /><br />I see a hint of sadness upon his face. I know we must part soon.<br /><br /><br /><em>"Live together, die together. But not yet baby. Now is not your time. It's my time to go, but your time to stay. You will meet others along your way. They will cross your path for a reason. I must leave you behind baby, so your smile can radiate on to others. People in your life will be blessed because you loved them in your own special way. I will see you again my lover. Together again we will be. But, until that time, enjoy this life baby. Live it, and don't let it pass you by.I see your tears, I know you weep for me. Be strong me baby, you will get through. I am your Guardian Angel now….always right by your side. "</em><br /><br />And with that he said good-bye.<br /><br /><br />All these words, he said to me upon a midnight dream. How I miss him so, and finding it so hard to let go. But I am thankful, that he was once mine. As the saying goes, tis better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all.<br /><br />Here is a video I found on YouTube. He loved Pon and Zi.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/c5xjSgcGTvc" width="420"></iframe>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73633024425619995352006-12-15T10:09:00.000-05:002014-07-15T19:48:32.431-04:00My Heart Will Go On. Today is For Me.Woo Hoo its FRIDAY! Thank goodness. I am just so drained.<br /><br />So, today's blog is suppose to be about me, but as I sit here trying to write it, I just feel like there really isn't anything about me to say.<br /><br />I'm sure everyone is tired of my blogs being about the same subject matter lately, but I suppose that can not be helped. Those boys have been such a big part of my life for so long; it's hard to not talk about.<br /><br />I'm still mourning the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank">loss of Lonnie.</a> As another Friday night approaches, I am forced to face facts that he is not coming. That no matter how long I wait up for him, he is not going to show. I will not see him again. But, I know, he is with me.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/haunted-today-is-for-sean.html" target="_blank">As for Sean</a>, well, I just have to stay strong. I know the court system there is slow. And it is not going to be any better this time of year. It saddens me to think that Sean will have to spend Christmas alone, without his sons and wife. Without his (rather large I might add) family.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />While these 2 are deep within my thoughts, life around me has to go on. I know neither of them like me sad. Neither of them likes me to worry. But these are feelings that can not be helped. While I am dealing with these emotions, life is passing me by. For a while it was waiting for me to catch up, but I just let it go. I can’t let life pass me by. They would be upset with me if I let it, as well as everyone else. So, this is me, today, catching up with life. Putting one foot in front of the other. Still living with the emotions of the 2, but, not stopping, still moving.<br /><br />Not a whole lot has really been going on with me the last few weeks. Work has kept me pretty busy, which is a good thing. Helps to keep my mind off things. We had our employee Christmas party last weekend. It was pretty fun. Me and one of the girls had snuck some drinks in. We labeled our table the boozer table. ~snickers~ It was a Guinness night!<br /><br />I was supposed to go see a friend this weekend. But it has been postponed. For a few reasons. Which I don’t want to get in to right now, but one being my funky mood. Another being, I closed the lid on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/opening-pandoras-box.html" target="_blank">Pandora’s Box</a> for a while. Only time will tell if things will ever change.<br /><br />As for the treadmill, well, it was going really well until the other night. I came home from work and went to take the trash out. I got dizzy and had a spell. All blah blah pounds of me fell directly on my right knee. Banged and busted it up pretty bad. Bruised and swollen. Needless to say, it has hindered my treadmill mornings. It is just now starting to feel better. Yesterday while at work I was the lucky one to get to walk around town and hand out these Christmas coloring contest pages that the kids did for the Christmas Holiday event they had in town. Good thing I work in a smaller town. Anyway, I got my exercise yesterday for sure!<br /><br />Moving along, I seem to be in blabber mode this morning.<br /><br />Today’s lyrics are from Titanic. A movie I simply adore. I had watched in Sunday night, and this song has really just stuck in my mind since then. I will never, ever forget Lonnie. I have no regrets. As the saying goes, better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all. He will forever be in my heart. But, just as life has to go on, so does my poor heart. Same with Sean. Forever a part of me. I have to get back to me. Get back to the girl I am. He needs my strength right now.<br />Ok gang, have a great day!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DNyKDI9pn0Q" width="560"></iframe> My Heart Will Go On (Titanic Theme)<br /><br />Every night in my dreams <br />I see you, I feel you, <br />That is how I know you go on <br /><br />Far across the distance <br />And spaces between us <br />You have come to show you go on <br /><br />Near, far, wherever you are <br />I believe that the heart does go on <br />Once more you open the door <br />And you're here in my heart <br />And my heart will go on and on <br /><br />Love can touch us one time <br />And last for a lifetime <br />And never let go till we're one <br /><br />Love was when I loved you <br />One true time I hold to <br />In my life we'll always go on <br /><br />Near, far, wherever you are <br />I believe that the heart does go on <br />Once more you open the door <br />And you're here in my heart <br />And my heart will go on and on <br /><br />There is some love that will not go away <br /><br />You're here, there's nothing I fear, <br />And I know that my heart will go on <br />We'll stay forever this way <br />You are safe in my heart <br />And my heart will go on and onChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24159332396890220802006-12-14T09:58:00.000-05:002014-07-15T19:45:47.484-04:00Haunted ~ Today is for Sean<a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/?action=view&current=timas.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/timas.gif" /></a><br />Emotions are off and running this morning as I spent the better part of last night digging through Sean's stuff. I miss my Irish One a great deal and would do anything to change this sitchy all the way around. Sean is a very loving and special person. And we will always be "Haunted" by each others love.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />He had a day in court. Lonnies family does not want to press any charges, thank goodness. However, the courts do. The jury selection has begun. My prayers and positive thoughts are heading across the big blue pond, right to Sean. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/C8oyxrrEk58" width="420"></iframe>Haunted- Sinead O'Connor and Shane MacGowan<br />sinead:<br />do you remember that sunny day?<br />somewhere in london in the middle of nowhere<br />didn't have nothing to do that day<br />didn't wanna do nothing anyway<br /><br />shane:<br />you got a way of walking<br /><br />sinead:<br />you got a way of talking<br /><br />shane:<br />and there's something about you<br /><br />sinead:<br />and now i know i never ever wanna be without you<br /><br />both:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />sinead:<br />of your precious love<br />of your precious love<br /><br />shane:<br />first time i saw you standing in the street<br />you were so cool you could have put out Vietnam<br /><br />sinead:<br />all the girls ask "what's he like?"<br />i said "he's kind of shy but that's the kind of girl i am<br />he's my kind of guy"<br /><br />both:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />sinead:<br />of your precious love<br /><br />shane:<br />of your precious love<br /><br />sinead:<br />of your precious love<br /><br />shane:<br />i've build my world around you<br />i'll bless the day i found you<br /><br />sinead:<br />i'll stay beside you<br />i'll never leave or tell you all those<br /><br />both:<br />lies that you'd never believe<br /><br />both:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />sinead:<br />of your precious love<br />of your precious love<br /><br />shane:<br />you got a way of walking<br /><br />sinead:<br />you got a way of talking<br /><br />shane:<br />and there's something about you<br /><br />sinead:<br />that's the kind of girl i am he's my kind of guy<br /><br />shane:<br />and now i know i never ever wanna be without you<br /><br />sinead:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />shane:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />sinead:<br />and now i know i never ever wanna be without youChrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76621241741185268222006-12-13T09:50:00.000-05:002014-07-15T19:44:21.906-04:00Far Away ~ Today is for Lonnie<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Many emotions run through me as I read Ray's blog For Lonnie.<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean.html" target="_blank"> Lonnie has been laid to rest</a>. I keep waiting for someone to pinch me so I can wait up from this awful nightmare. So many things I wanted to say to him. So many things needed to be said. This song was a big part of Me and Lonnie. Being so far apart, we always wanted to make sure the other knew they were loved unconditionally. I miss him so much.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/j4y-RzVGrHg" width="420"></iframe><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">This time, This place<br />Misused, Mistakes<br />Too long, Too late<br />Who was I to make you wait<br />Just one chance<br />Just one breath<br />Just in case there's just one left<br />'Cause you know,<br />you know, you know<br /><br />[CHORUS]<br />That I love you<br />I have loved you all along<br />And I miss you<br />Been far away for far too long<br />I keep dreaming you'll be with me<br />and you'll never go<br />Stop breathing if<br />I don't see you anymore<br /><br />One my knees, I'll ask<br />Last chance for one last dance<br />'Cause with you, I'd withstand<br />All of hell to hold your hand</span></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I'd give it all<br />I'd give for us<br />Give anything but I won't give up<br />'Cause you know,<br />you know, you know</span><br /><br />[CHORUS]<br /><br />So far away<br />Been far away for far too long<br />So far away<br />Been far away for far too long<br />But you know, you know, you know<br /><br />I wanted<br />I wanted you to stay<br />'Cause I needed<br />I need to hear you say<br />That I love you<br />I have loved you all along<br />And I forgive you<br />For being away for far too long<br />So keep breathing<br />'Cause I'm not leaving<br />Hold on to me and, never let me go<br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16493353399665741072006-12-05T09:31:00.000-05:002014-07-15T19:34:25.923-04:00R.I.P. Lonnie Mahoney and Prayers for SeanThis isn't going to be one of my best blogs. It is however, going to be the hardest one I have ever had to write. I just got word today, that my heart, some one I greatly love with every inch of my soul has been taken away. Lonnie passed away on Sunday eve. He was brought into the hospital in critical condition, in a coma he never awoke from. Sean is awaiting trial. So many things I want to say. So many things I need to say. But, right now, I just cant see through the tears. So, I am just going to leave you with this.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is my fave pic of Lonnie as a baby....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Lonnie/baby2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br />As a wee lil lad<br /><br /><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Lonnie/around7.jpg" /><br /><br />and this is my fave pic of him and his daughter Victoria.<br /><br /><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Lonnie/LonnieVictoria05.jpg" /><br /><div><br /><br />I'm sorry guys. I just don't have it in me to write a blog right now.<br /><br /></div>Thoughts and prayers to Lonnie, his family, Sean and his family.<br /><div><br />and this would be my fave pic of Sean....how I love him so....<br /><br /><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Sean/682760359_l.jpg" /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75155825514532119782006-12-04T09:26:00.000-05:002014-07-11T14:58:27.320-04:00Opening Pandora's Box<br /><br /><img src="http://chesterfieldpagans.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/pandoras_box.jpg" /><br /><br />Opening Pandora's Box (originally posted on my MySpace)<br /><br /><br />So much to say and don't know where to start. Once again been sitting here looking at this blank page with this damn cursor blinking at me. Blink. Blink. Come on girl, type something…anything…just do it. Blink. Blink.<br /><br /><br />I figured it was now or never. Here I am. Putting my words out there. Lots going on these days. Still worried about Lonnie. Angry that I can't just drive my ass to the hospital to see him. Worried about Sean. Upset that I can't help bail him out. Worried about the families. Just hate this waiting game I have to play. Wait. All I hear is the fucking clock…tick tock tick tock….I can't stand this. It's about to drive me mad. I have this need to know. I need to know what's going on. I need to know how they are. I need to be there, and I can't. What kind of friend am I? When two of my friends who are close to my heart need me the most, I can not be there. I can not come to their rescue. It sucks. I hate feeling helpless. But I guess that's just my punishment. The way I see it, the way I feel. It's what I deserve. I had my part to play in this ordeal. And no matter what anyone says, it will eat me alive. It will cut at my flesh, and I will bleed. Watch it drip....drop...drip...drop.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />I am taking all that negative energy and pushing myself into other avenues of my life. Avenues I have sort of put on hold for a while. There are some things in my life that I am sick of the way they are. And only I can change them. But these are things in which changing them means opening Pandora's Box.<br /><br />I know what I want. I have my eye on the prize. But I question myself. Am I making the right choice? Is what I want, what I need, what is such a part of me and who I am, is it worth it in the end for the things that could come out of it. Is opening Pandora's Box really the answer?<br /><br />What is with this thirst I have? Why can I not quench it with things I already have. Why must I seek more.<br /><br />How do I find the key? Maybe the key lies within me. Once I started the puzzle, it looked like the path became clear. Now I question that. Are the pieces fitting together as they should, or am I just forcing them along to get what I want in the end? That prize. What if the path I am on is clear and I am just a little cloudy right now. If that is the case, then will I be able to find the key in a hurry shall I want to close and lock the box?<br /><br />What if I think is the prize really isn't the prize after all. How will I ever know? Shouldn't I just open the box and take the chance and deal with whatever Pandora throws at me? Maybe I should just take apart the puzzle that I have started and forget about it.<br /><br />But the pieces have already been put into place. Walking the path already put into motion.<br /><br />I just don't know. It's all too confusing. This path, that path, what's right, what's wrong. We all know for every action, there is a reaction. But, what if you could force the reaction to be what you wanted it to be? Would you continue with Pandora or not?<br /><br />Too many words ramble in my head. Too many thoughts these days to even bother with completing.<br /><br />May as well just take a chance and ask Pandora to come play. Keep going on the path I started. Time to play this game.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91878311225993779032006-12-02T09:14:00.000-05:002014-07-11T14:57:43.312-04:00What's Up With Chrys? Oct/Nov Edition : Sean Fights Lonnie<div><br /><br /><img src="http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs14/f/2007/080/4/f/Crying_by_zero_rider.jpg" height="400" width="348" /><br /><br />(originally published on MySpace)<br />To blog this or not to blog it, that is the question.<br /><br /></div>So, this is sort of what’s up with Chrys blog since it has been so long since I have posted on. I’ll call it the Oct/Nov edition since it’s just now starting December<br /><div><br /></div>Can you believe that it is December already? Neither can I, but that’s not what this blog is about.<br /><div><br /></div>Ok, so, there have been a ton of questions regarding Lonnie and what’s happened and where has he been and why haven’t I been talking about it. Well the truth is, it’s been bumpy, and it’s been a lot of hurt and tears. I just needed some time to deal with it before I put it all out there. It’s still hard to deal with, but I think maybe this will be a good step in letting it go. Not to mention answering all of your questions.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div>Yes, Lonnie and I had a “thing”. Define thing however you want it. Part of my trip to Ireland was to meet him as well as the rest of the pirate gang. But Lonnie and I had plans to hang out and just see if this “thing” that had developed between us was a real as we thought it was. All I know, is I know what I felt in my heart, and you can judge that however you like.<br /><div><br />We all know I am married. We all know for the most part my marriage is a good one, but we all have our issues. Most of you know that my marriage is somewhat open. It’s been a slow process, and it has been one step at a time. But the point is, for Lonnie, IF things were as we thought, there was that possibility I would have left my life behind here for him there. And he knew that. We talked about that more then once.</div><div><br /></div>Lonnie doesn't give love or his heart away so easily. The only one person besides me that I know he loves and has given his heart to is my dear brother Joey.<br /><div><br /></div>Anyway, Lonnie and I built a relationship, a good one, and a very open one.<br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/im-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html" target="_blank">I went off to Michigan to see my family.</a> I was out of contact with Lonnie at that time. There was someone I was talking to and he was a great guy. I just wanted him to know that he was great and that I did care about him. So, when I posted some blogs and bulletins, his name was mentioned. I even left him some really nice comments. When I got back home from Michigan, Lonnie was waiting. And this whole thing blew up in my face. He felt I had fallen in love with someone else and that I wasn’t telling him. He felt I was breaking up with him and it was over. That so wasn’t the case at all. I tried my hardest to get him to see that, but he would not listen.<br /><div><br /></div>Weeks went by with out a word. However, there was a blog posted on Lonnie’s page titled <a href="http://www.myspace.com/goomba676/blog/186321286" target="_blank">“Why Love” </a>sort of shows his side of things. It is public, you are more then welcome to go read it.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I got Sean by my side telling me he is sorry for Lonnie’s behavior. Sean telling me there are things Lonnie is doing that he needs to talk to me about. Then Joey tells me, then Elonna. And it’s like, what the hell is he keeping from me? And then the bomb is dropped. Pretty much Joey and Elonna tell me at the same time. Lonnie has asked the mother of his daughter to marry him. ~insert jaw dropping here~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>About an hour later, I hear from Lonnie. Oh yes, indeed he has asked Megan to marry him. He is sorry but he thought things were over with him and me, and now he sees that he was wrong about the ordeal with the other guy. Yeah, well a little too late now. Apparently anything and everything him and I ever talked about didn’t make a fucking difference. He wants to go on to tell me all the reasons why they are getting married, mostly for Victoria, their child together, but for reasons like cheaper taxes and the lot.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Did he mention love? NO! He did not. He says him and Megan get along much better now then they did years ago, he says their relationship is like that of a brother and sister (huh?) but there is nothing there that is love. He goes on to tell me he still loves me and always will. I give this man my heart, and this is what fucking happens. So I have no choice but to heal and move on. I’m moving on.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>This is about the point where I say, FUCK LOVE and WHAT DAMN GOOD IS IT.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I refuse to let anyone over that wall again. There was someone who started to climb over that wall, and I pushed him down. I am sorry I pushed you down. I do have some sort of love for you, some sort of feelings and I do care. But right now, I just do not know what to do with that.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>My heart is too big and I easily care too much. This is something about me that I can not change. But I certainly can change who I let over that wall. And right now, I am building that wall a little higher. Making it a little tougher. I have to. I have no choice anymore. I am hurting inside too much.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>All that hurt turned into some very dark blogs. There were things going on behind the scenes that I am not proud of. Things that I can not change now. But I am working on trying to make those things better.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Sean was angry at Lonnie for hurting me. Sean and I, we still share a special bond. He feels my hurt and pain. He is very tuned in to me and my feelings. The poor guy, I almost feel sorry for him having this magical thing we share can be a real bitch sometimes.</div><div><br />For those of you who don't really know the backbone of that story, Sean and I were together for a while. We shared something very special and very magical. But for reasons I care not to rehash, we parted and went on with our lives and remained best of friends. But that bond we have and the kind of love we share will never be broken.</div><div><br /></div>When I first got together with Lonnie, Sean went after him in a fit of range. Sean beat him up pretty badly. I remember Lonnie coming home that same night telling me about it. Then a few days went by and Lonnie had not been to work and no one heard from him. Sean and Ray went to his house and ended up kicking down the door only to find Lonnie unconscious. They rushed him to the ER where he stayed overnight. He ended up with a concussion and lots of meds. With time and lots of love, he got better. Sean apologized and we all mended.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>But, history has a habit of repeating itself, and we are finding ourselves in the middle of another terrible situation. Just when I was getting to the point where I could be happy and be myself again, moving on and just trying to get over him.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I knew Sean was hurting for me. I knew he was angry, for me. I knew him and Lonnie had a little riff when the news of the marriage first came out. Lonnie told me he deserved everything he got for hurting me. I had hoped that was the end of it. I had hoped Lonnie and I could move on as two adults and still remain friends. But Lonnie was never able to come back and talk to me. Because after my conversation with Sean, telling Sean I was still hurt and upset, how my anger was starting to take over and how I had wished I could smack Lonnie around myself, how in not so many words telling Sean to do it for me. He took all that, already boiling, he boiled over. The other night, he went after Lonnie. He went after him good and hard.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Joey, Elonna and I got news that Lonnie is in the hospital. He is in critical condition and word is, it’s so bad, they are not sure if he will make it. Sean has been sitting in jail. He could very well be facing manslaughter charges.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I feel helpless and so much more hurt and pain that I don't know what to do with it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Joey posted a blog today called <a href="http://www.myspace.com/i_am_joeyv/blog/200436346">Very Important Mates</a>, I am pretty sure his is public too if you would like to go read it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So for those of you who have bared with me and read along this far, I once again ask you to put both Lonnie and Sean in your thoughts and prayers, light a candle for them both in hopes the Lonnie makes a full recovery, Sean is set free. The families involved will be ok in the meantime and that once again, the Pirate Gang will be together just as before.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>~FRIENDS ARE FOREVER!~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=4c753588-9a7d-409e-a463-d943289b9ab6" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88920046240478588702006-11-23T09:08:00.000-05:002014-07-11T14:56:04.693-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? Gone.<div><img src="http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs14/f/2007/015/3/3/Forever_gone__forever_you_by_FrozenStarRo.jpg" height="400" width="400" /><br /><br />(originally posted on my MySpace)<br />Here I sit. Blank page staring at me. So many thoughts rambling around in my head but I don't even know where to start. Even if I started, I wonder can I even put the words together right?<br /><br /></div>My mind wanders around in search of a complete thought. I’m so numb I can’t feel a damn thing. I am so far gone I don’t think anyone can find me.<br /><div><br /></div>And why would anyone want to? I would be useless to them.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div>I know I am lost. I can feel it. I see it. The way I am pulling away from all those around me. Secluding myself back into my own little world. This time, I didn’t leave myself a trail to find my way back. I don’t want to come back. Coming back from the world I am in means I am forced to feel. I don’t want to feel. I felt enough in the beginning of this. Now, it literally is killing me. I numb it. I numb it to live.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div>There really is no way to reach me.<br /><div><br /></div>Maybe I don’t want to find my way back. Maybe I deserve nothing more then to be here, alone to rot. No one will find me. My body long decayed. No one will even notice I am gone.<br /><div><br /></div>The mask is back and I have no choice. I know I can’t be down. I know I can’t let the depression kick back it. I tried to push it away. I tried to stay positive and seek out what makes me happy and hold on to it. It’s not working. I guess I really don’t deserve to be happy. Every time I am happy, it get kicked down. Why even bother. May as well just stay down. Simple. Easy. Less drama.<br /><div><br /></div>Never mind that Halloween was a great day, a day for caring and raising money for the United Way at work, with our costumes, never mind that I got a promotion, a real job title and raise. It doesn't fucking matter.<br /><div><br /></div>Deep inside the darkness pulls me. I feel myself caving in. Falling into my hole. My deep, dark, cold and lonely hole. No one is there but me. Alone with my thoughts.<br /><div><br /></div>These thoughts consume me. Haunt me. I awake with these thoughts that follow me around all day. I sleep, these thoughts invade my dreams. I can’t escape them. It’s just me and these thoughts. Day after day after day.<br /><div><br /></div>The one thing I want in this world. Gone. Out of my reach. The one thing I need is this world. Gone. I lost my strength. I want to hold on. Hard to hold on to something that seems so out of reach. Hard to hold on to something that possibly doesn't want to be held on to.<br /><div><br /></div>I’ll keep my mask on and go about my life. Still Chrys to those who see my outside. Everything else will be kept behind it so that no one will see the demons I hide.<br /><div><br /></div>I’m Gone. And there really is no way to reach me……….<br /><div><br /></div>© C.H. 11-2-06<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br /></div><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">The day's last one-way ticket train pulls in </span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">We smile for the casual closure capturing</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There goes the downpour </span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There goes my fare thee well </span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">'Cause I'm already gone </span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's so many words that we can say</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Spoken upon long-distance melody</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">This is my hello</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">This is my goodness </span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">'Cause I'm already gone </span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Maybe in five or ten yours and mine will meet again </span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Straighten this whole thing out</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Maybe then honesty need not be feared as a friend or an enemy</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">But this is the distance</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">And this is my gameface </span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Is there really no way to reach me?</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Am I already gone?</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">So this is your maverick</span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">And this is Vienna</span></pre><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><h2>© The Fray - Vienna</h2><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91591833339234359602006-10-06T10:04:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:55:19.207-04:00~sighs~ Ok! I'm EMO this week...AND????<img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u14/the_romanizm/SADNESS.jpg" height="333" width="400" /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Ok Ok.... Seriously, I am OK! Really! NO! Really!! Still not convinced huh? Well I am trying. Whats it going to take to convince you? My Irish Eyes ARE smiles. We all have our moments. I guess this week just happens to be mine. I have my off days just like everyone else. I get down and out just like everyone else. I am a writer, I write about whats going on in life. It helps me to deal. </span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">So, sorry my writing has been a little EMO this week. It happens. But fuck it, I just MISS HIM!!! Ok, done with that. Moving on. I have to. No choice here. Life has to keep going right? See, I am smiles again. Thank you to everyone for all your comments, blog comments, the cell phone calls, the voice mails, the texts, the IM and the emails. You know I love you all. Now then, I am crabby, my back still pains me. I am tired. I am ready for the 3 day weekend. On that note....I shall end this blog ......see you all on the flip side..... I shall return to myself....typical Irish mode ASAP Promise!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Yahoo Comment:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">commented</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hang in there Irishchik...glad we got to chat earlier. You seem to be doing okay to me girl ~~hug~~</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9c6fe9cf-fbaf-41dc-a92f-ac73546e54ce" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40164083152266980012006-10-04T10:02:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:53:26.728-04:00I Cant See<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_HVKIYc72s/U8Ayj5WVjII/AAAAAAAARN4/Ol0naXJZ-kc/s1600/see.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_HVKIYc72s/U8Ayj5WVjII/AAAAAAAARN4/Ol0naXJZ-kc/s1600/see.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>October 4, 2006 - from my MySpace<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div>Why can’t I see what you see?<br /><br /></div>When you look in the mirror what do you see? Do you see yourself for the person you really are and agree with what those around you say? Do you look in the mirror and see a stranger looking back at you?<br /><div><br /></div>When I look in the mirror, I don’t see what you see. To be honest, I don’t recognize the person staring back at me. I think, once upon a time I did, but not anymore.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>I have had someone very close to me tell me how sweet I am, how I am just one of a kind. Been told what a great friend I am. How they think I have to be the sweetest and most understanding person that they have ever met. This person has told me they don't feel they deserve to have me in their life. That they don't deserve my love. They tell me how beautiful and sexy I am. I struggle with this. When I hear this, my insecurities take over and I want to crawl into my shell and hide.</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>I want so badly to see what they see. I want to look in the mirror and see myself as this good person. I want to see the beauty that they see. Will I ever? I don't know. Once upon a time I had no question about my beauty. I knew it was there. I knew what I had. I knew the person I was. But now, I don't see me anymore. I don't know this person I have become.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>They love me they say. But why? Why me? Why do you love me? I feel I am not any different then any other person in this world. But yet, it is ME. What did I do to deserve this? I feel I am not worthy of this love. A love that maybe I am the one who feels it is not deserved. I long for the day I see what this person sees. I want to see what they see.</div><div><br /></div>I try opening my eyes a little wider, but, there is just nothing there. Nothing any different then the last time I looked.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>It makes me wonder, do they know me better then I know myself. Is that possible? How could that be? What is it that I am missing?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This person has seen me start the year with many obstacles. They have watched me stumble and fall. They saw me down for many months. And they stood beside me, right there through it all. I slowly started to pick myself off and keep going, crossing over one roadblock at a time. I have tripped. More then once. I have tried my best to pick myself up and brush myself off. I have tried my best to keep going. But so many times I have wanted to give up. I have stayed positive for the sake of face. I have heard time and time again how proud they are of me. I don't feel it. I feel like a failure. I feel like I have failed myself and all of those around me.</div><div><br /></div>When I look at me, I see no beauty. I don’t see this ray of sunshine that sends a positive voice and a bright light everyone’s way. But rather, I see a complete loser, a total failure. I feel I have let myself down, I have let everyone around me down. I have failed ME, I have failed YOU and I have failed this thing we call LIFE.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Will I ever see what you see?</b><br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10633697855097247022006-10-03T09:58:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:47:38.741-04:00I Carry Your Heart With Me<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Heart-1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Heart" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Heart-1.jpg/300px-Heart-1.jpg" height="400" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Heart-1.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i carry your heart with me,<br />i carry it in my heart and i'm never without it.<br />anywhere i go, you go, my dear.<br />and whatever is done, by only me, is your doing, my darling.<br />i fear no fear for you are my fate, my sweet.<br />i want no world for beautiful, you are my world my true.<br />it's you or whatever a moon has always meant,<br />and whatever a sun will always sing is you.<br />here is the deepest secret nobody knows<br />here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud<br />and the sky of the trree called life<br />which grows higher and higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide<br />and this is the wonder that is keeping the stars apart<br />i carry your heart,<br />i carry it in my heart.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~unknown~</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**********************</span><br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do not know who wrote this. But I was flipping through a magazine at lunch today instead of reading my normal book. It opened right to this page. It spoke volumes to me. I ripped it out and have been carrying it with me all day.</span><br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to post it because it just rang so true about my feelings right now.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been an emotional wreck the last few days. I wish I could explain it. My feelings are ripped, my heart torn. SO much longing and aching inside me. When I start to feel this , I get this overwhelming feeling in my heart, in my gut and I just do not know how to deal.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I don't deal. Rather I shut myself off. Tune out and walk away.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I miss him. I long for him. And it just seems that things that were suppose to happen, now never will.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes I wonder if I would just be better off giving up and walking away.</span><br /><div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=de36ebde-48a2-4da3-861c-a24741960c67" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10584337155720960992006-10-02T09:55:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:47:01.760-04:00My Irish Heart<img src="http://reddoorbythebeach.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/heart.jpg" height="382" width="400" /><br />For my Irish Heart, I don’t know what the future holds. But, I know how I feel about you. Unconditional Love. It scares me. It consumes me. At times I don’t know what to do about it. Other times I feel like I am going to explode. I hate the way things are for us right now. I know you tell me things will not always be this way. I hate not knowing. This constant going from day to day. One day leading to the next, with no more answers for me then the previous day. I need to know. I need a plan. I need a date. I need something concrete. And it is so hard for me when I cannot have that right now. I missed you so much when you were gone. Cut off completely. But, now that you are back, I think I miss you even more. Love isn’t suppose to hurt like this, is it?Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84030877278902856782006-09-19T12:40:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:46:33.739-04:00She Likes ME, She REALLY Likes me!!!<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; margin: 1em;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57552806@N00/5864099784" target="_blank"><img alt="Portland 127" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5864099784_1086099ff2_m.jpg" height="240" title="Portland 127" width="240" /></a><br /><br /></div>(original post on Yahoo360)<br />My Dear sweet angel Anna wrote this wonderful blog about me, and I wanted to share it with all my friends....<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">~face lights up and beams with pride~<br /><a name='more'></a></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;">TOP #10 REASONS WHY I TOTALLY DIG </strong><strong style="font-style: inherit;">"IRISHCHIK"</strong></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#10 Knowing IrishChiK on MySpace means I will always have something titillating waiting for me in my "Comments" section. ~~Big Smiles~~ I love it---Thank you!!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#9 The nickname "IRISH" just fucking ROCKS and I love screaming, (I mean saying) it!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#8 Being "Sexually Inappropriate" with Irish is just so much damn fun!</div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#7 She knows Donald from Ireland too (sorry inside joke :I )</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#6 Between her Right hip/back and my Left hip/back/foot we qualify for "Special Parking" ~~Not to mention together we can make 1 hell of a true GIMP for someone!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#5 She totally reminds me of someone I know very well. With the exception that I'm TOTALLY much more "subby" <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#4 She participates VERY well in GROUP settings and is seemingly most versatile <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#3 Her erotic Blogging's are so fucking hott that even if you find yourself with an Extra Super Absorbency tampon issue~ "Pots of Gold" will still cum flooding out your "Treasure Chest".</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#2 I simply have no issues of "PARANIOA" with Irish. She has freely shared herself with me, letting me see her on the cam and letting me call her computer to chat for a second.—(We won't discuss here the other ways we've freely shared—that can be for her to tell later~~perhaps possibly AFTER we include into our little mix a 4th participant~~wink! Wink!). *** MOST people who know me will know I generally live in this state of PARANOIA ~~especially while on MySpace (ie., thinking all new "Friend Requests" are somehow either directly or indirectly linked to my "EX" Stalking GF… OR that the "He's" I chat on here with are actually "She's" --- OR that the "She's" are really "He's"--- OR that the "She's" are in fact "She's" and the "He's" are in fact "He's" BUT they're totally NOT who they say they are! Like they are just sending me pictures of their hotter older brother or sister because they are some 13 year old teenager going thru puberty.. OR maybe even some estranged lunatic locked up inside some detention center with unlimited computer use. (*yes, as a matter or fact my paranoia has been an ongoing issue for me for sometime now~~ thank you for asking <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> )</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#1 I can now HAPPILY sing the song "When IRISH Eyes Are Smiling" because somehow having an Irish friend makes it legitimate! Further, it's the one time I can sing about being GAY in mainstream society without raising an eyebrow to close minded FUCKERS~~ <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> -- Ohh yeah, AND it's a much happier vision singing the song now thinking of Irish rather then my 6 th grade Catholic School perverted Music Teacher who originally taught me it.</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">When Irish Eyes Are Smiling</span><br /><h5 style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;">From:</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Songs of Ireland, Vol. 2</span></h5><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">words and music Chauncey Olcott & George Graff, Jr</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">There's a tear in your eye, And I'm wondering why,<br />For it never should be there at all.<br />With such pow'r in your smile, Sure a stone you'd beguile,<br />So there's never a teardrop should fall.<br />When your sweet lilting laughter's Like some fairy song,<br />And your eyes twinkle bright as can be;<br />You should laugh all the while And all other times smile,<br />And now, smile a smile for me.<br /><br />When Irish eyes are smiling,<br />Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.<br />In the lilt of Irish laughter<br />You can hear the angels sing.<br />When Irish hearts are happy,<br />All the world seems bright and gay.<br />And when Irish eyes are smiling,<br />Sure, they steal your heart away.<br /><br />For your smile is a part Of the love in your heart,<br />And it makes even sunshine more bright.<br />Like the linnet's sweet song, Crooning all the day long,<br />Comes your laughter and light.<br />For the springtime of life Is the sweetest of all<br />There is ne'er a real care or regret;<br />And while springtime is ours Throughout all of youth's hours,<br />Let us smile each chance we get</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Original Yahoo 360 Comment:</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div><br /><div class="user" style="color: #a0a1a2; float: left; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">commented</div><br /><div class="time" style="color: #a0a1a2; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">09/26/2006 08:55 am</div><br /><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Yes Irish I do like you~~kisses, licks and hugs</div><br /><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /><div class="user" style="color: #a0a1a2; float: left; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">commented</div><br /><div class="time" style="color: #a0a1a2; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">09/24/2006 12:16 am</div><br /><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Yea...I love this too...my Anna is so good with words. And you DO share so well Irish. *~~wink</div><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9fced3db-393a-4264-8280-8bcadac72a2f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41509442284945080752006-09-18T09:41:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:45:39.923-04:00Roll Call<div><br /><br /><br />I know I haven't been around much these days, spending all my blogging time on Myspace. But, I just wanted to check in and see how ALL OF YOU were doing. I miss you guys!! Drop me a comment and tell me how you been. I promise to make an honest effort and get back to blog reading. That is, those of you I don't still see over on Myspace. Unless you just really want me to comment twice!!!<br />~Chrys~</div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>commented</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/19/2006 04:21 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Still here and loving it. Opened a myspace site, but don't use it yet. Will get there sometime!<br /><br /><br /><br />Things are busy, as always. Some of the things we shared back a while ago are still much the same. There may be a silver lining to these grey clouds... still searching for it. Perhaps it's green instead!!??!!?? :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Sure do miss the chats, and hopefully we can catch up again soon. Thinking of a trip down your way in a few weeks and may give you a yodel. (long weekend wander through Wichita and down to OKC for a day or two and visit some friends there.<br /><br /><br /><br />Be well, my dear friend. Cheers!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/18/2006 11:05 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Girl...you can comment me as many times in as many places as you want to. Hoping this finds you well...and fine. Well actually... we KNOW you are fine...lol<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/18/2006 07:06 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />hi sweet girl! hugs and kisses<br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22918026835465741872006-09-11T20:27:00.000-04:002014-02-05T20:30:29.752-05:00Ouch! That Hurt.<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I went to the chiropractor last week. Good ole back doc. I have had some very bad lower back pain for a few weeks. The first day I went I had a consultation, took some x-rays and did a muscle penetration treatment.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">The next morning, I had to go back. Did another one of those muscle penetration treatments that I had yesterday. Then we went and looked at my x-rays. Not good. I have DDD. Degenerative Disk Disease. My bottom two disk/vertebrae are practically on top of each other. No space that should be there. He said it was not good for someone my age. And it is in a progressive stage. To make things worse, my right leg is shorter so my hips are crooked which is why all my pain is on my right side. So, we talked about all my treatments. Basically we are opting to do what we can without having to have any type of spinal surgery.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">After the x-ray chat we went into an office where he pushed and pulled on me a little. He said since I was in so much pain that he would go light. But it was going to get more aggressive as time went on. After that I was put into another room where I was hooked up to this table and machine where it basically pulled my bottom half of my body away from my top. THAT HURT. And when it was over, and I tried to sit up. I could not. The nurse dude had to help me. Then when I went to stand up, every pain possible went through me, my face flushed and I cried and sat back down. It hurt so bad.</div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The nurse dude said he went through the same thing. And that it will get better as time goes on. Oh, well that makes me feel better. NOT!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Anyway, I have 3 stages of treatment. Which is supposed to help pull the spine apart and put some space between the parts there needs to be.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">This first stage is 3X a week for up to 12 weeks. And it's doing more of the doc poking and pulling and then being hooked up to those machines again.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I am not sure what happens after that. One step at a time.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">He also wants me to work on some exercises, which he said he would give me, and didn't. So maybe that comes later in treatment, and getting toa healthy weight. Knew that was coming. Always got to be about my weight. As if I don't battle with that enough.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">Anyway, without this turning into a "Whats Up With Chrys" novel, that's the basics of it.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I go back for treatment on Wednesday (9/13) and Friday (9/15) of this week, then its 3X a week for a few weeks.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">We will see how things go.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">I have started watching what I eat better. Moving around more at work so I am not sitting so much. Trying to follow docs orders and not twist and bend so much. But, it's just hard. You don't even realize you do something so much until you are told you can not do it anymore.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">So, just when other things like my internal health and my mental health and work start to fall into place...something else gets thrown at me.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What a life.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><div><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85032404519605492312006-09-03T09:35:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:44:09.000-04:00A Happier Chrys (Whats Up With)<br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Things are not perfect. They never will be. That is just life. Despite the sad ordeal that I share with a certain group of friends, I am glad to report that I do have some good news to mention. Things with my job are getting much much better. With every passing day, I learn something new and get closer to the people I work with. Last weekend I even went out with some folks from work, as well as some other friends and had a really good time. Things in life are looking up. I am looking forward to taking some time in October to go see my family. </span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Now my grandmother is battling cancer, and this is not the first time for her. Having just <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">lost gramps this year after a long battle with cancer</a>, I have to admit, this really worries me. She will be starting her treatments here within the next few weeks. I am trying to keep focused on other things around me as I dont want to fall back into that dark black hole that gramps death put me in. I want to have faith that grandma will pull through. I had an appointment with my internal specialist. And seems like we may have finally got the right mix of medications for all my tummy and intestinal battles.</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> After dealing with these issues for about 5 years now, I am finally having some relief. I have been feeling really good latley and that puts a big smile on my face. I also realized, returning to the land of the living after being out of it for this entire year, proved to not be an easy task. So, like I talked about in my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/08/whats-up-with-chrys-august-volume-1.html" target="_blank">Whats Up With Chrys blog</a>, I did get over to see my shrink. She was rather stern with me. Wanting to know why I had stopped seeing her. She seemed upset with me, as her and I had come so far in my treatments that this issue I had with gramps death pushed me 20 steps backwards.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">But she was also very understanding. We talked about everything I went through this year. It was rather overwhelming to actually have to talk it out. But, it has since been resolved, and I am back on my medications and in therapy. I started walking again and slowly getting back to eating right and working out. Just feeling good. Finally starting to feel like ME again. I even put a few of my piercings back in!!! Want more good news? Well, with the job brings MONEY!!! And so, I have finally been able to buy myself a new car. YAH!!! And the best part.......My eyes can see a trip to Ireland again. I am a much happier Chrys these days. It has been a hard battle and a long road. It is not over, I have a long way to go. I know I am not perfect, and along the way I am going to stumble. I have taken all these steps to get me here today. I am going to keep moving forward. One day at a time.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/03/2006 09:48 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />This is soooooooooooo awesome Chrys!!! I am soooooooo happy for you!!! You were struggling so for too long. Its nice to feel the positive emotions you are sending through your words!!! huggggggggggggs!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/03/2006 07:47 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />There is some serious positive energy emanating from this blog, and I for one am glad to sense it. Good on you, hon.<br /><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41125850885031598462006-08-08T09:32:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:42:06.819-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? August Volume 1<div><br /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjszF4rnSlk/TbAofNhf2sI/AAAAAAAAACg/lOQMaKv01S4/s1600/life+is+hard_1238521179.jpg" /><br /><br />Note: This post was originally posted on MySpace.<br /><br />Long time since I have checked in, thought it was time for me to do so.<br /><br /></div>WOW! Looking back over the course of the last few months, not to mention just this year alone, what a ride it has been. Defiantly a year of ups and downs.<br /><div><br /></div>I am trying very hard to put gramps death behind me. To put the sadness and depression I went through for 6 months after that behind me. The fact that I was without a job and dropped out of school and felt worthless, behind me. Damn how I have tried.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div><br /></div>But there was something I went through about 2 months ago, that I kept hidden from everyone. Something that has just torn at my insides and eaten away at my heart. Some of you have noticed my lack of blogs. Some of you noticed the whole <u>miss you</u> theme going on in the ones I did write. And some of you even noticed that my top friends changed order for a while. I don't know why I didn’t talk about it. Maybe because I just didn't want to deal with it. It was easier for me to just hide it away and pretend it was not happening. I did not want to admit that I let someone else over my wall into my life, let someone get close to me again, only for them leave. But, that is what happened. Out of respect for Lonnie and the personal issues involved that include Elonna, Joey and Sean (and of course the quiet Ray), I have to leave a lot of the details out.<br /><div><br />But as you know, Lonnie and I are very close. You have all read the blogs. Seen the comments. And due to some situations that are happening in Joeys world, we have all been dealing with some sad things. For reasons I keep private out of respect for Lonnie, he left. He ran away to deal with things. He left without saying good bye. Went across the country without a word. It took weeks before Sean even knew where he was. My heart broke. How could someone tell you so many things, how could someone claim to be a friend, how could someone tell you they love you and are a part of their heart only to just vanish into thin air like nothing ever happened? Go away like you meant nothing. These boys, they are my Irish pride and joy and they know that. Joey, like a brother to me. Sean, my world, and Lonnie my heart. And Ray, well he’s just Ray. A group of friends bound together in this earth.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div>First I worried. Words could not express how much I worried about him. Then, I was sad and hurt. With time, anger set in. I went through all these emotions. Shortly after he left, I had lost contact with Sean. Again, to have to go through the emotions of wondering what happened. Where was he? And Joeys contact had been taken away from him. Me and Elonna were left with each other. To try to make each other smile and laugh daily was a chore. All we wanted to do was cry and cry. Things were not right in the world. Who was to blame? What did we do to deserve this?<br /><div><br /></div>One by one, with time, things started to fall in to place. Joey was able to render some contact. Sean came out of hiding. How I missed him. My Irish One. How happy I was to see him again, to know that he is OK. To know that we always have a bond that will not be broken.<br /><div><br /></div>Then, something great fell into place. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/07/finally-job.html" target="_blank">I got a job</a>. Well, the hotel job lasted a day. I was out of there quicker then you could spell supercalifragilisticexpalidocious. hmmm does anyone know really how to spell that word??? Ok, so I did get a job working for city hall. It is a good job. It’s about a 20 min. commute to work. Not too bad. But, it has been hard for me to get back into a work schedule. Not to mention back into the swing of life. Been out of the loop for so long. It has been a real adjustment. I’ve been so tired and so emotionally drained. There is just so much stuff I have to learn. My poor brain doesn’t know what to do. I thought I could handle things. Thought I would be able to make it. But, after dodging my shrink for a year and not medicating myself for 8 months I have decided that this is something that I can no longer do alone. So, I have made an appointment to go back to the shrink. And we have 8 months or more to get caught back up on.<br /><div><br /></div>So meanwhile, I am dealing with the adjustment of this new job; dealing with the self doubt of can I do it? Will I be ok? Feelings of worthlessness, hopeless, self doubt, death, (yes I said death) not suicide, but just death in general. I think this is brought on by my not feeling well, all those tummy issues I have dealt with for years. Dealing with a work schedule and being in the land of the living…then I had to deal with the return of Lonnie. I freaked. I didn’t know how to act. Didn’t know what to say to him. Didn’t know how he was going to be towards me. So much time had passed. So many emotions had been thrown into the pot.<br /><div><br /></div>Now, don't get me wrong. Lonnie being back is a great thing. But, it just happened in the middle of so much self doubt and worries that right then I just did not know what to think about everything. So, when I actually got the chance to talk to Lonnie, it was time for me to face all those emotions that I ran from. And it was time for him and me to talk about them. And it was good. Lonnie and I are just moving on from here. Forever bound together. Nothing has changed, but at the same time, everything has changed. We will always be a part of the others life. Always.<br /><div><br /></div>I have realized some things. I have moved on from the past. It may only be little bits and pieces here and there, but I have moved on. I have dealt with things that needed to be dealt with, even if in my own way. And now I see that I am only human and that I can no longer deal on my own. I am not afraid to ask for help, I asked, and I will get it. I have learned that others are only human too, and that we all make mistakes in life. I have realized that I am moving forward, one day at a time.<br /><div><br /></div> <b>Original Yahoo 360 Posts:</b><br /><div><br /></div>commented<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 06:26 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />A journey only you can travel... but I am happy to see you arrived home again, with your friends and those people important to you. I missed you too. : )<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 06:33 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />my dear...how I have missed you as well!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 07:02 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Welcome back!! It's not easy remembering we are only human. I go through it a lot myself.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 09:15 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />{{{{HUGS}}}} WE have missed you! Glad you are back! Love ya, girl!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 11:22 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Glad to see you back here!!! One step at a time...one day at time. I know they sound cliche' but truly its the only way to get yourself back into the rythym of your life...Huggggggggggs Chrys!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/13/2006 04:35 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />glad to see you back, you have been missed<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/14/2006 07:10 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />welcome back sweet girl, you've been sorely missed. life is all about the steps we take ... make use of the baby ones honey ... life can only get better! hugs and kisses<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/14/2006 09:50 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />It´s important to move on and somehow leave past behind, cut oneself free from that... Even little by little, attitude and will are the things that MATTER<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/17/2006 08:15 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Glad to see you all!! I have missed you as well!!!<br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60104695935180303552006-07-23T09:21:00.000-04:002014-07-11T14:36:31.914-04:00My Birthday Trip<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcJ2VEMRZMI/U8AukdzpLRI/AAAAAAAARNo/QIl0e1zGJU4/s1600/154297_10150105712835915_1653357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcJ2VEMRZMI/U8AukdzpLRI/AAAAAAAARNo/QIl0e1zGJU4/s1600/154297_10150105712835915_1653357_n.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(C)Chrystal Mahan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><br />I had a great birthday! On my way to Arkansas Saturday my mom called me from Michigan. Thank goodness for cell phones. It was our family reunion. So the phone got passed around and I got to talk to lots of my cousins. They all said Happy Birthday to me. It was great because many of them I don't get a chance to talk to very often. I was sad when I got off the phone because it was like I was the only one that was not able to come.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /></div><br />It took us about 3 hours to get to Springdale. We talked for a while and watched the kids run around. They had to show me every little thing that was new since I was there last. Then Stephs step mom came and picked up the kids. She stayed a little bit and we talked. It was really weird to see her again after so long. It’s been about 10 years since I have seen her.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div>Once we got settled we all loaded up in the car and off to the tattoo shop we went. We went right back to the same place we went last October when I got the tat on the back of my neck. Steph didn’t tell her husband she was getting a tattoo. That was pretty funny how she just sprang it on him at the last minute. I had my design all picked out. I found a Celtic knot from an Irish book I have. It has a shamrock in the center. It’s black and white. I took that with me, along with some Gaelic. I wanted wings drawn. So I told the guy my story with gramps being my angel and my idea for my tattoo (not too girly) and he went upstairs and drew it out for me.<br /><div><br />This guy was from New Zealand, so he had the coolest accent. (Course, not as cool as the Irish). I was amazed at what he came back with. Once it was all put together. And I decided to add some color and not just have it all in black. So we added some green. Colored the shamrock and colored the wings. It turned out awesome. Steph and I were upstairs getting our tats having a bunch of laughs while Marcus and her husband played pool. They had a really cool tattoo parlor. Pool tables, indoor pond with fish, a giant fish tank, huge big screen TV, and even a cute little fur ball puppy that they called Speed Bump. We had a really good time there. I think we spent over 3 hours in that place.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Afterwards we headed to eat. Steph took us to her fave Mexican restaurant. And I am glad she did. The food was great. We stayed and ate for a long time. Just talking. Cracking jokes. She and I shared a picture of strawberry margaritas. And just when I thought we were going to leave all these people came over and started to sing happy birthday to me in Spanish first, then in English. They stuck a sombrero on my head. This was too damn funny. I could not stop laughing. Then they sat this glass in front of me that could easily have been 2 shots of more in it, of tequila. YUM! And so I did my birthday shot.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>We got out of there pretty late. So we just went back to her place. Her husband passed out almost as soon as we got in the door. Marcus kept dozing off on the couch so steph and I just told him he should go to bed. And he did. It was funny because she and I stayed up to watch this DVD of a band we used to just love in Jr High and High School. Poison. We just stayed up and talked and talked all night.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Got up this morning (Sunday) and hung out for a bit. Headed to breakfast together. Then Marcus and I hit to road to head home.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, here I am now…..back home…..</div><div><br /></div>So, even though my birthday wasn't spent in Ireland, or back with my family, I did get to go see one of my long time closest friends, and I had a great time.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/02/2006 06:49 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Happy Belated, my friend! Long time no talk!<br /><br /><br /><br />(*tips a glass and toasts to C!*)<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/31/2006 06:31 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Happy late birthday!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/24/2006 04:40 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Glad you birthday turned out great. I like the tattoo.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/24/2006 09:01 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Happy birthday! :)<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/23/2006 10:16 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />LOVE the tat !!!! Beautiful design !!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/23/2006 06:30 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sounds fab, Chrys...and the ink looks great. :)<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58567730083155871162006-07-14T09:18:00.000-04:002014-07-11T13:29:11.322-04:00Finally A Job<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlIYhNxd8HE/U8Aeen3YVQI/AAAAAAAARNM/WD73U428FRU/s1600/40_interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlIYhNxd8HE/U8Aeen3YVQI/AAAAAAAARNM/WD73U428FRU/s1600/40_interview.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></div>Finally, after months and months of pounding the pavement, sending out resumes, and going on countless interviews, I was offered a job yesterday.<br /><br /></div>Went in for the interview yesterday morning. Got a call to come back that same afternoon, and was hired right then and there. At least this <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/02/interviews-suck.html" target="_blank">interview didn't suck like my last one</a>.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div>I'm pretty excited about it. Everyone that I talked to seemed to be really cool, and really talkative. (LOL!!) Which is good because I was sure tired of sitting in the house all the time with no one to talk to. I will be working Front Desk/Reception at the Holiday Inn. So, I will get to talk and meet all sorts of new people.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>Woooooo Hooooooo<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I start Monday. Hours are 7am to 3pm. Mon - Fri with some Saturdays during busy season. Which around here in college town USA, that’s football season.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>It has been a while since I have had to get up early to get ready to go to work. So trying to get used to a schedule again might just prove to be a challenge. But, I know it will take no time at all to get back into the swing of things.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I am just very thankful right now, as finally some light has been shown to me on my dark tunnel.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Hugs to all of you for your constant support this year. Without you, I would have just given up on so many things.<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3136608255667428942006-07-08T09:15:00.000-04:002014-07-05T19:08:13.619-04:00I'm About to Get Paid!July 8, 2006 (originally posted on my <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik" target="_blank">MySpace</a>)<br /><div><br />Yes, you heard me correctly, I'm about to get paid. Yah for ME!!!! I want to give a big HUGE thank you for those of you who have been reading my IrishChiks Erotic Confessions over the course of the last year. I appreciate all your kind words. When I wanted to quit, you were all there pushing me along. Not with just the erotic writing, but with my poetry and other blogs as well. Don't freak out, I am not leaving.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />However, Irish Chiks Erotic Confessions has been picked up by a website owner and I will now be writing for the website. There will be some changes in my blog over the next few days. All the Erotic Confessions will have to be removed. But not to fret, I will let you all know where you can find my work at, so that all my faithful readers can continue to be a fan. And of course, my poetry, my Irish wits and wisdom, my life and my quotes will still be here. And maybe, just maybe, I will have a story just for myspace/yahoo.</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:<br /><div><ul><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/31/2006 04:09 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />sweet!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/20/2006 04:24 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />good luck christal hope you make it to the top like so many great irish writers<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/15/2006 05:29 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />good on yah chrystal! ;) cheers!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/09/2006 12:36 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You go girl!!!! Very happy for ya babes!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 10:22 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />that's wonderful honey! I'm so happy for you! hugs and kisses<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 04:51 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />That is cool.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 04:14 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />AWESOME, CHRYSTAL! I am so happy for you! Congratulations! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 02:49 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Congratulations!!!!!!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 02:41 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Big hug, CONGRAT$$$ and all the best!<br /><br />We´ll keep in touch<br /><br /><br /><br />SUERTE AMIGA<br /><br /><br /><br />SONGO<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71301228070978901762006-06-26T09:10:00.000-04:002014-07-05T19:06:47.019-04:00Just Me, Thus Far<div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLDOIeuo8SQ/TdE_eMd5DZI/AAAAAAAABLY/E-STPxSSJXs/s400/depression1600x1200.jpg" height="303" width="400" /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been hard to find my own words these last few weeks. Life has taken its toll on me again. Which explains why I have not really posted any new blogs. And rather then pour out all the darkness and the sadness right now, I tend to just want to hide away.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I find myself wanting to come back to the real me, trying to find my words again......but at the same time, I just feel so lost.....</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel lost without a few of my friends. It just boggles my mind that people can say and do so much. Spend so much time investing in you, then all of the sudden, it seems they fall off the planet. No warning. No words. All I get left with is a big empty spot in my heart.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, I am still not ready to talk about that.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just wanted you to know that Chrys is still here, the writer, the poet, the erotic tale teller. I'm still around. Words are still floating inside me. Its just a matter of finding myself again, and making my way back.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope, that someday I can put everything that has happened this year behind me and move forward.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe writing about it, getting it out there, maybe that will help with some closure. One can hope.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought I would start the week off on the right foot. Or, perhaps the left? Does it really matter? I guess not, so long as I start this blog at all, right?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to bring everyone new to my world up to date on life these last few months. And , this might help those of you who have been in my world for a while understand why I ran and hid.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've always been a happy girl. Always the one with the smile. Always the one to make you laugh.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That all ended on January 3, 2006. That was the day my little world came crashing down. That was the day my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">grandfather lost his battle</a> with lung cancer, then colon cancer.</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/im-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html" target="_blank"><br /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/im-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html" target="_blank">Marcus and I drove from Oklahoma to Michigan</a> in the middle of winter. It was the only option we had. We made it to Michigan just fine, but on the way to the funeral, there was a bad snow storm. We were following right behind my cousin on the way to the funeral home, when he slowed down a little. We followed his lead. And as we did, we lost control of the car and went into a total spin. We spun over into the other lane, back over, back again and again and again. Traffic was moderate. We ended up in the ditch. My cousin did not notice he had lost us. He saw the whole thing in his rear view mirror, but did not realize it was us. To this day, I don't know how we made it without someone hitting us, or us hitting them. I don't know how we walked away. All I can think of is my gramps must of been with us in the car that day. He had to of been my angel on my shoulder. We had to wait for a tow truck to come get us out, and they had to wait on us before they could start the funeral.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made it back to Oklahoma safe and sound. But, I was sad, and just not in a good place mentally. After 3 days back to work, I left my job. And for those of you who read my old blogs, you know I complained about this job every day. I thought I would be able to find work easily.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I week later, I dropped out of school. Shortly after that, depression started to creep in. I stopped my medications and had not been to my shrink since before Thanksgiving. I got really really sick. More intestinal problems. For the newbies, this is something I have been dealing with for the last 3 years or so. Docs cant seem to really pin point whats wrong. For the oldies, seems a shock since I just had surgery in September. All was well after surgery.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went to bed one day, and didn't get out of that bed (except a few hours a day) for about 8 weeks or so.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom sold her house, and moved in with Marcus and I for about 3 weeks. Then she packed all she could into her car, and moved herself to Michigan.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so here I am. Alone. Sad. Jobless.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Really missing close friends.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trying to dig myself out of this hole that I seem to be in.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, that's what has been happening in my life for the last 6 months.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now, I am trying to find a job. Got my resume out there, been on many interviews.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got some new meds for my intestinal issues. I have my good days and my bad days.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, thats all for this update. More</span><span style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on me later.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83554382103575895302006-06-19T09:05:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:59:42.695-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? Up to Speed<div><br /><img src="http://thecommercewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/college-depression.jpg" /><br /><br />I thought I would start the week off on the right foot. Or, perhaps the left? Does it really matter? I guess not, so long as I start this blog at all, right?<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I wanted to bring everyone new to my world up to date on life these last few months. And , this might help those of you who have been in my world for a while understand why I ran and hid.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I've always been a happy girl. Always the one with the smile. Always the one to make you laugh.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">That all ended on January 3, 2006.</a> That was the day my little world came crashing down. That was the day my grandfather lost his battle with lung cancer, then colon cancer.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>Marcus and I drove from Oklahoma to Michigan in the middle of winter. It was the only option we had. We made it to Michigan just fine, but on the way to the funeral, there was a bad snow storm. We were following right behind my cousin on the way to the funeral home, when he slowed down a little. We followed his lead. And as we did, we lost control of the car and went into a total spin. We spun over into the other lane, back over, back again and again and again. Traffic was moderate. We ended up in the ditch. My cousin did not notice he had lost us. He saw the whole thing in his rear view mirror, but did not realize it was us. To this day, I don't know how we made it without someone hitting us, or us hitting them. I don't know how we walked away. All I can think of is my gramps must of been with us in the car that day. He had to of been my angel on my shoulder. We had to wait for a tow truck to come get us out, and they had to wait on us before they could start the funeral.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />We made it back to <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/im-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html" target="_blank">Oklahoma safe and sound.</a> But, I was sad, and just not in a good place mentally. After 3 days back to work, I left my job. And for those of you who read my old blogs, you know I complained about this job every day. I thought I would be able to find work easily.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>A week later, I dropped out of school. Shortly after that, depression started to creep in. I stopped my medications and had not been to my shrink since before Thanksgiving. I got really really sick. More intestinal problems. For the newbies, this is something I have been dealing with for the last 3 years or so. Docs cant seem to really pin point whats wrong. For the oldies, seems a shock since I just had surgery in September. All was well after surgery.</div><div><br /></div>I went to bed one day, and didn't get out of that bed (except a few hours a day) for about 8 weeks or so.<br /><div><br /></div>My mom sold her house, and moved in with Marcus and I for about 3 weeks. Then she packed all she could into her car, and moved herself to Michigan.<br /><div><br /></div>And so here I am. Alone. Sad. Jobless. Trying to dig myself out of this hole that I seem to be in.<br /><div><br /></div>And so, thats what has been happening in my life for the last 6 months.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Right now, I am trying to find a job. Got my resume out there, been on a few interviews. I got some new meds for my intestinal issues. I have my good days and my bad days.</div><div><br /></div>Ok, thats all for this update. More on me later.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comment:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>commented</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/19/2006 11:40 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />There is nothing like losing a family member, friend or a loved one and there never seems to be the right words to say to make one feel better or more at ease about it. I am sorry for your loss and I really should comment more on your blog to just let you know that I do do read it often!! I wish you luck in your job search and I know how you feel about those intestinal issues; still trying to find a doctor that can resolve mine. Have an awesome day; stop by when you can!! Say hello to Sable for me!!!<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16136474519596295792006-06-17T08:56:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:57:50.591-04:00To Blog or Not To Blog, That is the Question<br /><div><br />I've come to the conclusion that I just do not know what to do anymore. To write here, or not.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I have noticed it has been almost a year since I started blogging here on 360. A year since I have met many of you, and what a wonderful ride it has been.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I sit here, looking at my blog, and it feels so empty. I realize maybe I should not have removed my blogs from here. But, I had my reasons.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div>For many of you, we are connected at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik" target="_blank">MySpace,</a> and you have been able to read my blogs. But to those of you that are new to my friends list, all you are seeing is Irish parts of me. You are not able to read my true words. My own words.<br /><br /></div><br />It has been hard to find my own words these last few months. Life has taken its toll on me. And rather then pour out all the darkness and the sadness, I just post my bits of Irish.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I find myself wanting to come back to the real me, trying to find my words again......but at the same time, I just feel so lost.....</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I just wanted you to know that Chrys is still here, the writer, the poet, the erotic tale teller. I'm still around. Words are still floating inside me. Its just a matter of finding myself again, and making my way back.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 11:15 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I enjoy reading your Irish blogs and also all your blogs on myspace. Good luck and we will be thinking about you. God bless you<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 10:25 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />yes.we do embrace you sweet naughty friend...wherever we connect..you continue to inspire and have us drooling and squirming...feeling the passion whatever your mode...you speak from the heart...i love it!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 08:26 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />we love you, irish and all! hugs and kisses sweet lady!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 04:04 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />we all love u crystal especially the irish part..i think my space has divide us all up....anyway have a great weekend and dont forget to come to ireland sometime...<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 01:44 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sorry that I haven't made it over to MySpace at all. Always meant to go and sign up, but finding that visits there are lots more noise than I want. Been doing much of the same, clarifying what I think and want to do in life. Evaluating friendships and relationships. Sifting grain from chaff... and feeling out dark passageways.<br /><br /><br /><br />Good to see you here, still, Chrystal. I do miss ya, and know we should stay in closer touch. It is good to know you are there. Be well and let's catch up soon.<br /><br /><br /><br />p<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/17/2006 11:44 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sometimes the courage lies in forging forward and not knowing how we are going to reinvent ourselves. It takes guts to dream new dreams. spike q<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/17/2006 10:44 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />We can be patient...(tap, tap tap goes the foot) yeah, really I CAN be patient (drum drum drum the fingers on the desk top)...who says I can't wait? (spins in chair...around and around and around)<br /><br />Umm ok I waited...where are the words??? LOL! Just teasing you...take your time...anyone worth it will still be here (or MySpace!){{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/17/2006 09:16 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Pick up the pen!!! I said pick up the pen!!! LOL Just kidding......but really pick up the pen!!! I like your writing whatever it is!!!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/17/2006 09:13 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Whether it's here or MySpace, I'm paying attention, talk to me. : )<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=d76513fb-f37e-4af7-8444-201b76a258fc" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53150877432029263682006-05-27T10:52:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:55:50.565-04:00Saying Good-Bye to Lil Bits of Me<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tongue_piercing.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="a pierced human tongue" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Tongue_piercing.jpg/300px-Tongue_piercing.jpg" height="301" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tongue_piercing.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div><br /><br />Ok, so to anyone that knows me, or hell, that reads the surveys we post, then you know all about my passion for piercing and tattoos.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />But, as I try to change some things in life, there are some parts of me I need to let go of.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I said good-bye to some of my oldest friends the other day. It was sad, but it was also freeing at the same time.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> My oldest friend, for over 11 years now, my belly button ring, was the first to go. This was my first piercing, and maybe the hardest one to get rid of. I realize this one isn’t really seen by the eye. But, the truth is, my belly just is not what it was 11 years ago. A lil more plump these days. And no matter what I do, the ring just doesn't every lay right. And quite frankly, I am tired of it poking into my skin.</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div>So, bye-bye.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Done.</b><br /><br /><div>My next friend to say good-bye to was my tongue ring. This one has many pros and cons. I have had this friend for about 9 years now. Most people don't even know I hate it. I for one am not one to be showing it to the world like many of those with them….you know who I am talking about, those pullers, teeth clinkers, call them whatever. But, I know you know who I speak of. Anyway, I just got tired of it and, like I said, it was just time to part ways and say buh-bye.</div><div><br /></div><b>Gone.</b><br /><div><br /></div>The last friend I said good-bye to, was rather a new friend. Only been around for about a year now. But, I tell you, is the most pain in my ass. My cute lil nose ring has left the building as well.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Buh-bye. Gone</b>.<br /><div><br /></div>Now, I know many of you are thinking I have flipped my lid. How could I get rid of something so close to me, so much of what I stand for, so much a part of me. And all I can say, it was not easy. But, it was something I felt I had to do. Felt it was just time to close the book on that part of my life.<br /><div><br /><b>Moving forward. Making changes.</b></div><div><br /></div>I am still me. Still Chrys.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=a6645def-0bec-4641-8387-ece5d46b910f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71957276497327033632006-05-21T10:46:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:54:45.300-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? May Edition<div><img src="http://addictivebehaviors.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/change.png" height="300" width="400" /><br /><br />Life is all about changes isn’t it? I feel like, a change is about to occur. I can feel it coming on. Like big freight trains steaming on down the track. You can hear its whistle, you know its there, but just can not quite see it yet.<br /><br /></div>This past year, just has not been my banner year, and quite frankly, I am ready to move on and get on with my life. I am tired of being sad, tired of being sick and frankly, just tired of being tired.<br /><div><br /></div>I am trying very hard to keep my head above water, and find some small part of the life I once had and grab on to that.<br /><div><br /></div>But so much of my life that was once in this town, is now gone. Vanished. Poof. Gone..Bye-Bye<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br />My mom called me today. She is having the time of her life in Michigan, back with family. She loves to call me and tell me all the things that are going on there. And I love hearing it, but at the same time I feel so left out. She knows I have been contemplating the idea of moving back to Michigan. <b>There really is not much keeping us here in Oklahoma anymore.</b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I have an uncle who lives in Florida, and he bought a business in Michigan. He wants my mom to run it for him. He is going to need someone to keep his books for him. And this is where I come in. I have an aunt who is an accountant, but she has her plate full as it is and just can’t take on another business. Perfect opportunity for me. Not only would I get to be with my family, I would get to work with my family again. I miss working with my mom. Hard work, but fun times. I also have an aunt that has her own mortgage company. She does a lot of work in Michigan and Florida. She needs someone to help her out. Again, this is where I come in. My mom has offered me both of these today.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>My mom is thinking about coming down after Memorial Day weekend, sometime around the first of June, and she will fly. Then she wants to rent a truck to move her things that are being stored here at my house, back up there to Michigan. She wants me to come with her. She thinks it would do some good for me to be with family, work, and clear my head of all the problems that have been lurking in my brain. I know she means all my issues regarding my marriage. I have not really told her much, but I guess I don't need to. Moms always have a way of knowing when something is up.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>It’s just, the whole thing scares the crap out of me. Such a big step, a big change.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32884896760522260712006-05-11T17:51:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:53:47.888-04:00Comfortable In My Own Skin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88ege407Uaw/T9kehJ_cY_I/AAAAAAAABU4/jgKfMMHRmBo/s1600/33eescd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88ege407Uaw/T9kehJ_cY_I/AAAAAAAABU4/jgKfMMHRmBo/s1600/33eescd.jpg" /></a></div>I never thought I would be able to type those words and mean them.<br /><br /></div>Sure, I still have my issues with my body and my insecurities, but who doesn't?<br /><div><br /></div>But right now, I am content. I am happy just being me. For the first time in a long time someone loves me just as I am. Takes me as I am. Nothing more and nothing less.<br /><div><br /></div>My quirks, my flaws, my body, my attitude, my obsessions, my kinks, my oddities...everything about me....<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div>Doesn't criticize, doesn’t try to change. Just takes me for what I am.<br /><div><br /></div>ME.<br /><div><br />With him, I am free..free to just be me........... this angel can spread her wings and fly..</div><div><br /></div>Oceans may separate......we may have many miles between.......but the distance doesn't matter.......what matters is how we feel about each other inside.......and some way.....some how.........we shall have our time together.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84224911039029688722006-05-02T17:00:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:52:59.033-04:00Life Sucks, Except for One Thing<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_lead_image.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A combination of Dublin pictures for leading p..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Dublin_lead_image.jpg/300px-Dublin_lead_image.jpg" height="407" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_lead_image.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">Oh how I need a new blog. It is way past due. So many things to talk about, but yet it seems I just cant figure out the words to say. Or, the main thing, I just get too damn distracted. Sure I can sit and type for hours at a time, but, not when I am the only one talking. Usually, there is someone on the other end of the email or the chat box.</span><br /><br /></div>I feel I have partly hid from writing is because all that has been coming out of me has been so dark. It seems I have found myself back in my dark hole, and I just didn't want anyone to know. I need to not be worried, and I need to be strong. But even I crack and break.<br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>Maybe I should not have stopped seeing my therapist, and maybe I should not have taken myself off my medications. But, even so, that can not possibly be the reason my life has gone down the path that it has this year. This much I can fix. I can call the pharmacist in the morning and have my meds refilled. I can call my shrinks office and make and appt. And I can start that all over again. What fun that will be trying to fill her in on the last 4 months of my life.</div><div><br /></div>I get it, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">Gramps is gone </a>and there is no bringing him back. I understand that. And, this isnt even about that anymore. I am here, in this house, in this town, ALONE. All alone. My friends are gone. They all have moved out and away. Sure, we talk on the phone and stuff, but it is just not the same as having them here. And, now that my mom is gone, it makes things even harder. And my in-laws, oh man don't get me started with them. I mean, they are good people, and we get along, we are just not close. Not close at all.<br /><div><br /></div>I'm broken, tattered, torn and confused about life, love and marriage. When everyone tells me to follow my heart, my heart says for me to not stay here anymore. It says I don't want to be here anymore. And when I told that to my mom the other day she said to me, "Chrystal, maybe its time to let it go. Time to call it quits." Maybe she is right. Maybe I am unhappy because I am in a marriage I don't want to be in. But I am so damn scared of it all.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>But then I question myself constantly. There had to be something there once before? Why is it not there now? What happened? What if its just me and my own worries and insecurities right now about life? So many "What If's". Not to mention the "Do I's"?</div><div><br /></div>Do I even want to try and save it, or fix it? I mean, if I can love someone else(my dear Lonnie) so much, and him be so far away from me, would that not be a sign that maybe I should not be in the marriage. Or is it a sign that I am just capable of loving someone. To show me I have a big heart, and that I can and shall love someone.<br /><div><br /></div>Not that these questions matter much. Even if I did muster up the strength to call it quits and leave, where would I go? I mean, I could move home to Michigan, and start a new life over there. I would have to get family to come down and help me move, would not be something I could do alone. And I would have to stay with family until I was on my own two feet. As of right now, I cannot stand on my own two feet.<br /><div><br /></div><b>I feel stuck.</b><br /><div><br /></div>Or, just pack myself up and head to Dublin. Oh, if only things were that easy.<br /><div><br />As you know, after I got back from gramps funeral, I left that job working for the crazy lady. And she is making things rather difficult for me. Cant use her for a reference. She is fighting me over my unemployment and I have a court hearing over that on the 10<sup>th</sup>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I know having a job does not define my self worth. Neither does being in school. But, when I don't have those 2 things going on in life, I feel worthless. I feel like nothing. And right now, I just feel like a big blob taking up space in this house. Simply coexisting with another human being. Forcing someone else to take care of me.</div><div><br /></div>School will just have to wait until fall before I can enroll.<br /><div><br /></div>But then, finding a job brings me to my health. You all have heard me talk about this since the beginning of our blog days at 360 Yahoo Drive. I have some internal problems. And had surgery last September. I was fine for a few months, and now it has all come back to me full force. My doc put me on new meds and it is sort of hit or miss. I have good days and I have bad days. I sleep A LOT. Part of that is from the meds, and I am sure the other part of that is my depression. So, whats the point of finding a job if I am just going to have to call in sick all the time? Or, maybe, I would feel better if I had a job and some sense of purpose in life.<br /><div><br /></div>I'm tired of feeling like crap. I am tired of being sick.<br /><div><br /></div>But then, wouldn't my job take away from my time spent with Lonnie. I worry. I wonder what would happen if I was not able to sit and talk with him for all the hours that I do. Sure, we would still get to talk, but it just would not be as much. And our time is so limited as it is. Would we drift apart? Fall apart? And that thought simply makes me sad. And losing any little part of him that I have is something that I just don't want to think about.<br /><div><br /></div>And then that brings me to selling my car. I am not a materialistic person. But, I hate to get rid of my car. My rip roaring beast of a machine. But, the truth is, we just cant afford to have two cars. I guess the good thing is my lil brother in law wants to buy it. And with him still living at home with no bills, he has the time and the money to put into a car like that and get it back to showroom quality and put it in the car shows. So I guess he is trying to save up some money to buy it from us. Which, in the end, will help us all out. Even though we would end up with two people trying to share one car. My Explorer. The SUV beast.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Oh all the freaking WHAT IFs.</b><br /><div><br /></div>All the damn worries.<br /><div><br /></div>My head is spinning.<br /><br /><div>I should have written another installment of<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/04/passports-and-emotions-part-2.html" target="_blank"> Passports and Emotions</a> as I got my passport in the mail last week. I was rather happy (doing my little Irish jig) about it, but sadness suddenly took over. The trip has been postponed. And until when, I don't know. I wish I knew. I wish I had a set date. I know its not the end of the world. But, when you are looking forward to something like that as much as I was, it does almost seem like the end of the world. To see as much of Ireland as I could see in 2 weeks. Even if all I saw was in Dublin. That's OK. To be able to say hello in person to Ray. To be able to see where Joey is, even if I could not see him in person. I would at least be able to send him my positive thoughts. To be able to give Sean a big ole hug, tell him how much his friendship means to me.....but, mostly.......to hold Lonnie and tell him in person how much I Love Him and how much happiness he has brought into my dark and lonely life. He is my bright light, my shining star. My King.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Its always about the small things in life that matter to me. Little things mean a lot. If I wanted to travel alone, I could already be on my way there. I could have a set date. But, Lonnie asked that I not travel alone for it will worry him so, and therefore I made a promise that I would not come alone.<br /><br /></div><br />I am not one for breaking promises, but damn it.....this angel wants to break free and fly.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>How she just longs to fly free.</b></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41556997208410098132006-04-28T16:57:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:50:25.225-04:00Good-Bye<img alt="" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/I_Write_Sins/Quotes%20Words%20Lyrics/goodbye.jpg" /><br /><br />In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we may not give our words a second thought. If you’re like me, you just say whatever is on your mind without thinking first. Sometimes my words get the best of me. Or I do not choose them correctly. Saying one thing, meaning another, never getting things quite right. I try my best as my words are an important part of my life. But, even I make mistakes. And for that, I am sorry.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52178421280727966512006-04-26T16:52:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:50:04.389-04:00This Blogs For JoeyApril 26, 2006 - Originally Published on Yahoo!360<br /><br />This blog is fer Joey......you see, seems the Gods of Yahoo have decided to attack him and his account now. First, his pics. Then, some months later, some more pics. Yesterday his 360, and now , his entire account.<br /><div><br /></div>For anyone that knows Joey's story, and has read his blog, you know that he has gotten pretty tame these last few months. Not a hint of any nudity or things sexual. So, what reasoning does Yahoo have for yanking his account?<br /><div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div>Well, I dont know, but I know I will never get the answer I want.<br /><br /></div>I have seen so many friends come and go because of this.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I have decided to pull my blog. I will still come by your place, say hello. But my Irish Chik Erotic Confessions will no longer be posted here. All that will be left here are my lil' Irish writing...I mean, whats IrishChik without her Irish writings?...You can read all my stuff on myspace if you are there.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong> </strong><br /><br /></div><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>05/09/2006 04:43 am</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>really said.. so best ption is to keep it private for friends only..<br /><br />sorry to him...<br /><br />hugs<br />rock.</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>05/01/2006 09:28 pm</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>man that sucks.<br />TC &amp; Stand Tall- M</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>04/27/2006 09:06 pm</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>I am really shock about Joey had lift the yahoo 360, I didn't realize that<br />he have that much pression on him like that.</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>04/27/2006 07:23 pm</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>So the yaholes pulled another one eh? censorship here is perfectly legal and they don't have to give a "reason." sorry to hear all of that. the censorship was one of the top reasons i decided to get my own domain. spike q</strong><br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23362983399890546382006-04-15T16:42:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:49:15.033-04:00Blink....Blink, Blink.....Blink<div><img src="http://www.wpromote.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/mouse-cursor-icon.jpg" height="320" width="400" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">blink…..blink……blink……blink</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">shut up damn it</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">blink…..blink……blink…..</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">would you stop already, I know what I am gonna say. At least I know what I want to say.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">blink…..blink…….blink…….blink…….</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">What the hell is with my cursor? Just tormenting me with its blinky blinky ass. Leave me alone.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">What? What’s that you’re telling me?</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I need to write? Well, what in the world do you think I am trying to do here? Stop tormenting me….stop talking to me…</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">blink….blink…..blink…..</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">STOP IT!</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Ok, I can not be the only one in the world who has war with the blank page and their cursor. Blink damn it. I am gonna just keep blinking at you until you write something.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Easy enough to get it to stop blinking, right? So, then why am I having such a hard time of it lately? Usually I am so full of words. But, not lately. What happened to me? Writers block? Why? Is writers block for real or merely a figment of our imagination? I know its not because I don't have anything going on in life to write about. I got tons of stuff I could be writing about. Easy enough then. But, why can’t I find my words? It is my words that are lost.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I am sending out S.W.A.T. (cue music…duh na na….nanananana)</span></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76666597083415555432006-04-13T20:23:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:48:10.049-04:00Just Not Feeling Well<br /><br /><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p2/bktrucking/bones.jpg" height="279" width="400" /><br /><br />Source: MySpace<br /><br /><b>NOTE: 1/9/2014</b> – this post was originally posted on MySpace back in 2006. It’s been moved from blog to blog before finding its home here. I brought it here, along with some older posts because I feel my health conditions all tend to relate to one another. I talk about a lot of these things now and find its easier to refer back to old posts when discussing these situations.<br /><br /><b>In 2001</b> I had emergency gallbladder surgery. It was a horrible experience as my gallbladder was badly diseased and had ruptured during surgery. A few years later damage was found done to my intestines and I had to have another surgery to remove build-up and repair damage. This post begins some time after that surgery.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><b>2006</b> :Right now, my body is in utter agony. Those closest to me know this story. Many have listened to me whine the last week or so. I can’t sleep. I toss and turn all night. I can’t eat, I just throw it up. So basically its been all liquids for a week now. Now, there’s a way to lose weight huh? Right, it sucks. I can’t leave my house. I can’t take my dogs out for a walk. I can’t run, can’t work out. Cant bend to lift. Nothing!!! I can barely walk from my bedroom down the hall to the living room. I’m all doubled over like some drunk whose been punched in the gut one too many times.<br /><br /><br />My internal specialist has been out-of-town. And unfortunately, in this nice size college town in which I live, there is not another one that takes my insurance. Which, really is fine, cause I hate being passed off from DR to DR. Having to explain over and over again, cause lets face it, them charts only explain so much.<br /><br />So, I called my family Dr. She wasn’t in yesterday, was all booked today, so I cannot get in until tomorrow morning. Well, that’s just great, seeing has how this was the worst day ever. I feel like that helpless little girl again who can’t get nothing done for herself and has to rely on someone else to take care of her. And this kind of discomfort and pain brings out the evil bitch in me. I am crabby, so stay away. Thankfully spoustoid has figured that out. Leave me alone, I don’t need anything, I am trying to write something here! hehehe<br /><br />Ok, so, the surgery was a flop. And my medication no longer works. I have a feeling I know what she is going to say, and well, quite frankly is why I put off going to the DR. I dont want to go through yet another surgery. I want them to KNOW what the hell is wrong with me and FIX IT.<br /><br />Part of me is just really worried. I know I should not think about things like this. These are the times when I need to stay optimistic. But, even I have my days. These Irish eyes do not always smile. But you know I just lost my grandfather to cancer. In the beginning it was lung cancer. In the end, colon cancer took over.<br /><br />Having just lost him, and still trying to heal from that and worrying so much about my own health, starts to play on my mental health as well.<br /><br />Anyway, I’m off to lie down, I can’t sit here any more. Will get back to you after I get back from the docs.Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30078721632073559592006-04-06T16:27:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:45:22.590-04:00Look At What You Have Done<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:All_You_Get_From_Love_Is_A_Love_Song_Logo.png" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img ...="" a="" all="" alt="Logo to " src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/All_You_Get_From_Love_Is_A_Love_Song_Logo.png/300px-All_You_Get_From_Love_Is_A_Love_Song_Logo.png" from="" get="" height="61" is="" love="" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" you="" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">“Look What You Have Done!” my brain screams and I hang my head in shame.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Oops. Easiest word in the world to say, easiest way to get out of something that was indeed your fault. Oops. Very simple word. Simple to say, simple to write, and simple to walk away from. Oops sums things up very nicely. Nothing else is needed to be said after saying, oops.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Except in my case. You see, I have a very big oops going on here.</span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">A big oops that has caused 2 people very close to me to come to blows with each other.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I’d say I was to blame, that I feel guilty, responsible - yadda yadda, but that is gonna cause about 4 people to come and lash out at me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">One would agree for sure I was partly to blame. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">That was the original purpose of today’s blog. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">The events leading up to the brawl. But, right now </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><strong>we</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> have to move past all that. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><strong>I</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> have to move past all that. As while I was working on this blog, some rather unsettling news had passed my way.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">My brother has kicked me in the ass and made me see things for the way that they are. (((Hugs to Joey)))) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And so, now this blog has another purpose, a better and more meaningful purpose as Lonnie is someone very special to me, and very close to my heart. And I need to be strong, loving and caring.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So none of that who’s to blame matters now. What matters to me right now, is that Lonnie get better. Please say a prayer, light a candle, whatever it is that you do – for him. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">He was in a brawl the other night, and it seems it was worse then expected for he was recently taken to the hospital.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">It is likely he has a concussion, but at this point I am uncertain.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Keep him in your thoughts with the hopes that he get well soon.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Lonnie, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">mo chroí.</span></strong></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47430466136441926632006-04-05T16:20:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:44:52.903-04:00Passports and Emotions: Part 2<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_passport.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="US passport" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d0/US_passport.jpg" height="353" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="254" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Passports and Emotions – Part 2</span><br /><br /></div>Part 1 <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/04/passports-and-emotions-part-1.html" target="_blank">is here.</a><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I find myself sitting here again, blank page staring back at me. I have been trying to sit down and write this post for hours now. My mind roaming back and forth. How do I want to start this? Some fancy, witty intro? Some Chrys humor? Or should I just dive right on in?</span></div><div></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Doesn’t matter. The truth is I just don't know how to write today. I mean, I do. I just can’t seem to get my thoughts together to properly compose them.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Once again I find myself in one of those moods. Sad. Alone. Confused.</span><br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I keep returning to this topic, the topic of my trip. The wheels in my brain just keep turning this over and over.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html" target="_blank">I miss my gramps</a>. I miss me weekly phone calls. I miss my “Hello Doll, how are you?” I miss him something fierce. I have lost a part of me. And it has really fucked with my world.</span><br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">You see, being adopted (moms my real mom, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html" target="_blank">my dad adopted me </a>when they got married), there is a part of me that I don't know. A part of me that I will never know. I know who my biological father is. I have never met the man. And I also know of his family, as they are pretty well known in the town around where my mothers family live. I have a half brother and sister, I may never know. An entire family I will likely never meet. Another Irish family. All because one man chooses to not tell them about me. To not face up to his own mistake that took place 30 years ago.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I want my gramps back. I want him to tell me “Go Doll, find yourself.” And push me out the door. There is a part of me that I may never know, but there is this huge part of me that is dying to find herself. To know who and what she is. To see it, feel it, to just be there and breathe the air. I want to be able to come back home and tell gramps everything I saw. Tell him about the people I met. Damnit I just want to smile at him one last time. To hear his laughter. To hear him tease me for my southern accent when I go for a visit. I want to stop crying. I want my tears to stop falling.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Time is passing me by, and I am letting it. Tick . Tock. Tick. Tock. Drip. Drop. Drip. Drop. Tick Tick goes the clock. Drip Drip fall the tears.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I can’t get the time lost back. And I don’t know how to get back in sync with the time now.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Make it all stop, make it all go away. I don't want this life anymore. My life. Take it. Just take it. Take it away. Won’t somebody save me?</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I want this trip more then anything else in my life. I would sell my soul to go. I mean, I can go. Need to go. I am a big girl. I am an adult. I have no problems going anyplace alone. I have traveled alone many, many times in my life. Why should this time be any different? People do it all the time, right? Sure. Then why can’t I?</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Why can’t I follow my own advice, put my big girl panties on and deal with it? What is it that I am afraid of? People travel alone all the time. It’s no big deal. Sure. Maybe. But this trip consumes me with so much power and emotion, that I honestly do not know if I can even handle it. I don't think I could handle going alone.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">This isn’t a trip just about finding Chrys. This is also a trip about meeting some friends along the way as well. Anxious. Nervous. Scared. Just plain ole freaked the fuck out. All the what if’s start to whirl and twirl around in my brain.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I can see it now, Chrys gets off the plane…steps into the big town of Dublin, immediately is overcome with emotions….and someone thinks I am a crazy person. LOL! Ok, you knew I had to add some lame humor in here somewhere. It was getting way to heavy. No, this is really something that I need someone there with me to hold my hand. To help me find the way. I want someone to share this with. Need someone to share this with.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Heads you win, tails you lose.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">About this time some of you are questioning why I just don't bring Marcus. Ahhhhhh well there really is a damn good reason for that. This quest, to find myself, it involves leaving him home for more reasons then I care to get into here. As you have heard me say time and time again, our marriage is a good marriage. He is a good man. However, there just isn’t something there that needs to be. Is it Love? It could be. For, I know I do on some level love him. But, is he my ONE? Is he my TRUE LOVE? That is something I can not answer. I have been addressing this issue for a year now. Something I have been fighting with. Did I just settle? What the hell is love anyway?</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I fight that battle within. Day in and day out. Time after time, moment after moment. Tick Tock Tick Tock</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">All I know is, I gave up me. I stopped being true to myself and who I am.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Someone very close to me said Love was something very simple. As simple as a feeling of when your heart just wells up for them. When you think about them all the time. I wish it was that simple for me. I tried and tried to make it that simple for me. But, it just does not seem to be working.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I have learned that before I can figure that missing piece out, I need to put myself together first. I need to just be ME. He is patient, and he understands and he more then willing to let me go on my own. I need to be away from him. I need to do this on my own without him. No influence. I have spent the last 9 years of my life under his wing so to speak. Its time for me to fly on my own. To find the person that has been lost. The quest to find and be ME again.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72724967183952492832006-04-04T16:16:00.000-04:002014-07-05T18:42:31.656-04:00Passports and Emotions: Part 1<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Slane_Castle_coMeath.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Slane Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland (with deliver..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Slane_Castle_coMeath.jpg/300px-Slane_Castle_coMeath.jpg" height="225" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Slane_Castle_coMeath.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Passports and Emotions</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">(originally published on MySpace)</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">That’s some kind of a title isn't it?</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">According to my countdown ticker on my home page, I have about 112 days until my birthday.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">A birthday you all have been listening to me talk about since last summer. A birthday started out meaning one thing has taken on such a greater meaning.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">It started as a group of friends setting out on a summer vacation to celebrate a birthday. For me, it was always about seeing where it is my family came from. For Irish Blood it runs deep and thick within me. Irish is my life, my passion. It is more then just a heritage to me. It IS me. I have had many people tell me this greatness that I feel, this desire, this strong hold that I feel comes from my living of a past life. They say perhaps in a past life, I did reside in Ireland. And that is why my feelings and emotions are all consuming. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">My soul is trying to bring me home.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Past lives, this life, the next life. Regardless, I know where I want to go.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">All the things I want to see.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Today I went and applied for my passport.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">It was rather overwhelming.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Going into the courthouse did not prove to be an easy task. As you know security issues are all around us these days, and my little college town is no different. Searched and checked just walking in the door. Done. Off I go. Around the corner and up the stairs. I tell the girl why I am there and she hands me this nice stack of papers to fill out. Great. That’s always fun when you have to write out a novel. Good thing I came prepared. She asked me if I had my pics…why, yes I do..I had them done 2 weeks ago! HORRIBLE pics they are too! ICK! So I give her those while I finish this book I am writing for her.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Next, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">the birth certificate. Well, with me, they don't get just the certificate, but all the documentation that goes with it; name change and adoption papers. Pulling those out and being forced to look at them, handing them to a complete stranger, just floods me with emotions. These are the things in which I don't like thinking about.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Born July 22, 1975 to an unwed mother and a father who took off and wanted nothing to do with her or I. My birth certificate stated my name as her maiden. A year later,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">February 14, she married her best friend, my dad. My dad the abuser, yep that dad. The dad that you all have heard me poor over so many blogs about. They tracked down my bio father, who signed his rights to me away. They then started the adoption procedure. It was final in May 1977, and I was then issued a new birth certificate with my new spiffy last name.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Sadly, I never knew I was adopted. Never knew the tale of this story. I was always told they married in February and I was born in July. The same year. I found out I was adopted about 3 years ago. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html" target="_blank">And that’s, a blog already written.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I give her all my papers…and my check for $97. Pics were $8. That’s the fasted $100 I ever spent I think. But, for good reason. Funny, then she has me raise my right hand and take and oath that all the things presented to her here today are true and correct (yup!) and that these pictures are indeed me and a likeness of me. (yup!) But seriously, what the heck kind of question is that? Can you not see me standing right here in front of you? Not only that, you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">had to look at my student id, my drivers license, my voter id card and my SS card…… how much more obvious it to you that it is indeed me?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Anyway, I leave with a smile. A feeling of excitement has come over me. Knowing that it is very real. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Ireland, I hear you calling.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Since gramps death, I feel lost. Little girl lost. Not able to find her way. All I know, is I want to find my way right over there. My feet firmly planted on that same soil that gramps came from.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Earlier this eve, I sat and watched U2 Coming Home, Live in Concert, Slane Castle, Dublin. Now, I have </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0000TB05A&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>seen this concert before, as I have the DVD. I have listened to these songs over and over. I grew up listening to U2. Crushing on Bono in the middle of all the hair and grunge band era. All my friends asking me if I am crazy. Half of them not even knowing who they are. I don't know what came over me, but here I am watching this, and all this emotion just consumed me. I honestly felt like I was going to throw up. What was that? Where is this coming from?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I became flooded with tears. Uncontrollable. It has to be that strong hold for getting my bum over there. That’s the only thing I could come up with. Perhaps gramps, or someone else was trying to talk to me. Trying to tell me something.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I don't want to deal with the fact that this trip may have to be postponed. Perhaps not on my birthday, but later in the year. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I shudder, and cringe at the thought of it not happening at all. So many people want to go, but the truth is, we all have our own lives. And those people just may not be able to go. Whether it is financial, family, time off work, or school. I understand that. Me off all people get that. But, I HAVE to take this trip, NEED to take this trip. But, I just don't want to take it alone.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I mean I am seriously thinking I need to start accepting applications for willing travelers….LOL!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Places to go. Places to see. I have met so many wonderful friends. All I want is to just cross paths with them. To be able to sit next to them and share stories. Ask them how they are. Hear their voice.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Is this trip too much to ask for?</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span></div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46095804717440943702006-03-22T15:02:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:41:23.950-04:00Sad, Alone, and Hurting<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22333549@N06/2331445826" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="alone" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/2331445826_48a9392ddc_m.jpg" height="240" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="188" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22333549@N06/2331445826" target="_blank">dragonflaiii</a> via Flickr</span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Sad , Alone and Hurting 3/22/06 (originally published on MySpace)</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I'm sitting here very sad. I am very alone, and yes dammit I still hurt.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">But this time, none of this has to do with anything Irish. Not that Irish, but rather my very own Irish. My mother.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Many of you have followed this story since summer...but, here is a recap for those that have not been reading my blogs as long.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">My mother went to Michigan year before last to take car of my grandfather as he <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/fyi-my-grandfather.html" target="_blank">battled lung , then colon cancer.</a> As you know, he lost his battle Jan 3.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">She came home over the holidays. But, his passing changed many things.</span></div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">She sold her house a few weeks ago and stayed with me. She just left this morning to move for good to Michigan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I am sad. Me and my mom are close. And now I am alone. As I have NO family here. I live in a college town. So people move in and out every few months. It is hard to maintain friends here. And all the friends I had when I was in college here have all moved on and away.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And I am hurting because she left this morning without even saying good-bye. I mean, how you going to leave from your own daughters house without even saying good-bye. Knowing you are not coming back? Your only child.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">She called me a bit ago, to let me know she stopped for the night. That's all she said. Good-bye and I will call you tomorrow.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, here I sit…staring down the end of the bottle…my only answer…never leaves me alone, never leaves me feeling hurt and never hurts me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=3946a04b-4799-4f49-b416-e49fc8fc28a6" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19811525249197328962006-03-13T14:39:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:40:20.011-04:00Pity Party<div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I know I am about due for a personal blog. No stories, no poems, just raw and uncensored Chrys. What's up with Chrys. Problem is cat has my tongue so to speak and my words have just been incomplete thoughts like my last blog that hodge podge mismatch of words I have tons of stuff floating around in my brain, things going on in my life but the problem is I just can not seem to sort it all out. I try. Damn, I do try. It sucks. I hate it when my brain has a meltdown. This is not a time for me to have meltdown. I need my brain to be in proper working order.</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">This year has been nothing but an endless battle of drama. Soul searching, self discovery, reality checks, slaps in the face, being tested, tempted, gracious, happy, and well fuck it just out right horny. LOL! Nothing new there, right?</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">But every time make some progress and take a few steps forward, I get kicked in the ass and fall back a dozen steps. I really begin to question myself. Question my feelings, desires, wants, needs, emotions and my life in general. I am no closer to finding an answer. The only thing I am sure of, this is me, this is who I have always been. I changed once for someone, and I can't stay that person I changed into.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">The reality is, I am just sick of this life in which I lead. I want to keep moving forward in my progress but damn these roadblocks.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm 'round the corner from anything that's real</span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm across the road from hope<br />I'm under a bridge in a rip tide<br />That's taken everything I call my own<br /><br /><br />One step closer to knowing</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One step closer to knowing<br /><br />I'm on an island at a busy intersection<br />I can't go forward, I can't turn back<br />Can't see the future<br />It's getting away from me<br />I just watch the tail lights glowing<br /><br />One step closer to knowing<br />One step closer to knowing<br />One step closer to knowing<br />Knowing, knowing<br /><br />I'm hanging out to dry<br />With my old clothes<br />Finger still red with the prick of an old rose<br />Well the heart that hurts<br />Is a heart that beats<br />Can you hear the drummer slowing?<br /><br />One step closer to knowing<br />One step closer to knowing<br />One step closer to knowing<br />To knowing, to knowing, to knowing</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">U2- One Step Closer</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Some times I wonder if it's even worth trying for the things I want in life anymore. I am tired of getting kicked in my ass. If I stop trying, then I am safe in my little world in which I live. I think this little fighting Irish spirit in me has lost its fire. The flame has been put out I just feel like giving up.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not supposed to be scared of anything, but I don't know where I am </span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish that I could move but I'm exhausted and nobody understands (how I feel) <br />I'm trying hard to breathe now but there's no air in my lungs <br />There's no one here to talk to and the pain inside is making me numb <br /><br />I try to hold this Under control <br />They can't help me 'Cause no one knows <br /><br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br />God, I feel so frustrated lately <br />When I get suffocated, save me <br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br /><br />I'm feeling weak and weary walking through this world alone <br />Everything you say, every word of it, cuts me to the bone <br />I've got something to say, but now I've got no where to turn <br />It feel like I've been buried underneath all the weight of the world <br /><br />I try to hold this Under control <br />They can't help me 'Cause no one knows <br /><br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br />God, I feel so frustrated lately <br />When I get suffocated, save me <br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br /><br />I'm blind and shakin'<br />Bound and breaking <br />I hope I make it through all these changes <br /><br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br />God, I feel so frustrated lately <br />When I get suffocated, save me <br />Now I'm falling apart, now I feel it <br /><br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br />God, I feel so frustrated lately <br />When I get suffocated, I hate this <br />But I'm going through changes, changes</span><br /><br /></div><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 Doors Down - Changes</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;"><b>A few hours later :</b> So then, here I am skipping through blogland when I run across a very dear friends. Something in it just screamed at me. I sat there, reading that open window for an hour. Then I sent and IM. Silly, seeing as how this person really just lives up the road from me, I could of just as easily called and hopped on over to discuss this great blog topic. As, it was something I really needed to hear as I was feeling my own Pity Party and since I am not really talking about my pity, no one around to slap me out of my funk. So, here were his words, giving me a dose of reality perhaps that slap across the face I need..and so, here is that blog. Snagged..with permission. Good- Night - Chrys</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">******************************************</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We have all taken a trip to Pity Party town from time to time. Some of us choose to stay there longer than others, or maybe it is not that we choose to stay there, but rather we don't know how to leave. Oh sure, I can pick on my own obvious faults, insecurities and character defects with the best of them, but damn, why? Looking for self-sympathynothing more nothing less. Sometimes I have to remind myself that a pity party is nothing more than feeling sorry for myself and I have no reason to do so. When I am not moping around and worrying about the woulda, coulda and shoulda of life, I can be very positive person.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told someone the other night that one of my goals in life was to be a motivational speaker. Yes, a motivational speaker. Life is too short to worry about what happened yesterday or what is going to happen tomorrow. If we use our head and make smart decisions about what we do with our lives, we shouldn't have to worry about the woulda coulda shoulda. I am a firm believer that we also need to surround ourselves with positive people. When I look at those in my circle of friends I realize there is a reason I hold them near and dear to my heartthey have been a positive influence in my life.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> They don't blow smoke up my backsideusually they are the first ones there to give me a swift kick in the ass when I need iteven if it is not what I want at the time. I also believe that I have the potential to be a positive influence in the lives of those around me and hope to always remain that way.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, the point of all this is to say that I have been in a very good mood for several days and have not been on the pity party tripand it feels good. There are some reasons why I have been in such a good mood but I am not going to divulge that here. Just believe me when I say that have I looked in the mirror several times lately, smiled and said to myself, "Toad, quit worrying. Be yourself and stop worrying about things in which you have no control over. Make someone smile today".</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And with that, I am going to share something that a close friend sent me. It is about how to leave Pity Party town and it came at an appropriate time and I want to share with all that take the time to drop in on my little world.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never stop chasing your dreams, never stop believing and always take the time to look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Live each day like there is no tomorrow and let people in your lives know that are special.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take Care ~ Toad</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why Me?<br />Pity Party</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />We all have days when the bad things seem to outweigh the good ones and we begin to think that life isn't fair. You get stuck in traffic, which makes you late for an important meeting, and then your car gets towed. You might ask yourself, "Why me?" Events like this one can test anyone's ability to be grateful and feel optimistic. If you have a tendency to feel sorry for yourself, and many of us do, things usually progress to the next stage: the pity party. You begin to feel like the innocent victim of a dismal fate because you are seeing your life through inaccurate lenses. Most of the thoughts that run through your mind at times like these are not helpful, and they mainly serve to increase your indignation and feelings of powerlessness. What these feelings and thoughts don't do is change your circumstances or make you feel better.<br /><br />When you have a terrible day, there should definitely be a time and place to have your feelings so you can process them. It's important not to pretend that you are fine with things when you aren't. It's also important, however, to notice when you're having a pity party. It's a good idea to set a time limit in which to fully express your emotions and not feel guilty, ashamed, or judge yourself. Having a friend witness you during this process can be helpful. You may also want to write about your feelings. When your time is up, let go of the negativity you just expressed. You can declare your intention to your friend. If you've written down your feelings, you can burn the piece of paper or throw it in the recycling bin.<br /><br />Try not to dwell on unpleasant experiences and do everything you can to avoid holding on to negative emotions. When you indulge in self-pity, you only make a bad day worse. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, release the notion that you are a victim, and notice the good that exists in your life</span><br /><div><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9282620118443276442006-03-02T13:24:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:38:40.663-04:00Those In My Life<div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';">It has been such a whirlwind of emotions as of late. I have so much to write about, but , odd as it may seem, I just can not complete the thoughts I write out on paper. I keep trying to find my words....but they just are not coming back to me. I keep reflecting on all that has happened to me since Jan 1. These thoughts play in my mind over and over and over. I keep looking for answers to questions that just dont seem to be there. But they have to be, you see. They just do.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';">So today, I sat down with my thoughts, trying to find a balance of peace within....and, started to have some reflections regarding the friends that have passed through my life. I remember reading something very powerful and it stayed in the back of my mind for some time. I have read it many times...and remember seeing it on Lynns blog back about a month or so ago.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';">Powerful to me then, each time I read it, but not really something I stopped to think about. Now, I am thinking about it....and it amazes me how true it really is.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reason, season, lifetime</span></em></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People always come into your life for a reason, a season and a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.</span></em></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, or to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. They may seem like a godsend too you, and they are. They are there for a reason, you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die, Sometimes they just walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.</span></em></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall, the season eventually ends.</span></em></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LIFETIME, relationships teach you a lifetime of lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway);, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.</span></em></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for being part of my life.....</span></em></div><div><div><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10377873910477511152006-03-02T13:20:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:37:53.727-04:00Heart Bleads<div><br /><br /><img src="http://images.free-extras.com/pics/b/broken_heart_emo-1500.jpg" /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I'm so drunk its unreal.....I know I have so much to say, and that I don’t even know where to start, or even if I should say it at all. But, you know what, it’s my drunk, so let me enjoy it.</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Born in July, makes me a cancer...so blame the drunken stupor, or blame my sign for whatever it is I am about to pop off here...</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">(((Brett…stop texting me for 5 seconds and back me up here)))</span><br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together. ~Author Unknown</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I just can’t walk away. I can not turn my back and let you go. I should. Maybe it’s what you want. It’s what you need. Who knows? But, the reality is...I tried to go, and there you were stopping me. Why? Why did you always stop me? ALWAYS!</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">How many times did we go through this? Think one of us was leaving, for whatever the reason.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">How many times did you tell them you were afraid to lose me? Afraid that you being so far away would pose a problem that I would find someone closer, perhaps someone better.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I don't want closer. I don't want better. </span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I only want you</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I knew this would happen...I just knew it....I wanted to go, to save us from this .....and now, here we are....I trusted you damn it, I gave you my all....I didn’t want to let you in....but you came in.....I put my walls up and you came over them....climbed right on over…and then just tore them down….... maybe I have no one to blame but myself. I should have known better to let you in.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/02/my-valentine-story-beauty-and-beast.html" target="_blank">Fairy tales are just that, tales</a>…..I honestly believed, we could have what we shared, cherish it, just enjoy it for what it was, the rest of our life.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Never asking for anything more then what it was. Nothing more then what we had. That was the reality. We each knew the other had a different life. Reality. At times it hit us in the face. But we knew. We knew it would never be more then what it was. We were ok with that. I was ok with that. I never asked you for more.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">At first, I was sad. I read that first email and my heart just bleeds. I bleed for you.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I never bleed for anyone. For myself only.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">But, here I am, deep in a pool of it. Crimson red. I cry a tear. Then more tears following. Drip Drop, Drip Drop…falling in that pool of blood…..mixing…emotions entwined…entangled….my heart now mangled.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I should hide. I shouldn't let you see. Not suppose to let you see.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Suppose to be strong. Always strong. Never let them see you cry. Crying only makes them run away. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">That’s what I keep getting told. But, I cant help it.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I felt you pulling away. I felt you leaving. You need to go. I don't want you to. Never want you to. But, can’t you see?</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It’s what you need to do.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">All I am gonna do is cause you confusion until you can find your balance in life. Part of me in running away, part of me is pushing you away, and the other part is hanging on to that last little thread. I am selfish when it comes to</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">you.</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">CONFUSED! I am so fucking confused I am not clear. What do I do? What direction should I take?</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">NUMB! I feel numb. I feel empty. Alone.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">They hear what I am saying…but do they really get me? Does anyone really understand? I am a prisoner in my own mind. In my own life.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Behind these walls in which I built. These walls in which you just tore right down, and now, I am left to build them back up again.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">CAN YOU HEAR ME? Calling out to you?</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">When I replied to that first email there was so much hurt in me.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The brutal blow to my heart that you were leaving me. I did not know what to say.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">My reply was only my way of making things easy for you.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I did not want you to know I was hurting. I wanted to hide that from you.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I may be hurting, but I understand.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I may be angry, but this anger is not towards you. Its just anger about the whole situation in general.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">No matter how much I talk about walking away sooner, I am glad that you never did. Glad you never let me go. I am thankful for the time I have shared with you. For every day with you was a special gift. Every word from you, embedded in my mind forever to be cherished. </span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">So much still there between us…..but, so many things have changed.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">IRELAND</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">…I am coming home….140 days till my feet are on Irish soil. I realize so much about the trip has changed. But, the purpose still remains. I still have the strong connection to know where I come from, to see all the things that I have so long dreamed to see.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together. ~Author Unknown</span></div><div><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46294192105894735362006-03-01T16:52:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:35:54.287-04:00Its Not Over Without A Fight<div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Sean/682760359_l.jpg" /> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(originally posted on MySpace)</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I sit here , wondering how to word this, I have come to the conclusion that I really am at a loss for words. For no words, not even my own could possibley begin to tell any of you what I am feeling right now. And I have no one to blame but myself, I should have known better then to let someone behind my walls and steal my heart away..........</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, I love him....I shall ALWAYS love him, no matter where he goes. He will always have a part of me with him. I will always be here for him. ALWAYS. I wont let him go so easily.</span></div><div><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54358796274097083262006-02-28T16:47:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:35:26.070-04:00 Not Feeling Very Pretty Today<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I am just having one of those days. Seems I have been having a lot of them lately. It doesn’t matter what I do, I just can’t shake this feeling. This feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, despair, depression, sadness…YUCK! I feel yuck and I look yuck.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I don't think there has been a time when I have been totally confident in myself. There were times when I felt much better about myself then I do now. Actually, I think the way I feel about myself, at this given moment is the worst I have ever felt.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I’m not feeling very pretty today.</span></div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I am a social butterfly. I love to get out there, see things, do things, meet people, talk to people, and just be me. But, I feel like now, people are not really looking at me, or wanting to take the time to get to know me as they are judging me on that first impression. I feel like they don't see me, but rather they see my pudgy belly, my hips, my thighs, my butt.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">There is so much more to me then that. I want to be confident. I want to love myself.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Be thankful I have my health. And you know I still watch what I eat, I work out, I run…and good lord don't get me started on the workout you get with taking my dogs to the park or lake.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">But, the weight just isn’t coming off.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And that just makes me mad at myself. Then I start to think, what’s the point?.....but I know if I give up now, I will never win the war with my body.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I think, if I didn’t eat this, or if I don't eat that. Maybe I should have ran an extra mile, did an extra set of reps with the weight. What if’s, shoulda, coulda, woulda…..</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I feel lazy. I feel like I have let myself go. I feel like a big blob just taking up space, wasting it.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I try, I fail, I give up.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I get mad. I get even. Usually that means denying myself something I desperately need. I have to punish myself.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I have a huge trip coming up in only a matter of months. I am excited about this trip, I really am. This is something I have been wanting my whole life, and been planning for months now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And yet, here I am , this social butterfly, the one who adores seeing new things, meeting new people, so afraid of going that I ask myself “ What if they don't like me? “ What if I step off that plane, and not only Sean , but his mates as well, judge me the way everyone else does…by the size of my body rather then the true person I really am?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I don't want to be insecure about myself. I want to be the confident girl I used to be. How do I find her? Where did I lose her? </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><b>If you see her, could you please let me know…..</b></span></div><div><br /></div>UPDATE: June 6, 2012 - if you are curious about my weight progress - you can check out my progress <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/80%20to%20Goal" target="_blank">through this link</a>.<br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=d591b363-e309-4c76-b13f-74928ac717a8" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41152238084489227522006-02-18T15:48:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:32:52.610-04:00Whoa! Whats That??<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; margin: 1em;"><br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skiing_Christmas_%2705_034.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Taken in Megeve, France" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Skiing_Christmas_%2705_034.jpg/300px-Skiing_Christmas_%2705_034.jpg" height="225" title="Taken in Megeve, France" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Whoa! What's That?</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I am sitting here last night, my normal position, sitting in front of the computer dealing with all my random thoughts and what I should do with them. I hear the wind whipping the trees, branches scratching the window panes. I watched the news; they did say it was going to get cold. Now, let's define cold in Oklahoma.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Under 60 – that's cold</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Under 50 – getting kinda nippley outside</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Under 40 – damn that's cold out side</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Under 30 – fuck all that noise, I ain't gonna go nowhere!</span><br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I woke up pretty early today. Have to brave the grocery store. And living in a college town with 3 grocery stores, and only one has everything you want, well….you have to prepare yourself for battling the mass amount of people.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I walk into the bathroom, and it catches me out of the corner of my eye. What the hell is that??? I flip back the curtain….OH MUH GAWD!!</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">WHAT IS THAT STUFF??????</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Seems as though mother nature decided it was time for us Okies to participate in winter and dumped some of her white powder on us. GREAT. THANKS A STINKING LOT.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Snow, not a problem. Doesn't bother me. I like the snow. I grew up in Michigan, family still all lives there. Six months of winter. Good times. But, Okies don't know how to drive in snow. It would be alright if we JUST got snow…but you see…..we are in the south, warmer climate means warmer ground. So, when the snow does come from the sky, it melts as soon as it hits the ground. Then, as time goes on that turns into a big thick block of ice. I don't care who you are, what kind of car you drive, YOU CAN NOT DRIVE ON ICE. Nothing can help you….NOTHING…….</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Do us all a favor, go home. You don't need to get out in it anyway.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">As for me, I got my groceries (a girls gotta eat) and took my happy bum right on back home. All warm, feet kicked up, enjoying my nice hot cup of tea (yes, I said tea damnit….do I always have to have coffee?) do some writing....post another blog......….</span></div><div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span></div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=748118a0-bc97-44e0-8db4-1484498ee28f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59320270715588340722006-02-14T15:13:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:31:16.624-04:00MY Valentine Story: Beauty and the Beast<img src="http://imagesdisney.com/images/1-images-beauty-beast-g.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />Beauty and the Beast is one of the more famous fairy tales, nearly as well known as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. It has always my favorite, because it seemed the most realistic. Odd thinking perhaps, considering it contains an enchanted prince, invisible servants, and various other magical elements.<br /><br /><br /><br />But Belle was a simple girl. She found the greatest pleasure out of something such as reading a book. I could relate to that. I have no need for “things” and choose to surround myself with the written words. She wasn’t looking for love, but rather, love found her. I wasn’t looking for anything, but something found me. I have always just been content with my life. I knew there was something missing, something more I wanted outside this life in which I lead. But, I could not put my finger on it, as it was not something in my life in which I had planned.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><strong><em>“”<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641314/">Belle</a></em></strong><em>: [singing] I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell. And for once it might be grand, to have someone understand. I want so much more than they've got planned.””</em><br /><br /><br />Consider this, though: Beauty and the Beast is one of the few fairy tales where the main characters actually get to know each other before falling in love. Unlike Cinderella, who falls in love in an evening, or Sleeping Beauty, who falls in love with a kiss, Beauty spends weeks, possibly months with the Beast before falling in love with him. In addition, the message given by the story, besides that main staple that true love will prevail, is that of true beauty is within. Admirable, and rare, it seems these days.<br /><br /><br />Belle is a beautiful and strong woman on the screen, falling in love with someone who everyone else considers to be a beast. She is smart enough to look beyond the outer layer of scary looks and find the true heart of the prince she loves.<br /><br /><br />As a little girl, I never grew up believing in fairy tales. Having the childhood in which I have had, you believe those types of things were not meant for little girls like me. I never dreamt of my Prince on his white horse coming to rescue me. I never dreamed I would get married, huge white wedding, house with white picket fence and bunches of little babies running around. It just was never me. Was never who I was. Not part of my plan. I was never the pretty girl. Always the smart and fun girl. My mother brought me up to be independent, to never be scared of standing on my own two feet. She also taught me that real love has no colors, no boundaries; you love for who they are and not what they are or how they look. One day, she said, love would find me.<br /><br /><br />Despite the fact I never believed in fairy tales, this story of Beauty and the Beast has become a part of my life. I wasn’t looking for it, and sure didn’t ask for it.<br /><br /><br />For those of you that read my blog on Yahoo 360, Blogger, or TagWorld, you are only seeing part of the story. You’re only seeing my written words, my thoughts that are being produced by these events that are happening in my life. For those of you who are reading my blog here on MySpace, you get the complete story, assuming you are paying close attention. For within these pages, the blogs, the comments, the friends list lays a very close, well weaved circle of friends. And in that close circle of friends lies the one in which I call, My Irish One.<br /><br /><br />No doubt you have seen his comments on my MS home page, my own confessions of love with my own pics on my page….perhaps even the wonderful comments he leaves on my blogs. Or perhaps, you have even checked out his page. Whichever, it is not a secret; we have put it out there for you to see.<br /><br /><br />There is something magical there; something only dreams and fairy tales are made of. A little Irish Magic if you will…believe? I never thoughts I could believe, but now, I believe in it with all my heart. I believe in myself because he believes in me. Feelings I never felt before, are there. Smiles and laughter that had been hidden away for so long have come back. Happiness and cheer, it is now all around me.<br /><br /><br /><br />This didn’t all just happen to me, but it has happened to him as well. For the sake of the Beauty and the Beast theme, he has dubbed himself the Beast. For the sake of the tale, it fits. But, he is in NO WAY mean, vulgar or sore on the eyes as the beast in which we all think of.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>“”</em><strong><em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000913/">Beast</a></em></strong><em>: Oh, it's no use. She's so beautiful, and I'm... Well, look at me!””</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>His tale goes a little something like this: (copy & pasted from his own blog)</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color: #674ea7;">Tuesday, February 14, 2006</span></em><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td width="10"></td> <td><span style="color: #674ea7;">me forth oneCurrent mood: loved</span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">beauty and the beast</span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">tis a tale as old as time.. yet tis mine...</span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">...i was once the beast..locked away in his cold. lonely castle...angry, hurting...surrounded by others, yet so very alone. his heart like the rose in glass slowly dying...day by day..until u me sexee one...my irish princess, me BEAUTY..came into me life and set free the beast...unleashing the prince within..</span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">now we dance...we kiss..we laugh...we love..happy ever after...indeed.</span></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><br /><br />But rather he is sweet, kind, loving and honest.<br /><br /><br /><br />For the first time in my life, I see the fairy tale, and I am the Irish Princess.<br /><br /><br /><br />We started just as friends and it has bloomed into so much more. Much more then my words could ever explain to you today.<br /><br /><br /><br />We both may be married and have families in which to tend, we may be millions of miles apart and don't forget the oceans in between, we may never talk on the phone to hear each other’s voice, and it is very well possible that we may never meet. Of course, my friends know I have been planning this Ireland trip for many many many many months, not to mention years spent thinking about it. Others of you know about my desire to study abroad. Whether that happens or not, Love found us and brought us together. Each were lacking something in our life, and the simple things we do for each other bring more happiness and joy then anyone could understand unless they have found the magic themselves.<br /><br /><br /><br />Love knows no boundaries….I believe this to be true now.<br /><br /><br /><br />I just love him. Nothing more, nothing less. I want nothing more than to just love him. Period.<br /><br /><br /><br />This Irish Magic lies within us, for I feel it every day. Miles may separate us, but I feel his presence in my life daily. I feel him, right here beside me.<br /><br /><br /><br />Feelings I have never felt before.<br /><br /><br /><br />I tell this tale for you today, with the hopes of bringing a smile to your face. For, your fairy tale, it can come true….It happened to me, it could happen to you. Never give up on your dreams, and never give up on love.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Beauty and the Beast Lyrics:</em><br /><br /><em>Tale as old as time</em><br /><br /><em>True as it can be</em><br /><br /><em>Barely even friends</em><br /><br /><em>Then somebody bends</em><br /><br /><em>Unexpectedly</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Just a little change</em><br /><br /><em>Small, to say the least</em><br /><br /><em>Both a little scared</em><br /><br /><em>Neither one prepared</em><br /><br /><em>Beauty and the Beast</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Ever just the same</em><br /><br /><em>Ever a surprise</em><br /><br /><em>Ever as before</em><br /><br /><em>And ever just as sure</em><br /><br /><em>As the sun will rise</em><br /><br /><em>Whoa, whoa, oh, whoa-oh</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Ever just the same</em><br /><br /><em>Ever a surprise</em><br /><br /><em>Ever as before</em><br /><br /><em>Ever just as sure</em><br /><br /><em>As the sun will rise</em><br /><br /><em>Oh, oh, oh</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Tale as old as time</em><br /><br /><em>Tune as old as song</em><br /><br /><em>Bittersweet and strange</em><br /><br /><em>Finding you can change</em><br /><br /><em>Learning you were wrong</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Certain as the sun</em><br /><br /><em>(Certain as the sun)</em><br /><br /><em>Rising in the east</em><br /><br /><em>Tale as old as time</em><br /><br /><em>Song as old as rhyme</em><br /><br /><em>Beauty and the Beast</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Tale as old as time</em><br /><br /><em>Song as old as rhyme</em><br /><br /><em>Beauty and the Beast</em><br /><br /><br /><br />Sean, my words will never do justice as to how I feel. You make me smile, you make me laugh, you have brought me so much happiness, there have been tears and there have been some fears. We know all things happen for a reason, and that we crossed paths for a reason. I count my blessings daily that I have you in my life.<br /><br /><br /><br />táim i ngrá leat<br /><br /><br /><br />Gráim thú<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Blackadder ITC';"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68353442062302196042006-02-13T15:11:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:30:10.071-04:00Interviews SUCK!!<div>(originally posted on MySpace)<br /><br /><img src="http://jojofeelings.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/40_interview.jpg" height="388" width="400" /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I HATE THEM!</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Well, not really….what I hate are the tag team interviews where you are locked in a conference room with 5 people for a nice long interview. An hour to be exact. Then…for a one on one interview with someone else…</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Alright, here is my rant for the day, well quite frankly I have not ranted in a while, I am due for one, and it’s my blog so I can write what ever I want!</span><br /><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, I applied for this Financial Coordinator job a few weeks back. It’s at the college. And I was in NO WAY expecting a phone call for an interview. To be honest, I felt some aspects of the job were a little out of my expertise. But, I figured it was worth a shot, and I would not know if I didn’t try. This, assuming, if I wanting to stay in the wonderful world of accounting.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, I get this phone call last week…you know the drill, are you still interested, well yes, ok would you like to come in for an interview? Well...no just hire me damn it….So, she gave me the interview time of this morning.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">That gave me all weekend to stew over it……worry about it, bitch about it, worry some more.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I get up this morning, get all ready to go and just had a complete and utter total meltdown….WHERE THE FUCK IS MY MEDICATION….I am in FULL panic mode….manic , panic whatever…….</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Oh hell, forgetting I have to go to the middle of campus…..I park in the Student Union parking garage, and trot my happy ass across campus, in heals mind you….to get to this interview…..now, one would think having spent 5years on this campus</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I could walk it blindfolded. Call it the case of nerves, my manic panic state, whatever, I went into the wrong damn building…….ggggrrrrrrrr……..this causes me to arrive at my destination LATE.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">DAMN, you are NEVER EVER to arrive for an interview LATE….</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, ya’ll know me, lets crack a joke about it….they seemed to like that….laughed with me, explain how lots of people get the two buildings mixed up….</span>yadda<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span>yadda<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span>buncha<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> bullshit….good thing it really was only like 2 minutes late and not a whole 5! Still late is late….</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">, so one lady leads me into a conference room…HUGE table, and I am like doing my deep breathing….our father, thou art in heaven……breath…..breath….in walk FOUR more ladies…..</span>WTF<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">? Is this really needed? WHY GOD WHY? I mean seriously, only TWO of them talked to me.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Oh, here come the questions. Tell me about yourself, what can you offer us, why do you work here……..So, here I am….ready to explode from panic….and my </span>mutherfuckineverlasting<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> gum decides to stick to my tongue ring which I have so skillfully hidden….OH </span>NOOOOOOOOO<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">STRIKE TWO…never ever ever ever ever chew gum in an interview…. oh well, and </span>probably <span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">take the tongue ring out too while you’re at it...but I never bother anymore </span>cuz<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> u cant see it unless I let you so THERE!! ~sticks out tongue~</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I meant to spit it out, really I did…….</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And now for the THIRD and final blow….just having a grand ole time, talking away, not the best interview, but not my worst either. I just hate all those dumb retarded questions. It doesn’t matter how you answer them, it will never be the right answer.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">, so, I casually glance at one of the ladies that are just sitting there, staring at me, listening and I catch this shiny glimpse out of the bottom corner of my eye….</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">awe…..gawd……FUCKIN NOSE RING~ Strike THREE……</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I </span>soooooooooooooooo<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> totally meant to stop in the bathroom and remove it before I walked into the office…….</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><b>This concludes this interview…..thank gawd….</b></span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, the lady then says, let me introduce you to our director…follow her into his office , I meet him, nice enough dude…..and she says nice to meet you to me and so, I turn around to leave. DUMB ASS. The dude starts laughing at me….and I turn around and realize, I ain't suppose to be leaving……heheheehheeh</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, then, I get the one on one interview with the big dawg……but he was all cool as hell….suit and tie dude with earrings…I was like COOL DUDE you rock! You just don't see that much on the suit and tie guys on campus or in the banks here in town. But, he was really cool and his interview went much much better. Well…by this time the gum had been swallowed, he didn’t care about the 2 </span>mins<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> being late…and he was just cool as hell…..</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Anyway, I am SO NOT expecting to get this job. I am such a goof. LOL…which is why I would rather sit around the day care and play with little kids all day then go back to corporate America…..blah……..</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">It’s </span>ok<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> to laugh at me…I do it all the time!!</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">HAHAHAHHAHAHA</span><br /><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30005754659724500912006-01-18T14:04:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:26:36.565-04:00Just a Little Note to You<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsJKoOKrFE8/TcSY5Ddoa2I/AAAAAAAAAas/0HIBFwxo9-Q/s1600/2e4ef00e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsJKoOKrFE8/TcSY5Ddoa2I/AAAAAAAAAas/0HIBFwxo9-Q/s1600/2e4ef00e.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">NOTE: Another Semester Has Started and I will not have time to blog hop daily, nor will I be able to comment daily. But, those that know me best know I try hard to keep up with making the rounds. I will post as much as time allows, and you can still expect at least a blog every day or so from me. Even if it’s crappy. LOL</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">I am sorry I have not been around to comment since coming back from <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/im-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html" target="_blank">gramps funeral</a>. Once I was back, I was slapped in the face with some stupid damn illness.</span></div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">For one I was having medication withdrawals (BRETT…where is my stuff damnit? You promised…..)</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">And for two…I was just plain unexplained - ill…….</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">Well, I am getting a little better…but now my nose has to go be stuck in them college books…. Whose damn idea was it to put me back in college anyway?????</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">Now then, I must go rejoin Elonna in a drink..as we all gather together for Joey.</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">Peace out peeps…</span></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29336733970362125792006-01-09T11:27:00.000-05:002014-07-05T18:25:22.091-04:00I'm Back! My Story of Michigan and Back<span style="font-family: Batang;">Hello Everyone! I made it back safe and sound. Thanks to all of you that sent your prayers and well wishes my way. It really means a lot to me. It amazed me the outpouring of so much love.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Batang;">I see that I have lots of blogs to catch up on. But, first I have to say one thing…..for those of you who tagged my ass while I was away (you know who you are) you all can bite my ass! I was away at a funeral, I got immunity damn it! The tribal council has spoken; we took a vote without you. Because I am so behind, and have so many tags, I am gonna skip this round. Yup, the brat is back.</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Batang;">Moving on...</span><br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: Batang;">We left Thursday morning at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">8am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> we drove right on through arriving in </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Michigan</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">3am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> Friday morning. Pulled into my aunt’s house, mom was there, said hi and went right to bed. We were woke up at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">7:30am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> because my cousin, his wife and his 2 kids were on the way over. So, Marcus and I hit the showers and got ready. Off to grandma’s house we go. We were there for a few hours, and then at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">1pm</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> we all went to the funeral home for the viewing. Nothing in my life could have ever prepared me for that. I have been to one funeral in my life and that was just last year for Marcus great aunt. It was open casket and it bothered me, but since I didn't know her, I handled it well. But, this was different. This was my grandpa. I could not go into that room with him in the casket. I sat out in the waiting area for a good hour just crying, begging God for the strength to walk in there. Finally my two cousins we are more like my brothers, showed up. We hugged. And together, the 3 of us were able to walk in with my husband and their wives behind us.</span><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;">Once I was in the same room with grandpa it still took me a long time before I could really look at him. All around the room were pictures and significant items for all of us to talk about. In time I was able to make it to the casket. And there, was grandpa in is favorite Kelly Green cardigan from </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Ireland</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. Pinned to him were his military wings and awards. He wore his wedding ring, and his million mile ring for driving millions of miles accident free for the trucking company and union he was involved with. There was an Irish Santa in there with him, a picture of the entire family, and the Shillelagh. For those of you that don't know what a shillelagh is, lets just say its an Irish thing, and I will explain it another time. This particular one came from his mother, when she was living in </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Ireland</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. She brought it to </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">America</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> with her. He was not buried with it, as it was passed down to my aunt. But, it stayed with him in the casket until the very last minute.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;">My grandpa was a avid baseball player. So many of his uniforms and jackets were showcased as well as pictures and newspaper articles. We stayed at this viewing talking to friends and family until </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">8pm</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> or so. Then we all went to the bar for a drink. We all had the same drink, grandpa’s favorite. Kessler’s Irish whisky and water. Marcus as I left, as we were beyond tired. Went to grandma’s house. And I just put my butt in grandpa’s chair and just sat there in silence, talking in my head. Just remembering all that I could. I could still smell him it that chair, I could still feel his presence in that house.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;">About 10 or so the rest of my family showed up, mom, uncles, grandma so me and Marcus went on to my aunts house to try and get some sleep. We were not able to get much. Up again the next morning about 7 had to be up and ready to go and at the funeral home by 10am. The funeral started at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">11am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. My cousin and his wife and girls showed up. Her dad shortly after to watch the girls. Its just about </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">10am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> and we are leaving. And, its starting to snow storm, bad. We stop at the gas station and hit the road. My cousin was behind us and then passed us. We assumed he was leading the way.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;">And here is where my story takes a nasty little turn. You see, us okies, we don't get much snow. But, we were here in </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Michigan</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> last Christmas with snow up to my waste. Drove around with no problems. In OK we get frozen rain and ice. You play hookie or something and don't drive on the ice unless you have to. And, in my case, mostly always have to. So, we figured cousin was in front of us going at least 60mph we should be ok, he knows what he is doing. Well, he starts to slow down a bit cause there is a car up ahead with its 4 ways on. Marcus starts to slow, hits a patch of ice, and its near death we experience. We started to spin out of control, into the on coming lane, back over to our lane, back to the other side, over and over again, making about 5 full circles and figure 8’s. We do not know how we made it away without a scratch, without someone hitting us or us plowing into them. We ended up ass end first into a ditch on the side of the road miles up from where we started to spin. Right directly across from us on the other side of the road was 2 girls in a SUV that was flipped over. We had to sit in my SUV until a tow truck could get us out. I had called my mom on the cell to let her know what happened. My cousin showed up talking about what he saw and had no clue that it was us.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;">We got out, and made it to the funeral, 30 minutes late. They waited for us. I am so thankful for that. This was something we should not have walked away from. I know there was an angel on my shoulder that day, named Grandpa.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;">The funeral was a beautiful service. A few military salute. And, they played Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Of course, I don't think I stopped crying the whole time I was there.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Batang;">After the funeral the family went to the cemetery for the burial, and then we all met the friends at a place called Gracie’s, which was grandpa’s fave place to eat. There was sat for hours, talking and having good food and drinks. Spent a few hours there, then all us family went back to grandparents house for more drinks and to tell stories. Of course, Marcus and I were the running joke by this time. Don't let the okies drive; they don't know what they are doing. My cousin dubbed us the “Ditch Bombers” and even my grandmother got in on the joke cracking. And, I know I heard my grandfather laughing as well. I wish we could of stayed longer, but we had to start heading back this way. So, we said our goodbyes, and headed back out.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Batang;">We drove until about </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">11pm</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> stopping in </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Iowa</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. Got up and headed out making it home last night about </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">6ish</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. Said hello to a few of you, checking in. And now, here I am today.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Batang;">Got my enrollment for school and ordered my books, all taken care of. Caught up on some rest. Back to work tomorrow. Not really wanting to. Something I did learn while being home, my life is to short to put up with a bunch of shit that doesn’t make me happy. And working for that woman doesn’t make me happy at all. So, onward and upward in life.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Batang;">I Love You ALL!! Thanks again for all your kind words and support!</span><br /><div><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12940166069742605812006-01-06T11:25:00.000-05:002014-07-04T20:37:19.223-04:00He Has Passed Away<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9v3NJUBjhnQ/TXEBBHgDrzI/AAAAAAAAAUw/fnBTUMY7SeE/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9v3NJUBjhnQ/TXEBBHgDrzI/AAAAAAAAAUw/fnBTUMY7SeE/s1600/l.jpg" /></a></div>Grandpa has passed away.<br /><div><br /></div>Thank you ALL for your prayers and well wishes.<br /><div><br /></div>If you are interested, here is the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/fyi-my-grandfather.html" target="_blank">FYI</a> and the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/update-on-my-grandfather.html" target="_blank">Update</a>.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><br />~CHRYSTAL~</div><div><br /></div><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select></span><br /><ul><br /><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/06/2006 09:23 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sorry for you loss Chrystal... take care<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296992">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/06/2006 10:26 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />sorry to hear about your granpa..youl miss him<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296993">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/06/2006 10:14 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Chrystal darlin, just a little poem to you, your mother and everyone in your family............Love ya sweetie..<br /><br /><br /><br />A LETTER FROM HEAVEN<br /><br /><br /><br />To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say.<br /><br />But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.<br /><br /><br /><br />I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.<br /><br />Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.<br /><br />Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.<br /><br /><br /><br />That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.<br /><br />God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.<br /><br /><br /><br />It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.<br /><br />As for your dearest family, They’ll be here later on.<br /><br /><br /><br />I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.<br /><br />There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.”<br /><br /><br /><br />God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.<br /><br />And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.<br /><br /><br /><br />And when you lie in bed at night the day’s chores put to flight.<br /><br />God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.<br /><br /><br /><br />When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.<br /><br />Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.<br /><br /><br /><br />But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.<br /><br />Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.<br /><br /><br /><br />I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.<br /><br />If I were to tell you,.. you wouldn’t understand.<br /><br /><br /><br />But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.<br /><br />I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.<br /><br /><br /><br />There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;<br /><br />But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;<br /><br />That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;<br /><br />Then you can say to God at night....”My day was not in vain.<br /><br /><br /><br />And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.<br /><br />Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.<br /><br /><br /><br />So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;<br /><br />Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.<br /><br /><br /><br />When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;<br /><br />I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.<br /><br /><br /><br />And when it’s time for you to go....from that body to be free.<br /><br />Remember you’re not going...you’re coming here to me.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296994">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/06/2006 03:11 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Oh sweetheart I am so very and truly sorry................... I will pray for you and your grandfather and that God will wrap his love and angels all around your grandfather and to keep him safe and not in so much pain..............I will keep all of you in my heart and prayers., Ilove ya sweetie!!!! Be safe and will all say a little prayer.,<br /><br />My heart goes out to you &amp; your family. Your grandfather is up in heaven next to Jesus.........He is in no pain and is safe &amp; extremely happy.......<br /><br />He will always be with you in your heart &amp; mind &amp; all those wonderful Memories the two of you shared...........<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296995">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/06/2006 03:06 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Entry for January 03, 2006<br /><br />This message goes to all our Fabulous Friends here, Please say a little prayer for Crystal's (okirishchik) grandfather......... He is very ill with cancer and may not live long.<br /><br /><br /><br />Crystal is at her wits end, and we can all recall a time when we have been in her shoes.............<br /><br /><br /><br />Please leave her a little note that she &amp; her grandfather are in your prayers on her blog, or a message.....If she does not reply, it means she's flown out to where he is in the Hospital and is by his side...............<br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you my Awesome Fabulous 360 Fun loving Friends<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296996">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/06/2006 12:56 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I am so sorry, I will keep you in my prayers.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296997">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/05/2006 09:36 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />He and you are in my prayers as well. Take care.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296998">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/04/2006 10:37 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Just dropped in to check you out...<br /><br />You don't know me, but my I add my own 2 cents<br /><br />To the list of condolences....<br /><br /><br /><br />Sorrow for your pain<br /><br />Cheering for his gain<br /><br />We'll go 'round again.<br /><br /><br /><br />Take care of yourself, have a safe trip there and back.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296999">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/04/2006 07:51 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />you and your family will be in my prayers<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=297000">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/04/2006 04:41 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I hope he will live on in your heart...... take care.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=297001">Report abuse</a><br /><br /></div></li></ul><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62811727283093485652006-01-03T12:22:00.000-05:002014-07-04T20:35:45.469-04:00Update on My GrandfatherHey guys....I just got word that my grandfather is prolly not gonna make it through the night. I am pretty sure I will be heading out for Michigan tomorrow. Which means I will be MIA for a bit.<br /><br />You can read the<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/fyi-my-grandfather.html" target="_blank"> FYI </a>if it sparks your interest.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div><br /></div>Thank you all who sent your prayers and well wishes.<br /><div>Talk to you all very soon.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>~Chrystal~<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br />7 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"> <option value="DESC">Latest comments</option> <option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option> </select><br /><ul><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/06/2006 10:11 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />A LETTER FROM HEAVEN<br /><br /><br /><br />To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say.<br /><br />But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.<br /><br /><br /><br />I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.<br /><br />Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.<br /><br />Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.<br /><br /><br /><br />That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.<br /><br />God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.<br /><br /><br /><br />It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.<br /><br />As for your dearest family, They’ll be here later on.<br /><br /><br /><br />I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.<br /><br />There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.”<br /><br /><br /><br />God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.<br /><br />And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.<br /><br /><br /><br />And when you lie in bed at night the day’s chores put to flight.<br /><br />God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.<br /><br /><br /><br />When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.<br /><br />Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.<br /><br /><br /><br />But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.<br /><br />Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.<br /><br /><br /><br />I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.<br /><br />If I were to tell you,.. you wouldn’t understand.<br /><br /><br /><br />But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.<br /><br />I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.<br /><br /><br /><br />There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;<br /><br />But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;<br /><br />That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;<br /><br />Then you can say to God at night....”My day was not in vain.<br /><br /><br /><br />And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.<br /><br />Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.<br /><br /><br /><br />So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;<br /><br />Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.<br /><br /><br /><br />When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;<br /><br />I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.<br /><br /><br /><br />And when it’s time for you to go....from that body to be free.<br /><br />Remember you’re not going...you’re coming here to me.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296985">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 09:43 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Chrystal, my prayers are with you and your family. Hugs.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296986">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 08:36 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Oh C, I wish I could be there for you. I am here if you need anything....I love you sis. Please take care. God bless you and your family.<br /><br />Mel<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296987">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 08:10 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Aww sweetie...my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Praying that his passing is peaceful. Much love and huge supportive hugs!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Love ya sis<br /><br />~M Kay~<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296988">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 08:07 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />you always have my love and prayers sweetie hope everything will be ok with you<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296989">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 08:06 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Hi, Chrystal<br /><br /><br /><br />Sorry to hear your sad news. I'll keep you in my thoughts.<br /><br /><br /><br />Carol<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296990">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><br /><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 07:41 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I'm very sorry about your grandfather, Chrystal. My thoughts will be with you and him.<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29487140713342116852006-01-03T11:19:00.000-05:002014-07-04T20:33:06.936-04:00FYI - My GrandfatherJust a quick note to let you all know what is going on and why I have been so moody these last few days. As many of you know...my grandfather has been battling cancer for the last 2 years.<br /><br />This past Friday he was admitted to the hospital because he was having difficulty breathing and coughing up blood. The specialist came in today. His lungs are collapsing , there is a lot of damage and basically there is nothing they can do.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />So, they are hooking him up to an IV drip and morphine to make him comfortable. They don't know how long he has, but basically he is suffocating to death. So, forgive me for being moody, and if I have to fly out and am not around for a few days, you know why.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><div><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>8 Comments</div><div><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"> <option value="DESC">Latest comments</option> <option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option> </select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 05:17 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Oh Chrys, I am so sorry, I didn'tknow. I love you and I will be praying for you. Please let me know if I can do anything...<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 04:24 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sorry to hear it..my prayers are with you<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 01:07 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Been there, take care of yourself - we'll be here when you get back.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:40 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />i feel for you girl. my heart and are with you and your family.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:13 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />My dad was hooked up to morphine and taked off food and water to allow him to die. With that he he died of thirst and/or starved to death. He was brain dead, so he had no idea what was going on, which was a good thing.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:11 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sorry to hear, C. Prayers are with you, and I understand. Spend what time you can with him and the rest of the family. Call on me if I can help in ANY way, my friend...<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:10 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I pray he does not suffer long and you and your family are well.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:00 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />My prayers are with you and Your Grandfather.<br /><br />Strength dear friend...<br /><br />I saw my grandparents last weekend in my hometown, they are all over 80 and LOVE is what we can give them<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54648074818688764872006-01-01T13:59:00.000-05:002014-06-06T20:57:36.662-04:0010 Things to Say<div><br /><br />This post was originally on my MySpace<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Ok, today is let’s be unoriginal for once and borrow someone else’s blog idea. So my friend Maire, I have you to thank for this, oh, and well even though Patrick is only on 360 and not here, I will thank him too.</span></em><br /><br /></div><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">The Rules:</span></em><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">List 10 things you have always wanted to say to 10 different people </span></em><strong><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">(Edit: NOT necessarily on the MySpace friends list)</span></em></strong><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">. Do not admit to anyone who the things pertain to. Feel free to comment, but do not confirm or answer who people think you are talking about. Never discuss it again!</span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">1. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I am thankful for the time that we have had together. I am sorry that it was short lived and if I could take it back and do things differently I would change it all. And maybe you would still be here.</span></em></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">2. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I am still trying to figure out how we crossed paths. We have absolutely nothing in common, but yet, here we are. We bump heads everyday. But yet neither can seem to part from the other. And I just want to know why. Why are you still here? It’s like we are sucked in and can’t walk away.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">3. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">We have known each other since we were kids. And when you were going through one of the roughest times in your life, I wasn’t there. I just want to say I am sorry. That I know we will always work through everything. But, I feel so guilty this time that I do not know if I can ever forgive myself for not being there.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">4. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">You’ve got to wake up. Stop being blinded by every guy who tells you they love you when they have only known you a day or two. They don't mean it. Once you stop believing all that you might just see the beautiful person that does live inside of you. One that is worthy of a great guy and worthy of their one true love.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">5. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">If I could take you out of your world and put you in a better one I would. And if I could give you everything to make your world better, I would.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">6. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">You are just simply amazing.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">7. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">How many times are you going to walk out of my life and try to come back in? I hear you out there knocking again. Don't you think there is a reason as to why you are still knocking?</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">8. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I don’t think I will ever understand you. Maybe I should just stop trying to. Things would be better off.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">9. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Walk away. Just turn around and walk away. It would be best if you ran.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">10. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I do love you. I know you question that. I know you think the things I do are bad and questionable. Maybe they are to you, but they are not to me. I just wish you would take a minute to try to understand me instead of always walking away.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59009729153960368022005-12-31T13:57:00.000-05:002014-06-06T20:56:02.422-04:00As the Year Draws to an End<div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;">As the year draws to an end……</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">And so we bring this year to a close, I am sitting here pondering over things that maybe don't require that much attention. I am sure I have other thoughts that need some tending to, but those can wait for the time being.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">It has been an amazing year, a year I will never soon forget. Defiantly a year of ups and downs, but it was also a year for growing. A year of no regrets.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">In a day the year will be over, behind us, gone, finished, the end. Never to return.</span></div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">On this same day, this last day of 2005, I also celebrate my 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><sup>rd</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"> year of wedded bliss, of holy matrimony. 8 total years of togetherness. Can you hear the excitement flowing through my voice? What’s wrong with me, why am I not excited?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">This forces me to deal with the issues at hand. Things I don't want to deal with. Don’t want to admit. Don't want to face. I would rather just push it all under the rug and forget about it. Turn my back and run away from it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Yes, there is something wrong. Something is missing. I guess something is not right. And I have to deal with that. I am now ready to try and deal with that. I have been running away from it for a very long time. I am scared of the dark path I have started to travel down. But I am even more afraid of starting down the correct path.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I am angry. I am bitter.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">It's easier to run</span></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;"> Replacing this pain with something numb<br />It's so much easier to go<br />Than face all this pain here all alone<br /><br />Something has been taken from deep inside of me<br />The secret I've kept locked away no one can ever see<br />Wounds so deep they never show they never go away<br />Like moving pictures in my head for years and years they've played<br /><br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(If I could take all the shame to the grave I would)<br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(I would take all my shame to the grave)<br /><br /><em>[Chorus]</em><br />It's easier to run<br />Replacing this pain with something numb<br />It's so much easier to go<br />Than face all this pain here all alone<br /><br />Sometimes I remember the darkness of my past<br />Bringing back these memories I wish I didn't have<br />Sometimes I think of letting go and never looking back<br />And never moving forward so there'd never be a past<br /><br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(If I could take all the shame to the grave I would)<br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(I would take all my shame to the grave)<br /><br />Just washing it aside<br />All of the helplessness inside<br />Pretending I don't feel misplaced<br />It's so much simpler than change<br /><br /><em>[Chorus]</em><br />It's easier to run<br />Replacing this pain with something numb<br />It's so much easier to go<br />Than face all this pain here all alone<br /><br />It's easier to run<br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made)<br />It's easier to go<br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(I would take all my shame to the grave)</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">These words, Easier to Run by Linkin Park, really bring some truth to how I am feeling.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">This year I remembered who I was and what I am about. I have found me again. I am slowly being me again. It has been a long rediscovery process. That girl was gone for so long, so far buried that it was hard to find her and dig her up. The things that I am about will carry over into the New Year as I continue back down the right path to me. The mean I really am, the me I deserve to be. The me I can be proud of, the me I can love.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I am tired. Drained emotionally. I can no longer live my life for someone else, keep changing for someone else, and be someone I am not. I have to live my life for me, and it is now or never. I have dreams, things I want to do, things that I gave up on because I didn’t think I was good enough, or I worried too much about what others may think. And for some things I was just too damn scared to even try. And now I want to think about me, I need to think about me, work on me, and try to do the things I have always wanted to do. I have to know if I can do it; know for myself if it can be achieved. I can no longer worry about whether people understand me or not. Cannot worry about approvals. I have to be able to love me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I have made peace with myself and it is time to move on. I do not know the path that 2006 is gonna take me on. I am sure it will be a very bumpy path. But, I am prepared to deal with it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">These words to “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera really are hitting home with me right now. As I sit here listening to these words over and over as I work on this blog, it has hit me...reality...and I can not run anymore.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang; white-space: pre;">'Cause it makes me that much stronger</span></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Makes me work a little bit harder</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">It makes me that much wiser</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So thanks for making me a fighter</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Made me learn a little bit faster</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Made my skin a little bit thicker</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Makes me that much smarter</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So thanks for making me a fighter</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Oh, ohh</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Never, saw it coming</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">All of, your backstabbing</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Just so, you could cash in</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">On a good thing before I realized your game</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I heard, you're going around</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Playing, the victim now</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">But don't, even begin</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Feeling I'm the one to blame</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">'Cause you dug your own grave, uh huh</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">After all of the fights and the lies</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Yes you wanted to harm me but that won't work anymore</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Uh, no more, oh no, it's over</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">'Cause if it wasn't for all of your torture</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I wouldn't know how to be this way now, and never back down</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So I wanna say thank you</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Cause it makes me that much stronger</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Makes me work a little bit harder</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Makes me that much wiser</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So thanks for making me a fighter</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Made me learn a little bit faster</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Made my skin a little bit thicker</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">It makes me that much smarter</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So thanks for making me a fighter</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><b>QUESTION:</b> What are some things you are leaving behind in 2005 and what are you looking forward to in 2006??</span></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29923617254242344082005-12-25T13:19:00.000-05:002014-06-06T20:53:19.423-04:00Hey You Guys!!!!December 25, 2005<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div>"You can't kiss an Irish girl unexpectedly. You can only kiss her sooner than she thought you would."~ Irish Saying</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Hey guys....pool and chat was awesome! It was so much fun, not to mention how cool it was to actually hear you guys. Defiantly have to do voice chat again.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Brett, honey I love ya, but I think you say ya'll more then me and Elonna put together do!</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>Jeremy..hmmm ...what can I say. I am still holding a grudge on the Irish bashing. I am gonna get you when you least expect it. You better watch your back!! mmuuuaaahhh</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Elonna girl....my irish lovin' sista...what can I say, it made Christmas that much better didnt it?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />~hugs~<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />And to all the rest of you - hope we can gather again sometime soon!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />It has been an awesome year, and my world is that much better with you guys in it. Oh, and even though you weren't there with us in person, you were in spirit, and that includes you two - Joey & Sean !</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>*Hugs and Kisses, Smack and Licks*</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong>5 Comments</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><strong><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select></strong><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>01/02/2006 11:57 am</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>love the saying, C. So true, so true...</strong><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>P</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296959">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9169728038924584631">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9169728038924584631">Comment</a></strong><br /><br /></div></li><strong><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/26/2005 10:59 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Don't have voice or chat(can't get it to work but gonna look into it THERE WILL BE NO IRISH BASHING WITHOUT" THE IRISH JIG "AROUND TO DEFEND THE MOTHERLAND.......okirishchik "i got your back baby" ......hee hee IRA in the house hee hee lol lmfao going above to read the xxx stuff ............yep cya<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296960">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9169728038924584631">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9169728038924584631">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/26/2005 12:16 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />well damn i missed all the fun<br /><br />chick thats not fair..lol glad you had fun baby<br /><br />sweet kisses<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296961">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9169728038924584631">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9169728038924584631">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/26/2005 09:47 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Have a great day!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296962">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9169728038924584631">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=9169728038924584631">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/26/2005 04:36 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Wishing you a Happy Holidays!!!<br /><br />*Hugs*<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm finally back on-line!! YES!! LOL<br /><br /><br /><br />This blog is cute!! LOVE the Monkeys!!<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></strong></ul><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33700318995400972322005-12-23T13:06:00.000-05:002014-04-21T16:11:08.694-04:00An Irish BlessingDecember 23, 2005<br /><br /><div><img alt="" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/d1a2.jpg?mgg7zHoCO.JAs259" height="70" width="120" /><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">How sweetly lies old </span><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Ireland</span><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;"> </span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Emerald green beyond the foam,</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Awakening sweet memories,</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Calling the heart back home</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">~Irish blessing~</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Original Yahoo 360 comments:</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />9 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 10:47 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Merry Christmas... I love ya!!! ~Hugs and Kisses~ HO*HO*HO ~Wiggles and giggles out*~<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296941">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 09:48 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />BEAUUUTIFIL dear!!!<br /><br />I appreciate the IRISH BLESSING and keep dear, warm, and deep into my heart<br /><br /><br /><br />SONGO<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296942">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 06:40 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />LOVE IT !!!<br /><br />My husbands family I believe first came from there .. I will have to check and see.. Merry Christmas<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296943">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 06:33 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Hi... I am of Scottish Heritage. You know I see ya all over &amp; dang if I don't have ya as a friend. Whooooh I love Irish Women! Join me fast &amp; u can pick up a prezzie under da tree!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296944">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 11:02 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Strong &amp; very lovely...<br /><br />peace my friend.<br /><br />Have a great holiday.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296945">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 07:33 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />thank god i got back home, and stayed here ,its the best place on this earth....<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296946">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 01:12 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I loved it thank you beautiful!!! ~kisses~<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296947">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 11:39 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />:: smiling proudly to be Irish ::: Thank you for posting that. i agree with Dex.. it IS beautiful !!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Erin go braugh !!! - erin<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296948">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 11:37 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />That is beautiful!<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76355480081624923172005-12-23T13:04:00.000-05:002014-04-21T13:56:24.827-04:00The Green Little ShamrockDecember 23, 2005<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwn5F1tMIIs/TX9kVQ-xxdI/AAAAAAAAAXs/uJeXlenoARU/s1600/148814_10150105712860915_569555914_7875403_4037024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwn5F1tMIIs/TX9kVQ-xxdI/AAAAAAAAAXs/uJeXlenoARU/s1600/148814_10150105712860915_569555914_7875403_4037024_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">The Green Little Shamrock</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle,</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">‘Twas St. Patrick himself sure that set it.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">It thrives through the bog, through the brake,</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">and the mireland;</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">And he called it the dear little shamrock of </span><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">Ireland</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">~~Andrew Cherry</span><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">~~</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;"><br /></span><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35901472207910992432005-12-23T12:57:00.000-05:002014-02-17T10:25:42.336-05:00Seasons Greetings in Irish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2CSj0cbhUM/UkLfZFYvWcI/AAAAAAAAE7E/wmN8FQEeIdg/s1600/irish_xmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2CSj0cbhUM/UkLfZFYvWcI/AAAAAAAAE7E/wmN8FQEeIdg/s320/irish_xmas.jpg" height="281" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Beannachtaí an tSéasúir - Season's Greetings</strong><br /><div><br /><em>by Bridget Haggerty</em><br /><br />In Ireland, one of the most commonly used phrases around the holidays is "Happy Christmas." We thought you might enjoy learning how to say it in Irish as well as a few other phrases you'll hear this time of year.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />If you were to say Happy Christmas to just one other person, you would say:<br /><br />"Nollaig Shona Duit"<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8437886040485889331" name="more"></a><br /><br />(NO-Lihg HO-nuh ghwich).<br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><br /><div>However, if you were to be addressing the same greeting to two or more persons, you would say:<br /><br />"Nollaig Shona Daoibh"<br /><br />(NO-Lihg HO-nuh JEEV)<br /><br /></div><br /><div>This literally means "You have a Happy Christmas."<br /><br /></div><br /><div>The most common response to this would be: "Nollaig Mhaith Chugat"<br /><br />(NO-lihg Wy HU-gut)<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Literally-"A good Christmas to you."<br /><br /></div><br /><div>If one were to wish someone a "Happy New Year," he or she would say:<br /><br /></div><br />"Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit"<br /><div><br />(AH-vlee ihn fwee WAH-shuh wich)<br /><br /></div><br /><div>And if one were to be addressing two or more other persons, he or she would say:<br /><br />"Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh"<br /><br />(AH vlee-ihn fwee WAH-shuh Heev)<br /><br />Literally-"You have a Prosperous New Year."<br /><br /></div>Just as in English, the two expressions are often combined to say “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” as follows:<br /><div><br /></div>“Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit.”<br /><div><br />(NO-lihg HO-nuh AH-guhs AH-vlee-ihn fwee WAH-shuh wich).<br /><br /></div>Le gach dea-ghui i gcomhair na nollag agus na h-ath bhliana! (With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year!)<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>The plural of this would be:<br /><br />“Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh.”<br /><br />(NO-lihg HO-nuh AH-guhs AH-vlee-ihn fwee WAH-shuh HEEV).<br /><br /></div>For every greeting above, the common response is:<br /><div><br />“Go mba hé duit”<br /><br />(guh may hay wich)<br /><br />Meaning: “The same to you.”<br /><br /></div>If you have tried to learn these phrases in Irish, and all earnest attempts have failed, just try the universal greeting...lift a pint, thrust it forward in the internationally accepted toast, and you will be a hit in any language. (Especially if you buy the house a round.)<br /><div><br /></div><strong>Note:</strong> Letter groups that are capitalized indicate the stressed syllables. There has also been much debate as to whether Shona is pronounced with the sh sound or said as hona. As we understand it, much depends on what part of Ireland you are in.<br /><div><br /></div><strong>Resources:</strong> Content is edited from the Irish Heritage Newsletter. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please email George at Steeler059@aol.com<br /><div><br /></div><strong>Images:</strong> Greeting card from Irish Abroad free cards/Photobucket<br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />7 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"> <option value="DESC">Latest comments</option> <option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option> </select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 09:49 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Nollaig Shona Duit<br /><br /><br /><br />THANK YOU. "FELIZ NAVIDAD" (in Spanish)<br /><br /><br /><br />SONGO<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296934">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 09:34 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Feliz Navidad!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296935">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 08:29 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />My Dad tried to teach me Gaelic when I was a child,never could get the hang of it though<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296936">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 12:04 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Fröhliches Weihnachten zu Ihnen :) OK so I am 75% German and 25% Irish LOL so the German version is the one I am more familiar with!!! huggggggggggggggs<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296937">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 06:49 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />you have great irish...where did you learn it????i think it pronounced hona..there are about four differen ways of speaking irish in different parts of ireland....ulster irish is a good bit different from the others.....<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296938">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 01:14 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />thank you thank you<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&ugcId=296939">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 12:41 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />“Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit.”<br /><br />To you too may they be full of joy happines<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54773534906669850222005-12-18T12:54:00.000-05:002014-04-21T13:54:02.464-04:00Ireland, I am Calling..........<span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div><br /><br />Hey guys.....really missing my famly today, and this song makes me think of them.....so here ya go! Will be back later today for a real blog!!! Luvs ya...sweets....~C~<br /><strong><br /></strong><strong>Ireland </strong>Written by: - Stephanie Davis- Jenny Yates - Garth Brooks</div><div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><br /><table align="right" bgcolor="#8d8f92" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr> <td align="middle" bgcolor="#acaeb2"><strong>ORIGINALLY ON</strong></td> </tr><tr> <td align="middle" bgcolor="#d5d5d5"><a href="http://www.planetgarth.com/albums/fresh_horses.php" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Click here for more information about Fresh Horses" border="1" src="http://www.planetgarth.com/images/album_thumbnails/100x100/fresh_horses.jpg" height="100" width="100" /></a></td> </tr><tr> <td align="middle" bgcolor="#d5d5d5"><a href="http://www.planetgarth.com/albums/the_limited_series.php" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Click here for more information about The Limited Series" border="1" src="http://www.planetgarth.com/images/album_thumbnails/100x100/the_limited_series.jpg" height="100" width="100" /></a></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&postID=1074548805197438051" rel="nofollow">More info about this song in the Song Database</a> </strong><br /><div><br /><br />They say mother earth is breathing<br /><br />With each wave that finds the shore<br /><br />Her soul rises in the evening<br /><br />For to open twilights door<br /><br />Her eyes are the stars in heaven<br /><br />Watching o'er us all the while<br /><br />And her heart it is in Ireland<br /><br />Deep within the Emerald Isle<br /><br /><br /><br />We are forty against hundreds<br /><br />In someone elses bloody war<br /><br />We know not why were fighting<br /><br />Or what we're dying for<br /><br />They will storm us in the morning<br /><br />When the sunlight turns to sky<br /><br />Death is waiting for its dance now<br /><br />Fate has sentenced us to die<br /><br /><br /><br />Ireland I am coming home<br /><br />I can see your rolling fields of green<br /><br />And fences made of stone<br /><br />I am reaching out won't you take my hand<br /><br />I'm coming home Ireland<br /><br /><br /><br />Oh the captian he lay bleeding<br /><br />I can hear him calling me<br /><br />These men are yours now for the leading<br /><br />Show them to their destiny<br /><br />And as I look up all around me<br /><br />I see the ragged tired and torn<br /><br />I tell them to make ready<br /><br />'Cause we're not waiting for the morn<br /><br /><br /><br />Ireland I am coming home<br /><br />I can see your rolling fields of green<br /><br />And fences made of stone<br /><br />I am reaching out won't you take my hand<br /><br />I'm coming home Ireland<br /><br /><br /><br />Now the fog is deep and heavy<br /><br />As we forge the dark and fear<br /><br />We can hear their horses breathing<br /><br />As in silence we draw near<br /><br />There are no words to be spoken<br /><br />Just a look to say good-bye<br /><br />I draw a breath and night is broken<br /><br />As I scream our battle cry<br /><br /><br /><br />Ireland I am coming home<br /><br />I can see your rolling fields of green<br /><br />And fences made of stone<br /><br />I am reaching out won't you take my hand<br /><br />I'm coming home Ireland<br /><br /><br /><br />I am home Ireland<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />4 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/04/2006 10:31 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Wonderful. I feel every bit of that. Thanks for sharing it.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/18/2005 08:50 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />my granmothers granpa and great granpa were from Ireland. i would love to go but first i got find out where in Ireland. since there were so MANY thomas, james &amp; william Hart.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/18/2005 04:30 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />That's a nice song.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/18/2005 01:54 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Since I was a child I have felt a unusual fascination for ERIN and all the Celtic Culture.<br /><br />"An Innis Aigh, ERIN"<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33025373712626499052005-08-05T16:14:00.000-04:002014-08-14T20:13:23.175-04:00Poetry in Motion : My Mind is Spinning<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; margin: 1em;"><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dividing_Light_from_Darkness.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sistine Chapel, fresco Michelangelo" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Dividing_Light_from_Darkness.jpg/300px-Dividing_Light_from_Darkness.jpg" height="378" title="Sistine Chapel, fresco Michelangelo" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source:Photobucket</td></tr></tbody></table>My mind is spinning. I am out of control.<br />Don't know which way I am going.<br />I close my eyes and there you are.<br />You consume my thoughts throughout the day.<br />It's difficult to concentrate.<br />I am getting tired of this game.<br />I feel stuck, like I don’t belong.<br />Why can’t I figure this out – this mess in my head?<br />It’s your entire fault, filling me with such thoughts.<br />What gives you the right to tell me these things?<br />I want to give up, run away and hide.<br />I have learned in my life running solves nothing and he’ll still be there when I return.<br />Do you see what you’re doing to my mind, heart, body and soul?<br />I do not know what to do, which way to go or which way to choose.</div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">(C)C.H.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67217826452840179732005-07-02T15:47:00.000-04:002014-02-17T10:25:17.980-05:00Words Can Never Express<div><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Words could never express the way I feel right now, at this moment after reading all the comments on my </span><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html" target="_blank">“Cards”</a><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> post. I can honestly say, I was not planning on this big of a reaction. Heck, I was not really even planning on coming back to blog. And then, someone wonderful sent me an IM to tell me he had read my page, and was putting me in his blast to send everyone over in my world. I am VERY overwhelmed by all the friends I have, old and new. But, I love it. So, I want to say thank you to Jeremy first of all for thinking I was a good enough friend to him for him to turn around and help me the way that I did. I love ya man, and look forward to do collaboration in the future!!</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">The cards blog was not even going to be a blog. I go so mad and worked up that I actually had pen to paper and was writing this whole thing. My husband was like “What are you doing??” I never use paper and pen, usually just type. But, I was so mad I could not get my fingers to work. I started writing early Sunday morning. I was on a roll, so I took my paper and pen to church with me ((( yah I know))) because I did not want to miss a thought. Once home, I just kept right on writing. That thing must have been 10 pages long front and back. And once I felt I was done, I feel so much better. This cloud had been lifted.</span><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Now, let me shout out to my peeps….and then I will be making the rounds in blogville.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR KIND WORDS!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">My words could never express my feelings. My friends list has grown so much in the last 24hrs, as well as my heart.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Now, rather then reply to all your comments in the comment section of that long blog, I am going to post them here!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Sanrica </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Yes, it is awful, but you know what…I am the person I am today because of it, and I have made peace with that. I will never understand people either, so for the most part, I have quit trying. I hope you had a good night.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Hadrian </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– I am sorry to hear you have similar deal with your mother and biological family. It was very hard to get over. I still have a lot of anger that she lied to me for 30 yrs. And that may be something I NEVER get over. But, she is my mother, we all make mistakes, I still love her dearly. And without her, I would have no one, and would not be where I am today.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Weezie </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Even though that pic is missing, thanks to Yahell deleting you, I know that’s you my darling! It does suck, but we did survive. I hate that I am connected to so many people by these horrible things in life, but I am thankful that we are able to be friends and know that at least one other person out there shares what we feel. We are not ALONE. We will STAY STRONG together!!! And not one message, but 2!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Mel</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Ok, about my Mel. This is a perfect example of my soul mate theory. In the very short time Mel and I have been friends, we have found a wealth of information about each other. We are so much alike it way too many ways. There is a connection there that neither of us can describe. She has become one of my best friends without even trying.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Mel, I call you my sister. My soul sister. I cherish our friendship, and I look forward to getting to know you more and more as time marches on. I hope that someday, when you are ready, that you share your story with me, and know that I will never judge you. And you not only left me 1 comment, but 3! Your AWESOME, You’re BEAUTIFUL and you’re WORTH SO MUCH. Do not ever let anyone tell you otherwise.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Mary Kay</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – I appreciate the shoulder! Not to mention you so hit the nail on the head with the freakiness! And I am very honored and proud to call you my friend!!!! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Debbie </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so very honored that you want to be in my circle of friends! I look forward to reading your blogs and getting to know you.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Lori </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Ah…the Queen of BA…keeper of the tiaras…..I am proud to call you my friend. Now, let me find my teeth…..and I shall be right over!!! Muuuaaaahhhhh</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Heather</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – First, I am sorry Yahell messed up and you had to wait until your second wind to retype! That must have sucked, but I thank you for trying again. It means a lot to me. I am glad I was able to give you some inspiration. You don't have to do it alone. If you ever need anyone to talk to, I am here. Please keep me posted on how it goes. I am a firm believer that is always better to know, and just find out things for the sake of knowing. I will cherish our friendship. And I mean what I say….you keep me posted!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Stacy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – the sweetest person I know. What can I say to you? It is has been a blessing to call you my friend. We can ROCK the therapy together. I know there are a lot of people out there that do not understand depression and the likes, as well as the medications involved. It took 28years to get all this built up. It is not gonna go away in the 2 years I have been in therapy. Nor will it ever truly go away. But, maybe, you should share with us some of these perversions you talk about??? I and Jeremy may be able to use it against you!! LOL and not one comment but 2!!!!! Thanks for ALL the love you have sent my way. It means more to me then you could ever imagine.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Kelly</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for the congrats. I do not feel like I deserve a congrats….but, will take in none the less….cause I am greedy like that!!! LOL j/k Thank you for your kind words.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Vanessa </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Are we related? LOL….I look forward to reading some of your work, and getting to know you as a friend.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Twinks</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – A big ole HUG and a loud shouting THANK YOU!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">OK, and even though I already gave a shout out to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><strong>Jeremy</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">, he is next in line in the comments section. And not once, but twice, and even signed his name!!! Darling, you know, you just KNOW! I don't have to explain anything, you get it. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. Oh, and Marcus gives you a smile…..a Thank You, and a Your Welcome! My world is a better place because I can call you my friend. Remember that always.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Sundown</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for coming over. Please come back anytime, you are always welcome in my blog.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">FunInTheSun </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– HUGS right back to YOU</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Brett </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">- Ok, I can not imagine ANYONE saying ya’ll more then anyone from Oklahoma!!! Ok, well maybe I can cause I don't really say it that much. Do I? hhmmmm…maybe I do and I just don't notice it…….No, I really think I don't say it much. LOL Thank you for coming over and paying me a visit. I am glad I inspired you to go “unplugged” and I look forward to reading your blog, and getting to know you more. Would love to have you visit my world anytime you want!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Janet</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – THANK YOU! I am feeling SO much better now. I had NO idea my blog would impact SO many people. And your right, it IS only between me and God.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Cathy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – another 2 poster!!! LOL You never know, we could be related??? Lol I have seen you and Don around so much these last few months. Knowing that you are still happily married after 22 years is SUCH an inspiration for me!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Jenny </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Big hug back to you. The writing WILL continue. Glad you enjoy! Now, I need to pop over to your blog and see what you got going on over there!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Ken</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – THANK YOU…big hugs all the way from Oklahoma…..and YES please do join my circle of Friends!! I welcome you with open arms! And despite what Jeremy and Lori say….I don't bite…..ok well not hard anyway!! LOL j/k</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – wooohooo another 2 poster! I am glad you came over from Jeremys world. WOW! We are so close to being a mirrored image of each other. How COOL is THAT??</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Betty</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thank you for your kind words, glad you came over, please DO add me as a friend. I look forward to reading your blogs as well!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Betsy </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– ROCK ON! Thank you.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Jeanne</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for stepping over Jeremy’s world to mine. Thank you for your awesome words. It does mean a lot to me. I look forward to getting to know you more, and I promise to pop over and check out your blog!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Sean</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Oh yes, you know the feeling don't you??? Not just with family….but them damn migraines as well. You and Helen will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for chatting with me and being a friend.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Hunney</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – I am SO glad you came over. Jeremy is just sending all these wonderful people over to me! God has helped me a lot with my demons this year. And all I can say is AMEN to that. I am glad you were able to work past your demons. Your right, we will never be over things 100%, I mean, how could we?? I would love, and be honored, for you to join, and be a part of my circle of friends.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Kristy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for coming over, and Thank You!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Qalbi</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – I know we already talked through 360 messages, but I wanted to give you another BIG – THANK YOU. I will be over to see your blog very SOON!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Steve</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for coming over. I look forward to seeing you around the circle of friends.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Amy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Thanks for coming over, hugs to you!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Don </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Hey Don!! I was thinking I saw you peaking around here a few times before? Don't be shy…leave a comment!!! Lol j/k I love reading you and Cathy’s comments. The way you guys bounce off each other. It makes 360 very real. I give you thanks for coming over all on your own….even if Jeremy paved the way for many. I have to admit, I have snuck into your blog a time or two, so, we are even. And well, I am glad to know, those showers are keeping you wonderfully clean!! Lol…thanks again!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Cat</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Welcome to my world. I am glad you came over. It seems that there are many of us out there that share so many things in common with each other. Kinky sex does work with the right person. It’s never boring, that’s for sure! I did tell Marcus what you had said….he sends a smile your way! Thanks so much for your awesome comments! I will be checking out your blog. And please, feel free to drop in here anytime!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Joey</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Hugs and Kisses from USA Irish to Ireland Irish….gosh I hope I can reach that far? I love reading your blogs. You’re honest, you’re you, and I love it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Rachel </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– I am glad we are now connected in this circle of friends. I look forward to getting to know more about you!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Megan</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for coming over. I welcome all of Jeremy’s friend into my little world in this corner of blogland. You may not understand my heartache, but you have your own heartache with the loss of your husband. Those feelings I am sure are rather close to being the same.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Michael</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Big Hugs all the way to the other side of the world! Thank YOU!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Night McOwl</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – I am glad Jeremy left good enough directions that you could find me!!! LOL Thank you for your wonderful comments. It really means a lot to me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Boofingirl</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – WOW! I am so glad I pulled you in! LOL I look forward, and welcome you into my little world here in blogville. Thanks SO MUCH!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Stormy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> - Thank you and YOU ROCK!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">OK, PHEW!! I am so THANKFUL for all my NEW Friends, thanks for coming over. And to my OLD friends, thanks for sticking by me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Now, if you will excuse me, I have MANY blogs to get caught up on!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Much Love to You All!!!!!!!!!!</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">OK, had to SNEAK in for an EDIT cause Jeremy snuck another comment in….that makes 3? Or is it 4 for him?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12389045304557931322005-07-01T15:15:00.000-04:002014-04-21T13:41:40.908-04:00My Life is an Open Book: Putting My Cards on the Table<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em;"><br /><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Open_book_nae_02.svg" target="_blank"><img alt="Open book" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Open_book_nae_02.svg/300px-Open_book_nae_02.svg.png" height="167" title="Open book" width="300" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My Life is Now an Open Book (post originally appeared on Yahoo!360)</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My life is now an open book. I am throwing all my cards out on the table. There seems to be a lot of this going on in Blogland these last few days. But, I have a lot I need to get off my chest right now. This has been brewing for a few days, so watch out. Be warned there will be a few curse words. I do not mean to offend, but if you can not deal, then its really simple, stop reading now.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I have always been myself in my writing. And as we are seeing everyone on Blogville Drive, people want us all to be real, just be ourselves. Be true. I have been. But, by being me, and writing the exact way I feel at that moment in time, for whatever was in life going on around me, that made me a very open book and a very vulnerable one at that. I knew what I was getting into. I welcomed all comments good or bad. But, one person can take things to far and just ruin it for everyone.</span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I have always wanted to be a writer. I never really thought my words were good enough to ever get published, but it was still fun for me. I have been writing journals since I was about 9. I have kept every single one. These days I type it and save it to a disk. I love being able to go back in those moments, relive them. Within those pages are many stories, life, poetry, song lyrics, etc. As I got older, I got into erotica. This is not anything new for me. My writing is also a reason why I went back to school to obtain a liberal arts degree. I wanted to develop my writing skills to a higher level, while broadening my quest for knowledge.</span><br /><div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=309799998869637057" name="more"></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Whether or not I ever become a “real” writer, one never knows. But I seriously doubt it. But, that is ok if I don’t. I will always write, even if it is just for me. But, I will always be a better person for furthering my education.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">When I first noticed Yahoo 360, I was a little unsure of it. But, it seemed a cool way to spruce up my yahoo profile. Slowly it started to become a fun outlet. In the beginning I had few friends, and no one posted comments. But, as I grew into it, so did my friends as well as the comments. I started to explore my friends list, and their friends, and so on. I began to see other forms of writing and talent. That was an inspiration, which gave me hope. Even if I wasn't a published writer, this gave me as audience.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Now, let me tell you a little about me. Some background information if you will. I am NOT asking for a pity party. I am NOT asking anyone to feel sorry for me. I am so beyond that. But, I fear that maybe I have given you all the wrong idea about me and that make me feel like I have failed myself in some way.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Ok, here goes. Ready????? From the time I was a small child, until I was 12 years old I was molested by my father. I did not tell my mother until I was 16. As bad as this may sound, to this day I wish I never told her. Maybe they would still be married, who knows. I told my mother out of anger. I was pissed off at my father for following me and my boyfriend to a party where we were drinking.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My parents and I went to therapy. And for years everything seemed perfect. We were working through our issues. When I was 18 and graduated high school my parents moved to Michigan to be closer to their family. I decided to stay in OK and live with my high school boyfriend. We were together all through high school. In my heart, despite his cheating, lies, mental, emotional, verbal and physical abuse, I thought he was the one. I felt like I was damaged because of what my father did; I felt that no one else would want me. That lasted 3 months.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My mother had enough, her and my father rented a u-haul and drove down and then moved my ass back to MI. I lived there a year. I found out way too much about my fathers family. Seems sexual abuse was a common occurrence. Uncles, cousins, mothers, brothers….I wanted to get as far away from that as possible. One thing, I did become really close to my cousin. But, I missed my friends and my life back in OK. When I told my mom I was going to move back, she told me she wanted to come too. To this day, I do not know the reason she left my dad, and I am sure I never will. We got back to OK, I was 19 and my parents divorced. My mother and I ended up here in Stillwater for a job with the company we worked for. I also ended up in college.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">College was the BEST time of my life. I admit I partied. I partied and drank A LOT. I slept around a lot. I am not ashamed of it. I will NEVER trade those experiences. I learned a lot about myself and my sexuality. At the same time I was battling my Demons. Demons that would later come back to haunt me. I was an aggressive girl, dealing with a lot of anger.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">8 years ago, I met my husband, Marcus. I was just getting out of a seriously sexual in nature relationship. With Marcus, I found some peace within myself. I did not have to be angry at the world. I didn’t have to be aggressive in my sexuality. Over the course of 8 years I learned to love, with passion. I saw a side of myself, which I never saw before. I would like to think that I was a better person with him, and because of him.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">About 3 years or so ago, the cousin that I had became so close to in MI told me some news that sent me over the edge. It forever changed my world. She said it was time someone told me the truth, and that she just couldn’t deal with me not knowing anymore. She told me, my father, the one that abused me, was not really my father after all. He had adopted me. WTF??? I confronted my mother. I was so angry. Here was this man that did something so bad to me, and wasn’t even my biological father. And how could my own mother and the rest of the family not ever tell me about it?? Life was a mess. My mother did not want to tell me anything about my real dad. She said, “”He didn’t want you then, he doesn’t want you know”” But, I had to find out for myself.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Once I moved out and in with Marcus, I got a little more serious about my search and with my cousins help, we found him. I sent him a letter. Weeks later I got a phone call and a letter. He explained his side of the story. And he wanted to build a relationship. I had a half brother and sister. Great. Since I was an only child growing up, I welcomed siblings. But, then one day a few weeks before Thanksgiving, I came home from work to message on the machine. It was him telling me to never call or contact him or the family again. It ruined my world, but I respected that, and to this day – never contacted them.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Meanwhile, here was me and Marcus, starting a life together. Just moving in together. But, being alone in a house with a man posed to be a problem. Those Demons came and took total control of my life. I started having nightmares, I was having a hard time concentrating at work, I was always angry and picking fights, I was having flashbacks, and even remembering things I had long forgotten. It was hard. I didn’t want to be touched. I was always scared. I became emotionally unattached. I developed an eating disorder and became obsessed with my weight. I had dropped to 150. Anyone who has seen me in person will know I am just naturally a big girl, and being at that weight was not good for me. I didn't care. I used Weight Watchers as my excuse. I hid behind it. Telling myself and others I was on a diet, changing my life. I was obsessed with my body. I couldn't make myself throw up, so I went the other direction and became addicted to laxatives.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I landed myself into a shrink’s office and began therapy. Marcus came with me at times. I wanted him to understand it was not him. He did not cause this; it was due to what happened to me. Depression, Post Traumatic Stress, ADHD, Panic Attacks, Eating Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder are just a few of the things I was diagnosed with.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">That December, Marcus and I got married. This December, New Years Eve, will be year #3.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">The deeper I got into therapy, the more I began to see things around me for what they really were. I had to rebuild a relationship with Marcus, my Mother, my Father, and get closure on my biological father. It was a very long and bumpy road. I hit many obstacles.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Once those layers were lifted, I began to see part of me was not really me, but the person I had morphed into over the years. The person that was into everything Marcus was into, forgetting the things she used to love and adore. I became this person I thought I was supposed to be for him. I lost myself. I had to find me again. I had to be me. Little by little, ME started to surface, and it felt good. I was glad to be finding me. I stayed on that path, and Marcus totally understood.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Let me also throw in here that Marcus and I, the entire time we were dating, and now that we were married, we have never spent more then a few hours at a time together. With school and full time jobs we were always on a different schedule. And then, when he was working nights, we NEVER saw each other.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Earlier this year, it took its toll on us. Or rather me. I was finally at peace with my past. On the road to getting better and finding me. He wasn’t there for me. I tried, oh how I tried. After time, it was pointless. It seemed to push me further and further away. Eventually it landed me in the arms of someone else. Yes, I had an affair that lasted about 4 months. Now, I am sure this is gonna get the gossip going but the truth is, I began to question my love and marriage. I tried to leave. I wanted to leave. I did not want to be in this marriage anymore. I just did not feel like I was totally in love with him. Yes, I LOVED him but was in enough for a marriage? Was it the right kind of love? He is a very patient, loving, caring, patient and sweet man. We are exact opposites. I am very outgoing, he is much more reserved. I felt that he did not deserve to have a wife that was going to betray him and question his love.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">When the day came for me to leave, the cards were all out on the table. He had told me that HE HAD AN AFFAIR, too a while back. He felt like the whole what goes around comes around was in full circle. He felt like he was just getting what he deserved. The way I look at him has changed forever. He did not want me to leave. He wanted to move past this and work things out together. I agreed to stay and try. But, with one breath my entire outlook on him had changed.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Honestly, and this may make me seem bad in your eyes, but I am being honest. I DO NOT have any regrets about my affair. I am sorry for the pain, but not for what it brought me. You see, I believe that everything happens for a reason. If this did not happen, I would not know about his affair. We were able to get all our feelings out in the open. We were able to openly discuss my sexuality, all of it. Out. It opened both our eyes. Marcus changed shifts at work so we could have more time together and have normal hours at home. We have also started going to church. With that came a whole new group of wonderful people that are now in our lives. We are spending more time together now then we have in 8 years. We are having to get to know each other all over again. And this time I am being myself.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">So, I keep talking about my sexuality. Let me explain. I am a very open person. I like things that may not be considered the norm, but are fun to me. I like things spicy, I like it different. Some say kinky. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable with it and see that I was not alone in the things I liked. I am not a weirdo. I make no apologies. I understand the things I like are not for all. And that’s ok. That’s what makes us all unique. I don't pass judgment; we all have our own fetishes. The downside is that Marcus is not at all like me. This has been a little struggle for us, but together we are trying.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I guess my erotic stories have been an outlet for my thoughts. Again, those stories are not for all. And that is ok. You don't have to read them. You can pass over them and move on. But just because you don't like them, you think I am a freak, think I am nasty and dirty - do not give you the right to pass judgment on me and send me hate mail. Only GOD can judge me. I did not force you to read it; so therefore, I should not be forced to see your opinion in my message box.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Questions have come to the surface abut me and how can my husband allow our bedroom to be on display? Well, he knows I write. He has seen me do it. But, something most people are not getting is that these stories are a work of FICTION. My imagination. They are not a look into my bedroom. My bedroom is a completely different world.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Another question that has been thrown at me is it how can I love my husband but then write stories, whole blogs, and poems about other men. And what about the whole soul mate blog – how can you say he is not your soul mate, say you love him and still sleep next to him at night?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">It is like this: As I have said, and I will say it again, I LOVE Marcus. At times I think he deserves better then me. I start to doubt myself. Maybe I don't love him the way married people are supposed to love. These are MY Demons, and I wrestle with them daily.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My stories are fictional. Some of them were written in the past, some even LONG BEFORE Marcus. Nuff said.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">All my life I have had more guy friends then girls. I was more of a tomboy, more into sports then being a cheerleader. I was not a prissy girly girl. I got along with the guys much better. I have some very awesome friends in my life. On and offline. They have been with me through thick and thin. And I love each and every one of my friends. I have many levels of friendship and love in my network. A completely different love then the love I have for Marcus. When one of these friends does something that hurts me, doesn't talk to me for long lengths of time, does something I don't like, I blog about it. I get it out. It may not make sense to you, but it does to me so stop reading between the lines thinking something is there that isn’t.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">As for the soul mate theory perhaps you need to go back to that post from a few days ago and re-read it. Being a soul mate has nothing to do with LOVE. It has to do with a very strong, intense connection. When you have it, you just know it. It is not something you can put into words to describe. You can feel this with a male or female. This connection is said to mean that in a past life, the two of you were connected somehow, and now you are being drawn back together in life. If you believe in that. If not, that’s fine, but I do. Now, I am sorry to say that I do not have this connection with Marcus. So, I don't know him from a past life. That’s OK. I know him NOW and we will be connected in the next life. Nuff said.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Does Marcus know I chat online?? YES! Why is that so hard for anyone to believe? He has sat in here with me while I chatted. He’s been on Cam with me before. ((get your mind out of the gutter)) I have no reason to hide anything from him.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I don't judge you and your life. Things you like, don't like. Things you believe and don't. I should not have to even be writing a blog like this and explaining myself to you. But, apparently it needs to be put out there. The ONLY one I WILL allow to judge me is GOD.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Having said that, I have to now tell you that this same cousin, who has been with me through thick and thin, seems to want to play God and pass her judgment to me and my blogs. I have always welcomed her comments and listened to her opinions. But, when she came at me the other night, she was just down right mean. She said I was conceited. UM- what??? Anyone that really knows me knows I am the most insecure person. I SO DO NOT think highly of myself at all. So, I have no clue where this was coming from. She then went on to say I was just wanting attention and getting it any way I could get it. NO! I was not using 360 as an attention magnet like that. That is NOT what all of this was about. Has everyone, including her missed the ENTIRE POINT of my writing? But wait, it gets better. She proceeded to tell me I was just a whore; Marcus was a fool for staying with me. She said the pictures on my blog were just slutty and trashy. WTF???</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">All this came out when she saw me and Jeremy’s collaboration together on our blogs the other night. She said writing with Jeremy was cheating on my husband. I am still trying to figure that one out.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Marcus knew. He read it. I even told him how honored I was that someone with Jeremy’s talent thought I was talented and worthy enough to work with.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">So, maybe she just wanted her 15 seconds of fame. Who knows? Well, here it is. I hope it was worth it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Let’s remember back, technically she is not my cousin, nor even a blood relative. So, squash all that blood is thicker then water shit cause it is not gonna work around here. Not this time. Once she came at me like this and I tried to explain, her not listening….I basically said I don't need this in my life. She said I was toxic. I think she must have been talking about herself. I have never in my life said these kind of things to her. And Lord knows, she has done MANY things that I do not approve of or liked. I had no choice but to just tell her she was dead to me. Never talk to me again. Mean bitch, I know. But, I will not allow anyone to talk to me like that. There will be repercussions if you do.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">She had to reply to that. Told me that was fine, I was dead to her. And it was my loss because I am losing a wonderful person. Fuck that. Ummmmm NO! Good people do not attack, call out to others, make assumptions, pass judgment, call them names – anyway, that’s done. She’s gone. End of story.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">This has just about got me to the point of never posting another blog again.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">This anger has been brewing within me for a few days – and now here is my great novel. My open book.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">QUESTIONS??? Just ASK me. That ALL you have to do, it’s as simple as that.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Much Love – thanks to those who are my REAL friends.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">You know who you are.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44888823068909260472000-07-29T15:36:00.001-04:002014-04-21T13:34:58.238-04:00Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3j_Wjg1yQo/U1VWfRNsE1I/AAAAAAAAN4A/G6_TBoVZ5So/s1600/harry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3j_Wjg1yQo/U1VWfRNsE1I/AAAAAAAAN4A/G6_TBoVZ5So/s1600/harry.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div><b>Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire. </b><br /><br />Book #4, is said to e part of a 7 part series. So now, comes the wait for book 5. How long will we have to wait? I am already eager. Book number 4 has left us hanging on....knowing somewhat to expect in the next installment.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />I don't want to give too much away in the book, as so many others have done. I got the book yesterday afternoon. I started reading, and I couldn't put it down. As with all Harry's books, he sucks you in. Making you turn page after page. I was up until 2:30 this morning finishing the last page. I had no idea where the time had gone, nor how it was that I managed to read all 734 pages without my eye ball falling out of the socket. But I knew as soon as I got up this morning I had to give praise to the long awaited book.<br /><br />They just keep getting better, and bigger. <br /><br />Yes. I am in my 30's and I read Harry Potter. I have no shame ;)<br /><br />Highly recommended!!Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-59419214915125033182014-12-08T18:24:00.000-05:002014-12-08T18:24:48.129-05:00Tiny Dream Links<br />My Quest for my Own Tiny Space. 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margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1nLUEXi" target="_blank">Tiny: A Story About Living Small</a></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><br /></li></ul><div><b>Is RVing Your Idea of Tiny?</b></div></div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/794071280632636/" target="_blank">Living Small in our RV (Facebook Group)</a></div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><a href="http://nurvers.com/" target="_blank">Nu RVers</a></div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/RVlifestyleandontheroadincome/" target="_blank">RV Lifestyle and How to Earn a Living on the Road</a> (Facebook Group)</div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvtipsandhelpfulhints/" target="_blank">RV Tips and Helpful Hints</a> (Facebook Group) </div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/solorvers/" target="_blank">Solo Women RVers</a> (Facebook Group)</div></li>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-86064623962224330122014-09-24T15:13:00.001-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.517-04:00PCOS Information<ul 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Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-27357861493365393732014-09-24T15:13:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:33.452-04:00Low Carb Reading<ul style="color: #000000;"><br/> <li><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #6ea1bb;" href="http://www.atkins.com/Home.aspx"><span style="color: #000000;">Atkins</span></a></span></li><br/> <li><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="color: #000000;">My LC Recipes on Sparkpeople</span></span></li><br/> <li><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #6ea1bb;" href="http://www.carbsmart.com/"><span style="color: #000000;">Carb Smart</span></a></span></li><br/> <li><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #6ea1bb;" href="http://www.twodolla.org/"><span style="color: #000000;">two dolla</span></a></span></li><br/> <li><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #6ea1bb;" href="http://blog.stuffimakemyhusband.com/"><span style="color: #000000;">Stuff I Make my Husband</span></a></span></li><br/> <li><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #6ea1bb;" href="http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/alcbev.htm"><span style="color: #000000;">Alcoholic Beverages on a Low Carb Diet</span></a></span></li><br/></ul><br/><div class="clear" style="color: #000000;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div><br/> Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-27961516441284863372014-08-10T14:20:00.000-04:002014-08-10T14:20:03.045-04:00Write Tools<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; 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Topics include finding your niche, social media and website building. </b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899114&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=48658"><b>Blog Post Promotion.</b></a> We all know that content is king. These days it is merely a minimal requirement to writing. Learn how to produce quality content day after day while boosting your reader base.</b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Writers Tools:</b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=890584&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=17887">Financial Fitness for Freelancers: How to Survive and Thrive on an Irregular Income.</a> </b>The title says it all.</b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=887021&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=119114"><b>StoryADay.org: Time to Write Workshop</b></a>. Every month story a day has a writers challenge to produce 1 story, every day. The Time to Write Workship includes step-by-step instructions on how to write a story, every day. It will get you motivated to write today, not just "some day". Lessons, workbooks, and timesheets are all included.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><img alt="iphone app" src="http://apstylebook.com/images/iphone_app_2010.gif" style="cursor: move;" /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.apstylebook.com/">AP Stylebook for iPhone</a> (also available for the Blackberry and hardcover book form). We all know the Associated Press Stylebook is indispensable. Now we can carry it with us with this handy iPhone app. The fully updated features include search capabilities and live links. Now I never have to worry about another spiral bound AP book again.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/" target="_blank">Writer's Digest</a> website has become my daily go-to website. I found the magazine to be extremely valuable in my quest to become a better writer and find markets suitable for my style of writing. The website has a store packed full of helpful books and materials.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.writersmarket.com/">Writer's Market</a> website has become my 2nd daily go-to website. The website has a subscription, or you can purchase the book, where you will have thousands of agents and genres just waiting for your submission. Writer's Market is the sister site to Writer's Digest.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Reader's Tools:</span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img alt="Book Jotter Bookmark - Bookmark" src="http://www.levimage.com/IMAGE/PRODUCTS/PAPER/MISC_PAPER/AB0430_1410.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.levenger.com/">Book Jotter Bookmark</a>. This product is so simple I am wondering why some of us book lover's didn't thing of it first! This nifty gadget is a beautiful leather bookmark complete with built-in replacement note cards. No need to jot notes in the margins of your books! </b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Personal Tools:</span></b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">I know a lot of people might laugh at me for this one. I have found that while writing I just can't listen to music with words. I find it too distracting and it takes me even longer to write. I find that classical music works well, but I prefer white noise. White noise doesn't mean listening to sounds like a fan running, or a light buzz all day long. Many noise machines offer sounds such as running water, the ocean waves, rain, bird chirping, frogs, etc. While some of these are ok, I am one who also likes to multi-task. I found <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&c=ib&aff=154042">Sprudio</a>. Sprudio actually kills two birds with one stone. You get the ocean waves and subliminal messages. They have time management, organization, <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=186378&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=8454">achievement</a>, and <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&c=ib&aff=154042">career </a>related topics. </span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></span></div></div><h2><strong>My Blogging Business Resources</strong></h2><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7233676-11368592" target="_top"><img alt="Be Where your Customers are - $1.99/mo hosting from GoDaddy!" border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-7233676-11368592" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /> <a href="http://bit.ly/12I8uhs" target="_blank"><strong>GoDaddy</strong></a> - Domain and Self- Hosting(for <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUMeating</a>) - With all the domain sellers and self-hosting plans out there it can be confusing to pick which one to go with. I shop through <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/?referral=chrysa1" target="_blank">FatWallet </a>where I get 7% cash back at GoDaddy. My husband has been using GoDaddy for his domain purchases and hosting for the better part of 10 years. I've used them since 2007. I have tried other companies but I always come back "home." GoDaddy always have sales and coupons. Just a simple Google search returns plenty and FatWallet usually provides the most recent, along with their cash back so I know I am getting the best deal. I know I can call customer service at 2 a.m. if I need to. Which, I have yet to. Their dashboard - in my honest opinion - is the most user-friendly out of any that I have tried.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="https://secure.mozy.com/?ref=7XWWE9" target="_blank"><strong>Mozy</strong></a> - Even with 2 external drives I feel it is still an absolute must that you backup your computer files. You never know when you will encounter a computer meltdown, a virus, or any other major catastrophe that can cause you to lose all of your files. The last thing you want is to lose all of your documents and photography. Mozy makes it easy. Best of all, they give you your first 2 MB free.<br /><br /> <a href="http://db.tt/libaWzh8" target="_blank"><strong>Dropbox</strong></a> - I use Dropbox on all my devices. It makes file sharing so much easier. Dropbox is a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;">free</span></span> service (2 GB, with a monthly fee upgrade option) that lets you bring your photos, documents, and videos anywhere. You can share them with anyone who has a Dropbox account. I don't know about you, but I got sick of emailing myself photos off my iPhone and iPad. Or, having my husband email or text me things from his. Not anymore! This is especially useful for my Instagram photos.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-7233676-11287612" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.godaddy.com';return true;" target="_blank"><img alt="Outright online bookkeeping just $2.99/mo at GoDaddy.com" border="0" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-7233676-11287612" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /> <a href="http://outright.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Outright</strong> </a>- I've been using Outright for a few years now and they have recently become a GoDaddy company. As an accountant, I always looked for clean, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes programs to share with other freelancers when helping them with their taxes. I always felt for those who were too small for Quickbooks but needed a bit more than Excel, Outright was the answer. Track income, expense, prepare taxes, and generate reports all online. Basic accounts are<span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;"> free</span>. They also have a pro account for $9.95/mo or $99 for the year. GoDaddy now has Outright Pro built right in to their web services <a href="http://bit.ly/1dnBClc" target="_blank">for $2.99/mo</a>, but it is also a stand alone program.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-7233676-11132556" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='https://www.shoeboxed.com/';return true;" target="_blank"><img alt="Eliminate Paper Clutter Today!" border="0" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-7233676-11132556" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /> <strong><a href="http://ssqt.ch/1kOKopT" target="_blank">Shoeboxed</a></strong> - Shoeboxed is another accounting type account that I hold on tight to. Basic accounts are<span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;"> free</span>. I remember my days in accounting when tax time would roll around and clients would come in with their shoe boxes full of receipts. So, when Shoeboxed launched I had a nice little case of the giggles. Shoeboxed gets rid of your paper clutter with their document imaging service. Use it to store business cards, receipts, and other documents. <br /><br /> <strong><a href="http://vistaprint.tellapal.com/a/clk/5Xh67l" target="_blank">VistaPrint</a></strong> - By shopping through <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/?referral=chrysa1" target="_blank">FatWallet </a> I receive 4% cash back at VistaPrint. This is where I purchase YUM business cards, address labels, and notepads - many of which are often offered for<span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;"> free</span>! (you just pay s/h) <br /><br /><br /> <strong>Stock Image Resources</strong>: I use <a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/#res4710414" target="_blank">Dreamstime</a> for all my stock images on my websites and the "<a href="http://amzn.to/1gnDdGz" target="_blank">Blogging for Dollars: Bloggers Tax Guide</a>." <br /><br /><br /> <strong> Books I Have Read Over the Years that Were EXTREMELY Helpful:</strong> <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=258839&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220" target="_blank">31 Days to Build a Better Blog </a>- Darren Rowse. I linked up with Darren quite a few years ago when I launched <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank">Self Employed Writer</a> and was trying to really use that as a portfolio and built <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/" target="_blank">Chrystal Mahan </a>as an author site. Then, I landed on a few niche sites here and there. I tried really hard (trial an error) to find my niche. Without those stepping-stones I would not have found the missing puzzle piece that landed me here at YUMeating. Now that I am done with grad school I'll be spending my time building YUM and reworking my other sites. I would not have the self-confidence or know-how without the 31BBB challenges. All of Darren's books are worth their weight in gold. <strong> </strong> <strong> </strong> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <strong>Other Resources:</strong> <a href="http://yumeating.com/category/income/" target="_blank"><strong>Tips for Monetizing</strong></a>: Every month I'll be writing a post about the different ways I'm making money with <a href="http://yumeating.com/" target="_blank">YUM eating</a>. My hope is that I'll be able to help and inspire those who will need it. If there is one thing I have learned in all my years of blogging - what works for some doesn't always work for another. If it works for me, doesn't mean it will work for you. And if it doesn't work for me I still encourage you to try is because it might very well work for you, especially if your website is in another niche. I won't have any secrets here. I've had Self Employed Writer for many years and the only advertising I have had on here is Adsense with the exception of affiliate links. I've never really pushed to monetize this website.<br /><br /><br /> <strong>Disclosure :</strong> This page may contain some affiliates. Regardless, I only link to those that I use or I feel would benefit my readers.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-79734729713834297222014-07-16T11:52:00.000-04:002014-07-16T11:52:33.030-04:00AboutFor as long as I can remember I have always loved to write. I entered short story creative writing and poetry contests for the first time in grade school. It was a habit I never broke.<br /><br />I never took the professional writing path, instead I took the tax accounting path. Something else I was fairly good at. I continued writing in my spare time.<br /><br />In 2000 I opened my first online writing account by sharing my opinion on anything and everything.<br /><br />In 2007 I started freelance writing. In 2009 I started Self Employed Writer.<br /><br /><a href="http://yumeating.com/my-julie-and-julia-moment/">In 2010 I had an idea.</a> Go ahead and click the link. I’ll wait.<br /><br />After I graduated from grad school in June 2013 I knew I had to make some changes in life. I was losing interest in freelance writing for others. I felt as if I was working myself to death. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2013/08/i-am-not-gone-ch-ch-changes-for-me.html">I did a lot of soul searching</a> and a lot of brainstorming.<br /><br />Steve Jobs once said “ Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”<br /><br /><b>I took that seriously.</b><br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. ~ Confucius.</blockquote><br />Words I have always known.<br /><br />Over the years I have followed these words. Tried to find ideas to make work. Made lists of hobbies. Career dreams. Things I like to do.<br /><br />During my soul-searching I began to see a pattern.<br /><br /><b>Could it be?</b><br /><br />All this time it was right here in front of me! How could that be possible? Could it really be that easy???<br /><br />So began the painstaking process of trying to find a marketable name and matching available domain.<br /><br />I had a dream to someday open my own restaurant. Due to a chronic pain issue (migraines, osteoarthritis, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Degenerative%20Disc%20Disease" target="_blank">degenerative disc disease</a>), that dream will never be a reality. Instead, I followed my other dream and hobby of writing (to get away from accounting).<br /><br />And so, <a href="http://yumeating.com/">YUM eating</a> began.<br /><br />I’ve spent the last thirteen years working from home in some way, shape or form.<br /><br />From 1997-2007 I had an <a href="http://www.ebay.com/">eBay</a> business. Sometimes part-time, sometimes full-time.<br /><br />In 2000 I started making money writing online.<br /><br />Since 2007 I’ve making a living solely working from home.<br /><br />I have an Associates in Accounting. I hold an Accounting certification from a 2-year technical school. In 2008 I started working on my Bachelor's degree and graduated in 2011 with my BA in General Studies with minors in Business and Accounting. I took a 6 week break and began my Master's degree in the fall of 2011. I graduated with my Master's of Business in June of 2013.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I do hope you'll find something useful and of value here at Self Employed Writer.<br /><br /><br /><br />- Chrystal.<script src="//about.me/embed/cmahan"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>contact@selfemployedwriter.com</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-89256647053384758412014-07-02T12:35:00.011-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.327-04:00Journal Tools<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;">Journal Books:</span></span><br /><img alt="How to Make a Journal of Your Life" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RH0AUKnyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hubpag048b-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004N6368U" target="_blank">How to Make a Journal of Your Life </a></span></span></h1><br /><img alt="100 Positive Journaling Prompts" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OQigQxfPL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-50,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006BJHAJS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpag048b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006BJHAJS" target="_blank">100 Positive Journaling Prompts </a></span></span></h1></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><div style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="365- A Year of Journal Prompts (Journal Prompt Collections)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RZY5EerOL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA318_PIkin4,BottomRight,-18,-2_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></div><br /><h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0059NEDF6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpag048b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0059NEDF6" target="_blank">365- A Year of Journal Prompts </a></span></span></h1><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>(To Build Your Journal)Bloggers Tools:</b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&c=ib&aff=154042"><b>31 Days to Build a Better Blog by Darren Rowse</b></a> </u> Darren is the owner/writer at <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a> one of the best and largest websites dedicated to blogging. 31DBBB is a must have tool for any blogger looking to build the best blog possible. The book is broken down into daily chapters. You do one task a day. The end result is pretty amazing if you stick with it.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=11220">Probloggers Guide to Your First Week of Blogging by Darren Rowse</a></u>.</b> Here is another awesome ebook put together by Darren. This book is perfect for beginners as he goes day-by-day step-by-step to show you how to get your blog/website off the ground and running. Topics include finding your niche, social media and website building. </b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899114&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=48658"><b>Blog Post Promotion.</b></a> We all know that content is king. These days it is merely a minimal requirement to writing. Learn how to produce quality content day after day while boosting your reader base.</b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Writers Tools:</b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=890584&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=17887">Financial Fitness for Freelancers: How to Survive and Thrive on an Irregular Income.</a> </b>The title says it all.</b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=887021&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=119114"><b>StoryADay.org: Time to Write Workshop</b></a>. Every month story a day has a writers challenge to produce 1 story, every day. The Time to Write Workship includes step-by-step instructions on how to write a story, every day. It will get you motivated to write today, not just "some day". Lessons, workbooks, and timesheets are all included.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><img alt="iphone app" src="http://apstylebook.com/images/iphone_app_2010.gif" style="cursor: move;" /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.apstylebook.com/">AP Stylebook for iPhone</a> (also available for the Blackberry and hardcover book form). We all know the Associated Press Stylebook is indispensable. Now we can carry it with us with this handy iPhone app. The fully updated features include search capabilities and live links. Now I never have to worry about another spiral bound AP book again.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="htpp://www.writersdigest.com">Writer's Digest</a> website has become my daily go-to website. I found the magazine to be extremely valuable in my quest to become a better writer and find markets suitable for my style of writing. The website has a store packed full of helpful books and materials.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.writersmarket.com/">Writer's Market</a> website has become my 2nd daily go-to website. The website has a subscription, or you can purchase the book, where you will have thousands of agents and genres just waiting for your submission. Writer's Market is the sister site to Writer's Digest.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Reader's Tools:</span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img alt="Book Jotter Bookmark - Bookmark" src="http://www.levimage.com/IMAGE/PRODUCTS/PAPER/MISC_PAPER/AB0430_1410.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.levenger.com/">Book Jotter Bookmark</a>. This product is so simple I am wondering why some of us book lover's didn't thing of it first! This nifty gadget is a beautiful leather bookmark complete with built-in replacement note cards. No need to jot notes in the margins of your books! </b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Personal Tools:</span></b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">I know a lot of people might laugh at me for this one. I have found that while writing I just can't listen to music with words. I find it too distracting and it takes me even longer to write. I find that classical music works well, but I prefer white noise. White noise doesn't mean listening to sounds like a fan running, or a light buzz all day long. Many noise machines offer sounds such as running water, the ocean waves, rain, bird chirping, frogs, etc. While some of these are ok, I am one who also likes to multi-task. I found <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&c=ib&aff=154042">Sprudio</a>. Sprudio actually kills two birds with one stone. You get the ocean waves and subliminal messages. They have time management, organization, <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=186378&c=ib&aff=154042&cl=8454">achievement</a>, and <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&c=ib&aff=154042">career </a>related topics. </span></b></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-77550738328569292012014-07-02T12:35:00.010-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.318-04:00Legals<br /><div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">DISCLOSURE:</span></div>Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">16 CFR, Part 255</a>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.”<br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Your Privacy</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Google Adsense and the DoubleClick DART Cookie</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Google, as a third party advertisement vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site. The use of DART cookies by Google enables them to serve adverts to visitors that are based on their visits to this website as well as other sites on the internet.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">To opt out of the DART cookies you may visit the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following url <a href="http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html" mce_href="http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html">http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html</a> Tracking of users through the DART cookie mechanisms are subject to Google's own privacy policies.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Other Third Party ad servers or ad networks may also use cookies to track users activities on this website to measure advertisement effectiveness and other reasons that will be provided in their own privacy policies, The Self Employed Writer has no access or control over these cookies that may be used by third party advertisers.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Collection of Personal Information</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">When visiting Self Employed Writer, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access. This information is purely used to analyze trends, administer the site, track users movement and gather broad demographic information for internal use. Most importantly, any recorded IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Links to third party Websites</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">We have included links on this site for your use and reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites. You should be aware that the privacy policies of these sites may differ from our own.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Changes to this Privacy Statement</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The contents of this statement may be altered at any time, at our discretion.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If you have any questions regarding the privacy policy of Self Employed Writer then you may contact us at info@selfemployedwriter.com</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div mce_style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10px;" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div style="font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">Last updated Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:40</div><div style="font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;"><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This policy is valid from 14 December 2010</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact info<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">@selfemployedwriter.com.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. It is posted in the post if that particular post falls into this category. </div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give <b style="font-size: 14px;">our honest opinions</b>, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. I am not <span class="Apple-style-span">compensated</span> for positive reviews, only honest. </div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 14px;">To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">COPYRIGHTS</span></div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 14px;"><b>My poetry, my life stories, and random content is me, all me. My words, thoughts and ideas and is in no way, shape, or form influenced by any sort of compensation.</b></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">All information and works contained on these pages is © 2005-2014 Chrystal Mahan.</span></div></div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"></div><br /><center style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><a href="http://www.copyscape.com/online-plagiarism/" mce_href="http://www.copyscape.com/online-plagiarism/"><img alt="Protected by Copyscape Online Plagiarism Check" border="0" src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-gr-120x60.gif" height="60" mce_src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-gr-120x60.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Protected by Copyscape Plagiarism Checker - Do not copy content from this page." width="120" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BRDW9_GG6N1_UBCGR" mce_href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BRDW9_GG6N1_UBCGR" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" height="38px" mce_src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145px" /></a></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"></center></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-31368147301655633732014-07-02T12:35:00.009-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.314-04:00Atkins New Diet Revolution - read book here!<div style="background-color: #cfe6fe; height: 20px; text-align: center; width: 700px;"><a href="http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/document.php?file=930498&desc=Dr.+Atkins%27+New+Diet+Revolution+.pdf" style="color: #555555; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution.pdf</a></div><!--[If IE]> <div style="background-color:#FFF3A3;border:#FFFFFF 1px solid;font-size:11px;color:#B79000;width:700px;height:20px;text-align:center;">Internet Explorer users need to add http://docs.google.com as a "Trusted Site" to view documents. More info <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Security-zones-adding-or-removing-websites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><![endif]--><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://docs.google.com/gview?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zelja.com%2Frecepti%2FAtkinsova%2520dijeta%2FDr.%2520Atkins%27%2520New%2520Diet%2520Revolution.pdf&embedded=true" style="height: 500px; width: 700px;"></iframe><br /><div style="background-color: #cfe6fe; height: 20px; text-align: center; width: 700px;"><a href="http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/" style="color: #555555; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">docs.rapidlibrary.com</a> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-86773962063768752852014-07-02T12:35:00.008-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.310-04:00Atkins Guide<div style="background-color: #cfe6fe; height: 20px; text-align: center; width: 700px;"><a href="http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/document.php?file=930499&desc=Dr.+Atkins+Basic+Diet+Manual+.pdf" style="color: #555555; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dr. Atkins Basic Diet Manual.pdf</a></div><!--[If IE]> <div style="background-color:#FFF3A3;border:#FFFFFF 1px solid;font-size:11px;color:#B79000;width:700px;height:20px;text-align:center;">Internet Explorer users need to add http://docs.google.com as a "Trusted Site" to view documents. More info <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Security-zones-adding-or-removing-websites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><![endif]--><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://docs.google.com/gview?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zelja.com%2Frecepti%2FAtkinsova%2520dijeta%2FDr.%2520Atkins%2520Basic%2520Diet%2520Manual.pdf&embedded=true" style="height: 500px; width: 700px;"></iframe><br /><div style="background-color: #cfe6fe; height: 20px; text-align: center; width: 700px;"><a href="http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/" style="color: #555555; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">docs.rapidlibrary.com</a> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-85522904601500386582014-07-02T12:35:00.007-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.305-04:00Atkins Carb Counts<div style="background-color: #cfe6fe; height: 20px; text-align: center; width: 700px;"><a href="http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/document.php?file=930502&desc=atkins+carbgramcounter+.pdf" style="color: #555555; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">atkins carbgramcounter.pdf</a></div><!--[If IE]> <div style="background-color:#FFF3A3;border:#FFFFFF 1px solid;font-size:11px;color:#B79000;width:700px;height:20px;text-align:center;">Internet Explorer users need to add http://docs.google.com as a "Trusted Site" to view documents. More info <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Security-zones-adding-or-removing-websites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><![endif]--><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://docs.google.com/gview?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zelja.com%2Frecepti%2FAtkinsova%2520dijeta%2Fatkins_carbgramcounter.pdf&embedded=true" style="height: 500px; width: 700px;"></iframe><br /><div style="background-color: #cfe6fe; height: 20px; text-align: center; width: 700px;"><a href="http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/" style="color: #555555; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">docs.rapidlibrary.com</a> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-54490251163551703992014-07-02T12:35:00.006-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.301-04:00More MattAge: 32<br />Birthday : May 21<br />Hometown: Birch Run, MI<br />Current: Birch Run, MI<br />Status: Married<br />Children: lil m<br />Furkids: Boxer, Casey and cat Ziggy.<br />Employment: Student and Respiratory Tech (soon to be therapist)<br /><br />About Me:<br /><a href="http://uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Uncomfortable in Matt's Head</a><br /><br /><b>STATS:</b><br /><br />11/16/2011 - 234.6<br />11/23/2011 - 228.8<br />11/30/2011 - 227<br />12/11/2011 - 227.8<br /><br />1/9/2012 - 230<br />1/18/2012 - 235.4<br /><br />2/21/2012 - 237.4<br /><br />3/31/2012 - 242.2<br /><br />4/4/2012 - 238.8Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-906883024409149192014-07-02T12:35:00.005-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.297-04:00Atkins Diet Manual<br /><br /><div style="background-color: #cfe6fe; height: 20px; text-align: center; width: 700px;"><a href="http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/document.php?file=930499&desc=Dr.+Atkins+Basic+Diet+Manual+.pdf" style="color: #555555; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dr. Atkins Basic Diet Manual.pdf</a></div><!--[If IE]> <div style="background-color:#FFF3A3;border:#FFFFFF 1px solid;font-size:11px;color:#B79000;width:700px;height:20px;text-align:center;">Internet Explorer users need to add http://docs.google.com as a "Trusted Site" to view documents. More info <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Security-zones-adding-or-removing-websites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><![endif]--><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://docs.google.com/gview?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zelja.com%2Frecepti%2FAtkinsova%2520dijeta%2FDr.%2520Atkins%2520Basic%2520Diet%2520Manual.pdf&embedded=true" style="height: 500px; width: 700px;"></iframe><br /><div style="background-color: #cfe6fe; height: 20px; text-align: center; width: 700px;"><a href="http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/" style="color: #555555; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">docs.rapidlibrary.com</a> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-65328011991653571422014-07-02T12:35:00.004-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.291-04:00Must Haves! <br /><h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cookbooks:</span></h1><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AGJXO8U/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AGJXO8U&linkCode=as2&tag=cavemanketo-20" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Title: </strong></span>The Gluten Free Low Carber<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author:</strong></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong>Mellissa Sevigny<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description:</strong></span> A decadent, yet healthy, selection of over 65 crave-worthy recipes – each one more delicious than the last! Pancakes, crackers, pizza, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, fried fish, cakes, pies, ice cream and so much more! You won’t believe that you can eat these delicious foods, all while dropping weight faster than you ever thought possible!</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IG0VSW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005IG0VSW&linkCode=as2&tag=cavemanketo-20" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Title:</strong></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong>The Keto Cookbook<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author:</strong></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong> Dawn Martenz and Laura Cramp<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description:</strong></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong>The Keto Cookbook is a cookbook for those using the diet to treat epilepsy and other neurologic conditions. The book contains 96 recipes grouped by breakfast and brunch, appetizers & snacks, lunch, dinner, and sweets and treats. The book includes a 16-page color insert illustrating each recipe. Since many children start the Keto Diet before they speak, the pictures of the meal and snack options allow children to choose what they want, helping overcome food refusal due to lack of variety of foods and/or child’s loss of control over food options. This book provides parents and children with options that have been tested and are kid- and Registered Dietitian- approved.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931412065/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1931412065&linkCode=as2&tag=cavemanketo-20" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Title:</strong></span> 500 Low-Carb Recipes: 500 Recipes from Snacks to Dessert, That the Whole Family Will Love<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author:</strong></span> Dana Carpender<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description:</strong></span> Low-fat or low-carb? A recent New York Times Magazine (July 7, 2002) cover story answered this question and said that Dr. Atkins was right all along, “its not fat that makes us fat but carbohydrates.” Though the government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in research trying to prove that fat is the cause of obesity, there has been a subtle shift in the scientific consensus over the past five years supporting what the low-carb diet doctors have been saying all along: if we eat less carbohydrates, we will lose weight and live longer.</div><h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">General Keto:</span></h1><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967145600/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0967145600&linkCode=as2&tag=cavemanketo-20" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Title:</strong></span> The Ketogenic Diet: A Complete Guide for the Dieter and Practitioner<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author:</strong></span> Lyle McDonald<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description:</strong></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong>‘The Ketogenic Diet’ is a complete resource for anyone interested in low-carbohydrate diets (such as the Atkins Diet, Protein Power, Bodyopus or the Anabolic Diet). It looks objectively at the physiology behind such diets, including potential negative effects, and gives specific recommendations on how to optimize such a diet assuming an individual has chosen to do one. Two modified ketogenic diets (which involve the insertion of carbohydrates to sustain exercise performance) are also discussed in detail, along with specific guidelines. Exercise is discussed in great detail, including background physiology, the effects of exercise on fat loss, exercise guidelines and sample workouts. A great deal of basic physiology information, dealing with both nutrition and exercise topics, is included so that readers without a technical background will be able to understand the topics discussed.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WUYOQ6/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003WUYOQ6&linkCode=as2&tag=cavemanketo-20" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Title:</strong></span> Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author:</strong></span> Gary Taubes<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description:</strong></span> Building upon this critical work in Good Calories, Bad Calories and presenting fresh evidence for his claim, Taubes now revisits the urgent question of what’s making us fat—and how we can change—in this exciting new book. Persuasive, straightforward, and practical, Why We Get Fat makes Taubes’s crucial argument newly accessible to a wider audience.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00571F26Y/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00571F26Y&linkCode=as2&tag=cavemanketo-20" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Title:</strong></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong>Wheat Belly<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author:</strong></span> William Davis<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description:</strong></span> A renowned cardiologist explains how eliminating wheat from our diets can prevent fat storage, shrink unsightly bulges, and reverse myriad health problems.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CVV2AE/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005CVV2AE&linkCode=as2&tag=cavemanketo-20" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Title:</strong></span> The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author:</strong></span> Stephen Phinney & Jeff Volek<br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Description:</strong></span> Now, whether you are a curious healthcare professional or just a connoisseur of diet information, two New York Times best-selling authors provide you with the definitive resource for low carbohydrate living. Doctors Volek and Phinney share over 50 years of clinical experience using low carbohydrate diets, and together they have published more than 200 research papers and chapters on the topic. Particularly in the last decade, much has been learned about the risks associated with insulin resistance (including but not limited to metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes), and how this condition is far better controlled by carbohydrate restriction than with drugs.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have your own recipe book? Have more books you think I should add to the list? Leave a comment below!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-43132434436256825972014-07-02T12:35:00.003-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.283-04:00More Legals<br /><div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">DISCLOSURES:</span></div>Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">16 CFR, Part 255</a>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.”<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Your Privacy</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Your privacy is important to us. 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My words, thoughts and ideas and is in no way, shape, or form influenced by any sort of compensation.</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">All information and works contained on these pages is © 2005-2013 Chrystal Mahan.</span></div></div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"></div><br /><center style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /><a href="http://www.copyscape.com/online-plagiarism/" mce_href="http://www.copyscape.com/online-plagiarism/"><img alt="Protected by Copyscape Online Plagiarism Check" border="0" height="60" mce_src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-gr-120x60.gif" src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-gr-120x60.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Protected by Copyscape Plagiarism Checker - Do not copy content from this page." width="120" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BRDW9_GG6N1_UBCGR" mce_href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BRDW9_GG6N1_UBCGR" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38px" mce_src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145px" /></a></center><center style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DISCLOSURE</span></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Please be advised that this blog is not a substitute for professional health advice. There are many resources listed in this blog, as well as the option to consult your own personal health adviser for specific advice on your personal situations.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Any advice in this blog that I give you should be considered as a guideline only. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Remember...your body is your responsibility and if you chose to use the advice in this blog, you are doing so at your own risk. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">More to Life than Chocolate (Self Employed Writer/Chrystal Mahan) is not responsible for any of the advice provided, any actions or lack thereof taken because of that advice, or any potential consequences.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">I want YOU to seek out professional help that you can actually have a face to face conversation with. . </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Thank You,</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Self Employed Writer</span></div></center></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-26638852868235135192014-07-02T12:35:00.002-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.269-04:00More About Me<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"></span><br /><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Age: 36</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Birthday : July 22</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hometown: Stillwater, OK</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Current: Birch Run, MI</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Status: Married</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Children: lil m (step-daughter), Furkids: Boxer, Casey and cat Ziggy.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Employment: Full time graduate student and full time freelancer.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>About Me:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For years I went to WW meetings. Every Saturday morning (after I was done with the 16 week "At-Work" program. I got down to 160. 3 pounds under my goal. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I made Lifetime April 11, 2003</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was wogging (walking/jogging). 6-7 miles a day.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I got sick. Depression. PTSD. Anxiety. Panic. Eating disorder. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My back hurt. Degenerative disk disease and sciatica kicked in. Depression was my alter-ego. She made me hungry. I ate to control my emotions. I ate to feel better. Disk disease kicked me in the ass.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The pain prevented me from running. The weight came back, and then some. Deaths. Divorce. 1000 mile move. I spiraled out of control. Food was comfort. Food was my only friend. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Now I am worse than ever. Degenerative arthritis in my lower back and hips. Weight is making it worse. The pain is almost unmanageable and controlling my life. I want to kick pains ass. I want to lose the weight so the pain will be controllable. Its a terrible cycle.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span id="more-12092"></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This is me, trying to get back to goal.</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>STATS:</b></span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">After sorting through some old materials I ran across a document from years ago that listed all my stats from Weight Watchers. I decided to post those here as well as dig up my stats from various websites. I am hoping this will hold me accountable in making 2012 the year I finally get to my goal weight. I will post updates here as I go.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week #/ loss or gain/ Weight/ total loss</span></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">At Work Meetings</span></strong></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 1 START: Begin Weight: 209.4, Height 5'9" March 2002</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 2 -6.6 (202.8) 6.6 gone forever</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 2 -2.0 (200.8) 8.6</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 4 -1.4 (199.4) 10.0</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 5 -3.2 (196.2) 13.2</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 6 - 3.2 (193.0) 16.4</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 7 MAINTAINED</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 8 - 1.2 (191.8) 17.6</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 9 -2.4 (189.4) 20.0 (met my 10%)</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 10 -2.8 (186.6) 22.8</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 11 + .2 (186.8) 22.6 YUCK - WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS. My 1st gain</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 12 -2.0 (184.8) 24.6</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 13 - 1.0 (183.8) 25.6 Starting to slow down. Got my 25lb reward</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>Week 14 + .6 (184.4) 25.0 about gave up on myself. Felt really bad about Week 11 </tt>through Week 13.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 15 -3.8 (180.6) 28.8 <strong>this ends my At work Program</strong></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 16 + .6 (181.2) 28.2 <strong>Saturday Community Meetings</strong></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 17 + 1.2 (182.4) 27.0</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 18 - 2.0 (180.4) 29.0</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 19 MISSED</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 20 + 1.2 (181.6) 27.8</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 21 -3.6 (178.0) 31.4</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 22 -2.6 (175.4) 34.0</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>Week 23 MISSED this is where the <strong>At Home Program begins</strong>. My scale was only 5</tt> <tt>pounds off from WW. SO the weights are different, but the loss/gains should be</tt> <tt>the same.</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 24 MAINTAINED</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 25 -2 (173)</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 26 -3 (170)</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 27 +1 (171)</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 28 SAME</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 29 SAME</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 30 -2 (169)</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 31 +2.4 (177.8) 31.6 <strong>Back to Saturday WW meetings</strong></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 32 -1.00 (176.8) 32.6</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 33 -3.00 (173.8) 35.6</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 34 +2.6 (176.4) 33.0</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 35 -0.6 (175.8) 33.6</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 36 -1.0 (174.8) 34.6 12.8 TO GOAL</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 37 -2.2 (172.6) 36.8 10.6 TO GOAL</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 38 +1.6 (174.2) 35.2 12.6 TO GOAL</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 39 MISSED</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 40 -3.8 (170.4) 39.0 8.4 TO GOAL</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 41 MAINTAINED</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 42 -2.4 (168.0) 41.4 6 MORE TO GOAL!!!</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 43 No Weigh In-pass</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 44 +1.6 (169.6) 39.8 :)</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 45 No Weigh In Pass</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 46 -0.6 (169) 40.4</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 47 -2.8 (166.4) 43.2</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 48 -0.4 (165.8) 43.6</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 49 PASS</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 50 MISSED</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 51 -3.2 (162.6) 46.8 total .........POINT 6 from GOAL@@</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>Dr. said I was only 5 6" NOT 5'8 3/4" that I was measured years ago. WHAT???!!</tt> <tt>I shrunk?? Or the last nurse measured me wrong.</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>Dr. said my weight was good for my height and bone structure and I did not</tt> <tt>really need to lose any more. But, I should not go below 10 more pounds.</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>Told my leader about height, she said since Dr said my weight was good, and she</tt> <tt>thought so too, that we would not change it from when I first started WW.</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 52 MISSED</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><strong><tt>April 11, 2003</tt><tt> My 1yr with WW</tt></strong></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 53 -.4 (162.2) 47.2 TOTAL</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Since I am .2 from goal, and it is noticeable my body is</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">comfortable where it is, we changed my goal to 163 instead of 162. So,I</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>AM <tt>AT GOAL!!!!! Now 6wks maintenance!!</tt></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;"><strong>MAINTENANCE</strong></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 54 -1.6 (160.6) 48.8 total!! Almost to 50!! Week one of Maintaining.</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 55 +0.2 (160.8) 48.6 total. Week 2 Maintain</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 56 + 1.8 (162.6) 46.8 total Week 3 Maintain</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 57 -3.4 (159.2) 50.2 total Week 4 Maintain</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 58 +.4 (159.6) 49.8 total</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Week 59 +.4 (160.0) 49.4 total…..END MAINTAINING!!</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;"><strong>HELLO LIFETIME!!!!!</strong></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 1 May 2003 Same (160.0) 49.4 total</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 2 June 2003 +.8 (160.8) 48.6 total</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 3 July 2003 +1.8 (162.6) 46.8 total</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 4 Aug.2003 -.4 (162.6) 47.2 total</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 5 Sept.2003 +2.2 (164.4) 45.0 total</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 6 Oct. 2003 +2.2 (166.6)</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Check-in 11/1/03 -1.4 (165.2) not recorded</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px;">Month 7 Nov. 2003 -1.0 (165.6)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 8 Dec. 2003 -5.8 (159.8) BACK TO UNDER GOAL! Only 0.2 away from my end of maintenance weight.</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 9 Jan 2004 -1.0 (158.6) YAH!!</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Month 10 Feb 2004 -0.6 (158 even)</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Doing things on my own now.</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Start 176</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>June 20, 2004</tt><tt> 172.5</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>June 28, 2004</tt><tt> 175.5</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>August 1, 2004</tt><tt> 178.0</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>August 9, 2004</tt><tt> 181.0</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><tt>August 15, 2004</tt><tt> 179.5</tt></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><h2 style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; line-height: 19px;"> <tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The previous stats I kept track of in real time.</span></tt></h2><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As you can see, doing things on my own did not work. I tried various nutrition sites and meal plans over the years. Here are a few of those. I have some random stats from WW online, but I can only retrieve those if I become a paid member </span></tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">again.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">FITDAY</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/8/01 185</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">8/25/01 190</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2/25/02 210</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">12/20/02 172</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">5/10/03 159.2</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6/21/03 160</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">9/5/04 188</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">9/16/04 189</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/12/07 219.4</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/19/07 217.8</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2/26/07 222.8</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6/22/09 240</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">SPARKPEOPLE</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2/26/07 222</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4/2/07 233</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">5/2/07 237</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">9/28/07 240</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2/23/08 220</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/23/09 233</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4/29/09 235</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">7/9/09 240</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">9/1/09 245</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">9/15/09 240</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">11/24/09 239</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">12/2/09 238</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/2010-6/2010 240-232</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">9/30/10 225</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">11/4/10 220</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">MY FITNESS PAL</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4/15/10 240</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><tt><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">12/31/10 220</span></tt></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/5/2010 228 (bah humbug!)</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">FAT SECRET</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6/15/10 230</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">January 11, 2011</span> - </span><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am proud to say that I am now a member of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. I *should* be starting the program Monday, January 24, 2011.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I will be using this page to record all of my weights and measurements. Follow my blog for related posts.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Todays stats:</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Weight: 231</span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: default; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><tbody><tr><td id="ctl00_phMain_tdLastMeasurements" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Your Last Measurements</span></div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdDate" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Date: 01/17/2011 02:00</span></div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdUpperArms" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Upper Arms: 16.0</span></div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdChest" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Chest: 46.0</span></div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdWaist" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Waist: 46.0</span></div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdHips" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hips: 48.0</span></div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdThighs" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Thighs: 28.5</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">****************************************************************************</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Start 1/17/2011 2<strong>31</strong></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Week 1 1/24/2011 : </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">229 Loss: 2 lbs</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Net: -2</span></strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Week 2 2/31/2011 : </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">233</strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Total Loss :</span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Loss: 0 Gain: 4</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Net 2</span></strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Week 3 2/7/2011 : </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Skipped</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Net 2</span></strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Week 4 2/14/2011: </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">235</strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (Tuesday) 2/15/11 </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Loss: 0 Gain: 1</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Net 3</span></strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Week 5 2/21/2011: </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">234.6</strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (Wed. 2/23/11) </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Loss: 0.4</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Net 2.6</span></strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Week 6 2/28/2011: </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">232.2 </strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (Saturday 3/5/11) </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Loss: 2.4</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Net 0.2</span></strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Week 7 3/12/2011 228.4 (Saturday 3/12/11) </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Loss 3.8</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Net - 3.6 total weight loss in 7 weeks.</span></strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">____________________________________________________</span></strong><br /><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></strong><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FAT SECRET.com</span></strong><br /><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3/25/11 227.8</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4/23/11 224.0</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5/8/11 224.0</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5/18/11 224.8</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6/8/11 227.0</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6/16/11 226.0</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8/8/11 230.6</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8/22/11 233.0</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9/8/11 235.6</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9/15/11 234.2</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10/6/11 238.8</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11/3/11 241.8</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11/16/11 240.0</span><br /><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11/23/11 234.4</span><br /><br /><strong style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">November 2011 - Starting the Nutrisystem Program Again</span></strong></div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Starting Weight </span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">November 16, 2012 240 </span></strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">November</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 23, 2011 236.4 Loss 3.6</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">November 30, 2011 237 Gain </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">December 11, 2011 239.6 Gain</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">December 13, 2011 237 Loss </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">December 23, 2011 240 Gain </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">December 30, 2011 238.6 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">January 9, 2012 240 Gain</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">January 12, 2012 237.8 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">January 14, 2012 238.6 Gain</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">January 16, 2012 237.2 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">January 18, 2012 237.2 Same</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">February</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 7, 2012* <span style="background-color: yellow;">239*</span> Gain</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">February</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 11, 2012 245 Gain</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">February</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 14, 2012 239.8 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">February</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 18, 2012 237.4 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">February</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 21, 2012 236.8 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">(<span style="background-color: yellow;">*</span> starting counting Points this week to see where I was falling with the NS program on WW in my attempt to figure out this up and down battle)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Three Month Net - 3.2</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">______________________________________________________________________________</span></div><div class="mceTemp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><h1 style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Weight Watchers Points Plus 2012</span></strong></h1><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">February</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 25, 2012 236.6 0.02 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">March 2, 2012 237.2 0.06 Gain</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">March 17,2012 236.2 1.00 Loss </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">March 25,2012 239.6 3.4 Gain</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">March 31, 2012 236.6 3 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">April 7, 2012 238.8 2.2 Gain </span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">April 9, 2012 (MFP challenge) 233.6 5.2 Loss </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">May 14, 2012 233.2 0.4 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tried Atkins</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">May 23, 2012 233.0</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">June 25, 2012 235.4 gain</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Started Working with </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.999998092651367px;">Dietitian</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.999998092651367px;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">June 20, 2012 235</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">June 30, 2012 235.2</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">July 6, 2012 (started DDP Yoga) 235.2</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">July 11, 2012 236.6</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">July 28,2012 236 (this WI day was Day #1 on Ideal Shape)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">August 4, 2012 232.8 3.2 Loss</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">August 16, 2012 - Diagnosed with PCOS and Fibroid's.</span></div><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">August 18, 2012 236.8 gained it all right back </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I noticed a few things during the weeks my weight came back up. The first week on program Matt was away at camp. I ate all raw vegi, had soup pretty much every dinner. No stress. I used unsweetened coconut milk. Then I switched to skim (price) right around the time Matt came home and I had to prepare family meals again. That, on top of the PCOS has given me a sign of quite of few things regarding my mindset and body.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">November 18, 2012 232.0</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*********************************************************************************************</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; text-align: center;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>2013</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; text-align: center;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">January - started following Atkins </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jan. 3 238</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jan 4. 233.5 (-4.5)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jan 6 232.2 (-1.3)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jan 7 230.4 (-2.2)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jan 11 230.0 (-.04)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jan 23 227.0 (- 3.0)</span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">January Total: 11.04 loss</span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">April 11 224.0 (-4.0) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">May 24 222.8</span></div></div></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" data-mce-style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; height: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-top: 10px;"><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-8351990596998065452014-07-02T12:35:00.001-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.259-04:00Tiny Dream Links<br /><ul style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; list-style: none; margin: -15px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border-top-style: none; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><h2 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.6em 0px 0.5em; position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white;">My Quest for my Own Tiny Space. Wheels Optional. </span></h2><h2 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.6em 0px 0.5em; position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tiny Living Links</span></h2><a href="http://www.300house.com/blog/" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;">$300 House</a></span></li><li style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://www.320squarefoothome.com/" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">320 Square Foot Home</span></a></li><li style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">Apartment Therapy</span></a></li><li style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://clotheslinetinyhomes.com/" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">Clothesline Tiny Homes</span></a></li><li style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://collectivelyfrivolous.tumblr.com/" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">Collectively Frivolous</span></a></li><li style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://freecabinporn.com/" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;">Free Cabin Porn</a></span></li><li style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://gypsyliving.org/" target="_blank">Gypsy Living</a></li><li style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/38611/Hobbit-House#" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">Hobbit House</span></a></li><li style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; 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Ft.)</span></a></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/christopher-meretes-tiny-home-on-the-range-house-tour-174154" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">Tiny Home on the Range Tour</span></a></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://tiny-themovie.com/" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">Tiny: The Movie</span></a></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://tinyhouselistings.com/what-thl-readers-are-doing-to-save-money/" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;">What THL Do to Save Money</a></span></li></ul><div><span style="line-height: 14.181818008422852px;"><br /></span></div></div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><span style="line-height: 14.181818008422852px;"><b><u>Free House Plans! </u></b></span></div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><a href="http://tiny-house-plans.com/" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 14.181818008422852px;" target="_blank">Tiny House Plans</a></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><b><u>More Useful Books </u></b></div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><a href="http://thetinylife.com/store/" target="_blank">Cracking the Code</a></div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><a href="http://thetinylife.com/store/" target="_blank">Tiny House Cheat Sheet</a></div></li><li style="border-bottom-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 15px;"><div><a href="http://thetinylife.com/store/" target="_blank">Shockingly Simple Electrical for Tiny Houses</a></div></li></ul></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-48897141856706525722014-07-02T12:35:00.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.151-04:00My Dietitians Advice<b style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">WHAT SHE TOLD ME:</b><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">My dietitian gave me a meal plan. The meal plan has me lowering my carbs a great deal . In this meal plan there is a chart. There are points or exchanges or counts (whatever to call them I have no idea) where a food item has this many carb points (is what I call them because I am so used to WW points). Doing a search online brings up "Carb Counts" for diabetics. Of these counts, I am allowed 3 for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I get 2 for dessert. I get 11 total carb points per day. My husband is allowed 16. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">So, I look at the food label, read the carbs and look on my chart. It will tell me how many carb points it is. Since I only get 3 per meal, I am really not eating a lot of carbs. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">On this plan I am allowed pasta ( 100% whole grain), bread (100% grain, sprouted, the darker the better) , rice (brown), cereal (whole grain), and even fruit (only in the morning) so long as I stay within the guidelines and I am also getting all of the other food requirements. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I'm too follow the low glycemic index lifestyle. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I can't eat the stuff every day. But it is there for me if I choose to have it. She does not what to put me on a deprivation diet. I can choose to have it or not. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Having said that, when I see that one of those servings takes up most of my allowable carb points, I have been learning to stay away from them. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I also have to watch my sodium. She also mentioned that I should by regular salad dressing because light and low fat were just too high in sugars (carbs) and eating the regular would likely cause me to use less since their is more flavor. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">All the books and materials she gave us were directly from the USDA website and the ADA website. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The reason I joined low carb groups was because even though I am on a ADA plan, I do not have diabetes. I dont fit in the diabetes groups. I am however, insulin </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">resistance</span></span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> due to my PCOS. I'm also pre-diabetic. </span></span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">This is the main book: </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0880913770/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freelan09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0880913770" target="_blank">Choose Your Foods</a><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">She also suggested I use </span><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1930448368%22%20style=" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Calorie King carb counting book</a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">. I laughed at her a bit </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">because</span></span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> I had CK back in 2005. The website was free then, but I had the paid desktop app and the carb book. So I dusted that off. I got the newest one for the </span><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1930448368%22%20style=" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Kindle iPad app.</a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">She also mentioned that if I wanted a meal plan to follow she recommended South Beach because it was low glycemic index. </span></span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Counting carbs instead of WW points has been weird for me. I never really 100% did the shift from points to calorie counting. I would like more than anything to get back to my Lifetime status weight.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">When reading a food label these are some of the things I need to pay attention to. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Total Fat:</u></b> I have to watch this. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Snacks, cereals, dairy and dessert = 3gram per serving or less </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Meat and cheese</u></b> = 5gram or less per serving </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Frozen dinners</u></b> = 3 or less grams of fat per 100 calories. These I am only allowed to eat 1-2 times a week because of the sodium. But it is preferred I do not eat them at all. Same for canned soups like Progresso, although those come in low-sodium varieties. (however I made a personal choice to keep these out of my diet as much as possible, but I am only human.)</span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Avoid trans fat</b>. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Saturated fats </b>with less than 1/4 the total fat coming from sat. fat. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Total Carbohydrates: </u></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Total carbs include all starches, sugars, dietary fiber and sugar alcohol. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Sugars:</u></b> Ignore the total grams of sugar listed on the label. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Fiber:</u> </b>If the serving has 5 or more grams, subtract 1/2 of the fiber grams from the total carbohydrate grams. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Sugar alcohol:</u></b> if a serving has 5 or more grams, subtract 1/2 of the sugar alcohol grams from the total carbohydrate grams. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><br /><h2><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Conversion Guide: </b></span></h2><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Total Carb. Grams = Carb Point( or whatever you call it) </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">0-5 = 0 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">6-10 = 1/2 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">11-20 = 1 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">21-25 = 1 1/2 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">26-35 = 2 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">36-40 = 2 1/2 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">41-50 = 3 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">51-55 = 3 1/2 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">56-65 = 4 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">66-70 = 4 1/2 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">71-80 = 5 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">81-85 = 5 1/2 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">86- 95 = 6 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">96 - 100 = 6 1/2 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">101 - 110 = 7 </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">So, I would figure if I get 3 meals, with 3 each and the highest allowed for "3" is 50 carbs, that would be 150 for my meals and the highest of the 2 dessert I get is 35 carbs. In total I should have no more than <u>185 </u>carbs a day. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The ADA website states a person with Type2 should stay between 150-185 carbs a day. I was not diagnosed with Type2, but I do have some other problems which we are still trying to work on. My husband also has some medical issues. Hes on the same plan but gets 16 carb choices (points) instead of 11 like I get. </span><br /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>To me, that is lowering my carbs substantially. </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Carbs make me feel like crap anyway so I am doing my best to cut some out of my life. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 12px;"></span></span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The material I copied my meal plan from was printed by the International Diabetes Center.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-31878777399715203122014-02-06T10:59:00.001-05:002014-02-06T10:59:12.664-05:00Grab My Books!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/15tc4zz" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nc23DCfTMz8/UvOu_2YTbdI/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/QDcfsaiABe0/s1600/TAXPANFULL.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1gnDdGz" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa25tDhVMmc/UvOBzX2uG_I/AAAAAAAAJ8Q/VL3MLM6RcR0/s1600/blogging_for_dollar_copy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHbhIejvz8Q/UvOB_qRnKdI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/lr2uai47gaA/s1600/sew+2nd.jpg" height="320" width="240" /> <a href="http://amzn.to/LTztBC" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzf0op2Lvfw/UvOB_rkDacI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/eRju2yindZI/s1600/Easy+Accounting+for+the+self+employed+copy.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4ByqaJNDpg/T4jMCEazuRI/AAAAAAAABDE/LPqJ5YcTVaA/s1600/Smashwords-+Reject+the+Rejection+Letter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4ByqaJNDpg/T4jMCEazuRI/AAAAAAAABDE/LPqJ5YcTVaA/s320/Smashwords-+Reject+the+Rejection+Letter.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I am a full believer in self publishing, but the Smashwords Style Guide can be overwhelming. I have my own books published there, which I formatted myself. My books passed the upload process and they were accepted into the premium catalog. I have been contracted on oDesk for Smashwords formatting and have not had any rejects.<br /><br />If you are ready to publish and don't want to deal with the formatting per the standards yourself, contact me.<br /><br />cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com<br /><br />I can take care of the grunt work for you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-p4QdAb3N8/T4jL-YdOPKI/AAAAAAAABC0/VFFBo_ckybo/s1600/smashwords-ipad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-p4QdAb3N8/T4jL-YdOPKI/AAAAAAAABC0/VFFBo_ckybo/s320/smashwords-ipad.png" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View my offers on <a href="http://fiverr.com/selfwriter" target="_blank">Fiverr</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-76486085238332400802013-08-13T22:33:00.000-04:002013-08-13T22:33:39.397-04:00The Legal<a href="http://www.copyrighted.com/copyrights/view/nirp-ylmb-p0zo-nxr1" target="_blank"><img alt="Copyrighted.com Registered & Protected NIRP-YLMB-P0ZO-NXR1" border="0" height="40" src="http://static.copyrighted.com/images/seal.gif" title="Copyrighted.com Registered & Protected NIRP-YLMB-P0ZO-NXR1" width="150" /></a> <br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">DISCLOSURES:</span><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">16 CFR, Part 255</a>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.”<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Your Privacy</span><br />Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. 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For questions about this blog, please contact info<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">@selfemployedwriter.com.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. It is posted in the post if that particular post falls into this category. </div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give <b style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal;">our honest opinions</b>, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. I am not <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">compensated</span> for positive reviews, only honest. </div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 14px;">To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">COPYRIGHTS</span></div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 14px;"><b>My poetry, my life stories, and random content is me, all me. My words, thoughts and ideas and is in no way, shape, or form influenced by any sort of compensation.</b></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">All information and works contained on these pages is © 2005-2011 Chrystal Mahan.</span></div></div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"></div><br /><br /><br /><center style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><a href="http://www.copyscape.com/online-plagiarism/" mce_href="http://www.copyscape.com/online-plagiarism/"><img alt="Protected by Copyscape Online Plagiarism Check" border="0" height="60" mce_src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-gr-120x60.gif" src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-gr-120x60.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" title="Protected by Copyscape Plagiarism Checker - Do not copy content from this page." width="120" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BRDW9_GG6N1_UBCGR" mce_href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BRDW9_GG6N1_UBCGR" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38px" mce_src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145px" /></a></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DISCLOSURE</span></center><center style="font-size: 14px;"><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Please be advised that this blog is not a substitute for professional tax advice. There are many resources listed in this blog, as well as the option to consult your own personal tax adviser for specific advice on your personal situations.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Although I have done taxes professionally, even I make mistakes.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Any advice in this blog that I give you should be considered as a guideline only. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Remember...your taxes are your responsibility and if you chose to use the advice in this blog, you are doing so at your own risk. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">The Tax Queen (Self Employed Writer) is not responsible for any of the advice provided, any actions or lack thereof taken because of that advice, or any potential consequences.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">I know this sounds weird coming from a professional, but I do so because I want YOU to seek out professional help that you can actually have a face to face conversation with. A person who can actually see your tax documents. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Thank You,</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">The Tax Queen / Self Employed Writer</span></div></center><br /><div style="font-size: 14px;"></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttps://plus.google.com/110822209119582439581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75651415515547132212009-09-22T17:23:54.594-04:002011-12-28T16:17:39.072-05:00Ahhh, Slim Fast.<br>Yes, I went through a Slim Fas...Ahhh, Slim Fast.<br>Yes, I went through a Slim Fast chocolate "shake" phase.<br><br>I didn't lose any weight but it certainly was a healthier way of dieting than the "eat all the fat you want" thing that a good friend of mine was trying.<br><br>Just wanted to say hello and yes, I am reading your stuff. spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1210537143051510012009-11-14T07:53:30.341-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.904-05:00I too have heard the comments that confuse clinica...I too have heard the comments that confuse clinical depression with the blues and it annoys me to no end.<br><br>There is of course the clinical depression of which you speak, often diagnosed as Major Depression and for which anti-depressants often work wonders.<br><br>There are also people who have a sort of depressed outlook on life which they have "always had" (think personality disorders) for which the pills don't work (and talking therapy show small gains for these folks as well).<br><br>The mental illness label is troublesome in these times. We do not as yet have definitive evidence for the theorem relating major depression to brain chemicals (although I believe this explanation makes the most sense). It is true that "mental illness" are the words that are most commonly understood by the public.<br><br>Since these mental conditions all point to brain function, I don't think that the "mental illness" or "behavioral health" labels are as accurate as they should be. Instead, I prefer to think of these variances in mood and thought to belong to the class of "neurological conditions." But then again, I am one person.<br><br>At any rate, glad to see you writing a series on this stuff.<br><br>spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89153388901258022492009-11-14T07:55:48.450-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.893-05:00I started exercising in bed for a few minutes a da...I started exercising in bed for a few minutes a day before getting up.<br>Exercise may not keep the need for meds away from the afflicted, however we do know that exercise also helps those who have clinical depression and often less medication is needed.<br><br>spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81667121409367890692009-12-03T14:31:58.534-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.887-05:00I try to get in any little bit that I can. I stret...I try to get in any little bit that I can. I stretch when I am in bed and my mother bought me this desk of cards that are 10 minute workouts. You can mix and match the cards. It has been great to do 10 min here and there. It all adds up!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13146300831569772392009-12-03T14:33:12.986-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.898-05:00I will be writing much more, it is just that schoo...I will be writing much more, it is just that school sort of put everything else on the back burner. I am going to go more in depth on the different types of depression and treatments as well as the misconceptions. Thank you for reading S!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47592006837442528782009-12-22T11:05:02.725-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.881-05:00This is awful! I loved her...this is the first I&...This is awful! I loved her...this is the first I've heard of her death!Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08188460633615049191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91293829143424410982010-12-23T12:30:58.786-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.722-05:00Because I am merging my blogs, these are the comme...Because I am merging my blogs, these are the comments that were posted on the original post at my eBooks Nook blog which is about to be deleted. These entries will still count here!<br><br>10 comments:<br> AubreyLaine said...<br>I would buy the Chilewich Table Runner in Kiwi!<br><br>aubreyfick@yahoo.com<br>December 8, 2010 5:37 PM <br> AubreyLaine said...<br>I follow CSN on Twitter.<br>aubreyfick@yahoo.com<br>December 8, 2010 5:38 PM <br> AubreyLaine said...<br>I follow CSN on Facebook.<br><br>aubreyfick@yahoo.com<br>December 8, 2010 5:38 PM <br> the Crave to Save said...<br>I would love to get a silicone muffin pan in red!<br>December 10, 2010 10:09 AM <br> the Crave to Save said...<br>I follow you on GFC<br>gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br>December 10, 2010 10:09 AM <br> the Crave to Save said...<br>http://tctsgiveawayroundup.blogspot.com/2010/12/20-csn-code.html<br><br>blogged 1<br>gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br>December 10, 2010 10:11 AM <br> the Crave to Save said...<br>http://tctsgiveawayroundup.blogspot.com/2010/12/20-csn-code.html<br><br>blogged 2<br>gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br>December 10, 2010 10:12 AM <br> the Crave to Save said...<br>http://tctsgiveawayroundup.blogspot.com/2010/12/20-csn-code.html<br><br>blogged 3<br>gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br>December 10, 2010 10:12 AM <br> the Crave to Save said...<br>i follow csn on twitter @crazyitalian0<br>gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br>December 10, 2010 10:13 AM <br> the Crave to Save said...<br>I like csn on FB! Crave to $ave<br>gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br>December 10, 2010 10:14 AMChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74285939328862361332010-12-23T16:37:59.593-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.606-05:00Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked i...Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked it. This was my first hard back book, and I loved the cover too. I used to have each of my covers framed, but kind of let go of that. But this cover is getting framed and mounted on the wall.Donita K. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652376147614891898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34490138666271684952010-12-24T16:18:11.990-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.600-05:00Oh my! I am so HONORED that you would stop by my b...Oh my! I am so HONORED that you would stop by my blog and read my review. I absolutely loved this book. I wanted to write more, but I was afraid of giving the whole story away. I liked it so much, I am passing a copy along to my mother tonight for her Christmas Eve present. I look forward to reading more of your works. You and this book have been a great inspiration for me these last couple of days. Thank You!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56672219861891771642010-12-27T12:33:49.063-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.583-05:00Sounds like something to avoid even more, even aft...Sounds like something to avoid even more, even after reading your post. Thanks for the info. <br><br>Found you via the DMS blogger forums.Reno Berkeleyhttp://renoberkeley.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51692640306834742222011-01-03T05:42:58.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.538-05:00"It started five years ago as an Irish girl t..."It started five years ago as an Irish girl trying to find her way in the world and turning in to what you see now. But, even with the person I am now, I still face challenges in life. There are many goals and dreams I want to someday achieve. I know with my words I will make it."<br><br>I think the Irish girl is making her way just fine. ;-) Remember that it's not the cards you hold in your hand, it's how you play them.<br><br>Keep up the great work!!Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63214269653266069662011-01-03T06:00:42.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.534-05:00Thank you so much! I have learned a lot over the y...Thank you so much! I have learned a lot over the years, especially about myself. I think writing has helped that. I have a long way to go with my goals, but I am pretty sure in time I will get there.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17557274328572786782011-01-03T06:23:10.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.529-05:00I too want to write and seeing the words here that...I too want to write and seeing the words here that you have written gives me the inspiration to do so. Hang on! I think I am ahead of myself. <br><br>I am a simple blogger yet I want to write a story and seeing what you can do with your words is an inspiration. It may take me many, many years but hey? <br><br>Good on you and I'll be watching! Oooh that sounds creepy. I'll be checking in. NO, I'll be Whatever! And hopefully I'll appreciate all the help you can give. And back.<br><br>CheersAlejandrohttp://www.raisingamelie.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92121928621568442472011-01-03T07:05:45.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.525-05:00It is nice to get to know some of the people we co...It is nice to get to know some of the people we come across in the forums and online. Thanks for giving a little bit of your background - I enjoyed reading about it. I look forward to seeing you online "more" during the blog challenges. :)Angelahttp://www.angelareinholzwrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14899454972261487792011-01-03T14:24:37.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.509-05:00Chris, there is an amazing author by the name of B...Chris, there is an amazing author by the name of Beth Moore. God has greatly blessed her ministry. She herself experienced a life very similar to your story. This is a scriptural prayer that is from her book "Praying God's Word." I hope this helps. <br><br>"Father, give me a heart to know You, that You are the Lord. I am Yours and You are mine, for I have returned to You will all my heart. (Jer. 24:7) You have said that if I will return to You, You the Lord Almighty, will return to me." (Mal. 3:7)Cheryl Mueckehttp://www.FaithEntrepreneur.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64247180076831430312011-01-03T16:46:14.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.504-05:00I actually did one of her workshops a few years ba...I actually did one of her workshops a few years back when I was still married and living in Oklahoma. We attended LifeChurch and they were awesome. They had LifeGroups and the women's group would do a lot of her works as well as Joyce Meyer. I can't recall what book and workbook I studied of Beth's. I will have to look into this one you mentioned here. Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50879698566949573222011-01-03T16:47:30.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.514-05:00I would be lost without those online forums! Peopl...I would be lost without those online forums! People there are like my co-workers.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17929934560852746612011-01-03T16:47:30.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.520-05:00I am glad I am able to give you a little inspirati...I am glad I am able to give you a little inspiration. I hope you will continue forward with your writing, and please continue to stop by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11934529443387034872011-01-04T00:11:53.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.496-05:00I'm really liking your blog and looking forwar...I'm really liking your blog and looking forward to returning to read more.Rosshttp://painfullyoptomistic.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64577849845589257562011-01-04T10:40:13.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.490-05:00Thanks so much for the mention! Now I need to find...Thanks so much for the mention! Now I need to find the time to write up another blog post.. :)Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44348343752853377052011-01-05T04:21:14.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.485-05:00Thank you so very kindly for the nod! I'll ha...Thank you so very kindly for the nod! I'll have to get busy now to make up a list of worthy blogs...good grief...there are SO many to choose from, too! <br><br>You've such a wonderful site. I've enjoyed dropping by and hope to make the rounds back over here to read more of your work. (See, that's the problem with reading so many blogs---I have to have a rotating reading schedule to be fair to them all!) <br><br>Here's wishing you a terrific rest of your day and much happy blogging!<br><br>Most cordially,<br>Laura (L. Avery) Brown<br>http://whenasouthernwomanrambles.blogspot.com<br>http://magnoliablossomreview.blogspot.com<br>http://realbloggersunited.blogspot.comLaura (L. Avery) Brownhttp://whenasouthernwomanrambles.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70900763260086527912011-01-05T06:22:32.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.481-05:00Holy carp! An award? That's so awesome!Holy carp! An award? That's so awesome!Calissa Leighhttp://www.calissaleigh.com/writenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36547299879182262542011-01-05T06:34:30.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.470-05:00You of all people deserve it C!You of all people deserve it C!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52920858975529193732011-01-05T06:34:30.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.476-05:00You are welcome Laura. I should have come out of l...You are welcome Laura. I should have come out of lurkdom sooner!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40543108746981334662011-01-08T01:10:17.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.465-05:00So sorry that this book didn't do it for you, ...So sorry that this book didn't do it for you, but thank you for an honest and thoughtful review.<br>All best wishes.<br>Charles FosterCharles Fosterhttp://www.charlesfoster.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40409291956580807072011-01-08T08:03:27.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.459-05:00Don't get me wrong, it was a good book, it was...Don't get me wrong, it was a good book, it was just hard for me to read. I could hardly get through history or religion in college!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60623351950716656482011-01-16T09:00:11.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.356-05:00I have noticed this too. I try and follow "th...I have noticed this too. I try and follow "think before you speak" because it's so easy to type something online and have it misconstrued. It's just sad that some feel the need to be rude and attack others.<br><br>Another suggestion that I have is to read twice what someone wrote instead of thinking they meant one thing because you didn't read it thoroughly enough. That would eliminate a great deal of heartache.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4787876935496278292011-01-16T09:59:26.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.350-05:00It's true!It's true!Daisyhttp://www.theblogphotog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52424468402239125862011-01-16T13:49:51.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.338-05:00I feel for you Daisy, being the mod over there. I ...I feel for you Daisy, being the mod over there. I am sure you have to deal with the backlash sometimes!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15712220024332542972011-01-16T13:49:51.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.345-05:00I have a habit, at times, of reading a post and th...I have a habit, at times, of reading a post and then leaving it alone for a while to see how others handle it. Sometimes it takes having someone else's point of view a sounding board to start things off before I leap in.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3767048322708661742011-01-17T07:40:13.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.331-05:00So very true! I blogged about this myself the othe...So very true! I blogged about this myself the other day, about people who want to work from home, but seem incapable (unwilling) to do any of the work to find work.K'Lee Bankshttp://officehelp4hire.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3487368713522962762011-01-17T08:35:14.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.325-05:00I never understand how or why people just expect t...I never understand how or why people just expect those of us who do it to give them a handout. I don't know too many jobs where someone gives a handout. I will point you in the general direction, but I wont give you the answer or do it for you. If they would just take the time like we did, it is right there in front of them!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40734859110349387172011-01-17T15:14:11.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.319-05:00I understand your frustration. There are SO many p...I understand your frustration. There are SO many people that have entitlement issues, who think you should tell them everything and hold their hand. No one did it for me. I read forum after forum, post after post, to find jobs to apply to. It made me appreciate my jobs that much more.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76098353017124226202011-01-17T15:22:40.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.313-05:00I never understood the entitlement either. I know ...I never understood the entitlement either. I know people who are exactly like this too. It's aggravating to say the least.Daisyhttp://www.theblogphotog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65180770888143378872011-01-20T10:08:54.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.302-05:00It really makes me not want to get to know that pe...It really makes me not want to get to know that person.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24676850086546221822011-01-20T10:08:54.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.308-05:00Me too. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful it...Me too. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful it feels to know "I did it!"Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36604286337643061872011-01-21T07:43:22.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.296-05:00Wow, you do a lot! I enjoy writing, I just don'...Wow, you do a lot! I enjoy writing, I just don't have high paying gigs. So, I spend my time titling in TQA. It is by far the best paying and most stable source of income for me. There are days though, where all I want to do is write. I like sites like Associated Content (or whatever it is called now...I want to put some time into Bukisa. I hear people are doing well with it. <br><br>Good luck!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39652322989865814932011-01-21T16:14:04.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.290-05:00I keep hearing some wonderful things about HubPage...I keep hearing some wonderful things about HubPages. I should really check it out. I'm just afraid of stretching myself too think since I'm pretty close as it is. Not only that, but I need a set income each month, and I'm afraid if I concentrate on the rev share more, I'll not reach my goals.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36652182843583890802011-01-22T04:01:27.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.265-05:00I fully intended to do one revshare article a day ...I fully intended to do one revshare article a day but dropped the ball SO hard this last week. I just had so much going on with the pay gigs and all these new leads being thrown at me. LolTS Mizehttp://thesardonicsibyl.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87355192329043566172011-01-22T06:54:17.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.285-05:00I have to do a lot! LOL. I made titling a huge par...I have to do a lot! LOL. I made titling a huge part of my income at the end of 2009, some of 2010. Now it seems the well runs dry quite often and I dont have time, nor patience to sit and stalk. People like Bukisa. It is pretty much like all the other rev share sites, you get what you put in to it. For me, I just didn't like the look/feel/setup of it once I got in there. I have to really like a website, it has to be a good fit for me. I put my 1st article on AC last week, I did not like that it has to be approved. I think thats dumb for rev share. So, I will stick to Helium and HubPages.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43504263191571198082011-01-22T06:56:41.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.278-05:00I am stretched really thin. My day starts at 7am, ...I am stretched really thin. My day starts at 7am, I sit down at 8am and I will sit here with homework and writing until 7-10pm at night. If I did not already have 100s of articles I can rewrite (b/c you don't really want duplicate content there) for HubPages I would not be doing this right now. I have also figured out when I do write an article for upfront payment it only takes a matter of minutes for me to rewrite it and use on HubPages. I really don't have time to sit and write new articles for it right now. Once I am done with school I can devote more time to it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2729105075734009562011-01-22T06:58:01.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.260-05:00I was like that when I first started. I have to fe...I was like that when I first started. I have to feel like I fit the site and the site fits me before I decide whether or not I will stay. I have let a lot of eggs go because I did not like them for one reason or another. Like I told Nicole, if I did not already have some articles I can quickly rewrite, it would have been after school was done before I started HubPages. I figure any little bit I can do will help.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48494159935864071582011-01-22T14:51:58.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.255-05:00I have a feeling you're doing to do great, Chr...I have a feeling you're doing to do great, Chrystal. You're off to a fantastic start. You inspire me.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56685204512943057422011-01-22T16:01:39.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.250-05:00Thanks so much for the information and the push. I...Thanks so much for the information and the push. I was actually going through my spreadsheet and realized I so dropped the ball this month On what I was planning to do for Rev Share! Im excited since I am new but blog quite a bit. I love the idea of residual income. This article was a big help! <br><br>Im on it again! <br><br>YveWrlddivahttp://www.soimthemama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16163936673108115692011-01-23T00:16:20.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.271-05:00[...] You Start a Freelance Writing Career Sunday,...[...] You Start a Freelance Writing Career Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 at 5:02 AM Yesterday and the day before we talked about freelance writing.Really we just touched on the subject.Today, its question time. 23 [...]Ultimate Blog Challenge | The Self Employed Writerhttp://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/23/ultimate-blog-challenge-23-things-to-ask-yourself-before-you-start-a-freelance-writing-career/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4371956396500604242011-01-23T05:28:07.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.239-05:00I am glad someone has faith in me! I tend to quest...I am glad someone has faith in me! I tend to question myself a lot!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63808573117673174712011-01-23T05:28:07.002-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.245-05:00You are VERY welcome. Thank you for stopping by an...You are VERY welcome. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read my ramblings!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71386142297054933022011-01-23T09:36:49.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.218-05:00What a great list of questions for perspective wri...What a great list of questions for perspective writers to ask themselves beforehand.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10804020352334195642011-01-23T19:52:17.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.212-05:00What an all-inclusive, refreshing chunk of honesty...What an all-inclusive, refreshing chunk of honesty and reality!<br><br>Doing your legwork/homework ahead of time will definitely help you "get real" about the world of freelance writing. It's not all peaches and cream. :)<br><br>Wonderful post!Melanie Kissellhttp://melaniekissell.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59187656843931985252011-01-24T02:21:12.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.205-05:00Great series! I enjoyed it a lot!Great series! I enjoyed it a lot!Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22990725941048213952011-01-24T07:59:06.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.232-05:00As I read more writing blogs what occurs to me is ...As I read more writing blogs what occurs to me is we are starting to have writing wars that mirror the "Mommy Wars" of previous years. The sad part of the Mommy Wars is there was really no right or wrong, it was about choices and consequences. People made choices and those choices had outcomes. Writing has many choices and those choices have outcomes. We make choices for a variety of reasons ranging from talent, interests, family issues, health, etc. The outcomes are a result of the choices we make and are not right or wrong, just outcomes.<br><br>I continue to be confused by the battles. I can see trying to present options to people to try different avenues. If you have not tried something you may be missing an income opportunity that could be good for you. However, if you know it is not a good fit, then passing on it is not a sin, merely a choice. It should not be considered a rejection or an insult by the person who does find that to be a great income solution.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36725586236159643722011-01-24T10:52:12.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.224-05:00I learned a long time ago what works for me in reg...I learned a long time ago what works for me in regards to where and what I write may not work for someone else. For example, there are those that don't care for Helium, but I enjoy it. I never really cared for BrightHub, but others love it. Many hate Demands, but it has been good to me. Other love Textbroker, and I can't ever find things to write there. <br><br>When someone asks me a question I try to find out what their interests are and what they are trying to accomplish before dishing out too much information.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18059336956546340242011-01-27T15:11:49.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.164-05:00I hate to admit it but I've watched none of Id...I hate to admit it but I've watched none of Idol this year. I just can't bring myself to now that Simon is gone. It just doesn't hold the magic for me anymore. However, this Chris Medina guy sounds absolutely amazing. What a courageous fellow.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69392509923364374252011-01-27T15:48:52.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.159-05:00This is the first episode I have watched in years....This is the first episode I have watched in years. This is the time of year when all of my shows are off the air, so while waiting for the season to return I thought...oh I will watch AI ...see whats new. I always liked the auditions..all the funnies make me laugh and I really like Steven Tyler so I was interested to see how he was going to do as a judge.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24291608131116365362011-01-27T17:29:56.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.153-05:00Oh I disagree about the magic being gone. Steven ...Oh I disagree about the magic being gone. Steven Tyler and JLo really fill the void and I thought I'd be the last person on the planet to say that LOL<br><br>This young man will go far I hope. He hasn't been my favorite by far but I hope he does well. What a touching story! Reminded me of Danny Gocke (sp?) and how much he loved his wife who did die. If only all people would be that lucky to find such love in life, huh?Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5529170917409197272011-01-27T21:08:22.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.147-05:00I completely forgot to set the DVR this week, so I...I completely forgot to set the DVR this week, so I missed it. I did watch last week and thought it was greatMiahttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58909705565883373442011-01-28T04:28:05.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.140-05:00Never been an Idol fan, but I do like positive sto...Never been an Idol fan, but I do like positive stories. It seems there are far too few of them reported in the world.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14807860301238772662011-01-28T07:39:34.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.133-05:00Gosh, this sounds like my days and nights. I usual...Gosh, this sounds like my days and nights. I usually get about the same amount of sleep as you. And then I'm up at 5:00am. I try and fall back to sleep, but it doesn't happen. However, I also can't get my mind to work that early because of lack of sleep.<br><br>The kiddos get up at 6:15-6:30am. From that point until 3:45, I have to fit in a 20-30 min. workout, three meal preps, work, playtime with my son, housework, personal writing and more. As you can imagine, I never get it all done. There's just not enough time.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57505162358269092412011-01-28T08:04:56.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.126-05:00I also have to get off the Internet and on to the ...I also have to get off the Internet and on to the exercise machine. I have no words of wisdom, only encouragement. You are carrying quite a bit and not giving yourself any room to breathe. You will hit a stride with this it just takes some time.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78221308225210942542011-01-28T14:40:29.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.120-05:00I don't have any words of wisdom, either. The ...I don't have any words of wisdom, either. The last two weeks, I haven't had much ambition for anything. Not sure if I am just rundown or burnt out. Or, it's the winter blues. I don't know. All I know is that I'm tired, I can't sleep and yet nothing gets done. Oy.Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38122986374711176022011-01-29T07:45:33.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.113-05:00Oh so good advice and one I harp on to my visitors...Oh so good advice and one I harp on to my visitors cheers<br><br>A little snippet of my Time http://www.web-of-life.com/2010/06/how-do-you-really-spend-your-time.htmlFernando-Alejandrohttp://www.web-of-life.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25119628997478069832011-01-29T07:59:48.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.108-05:00These are some great tips. I make lists everyday o...These are some great tips. I make lists everyday of the things that I need to accomplish. Otherwise, I end up forgetting something important.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32511081887705682342011-01-29T08:08:57.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.102-05:00I need to do better at this for sure!I need to do better at this for sure!Mandy Robinsonhttp://mandy-workathomeadventures.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81149269576269814112011-01-29T08:45:15.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.096-05:00Thank you - excellent suggestions and coincide wit...Thank you - excellent suggestions and coincide with some realizations I have posted about in my own blog, as well. I'm thinking it's the theme for 2011!K'Lee Bankshttp://officehelp4hire.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87447817674105286692011-01-29T11:35:51.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.084-05:00Sometimes, you need to see that in black and white...Sometimes, you need to see that in black and white. Scheduling even the smallest of tasks is what's needed to stay on track.Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33744235914790325942011-01-30T07:26:50.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.077-05:00Wow, I needed this! Although I do make lists, I st...Wow, I needed this! Although I do make lists, I still procrastinate and need to stop. For instance, yesterday I got more done than usual and today I am putting work off while reading blogs and posting in mine, lol. Have to force myself to quit doing this and make it for after work. :) Starting after I take a shower!Clarissahttp://cwilson26-ramblingthoughts.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67700438003218652352011-01-30T07:29:04.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.070-05:00Thanks! This seems doable and I will try it. :)Thanks! This seems doable and I will try it. :)Clarissahttp://cwilson26-ramblingthoughts.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-465011040696482512011-01-30T15:42:29.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.064-05:00I often have that trouble myself especially with l...I often have that trouble myself especially with large homework assignments. Then, I get stuck rushing and that's not a good thing to do when the schooling is required to maintain my job LOL!!Daisyhttp://theblogphotog.com/?p=165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13724849554067876702011-01-31T06:05:39.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.057-05:00I think the idea of dumping the unrealistic list i...I think the idea of dumping the unrealistic list is a great idea. Focusing on the achievable is the best possible choice.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63635434100741167132011-02-02T05:33:19.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.051-05:00I do wish you the best of luck! I can't wait t...I do wish you the best of luck! I can't wait to see the new tax site. I also hope you get something out of Keyword Academy. I am only a few weeks in, but I have been seeing clicks almost everyday for the last week. That's a big improvement from ONE in the last year. :) I didn't get rich overnight, but is going to add up over time.Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19508519982588161482011-02-02T07:19:51.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.045-05:00I am really excited about the tax site. I should h...I am really excited about the tax site. I should have done it sooner. I always new it was my "smart" subject I just was not sure I wanted to stick to writing about it. It comes natural for me and I get so many people asking me questions. With this site I can just say here is the link, to answer your question!<br><br>I got ahead of the homework today so I have some time to spend on it today. Thank you Angie for you help!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13985296890155536842011-02-02T07:33:59.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.040-05:00Good luck with your new sites. I think you have a...Good luck with your new sites. I think you have a great goal to support yourself doing what you want to do and how you want to do it.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18854341433539913662011-02-02T08:26:57.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.032-05:00Good for you! I joined Keyword Academy last week,...Good for you! I joined Keyword Academy last week, still trying to find the time to get through all the chapters, but what I have read so far has been a godsend! I was keyword clueless (and I still haven't mastered it, but I'm getting there). I think it is well worth the investment. I'm really glad that you are taking charge and getting things done, SUPERwoman!!!<br><br>I also wanted to aware you with the Stylish Blogger Award! Someone awarded it to me and since it's a "pay it forward" type deal, the first person on my list was you (naturally). You can check out the award details on my blog (www.theWritetoMakeaLiving.com). I would tell you to keep up the good work...but I already know that you will!Staceyhttp://www.thewritetomakealiving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66668921265068728202011-02-02T14:26:41.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.025-05:00Good luck on all your ventures. We'll have to...Good luck on all your ventures. We'll have to compare notes on KWA! :DDaisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/?p=124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73424758947216175032011-02-02T18:30:03.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.020-05:00I took advantage of the trial as well. I'm no...I took advantage of the trial as well. I'm not necessarily sure I'm going to stick with it. The tools are great, but I'm not sure how much I'll use them to really justify paying the monthly fee. But I've already learned quite a bit just in my free trial. Now, I just have to put what I learned to use.Gwynnehttp://yummification.squarespace.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53879192776325202702011-02-03T08:30:26.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.986-05:00The graphics are cute. There are so many options ...The graphics are cute. There are so many options it can be hard to decide, especially when it is an upfront investment with no immediate return. That is why I am sticking with Blogger for now. I have heard all the arguments. I just can't justify buying a domain until I can predict an income that will clear those costs. Until then, it is a hobby that makes a little money on the side.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3034473576800244012011-02-03T09:45:05.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.980-05:00The new graphics are TOO cute. I love them.The new graphics are TOO cute. I love them.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15548901514526972182011-02-03T14:35:39.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.015-05:00Thank you so much!Thank you so much!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24057596359172518962011-02-03T14:36:53.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.009-05:00A lot of what I am going through I already knew fr...A lot of what I am going through I already knew from other resources. So I am not sure I will stick with KWA. <br>I had the stylish blogger award last month (?), so I am not sure if you want to award it to someone else???Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51040767243839109932011-02-03T14:38:34.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:54.004-05:00I can't justify spending the $33 right now. I ...I can't justify spending the $33 right now. I am having a hard time paying for hosting. Things are not that different money wise from free blogger to self hosted wordpress. I can understand why people self host, I have heard all the arguments. But, 5 years and I have never had a problem and those that do have problems, well its one in a million.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81540755133302026262011-02-03T14:39:49.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.974-05:00Very cute graphics and blog :) I finally set up my...Very cute graphics and blog :) I finally set up my blog with Go Daddy, Blue Host and Wordpress.org. Not hard at all, as long as you get the hang of it. If you need any help, let me know!Chanelhttp://www.the-fashion-guru.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55656141449221105872011-02-03T15:45:45.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.962-05:00Thanks. I have some others in the works.Thanks. I have some others in the works.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8139973632428664142011-02-03T15:45:45.001-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.968-05:00Baily I don't blame you.<br>I know a LOT of pe...Baily I don't blame you.<br>I know a LOT of people who do make a nice amount of money on Blogger from adsense and affiliates. Best of all, they get to keep it because they don't have to pay for hosting.<br>Google loves their own blogs. My traffic was much higher there and I was higher in the search engines. <br>I don't mind buying the domains and paying for those yearly, that cost I can justify since it makes the site look much more professional.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37793435012255727302011-02-03T17:41:43.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.956-05:00This one is godaddy domain, godaddy host and word ...This one is godaddy domain, godaddy host and word press. I pretty much have that figured out. I might keep this one hosted and just start the new on on Blogger for now and leave the others on blogger along with the godaddy domains that go with them. Once they get more traffic and posts I will think more about self hosting for them. I am not sure what I am going to do about this one, if anything.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45737821266218299212011-02-04T10:49:41.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.949-05:00I am on Blogger with no intentions of moving at th...I am on Blogger with no intentions of moving at the moment. I have read and FULLY understood all the arguments for self-hosting. It is not ignorance, but understanding that has led me to this decision. I understand the risks and challenges. However, I also cannot justify the costs of self-hosting as I don't have the Blogging income to justify it yet. I am hoping it is going to start supplementing my writing income soon, but it takes a while for Adsense to reach payout and Amazon is not a quick fix either. There are also the technical issues you mention which are another headache I am not prepared to face.<br><br>I have never understood the battles like these. I respect those who make the choice to move. Why the hositilty to those of us who have researched and then also made a choice to stay?Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31959653806489814632011-02-04T10:56:53.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.943-05:00I feel like every time I try to let someone know a...I feel like every time I try to let someone know about the other options outside of self hosting I get snipped at. I don't understand it except that they are affiliates of hosting sites (I am too!) and they just use that as a opportunity to make a sale.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85522526243669277522011-02-04T11:03:48.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.937-05:00My biggest complaint when moving my Blogger posts ...My biggest complaint when moving my Blogger posts over to WordPress was the loss of formatting. I had no idea that would happen, so when I saw that once they were moved over, I was so upset. I really didn't want to go back through them all. It was just too time consuming, so I left them as is. It still bugs me, though, that if people read far enough into my site, they'll find them, and it'll reflect badly on me.<br><br>So I do think you make some VERY valid points in this post. And absolutely right about weighing the pros and cons and figuring out what works best for you.<br><br>Bravo for taking the time to write out this post. You really put a lot of thought into it, and I appreciate it.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60994213242553900852011-02-04T13:37:31.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.931-05:00That happened to me, too and it really bothers me....That happened to me, too and it really bothers me. I am linking blogs with each other and the format is sloppy. People are not going to know that it was a transfer format error, they will just assume I did it like that.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11202235655256559462011-02-05T12:39:21.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.898-05:00Then Internet has provided us with access to a gre...Then Internet has provided us with access to a great deal of free information that is valuable. Some people do find value in having it presented to them without having to do the research. Others find a certain "voice" speaks to them in a way other methods do not. I tend to start with free resources and work my way up to paid resources when the free ones do not work.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6611148677854679212011-02-05T13:43:12.457-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.911-05:00Great advice! I just started working at home last ...Great advice! I just started working at home last year and I hope to keep better track this year.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53272091298558474232011-02-06T06:31:23.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.890-05:00When I actually feel like I have a free moment, I ...When I actually feel like I have a free moment, I plan on checking The Keyword Academy out.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55328920163684392272011-02-06T15:32:32.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.998-05:00I need to locate that ebook. I want to read it.<br...I need to locate that ebook. I want to read it.<br><br>Like you, I want to write what I want to write and not what others want me to. 'Cause you're right, it stifles you. Bye bye motivation.<br><br>I did setup a HubPages account last week, so I need to start writing there.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62405976606879625922011-02-06T19:51:31.645-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.904-05:00I could probably utilize more of the items listed,...I could probably utilize more of the items listed, but I'm so damn paranoid.Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74416970851777451012011-02-07T07:58:15.000-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.991-05:00Sent!Sent!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19992030713919741512011-02-08T08:19:45.879-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.884-05:00I know its never fun. When I was working in a tax ...I know its never fun. When I was working in a tax office I was always very understanding. Oddly, I have the education credits but my returns went through. I was a little confused by that.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75713679781553218992011-02-08T11:58:45.580-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.877-05:00I'm still waiting on one 1099 before I file. T...I'm still waiting on one 1099 before I file. Then again, I also itemize, so I guess I'll be waiting a bit longer.Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51655353869293238162011-02-08T18:14:03.045-05:002011-11-11T19:31:43.217-05:00Vic says:<br>December 30, 2010 at 5:13 PM (Edit)<...Vic says:<br>December 30, 2010 at 5:13 PM (Edit)<br>You had me cracking up at the comment about your fiance not paying attention! lol men…if sometimes they would just give us a minute….it’s hard to go shopping by myself because i feel lost but i never get anything accomplished so we will see….i finally found you…holy crap hard to do! you’ll have to update the links on FTLOB if you haven’t already!:) best wishes in 2011!! happy new year<br><br>Reply<br>Chrystal Mahan says:<br>January 3, 2011 at 11:11 AM (Edit)<br>I keep trying to tell him he needs to have eyeballs on the back and sides of his head. He needs to stop worrying so much about impressing other people and actually pay attention to what (or in this case who) matters.<br><br>ReplyChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54135135050828270272011-02-09T13:30:12.347-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.872-05:00I haven't had anything deleted from Blogger as...I haven't had anything deleted from Blogger as of yet. You did have me scared but I figure as long I'm not doing anything wrong i should be safe. I've thought about leaving but I'm not equipped to do so, at least not yet.Royal Eduardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14180910857047075245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39759819793339652802011-02-09T13:54:39.645-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.867-05:00I know this was not an easy decision, but I know t...I know this was not an easy decision, but I know that you made the right one for you. And you'll be successful no matter where your site is located or who it's through. You're an extremely talented person, and I know you'll do great.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76211850692171118542011-02-09T14:41:12.042-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.862-05:00It is so weird to me that people get things delete...It is so weird to me that people get things deleted from any platform, really. I mean, if it's THAT important, surely you know the TOU, right?<br>Anyhoo, it's good to see you got yourself back on track. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20907245033245226852011-02-09T21:15:52.081-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.858-05:00I hope it works out for you. :DI hope it works out for you. :DDaisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/?p=136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31985964532611048882011-02-10T08:16:22.750-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.851-05:00@eduardo - well, you would think. I have been here...@eduardo - well, you would think. I have been here going over 6 years now and nothing has happened to me. I know for seo purposed, self hosting with wordpress is easier because of the plugins they offer. I feel pretty safe here. I might move again at some point when things pick up.<br><br>@nicole - it was not easy, but more for financial reasons I had to. Plus GoDaddy was just getting on my nerves. My site slow, my fiances site, super fast. I don't get it. I think I will take all of them at once over to hostgator when the time is right. Thank you for the words.<br><br>@Tori - It is weird. The ones I did track down, I can see why they were angry, I would be too, but yet they did not offer us any proof which leads me to believe they violated the TOS and are just pissed off about it. I do know that Google has a spam filter, and just like the plag filter at DS, sometimes it flags things that arent. Google has a 4 step process to restore your blog if this is the case. <br><br>@Daisy - thank you.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19952371284426702862011-02-11T07:20:32.934-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.846-05:00I've never checked any of Darren's books o...I've never checked any of Darren's books out, but I should since they'd really come in handy with the new site.<br><br>Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend.Nicolehttp://www.frugalmaine.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38854473043315928622011-02-11T13:12:55.852-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.840-05:0031DBBB was one of the best "blog challenges&q...31DBBB was one of the best "blog challenges" I have done. I love getting down to "the guts" of a blog. <br><br>I still need to check out 6 Figures. I think we can all can relate to that "if I only had more time" excuse lately. We are all doing so well, though! I'm impressed. :)Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17441221637552082602011-02-12T09:33:41.234-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.808-05:00Thanks for the mention, Chrystal! Have an amazing ...Thanks for the mention, Chrystal! Have an amazing weekend.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45222005861674343812011-02-12T09:55:22.030-05:002011-11-11T19:31:43.210-05:00Thank You!!! I hate writing headlines.Thank You!!! I hate writing headlines.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8518514956443383502011-02-12T12:00:44.293-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.797-05:00This is helpful, I'll def be referring back to...This is helpful, I'll def be referring back to this when I have to title my posts, I always have a hard time. Thanks! :)EVE UNDERGROUNDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585555800487910153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26648533739868413612011-02-12T12:35:47.541-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.973-05:00You are all welcome!You are all welcome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37712459551948964142011-02-12T13:04:59.121-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.835-05:00I'm in the midst of the 31DBBB right now, only...I'm in the midst of the 31DBBB right now, only we're doing it one task a week since 31 days straight tends to be overwhelming. We're on day 17 if you'd like to jump in. This is my second time through, and very helpful! <br><br>Lindsey @ GrowingKidsMinistry.comLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11834737751083541492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70065301414093139292011-02-12T13:08:29.375-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.819-05:00Oooh I like one tast a week! I have been stuck on ...Oooh I like one tast a week! I have been stuck on day 4 or 5 for months now. I keep stopping, and starting over. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67646661049819608732011-02-12T21:58:39.393-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.769-05:00Great advice! Luckily this one thing I don't h...Great advice! Luckily this one thing I don't have to worry about on taxes.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40732720550445433292011-02-12T22:01:19.390-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.787-05:00Wow bookmarked! Love it!!Wow bookmarked! Love it!!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18614537894272698952011-02-13T09:39:39.248-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.764-05:00Ah, marketing speak. :D <br>I always tell people t...Ah, marketing speak. :D <br>I always tell people to pay attention to the commercials. Best way to glean what's working these days.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35065208485357995622011-02-13T11:16:38.165-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.757-05:00Awesome list! Very helpful.Awesome list! Very helpful.Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12284847152893877942011-02-14T09:10:04.124-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.716-05:00Oy..do they ever saying anything in English? lol T...Oy..do they ever saying anything in English? lol Thank you, ma'am. I am thinking this is one area that many people get themselves into hot water.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77949742430139220952011-02-14T09:28:22.882-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.752-05:00I would love to have had these resources when I wa...I would love to have had these resources when I was starting.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69973657767076666432011-02-14T14:45:17.103-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.747-05:00I wonder what it would have been like for me now i...I wonder what it would have been like for me now if I would have known this stuff back in 2005 when I first started blogging.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31377398784362742822011-02-14T14:49:58.520-05:002011-11-11T19:31:43.205-05:00As long as your doctor has prescribed it, then its...As long as your doctor has prescribed it, then its medical. One way to look at it, and the person has to be clinically diagnosed as obese. I think its great that insurance companies try to help out these days, of course they dont want you to be overweight as it costs them more.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37326783635975382092011-02-14T21:08:14.221-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.741-05:00Thanks for the info..I still fairly new in the blo...Thanks for the info..I still fairly new in the blogging. I have been doing it a little over a year.<br>There is so much too learn!Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15117388017313125160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65343248056990084072011-02-14T21:16:46.583-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.729-05:00It seems like there's a lot I yet have to lear...It seems like there's a lot I yet have to learn about SEO. I plan to take note of the lessons and share them on my blog (will link back to you and attribute the content, of course)<br><br>Happy Hearts Day and cheers for sharing!teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77777219007341396952011-02-15T08:02:22.466-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.702-05:00I get the same questions anytime I mention what I ...I get the same questions anytime I mention what I do. Some people are fascinated, thinking I must be some hotshots. Others could care less and think I must be lazy 'cause I get to work from home and they can't. Oh well!Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83608749982966016632011-02-15T08:56:00.205-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.697-05:00I broke my eyes, too. I just bought a huge monitor...I broke my eyes, too. I just bought a huge monitor thinking it would make me feel less blind. Instead, I feel worse. :)<br><br>I envy those of you who can get out there and speak in detail about what you are doing online. Even after 4 years, I still have issues with that. Like Nicole, many look at me like I am a lazy weirdo. I can hear their unspoken "yeah, right" loud and clear. :)Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28544887769356675492011-02-15T09:19:57.266-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.692-05:00I have a widescreen laptop, which I love. I have i...I have a widescreen laptop, which I love. I have it hooked up to a large monitor, which I also love, but think it makes it worse. I am constantly hitting the zoom to make my page bigger. <br><br>I have pretty much just gotten to the point where I say I make money off blogging and writing website content.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4240346412923532662011-02-15T09:50:27.042-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.687-05:00I was just telling DH that I need to make an eye a...I was just telling DH that I need to make an eye appointment. I have been having more trouble reading lately. Last night I thought I had broken my glasses, but thankfully they were tougher than expected.<br><br>As for people's reactions I try to change the topic. I have no need to justify my existance to them. I am not asking for charity therefore I do not need to explain how I earn the money I use to pay for their services.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22734483473026899812011-02-15T10:03:27.350-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.722-05:00You guys are very welcome. I have so much more to ...You guys are very welcome. I have so much more to share. It is just making a schedule and getting things in order!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-723932994682756172011-02-15T20:43:39.837-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.671-05:00Great info!Great info!openspaceproductionshttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46152553265230436032011-02-15T20:46:47.111-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.682-05:00Oh boooo for having to spend you day at the eye do...Oh boooo for having to spend you day at the eye doctor. It's horrible not to be able t see.openspaceproductionshttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6316893148735070732011-02-15T21:51:29.927-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.676-05:00Whoa that list just keeps going! :) Thanks for sha...Whoa that list just keeps going! :) Thanks for sharing!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34653080403323705912011-02-15T21:53:57.103-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.664-05:00So, can we only claim one of these deductions? I d...So, can we only claim one of these deductions? I did the American Opportunity Deduction but I claimed the expense of my books too! Now I am worried...WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31761789562175486002011-02-16T12:45:21.877-05:002011-11-11T19:31:43.201-05:00There is a balance. People have to be able to fin...There is a balance. People have to be able to find your site so finding the word they will search for is important.<br><br>However, people are tired of junk popping up when they search for X keyword. They want a search engine to provide them with resources and info, not just a ad farm.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45083812043129832642011-02-16T13:53:05.225-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.654-05:00I agree with pp that you do need a balance, but co...I agree with pp that you do need a balance, but considering that Google is the largest search engine in all the world, I think at this point, yes we do need them, at least until something bigger and better comes along but that looks like a very far off view.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66011795371286331482011-02-16T17:02:22.390-05:002011-11-11T19:31:43.198-05:00Another informative post..thanks from this fairly ...Another informative post..thanks from this fairly newbie blogger!Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15117388017313125160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27655887566508379602011-02-16T19:17:24.992-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.635-05:00Good advice!Good advice!openspaceproductionshttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39054122975036918162011-02-16T19:18:34.165-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.641-05:00I hate getting junk with a keyword I'm looking...I hate getting junk with a keyword I'm looking for. I try very hard not to have junk and only create good quality content for my readers.openspaceproductionshttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7699566046652891682011-02-17T10:31:30.269-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.629-05:00I go in spurts. I publish a bunch, then I don'...I go in spurts. I publish a bunch, then I don't publish anything for months...but, I am a lazy backlinker. :) It does bring me traffic on occasion, though. <br><br>As long as they continue giving dofollow links, I will keep publishing there. Even if the backlink is worth less, it will still be worth something. If they go nofollow, I don't think I would devote much time to it. It doesn't bring THAT much traffic, and it certainly doesn't earn. :) <br><br>I think those that get all of their website content from EZA may be in trouble. But that isn't something either of us have to worry about.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7953052193880618562011-02-17T11:12:59.775-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.607-05:00Good reminder about keeping track of the books and...Good reminder about keeping track of the books and products for reviews. Have not started that yet, but hope to in the future.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58086549542798926102011-02-17T11:15:04.701-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.620-05:00It will be interesting to see how the new rules wi...It will be interesting to see how the new rules will effect all these sites.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80897142386997972742011-02-17T11:23:41.319-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.614-05:00I think I will just a toss something over there wh...I think I will just a toss something over there when I can, but I don't think I am going to make it a regular part of my daily routine. It does seem like a good place to throw some of our links.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67083088765648486982011-02-18T10:11:32.067-05:002011-11-11T19:31:43.191-05:00I think sometimes it is an excuse. The constant se...I think sometimes it is an excuse. The constant search keeps us from having to commit. <br><br>I didn't buy anything for years. I just read, and read, and read more, never doing anything. Or, trying to do everything and wondering why nothing worked. Once I committed to stop the madness and commit to one thing, it actually started working. Who knew?Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64997270234299369802011-02-18T11:34:09.935-05:002011-11-11T19:31:40.349-05:00I think especially when starting reading is essent...I think especially when starting reading is essential. There is much to learn. However, I have never believed there is a "easy" solution that will make us all succesful. I also think that what works for one is not the path that will lead all to the writing promised land.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14260210662855446572011-02-18T11:47:04.117-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.583-05:00Then you have those that are successful because th...Then you have those that are successful because they are the ones selling us this information, but they aren't actually using the information.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25641855078011881822011-02-18T13:57:20.241-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.601-05:00I love your blog. Thank you!I love your blog. Thank you!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67307350654473861252011-02-19T11:35:40.340-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.577-05:00Understanding how the deductions work and then tra...Understanding how the deductions work and then tracking them is huge. You are doing a wonderful job explaining the importance of both.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22866205727799129912011-02-19T13:36:09.219-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.570-05:00Great advice! I love any deduction I can take.Great advice! I love any deduction I can take.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53432176403070036832011-02-20T10:50:48.095-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.548-05:00My weekend's been spent fighting being sick an...My weekend's been spent fighting being sick and failing. :P BUT spending time with the kiddos has been fun, in spite of that.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83091473170880960982011-02-20T10:54:15.863-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.542-05:00:( but at least the kids make it better!:( but at least the kids make it better!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24891915173359538672011-02-20T11:11:26.274-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.534-05:00The dogs had the full spa treatment this weekend. ...The dogs had the full spa treatment this weekend. Well it felt like it cost for a full spa treatment. However, it was worth it to see them come home clean and trimmed. Our latest rescue came home acting like a princess so I would say what ever they did, it worked. I have not seen her this happy and relaxed since we brought her home. <br><br>This is one of those catch up and relax weekends. There are all those little things that never seem to get done and this is a great time to finish them.<br><br>Enjoy the pampering.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45155667433881017692011-02-21T12:48:40.729-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.528-05:00This is one aspect of blogging that I have admitte...This is one aspect of blogging that I have admittedly just never been able to wrap my brain around- your posts and Angie's are a great resource for people like me. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74796347643622353542011-02-21T14:12:32.425-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.523-05:00Thanks for the mention and additional resources! H...Thanks for the mention and additional resources! Have a great week.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53836805767114137962011-02-21T15:09:21.257-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.966-05:00I have been struggling with wrapping my head aroun...I have been struggling with wrapping my head around this affiliate stuff too. Adsense is easy, but it's the other stuff that I seem to be having a hard time with. I signed up for Google Affliate, but I don't know how or where to link the stuff on my page! I guess I have been too impatient to really sit down and read it through.<br><br>Thanks for the additional info!Stacey Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12817323384308051440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42739612920929932602011-02-22T07:49:34.661-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.512-05:00I was thinking I was going to have to make a excel...I was thinking I was going to have to make a excel sheet with the different products I have signed up for, that way I have easy access to them and that would spark an easier idea "light bulb" moment with what to put where. I have a few affiliate sites aside from Google.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61166181010110610022011-02-22T07:50:57.252-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.501-05:00This is one of those situations where it looks wor...This is one of those situations where it looks worse than it really is.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80423188785767224632011-02-22T08:14:14.131-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.955-05:00Interesting. I was able to create three blog sites...Interesting. I was able to create three blog sites using Weebly - including a wedding blog - and loved the simplicity of the experience and the variety of tools and features. I'll try out Webs on my free time.teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31795982210118800752011-02-22T09:58:51.657-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.485-05:00Thanks for sharing your resource list. It is alwa...Thanks for sharing your resource list. It is always nice to know what alternatives are out there.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32690796366773123802011-02-22T10:00:09.961-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.473-05:00I try not to depend on their dates. While they ar...I try not to depend on their dates. While they are always in a hurry to get my money, they are not so quick to return it.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19005605608606371102011-02-22T10:15:22.838-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.506-05:00This is an area I really neat to kick into gear. ...This is an area I really neat to kick into gear. Thanks for the suggestions.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44818195351944118812011-02-22T10:18:43.532-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.467-05:00LOL@Bailey's comment.<br>Truer words were neve...LOL@Bailey's comment.<br>Truer words were never spoken, my friend.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28170792369934277112011-02-22T10:18:52.218-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.495-05:00It's the IRS it is supposed to sound scary. T...It's the IRS it is supposed to sound scary. Thankfully we only had to do this once and our accountant did a great job. These question/answer formats are wonderful.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30431396893365357082011-02-22T15:43:22.173-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.478-05:00My very first website was on webs. Way, way back i...My very first website was on webs. Way, way back in the day...Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52016047887631392272011-02-23T09:50:15.289-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.462-05:00Fabulous post! I love the people that live in my c...Fabulous post! I love the people that live in my computer. ;)Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39549215350906585752011-02-23T11:17:54.211-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.457-05:00I am a firm believer in the amazing community aspe...I am a firm believer in the amazing community aspect you can foster through the 'net. <br><br>This is an awesome post. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49182933597565492762011-02-23T11:25:19.718-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.943-05:00I have found some great contacts professionally an...I have found some great contacts professionally and with my craft hobbies online. People can be very helpful.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8969137225279682912011-02-23T11:43:49.621-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.445-05:00I've met some great people online too. I can&#...I've met some great people online too. I can't imagine my life without them.Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55657994695779014892011-02-23T12:31:41.773-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.938-05:00Just jumped feet first into the world of blog, lov...Just jumped feet first into the world of blog, loving it. just not enough time in the day. thanks for post. await further tipsbaldychazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781208165930562253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81745202991244817802011-02-23T12:41:20.558-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.433-05:00I love my cyberspace friends!! I have met so many ...I love my cyberspace friends!! I have met so many people online over the past few years. The have helped me in any ways.Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18994640751410463922011-02-23T14:56:00.269-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.418-05:00Great points as always. One of the first calls I ...Great points as always. One of the first calls I made when I decided to WAH was to our tax guy to find out what to keep, etc. You are doing a great job laying out the do's and don'ts.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46471619994306811702011-02-23T17:34:22.301-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.426-05:00I am noticing this too! I find people I know every...I am noticing this too! I find people I know everywhere online now. It is great!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54675521548404304102011-02-24T09:27:25.911-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.411-05:00Congrats, Chrystal.Congrats, Chrystal.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-221396044654685312011-02-24T13:22:31.458-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.405-05:00That is so awesome! I hope it goes great for you!That is so awesome! I hope it goes great for you!Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87169786530478860852011-02-24T14:08:50.475-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.399-05:00Good for you. I hope this builds into something b...Good for you. I hope this builds into something big for you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80054513557982968092011-02-24T14:51:26.467-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.393-05:00Congrats to you!Congrats to you!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24519723540508109042011-02-24T14:55:46.311-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.386-05:00Hey, right on! Congrats!Hey, right on! Congrats!rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29689934840249403142011-02-25T08:53:03.974-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.334-05:00For the life of me, I cannot understand why someon...For the life of me, I cannot understand why someone would think they could get away with anything with the IRS. I mean, I am sure people do- but the risk is soooo not worth it.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46528145475417888702011-02-25T10:23:04.243-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.379-05:00Don't feed the trolls.<br><br>The drama does c...Don't feed the trolls.<br><br>The drama does come with the territory and sometimes I think we all engage. The problem is you have to be able to disengage. <br><br>You don't know or owe these people anything. If you got something out of letting off steam about the topic so be it. However, at the end you HAVE to be able to walk away and NOT let it matter. When it does matter, it is time to take a break from the Internet until it does not matter again.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29465592093840663202011-02-25T10:35:11.501-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.372-05:00I am so sorry you are going through this now. I ha...I am so sorry you are going through this now. I have learned to let the comments roll off easier than they used to, but it is still hard.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50346438837808281072011-02-25T10:42:01.245-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.366-05:00I hadn't seen the drama. I am trying to stick ...I hadn't seen the drama. I am trying to stick to one folder and one folder only there lately. Things have gone a bit off the deep end and I don't care to get sucked in any deeper than what occasionally blindsides me regardless. It is far too easy. I try to keep my blinders on to anything outside of the one folder I want to be in. <br><br>People can spend their precious time focusing on the drama while we're off focusing on making a living. The best revenge is success, Chrystal. Chin up, fingers to the keyboard. :)Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54420379637335806712011-02-25T11:02:42.927-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.360-05:00Sweetie, you did what you could. When that person ...Sweetie, you did what you could. When that person makes a big tax mistake- maybe they'll think back to you trying to help, and their reaction to it.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35717233221817097562011-02-25T16:16:55.309-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.352-05:00Oh these online bullies are so pathetic. They real...Oh these online bullies are so pathetic. They really must not have a life. I have seen some pretty disturbing things from people in a forum where I used to work. I even remember reading where one woman teased and poked fun about another woman's young daughter's death. Just so cruel. They need a life, they need a heart, they need all of us to completely ignore them. I wish we could "hide" posts on a lot of forums.WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23989090442187589652011-02-25T16:47:29.313-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.329-05:00It is really amazing to me how many people file fr...It is really amazing to me how many people file fraudulent returns. I worked in a tax office for almost 10 years and saw pepole do it everyday. I would be too scared to even try it-I would be the one to get caught.Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53467737723923712682011-02-25T16:50:08.647-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.347-05:00Al I can say is WOW! That is craziness. I try to s...Al I can say is WOW! That is craziness. I try to stay away from drama as much as possible. It amazes me how people act when they are online.Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21118650813073998782011-02-25T21:01:52.040-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.339-05:00I have seen a lot of crap. Even back in the mid 90...I have seen a lot of crap. Even back in the mid 90s when online forums were still fairly new, it was not as bad as it is now, but it was still there. <br><br>I have always been able to just walk away from it and laugh it off. I think it is silly.<br><br>But, I think when it comes to taxes and me trying to help someone, it just irked me. I tried to stay calm on the forum and just say what I needed to say, but this is my blog and I felt the need to vent! LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10749115896402297312011-02-25T21:03:07.998-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.322-05:00I saw people in tax offices do it too. It would bo...I saw people in tax offices do it too. It would bother me a lot. I should have said something, but I was younger than and honestly, I guess I really did not care. If they got in trouble that was all on them!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21394762128388363112011-02-26T15:05:17.916-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.316-05:00It may not be yours, but the list is helpful. Peo...It may not be yours, but the list is helpful. People often use words, but they don't always mean the same thing to all users. It helps to have a central vocabulary.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60597196201653236842011-02-27T15:35:53.197-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.929-05:00I am not ready for that kind of formal commitment....I am not ready for that kind of formal commitment. However, I will say our daily postings have made me more accountable. I am actually thinking about another blog.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14868385737137790202011-02-27T15:45:40.158-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.294-05:00Good for you Bailey!! It sounds like to me you hav...Good for you Bailey!! It sounds like to me you have made your own personal commitments and goals! Right now, I need all the kicks in the butt I can get. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40534276395840123402011-02-28T10:15:19.112-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.311-05:00Great idea! There are so many people that have no ...Great idea! There are so many people that have no clue about taxes. I did taxes for 10 years and there are so many things to remember, not to mention the annual changes in the tax laws.Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25727441985876596012011-02-28T10:55:53.399-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.290-05:00Great explanation.Great explanation.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52695563877120436842011-03-01T12:14:04.712-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.286-05:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72200947095610513062011-03-01T12:15:06.963-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.304-05:00Baily I am going to work on that post! <br><br>Mia...Baily I am going to work on that post! <br><br>Mia, thank you. There is a lot to remember and thankfully I get emailed updates or I would be lost!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51241844964993163002011-03-01T16:44:16.269-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.275-05:00I was just reading about this- this morning, in fa...I was just reading about this- this morning, in fact. LOL <br><br><br>I was also sort of flailing widely because I got the announcement from WPLH that you'd posted this, but it wasn't on my Facebook feed. Rather than simply go to my email, click the link, I immediately went to my wall, wailing, "WHERE IS IT?!" LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47755910888319036532011-03-01T16:51:38.427-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.269-05:00A question and answer guide to taxes for the avera...A question and answer guide to taxes for the average taxpayer. That is what comes to mind when I think of your tax blog. I love the format. I think it would be a great thing for high school and college kids to read.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63655877877613041302011-03-01T16:57:29.828-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.922-05:00Tori - my facebook and twitter post once it goes t...Tori - my facebook and twitter post once it goes through Networked Blogs, then I ended up posting it again with the hashtags :) It should show soon. <br><br><br>Bailey - I finally got the name of the person who writes for the local Herald newspaper for my small town. I am going to see if I can get a post in the paper about the website. I have also posted it various groups on my college, mostly my accounting peers. They are pretty good about sharing stuff. Hopefully that will get me a little bit of traffic while I build up my site content.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9689063173630289122011-03-01T18:24:50.508-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.258-05:00Eww..forgot about the elevator pitch. I hate those...Eww..forgot about the elevator pitch. I hate those. Especially in the beginning when you are not quite sure where the wind is going to take to you and your new blog. :)<br><br>Best of luck with those pub opps! They sound great.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79744175776872835802011-03-01T21:21:12.381-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.914-05:00Chrystal, I'm glad you found our group. We'...Chrystal, I'm glad you found our group. We're here to support you and help you through, especially when the going gets tough. Lean on us. That's why we're here. :)<br><br>LisLisbeth Tanzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04467397795696146009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41606009169715818172011-03-02T00:58:30.678-05:002011-11-11T19:31:40.342-05:00Hi Chrystal, just a heads up: I'll be linking ...Hi Chrystal, just a heads up: I'll be linking back to this post on my upcoming entry. Thanks for sharing.teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83665584307214503372011-03-02T07:42:15.455-05:002011-11-11T19:31:40.337-05:00Thank you, and you are welcomeThank you, and you are welcomeChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61205072777697754392011-03-03T10:05:25.159-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.251-05:00Thanks Angie. I am still not sure of the SEW, so I...Thanks Angie. I am still not sure of the SEW, so I just leave it what it is. I actually used Bailey's (Thank you!) for Tax Queen and put it in the header this AM.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82849392933627147782011-03-03T19:44:00.768-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.245-05:00I'm sure many people have not thought of this....I'm sure many people have not thought of this. I know I wouldn't have. Thanks!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/03/easy-ways-to-make-your-home-more-eco-friendly.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38817447986872793022011-03-04T12:52:24.218-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.210-05:00You have to know what your going to use and willin...You have to know what your going to use and willing to work at developing. It is all fine and dandy to promise ourselves we will grow and adapt to the new and improved, but if we know we need plug and play, we need to buy it. If we are more in tune with designing then by all means go for it.<br><br>There is room for both in this world. You have demonstrated that clearly.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3702488085821850122011-03-04T12:53:45.321-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.907-05:00I should have said or use the free version. My po...I should have said or use the free version. My point was that the more complicated versions are not best if you are not going to be able to make them functional.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78023412358979596482011-03-04T13:23:48.105-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.199-05:00Lots of great information for the website newbie!!...Lots of great information for the website newbie!!Mia@Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5653922036054091982011-03-04T13:26:59.816-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.232-05:00It is amazing how many times, as tax preparer, I ...It is amazing how many times, as tax preparer, I was asked if winnings were taxable income. Many people will appreciate your info on this one!mia@freebies and cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48198721064273563422011-03-04T13:37:18.228-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.238-05:00Great post, as usual. I love the tax advice!Great post, as usual. I love the tax advice!Mia @ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18034211816879795342011-03-04T13:56:52.233-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.194-05:00This is where I have found my networking skills pa...This is where I have found my networking skills paid off big time. When I got all excited about finally organizing what I'd been doing all along- I chirped excitedly to a friend.<br>I'd referred that person to some work in the past, and, well, next thing I knew, he was offering to build my site for me, host it and everything in between. <br><br>I am of the personal opinion that when you do decide to really GO for it with a business, you're going to have to spend a little money. However, if you network well and you do your research, it doesn't have to be *that* much. :Drebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65614966385504386882011-03-04T16:47:23.353-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.227-05:00Great info, Chrystal. I think this is one of those...Great info, Chrystal. I think this is one of those areas that people tend to *forget*.Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8093320389654713092011-03-04T18:43:08.901-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.188-05:00I have no doubt that someday I will got back to us...I have no doubt that someday I will got back to using WordPress on self hosting. I just want to build more before I do. Blogger is easiest for me because I have been using it for so long. <br><br>I also know people ask for other options. I figured I would look at some of the other places the girls on WPLH were using for their basic websites. Squarespace seems to be pretty popular and I have not really checked that one out.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14611122042427978852011-03-04T21:46:34.859-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.182-05:00When I set up my blog, I figured WordPress would b...When I set up my blog, I figured WordPress would be simple, because I'd used it to blog for clients.<br><br>Needless to say, there was a much higher learning curve than I anticipated. WordPress is an excellent platform, but it's not as easy as folks make it out to be.Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71463403847910480122011-03-04T21:53:38.841-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.219-05:00Good info! So when people have a large lottery win...Good info! So when people have a large lottery win, they pay at the end of the year? Or does the government take their share before the payout is made? <br><br>(How nice it would be to have to pay millions to get your millions, yes?) ;-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65069705429576523552011-03-05T11:29:15.682-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.173-05:00It's not easy. I had a free WP, hosted through...It's not easy. I had a free WP, hosted through WP. I had the general idea of how things worked and I had a lot of help from Tori and Angie up there!<br><br>It was so frustrating, but I got it. And I learned from it. My problem was I was not making enough money off of them at that point to pay for my habit. So, I switched back. <br><br>When I am ready to make the move, I will be more prepared this time.<br><br>In the process I found some other alternatives that others might like.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27005209705447382772011-03-05T12:23:18.891-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.168-05:00Sounds like it has potential for people who need s...Sounds like it has potential for people who need something that comes packaged and inexpensive.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11658313570282787132011-03-05T13:27:13.687-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.900-05:00I wanted to redo the ebook site I had. I thought a...I wanted to redo the ebook site I had. I thought about putting it there because you can add the function to sell. I think a free account is 5 items in the store. Which is a good place to start. But then I figured I could do that just as easily here at Blogger with a paypal button. :)<br><br>This is something I will dive into more after June , I will graduate then and have more time.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58092341926553795132011-03-05T14:48:07.739-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.155-05:00I have a couple ebooks on the cooking blog and I j...I have a couple ebooks on the cooking blog and I just use a paypal button but then I can't do instant download so I was thinking of something else.Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/05/growing-spouts-and-microgreens-at-home-part-1-how-to-grow-sprouts.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23953333456811555942011-03-05T14:55:42.175-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.141-05:00Oh my goodness. I better start keeping my tickets...Oh my goodness. I better start keeping my tickets, I never win. I wonder how many people actually deduct their losses? I never have, I didn't realize that I could. You always have such good information.Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/05/growing-spouts-and-microgreens-at-home-part-1-how-to-grow-sprouts.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25350183588078958912011-03-05T15:04:22.692-05:002011-11-11T19:31:40.329-05:00This might be something to ask Andie (beechrose) a...This might be something to ask Andie (beechrose) about. She does Goal Lancer. I know you click on her site, then it takes you to the paypal. Pretty sure your download right there. She emailed me mine because I was testing it for her.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57211170054146932612011-03-06T11:01:49.031-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.136-05:00Like! :DLike! :Drebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31762542245354658682011-03-06T12:37:25.766-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.131-05:00Great job. You are finding great ways to expand y...Great job. You are finding great ways to expand your blogging jobs.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29944109937968582192011-03-06T16:00:39.224-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.125-05:00Thank you!! They are really fun to write and there...Thank you!! They are really fun to write and there are writers from all over the world writing there. I figure, why not get paid for something I already do? Play apps. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11864326520429499942011-03-06T16:39:29.773-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.109-05:00How cool! Congrats!How cool! Congrats!Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89052367561061652152011-03-07T09:15:20.140-05:002011-11-11T19:31:40.321-05:00Dylan Thomas said he would not go gently into that...Dylan Thomas said he would not go gently into that good night. I just can't go there, yet.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24778428319351956602011-03-07T10:25:43.474-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.098-05:00Okiedoke. Today, today I do it.<br>You've got ...Okiedoke. Today, today I do it.<br>You've got me convinced, Chrystal.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29043876623850908752011-03-07T12:53:15.695-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.092-05:00I just can't get into the video thing. No yet ...I just can't get into the video thing. No yet anyway, maybe someday.Mia@Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87166472241588767112011-03-07T14:22:41.574-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.087-05:00It's not only writers using video...many of my...It's not only writers using video...many of my clients are adding video in addition to Facebook, Twitter, etc. to build their brands and market products/services.<br><br>More opps to write! (And help with social media campaigns.) ;-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43997094240658139772011-03-07T16:44:09.766-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.081-05:00I have tried a few separate time to actually get a...I have tried a few separate time to actually get a daily vlog going. I just don't feel like that alone I am funny or entertaining enough to keep people coming back. I do have an idea that Big M and I have been toying with. He also tried to do a vlog diary type thing with his band a few years ago. We both still have our accounts. I just think its fun.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68095830279809383732011-03-07T20:05:34.331-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.075-05:00Oh I could NEVER get on "TV". I'm n...Oh I could NEVER get on "TV". I'm not shy by any means but I'm certainly not photogenic. Blech!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/07/benefits-of-growing-strawberries.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91415726089537779852011-03-09T09:40:49.122-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.043-05:00I keep telling my husband the upside is they will ...I keep telling my husband the upside is they will not be headed to college. We miss those expenses.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14745524604172902492011-03-09T10:15:27.315-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.070-05:00Great advice. Work smarter, not harder.Great advice. Work smarter, not harder.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68654782348198848222011-03-09T10:24:39.230-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.065-05:00I so need to get my time planned out better. I kno...I so need to get my time planned out better. I know I could do better if I planned better. RIght now, I just do things whenever. NOT the best way to do it! Thanks for the info.Mia@ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48556468967492974662011-03-09T11:42:40.548-05:002011-11-11T19:31:40.314-05:00I find doing what I do not want to do first means ...I find doing what I do not want to do first means less stalling and I get more done. This morning I put in an application which I was nervous about doing, then went with the chores I did not want to do, an article I should write, and down the list. If I had put the application further down the list it would be there on tomorrow's to do.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13206574145760613962011-03-09T13:21:48.695-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.038-05:00Aw, shucks! :) Unfortunately, I'm not willing ...Aw, shucks! :) Unfortunately, I'm not willing to take on those other expenses/responsibilities for the tax break. lolAngiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50738312602902557012011-03-09T16:26:57.016-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.032-05:00Me either Angie! Bailey, sometimes I wish mine wer...Me either Angie! Bailey, sometimes I wish mine were heading off to college. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45749269172982915112011-03-09T16:27:54.477-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.054-05:00I am the worst about procrastination, that is why ...I am the worst about procrastination, that is why I have to do my school work first thing before I start any writing projects. Otherwise, I get lost in writing and never get my homework done!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65224476059728876602011-03-09T22:28:04.457-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.048-05:00Time management is an issue I continue to struggle...Time management is an issue I continue to struggle with although I've gotten much better with it.Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553921975493267048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16197760650472263212011-03-10T12:00:11.954-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.025-05:00Boy, do I ever know that one! <br>Also, use a CPA ...Boy, do I ever know that one! <br>Also, use a CPA or no- the more organized you are the less headache come tax time. More headache for your CPA usually means more expense- sooooo, keep it neat and tidy. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76572042000089311732011-03-10T15:29:43.867-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.019-05:00Great advice! I am getting better at keeping track...Great advice! I am getting better at keeping track.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11208644855013409422011-03-10T21:02:48.837-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.011-05:00I'm bad at keeping track of any of that so DH ...I'm bad at keeping track of any of that so DH does it all. LOLDaisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54075756587998065972011-03-11T09:00:05.470-05:002011-11-11T19:27:53.004-05:00Great advice for those looking to start a niche si...Great advice for those looking to start a niche site.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11757872817453977512011-03-11T10:04:56.504-05:002011-12-28T16:17:38.892-05:00Your audience has to have money to spend, too. Th...Your audience has to have money to spend, too. That was what I learned after launching my education blog. My crafters spend more money.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70222734520317487092011-03-11T12:26:19.282-05:002011-11-11T19:27:52.976-05:00Thanks for the breakdown. I'm glad I take my b...Thanks for the breakdown. I'm glad I take my business things to someone else. Far too confusing for me.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57660223793083027082011-03-11T13:04:20.181-05:002011-11-11T19:27:52.992-05:00Great information! Thanks for posting it for the r...Great information! Thanks for posting it for the rest of us.Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66935746767626064332011-03-11T13:55:02.864-05:002011-11-11T19:27:52.984-05:00Great advice! I blog and I freelance write but I f...Great advice! I blog and I freelance write but I freelance for other people and I blog for me. My blogs don't really have a niche yet. I just write what I want right now. This is great advice to listen to when I start to get serious about making money with my blogs! Thank you!Clarissahttp://cwilson26-ramblingthoughts.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75396633441994364052011-03-12T07:39:52.449-05:002011-11-11T19:27:52.971-05:00I often forget to take a break. I'm really bad...I often forget to take a break. I'm really bad about it. I'm going to check out Break Pad to see if it helps. This is the first I've heard about it.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18609885394892656892011-03-12T10:39:30.874-05:002011-11-11T19:27:52.945-05:00As one of eight kids, I can testify it was not eas...As one of eight kids, I can testify it was not easy before the Millenium. Great tax tips.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76100956788241909942011-03-12T15:40:38.553-05:002011-11-11T19:31:40.306-05:00Thanks for this! I am really bad about taking brea...Thanks for this! I am really bad about taking breaks too because I feel guilty when I do. I am definitely going to try this Break Pal Out. :)C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16785711435581986912011-03-13T07:46:15.008-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.940-05:00It also helps a great deal if you can find their s...It also helps a great deal if you can find their submission guidelines and sort of tailor your pitch to at least somewhat adhere. :) Many sites and magazines look for a particular tone and if you can capture that, use it from the word go- it helps.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74722224232556235202011-03-13T08:02:40.358-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.935-05:00Good idea Tori! Since the crackdown I have a feeli...Good idea Tori! Since the crackdown I have a feeling more of us are going to go that direction. To magazines and such.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13834108750381421842011-03-13T08:08:34.269-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.928-05:00Well, also- I started following one of the markete...Well, also- I started following one of the marketers that was involved in that thread yesterday. If you haven't read that thread over at the Warrior Forum, you really should. One, it does help you to get an idea of what the marketers want. That helps with other clients, as well. So many writers I know get angry about not getting clear instructions, I always wonder: why not come up with a list of questions? Why not ask a bit more, go that extra mile? So- when you see a thread like this, it's smart to look. <br>Two, you'll feel much better. Just trust me. When you're awash in a sea of cheeseballs (Aren't we all) seeing something like that is really very heartening. <br><br>Where was I going with that? Oh yeah! One of them posted a decent sort of blog.<br><br>http://www.sitepronews.com/2011/03/11/14-tips-to-improve-your-article-writing-and-article-marketing/<br><br>Granted, now, it's that usual only-a-taste advice so common in blogs, but it goes along with your topic rather well.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86629655311616629982011-03-13T08:24:08.113-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.923-05:00I started to read through that last night. I alway...I started to read through that last night. I always forget about that forum. I should spend a little more time reading it. I have that thread bookmarked, if I had some time today I was going to check it out. Sundays tend to get a little crazy around here.<br><br><br>I have a TON of leads for getting published in books, mags, and so on. I should start sharing those here, someone might get some use out of them. I can't seem to gather enough courage to apply myself in these departments.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54713884355461763622011-03-13T08:30:37.341-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.917-05:00I love the yearly Writer's Market book because...I love the yearly Writer's Market book because of the submission guidelines included, as well as who published what. That's a bit timesaver.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28490176903787517362011-03-13T09:48:09.994-04:002011-12-28T16:17:38.884-05:00Nicole, I have those, the magazine and the website...Nicole, I have those, the magazine and the website. Problem is, I can't find the confidence to apply to those types of publications. I finally got a subscription to Poets & Writers magazine. I love it. I am more confident about my poetry. I am not the best creative writer. I know I have a self-help type book I could write, and then a novel in the works. I think I could write for certain magazines. I guess I need to suck it up or I am never going to move forward.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6744034047290385082011-03-13T11:39:14.283-04:002011-12-28T16:17:38.880-05:00The organization tips you listed as well as unders...The organization tips you listed as well as understanding the guidelines suggested here are both critical to getting someone to even read it.<br><br>There are going to be lots of people looking for these markets. Getting it right will be critical to getting the slots.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86204649926205285882011-03-14T00:11:49.039-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.902-05:00Love this! I want to get into a magazine so bad bu...Love this! I want to get into a magazine so bad but I am afraid to even try again. I tried twice to get into Sasee magazine and never heard back. I would love to try again if I can get enough courage to. I am also going to start writing fiction again. I want to expand my writing, get private clients and get out of the content mills. :)C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6542114955204607652011-03-14T01:26:26.512-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.960-05:00I will have to check out Break Pal! I love exercis...I will have to check out Break Pal! I love exercising. I hate talking myself into it...but love the feeling I have when I am done!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22173313469034624022011-03-14T10:04:59.307-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.952-05:00I love Break Pal. Just an FYI, the link is an affi...I love Break Pal. Just an FYI, the link is an affiliate link, but only links you as my friend. I don't get any money or compensation from them. I just really like the program and I know their are many who could benefit from it. <br><br>The stretching is awesome. And there is a punching one that I really like. <br><br>Some days it is easier for me to do a few minutes here and there instead of all at once. Something is better than nothing and every little bit helps.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13949719013894648282011-03-14T10:26:43.388-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.896-05:00I always come back to the motto "is it workin...I always come back to the motto "is it working for you?" I worked in payables and receivable for several years and was very atypical of the people I worked with for the most part. My desk was not neat as a pin. However, my accounts were paid to date as long as the company had the money to pay.<br><br>I worked for one woman who used to have me take the staples out and restaple invoices because she felt that it hindered the filing system. Her office was immaculate and she could find any paper in minutes. When I took over I found we were 90-120 days late with most of our vendors and not because we lacked cash. The bosses thought she was a wonder of orginization. When I explained to them our credit stunk and we were having complaints from purchasing that we were getting shut off they seemed very confused. Doesn't organization lead to success?<br><br>My desk was not always Martha Stewart, but the bills got paid or billed when I worked in receivables.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1608847809494316472011-03-14T10:29:07.466-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.886-05:00I save blog drafts that I don't have time to w...I save blog drafts that I don't have time to write, but are there when I need something for later.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42398652390894180352011-03-14T12:59:03.244-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.890-05:00The world was going paperless back in the late 80s...The world was going paperless back in the late 80s...hmm...<br><br>I love your humor, Chrystal. Thanks for the smiles this morning! :-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90707879671205892312011-03-14T13:01:21.461-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.881-05:00I do the same thing, Bailey. Inspiration comes in ...I do the same thing, Bailey. Inspiration comes in a flash, and if I don't get it down, it blows away as quickly as it came.Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38686780636528877362011-03-14T17:23:30.608-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.877-05:00Writer's block sometimes plaques me for days a...Writer's block sometimes plaques me for days at a time. I find that changing where I write often helps to get me out of the funk and back to churning out the words.Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90019759089778498422011-03-14T21:29:28.240-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.870-05:00I hate writers block! I have trouble with it a lot...I hate writers block! I have trouble with it a lot but not lately, thank goodness! These are great tips. I find going for a walk and changing my surrounding helps a lot. Thanks for the tip on the websites. I am going to head over there and bookmark them for later.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25330299056610325522011-03-15T10:56:04.656-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.860-05:00And a stack of dishes that would make your Momma c...And a stack of dishes that would make your Momma cry!rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65100784027299774022011-03-15T11:00:28.567-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.864-05:00It's a great program, but I don't have the...It's a great program, but I don't have the ability to use so I will pass.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69714743578091737762011-03-15T11:01:35.867-04:002011-12-28T16:17:38.873-05:00You mean I am supposed to be writing. :)You mean I am supposed to be writing. :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48918451784598850632011-03-15T17:33:54.566-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.850-05:00Today my priority is cooking..but, it should be wr...Today my priority is cooking..but, it should be writing. ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61712981677299585982011-03-16T10:28:41.574-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.790-05:00Last year, I owed state taxes, but not federal. o....Last year, I owed state taxes, but not federal. o.O <br>Still, 35 bucks didn't kick me in the butt. LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30853064811281133392011-03-16T10:59:09.093-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.823-05:00The world keeps expanding the options.The world keeps expanding the options.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74701647392693714782011-03-16T11:00:00.626-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.838-05:00This sounds like a fun gig.This sounds like a fun gig.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62241701989882018002011-03-16T11:03:00.415-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.802-05:00Papers are with the tax man to prepare.Papers are with the tax man to prepare.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60850057984055139572011-03-16T11:04:51.317-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.785-05:00We should be OK this year. However, the changes a...We should be OK this year. However, the changes are going to create some need for research for next year.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39662421421697430882011-03-16T12:40:55.251-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.818-05:00Thanks for info - how do you think this program fa...Thanks for info - how do you think this program fares for B2B networking?Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69026477505368826992011-03-16T12:49:15.172-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.828-05:00One of my daughters has an iPhone and LOVES it. I ...One of my daughters has an iPhone and LOVES it. I don't know what kinds of apps she has, but I know her phone is very cool.<br><br>I'm with Bailey - you have a super gig, Chrystal. Congrats and have fun!Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17602340944161375672011-03-16T12:53:00.511-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.796-05:00Working on it...but will be ready once April 15 ge...Working on it...but will be ready once April 15 gets here! :-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72038884205227377582011-03-16T12:55:29.267-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.779-05:00As someone who's owed taxes (and will owe agai...As someone who's owed taxes (and will owe again), I can say that if you can't pay it all at once, the IRS will work with you. My experiences have been positive. :-) If you don't stick with the plan, however, the IRS will definitely bite ya. I've known folks who evaded paying taxes...and it was not pretty.Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91255594681159631442011-03-16T15:49:44.548-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.813-05:00Never head of this one! I will have to check it ou...Never head of this one! I will have to check it out. Thanks!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66311306822474596592011-03-16T16:10:19.442-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.843-05:00Titling is my priority and I have a stack of laund...Titling is my priority and I have a stack of laundry to prove it, lol. :)C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19158245270548884802011-03-16T16:12:35.822-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.772-05:00UGH! What a nightmare. You would think that after ...UGH! What a nightmare. You would think that after being a tax preparer for almost 10 years, I would have known better. I owed over $10,000 for 2 consecutive years-over $20,000. Yep, they started garnishing my husband's wages and we had to go take out a loan. I was no longer in the partnership that I had been in. My so-called "partner" was keeping money from me, so I lost my $1000 profit a week business. We are still paying the loans. Not something I want to ever do again.Mia@ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22100892133102435222011-03-17T01:14:13.751-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.299-05:00Thanks for the info about this. I will definitely ...Thanks for the info about this. I will definitely be checking this out right now!C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46005130764755916872011-03-17T09:36:48.029-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.291-05:00I think one of the drawbacks is the payout amount....I think one of the drawbacks is the payout amount. It can take a while to produce the revenues required to get paid. That means if you have made a commitment you are less likely to leave because you do not wish to loose the money you have made.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74739442369588828692011-03-17T09:46:20.313-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.760-05:00One other benefit I have found is some of my blogs...One other benefit I have found is some of my blogs don't qualify for some advertisers' affiliate programs. (Too little traffic, too new, etc.) But, if I mention that advertiser in a post and they use AdWords campaigns, their ad will show up and I can still earn from a click. It's a crazy roundabout way to still earn a bit if you don't qualify for their affiliate programs, but it works sometimes. ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80776909016031717442011-03-17T11:36:54.598-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.755-05:00I know little about Adsense. What I wonder is how ...I know little about Adsense. What I wonder is how many people, like me, use the blocker so we don't see ads? Since bloggers still earn with Adsense, I'd think blockers are not the norm.<br><br>The high payout does seem to be a deterrent, and I've never considered that a competitor could bring your entire business down with click fraud. Seems like Google needs to combat that, whether click fraud happens internally or externally.<br><br>Thoughtful piece. I like how you plug doing your research...well written content will always rise to the top.Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17349037927051851672011-03-17T22:00:48.275-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.750-05:00I've worked with Adsense awhile, I really like...I've worked with Adsense awhile, I really like it especially now that it seems it's picking up. Never thought about the impact of blockers.Tomica Bonnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15364466475032725408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26516590409374968262011-03-18T02:18:19.139-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.746-05:00Great tips! I have adsense, but still have huge mi...Great tips! I have adsense, but still have huge mixed feelings on it.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48060744758227033602011-03-18T12:14:42.196-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.722-05:00I will never understand people getting irate with ...I will never understand people getting irate with the IRS that way. Actually, I get it, I'm just not keen on horking off someone who can seriously mess with my money. <br>You gotta figure, you make the guy who makes your food mad- you might get spit in your chow. What happens if you upset the IRS? XP (I kid...sort of.)...at the very least, it just won't do any good.TS Mizehttp://www.elementcontent.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14891008625599951742011-03-18T12:47:41.983-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.734-05:00Great tips.Great tips.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55591143786098729052011-03-18T13:36:13.747-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.739-05:00For a while I quit using Adsense because of what o...For a while I quit using Adsense because of what others were saying about the down side to it. I started using it again and we will see how it goes.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38664930528081076132011-03-18T13:58:41.525-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.727-05:00Chrystal...you need to publicize this post in the ...Chrystal...you need to publicize this post in the writing folder of our fav place. With the recent Google changes, lots of writers are looking for new avenues, but haven't a clue how and where to start. You rock, girl! :-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51065309038564681722011-03-18T14:01:56.693-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.715-05:00Thing is, if we don't pay taxes...how will our...Thing is, if we don't pay taxes...how will our government run? Who's gonna support our country's finances? I think many Americans don't get that we're paying for US. ;-) I don't mind paying taxes - am proud to do so.<br><br>But thanks for reminding me that the deadline is quickly approaching!Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42156518534156111502011-03-19T11:58:14.293-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.704-05:00I use LinkedIn ads alongside Google's ad. I tr...I use LinkedIn ads alongside Google's ad. I try to keep ads at a minimum, but I'm tempted to switch out Google's ads as those don't generate clicks. :)Calissa Leighhttp://www.calissaleigh.com/writenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89550836086422728142011-03-19T14:14:27.575-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.697-05:00I am waiting to hit payout on Google. However, I ...I am waiting to hit payout on Google. However, I am looking for some alternatives. Thanks for the list.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78072403798923394522011-03-19T14:16:57.367-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.709-05:00The free resources are a great starting point.The free resources are a great starting point.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7118143232226886352011-03-20T17:56:22.109-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.693-05:00Interesting! I don't do this of course, but ca...Interesting! I don't do this of course, but can't help but be worried someone would click too much on my ads and get me in trouble somehow.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8853198482248147512011-03-20T19:08:34.453-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.284-05:00I made $0.40 cents in Adsense yesterday from 26 cl...I made $0.40 cents in Adsense yesterday from 26 clicks and it scared me to have that many clicks. This is why I quit using Adsense months ago because I was afraid someone would click on my ads too much and get me in trouble. I reluctantly decided to try it again and so far so good but it still scares me a little.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5519323269254265542011-03-20T20:32:06.963-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.280-05:00There are also reports of competitors that target ...There are also reports of competitors that target each other with "click wars" to attempt to get the other banned.<br><br>I am still looking for better opportunities. Google's ads are not always as targeted as one would hope to actually encourage people to click. Therefore the advertiser gets free space the owner of the space gains little.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53904727478265740302011-03-21T09:14:09.154-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.673-05:00I'm going to link to this in my next blog post...I'm going to link to this in my next blog post- hope you don't mind. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72468900484078390182011-03-21T09:52:35.823-04:002011-12-28T16:17:38.865-05:00Not at all! :)Not at all! :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1201907351546533162011-03-21T10:06:28.548-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.663-05:00Great explanation.Great explanation.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36132674377677891342011-03-21T22:10:32.232-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.658-05:00Thanks!Thanks!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/21/recycled-craft-supplies.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11468322018367059172011-03-22T11:45:12.062-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.648-05:00Oh lordy. tell me about it. LOLOh lordy. tell me about it. LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38191388452120124352011-03-22T12:03:15.704-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.643-05:00I found it just as easy to get distracted in tradi...I found it just as easy to get distracted in traditional environments. There are always things that get in the way. (Even when you aren't working in your PJ's) :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42291871559550237562011-03-22T12:05:05.908-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.632-05:00When I worked in an office, I think my co-workers ...When I worked in an office, I think my co-workers were more of a distraction than anything I have going on here at home!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78754977664806273382011-03-22T12:05:05.909-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.637-05:00How to make sure you actually work? Hm, have bill...How to make sure you actually work? Hm, have bills to pay, that's always a good motivation :-)Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23884949649300906622011-03-22T12:06:17.029-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.619-05:00I like the addition of a forum.I like the addition of a forum.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65613401870457403372011-03-22T12:40:51.792-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.625-05:00I can manage to categorize almost anything these d...I can manage to categorize almost anything these days as work of some kind...even if it is not. That IM'ing is networking. lolAngiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49611397025877900452011-03-23T00:37:31.281-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.653-05:00This is a great one!This is a great one!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11819213292210549892011-03-23T13:16:41.493-04:002011-12-28T16:17:38.857-05:00I would say evaluate what you want to do and focus...I would say evaluate what you want to do and focus on creating content for those blogs. I am not sure combining makes for any less work if you want to actually reach all the niche markets you have created.<br><br>I think you have made a good start with your tax site, but you may want to decide what your goal is for the site and then work from towards that goal. From there you can work on the money aspects more clearly.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10227605093303718512011-03-23T13:17:27.601-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.575-05:00It is great to have a fun writing job that earns.It is great to have a fun writing job that earns.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48660762730620922562011-03-23T13:59:43.516-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.592-05:00I have no idea how you keep up. I can't keep u...I have no idea how you keep up. I can't keep up with more than one blog. I love the tax one so please don't give it up, but you could combine it.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5606606649343550932011-03-23T14:24:45.985-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.587-05:00Chrystal, sounds like you may be realizing you are...Chrystal, sounds like you may be realizing you are spread a bit too thin. All my online writing pals, from a certain forum, you gals/guys are what motivated me to start my own site, realize I am a business owner and not just a freelancer, etc. I am always humbled and blown away by how much y'all accomplish. But, just reading your list I got tired :-)<br><br>The first thoughts that come to me are A) What is it that you enjoy most about starting a new blog? Is it the design, the technical set, the idea of the niche itself, etc.? <br><br>B) I think the perhaps the Erotic Confessions and These Words, My Life, might be something that you can pull together for your own book?Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47039897301865996382011-03-23T15:40:40.388-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.564-05:00Well who the heck knew?! lolWell who the heck knew?! lolAngiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79208336515812071662011-03-23T16:20:12.177-04:002011-12-28T16:17:38.850-05:00It is time for my niece to change her instrument. ...It is time for my niece to change her instrument. Her dental bills are going to be high. :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80836790053977680242011-03-23T17:57:51.463-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.554-05:00I wish I would have known about the quit smoking s...I wish I would have known about the quit smoking stuff a couple years ago. We used Chantex to quit and even with insurance, the co-pay was high.Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69692684361228815412011-03-23T20:16:03.575-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.580-05:00I don't have any ideas about scheduling but I ...I don't have any ideas about scheduling but I do enjoy all of your blogs so keep up the good work and find what's best for you and your market! No matter what direction you decide to go, I'll happily read!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/23/seed-tape-make-your-own.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76785620859871135032011-03-23T20:21:32.434-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.568-05:00How cool is that!How cool is that!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/23/seed-tape-make-your-own.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15295505650862318112011-03-24T11:01:46.689-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.614-05:00That was a bonus for me. With a free Weebly the fo...That was a bonus for me. With a free Weebly the forum is limited, but there are 3 folders and I am pretty sure if I remember correctly it will save posts for quite a while. I thought if I ever had a book published that Weebly would make a great website for my personal webpage.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91673436010705968932011-03-24T12:23:25.052-04:002011-11-11T19:27:53.925-05:00When blogging just came about, I started with blog...When blogging just came about, I started with blogger then I switched to typepad, then to tumblr then to wordpress because everyone was talking about wordpress this and wordpress that. Then I switch to self hosting because everyone else said it was the best way. In the end I didn't accomplished anything one bit. I was too focused on what other so called experts said and less on creating great content for readers. So I'm back with blogger and I'm starting a fresh.<br>Great article, Chrystal and I have made reference to this article in my post.Cleonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18164329205761107100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64010518910585429542011-03-24T13:19:28.767-04:002011-11-11T19:27:53.918-05:00You jumped around like I did. I started with Yahoo...You jumped around like I did. I started with Yahoo360, to Myspace, to Blogger. I still have that MySpace, but now I just use it to share links on. Myspace turned in to Facebook, which has proved to be pretty valuable. I do have a Tumblr, but again, all I do is share links on it. I never tried TypePad. <br><br>Self hosting may have been better if I was someone who already had 1000s of followers and millions of pages views. Someone who pulls $1000 a month or more off their residuals. For the small time folk like me, this is a better option.<br><br>Did you save your WP files? There is a way to import them into Blogger.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90759262205691609762011-03-24T14:00:55.004-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.549-05:00I never work without a contract, but I also make u...I never work without a contract, but I also make use of invoicing. Deposits are a good thing, too. People need to not be afraid of things that protect them!rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82284133262412555562011-03-24T14:37:57.317-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.544-05:00I'm still using QuickBooks and have been since...I'm still using QuickBooks and have been since Day One. The invoicing is there. The online version will pull in your bank and PayPal accounts. More than anything, I'm familiar with it and haven't found a good alternative.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40107962096205870172011-03-24T14:57:39.622-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.540-05:00Great suggestions. It is one of the challenges of...Great suggestions. It is one of the challenges of this market.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50331198112997567032011-03-24T21:37:09.851-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.533-05:00Thanks for this! It is always so hard to know for ...Thanks for this! It is always so hard to know for sure.WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35462162629542025822011-03-25T09:37:56.857-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.528-05:00I love my To Do Lists. I just need to work on that...I love my To Do Lists. I just need to work on that ongoing time management problem... :)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67661442422017769812011-03-25T10:09:53.170-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.523-05:00Organizing and prioritizing are my issues in getti...Organizing and prioritizing are my issues in getting things done. It is so easy to put things off.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85961581860660910762011-03-25T14:02:33.289-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.271-05:00I make a list for my list. I have a problem. I thi...I make a list for my list. I have a problem. I think I am addicted to lists. LOL. Not really. But it seems for every item I cross off, I add 3 more!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57297490616136091952011-03-26T07:04:12.661-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.508-05:00I had no idea you were a Vonnegut fan! (And of cou...I had no idea you were a Vonnegut fan! (And of course, I'm checking that out, now. LOL) <br>Isn't it neat when someone takes the time to really connect with you in that way? I mean, it's such a simple thing- but it just made your day. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51352965237927928842011-03-26T09:00:04.212-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.503-05:00hahah there are just some things yet to be learned...hahah there are just some things yet to be learned about me! LOL. I hope you like that post, not to mention the blog is just great! I got a reply to my reply this morning. Seems like a really nice guy. Enjoy the blog Tori!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12533750877864020162011-03-26T09:56:45.888-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.498-05:00There are still people that value personal connect...There are still people that value personal connections in this world. It seems you stumbled upon one in your journey.<br><br>The power of thank you is never to be underestimated.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9083517332202940292011-03-26T12:21:09.576-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.258-05:00I think you have that effect on people Chrystal! ...I think you have that effect on people Chrystal! You're energy is more inviting than you think. You are helpful and humble and that shows in everything you do :-)Stacey Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12817323384308051440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24550529043470012432011-03-26T19:52:00.404-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.487-05:00Bailey, when you feel like a little fish in a big ...Bailey, when you feel like a little fish in a big pond it really does make a difference in someones day. <br><br>Thank you Stacey! That means a lot!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24376068346273300482011-03-27T11:01:36.456-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.513-05:00I use Fruitful time manager for my to do lists. I ...I use Fruitful time manager for my to do lists. I LOVE that thing.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80633134083587525492011-03-29T10:21:29.825-04:002011-12-28T16:17:38.842-05:00Important tip.Important tip.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3110574468704675352011-03-29T11:08:37.817-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.472-05:00Good luck! I think this is difficult for freelanc...Good luck! I think this is difficult for freelance writers to do sometimes.wahmbrendahttp://onlinewritingbiz.yolasite.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49482529988652225342011-03-29T11:43:18.470-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.468-05:00I totally agree. I find it hard to read longer blo...I totally agree. I find it hard to read longer blogs. To me they seem overwhelming. I like to get right to the point. When I write I read it over like 3 or 4 times to see if I have extra stuff. I want to make my point without wasting someone's times.Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829662866569402813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38817318247877733752011-03-29T16:11:42.787-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.463-05:00I like the idea of writing shorter posts especiall...I like the idea of writing shorter posts especially when everyone is busy! There are times when I see a long blog post and think oh gosh this post is long. <br><br>However, if I see there is valuable in the first few paragraphs, I continue to read. I have seen there are many long blog posts that provide a lot of value.Diana Simonhttp://www.dianasimon.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61721014542994353732011-03-29T16:29:28.791-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.457-05:00I appreciate shorter posts. I'm a drive-by blo...I appreciate shorter posts. I'm a drive-by blog reader. Writing them however, isn't always so easy.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41613913023021883522011-03-29T21:06:53.627-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.450-05:00I agree with this. Its also why I will bold thing...I agree with this. Its also why I will bold things in my articles, so that those who are skimmers will still get the jist of itSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30479465979247401282011-03-30T08:25:12.833-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.446-05:00Awesome! I always hated those big orange B's o...Awesome! I always hated those big orange B's on my blog! I need to find some for my WP blogs one of these days.Mia@ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15786918843895405482011-03-30T08:59:57.742-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.441-05:00Awesome! Gotta love the blogging community.Awesome! Gotta love the blogging community.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31154479598180665982011-03-30T21:15:16.289-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.247-05:00I just realized, after visiting the site, Dion had...I just realized, after visiting the site, Dion had offered me the same thing. But I mistook a favicon as being my facebook icon. All is well. It is great to know there are still people willing to help out and spend extra time for nothing really. Great service!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88963507410573774102011-03-31T08:51:04.183-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.421-05:00Lol That is kinda awesome. I mean, I can't off...Lol That is kinda awesome. I mean, I can't offer much commentary on the iPhone situation- I get lost just looking at one. XP <br><br>But, well, you hit a nerve, there, and that's always super fun. ;)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45283335444880675362011-03-31T10:05:18.006-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.614-05:00Yes, I could use a favicon for my blog. For some r...Yes, I could use a favicon for my blog. For some reason it just looks complicated to do so I've always put it off learning to do it. When I get to that part of my blog, I'll definitely mention Dion in my next post. Anyway, I haven't started searching, but does anyone know of a good free video screen capture software or program?Cleonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18164329205761107100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88904568690410239542011-03-31T11:04:51.373-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.416-05:00My initial reaction was "wow, someone actuall...My initial reaction was "wow, someone actually paid attention!" that is so cool. lolChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16726815648966288342011-03-31T11:22:03.352-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.235-05:00That is great that you were heard! I think busines...That is great that you were heard! I think businesses need to pay more attention to what consumers say about their products. Happy customers are good for business!Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67510781223167430012011-03-31T11:32:37.459-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.406-05:00It would be nice if all business owners, developer...It would be nice if all business owners, developers, etc would actually listen to what people have to say. That is awesome that they actually responded. I also hate it when ads pop up everwhere. If I were to download something like that and all I saw were ads, I would delete it.Mia@ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49228683454839727122011-03-31T11:47:32.357-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.401-05:00I love that! I have been doing a few "unsolic...I love that! I have been doing a few "unsolicited" reviews on my blog lately that have brought a few PR or owners from those companies over to blog. At first it scared the living crap out of me and I was rather embarrassed. Now, I think it is great however that these places really ARE paying attention to us little guy's complaints. That rocks!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79190653430525635062011-03-31T12:09:42.716-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.426-05:00Cleona, it is really easy. Once you have the favic...Cleona, it is really easy. Once you have the favicon photo, upload it to a site like photobucket. Also, Google "favicon blogger" and you will find some sites that will make the code for you. Just copy/paste it into your blogger theme. Easy as pie!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2498838492361266012011-03-31T21:34:29.807-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.396-05:00that is great! google alerts or whatever system t...that is great! google alerts or whatever system they use at work. :) but even better that they contacted you to see if you would help with some feedback. congrats!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87643013863642049322011-04-01T11:39:39.487-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.384-05:00Time management isn't a big problem in my pers...Time management isn't a big problem in my personal life, but my professional life is a whole different story! Trying to balance clients, deadlines and still make sure my personal life does run smoothly often leaves me stressed and frazzled at the end of the day.Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81373911552255454952011-04-01T13:28:35.610-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.379-05:00I am admittedly a work addict. <br>I am also unfor...I am admittedly a work addict. <br>I am also unfortunately a rabid multitasker.<br>Now you see, being a work addict as it stands already can put a big kick to the butt on your personal life.<br><br>..it is worse when your spouse sees you goofing on Facebook, not realizing that you're multitasking. XP Oooh lawd.<br><br>This morning, I finally had to explain it. Now, if I had half a brain when it comes to relationships- I would have done this already. Alas, I really stink at romantic relationships. <br>"Baby, when you've noticed me goofing on Facebook, what else did you notice? Tabs? Docs open?"<br><br>"Yeah, come to think of it, you usually have about a dozen IMs up, twenty tabs and a page full of notes going..."<br><br>THAT IS WHAT I THOUGHT! Which, again, wrong answer. LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71200993197535788682011-04-01T14:50:07.134-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.374-05:00I think I have the opposite problem. I OVER-manage...I think I have the opposite problem. I OVER-manage my time. If something isn't on the schedule, I become a mess. I think I have control issues...Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78496211477684574392011-04-01T16:04:47.167-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.370-05:00You have some awesome tips here. I admit I get way...You have some awesome tips here. I admit I get waylaid ever once in awhile but I manage to get myself back on track.<br>You have some great advice and pointers thank you<br>I found you via The Ultimate Blogging Challenge <br>here is my first post for April Enjoy <br>http://findingonesway.com/2011/04/this-%EF%BB%BFmoment-in-time-40111/Jessica Branthttp://www.findingonesway.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69103901643665557682011-04-01T17:37:18.019-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.365-05:00Yes, poor time management can choose many unpleasa...Yes, poor time management can choose many unpleasant situations. Since I started blogging a month ago, I have been challenged in managing my time. I try to schedule in my tasks for the day and this also includes spending time with family. It's good to also step away from the computer and do other things that I enjoy :) I am still figuring it all out but it's a balancing act everyday!Diana Simonhttp://www.dianasimon.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35444528233200783082011-04-01T18:24:36.074-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.360-05:00Thanks for the broad base covered in your post. Ho...Thanks for the broad base covered in your post. How you do anything is how you do everything. Yet we often lose sight of the people and ourselves when we attempt to manage our time.Alihttp://healthyyouuniversity.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12785350636491038252011-04-01T20:50:33.757-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.355-05:00Time management issues?? Say it's not so. LOL ...Time management issues?? Say it's not so. LOL The problem with time management is that there are not enough hours in the day. Great advice here and I'll have to check your previous post as well. One thing I would add is to make sure to take time for yourself each day.Kenhttp://www.thefreelancertoday.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75878237617153179722011-04-01T22:28:51.825-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.351-05:00What is time management? Lol. Yes I have a problem...What is time management? Lol. Yes I have a problem with it big time and I need help! I schedule things when I already have too much to do and last night I signed up for three challenges and now not only am I scrambling to finish up main work but I am also scrambling to do more before it gets too late and I fall into bed exhausted again like I do almost every night. Great advice here and it is something I need to dig down deep and do something about to keep myself same.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66684591160448592132011-04-01T22:49:51.182-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.346-05:00This article couldn't have come at a better ti...This article couldn't have come at a better time for me, as I am in the midst of a major time management overhaul for myself. I work at home full-time, and it can be very difficult to separate business from personal (especially since my apartment is the equivalent in size to a mousehole). I am looking to transition into a new business that will give me a more flexible schedule to focus on my writing, and will give me more "me" time, since right now, it seems like a fantasy, lol! :)Krissy Brady, Writerhttp://www.krissybrady.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68994359496650641802011-04-02T10:06:17.363-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.335-05:00I don't spend too much time socia- haha. No, n...I don't spend too much time socia- haha. No, no, not me. *cough*rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10634452023441448652011-04-02T11:11:42.276-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.330-05:00Great tips! I definitely need to stay off of socia...Great tips! I definitely need to stay off of social networks more often. I do use Focus Booster and try to only visit social networking sites during break time but sometimes I allow myself to stay a bit longer and I need to stop. I was scrambling to get done with everything last night to the point where I was not off the computer until 1 am and I fell into bed exhausted again. I wanted to get up earlier today like I usually do but my husband couldn't get me up because I was so tired from yesterday.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2580158278516362092011-04-02T14:59:39.026-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.326-05:00Social networks are a big time waster for me too. ...Social networks are a big time waster for me too. Focus booster does help, when I actually use it correctly! lolCarrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44809395356747628402011-04-02T19:30:40.901-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.340-05:00When it comes to online matters, I multi task well...When it comes to online matters, I multi task well. I get the same thing as Tori, oh you are chatting here or there so you must not be working. But yet the Facebook is open to my business page, the IM is someone I am contracting with, and the other tabs are my websites and such. *derr*<br><br>I am trying to do a overhaul myself, but it doesn't seem to be working as planned.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11208486287001805582011-04-02T19:31:33.215-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.390-05:00I always forget about Google alerts, I guess that ...I always forget about Google alerts, I guess that must have been how they knew. Or maybe they just did a search.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38605464983701667062011-04-02T19:33:20.001-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.320-05:00I don't think any of us spend to much time.......I don't think any of us spend to much time....*cough, cough* <br><br>I have tried Focus Booster, but I learned to trick myself and then just turn the darn thing off. So, it doesn't really work for me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50533316319682592662011-04-03T13:23:31.748-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.314-05:00Great tips and some I need to try! Thanks!Great tips and some I need to try! Thanks!C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62983053147219589572011-04-03T16:10:48.786-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.304-05:00These are great comments. But I'd like to add ...These are great comments. But I'd like to add a 9th tip: be realistic about your time. I thought I had a serious time management problem because I wasn't getting through my to-do list. Then I sat down and wrote out how much time I thought each task should take. My one day to-do list included 29 hours of work! No wonder I couldn't get it all done.<br><br>Thanks for a great post.Andrea J. Stenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050055486082968122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71293702626902083102011-04-04T08:56:18.663-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.607-05:00The key is to find the one that works for you. Th...The key is to find the one that works for you. The tools can be distracting if you spend as much time keeping them up as you do working.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2752814666541362762011-04-04T13:50:44.447-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.282-05:00Hey there Chrystal! I love this topic it is one of...Hey there Chrystal! I love this topic it is one of my favorites! I love using timers. Cool timer is a free download and I use it like a stop watch for my bigger projects. I like to plan at least 2, 90 minutes blocks of time each week to work hard and focus on getting a project complete.<br><br>Your last idea to find a time management seminar was a perfect place for me to share an upcoming FREE productivity training I am doing on April 26. http://FreeProductivityTraining.com<br><br>Your blog is filled with great content, I look forward to getting to know you better!<br><br>xox<br>@HelenRappyHelen Raptoploushttp://helenrappy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21898783499017542302011-04-04T14:44:43.546-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.277-05:00I tried Outlook reminders for a while and found my...I tried Outlook reminders for a while and found myself ignoring them more often than not. I'm still with the task list and the weekly list of things to do.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81034216182602981262011-04-04T15:11:57.284-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.603-05:00I use onlinestopwatch.com sometimes to keep myself...I use onlinestopwatch.com sometimes to keep myself in gear when I am working. But the thought of setting my alarm clock all throughout the day irritates me. I cannot stand the sound of the alarm clock. I guess I could set my phone's alarm, which is a much more pleasant sound. <br><br>Worst sound in the world- my alarm clock!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79407687952678258862011-04-04T16:20:35.960-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.267-05:00I agree, the sound of my alarm just makes me want ...I agree, the sound of my alarm just makes me want to go back to sleep! lol<br>I do find timers to be helpful though, and I am definitely considering using the alarms on my phone. At least then it can be a song I like! :)Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68053443617649240052011-04-04T18:32:40.683-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.262-05:00Try as I might to utilize time management skills t...Try as I might to utilize time management skills to their fullest, there is never enough hours in the day! LOLDaisyhttp://theblogphotog.com/2011/04/cemetary.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74419951382517664342011-04-04T18:34:37.405-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.299-05:00In a stable relationship, signing for the other is...In a stable relationship, signing for the other isn't a big deal, it's in situations such as divorce that can create havoc! EEK!Daisyhttp://theblogphotog.com/2011/04/cemetary.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51744841344421044622011-04-05T07:59:37.889-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.251-05:00It's really no fun to not have decent time man...It's really no fun to not have decent time management- after all, how can you step back and catch that Law and Order marathon if you're backlogged with work?rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81864188090359865252011-04-05T10:48:54.773-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.222-05:00It decreases the stress and creates more time to e...It decreases the stress and creates more time to enjoy life. The benefits only increase, it just requires the motivation to get moving.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21958589560385091552011-04-05T10:52:10.811-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.238-05:00I don't have a schedule that I follow but I st...I don't have a schedule that I follow but I still manage to have good time management skills somehow LOLBrenda Mariehttp://www.onlinewritingbiz.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58304861993570918352011-04-05T10:59:31.405-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.234-05:00We bad time management starts impacting your pocke...We bad time management starts impacting your pocketbook, it's time to get things under control QUICK! That's the only list I've ever seen my husband make, but he sure runs a tight ship when it comes to paying bills on time.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4233806027827452022011-04-05T11:07:42.598-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.229-05:00I am inspired by your time management posts! I am ...I am inspired by your time management posts! I am definitely mentioning your blog in my post today. Since I am gaining so much from reading it, I know my readers will too!Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87381314044393154322011-04-05T11:14:07.711-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.216-05:00I used to be extremely organized and have pretty g...I used to be extremely organized and have pretty good time management. These last 6 months all of that has gone out the window. Seems no matter how many lists or schedules I make, it never goes as planned. <br><br>LOL@ Tori. When that happens, I title and watch TV ;)<br><br>@Bailey - I think when I am done with school I will see a huge decrease in stress. It is what is eating up all of my time and because of that, have not been able to write like I was.<br><br>@Brenda - I need to get back to that!<br><br>@ Angie - thats a pretty good motivation!<br><br>@Carrie - I am glad you find it helpful!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58395184439273540542011-04-05T11:17:50.577-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.218-05:00Managing ones time is important whether your worki...Managing ones time is important whether your working or not. I find the day goes so much smoother when things are done on a schedule.RShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17216245197202574128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42900737968706407382011-04-05T11:22:39.765-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.293-05:00I think a lot of people have been down the road wh...I think a lot of people have been down the road where they have had to sign for a spouse for one reason or another. I know when I was married to my ex, we did it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75309951226284927572011-04-05T11:24:38.410-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.256-05:00Angie I did the Outlook reminders too. Then I foun...Angie I did the Outlook reminders too. Then I found myself not entering them or ignoring them, too.<br><br>I am easily distracted and lose track of time. That is my biggest obstacle right now.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42118983977924163772011-04-05T18:30:21.563-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.211-05:00Time management just eeeekks out the need to contr...Time management just eeeekks out the need to control something I cannot control. Maybe it is the free flowing need to be in the flow to make things happen easy part of me.. because when I am in flow.. wowee. things go FAST! When trying to control or manage my time.. it takes FOREVER to do anything when I feel I am up against a wall of time.. probably because I then see it as limited, instead of limitless!! <br><br>I think I am just time management ( ok.. any management) rebel!!<br><br>Peace and light <br>Elissa Joy <br>www.wholisticmama.cominspiredejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961893010009828184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61627276514256548352011-04-05T22:58:09.444-04:002011-11-11T19:27:53.279-05:00For regular employees, if you work than 20 years, ...For regular employees, if you work than 20 years, multiply your 3-year average by 1.1 percent.adult communities long islandhttp://www.meadowbrooklinks.com/MPMillPond/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18917190776457670332011-04-06T10:33:30.791-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.205-05:00It makes a huge difference. It is a skill that ca...It makes a huge difference. It is a skill that can be learned and can improve performance.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64947301492212428272011-04-07T06:23:51.237-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.200-05:00Oooh I cannot wait to see what this plan becomes. ...Oooh I cannot wait to see what this plan becomes. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19971228334086800572011-04-07T08:42:57.651-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.195-05:00It's going to take some time, but I think it&#...It's going to take some time, but I think it's going to be great when it is all said and done.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47167023479696869632011-04-07T09:36:51.837-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.595-05:00I am still trying to learn blogger. Seems to be a ...I am still trying to learn blogger. Seems to be a good site for those new to this blogging world. <br><br>Found an online class at the local vocational school. Its a 10 week course and for 89.00, I believe it will do me a world of good. <br><br> <br>Class Description <br>You may have heard that every day, another traditional writing market disappears. Don’t let that discourage you from writing! Instead, discover the thousands of lucrative publishing opportunities that await you on the Internet if you understand Internet marketing. Whether you’re just taking your first steps toward that dream of getting published, or you have a dozen books to your credit, this course will show you how you can start earning income on the Web right away. You’ll learn how to make the Internet work for you from a writer who has spent years exploring its potential. You'll find out how to sell e-zine articles, write for Webzines and online magazines, create a blog, sell manuscripts to an e-publisher, and self-publish your own work as an e-book or a traditional book using print-on-demand (POD) publishing. <br><br>You'll also find out about the unlimited opportunities to make income from your writing through advertising revenue. You can achieve that either by adding advertising to your own Web content or by letting a revenue-sharing site take care of the technical details for you. We'll explore both options. Then you'll learn how to query and submit your writing electronically, how to understand electronic submission guidelines and online contracts, and all about the future of Web writing.RShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17216245197202574128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38433704070082484732011-04-07T09:53:13.666-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.590-05:00I love Blogger. We go way back, its my BFF! LOL. I...I love Blogger. We go way back, its my BFF! LOL. I think it is a wonderful tool for beginners. There are enough hacks and themes to get it to look a lot less like a google site and more like a professional website. T<br><br>With what I want to do, Blogger is not going to work for. I tried. It's just not suiting my needs right now. So, I made a new plan, and I am testing it out.<br><br>I am all for taking writing classes. $89, thats a steal! I would take it. Besides, it would be a business deduction if you are a paid writer. :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6655132011964515562011-04-07T11:00:59.438-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.176-05:00I think people have to find what works for them. ...I think people have to find what works for them. I think the constant fights remind me too much of the Mommy wars. We all do what works for us. <br><br>I wish you well as you start your new journey.<br><br>As for the local classes I have gotten some great deals on local adult ed classes at the high schools.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57422879698709442192011-04-07T18:43:26.257-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.170-05:00If it is what you have been talking about doing th...If it is what you have been talking about doing the last few weeks, I can't wait to see it!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65349459666957556172011-04-08T09:27:29.429-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.164-05:00I so feel you here. I have been boggling through H...I so feel you here. I have been boggling through Hostgator on top of everything else. LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62827738205855572442011-04-08T10:13:26.890-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.581-05:00I did not find Hostgator as user friendly or helpf...I did not find Hostgator as user friendly or helpful as I had read in reviews. I think I was with them for 2-3 days! lolChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61138290989904358772011-04-08T11:27:42.010-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.206-05:00If you have an interest in the Irish site you will...If you have an interest in the Irish site you will eventually find your "niche" that is original and stands out from the rest. That will keep you from being labeled with the duplicate content slap. It may just take a while to figure out where you want to go.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23876737823915464322011-04-08T12:31:32.994-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.577-05:00I am interested in hearing more about your experie...I am interested in hearing more about your experiences with hosting sites! I think the time has come to purchase my domain name and get more serious about my blog.Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6297679330912594082011-04-08T12:56:23.510-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.142-05:00I really like Yola. It takes a bit of getting use...I really like Yola. It takes a bit of getting used to but for a free host, it rocks :)Brenda Mariehttp://www.onlinewritingbiz.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35790765330628297612011-04-09T03:18:36.512-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.608-05:00Glad to know you love Weebly too, Chrystal! I had ...Glad to know you love Weebly too, Chrystal! I had Weebly host my wedding blog last year, and our guests said they loved it. They didn't even know it was a free platform :)teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68669131499562361792011-04-09T12:19:54.595-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.568-05:00I really think its a great service. It has a littl...I really think its a great service. It has a little something for everyone.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33497274607966897912011-04-09T13:16:43.919-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.195-05:00Thank you for your honest opinions on these hostin...Thank you for your honest opinions on these hosting companies!Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22430412423170058442011-04-09T14:43:43.173-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.130-05:00Just wondering if you've looked at Yola.com. ...Just wondering if you've looked at Yola.com. That's who I'm using and I really like it. I haven't found any limitations yet but I'm sure they do exist.Brenda Mariehttp://www.onlinewritingbiz.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76803206376985444962011-04-11T10:11:57.867-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.185-05:00You don't seem to be the only one struggling w...You don't seem to be the only one struggling with the host issue.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77449632382159504962011-04-11T11:45:14.353-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.119-05:00I would be a little scared of moving my blogs ther...I would be a little scared of moving my blogs there due to the early termination clause. Even the biggest and best hosts can have unforeseen issues pop up down the road. Three years is a very long time. If they later on turn into a poor service, I wouldn't want to be forced into paying up or dealing with a poor user/reader experience.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79594478329699584522011-04-11T18:33:03.335-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.181-05:00I actually talked to one of the managers there, we...I actually talked to one of the managers there, well two of them. Both of them were very helpful in answering all of my questions. When I asked them what the purpose of this "sale" the answer I got was that it was to bring in new people. The main company, Brinkster is pretty successful. If something happens to Hostable, you get a move to Brinkster. If it is a server problem, slowness, over crowding (lol), then the possibility of moving services is there too. So either way I don't feel I have anything really to lose. There are others that have been on the service longer than I and they have decent things to say about it. <br><br>If something happens in the next 3 years, since I back up pretty much every day, I can always back up WP and load it up on another company if need be and not cancel my account until the contract is up. They reserve the right to charge you, but that does not mean they will.<br><br>Having been a startup company myself a few times, I am more than willing to give underdogs a fair chance. And so far, their customer service has been top-notch. I drilled them with a ton of questions, and they were more than willing to answer them all.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2469711794448122011-04-11T18:37:31.960-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.560-05:00I also meant to add that I did get things fixed wi...I also meant to add that I did get things fixed with Unlimited Tree, so I am going to test it out a little more.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57268946325764658622011-04-12T20:42:06.020-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.091-05:00Best wishes with your new set up.Best wishes with your new set up.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54070884106894381752011-04-13T08:49:04.723-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.085-05:00Thank you! So far Hostable has been great.Thank you! So far Hostable has been great.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34859844204376082282011-04-13T09:30:50.315-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.096-05:00I'm not so savvy when it comes to blogging so ...I'm not so savvy when it comes to blogging so half of what you say here makes very little sense to me...BUT...I am pretty happy with my hosting company right now. It's very afforable, eco-friendly, and the owner is very hands on. It's called Birdhouse Hosting:<br><br><a href="http://hosting.birdhouse.org/" rel="nofollow">Birdhouse</a>ManWifeDoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976280792381420011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82303328014550668752011-04-13T12:29:42.070-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.081-05:00Oof, please no auto-playing videos or audio..I do ...Oof, please no auto-playing videos or audio..I do not like that!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20506955763377537422011-04-13T12:31:27.240-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.076-05:00While I do like music and videos, I like the choic...While I do like music and videos, I like the choice of being able to watch them. Usually I have music playing through my PC and I hate it when a website blares at me!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44236111582752746332011-04-13T12:38:44.239-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.174-05:00The music drives me crazy. I almost always have m...The music drives me crazy. I almost always have my own background audio playing and having random music pop up makes me want to leave no matter how great the content. I have encountered this on several craft and ed sites and it drives me NUTS!Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7633972697627293382011-04-13T14:25:38.204-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.552-05:00Yes! I have been visiting a lot of blogs lately an...Yes! I have been visiting a lot of blogs lately and I am shocked by how many have audio playing! That is completely annoying and I immediately back out. <br><br>I also agree about the pointless Welcome Pages on websites. There is no purpose and are only a burden to online users who want their information NOW, easily accessible and easy to read.WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73400931347788386282011-04-13T15:30:52.957-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.059-05:00I agree, I get annoyed when audio starts playing, ...I agree, I get annoyed when audio starts playing, usually an ad, that I can't turn off. I usually have my headphones on when surfing the web or researching, because I'm basically taking a mini transcription work break, and some of these sites are cranked up.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74305196062187022882011-04-14T08:38:44.557-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.055-05:00I love polls. Even though people may not comment, ...I love polls. Even though people may not comment, they don't seem to mind giving their opinions anonymously.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66185661655559195592011-04-14T09:07:42.308-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.544-05:00People seem to understand the need for fresh blog ...People seem to understand the need for fresh blog postings, but websites do seem to get stale.<br><br>I do like the idea of more interaction be it website or blog.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15117259041299194112011-04-14T11:52:33.179-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.046-05:00Great ideas! I love number two, I always find myse...Great ideas! I love number two, I always find myself sharing details of my life and then feeling like I am boring my readers. Glad to know that is most likely not the case! I will be putting these tips to work!Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46713153189757184932011-04-14T20:42:41.193-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.041-05:00Great ideas! :) I need to try some of these!Great ideas! :) I need to try some of these!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15453290322145529622011-04-14T21:16:05.100-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.036-05:00I love #4! Now there's one I didn't think...I love #4! Now there's one I didn't think of!Felicia - The Small Biz Coachhttp://www.she-business.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17143091397072738342011-04-15T13:25:59.325-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.025-05:00Ooh, love those related articles. I hadn't not...Ooh, love those related articles. I hadn't noticed that before. Is it new?Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89302640297037654562011-04-15T13:38:55.706-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.167-05:00You are really moving along with this.You are really moving along with this.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24905971687642982872011-04-15T16:38:13.743-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.013-05:00The related articles is from Zemanta, I thought yo...The related articles is from Zemanta, I thought you mentioned it in a wplh post? I use the Chrome extension.<br><br>Thank you Bailey!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9999555915234642632011-04-15T18:17:30.560-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.006-05:00Ch - Ch - Ch - Changes. Liking the changes, Chrys...Ch - Ch - Ch - Changes. Liking the changes, Chrystal. You and Angie make me so jealous with your technology.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46349729867582573272011-04-15T21:00:34.797-04:002011-11-11T19:27:52.030-05:00I have been trying to do some of these myself.I have been trying to do some of these myself.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46142522430355809822011-04-16T20:14:05.081-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.998-05:00Great advice! I really would love to learn how to ...Great advice! I really would love to learn how to do one better myself.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30084129795917399642011-04-18T02:06:13.731-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.991-05:00Great advice! thank you!Great advice! thank you!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9339528647055677022011-04-20T11:28:09.377-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.986-05:00I think it is a great idea and a way to attract ne...I think it is a great idea and a way to attract new readers.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88615179916818078462011-04-20T11:47:01.341-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.537-05:00Yes indeedy MA'AM! Please and thank you!Yes indeedy MA'AM! Please and thank you!Stuart Nagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03083431072175725832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29996820600821718712011-04-20T15:34:51.602-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.973-05:00While your path may seem twisted to those who have...While your path may seem twisted to those who haven't been in the wah arena for all these years, I too have been self-employed for like eight years now as well. I was at WAHM way back then too. <br><br>Good luck with your newest ventures and may the road rise up to meet you no matter what path you are on :-)Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53559255854994301952011-04-20T16:11:03.165-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.968-05:00Your path sounds pretty "traditional" fo...Your path sounds pretty "traditional" for WAH workers. You have much to be proud of in making it on this journey.<br><br>Your work ethic and attitude will see you to success.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67339759788242676272011-04-20T16:23:43.263-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.961-05:00First, I don't think you are crazy about your ...First, I don't think you are crazy about your baby. I'm a furmama, I get it. ;)<br><br>Second, it was a good day for some mad blogging wasn't it? Whew!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6956225931258246962011-04-21T14:31:41.418-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.956-05:00Oddly enough it sounds like these may be personal....Oddly enough it sounds like these may be personal.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90362984848032368362011-04-21T15:01:13.340-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.951-05:00HAHHA! All is well, I got them out of a writers ma...HAHHA! All is well, I got them out of a writers magazine this morning. I was trying to put together the list of contests and stuff that I talked about yesterday and realized I needed to get started on homework, so I posted this instead.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67249296764065750672011-04-21T19:24:32.534-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.945-05:00Oooo, that sounds rather juicy to me! ;)Oooo, that sounds rather juicy to me! ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12677079952936397652011-04-23T17:32:10.356-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.941-05:00It's funny how a post will come your way just ...It's funny how a post will come your way just following a pause and a wish for the exact information. This post today is what I've been looking for. :)Ya Ya Couponzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07225336761199156085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74694017101416719992011-04-23T17:49:28.497-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.934-05:00I am glad I could be of some help!I am glad I could be of some help!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50845695044596833162011-04-25T13:17:18.792-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.929-05:00Great list of goodies there! I'll be passing t...Great list of goodies there! I'll be passing this one along.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30484770586945337432011-04-25T13:52:12.906-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.925-05:00Thank you! I have more coming. I think I am going ...Thank you! I have more coming. I think I am going to make it a weekly thing.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68877993975625328482011-04-25T14:14:07.515-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.920-05:00Wow, great list! I am tweeting and sharing.Wow, great list! I am tweeting and sharing.WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10454329492194933262011-04-25T14:28:18.572-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.914-05:00Great list and inspirational.Great list and inspirational.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58186236209597364392011-04-26T15:10:23.484-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.908-05:00I think we "hear" more complaining becau...I think we "hear" more complaining because we are connected by Internet and that is where we work. I think people in other industries are offloading, but they come to the Internet and it isn't their work place, it is a different place to come and vent.<br><br>That is why you see so many teachers for instance getting caught. They too slip and say the wrong things the Internet is a "safe" place to offload their stress when their friends and family have heard them complain one too many times that they had no copy paper to make the math sheets for the day. I never had a VERY limited Internet life when I taught because we had parent stalkers that found anything and everything that was posted.<br><br>It is hard, but people have to remember that burned bridges will bite you. Public complaints on a board seem like venting, but they can keep you from other work that you might have loved later.<br><br>There is a place to ask questions, to learn about expectations, changes, etc. However, there are consequences for actions.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38302124789324343662011-04-26T15:11:24.357-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.902-05:00Once again I cannot type. That line was supposed ...Once again I cannot type. That line was supposed to say they think the Internet is a "safe" place...Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10094280595780201062011-04-26T15:13:22.990-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.160-05:00I should not have tried to post because it makes n...I should not have tried to post because it makes no sense. It also should say I had a very limited internet life. Sorry my eyes are acting up with allergies making this very challenging.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61602601473170222222011-04-27T00:05:01.691-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.892-05:00Great advice! I know so many people who need to re...Great advice! I know so many people who need to read this and take it to heart.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69301659646649344052011-04-27T16:44:48.121-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.888-05:00I have 31DBBB, but I haven't heard of the othe...I have 31DBBB, but I haven't heard of the others. There looks like there are some goodies in there!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53976796151429746332011-04-27T16:48:30.688-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.883-05:00I have a list a mile long. I am just not sure how ...I have a list a mile long. I am just not sure how long to make the posts. So, I figure short and sweet. Make it a weekly series or something. :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87823272192522852492011-04-28T08:13:51.372-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.859-05:00Whooo hoo! I am at almost 7k words on mine. I put ...Whooo hoo! I am at almost 7k words on mine. I put it down for a bit, but the commitment is to write 2k words per day. :)Torihttp://www.rebuildingtori.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32446211161569804552011-04-28T09:08:56.317-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.854-05:00I would love to write about my life...but not for ...I would love to write about my life...but not for sale type of thing. More like an ongoing diary for my children to have later in life. But if I'm going to do it, I better get started before I forget half of what I want to write about:)Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181851742870395058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91658716403217686192011-04-28T09:33:04.240-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.589-05:00Great tips Chrystal. Mary have you ever considere...Great tips Chrystal. Mary have you ever considered writing it in a blog format for your kids? You don't have to share it publically, but it might be a way to get it down.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15760896184932652562011-04-28T09:43:56.151-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.879-05:00The more tools we have to feed the content produci...The more tools we have to feed the content producing machine the better :-)Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76929704138042235542011-04-28T09:51:40.100-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.843-05:00I've always been intrigued by the idea of writ...I've always been intrigued by the idea of writing a novel, but I think I would never find the time. I know a lot of people are actually writing short stories now and selling them via Amazon's self-publishing feature. For me, a novel seems time-consuming, but a short story feels more like something I could actually make happen one day.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878874447792079643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30171648804770874242011-04-28T09:52:48.104-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.838-05:00I'm more of a short story type of girl. It mat...I'm more of a short story type of girl. It matches my attention span quite nicely. ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38916098473850437002011-04-28T12:27:43.865-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.832-05:00Wise words for a newbie writer thank you.Wise words for a newbie writer thank you.Baldychazhttp://www.baldychaz.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41816771124361109722011-04-28T13:02:08.240-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.874-05:00That is just how I feel! I have a list a mile long...That is just how I feel! I have a list a mile long of tools, so please check back. I will be adding more!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71499939858832357062011-04-28T13:24:03.573-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.827-05:00@Tori - I have no idea how many words I have on mi...@Tori - I have no idea how many words I have on mine. It started as a short story for creative writing class last semester (or was it the one before that?!?!) and I turned that short story into a few chapters. Now it is just collecting dust. I have been motivated to get started on it again so I am looking at some writing software to put on my pc and put this story into so I have that storyboard format. I am sort of stuck with it.<br><br>I also want to write sort of a bio/self help type book but I have no idea how to start it. I started in back in 99 or so, and still have that. But, it obviously needs to be reworked. <br><br>@Mary- they have a lot of word processor programs out there (for free!) that are great for journaling if you do not want to write it out by hand!<br><br>@Bailey - hope you are feeling better!<br><br>@ Anna & Angie - I don't think I can do a novel. My attention span is nil, so I think short stories are the way to go for me. Maybe even a novella.<br><br>@baldychaz - you are welcome and thank you for taking the time to stop by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79132834271936234282011-04-28T19:47:24.630-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.815-05:00There's definitely no magic formula. You have ...There's definitely no magic formula. You have to do what works for you. We all have our own methods. What works for one won't work for all.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39810663774266305562011-04-28T20:45:45.480-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.810-05:00The King example is a great one.The King example is a great one.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76608086092870404502011-04-28T21:28:08.926-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.802-05:00You sound very pumped about this one and that'...You sound very pumped about this one and that's what matters, is that it inspires you. I imagine writer don't really need more books on "writing" as you said, but more on learning how to not censor themselves.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19437226182114105852011-04-28T22:33:41.338-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.820-05:00Short stories all the way here. I don't have t...Short stories all the way here. I don't have the attention span for a novel. Great tips!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85040412925314956462011-04-29T08:41:36.400-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.797-05:00Oh, I space out during conversations. It's not...Oh, I space out during conversations. It's nothing for me to get lost in another world. I also can't sleep because my stories are always there. My characters pester me if I don't listen to them.<br><br>And yes, I'm scared, but I'm facing that fear. I'm not letting it hold me back. While it'll never go away, I think I'm getting better at pushing it to the side.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34499903835854157132011-04-29T11:21:51.990-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.791-05:00I get pretty spacey myself. I used to be really go...I get pretty spacey myself. I used to be really good about keeping a journal, there I would write my poetry and story thoughts. I am just counting down the days when I am done with this degree. It was a good choice to do something for myself and finish something I started so long ago. Now, I want to start the 2nd thing I have always wanted to do, which is write and get a degree in English, or something creative writing related. That is what I should have done years ago when I first started college.<br><br>I used to have a brain full of story ideas. Now it full of life clutter. Hopefully that will be cleared out soon and I can slow down and enjoy writing again.<br><br>One step at a time.<br><br>Nicole, it looks like to me you are doing a very good job of pushing!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11686436175535228582011-04-29T12:21:54.928-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.779-05:00I admire the commitment and the talent to start ei...I admire the commitment and the talent to start either.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23584909034091094082011-04-29T13:13:55.269-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.774-05:00I think it is a big commitment to write a novel. F...I think it is a big commitment to write a novel. For anyone tackling that endeavor, I wish them much success. Like you stated it should be something that brings them joy to make the emotional and mental commitment worth it.Jacquelinehttp://discoveringyourperfect.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6342944673924200562011-04-29T17:14:26.992-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.768-05:00Not I. Blog posts, articles and quick quips are a...Not I. Blog posts, articles and quick quips are about my level of committment.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12494073782874464302011-04-29T17:40:41.275-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.763-05:00A resounding YES!!!<br><br>I live with a notebook ...A resounding YES!!!<br><br>I live with a notebook at my side. I write down every single idea, comment, quirky action that my characters-in-progress experience.<br><br>I'm getting there, and it's a GREAT ride!Ya Ya Couponzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07225336761199156085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50396397487241349752011-05-02T03:55:32.238-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.758-05:00That was very informative. Well I have no muses or...That was very informative. Well I have no muses or props but I sure love my glass of wine when I write and of course when my soul cries. Read your post in Bongo is me. Left a comment. Do come and visit mine<br>http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.comRimlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800381730067608251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1805077987774138782011-05-02T09:04:21.182-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.743-05:00Great inspiration.Great inspiration.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56693076918847140852011-05-02T10:03:43.413-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.754-05:00Rimly, I am always up for a good glass of wine whe...Rimly, I am always up for a good glass of wine when writing creatively. :) Thank you for reading the post there, I know it was hard. I will visit you :) Thank you for stopping by here.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42632779622386612002011-05-02T10:11:57.690-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.738-05:00Thank you! I hope someone can find it useful!Thank you! I hope someone can find it useful!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86055867769157312962011-05-02T10:59:48.408-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.748-05:00Inspiration is always personal.Inspiration is always personal.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14278522554906711272011-05-02T11:23:50.137-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.733-05:00Thanks, Chrystal. I don't need these, but I wi...Thanks, Chrystal. I don't need these, but I will be sure to get them tweeted along.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52212382534636026622011-05-02T12:02:37.126-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.530-05:00You are welcome, and thank you!You are welcome, and thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18604842090648301062011-05-03T12:46:55.329-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.722-05:00Our Mom's are more readers than writers. They...Our Mom's are more readers than writers. They love books for Mother's Day and birthdays.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8329282976585917232011-05-03T12:48:08.072-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.703-05:00When I saw that green piece I did some how think i...When I saw that green piece I did some how think it would be you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25066057619830445882011-05-03T13:12:59.551-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.698-05:00It's funny, I don't wear a lot of jewelry,...It's funny, I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I know I have a lot that this will match!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32969031128456690822011-05-03T13:17:36.738-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.687-05:00It is great to know when you produce quality there...It is great to know when you produce quality there is a market that will support it.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35495951741473190232011-05-03T13:19:48.035-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.709-05:00Sounds like a powerful read. You did a honest rev...Sounds like a powerful read. You did a honest review and that is not always easy to do when you know the person.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85500212502910545542011-05-03T14:43:51.800-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.692-05:00I won from her too! I got two great pair of earrin...I won from her too! I got two great pair of earrings that I love. One for myself and one for my daughter. She is amazing!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49837678388666705622011-05-03T16:44:09.500-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.656-05:00I listend to Seth Godin's interview on the Duc...I listend to Seth Godin's interview on the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast about this book. He said he figured he'd actually do what he was promoting by breaking away from the traditional publishing route and I respect him for that. And, something about "Nike" must be in the air today :-)Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59701478222246203252011-05-04T08:07:15.458-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.639-05:00Resources for writers? I am trying to think what p...Resources for writers? I am trying to think what people would search for when looking into this but I think it's going to depend on the unique content of each post. For instance, this one might be something like "finding an agent" tagged, and "conventions for writers"?Torihttp://www.rebuildingtori.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22551073969297199312011-05-04T08:07:15.459-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.644-05:00I think opportunities works fine.<br><br>Thanks fo...I think opportunities works fine.<br><br>Thanks for sharing.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69218278432251803482011-05-04T08:33:13.862-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.584-05:00That's why I need to carve out some time and g...That's why I need to carve out some time and get this site off Blogger (again) and back to self hosted WP. I am just not sure when and I am trying to blend a few of my sites together.<br><br>WP makes it easier to tag with SEO and put in categories. Blogger gives you labels, but they serve no purpose other than having the list show up on your blog.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37323120310601305402011-05-04T08:43:44.073-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.650-05:00I respect him for that as well. While his messages...I respect him for that as well. While his messages in his books are nothing new, it seems how he presents them is what makes him stand apart from others.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67339575762136252532011-05-04T15:26:44.492-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.582-05:00Resources works for me. I often find that newbies ...Resources works for me. I often find that newbies looking to work from home equate opportunities to "pay for jobs" and will turn away. It's a great list you have too. I just don't have the time these days to devote to another position. <br>I agree, too, about blogger. I dislike labels very much. :(Ya Ya Couponzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07225336761199156085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61907692376960617632011-05-04T15:56:23.962-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.623-05:00There is always so a mixed bag, it is hard to cate...There is always so a mixed bag, it is hard to categorize. I think both opportunities and resources applies.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64336481837529265632011-05-04T16:25:17.825-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.617-05:00I'm thinking resources since you are combining...I'm thinking resources since you are combining conferences with open submissions, etc.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35788252464917217032011-05-04T18:55:53.125-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.579-05:00I think opportunities and resources both apply.I think opportunities and resources both apply.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25846359436405352052011-05-05T08:33:27.926-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.600-05:00Huh, all those reasons to ghostwrite make sense.<b...Huh, all those reasons to ghostwrite make sense.<br>I have always wanted to write! I will definitely be checking these sites out once I'm not so busy with school and starting a new job.<br>Thanks for posting, I love your blog by the way!Katie Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05331889107171257769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89574367805192615552011-05-05T11:42:51.318-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.523-05:00You are welcome, and thank you!You are welcome, and thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75505661641838646092011-05-05T11:49:05.835-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.576-05:00I could just make a separate post for each type. I...I could just make a separate post for each type. I think once I get all the snags worked out in my blogging things will fall in to place a little better. I finally had my light bulb moment and just have not had time to put it together. Just pieces at a time here and there.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68477545859273379302011-05-05T14:37:19.042-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.588-05:00I'm a ghostwriter as well. I think it provide...I'm a ghostwriter as well. I think it provides a certain sense of freedom knowing you aren't writing on your own behalf.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41546891091241405532011-05-05T17:12:54.374-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.571-05:00There are some content companies that technically ...There are some content companies that technically I am a ghostwriter for. I would not mind working on a larger project, but I have some of my own I want to get done first.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63386008420936978892011-05-05T19:45:33.576-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.568-05:00Another reason is that it might not be a topic you...Another reason is that it might not be a topic you want to be known for. At this point, I certainly don't mind ghost writing though. :)Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81367110020126556672011-05-06T11:45:04.929-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.565-05:00I don't know how you keep up. I am considering...I don't know how you keep up. I am considering adding another blog, but I want them tabbed on one page I think so easy to find.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24484845097929021402011-05-06T12:27:23.658-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.537-05:00I think merging your blogs sounds like a great ide...I think merging your blogs sounds like a great idea! Enjoyed reading your article!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722875415525131323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72379970678747557252011-05-06T12:45:19.291-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.516-05:00Check out Liz's blog - http://www.yourwordsyou...Check out Liz's blog - http://www.yourwordsyourvoice.com/, she has all of hers in different sections. Thats where I got the idea from.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24710668769066092202011-05-06T12:46:27.148-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.572-05:00The editing work that I am currently doing is pret...The editing work that I am currently doing is pretty collaborative - it is very close to ghostwriting, especially on the last 2 books in the 5 book series; I'm doing some pretty extensive rewrites. It *is* a very free feeling. I don't feel the pressure to come up with the story line itself - I just have to bring it all together and make it work (well). <br><br>Also, with a family, it is nearly impossible for me to find the time to sit uninterrupted (long enough) to effectively write my own material (short pieces, sure, but I have epic novels rolling around in my brain) -- with 4 teenagers and a 6 year old in the house... there is *never* a dull moment around here - this means I won't be finishing my *own* work for at least 12 years ;-)Marsha Siouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040323358283380289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66635188282189491572011-05-06T13:35:33.964-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.715-05:00I will take a good book over any gadget, but I am ...I will take a good book over any gadget, but I am a sucker for a good journal book. I think one of those posters would look great in my office, too :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46586152174809955762011-05-06T16:54:01.504-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.527-05:00I'm sort of facing a similar fork in the road....I'm sort of facing a similar fork in the road. I own lots of domains, but I only have content on my one transcription site for now. I am eager to get going with my marketing company, but I don't have a site for it. And, I need to build another site - not a blog thank goodness, for different project. Sheesh. <br><br>I like the idea of having one jumping off point and may pare down my transcription to only focus on a couple areas, that will fit in with my other projects.<br><br>This year has been so liberating. Instead of two steps forwarnd and one step back, it feels more like growth and then pruning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82464869060784330022011-05-06T18:21:00.902-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.521-05:00I have to confess. I am a website addict as well. ...I have to confess. I am a website addict as well. I only have one blog at the moment, but I enjoy creating new ones. One that I am currently working on is http://destinationweddinglocations.net. I have seven websites at the moment and it can be overwhelming, but I love providing content on subjects that I find interesting.Jacquelinehttp://discoveringyourperfect.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7919765545687173382011-05-06T19:43:19.907-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.562-05:00I like them too, and have quite a bit of fun with ...I like them too, and have quite a bit of fun with them. It just most of mine can be combined to make full sites with a lot of content, instead of a bunch of small wimpy sites. I plan to keep The Tax Queen name, but merge her with Self Employed Writer. I *think* the domain I will just forward to the category on SEW site. But, this site is going to be all things self employed freelance writing, which means self employment taxes. Then, my chrystalmahan.com will be all things authored by me. 2 writing sites is enough. One how to and informational, one just me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85247904883047336272011-05-08T09:30:27.250-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.500-05:00Sorry. There are always people who can't play...Sorry. There are always people who can't play by the rules. With the crack downs, I suspect hosting services are being more careful as well.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63649894122537337942011-05-08T10:31:46.302-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.511-05:00Putting the taxes with your writing make logical s...Putting the taxes with your writing make logical sense. The others are going to depend on your future plans for them and how you can tie them together.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78406810787476556462011-05-08T10:49:50.390-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.567-05:00Sharon makes a good point I have ghost written on ...Sharon makes a good point I have ghost written on a few occasions where I would much rather have others take on the heat.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89948051029509204402011-05-08T14:38:32.852-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.562-05:00There are times when I need a ghostwriter. I have ...There are times when I need a ghostwriter. I have all of these ideas and need someone else to put it all together. I don't think ghostwriting is a bad gig at all!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78215698538974582412011-05-08T14:41:02.623-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.511-05:00I think I have the direction figured out, the self...I think I have the direction figured out, the self employed writer will be about writing, working from home, freelancing, FOR writers or those interested in it. The chrystal mahan site will be about me and my own writing. I think the rest will just fall in to place. For now I am keeping Cains Tails and the Ireland sites separated. I want to write a celtic wedding on a budget book and I think the Irish site would hold a purpose for promotion. Not sure yet, still working the kinks out.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68628659235613518812011-05-08T15:07:14.410-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.495-05:00It was a great marketing tool to get them to bring...It was a great marketing tool to get them to bring in new customers. But, I guess it backfired. I am sure that is why all of these other sites that are all free had to change the way they did things and others closed down.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70615124113613133702011-05-09T12:05:31.638-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.490-05:00That sounds challenging.That sounds challenging.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5693673205138351422011-05-09T12:07:22.011-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.682-05:00I'm excited to hear the new book announcement ...I'm excited to hear the new book announcement as well. Always great stuff!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58722578123764650912011-05-09T12:14:13.807-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.676-05:00Thanks! I've been wondering whether to take th...Thanks! I've been wondering whether to take the plunge and buy it, but this guy is amazing.feistynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40341895775797836482011-05-09T12:32:13.100-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.669-05:00It is well worth it. I got mine a few years back. ...It is well worth it. I got mine a few years back. I have gone through it myself, and did a challenge this year. I plan to do another in June. Great stuff.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34535705088343979472011-05-09T17:05:52.585-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.662-05:00I like that you found people to buddy with to do i...I like that you found people to buddy with to do it. That seems to make things like this easier.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81383409541405102342011-05-09T19:14:13.151-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.484-05:00I think it is over my head!! But, a very interest...I think it is over my head!! But, a very interesting challenge!!Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21203767414014129742011-05-10T17:27:35.939-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.480-05:00Already tweeted! Good stuff.Already tweeted! Good stuff.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67743047878683492992011-05-10T21:15:45.616-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.474-05:00thank you!thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22731161897669866512011-05-11T08:35:22.476-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.468-05:00Sounds like a great deal! I know of a lot of peopl...Sounds like a great deal! I know of a lot of people who are thinking of starting a blog. I will share your post on facebook for them. Thanks!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7644686787315512242011-05-11T10:16:46.119-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.557-05:00Good price for his reputation.Good price for his reputation.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16838233302990820842011-05-12T11:09:05.207-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.456-05:00There does seem to be a local market. I see quite...There does seem to be a local market. I see quite a few local papers with food writers. I lack the skill.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80375410417508857642011-05-13T17:40:45.450-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.439-05:00Another great list, Chrystal!Another great list, Chrystal!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1951940871392801412011-05-14T21:25:11.966-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.432-05:00Good suggestions..ALL! Thanks!Good suggestions..ALL! Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10448670595030966222011-05-16T09:21:25.857-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.427-05:00Some people *so* need to read this. I saw quite a ...Some people *so* need to read this. I saw quite a few things on Facebook Pages this weekend that were out of control. It's plain nasty.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61488223598368187932011-05-16T11:07:54.168-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.423-05:00It is so important to realize the long-term conseq...It is so important to realize the long-term consequences of posting on the Internet.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10931721502099205412011-05-16T17:36:24.470-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.417-05:00I'm an American, and I believe in freedom of s...I'm an American, and I believe in freedom of speech; of course, that's not clearance to be stupid, but at the same time, it can't be legal to express your thoughts...and because the law has not quite caught up to technology, I'd have to beg to differ on some of these "rules"...I guess if I cared what people thought, then I'd abide by said rules, but really, when you are being honest, there has to be some type of leniency.black dariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171142171010675359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24961232045396555372011-05-16T18:32:07.316-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.411-05:00And some of the photos my Facebook Friends post ar...And some of the photos my Facebook Friends post are just ridiculous!? I would be embarrassed for someone to see them, let along purposely post them!! Great read!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45436949402942659452011-05-18T13:27:41.486-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.405-05:00The first thing that popped in my mind was "N...The first thing that popped in my mind was "Nature's first green is gold." A popular Frost poem featured in The Outsiders.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30725101883814861802011-05-21T07:56:58.633-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.400-05:00I told you it was awesome. Melzer's a firstrat...I told you it was awesome. Melzer's a firstrate storyteller.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31204596816690939712011-05-21T11:11:56.006-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.551-05:00I loved it! While I do enjoy a good book review, I...I loved it! While I do enjoy a good book review, I always have a hard time writing them because I hate to really give anything away. I want to write it in a manner that leaves the person curious, then, they will want to buy. A little marketing technique I picked up a few semesters back I suppose.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16951835355320326822011-05-21T15:20:35.241-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.387-05:00I agree. I gave up a long time ago on finding a c...I agree. I gave up a long time ago on finding a childless forum. If you do create something, let me know. :)Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4788383180474139412011-05-21T19:24:22.139-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.383-05:00It would be nice to have a freelance forum not cen...It would be nice to have a freelance forum not centered around moms, but a place for everyone. Moms included, but they are not the focal point.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8796207990321822082011-05-22T07:16:13.220-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.377-05:00I don't mind the work at home stuff nearly as ...I don't mind the work at home stuff nearly as much as blog-related stuff. There are conferences, brand-to-blogger connecting communities, forums, etc. dedicated to mom bloggers that I would love to get into for more opportunities...but, I'm not a mom. :(Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-747836136035024442011-05-22T13:18:14.061-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.372-05:00Angie, thats kind of where I was going with this p...Angie, thats kind of where I was going with this post. Majority of these blog traffic sites are aimed at moms, like they are the only bloggers out there. I sort of lumped it all together. I pass on so many blog ops because they are geared so much to moms and motherhood that it makes me feel uncomfortable. I don't feel comfortable claiming to be a mom person just because I have lil m on the weekends. I may help take care of her and she is my family, but I am not "mom". But, I do mom things. :) <br><br>I wish we had a giant community of bloggers that were non-moms and we had our own thing. I am not against moms at all and I think the network they have is great! But, I just feel so left out.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4619166658492511732011-05-23T11:13:13.997-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.503-05:00It comes out of a community based idea, regardless...It comes out of a community based idea, regardless of whether it is WAH, blogging, or even Church. I find it amazing how much is focused on Moms that excludes those of us who are not parents. Having worked in education you can see how the marketing group works. These woman often are together with kids since birth. Now they are reaching out online to form bonds and communities and that provides a strong market base for advertisers to reach.<br><br>Working at home is an obvious choice for Moms, but there are lots of people who have reasons to want to work at home that have nothing to do with children. Those of us with health issues are prime examples. Whether we have kids or not, if we have health issues being able to create our own schedules, control our working environments, etc. can be a huge advantage in staying healthy. Being able to get access to WAH opportunities and as a blogger, blogging opportunities is important. There are some instances where Mom experiences are important, but in others it is not a factor in the job, merely a preference for helping others with similar family situations. That is why WAHM boards have in many cases expanded to WAH boards. There has been a recognition that there are people who have legitimate needs to work from home even if they don't have kids at home.<br><br>So I agree Crystal it is not about taking away the Mom connection. They have built it and many kindly share what they learn with non-Moms. It is about recognizing the need has grown larger and how to make the market work better for non-Mom's who want to find appropriate opportunities.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34073459559928322492011-05-23T12:17:18.915-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.451-05:00It is great when you can find a book that speaks t...It is great when you can find a book that speaks to you. Forgiveness is a hard step. The best visual anyone every gave me is that not forgiving is like taking posion and expecting the other person to die. It is never the other person that suffers, but you from the burden you carry from not forgiving and letting go of the burden you carry from that experience. Whether the other person engages or not it is a gift to yourself not to have to keep the weight of that with you constantly.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32937614007655218192011-05-23T18:26:54.867-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.445-05:00It is very hard and it is something I have to deal...It is very hard and it is something I have to deal with quite often.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55823538835144696112011-05-24T18:58:11.563-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.870-05:00Looks fabulous!Looks fabulous!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1035176252089071752011-05-24T19:00:51.880-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.864-05:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79038180995017241462011-05-25T10:35:27.097-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.359-05:00Colors can be challenging. I am learning more abo...Colors can be challenging. I am learning more about them all the time.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53113387565515320382011-05-25T14:28:02.305-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.353-05:00Contrasting colors is a big thing - I click off of...Contrasting colors is a big thing - I click off of a web page before I even get a chance to read the content if I can't focus on the colors.That Fish Ladyhttp://www.fishproblems.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87185274767987529922011-05-25T15:23:38.784-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.347-05:00I had a hard time when choosing my site's colo...I had a hard time when choosing my site's colors and theme. I wanted it to be simple and professional yet still represent me...it is a blog after all...but I figured it out and I am really happy with it. But I know of many sites that have such valuable content yet their site is a complete eyesore. Great post!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47880216931800844042011-05-26T09:11:06.520-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.333-05:00Sorry it was disappointing. It did have a good pr...Sorry it was disappointing. It did have a good premise, just not well delivered I guess.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9251689929642389942011-05-26T10:01:40.378-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.326-05:00It wasn't terrible. I liked the story of Mina,...It wasn't terrible. I liked the story of Mina, making a life for herself in Prague, of course it was hundreds of years in the past. But, it turned her life around. The story of Kit was alright. His character should have been made stronger and more on him rather than so much focus on King Henry. It was like 3 stories in one and that was just too much.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58899579926712249352011-05-26T11:04:37.928-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.338-05:00Colors are hard. While I am still working on chrys...Colors are hard. While I am still working on chrystalmahan.com, colors have been the hardest challenge for me aside from trying to figure out what content to put there off of here. I think I have changed the color scheme and layout at least 4 times. I know with Blogger some themes are available with color customization, and I am sure there is a hack for those that don't. So far I like the new theme I have here for SEW, but I dont know how long I will keep this blog here. I would like to move it. I have been looking at Joomla a bit too.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56658145538955350712011-05-26T12:07:04.249-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.322-05:00You're definitely on the right track, Crystal....You're definitely on the right track, Crystal. In my mid-30's, I knew I had to get busy making a life outside being a mom, because my children were quickly growing up. The good news? There is so much life after 40! I've had more fun in the past eight years, and it keeps getting better.<br><br>Have fun, keep dreaming and doing - good to see ya!Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37293302807551687722011-05-26T13:13:37.442-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.317-05:00It is so important not to be defeated. If you hav...It is so important not to be defeated. If you have the desire, the willingess to work at it, you can develop your talents.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57373047805668183212011-05-26T18:27:08.279-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.312-05:00You are never too old to accomplish your dreams. Y...You are never too old to accomplish your dreams. You may have to move a little quicker, but I think most of us that work the way we do would agree that's the only way to move. ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75662053658032043742011-05-27T00:06:41.033-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.306-05:00Accomplishing your dreams is a great thing to do, ...Accomplishing your dreams is a great thing to do, no matter your age! that said, its a little bit harder to accomplish the dream of winning the lottery than one such as getting published. :)Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56565685754918314962011-05-29T18:20:36.549-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.546-05:00Hello! I like your review! Fantasy is a genre I re...Hello! I like your review! Fantasy is a genre I really like, but I understand your attitude towards it :)<br><br>BTW, I rated your review on the publisher website, and I was wondering if you could rate mine? http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/2011/05/crisis-i-need-your-help.htmlNoah Arsenaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10952623074114465281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88071025593172667692011-06-02T19:15:00.930-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.273-05:00So how do we post our articles on the other websit...So how do we post our articles on the other website or do we have to???????Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29349573616203848332011-06-02T20:43:15.232-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.265-05:00The links are being posted on the Emerson Facebook...The links are being posted on the Emerson Facebook page and then tweeted with the hashtage #trust30Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29862105717513583092011-06-08T16:46:28.439-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.260-05:00So what are you entering?So what are you entering?Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55351336757776785642011-06-08T20:34:57.740-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.253-05:00I think a couple of poems. None of my stories are ...I think a couple of poems. None of my stories are short as I turned them into novels.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22772414648341560432011-06-12T13:29:31.464-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.542-05:00Great post, Chrystal. I've been freelancing fu...Great post, Chrystal. I've been freelancing full-time for 14 years and have focused on ghosting/coauthoring books for the last three or four years. For me, the biggest advantage has that ghosting keeps my hourly rate high--once the book is published, it's up to my client to sell and promote it, not me. (I've written books under my own name too so I know the real work of authorship begins when the book is published--writing it is the *easy part!)<br><br>If you'd like to know more about ghosting, I have a cover feature on the subject in Writer's Digest in the March/April 2011 issue. I also have a book, Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks, out that shows freelancers how to break into and succeed in this lucrative field. Let me know if you have any questions! :)Kelly James-Engerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12518158232642872324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13933122657209281252011-06-12T15:22:36.861-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.538-05:00Kelly, I am very familiar with your article in Wri...Kelly, I am very familiar with your article in Writer's Digest! It is actually what gave me the inspiration for this post. <br><br>I think ghostwriting would be a lot of fun if you hooked up with the right clients. I am going to have to look into your book. Thanks for stopping by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7474622180331427102011-06-14T13:05:31.698-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.235-05:00They are doing well marketing their brand.They are doing well marketing their brand.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75865111378600126382011-06-15T16:57:18.230-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.230-05:00Great Tips, Chrystal.Great Tips, Chrystal.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31096631406035421572011-06-15T18:09:33.949-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.224-05:00Those are good tips!Those are good tips!Shay Jordanhttp://www.visalusbyshay.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60862931611332851952011-06-18T13:05:56.083-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.219-05:00You mught enjoy abraham hicks. Look it up on youtu...You mught enjoy abraham hicks. Look it up on youtube. ;)Spacenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18641482559304714322011-06-19T22:45:41.987-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.213-05:00Great article! I am reading a book called 'Re...Great article! I am reading a book called 'Reinventing Yourself' by Steve Chandler. Makes a lot of sense as well! Take care. Thanks for sharing!<br>Peace, NicoInterruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22890611696812665132011-06-20T17:35:05.346-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.207-05:00That is such a great idea, I'm so bad at poems...That is such a great idea, I'm so bad at poems though. I guess this would great practice.D. Heathhttp://www.socialsciencemedley.com/2011/06/review-of-maxed-out.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72058902154319591702011-06-20T17:46:01.537-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.199-05:00I think it would be a cute idea even for those not...I think it would be a cute idea even for those not poetic. You could write a memory of the place you visited on the back of the postcard and then put them together in a "post book".Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56339862262490042692011-06-23T10:02:10.102-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.532-05:00At least it dragged you in for some escape.At least it dragged you in for some escape.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36993670284463119822011-06-23T20:06:15.093-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.530-05:00Hi Chrystal!<br><br>Thanks for such an enthusiasti...Hi Chrystal!<br><br>Thanks for such an enthusiastic review!!!<br><br>I just want to make sure that the file you read had the entire story in it. We do get to find out what happens to poor Adiran in the last chapter, and no, Mexico is not in his to-do list! ;) The chapter Meetings of Empty should give you a pretty good idea of where Adiran ends up and the closure with Angie. Please let me know if you don't have that chapter and I will send you a new epub file.<br><br>Thanks again! Great review!Silvano Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948897895059282340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51177355133060747852011-06-24T15:26:10.196-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.184-05:00Mr. Williams, thank you so much for stopping by! I...Mr. Williams, thank you so much for stopping by! I just wanted to let you know that I did read those chapters. When I do a book review I like to do mine a little differently than most who like to just give an overview of the book, giving away so many details. I left the ending hanging with the hopes of people wanting to pick up a copy to read for themselves!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14154430194890460772011-06-24T15:57:53.351-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.179-05:00I am a sucker for "dear diary" type of b...I am a sucker for "dear diary" type of books as well.<br>Even though the main character is a cliche a lot of these books that focus on drug stories tend to be different. There are different circumstances, you'll feel different emotions while reading it, etc.<br>I might have to check this book out and see how good it really is!Katie Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05331889107171257769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59809312447414439002011-06-24T20:24:09.518-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.171-05:00Mr. Williams?!? O_o<br><br>I am happy you were abl...Mr. Williams?!? O_o<br><br>I am happy you were able to read the whole thing then. I was just scared that the file you had was corrupted or something. <br><br>Katie, all feedback is welcome, so please let me know what you think too!!! I'll be looking forward to it.<br><br>Thanks again Chrystal!Silvano Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948897895059282340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70623483638180748962011-06-27T09:18:42.380-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.247-05:00I love the new look of your site and appreciate it...I love the new look of your site and appreciate it as always for sharing good content.teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80023700098622830132011-06-27T16:19:48.349-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.241-05:00You are very welcome!You are very welcome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62336528389950155042011-06-29T14:59:53.180-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.165-05:00Sounds like a fun read.Sounds like a fun read.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88291683234291029522011-06-29T15:18:55.705-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.159-05:00Ooo, this one looks like a goodie. I love mystery ...Ooo, this one looks like a goodie. I love mystery reads.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20271293103467156832011-07-05T13:12:33.989-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.128-05:00Sounds like a great opportunity.Sounds like a great opportunity.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82455779322294034852011-07-05T19:39:58.714-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.121-05:00This is what I'm working towards...lol. Thanks...This is what I'm working towards...lol. Thanks for posting this, gives me inspiration.D. Heathhttp://sillypennies.blogspot.com/2011/07/your-boss-might-be-micromanager.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77054785805383954252011-07-08T01:54:46.180-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.154-05:00I love that smell too - there's something quit...I love that smell too - there's something quite intoxicating about the fusty smell of books...<br><br>It's a real shame that more and more young people are finding different diversions and turning away from books. There's so much wonder and imagination to be had from losing yourself in a really great book... it's enriching, unlike some of the other diversions we have in our lives!Dan O'Neilhttp://www.crackingconfidence.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73278492406129880252011-07-08T12:20:33.958-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.146-05:00It is a shame. I blame society, technology and soc...It is a shame. I blame society, technology and social media. Kids are growing up now thinking they dont need books when they have electronic devices to do everything for them.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89220184428182960182011-07-11T10:22:22.156-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.457-05:00Interesting way to support building traffic.Interesting way to support building traffic.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70116771990892300712011-07-29T11:41:07.936-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.044-05:00It sounds like an inspiring story. It reminds us ...It sounds like an inspiring story. It reminds us that despite the challenges we can move forward.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38010757248390717112011-07-29T14:41:15.276-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.037-05:00I really did enjoy it. Proves to show that no matt...I really did enjoy it. Proves to show that no matter what happens to you in life you do have the power to overcome it so long as you dont sit around feeling sorry for yourself. I went through a very short period like that. I was so depressed and in bed for 6 months, feeling sorry for myself. I watched the world pass me by. It sucked. But I mentally could not deal with it. To this day I cant even remember how I broke out of it. I just know it was a terrible point in my life. Just as bad as dealing with my past.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16264052640203499122011-08-03T08:50:34.566-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.964-05:00If I could go back in time, I would do a WHOLE LOT...If I could go back in time, I would do a WHOLE LOT OF THINGS differntly. No use delving into them now. It would take forever to write them down!!! Take care and thanks for the book recommendation!Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31417789602866632092011-08-03T09:07:59.480-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.957-05:00I certainly do not want to go back to when I was 1...I certainly do not want to go back to when I was 19! Well...the college parties were a hoot!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80545787119846248802011-08-04T13:30:21.542-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.518-05:00Well said.Well said.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17732152917030125442011-08-04T13:45:48.699-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.948-05:00;);)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80591335155822374002011-08-04T14:53:05.745-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.943-05:00I got one of those emails, except they wanted me t...I got one of those emails, except they wanted me to "apply again" for a position I already had.<br><br>For the same $15 an article work I had before.<br><br>It's kinda nuts. ;)Calissa Leighhttp://www.calissaleigh.com/writenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37840631250767517252011-08-04T15:06:19.086-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.937-05:00LOVE THIS :) I Got the boot last year and applied ...LOVE THIS :) I Got the boot last year and applied again and got hired again but my 3 "test" articles still sit and collect dust :PCelestehttp://organicmommytoday.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33073862941820386082011-08-05T07:35:25.250-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.932-05:00I once wrote for them until a few articles in, I c...I once wrote for them until a few articles in, I couldn't take the stress. It just wasn't worth it.WAHMBrendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787695585015058777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3329610733353617552011-08-05T16:12:13.025-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.903-05:00There are petty people every where. Don't was...There are petty people every where. Don't waste your time. You have a path to be on.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67146892339828080182011-08-08T18:46:23.901-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.926-05:00LOVED THIS! :-) I can't wait until I have clie...LOVED THIS! :-) I can't wait until I have clients to replace Demand.MsConniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04460786395505839780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77204429090685617002011-08-10T12:39:15.074-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.921-05:00They stressed me out too much. For the most part I...They stressed me out too much. For the most part I did not have a lot of the CE issues that most people had. <br><br>Clients are out there. It takes a bit of work to find them, but one client usually leads to another!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78674144609205232582011-08-10T17:49:22.661-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.898-05:00People online can be pretty cruel :(<br>Congrats o...People online can be pretty cruel :(<br>Congrats on your freedom from Demand Studios!!Dianne Heathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11151050788310405016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66665143555852353692011-08-10T18:51:35.506-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.892-05:00They certainly can be. I usually try to ignore it ...They certainly can be. I usually try to ignore it and move on but this person just kept posting one comment after another. Bah, Humbug!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52351742111561939652011-08-12T21:37:35.638-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.916-05:00Writing for Demand was so stressful for me! I too ...Writing for Demand was so stressful for me! I too am glad I left it behind, though I still title. This was an excellent read -- pretty much sums up how I felt when I was writing for them too.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878874447792079643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46201133420231547062011-08-13T12:22:41.091-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.908-05:00You know, I did not have a lot of the problems wit...You know, I did not have a lot of the problems with CE that most did. Mine were easy fixes and I felt I had a few that were a little off. I had one who had accidentally deleted my paragraph and sent it back to me to put it back in. I was a little miffed about it. All the rules seemed to change weekly and I just got fed up with trying to keep up with it. I had other companies that were much less stressful. I still title as well.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82717164578391219962011-08-13T16:51:46.165-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.513-05:00Thank you for the eBook! It's always nice to g...Thank you for the eBook! It's always nice to get new information.The Lazy Foodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14412852736424496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80271235897982925782011-08-15T12:38:25.074-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.504-05:00You are very welcome!You are very welcome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54058200823214316052011-08-17T12:31:57.040-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.812-05:00Nice find! Have you had any sales through there ye...Nice find! Have you had any sales through there yet?The Lazy Foodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14412852736424496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-454966808610523852011-08-17T13:33:38.059-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.806-05:00I haven't tried this one- but I really like Gh...I haven't tried this one- but I really like GhostBloggers. :) Super sweet guy and he does pay out lightening fast once you hit that $25.00 mark. However, I will say that when he changed it so people could set their prices lower- I wasn't impressed. Started seeing writers low balling and ICK. No. But that's not his fault, and so far, it's a pretty good little gig.Tori Mizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818333374881039086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43858145381004036762011-08-17T17:09:38.874-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.801-05:00I just listed some things yesterday, so no sales y...I just listed some things yesterday, so no sales yet. Will do some more tomorrow. *cross fingers*<br><br>I have had my Ghost Bloggers account for a while, but there has yet to be anything I want to write. I should really look at it more, seems to be the hot favorite right now.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51512606240669344722011-08-17T20:31:44.088-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.439-05:00Off to go check it out! :)Off to go check it out! :)Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15038055911204734532011-08-18T11:38:23.173-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.141-05:00I really needed these...my problem is sticking wit...I really needed these...my problem is sticking with one thing...I want to write about education, working from home and fitness...I need help lol<br><br>http://momsmoneysuccess-lady-know-a-lot.blogspot.com/Lady-Know-A-Lothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07336843095354121476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43664746819086931082011-08-18T16:48:39.162-04:002011-11-11T19:27:51.134-05:00I have 10 blogs and not all of them are used. I ha...I have 10 blogs and not all of them are used. I have some that I shut down, then reopen and try again. I like too many things and I like to think I have a few topics I know something about. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54722789367664139132011-08-18T16:52:24.036-04:002011-11-11T19:31:37.493-05:00Good Luck!Good Luck!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31045248043790393112011-08-24T01:01:56.841-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.429-05:00I want to be Amish....I want to be Amish....Devhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11398424923235776550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55472689827148983502011-08-25T10:14:57.827-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.730-05:00In many ways we have lost the practical aspect of ...In many ways we have lost the practical aspect of chores. Chores are not punishment or cruel, most teach practical skills we all need to know when we live on our own. Cooking, cleaning, laundry skills are all basic skills that children can participate in in age appropriate ways. I remember starting to fold clothes as a young child. It was not punishment, but a way to participate in the household. As I got older, the types of training I got was more advanced.<br><br>I always think it is sad when kids can't do basic things like laundry, housekeeping and simple cooking tasks. I hate cooking, but I do KNOW the basics because I had to learn them. It was because of the chores I did as a child.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66170256789340236532011-08-25T10:42:49.237-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.724-05:00My mother gave me chores specefic to my age and th...My mother gave me chores specefic to my age and they changed as I got older. Now, as an adult I can appreciate why. If not for her I would not be able to make choices or stand on my own two feet.<br><br>I try to teach that to his 6yr old, but they never taught her chores. Her mother has 3 other kids to keep up with and they run a muck. The house is always a mess and its chaos. His own mother spoiles the child and dotes on her, picks up after her and teaches her nothing. When she comes here I make her pick up after herself, put her dirty dishes in the dishwasher, help take the dogs out, and keep her own room clean. She helps with laundry when we do it on weekends. I give her a few cents allowance every so often to teach her saving for the things she wants instead of constantly asking for stuff. I also make her clean out old toys every so often to make room for new ones. Slowly she is learning the value of a dollar, that money does not grow on trees, to appreciate what she does have, to take care of what she does have because things are not disposable. It used to be terrible how she treated her toys. I stopped buying her things. Now she has to earn them. She loves cooking with me, so I am glad for that. She does like to feel like she is important and a good helper. Its just the appreciation for things and understanding of money we have to work on.<br><br>I think it teaches us how to follow rules. Be disciplined. Learn responsibility, along with so many other things.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64503265433259578872011-08-26T02:12:07.676-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.743-05:00Great contest! Thanks!Great contest! Thanks!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83942976130325606952011-08-26T10:53:32.573-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.701-05:00In order to be fully present I think we have to ad...In order to be fully present I think we have to address the reasons we want to escape. The Amish accept and deal with what is and I for one can admit the electronic and other distractions I choose are often based on a desire not to deal with the present.<br><br>It is challenging to forgive, but more of a blessing to ourselves than those we forgive. The burden of anger and other negative emotions that prevent us from forgiveness is far more damaging to our lives than those we don't forgive.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46376784819271086412011-08-26T10:57:21.225-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.718-05:00I've learned this lesson with younger family m...I've learned this lesson with younger family members, it is not kind to make them dependent and unable to care for themselves. I have a couple of nephews that are totally dependent on Mom and are no longer young adults. Mom is no longer young or healthy. What happens when Mom is gone?<br><br>It starts when they are young. Chores are the start of independence and learning to take responsiblity for yourself. Plenty of people choose to do things differently when they are on their own, but if taught that is at least a choice. They have a starting set of skills for cooking, cleaning, etc.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29204236707058030302011-08-26T13:41:17.217-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.712-05:00I worry about that too. Her grammie (his mom) is a...I worry about that too. Her grammie (his mom) is almost 60 and she is 6 almost 7, and she has said more than once she is having more trouble keeping up with her. So what happens when neither of them can rely on her?<br><br>It's sad is what it is. <br><br>I do my best with her in the short time I get to see her each week. I guess that is all I can do.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37004780930849324272011-08-26T13:42:39.366-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.695-05:00You are right. My main electronic sources of distr...You are right. My main electronic sources of distraction are my PC (which I also use for work), my iPhone and my Nook. There are times when I have thought about giving some things up. But, without my PC I can't work.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20270082217164571942011-08-26T20:47:19.744-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.688-05:00I like practical inspirational books that help me ...I like practical inspirational books that help me with steps I can do now and work up to things that take me longer. This sounds like an interesting read.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12616057501069317122011-08-29T09:49:50.943-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.683-05:00It can be tremendously frustrating. I check the bi...It can be tremendously frustrating. I check the bidding sites every so often, but usually close them after looking at just a few jobs.The Lazy Foodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14412852736424496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37697783645959684572011-08-29T11:11:45.662-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.678-05:00I try to filter it by searching for keywords and ...I try to filter it by searching for keywords and sorting by ratings. Most of the time those with a higher rating are paying much better than those who have very few. I seem to find the best jobs on eLance, but I don't have a paid account so I can't bid on half of them! LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85109535603120864742011-08-29T11:17:40.680-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.706-05:00Hi Chrystal! Thanks so much for sharing your thoug...Hi Chrystal! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about Amish Values, and raising kids. Sounds like you are having a very significant impact on your future step-daughter. Loved reading that! And loved your comment about living with less stuff and more love. Amen, sister! Warmly, Suzanne Woods FisherSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134027864904228982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27654745689695520792011-08-29T16:06:11.851-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.421-05:00I am sorry Chrystal. I hope things work out for y...I am sorry Chrystal. I hope things work out for you and none of this BS will intefere with your focus on school. Please take care.<br><br>Peace,<br>NicoInterruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77082785650998597982011-08-29T16:44:32.201-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.667-05:00I still believe they are going to get bitten by th...I still believe they are going to get bitten by the quality of the work they are getting for that money and end up having to return to higher salaries.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58821097752529218902011-09-20T20:44:34.136-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.653-05:00Familiar can be good for a quick read. It depends...Familiar can be good for a quick read. It depends on my mood.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76130844129057362392011-09-21T20:04:11.063-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.660-05:00Hi Chrystal! It's 90 degrees here, too...a lit...Hi Chrystal! It's 90 degrees here, too...a little hard to believe that Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye. But it will! Thanks for reviewing my book--really liked that you brought out the importance of "hanging thou in there" with marriage.<br>Warmly, Suzanne Woods FisherSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134027864904228982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18452443001540802192011-10-16T13:18:57.312-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.629-05:00My mother in love would probably love this book. N...My mother in love would probably love this book. Not my kind of thing as much. I will pass this on to her.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16099087625994439622011-10-17T14:47:29.586-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.622-05:00I don't mind Christian books. I can totally un...I don't mind Christian books. I can totally understand what point the author was trying to make. It was a decent read, but nothing I really needed at the time. I plan to donate it to my church.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48950235476945703182011-10-19T19:33:44.117-04:002011-12-28T16:17:16.407-05:00Sounds like you have a solid plan. I really haven...Sounds like you have a solid plan. I really haven't found my path since Google Panda hit. I am not sure which direction I want to go next. I still enjoying Blogging although the income is not building yet. I suspect it will be what it is meant to be as I move forward.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15916949293828929082011-10-19T20:42:04.830-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.611-05:00Sounds like a good plan!Sounds like a good plan!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7358729965140516202011-10-19T21:56:45.676-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.605-05:00Having a plan is the first step in accomplishing t...Having a plan is the first step in accomplishing things..great job! I am working on a new blog and have tried to set my own goals each week.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15117388017313125160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49596441978471594352011-10-20T14:41:36.256-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.598-05:00The plan is going to change as my class schedule c...The plan is going to change as my class schedule changes, and the clients change. Some jobs just take longer than other. I also have job training starting in December and in January I will be working back in taxes for the season. Pretty excited about that. oDesk has been great in helping me land some private clients. I blog because I love it. I don't make money from my blogs. If I do, fine. If not, I am still going to do it. I have been doing it since 2004 so I don't see a reason to stop. I have made some awesome friends during those years so it is not something I am willing to give up on.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29622360629625278062011-10-22T08:14:02.056-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.580-05:00Sounds like an interesting Christmas read.Sounds like an interesting Christmas read.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75669044729927900922011-10-22T12:46:38.952-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.573-05:00Not my usual style, but it was really cute.Not my usual style, but it was really cute.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34986887609527177192011-10-23T13:50:55.336-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.592-05:00Those are great goals! I took off for a bit becaus...Those are great goals! I took off for a bit because of surgery and my blog suffered from it. I am trying to get back into doing it again.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44224343238492544592011-10-24T10:56:11.998-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.585-05:00Mandy I am sorry about your surgery! It can always...Mandy I am sorry about your surgery! It can always be hard getting back in to the groove.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65928543784944109942011-10-26T09:23:09.973-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.569-05:00Good that you are focusing on what has to be done,...Good that you are focusing on what has to be done, after the huge setback. Go fight, and be a winner!JANUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06983287092498427967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50231702184556568312011-10-26T10:32:14.087-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.562-05:00Thank you. I think the first of the year I will st...Thank you. I think the first of the year I will start with a clean slate and actually post my earnings for even more motivation. Right now I just want to focus on writing and backlinks!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34596285881713881602011-11-01T20:14:07.789-04:002011-11-11T19:31:40.149-05:00Good job! I am going to check Skywords out for sur...Good job! I am going to check Skywords out for sure! <br><br>On Hubpages can you backlink then to your own blog or no? Thanks!Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15117388017313125160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84759026525906439252011-11-02T10:55:25.940-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.549-05:00Penny - I believe you can have up to 3 links in yo...Penny - I believe you can have up to 3 links in your post, but they cannot be to the same place. All of the websites have to be different and it can't be 3 links to 3 different posts within the same site.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31232374367672370082011-11-03T21:43:28.194-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.544-05:00Chrystal, thanks so much for taking the time to re...Chrystal, thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond to my book. So pleased that you liked it--thanks for recommending it.Erin Healyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021926977245785860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59211642165442683142011-11-04T16:04:54.704-04:002011-11-11T19:27:50.537-05:00Erin, thank you so much. It was an honor to be abl...Erin, thank you so much. It was an honor to be able to read your book. Loved every minute of it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55635362890823834442011-11-09T08:45:54.136-05:002011-11-11T19:27:50.532-05:00The good thing is you can keep starting again and ...The good thing is you can keep starting again and moving forward. Good luck with this and all the stuff you are taking on.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4850421954182348012011-11-10T10:09:12.583-05:002011-11-11T19:27:50.526-05:00I have a lot to look forward to. Right now I just ...I have a lot to look forward to. Right now I just want to get all of my health problems in order. Thank you for the luck, I need it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19771915837717722162011-11-15T04:09:36.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.211-04:00Good luck. We all have our motivations for losing...Good luck. We all have our motivations for losing weight. The key is even when we fall we keep getting up and trying againg.Baileyhttp://sortingthroughlifeslessons.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83186343141357835132011-11-15T06:09:13.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.215-04:00You would think that all the pain this weight is c...You would think that all the pain this weight is causing my back that I would have really pushed harder to lose the weight or do something about it sooner. I feel really dumb sometimes.Chrystalhttp://www.chrystalmahan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3792823812624886062011-11-15T09:08:24.302-05:002011-11-15T11:26:12.176-05:00Great attitude about starting again. I had my fir...Great attitude about starting again. I had my first exercise day after a long break. Today the exercise clothes are on and I am determined to get to the basement. Push forward.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33509577215315575342011-11-15T11:40:58.294-05:002011-11-15T11:40:58.294-05:00Thank you. I am really trying to make it work this...Thank you. I am really trying to make it work this time. I have to. I have to push forward despite the pain in my back, especially since most of that pain is caused by the weight!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69858634020506786002011-11-15T13:21:07.243-05:002011-11-15T19:33:46.952-05:00I do hope you meet your goals! The holidays seems ...I do hope you meet your goals! The holidays seems to be the worst time to start these sorts of ventures. The tips you have listed will go far in helping others who are struggling with weight as well!Daisyhttp://budgetfamilymeals.com/2011/11/14/how-to-roast-and-carve-a-turkey/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61263811054162409882011-11-22T16:00:18.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.221-04:00Thank you for mentioning me on your bog!! I love t...Thank you for mentioning me on your bog!! I love the new look!!! :) I am so glad you asked for my help. I don't know how you do all that you do!!!Miranda Grimmhttp://designforblogs.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31458340358422079682011-11-22T16:13:52.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.225-04:00You are welcome and thank you for your help! You h...You are welcome and thank you for your help! You have no idea how you have saved me! Now, if I can find someone to relink my 600 plus posts, I will be in business. hahaha! Thanks again, I am very happy with it.adminhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78345192990049308292011-11-23T00:25:06.282-05:002011-11-23T21:07:44.805-05:00Wow, Chrystal! I just saw your review. I'm a b...Wow, Chrystal! I just saw your review. I'm a bit slow. But thank you for the kind words. I'm glad it creeped you out. That's what I wanted to hear when I wrote it. And yes, there's some basis of truth in it.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27109849307693986732011-11-25T05:45:41.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.228-04:00Nice look!!Nice look!!Baileyhttp://sortingthroughlifeslessons.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61199268135706732142011-11-25T09:04:48.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.230-04:00Thanks so much Bailey! There is still a lot of cle...Thanks so much Bailey! There is still a lot of cleaning up to do around here. One step at a time!Chrystalhttp://www.chrystalmahan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78225133952363459242011-11-25T10:44:47.690-05:002011-11-25T16:05:19.865-05:00You have such a great attitude about all of it tha...You have such a great attitude about all of it that it is inspiring. I have to get started. I started working out and I did make better choices on food over the holiday. It is one step at a time.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18042197548127077662011-11-25T16:09:00.056-05:002011-11-25T16:09:00.056-05:00It was hard. Thanksgiving (yesterday) was harder t...It was hard. Thanksgiving (yesterday) was harder than our Sunday Thanksgiving dinner. I am not sure what made me eat more. I felt more stress on Sunday, so I don't think that was it. Today I am having hard time with the program, but I am doing my best to stay on track!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26731228497140397952011-11-25T18:48:50.893-05:002011-11-25T18:56:31.355-05:00You have the right attitude about making real life...You have the right attitude about making real life choices that will work for you. Thanksgiving was not as hard as I thought it would be. I ate what I wanted but kept my portions small so I actually felt full faster. Try to keep the stress off as I hear that does not help when trying to lose. Good luck!Laniesehttp://www.consumerlove.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34807608438531491812011-11-27T23:33:25.766-05:002011-11-29T14:31:55.073-05:00Great job! I think you made amazing choices.Great job! I think you made amazing choices.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73124419479036639902011-11-29T19:58:12.143-05:002011-11-29T19:58:12.143-05:00Thank you! Tomorrow is weigh in day (again) and I ...Thank you! Tomorrow is weigh in day (again) and I know I went up. Darn that Thanksgiving!LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69879070785197542282011-12-01T11:04:18.711-05:002011-12-02T14:41:08.266-05:00It is enabling and your instincts are right. If h...It is enabling and your instincts are right. If he wants to lose weight you can't do it for him. He has to want it and do it.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72391742324155722142011-12-01T17:36:56.384-05:002011-12-02T14:41:08.258-05:00Aww, I hope you have a better week next week! Str...Aww, I hope you have a better week next week! Stress makes it impossible to get anything accomplished!Daisyhttp://budgetfamilymeals.com/2011/11/13/free-christmas-cookie-cookbook/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56172921050693928252011-12-02T11:02:28.435-05:002011-12-02T14:41:08.217-05:00That is kinda cool, I have to admit :)That is kinda cool, I have to admit :)Jeremy Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11872102864997603476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59138065602714392042011-12-02T14:41:48.245-05:002011-12-02T14:41:48.245-05:00You want the degree, don't ya? ;)You want the degree, don't ya? ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13397670981456889542011-12-02T14:43:48.294-05:002011-12-02T14:43:48.294-05:00@Bailey - even last night he comes home, wants to ...@Bailey - even last night he comes home, wants to know if he can have rice. A question I get asked almost every day. I keep telling him to get his journal, and his Nutrisystem papers and read it to find out what he can do. <br /><br />@Daisy - I thought taking only 1 grad school class would be a lot easier than 9 undergrad, it really isnt.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73805517811905550962011-12-03T18:49:58.573-05:002011-12-04T11:18:05.324-05:00The right back support is so huge. Without it the...The right back support is so huge. Without it the pain intrudes into every other part of your life.<br /><br />Hope Santa brings you a wonderful holiday season.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70894375522690828432011-12-03T22:50:05.114-05:002011-12-04T11:18:05.321-05:00Chrystal, thanks so much for the lovely review. I...Chrystal, thanks so much for the lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book!L.K. Malonenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1268591890345810732011-12-04T07:20:00.175-05:002011-12-04T11:18:05.314-05:00I am seeing a trend, Chrystal - time and help! I n...I am seeing a trend, Chrystal - time and help! I need more of those two things also. And, a little more motivation most days. ;)<br /><br />Thanks for participating! I hope you get everything on your list this year.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48318128821880224872011-12-04T11:26:23.595-05:002011-12-04T11:26:23.595-05:00Bailey you are so right. I know if Santa does not ...Bailey you are so right. I know if Santa does not bring me one I am going to buy one for myself on an after Christmas sale! <br /><br />Angie, I think we live in a world where we just want to try and do it ourselves. And while there is a lot I can do, I prove that to myself every day, I still could use an extra set of hands for some of these other side projects. <br /><br />Happy Holidays to you both!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66872623190865132572011-12-04T11:43:44.179-05:002011-12-04T11:43:44.179-05:00It is an honor to have you stop by my blog. I look...It is an honor to have you stop by my blog. I look forward to reading more of your words.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36959219721046949452011-12-04T21:42:34.188-05:002011-12-05T16:06:57.874-05:00I bought http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/690...I bought http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/690690/Realspace-PRO-Mesh-High-Back-Chair/ a couple years ago. Best investment a writer can make! (By the way, if you're going to be sitting for long periods, the mesh seat is very comfortable).L.K. Malonenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54840338723409515212011-12-05T16:08:33.195-05:002011-12-05T16:08:33.195-05:00L.K. - If I don't get one for Christmas (which...L.K. - If I don't get one for Christmas (which I doubt) than I plan to buy a mesh one. I like how they feel much better than a cushion. A cushion never lasts long. Starts to get lumpy and hard over time. Thanks for the heads up! I have bookmarked the one you have.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42507287641269604242011-12-09T09:32:32.830-05:002011-12-09T14:36:31.482-05:00Glad you enjoyed the book, writing it was a challe...Glad you enjoyed the book, writing it was a challenge as when you deal with an issue like this one you have to start with yourself. It is humbling and painful to realize that for however long you have missed the point and now just realizing that you have to figure out how to move the ship of your life in a different direction. The great thing is that Jesus is in the business of bringing dead to life so even when our religious routines leave us 'lifeless' we have a King who can cure that condition if we will turn to Him and follow after Him.Tyler Edwardshttps://www.facebook.com/PastorTylerEdwardsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22174213623601204712011-12-14T07:34:10.999-05:002011-12-14T21:03:38.275-05:00I have the library kit. :) Was a gift for my birth...I have the library kit. :) Was a gift for my birthday. It's kinda neat. I ended up using the cards and stuff as bookmarks. :)Calissa Leighhttp://www.calissaleigh.com/writenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32331630465342051972011-12-14T10:18:25.187-05:002011-12-14T21:03:38.269-05:00Now that you have insurance getting a physical and...Now that you have insurance getting a physical and determining what health factors may be contributing to your challenges is important.<br /><br />Some people are motivated by competition, but I have never been one of them when it comes to something personal like weight loss. In fact it tends to have the opposite reaction. I tend to become self defeating as I don't see the results others get and feel guilty if others aren't succeeding. Don't let your husband's success frustrate you. You will find a way.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77373225231191968752011-12-14T10:21:21.879-05:002011-12-14T21:03:38.245-05:00I love the Martha Stewart concept. How many people...I love the Martha Stewart concept. How many people punish themselves with that idea every holiday season and miss the real comfort and joy the holiday has to offer.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89818681176188427242011-12-14T21:23:42.582-05:002011-12-14T21:23:42.582-05:00I used to be motivated by competition. When I did ...I used to be motivated by competition. When I did Weight Watchers years ago, it started as an At Work program. I was so happy with the results I went on to weekend meetings, met my goal, made Lifetime and almost became a leader. Until my back problems started.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73570059838507477852011-12-14T21:45:58.246-05:002011-12-14T21:45:58.246-05:00I think it is so cute! I am not really into scrapb...I think it is so cute! I am not really into scrapbooking all that much, but I like to make cute pages for certain photos. This would be cute for some ideas I might have since I don't really lend out my books.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75574277994795588162011-12-14T21:48:27.376-05:002011-12-14T21:48:27.376-05:00My Halloween pumpkin is still on my front porch. G...My Halloween pumpkin is still on my front porch. Granted its wet and squishy, but it's still there. I know a lot of people act like Martha Stewart and Betty Crocker. They try to push me to that. I just want to relax on Christmas and enjoy the company of a few people. I don't need to go here, there, here, and over there. That's just too much for me. Who needs all that?Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6875340009013334512011-12-23T10:49:12.430-05:002011-12-23T17:32:28.949-05:00Those look really good! I've been having my ow...Those look really good! I've been having my own "war with the scale" for quite awhile. I hit 34 and my ability to quickly drop (and then regain!) weight completely evaporated. I've usually dieted on my own successfully without being part of any program but I'm really tempted to give Nutrisystem a try. Earlier this year, I was able to drop 10 pounds but getting the remainder off (even when using extreme measures!) hasn't worked out well at all. I've also had issues with stubborn water retention. Maybe sodium controlled shakes and meals would help me?Emme J.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23720335512717188352011-12-23T17:34:27.229-05:002011-12-23T17:34:27.229-05:00Emme, they were VERY yummy. Nutrisystem is better ...Emme, they were VERY yummy. Nutrisystem is better than ever with their new Success program. I am very excited about it and will be writing about it more after the new year starts. I have a doctors appointment in January and I hope she can help me get to the bottom of my stubborn weight problem. I hope I don't have diabetes. I have been told in the past that my thyroid is off, but it was never high/low enough to warrant more tests or medications, just a "we better watch it" type thing. Maybe its finally gone bonkers!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13538698222910540182011-12-29T10:20:23.113-05:002011-12-29T11:26:00.683-05:00Sounds like something I should look into.Sounds like something I should look into.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46226485830756064472011-12-29T10:23:00.487-05:002011-12-29T11:26:00.676-05:00It sounds like you are on the right track. You ar...It sounds like you are on the right track. You are going to the doctor to eliminate any health related issues that might be holding you back. I also know from personal experience that back pain makes exercise more challening, too.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43430965035909968692011-12-29T13:35:42.233-05:002011-12-29T18:00:39.188-05:00I too am Bi-polar, and my energy level for lack of...I too am Bi-polar, and my energy level for lack of better terms suck, I am also a Nutrisystem Blogger and I do hate to exercise. What I started doing was 3 10 minute walks a day, I have RA so I need to take it easy, but still keep my body moving. As for your hubs losing more than you, it is sad but Men just lose easier than women, there are times I want to back hand my husband out of frustration... Hang in there kiddo it will come, and if you need any help or just want to vent my email is christi(at)itsfreeatlast(dot)comChristi Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745001243795010782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24699880703009245372012-01-02T12:45:32.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.234-04:00[...] #blogboost Day 2 Pinterest and How it Makes ...[...] #blogboost Day 2 Pinterest and How it Makes Me Miss Elonna Monday, January 2nd, 2012 at 5:45 PM embaPub="130f1a8e9e102707f3f91b010f151b0b";Day 1 : Here [...]#blogboost Day 2 Pinterest and How it Makes Me Miss Elonna | Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/01/02/blogboost-day-2-pinterest-and-how-it-makes-me-miss-elonna/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81942591325735521382012-01-02T12:51:07.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.240-04:00She will always be missed. I thought of closing Me...She will always be missed. I thought of closing Mental Notes this year only to realize that I can't because of my Elonna blogs. Even if I just repost those every year, it is my tribute to her.Jeremy Crowhttp://jeremycrow4life.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14883899590274579162012-01-02T13:22:57.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.244-04:00She was kind, caring, and so honest. She was true,...She was kind, caring, and so honest. She was true, selfless and warm. I would not have traded any minute with her for the world. I only wish I could of forced her to the doctor sooner. She would blush of embarrassment of us making such a big deal about her. But I personally love the tribute and being able to count on those posts every Christmas brings me much joy.adminhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44516398894626163002012-01-02T18:58:54.602-05:002012-01-02T21:16:20.887-05:00I am trying to do this challenge too and so far, I...I am trying to do this challenge too and so far, I have made good on writing daily but my views are super minimal.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91134774379975507212012-01-03T07:43:03.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.249-04:00Hi i drop by here through the ultimate blog challe...Hi i drop by here through the ultimate blog challenge. I agree with you on number one i dont like the dish rag bunched up in the sink also but most of my family does it that way LOL. You have a very nice site here. I have enjoyed stopping by. Have a great day. :-)Billhttp://mythoughtsideas.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77453318194330163812012-01-03T10:06:32.306-05:002012-01-03T12:49:41.996-05:00I suppose you can't enjoy them all. That is w...I suppose you can't enjoy them all. That is why they depend on you for feedback.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48232193212822522032012-01-03T10:07:12.565-05:002012-01-03T12:49:41.987-05:00Thankfully we have a great tax guy or I am not sur...Thankfully we have a great tax guy or I am not sure we would ever finish.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48635520320648514492012-01-03T10:23:01.188-05:002012-01-03T10:23:01.188-05:00You have to do what works best for you!You have to do what works best for you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82008981051914841202012-01-03T10:24:32.282-05:002012-01-03T12:49:41.980-05:00I think mills gave some people an opportunity that...I think mills gave some people an opportunity that they didn't find on their own and it will be hard to reajust. Thankfully we don't "need" my income right now, but it was nice to apply it against extra on the mortgage or Christmas gifts, etc. It wasn't a kick in the pants to find a new direction, because I hadn't stopped looking for one when I found this type of work. I just still haven't found my niche.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60481552555412284852012-01-03T10:43:03.659-05:002012-01-03T12:49:41.973-05:00I like having soup on hand too. I find I eat bett...I like having soup on hand too. I find I eat better.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15817114317999572522012-01-03T12:50:04.221-05:002012-01-03T12:50:04.221-05:00I have been experimenting and getting more creativ...I have been experimenting and getting more creative!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20360673152859947032012-01-03T12:50:54.986-05:002012-01-03T12:50:54.986-05:00I do miss the ease of it. Being able to log in to ...I do miss the ease of it. Being able to log in to a place, pick a title, and write. But I am adjusting ok. I think the Panda did me good, it pushed me out of my comfort zone.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35576032174136742502012-01-03T12:51:31.872-05:002012-01-03T12:51:31.872-05:00I need to start getting my receipts in order. I us...I need to start getting my receipts in order. I usually am extremely organized when it comes to my taxes but this year I just pushed it all aside.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61381495369166306422012-01-04T13:33:03.679-05:002012-01-04T19:44:41.649-05:00For some reason I always have trouble with their s...For some reason I always have trouble with their site. I signed up, posted some articles and then could never get it to work right after that.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78368613790748623522012-01-04T15:49:54.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.252-04:00I enjoyed reading the 10 Random Things. I have an...I enjoyed reading the 10 Random Things. I have anxiety, worry about my children all the time. I have started taking Zoloft, and that helps quite a bit. I am stopping by from the 31 Day Ultimate Blog Challenge. Hope you have a wonderful day!Angela Dhttp://mykidsmyhusbandandi.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36277293010828770262012-01-04T16:48:32.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.255-04:00Thank you Bill for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed...Thank you Bill for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed your stay. The dish rag thing is silly. But it doesn't dry and it starts to smell! <br><br>Angela, thank you for stopping by. I was on Wellbutrin and Xanax. Well, still am but I don't really take them. I am in the middle of getting help from new docs so all my meds are going to be changing.adminhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43010364697204774562012-01-04T19:45:29.676-05:002012-01-04T19:45:29.676-05:00I never took the time to write anything. Thanks fo...I never took the time to write anything. Thanks for telling me that. I think there is still one person on WPLH that is still doing some of these smaller residual sites. Might have to ask her how she is doing.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67349491080615328792012-01-04T22:09:22.447-05:002012-01-08T11:21:09.594-05:00I know the feeling. I have another blog post detai...I know the feeling. I have another blog post detailed but I haven't written it out because I still have 6 more articles to do tonight.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74708922865454743022012-01-04T22:47:52.358-05:002012-01-08T11:21:09.588-05:00It sounds like you have found a good doctor. I li...It sounds like you have found a good doctor. I like the glider. Mine is worn out and I can't find a replacement, but I find it to be a good workout.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3144897626102013152012-01-05T09:39:06.328-05:002012-01-08T11:21:09.580-05:00Lately I have been suffering anxiety attacks every...Lately I have been suffering anxiety attacks every time I leave the house. I think it's because I don't do it often enough. The doctor says I'm developing agoraphobia.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71429681920898052442012-01-06T16:53:21.224-05:002012-01-08T11:21:09.571-05:00I have to say I hate to see the way FB has become ...I have to say I hate to see the way FB has become a way to create more conflict and drama in family life. It is one of the BIGGEST reasons I don't have an account. I love going to read blogs, share on my favorite interest sites, etc. but because FB has become the central port of entry, people are drawn their like flies and it gets ugly. <br /><br />I have no issue with people venting on their blogs, etc. I can read or not. However, there is something about the tools of FB that seems to encourage behavior that leads to issues. It seems to be almost too easy to connect. It can take work to find a family member's blog, but on FB everyone seems to know everyone else's personal business and feels all to free to share info that in normal life they would never be able to pin to the town hall door.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7378661999271980102012-01-06T23:59:23.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.259-04:00You're the 2nd person who I've read throug...You're the 2nd person who I've read through the Ultimate Blog Challenge that's talking about National Tea Month :) <br><br>I knew Tea was popular but that is has a month dedicated to it hehe <br><br>I've never really had tea - prefer cold coffee milkshakes or peach ice tea - and for me a hot cup of tea (with ginger - the Indian style) is for when I'm not feeling well with a buttered toast ... total comfort !!Dazedivahttp://dazedreflection.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59138855897000932092012-01-07T14:59:32.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.263-04:00When I was growing up my mother and grandmother wo...When I was growing up my mother and grandmother would make hot toddies when I was younger. Hot tea, a drop of honey, sometimes lemon and a spoon of whiskey!adminhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88515323094507311542012-01-08T11:22:14.887-05:002012-01-08T11:22:14.887-05:00I can understand that. I have revoked sharing righ...I can understand that. I have revoked sharing rights from other sites to FB. With 500 friends from past & present, along with family, there is sure to be a clash of personalities. Of course there are some people who use it just for the drama because their life is so boring. I guess.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10619880011181710992012-01-10T09:01:42.102-05:002012-01-10T13:32:38.192-05:00My little brother was diagnosed with Leg-calf Pert...My little brother was diagnosed with Leg-calf Perthese Disease when he was 8. That's when he had his first hip replacement. He had the second at 16 and now he needs another at almost 21 or he will not be able to walk on his own any longer. His condition makes it so that the tissue doesn't grow around the ball joint and his hip socket is bone on bone. I hope they are able to do something more for you than they were for him.Raph Whitfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09752788513700383152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30819340760254704732012-01-10T13:36:25.287-05:002012-01-10T13:36:25.287-05:00Bailey I found my glider on QVC.com. I have not be...Bailey I found my glider on QVC.com. I have not been able to stay on it for long. I go as long as I can. Right now I am about 10min before the pain really starts to set in.<br /><br />Ralph- I am sorry to hear about your brother. I wish they could have done more for him. I don't like to hear about anyone being in pain. I am trying to avoid surgeries. Right now I am on some light pain meds to try to work through the pain and get some exercise to lose the weight. So far my docs think once I get the weight down, the pain should calm down a bit. But, since there is no cartilage and stuff, they felt I should begin taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Hopefully that will help some.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76528274176486884142012-01-10T18:55:12.961-05:002012-01-11T10:36:00.925-05:00Great strategy. Good for you and the animals.Great strategy. Good for you and the animals.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19721285269750119872012-01-10T22:41:15.549-05:002012-01-11T10:36:00.915-05:00That sucks. Sorry that this turned out so badly.That sucks. Sorry that this turned out so badly.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81800540767873276182012-01-11T01:11:43.223-05:002012-01-11T10:36:22.424-05:00Sad to know of your predicament, Chrystal. A lot o...Sad to know of your predicament, Chrystal. A lot of victims just let the incident pass without much noise, which is also partly why companies continue to cheat members of their well-deserved money. I am thankful that you did not let your loss go by quietly. Filing a complaint against the company is the right thing to do.teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78054329795842203232012-01-11T09:51:12.461-05:002012-01-11T10:36:06.413-05:00Wow, I can't believe this happened to you. I *...Wow, I can't believe this happened to you. I *just* started on Fiverr and now I'm worried.Jessicahttp://jershaanddup.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31599522478841353122012-01-11T10:38:55.820-05:002012-01-11T10:38:55.820-05:00It does suck and I waited a long time before I dec...It does suck and I waited a long time before I decided to write about it. I am pretty angry and frustrated. I am sure I will never see that money or have an account with Fiverr again.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82371953636325530532012-01-11T11:21:35.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.284-04:00[...] Last week I talked about how Pinterest makes...[...] Last week I talked about how Pinterest makes me miss Elonna. [...]It's My Own Secret Recipe. I Call It Pinterest & Duct Tape | Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/01/11/its-my-own-secret-recipe-i-call-it-pinterest-duct-tape/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8203734688078010052012-01-11T12:28:55.651-05:002012-01-11T14:57:13.640-05:00Nice review!
Thank you so much for being part of t...Nice review!<br />Thank you so much for being part of this blog tour! I can't wait to read The Keeper, and to catch up with some of Suzanne's back list too!<br /><br />Gena Robertson<br />robertsongena@hotmail.comUnknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13637558465465103813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78954116583992305602012-01-11T13:07:30.647-05:002012-01-11T14:57:13.623-05:00That's an important one. If can't build o...That's an important one. If can't build on the foundation what ever you are building will crumble.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90861359977567815342012-01-11T13:37:02.568-05:002012-01-11T14:57:13.618-05:00Interesting! I am glad I never tried them.Interesting! I am glad I never tried them.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23091468995881915842012-01-11T14:07:14.776-05:002012-01-11T14:57:13.608-05:00I think you have to be comfortable in your own ski...I think you have to be comfortable in your own skin and at peace with yourself before you can make any changes that will stick with you.<br />Great thought!<br />Blessings!Martha J. M. Orlandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54209895523690183352012-01-11T18:01:51.506-05:002012-01-11T20:14:07.646-05:00I love family stories that expand to other novels ...I love family stories that expand to other novels so we can "stay in touch." Looking forward to the 17th and the blog party! The Keeper will be just that!!<br />lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]netLane Hill Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952459499802207852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51947471063882352972012-01-11T20:15:22.341-05:002012-01-11T20:15:22.341-05:00Its nice to feel like one of the family!Its nice to feel like one of the family!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18007646071445402842012-01-11T20:16:34.642-05:002012-01-11T20:16:34.642-05:00Very true Bailey and Martha. I am still working on...Very true Bailey and Martha. I am still working on being comfortable in mine.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1306295286816024832012-01-11T20:18:02.295-05:002012-01-11T20:18:02.295-05:00I was glad I did. I was doing well with them. I am...I was glad I did. I was doing well with them. I am very upset this happened.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46893117319912035472012-01-11T22:38:18.288-05:002012-01-12T18:54:30.279-05:00I have tried to look up your articles on Examiner ...I have tried to look up your articles on Examiner as I am also a member and I can't find you. It keeps telling me that you couldn't be found. :(Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92048958854744666752012-01-12T05:44:22.578-05:002012-01-12T18:54:30.231-05:00hi i have just read 'The Search' and loved...hi i have just read 'The Search' and loved it so would love to read this new book thankssoellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827283830081082379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85401740746007722932012-01-12T05:58:36.000-05:002013-10-15T11:48:58.025-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.It's My Own Secret Recipe. I Call It Pinterest & Duct Tape | Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/01/11/its-my-own-secret-recipe-i-call-it-pinterest-duct-tape/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78779271138142121662012-01-12T13:56:53.780-05:002012-01-12T18:54:30.218-05:00Wow! That is horrible...thank you for sharing your...Wow! That is horrible...thank you for sharing your experience!Pennyhttp://www.savingwithpurpose.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83032481714658420592012-01-12T16:04:54.386-05:002012-01-12T18:54:30.204-05:00Sorry to read about all of your troubles. I've...Sorry to read about all of your troubles. I've considered Fiverr but now I will be wary. These sites pop up and everything starts out going gangbusters but when the other shoe drops, it almost always comes down to incompetence, mismanagement and bad customer service. A company growing at the rate that they are should be doing everything in their power to prevent this sort of thing from happening and working with their members rather than trying to sweep everything under the rug. It sounds like they'd rather ignore it than deal with the realities (and costs) of sorting it out. Any member of Fiverr can be easily compromised in this way. One day they will be front page (or web) news due to a major hacking that they didn't do anything to prevent. You are well rid of them. Future victims will, unfortunately, lose much more money.Emme J.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69572371337717453722012-01-12T18:42:14.395-05:002012-01-12T18:54:30.182-05:00Hi Chrystal! Thanks for being part of the blog tou...Hi Chrystal! Thanks for being part of the blog tour for "Keeper"--for sharing my book with your readers. Blessings to you in 2012.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134027864904228982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4235619972341533282012-01-12T19:02:18.061-05:002012-01-12T19:02:18.061-05:00You are welcome Suzanne! Look forward to many more...You are welcome Suzanne! Look forward to many more.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69559590258104204352012-01-12T19:05:10.700-05:002012-01-12T19:05:10.700-05:00Well, I am not quite sure why this article is not ...Well, I am not quite sure why this article is not showing up. It seems my other ones are. I do not write for Examiner and have not for quite some time, but my articles remain. I tried to get them to take them down, but no go. Because I did not submit I was locked out the site and now I don't get any money that was due to me. The site works well for some but I was not having any luck with it. I do much better on Helium and HubPages.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49292078886245261802012-01-12T19:12:23.910-05:002012-01-12T19:12:23.910-05:00I wish I could tell people to go ahead and try the...I wish I could tell people to go ahead and try them but at this point it just does not feel safe to me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80420674466384812932012-01-13T13:50:19.473-05:002012-01-17T13:59:00.547-05:00Sounds like a great book!Sounds like a great book!A Nest in the Rockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171325981174463550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78171078079673560352012-01-15T05:37:42.168-05:002012-01-17T13:59:00.538-05:00Hey friend,
One from my dad, Anything worth h...Hey friend,<br /> One from my dad, Anything worth having is worth working for.<br /> <br /> spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64783414496403794292012-02-04T18:59:55.870-05:002012-02-06T18:50:25.492-05:00I enjoyed your review, but I found at least two sp...I enjoyed your review, but I found at least two spelling/word errors in your post. <br /><br />;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76879925071568321872012-02-06T18:51:01.407-05:002012-02-06T18:51:01.407-05:00Thank you! I think I found them all. That is why o...Thank you! I think I found them all. That is why one should read, re-read, and read again instead of writing at 3am with eyes that are starting to cross.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20359158476577254502012-02-07T11:58:22.891-05:002012-02-08T14:15:45.446-05:00I have followed your journey with him and I cannot...I have followed your journey with him and I cannot begin to imagine your pain. He was so fortunate to have someone who loved him as much as you did in his life. He has made his journey over the Rainbow Bridge. May he find peace there.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83760925215896913672012-02-08T14:16:59.097-05:002012-02-08T14:16:59.097-05:00Thank you for being there. I am grateful for the f...Thank you for being there. I am grateful for the friend ship, not just you, but the furkids Katy and Bailey as well.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79863035476502580122012-02-08T14:39:43.921-05:002012-02-10T12:08:48.446-05:00Chrystal, I feel for you! We put our 11 year old ...Chrystal, I feel for you! We put our 11 year old boxer down the week of Thanksgiving. We had him since he was 8 weeks old. A year and a half ago we had to put down our 9 year old boxer. It is heartbreaking. They were our first 'children' and we are now dog-less after 11 years. Hugs to you!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071533039730042292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58985427276543361622012-02-10T12:18:10.495-05:002012-02-10T12:18:10.495-05:00Thank you Tina. It has been a huge adjustment. Cai...Thank you Tina. It has been a huge adjustment. Cain has been sick for a while now so I had made my peace that he would soon leave. I am glad I got the years that I did with him. He was special to me for so many reasons. His sister Casey is doing Ok. She seems to be adjusting better than me. I will see Cain again, when its my time. Until then he's happy, vibrant, well, and pain-free and that's what matters most to me. Thanks for stopping by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64315938974151637892012-02-23T07:52:21.000-05:002013-10-15T11:48:41.949-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Pinterest Food Lovers - You are Going to Love This! Foodgawker |http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/02/23/pinterest-food-lovers-you-are-going-to-love-this-foodgawker/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61254911130332024112012-02-23T07:54:52.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.337-04:00[...] Pinterest and How it Makes Me Miss Elonna [....[...] Pinterest and How it Makes Me Miss Elonna [...]Pinterest Food Lovers - You are Going to Love This! Foodgawker |http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/02/23/pinterest-food-lovers-you-are-going-to-love-this-foodgawker/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33715799846220686772012-02-24T09:56:33.005-05:002012-02-24T12:35:52.931-05:00I have thought of trying this but I want more upfr...I have thought of trying this but I want more upfront paying work.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76694674334816080702012-02-24T09:58:43.371-05:002012-02-24T12:35:52.924-05:00I might have to try this one out....I might have to try this one out....Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47796358710992600222012-02-25T17:08:17.108-05:002012-02-26T12:42:51.010-05:00Cute blog!
And CONGRATULATIONS! You've won c...Cute blog! <br /><br />And CONGRATULATIONS! You've won chocolates and an e-book of DEATH BY CHOCOLATE! <br /><br />Just e-mail me at <br /><br />shakespeare824(at)hotmail(dot)com with your address, and I'll send them both out to you!<br /><br />Congrats again!Shakespearehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323455180953109460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32338521604109065722012-02-26T17:01:45.376-05:002012-02-28T16:59:36.633-05:00Hello! My first visit, will visit you again. Serio...Hello! My first visit, will visit you again. Seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed your posts. Congrats for your work. If you wish to follow back that would be great I'm at http://nelsonsouzza.blogspot.com<br />Thanks for sharing!Nelson Souzzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483064512374521245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32372887337875501482012-02-27T01:29:55.153-05:002012-02-28T16:59:24.955-05:00Hello friend,
I've found that I have to do wha...Hello friend,<br />I've found that I have to do what works for me w the weight thing.<br />I do TOPS. Other folks get success w weight loss surgery, Weight Watchers, Curves...etc etc.<br />I believe in you.<br />spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70834777285871237522012-02-28T17:56:01.972-05:002012-02-28T17:56:01.972-05:00I have gone back to Weight Watchers. It seems to b...I have gone back to Weight Watchers. It seems to be the only plan I can really live with because its really not a diet. It teaches me to eat real food. I have a hard time with calorie counting. It is free and should be easy, but its not for me. I think because I was in Points mode for so long it just stuck all these years!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7872275863707885012012-02-28T21:33:11.087-05:002012-02-29T15:20:01.954-05:00Actually, this is one of the best ways to earn mon...Actually, this is one of the best ways to earn money nowadays. Especially if your blog receives constant traffic, selling adspace can be fulfilling for you. You may want to contact a <a href="http://www.truelogic.com.ph" rel="nofollow">SEO Philippines</a> specialist for a little more boost to your site's traffic.Randy L.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83412373219353564992012-02-29T12:40:09.058-05:002012-02-29T15:20:01.945-05:00Thanks for the post. I might have to check out the...Thanks for the post. I might have to check out the site.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com" rel="nofollow">Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer</a>Billy Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361704194167828597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82873272846222544052012-03-01T01:48:32.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.347-04:00Thanks Chrystal, the way you shared how the inform...Thanks Chrystal, the way you shared how the information in the book related to your personal situation gave me the goosebumps. It is a powerful book and sometimes I forget that. Thanks again on behalf of Amy Barth and myself.<br><br>Victor R. Volkman, President<br>Loving Healing Press<br>http://www.LHPress.comVictor R. Volkmanhttp://www.LovingHealing.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54664973618134467882012-03-01T08:14:56.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.351-04:00Thank you for sharing it with me!Thank you for sharing it with me!adminhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58318922524588086662012-03-01T10:20:08.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.354-04:00thank you for sharing this..the more awareness tha...thank you for sharing this..the more awareness than maybe at least one child will not be hurt..or maybe they will even run and tell someone....Thank you Chrystal....As always...XOXOXOXOXBongohttp://bongoisme.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26247061609777371532012-03-01T10:50:36.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.357-04:00You are welcome Bongo. Thank you for stopping by. ...You are welcome Bongo. Thank you for stopping by. I may not be able to help/save everyone but I know my speaking out has helped a handful of people. I also get to meet awesome people like you! xoxoxadminhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42581479528437699032012-03-08T13:57:57.551-05:002012-03-08T16:49:02.328-05:00I too enjoyed reading this story and all the diffe...I too enjoyed reading this story and all the different facets to the events...the father's health, the special needs son, the romantic twist...each added a unique place in the whole plot.martihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08538844782914380628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-367412764347535232012-03-09T14:21:23.164-05:002012-03-09T14:21:23.164-05:00It really was a good one!It really was a good one!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79084751609282844582012-03-10T18:18:14.000-05:002013-09-12T14:06:06.360-04:00Maybe I should read it. That last one you mentione...Maybe I should read it. That last one you mentioned, that it's okay to be angry, is something I struggle with, because I think it affects the people I love. I get cranky or irritable when I want to be kind and loving. I have an edge, and sometimes am prickly, I've been told, and I would like it if that anger was not a part of my experience.Jeanine Byers Hoag @ Seasonal Color Analysishttp://www.seasonalcoloranalysis.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51693708244552220562012-03-12T07:54:42.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.363-04:00I am the same way. It's a cute little book. Ma...I am the same way. It's a cute little book. Many of them are obvious, but its something about seeing them in print that makes all of the difference. I hold in a lot of anger. I don't mean to. I have a hard time letting people love me and when I try to return the love and affection it is awkward for me and sometimes I just dont know how.Chrystalhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60724123478631815092012-03-12T11:43:21.424-04:002013-08-12T16:50:08.909-04:00My sister was a big fan of it for years, but it wa...My sister was a big fan of it for years, but it was frustrating because we rarely found anything we could make from it. If you want to inspire me to cook light, make something I can have success with that will inspire me to try again.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28326595579777075702012-03-12T11:58:47.730-04:002013-08-12T16:50:08.921-04:00I like the idea of it and the photos look nice. Wh...I like the idea of it and the photos look nice. When I actually started to look at the nutritional values, while I can see the difference in the full cal/ful fat versions, I don't often see what makes them so light. Many of it is still really high in the calories and fat. Plus, my food never looks that pretty. I guess that is why I decided to make this site, to share my own experience.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54410634402479646542012-03-12T14:56:12.418-04:002012-03-13T15:00:10.739-04:00I never was that creative, it might have made Jr. ...I never was that creative, it might have made Jr. High more survivable. As an adult labels mean nothing comfort means EVERYTHING. Back then it wasn't the labels it was staying under the radar. I just wanted to be left alone.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43524008033515457392012-03-12T14:57:40.305-04:002013-08-12T16:50:08.927-04:00Must feel good to get organized.Must feel good to get organized.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25841132019992542882012-03-13T14:59:16.385-04:002013-08-12T16:50:08.932-04:00I am just glad I don't have to deal with this ...I am just glad I don't have to deal with this every month since Big M and I are no longer doing Nutrisystem. My stockpile is slowly fading.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8309514967933854012012-03-14T03:00:40.693-04:002012-03-14T18:36:45.185-04:00Good luck on the trip! I'm sure you'll hav...Good luck on the trip! I'm sure you'll have a blast completing your bucket list. But don't forget to invest on <a href="http://www.meadowbrookpointe.com/" rel="nofollow">retirement communities Long Island</a> homes as well.Brigetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6290432611391040102012-03-14T11:07:43.075-04:002012-03-14T18:36:45.179-04:00I was not part of the label game and I ended up be...I was not part of the label game and I ended up being a huge outcast in jr. high and hs. Maybe if I had subscribed to some of them, things would have been different.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15134829530379662012012-03-14T11:09:11.607-04:002013-08-12T16:50:08.935-04:00My mom tried nutrasystem and although it worked fo...My mom tried nutrasystem and although it worked for her she said it was gross tasting food and it was very expensive.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51118616587916062162012-03-14T14:33:18.901-04:002012-03-14T18:36:45.169-04:00There seems to be a glut, but like all things it w...There seems to be a glut, but like all things it will eventually work out to the quality sites surviving, some of the less quality sites hanging on because they network and are gateways that people find when they first start searching before they locate other places.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8382289923210557842012-03-15T12:13:21.627-04:002012-03-15T12:13:21.627-04:00I am happy just blogging. If I make $$ great. If n...I am happy just blogging. If I make $$ great. If not, I will keep doing it. It's something I love. Being able to share my life with people I would not have been able to meet. Because Self Employed Writer is the "business" site and attached to the email I use for all my blogging and writing clients I figure the best thing to do with this page would be make it sort of my business homepage. I've been looking at some new web designs. One I really like looks like a giant business card and then it has a small space for blog post links. So people can read my work and my updates but the main focal point is about me and my business. I have also thought about moving these posts here and using the domain for my about.me/cmahan website where its basically just a business card too. I have all these followers on the blog/facebook but no one really comments/reads so its not like it would be a total loss if I did away with this blog and moved everything. We shall see. I am really enjoying my moretolifethanchocolate.com blog as its things I used to do in the past with blogging. Being healthy, frugal, and general chit-chat. I think everything will come together for me just the way it should. I'm not stressing over it anymore. It just took all the fun out of it!Chrystal Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1010654565771168292012-03-15T14:44:39.334-04:002013-08-12T16:50:08.956-04:00I was on the reviewers program where I was able to...I was on the reviewers program where I was able to try it for free and I would write and promote the plan. I did it alone for about 6 months and went up/ down the same 10 lbs. My husband and I were able to do the program together for about 3 months on the review program. I had the same battle and he just gave up. We only like certain things and quickly grew bored of eating the same things. It would have been better if I did the fresh frozen plan, that food is awesome, but it was delivered by Schwans and they would come by every week and try to get my to buy stuff and I would start to get angry because they ignored my "i work from home please do not disturb" sign. I think for a months worth of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, the price is pretty decent. They always have sales making it about $300 a month.Chrystal Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62551108928914563672012-03-15T14:45:45.936-04:002012-03-15T14:45:45.936-04:00The labels did not help much, I was still picked o...The labels did not help much, I was still picked on for being fat, until my Sophmore/JR year when I went on a diet and lost about 80lbs.Chrystal Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79222778655482228372012-03-28T11:58:54.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.391-04:00I would LOVE to live in a tiny home or an RV. More...I would LOVE to live in a tiny home or an RV. More space is more waste, IMO. I have a 700 sq ft apartment for just me, my husband and our cat. We don't NEED all that space.Jessica H.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21415979816661812012-03-28T12:22:10.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.395-04:00We are working on downsizing our house. Hope to se...We are working on downsizing our house. Hope to sell it and move into something smaller. The tiny space on wheels is more for me as a writers retreat and then on weekends we can use it for travel and such. Hopefully, when we retired, sell the smaller home for a profit and have the family raised we can move into our tiny home on wheels. That's the ideal plan.Chrystal Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68188344965340726662012-03-29T06:05:25.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.400-04:00Legos can be a fun way to dream and explore. You ...Legos can be a fun way to dream and explore. You can also revisit some fun from the past.Baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64253667687042412702012-03-29T06:09:43.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.404-04:00Having grown up in a converted summer cottage that...Having grown up in a converted summer cottage that held 10 people for much of my young life, the urge to go smaller has never come upon me. I would love to be able to afford a summer cottage as a retreat some day and even retire to it. A teaching friend did that, but her place is nicer than my "regular" home is now.Baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87883339891385921622012-03-29T06:15:03.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.410-04:00I think it is a gift when you aren't attached ...I think it is a gift when you aren't attached to too many things. My laptop has had a hard life, but it works and when it became apparent my husband needed his own I gladly kept the old one. I really had no desire. It wasn't being selfless it really didn't matter to me. It's the same way with TV's. He really wanted a flat screen, I still have the TV I bought when I got my own apartment. Not selfless, I just have no interest in a flat screen. When this one dies, I'll replace it, but until then not a priority. However, I have my weaknesses, too. That's where I have to be careful.Baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85445688509879019662012-03-29T08:18:21.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.414-04:00I am the same. I still have my TV from the late 90...I am the same. I still have my TV from the late 90s when I was in college working on my Associates. It is now in lil m room. She also has a dresser that used to be my moms, she got it when I was born, I used it and now lil m has it. I keep things as long as possible. My "new" furniture was purchased on Craigslist and I cleaned it myself. I had my desktop for about 10 yrs and I saved my money and got a $1000 laptop on black Friday for $600. Its a little over a year old. I plan to keep it until it dies, or I will give it to Big M for something thinner. Its a bit heavy for me to lug around. As a writer, I need to have more portable things or it really bothers me to just be able to pick up and go. I would like a flat panel just because it can be placed up and out of the way when downsize things. I too have my weaknesses - books. But thankfully the ereader has helped with some of that. There are still some books I have to have in paper form.Chrystal Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75133595256978704642012-03-29T08:22:59.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.418-04:00I know a lot of people I have been reading about a...I know a lot of people I have been reading about are going smaller because its "earth friendly" but the majority of them do it because of the economy. I am not a fan of being on top of each other - but I like the idea of a small home on wheels for traveling and to use as a space at home if needed. I want to build it out of all upcycled materials. We have a Habitat for Humanity store here and people donate their leftover project materials. Pallets are available for free. And many items are listed on Craigslist. Its just something I have always wanted to do. But I have to admit, the house we are in now is almost 2000 SQ Ft. and is on 2 acres. The houses we have been looking at are closer in town and around 1200 Sq Ft. But the space just feels better. I am not a fan of where we are now because even though we are in the country - we are on a highway that connects all these small dinky towns together. Its loud. Its not safe. And I am not a fan. LOLChrystal Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60791464257141892032012-03-29T08:24:25.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.421-04:00I love Legos! Its a great family project. lil m do...I love Legos! Its a great family project. lil m does not have these things are her moms house so she really has a great time building and dad is a giant child. LOL its so much fun for me to just sit and watch them play together. It has really helped her imagination.Chrystal Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59714453377693774162012-03-29T16:46:10.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.424-04:00Legos are fun. I don't care what age you may b...Legos are fun. I don't care what age you may be it kills time and you get to make things! LOL! I can't go into the lego store just because I would come out broke!Amandanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55052218558062817972012-03-30T13:40:58.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.427-04:00I love Lego's. We had some for lil m when she ...I love Lego's. We had some for lil m when she was about 3. The big block kind in pastel colors. She still plays with them. She makes castles for her little dolls and fairies. Now that shes 7 and can take the smaller pieces apart and put them together she has a lot of fun. We just have to work on her imagination a little more. For a 7yr old she does not have much of one - too many electronic devices at her mother and her grammies to keep her entertained.Chrystal Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28245133948845534892012-04-07T09:02:58.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.558-04:00Pain will blow your focus, your energy, and inhibi...Pain will blow your focus, your energy, and inhibit progress. However, you are moving forward and that IS the ultimate goal.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84129766437469450342012-04-08T23:30:16.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.566-04:00I would love to just stay in bed most days. But th...I would love to just stay in bed most days. But that is only going to make me worse. In the same breath - moving is so hard at times. I just can't stay the way that I am. I am so uncomfortable in my body because of how the extra weight is making me feel.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79627401139029684872012-04-09T11:13:51.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.572-04:00That pic is great! Love it!That pic is great! Love it!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75812962321700644812012-04-09T13:04:55.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.580-04:00Best wishes as you figure out your direction.Best wishes as you figure out your direction.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45203301195762403072012-04-09T20:48:34.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.585-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16142497442159739462012-04-10T09:13:45.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:16.590-04:00You have to go with what works for you.You have to go with what works for you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34146097889894225162012-04-10T09:17:18.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.742-04:00You may want to think of a place you can stay and ...You may want to think of a place you can stay and do day hikes vs. the backpacking. I've done both and now that I have back problems, I can say the stay and walk is a much more realistic option for my back. Many have longer trails or shorter depending on your health, strength, and desire. You can choose to camp, or if your back is an issue, find a place with a bed.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89187922097232261052012-04-10T23:31:59.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.754-04:00I have thought about trying it. Maybe I should!I have thought about trying it. Maybe I should!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64119447863593694992012-04-11T10:51:23.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.764-04:00Break the bigger tasks into small achievable steps...Break the bigger tasks into small achievable steps and celebrate when you make those steps. Don't just beat yourself up when you don't make the big ones.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81554957141786148012012-04-11T10:54:31.267-04:002012-04-11T11:32:43.251-04:00These downloads don't work. It requires a Wupl...These downloads don't work. It requires a Wupload account, and then says they don't allow files to be shared. Storage Only to download your own files.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46800315390755123952012-04-11T11:38:56.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.774-04:00Even when I was counting calories I would try to g...Even when I was counting calories I would try to get the most bang for my buck. I do it with points too. Buts is just a much smaller number to keep track of! LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10033421918097293462012-04-11T11:39:47.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.780-04:00I am working on that. I have always been very hard...I am working on that. I have always been very hard on myself.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78497231036088174592012-04-11T11:51:30.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.787-04:00The backpacking is something I want to do when the...The backpacking is something I want to do when the weight comes down. I have decided it best to put that off until then. Right now I can't deal with the weight that is on me, let-alone extra weight from a pack. I think a light pack for a day trip won't be bad. I have a laptop backpack I use for dragging my electronics around and it doesnt bother me too bad. I am sure a pack with a packed lunch, some water, and misc items won't be too much of a problem. <br><br>Right now my main focus is to just keep walking. I am doing my first 5k walk in a few weeks. I should be fine since its only 3.6ish miles. I can do 3 miles with no problems.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20136141615625431942012-04-11T11:53:54.115-04:002012-04-11T11:53:54.115-04:00Sorry about that. I will be updating them! Thanks ...Sorry about that. I will be updating them! Thanks for letting me know.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87169336810793842192012-04-11T14:13:02.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.795-04:00How you feel about something is key. If I eat like...How you feel about something is key. If I eat like a pig without any negative thoughts while and after doing so, then I consider it a pure blissful, untainted experience without repercussion. Doing so while thinking it is bad can only confuse one's energy. Split energy creates all negative emotion. So I've been told...<br>I have a weakness for cheesy poofs!! LOLSpacejointnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68481910773782477912012-04-11T16:31:52.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.430-04:00[...] Let’s go back to the post on March 28th : My...[...] Let’s go back to the post on March 28th : My First Step to Downsizing. [...]I Did It. I Broke Down. I Bought the New iPad3 -http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2012/04/11/i-did-it-i-broke-down-i-bought-the-new-ipad3/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42673624139570458592012-04-11T17:08:32.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.805-04:00That about sums it up.That about sums it up.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30142930487870275002012-04-11T20:41:45.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.811-04:00Oohhh cheesy poofs! Those are so evil! lol. I tota...Oohhh cheesy poofs! Those are so evil! lol. I totally understand what you are say spacey. There are time when I will eat what I want, even if it its not "healthy" and feel no guilt. I wanted it. I have learned that if I don't eat what I want and try to substitute it with something else I just end up eating more.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47299528347601864602012-04-12T08:10:08.615-04:002012-04-12T10:24:31.585-04:00Thanks! I downloaded this and am going to take a l...Thanks! I downloaded this and am going to take a look at it today. I am horrible with procrastinating. Sometimes I go a week without a post on my blog because I just can't get motivated. Hopefully this book will help me figure out how to get more motivated.Jessica H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01827221036623149917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23476885664266733262012-04-12T13:20:39.162-04:002012-04-13T11:29:59.306-04:00I've pretty much stopped writing for residual ...I've pretty much stopped writing for residual income. I lost heart after the Panda bite.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69850026715386556752012-04-12T15:24:58.745-04:002012-04-12T15:24:58.745-04:00You are very welcome. I am going to try and find (...You are very welcome. I am going to try and find (and post) some more freebies because I think we can all benefit from them. I just sold my Nooks and purchased and iPad so I would be able to read ALL books. I am finding them all over the place but they aren't always available on all the book sites. I have looked it over and hope to really dive into it this weekend.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66830929987373968902012-04-13T11:33:00.883-04:002012-04-13T11:33:00.883-04:00I tried to keep going. I was never very consistent...I tried to keep going. I was never very consistent with it. I have a lot of topic ideas that don't fit on my own websites and I can't sell them on others. It makes sense for me to put them on a revenue sharing site so I can earn something on them. If there comes a time when I can sell that piece or use it somewhere else, I will take it down and deindex it from Google. Most of the places still standing were solid to begin with and have reformatted themselves to be repaired after the Panda shake-up. There are still a lot of people doing well. My HubPages are actually doing better now than they ever were.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30807491621992127232012-04-14T19:35:17.228-04:002012-04-15T13:04:39.852-04:00This is awesome. I never know what my credit score...This is awesome. I never know what my credit score is or how it's doing since not even freecreditscore.com is free. Does this place only allow you to see all 3 of your credit scores?Nicole Ramagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27368543738869292732012-04-15T13:17:36.769-04:002012-04-15T13:17:36.769-04:00I tried free credit score and free credit report b...I tried free credit score and free credit report before. I can get a credit report once a year for free but I needed to know my score from time to time to see how things were coming along with my budget and paying down some of my credit. I know it checks your score and gives you one rating and I do believe it is based on all three major credit reporting agencies.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79177680100043344522012-04-16T11:54:16.947-04:002012-04-16T14:06:45.615-04:00Glad you found something to help out.Glad you found something to help out.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87030556403640807762012-04-16T13:43:34.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.449-04:00I miss the interaction. It seems every time a gro...I miss the interaction. It seems every time a group starts around an interest that fits one or more of my blogs life gets in the way and that group dies off. Not fun but realistic.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11150635129415887352012-04-16T14:09:02.672-04:002012-04-16T14:09:02.672-04:00The silly thing is - its sort of a fun site!The silly thing is - its sort of a fun site!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69511244125354902352012-04-17T06:57:20.000-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.453-04:00I understand. I had a really good set of people I ...I understand. I had a really good set of people I was writing with regarding the past abuse and stuff. I helped a few of them find their voice. Now they are off doing their own thing - which is great! I am glad they were able to come out of their shell. But now I feel left behind :( I keep trying to join blog groups with the hopes of finding new people to connect with but after a while people move on to something else. I think a lot of people just don't understand what it is all about. <br><br>I had an account on Xanga and the community there was awesome. I loved that it had so many ages groups so it was easy for me to stick with folks around the same age and not all the teens. People commented and wrote about life. It was nice. I used a pen name there so I could vent about whatever and not deal with any backlash. But, I did not stay long. I felt so overwhelmed with all of my websites I ended up deleting my account. I regret it. But at the same time I was staying up too late reading blogs and posting when I should be sleeping! LOLadminhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58846834103746930692012-04-17T13:03:12.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.819-04:00I am blessed with a very supportive husband so the...I am blessed with a very supportive husband so the size is not the highest priority, my health is and that is why I started up with WII fit again this weekend. I've been working on my shoulder exercises and stretching my back and I do think I can manage the pain again which is what stopped me when I was making progress with WII and my old Gazelle walking machine. The other health issue HOPEFULLY will finally be managed by surgery in the next few months, which will set back my exercising for a recovery period, but with that pain gone, I am hopeful I can commit to a more regular routine. I was getting stronger, but the pain finally got the best of me.<br><br>We all need to remind ourselves this is not about a size, it is about living to see our future and being able to enjoy the life we have left.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60189865068036739142012-04-17T16:25:22.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.829-04:00I have always been "too" heavy, and now ...I have always been "too" heavy, and now like you I am concerned for health issues. I am not worried about the beauty issue, after all I will never be a model, but I know I am beautiful in the ways that matter to the people that matter....If you are not comfortable definitely do some thing different...:)Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04931922143998773384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80830058749912241842012-04-17T17:11:05.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.835-04:00Yes, you are beautiful! God loves you just the wa...Yes, you are beautiful! God loves you just the way you are, my dear!<br>Blessings!Martha J. M. Orlandohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67514215675529278122012-04-17T18:08:14.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.841-04:00Bailey - my husband, past and present, have always...Bailey - my husband, past and present, have always been supportive of me no matter what size I was. With my first husband he dated me large, watched me shrink, begin to run, and they the pain started and the weight came back. Husband #2 has never seen me thin. Hes only seen me 30lbs lighter than I am now. But he see 100% more pain problems. I am working on feeling better on the inside as well as the outside. Good luck with the Wii. We had one for a while but our old house, you jump and the floors would rock everything. LOL. Even though the house is solid it always felt like the photos were going to come flying off the wall. I do have a Gazelle, which I got to replace the broken treadmill and use it when I cant get outside to walk. I will be praying all goes well with your surgery. <br><br>Jan - you are beautiful and we can win over the battle of these health issues!<br><br>Martha - thank you so much!! <3Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45353164358522909672012-04-18T01:55:04.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.847-04:00I am about the exact same size as you. I will neve...I am about the exact same size as you. I will never be a size 2, but I need to get healthier as well. I am slowly working there!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53165706461636739072012-04-18T14:31:25.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.852-04:00We are supporting you girl! Always!We are supporting you girl! Always!Jeranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802605780805252141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20303792115471595102012-04-18T21:33:17.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.857-04:00Thank you to you and your friend for sponsoring me...Thank you to you and your friend for sponsoring me for my walk!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83588811428270230542012-04-18T21:57:00.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.862-04:00I will never be a size 2 either. Even at my smalle...I will never be a size 2 either. Even at my smallest I was still a 8. I just need a better state of mind.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14862111815149555112012-04-21T23:36:00.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.869-04:00Virtual high five!! 3 pounds lost is great! Walkin...Virtual high five!! 3 pounds lost is great! Walking 100 miles in a month sounds like an awesome goal and even if you don't make it this month, you can always try again next month.<br><br>I just bought a bunch of workout DVDs on Listia this week and I am so excited to get started with them. I just have to clear out room in my apartment first.Jessicahttp://jershaanddup.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9662535837442451072012-04-22T09:40:01.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.878-04:00OH! I love Listia! I have so much stuff that I wis...OH! I love Listia! I have so much stuff that I wish I had more time to put up on there. I like the idea of getting points and then using those points for things I need. Like a trading system. eBay is so overrated these days. I had a terrible experience last fall and don't bother with it much any more to sell on unless I have a high ticket item and I need the cash. I should pop over there for some new DVDs, I have some points that need spending.<br><br>Good job on getting some and so glad to see the motivation!! WOOHOO!!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25760449006215245632012-04-23T14:52:50.055-04:002012-04-24T15:20:42.855-04:00Nearly all my bills are paperless, but, funds come...Nearly all my bills are paperless, but, funds come out of 5 different accounts. Manilla looks like a great resource for managing that.Lara Stewarthttp://thesmallbusinessblogger.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9529832415427670052012-04-24T18:22:15.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.885-04:00I looked at the contents once and that was enough ...I looked at the contents once and that was enough to convince me, I'd rather waste my calories on something that might be bad for me, but at least I'd enjoy.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44392415682216281632012-04-26T08:41:37.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.894-04:00I didn't even bother to look at the nutritiona...I didn't even bother to look at the nutritional content because I knew it was not worth anything. But, it was a freebie and I wanted to see what the hype was all about. People around me seem to use them frequently and I wondered if it really worked. I think they would be better off with a cup of tea or coffee.Chrystal Mahan McConnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85244103242102244882012-04-26T18:03:28.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.900-04:00Never have tried it, but I've heard it makes y...Never have tried it, but I've heard it makes you super jittery. Anyway!! I'm glad to be following you, and hope you will follow me back. You have great advice on WPLH :)Brittany Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675514695912592846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16597885638386918702012-04-27T10:24:29.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.906-04:00It may make some jittery, but I was not one of the...It may make some jittery, but I was not one of them! I am thankful for that. LOL. WPLH has been my go-to site for years. Glad to see someone thinks I have something worthwhile to say! Thank you!Chrystal Mahan McConnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58762277735282336812012-04-27T14:00:36.837-04:002012-04-27T14:52:28.485-04:00What a nightmare. I've been tempted by the pl...What a nightmare. I've been tempted by the plugin options, etc. but always been too cheap to buy the domains.<br /><br />I wish you well however you move forward. I can't imagine the hijacking thing. That is nasty.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82250607418184128852012-04-27T14:13:18.526-04:002012-04-27T14:52:28.480-04:00And again another confirmation not to move...I can...And again another confirmation not to move...I can't even figure out how to do things on wordpress.. I have tried and I am clueless....LOLOLO....I hope all the bugs for you are worked out quickly.... loving you....As always...XOXOXOXOBongohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476508632697640785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26063924528149538692012-04-29T14:24:57.121-04:002012-04-29T14:24:57.121-04:00It has been nothing but a nightmare every time I m...It has been nothing but a nightmare every time I make it work. It really is the "what works for some may not for others" as I seem to be the one in the line of fire all the time. It's just not worth the hassle. I don't intend to violate TOS and since I have been here since 2004, I feel pretty safe. I am a blogger first and a writer later. So I prefer the blogging style community.Chrystal Mahan McConnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5758302289932030352012-05-03T13:33:37.366-04:002012-05-03T18:56:42.945-04:00It can cost you legally as well. People starting ...It can cost you legally as well. People starting out can debate the merits of hiring someone to do various administrative and other types of tasks, however people do find themselves in legal trouble when they don't understand the laws regarding books and other legal matters regarding their business. In those cases money saved is money lost when they discover mistakes that can cost them not only their business, but their personal property.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8286785401135161892012-05-03T19:00:53.590-04:002012-05-03T22:52:41.125-04:00Hi Chrystal,
Very sorry to hear your old site got ...Hi Chrystal,<br />Very sorry to hear your old site got vandalized by hackers, you have my sympathy on that!<br /><br />Thank you for telling your own story, this is what Diana most hoped would happen was that when people read her book "Writers on the Edge: 22 Writers Speak About Addiction and Dependency" that READERS would reflect on their own experiences and gain insight into the process for themselves and their loved ones. And you did that!<br /><br />Regards<br />Victor R. Volkman, Senior Editor<br />Modern History Press<br />www.ModernHistoryPress.comvvolkmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14028893067589867301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72485973129108916202012-05-03T21:30:16.801-04:002012-05-03T22:52:41.119-04:00Thank you for taking the time to post. Wishing you...Thank you for taking the time to post. Wishing you good health and happiness!<br /><br />Diana Raab<br />http://www.dianaraab.comDiana M. Raabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00961507483070235391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56257927703302232412012-05-04T10:10:01.566-04:002012-05-04T10:10:01.566-04:00Thank you both so much for allowing me to review a...Thank you both so much for allowing me to review a wonderful book. I hope it reaches the hands and hearts of many.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22669535139282934882012-05-04T10:45:49.584-04:002012-05-04T10:45:49.584-04:00I have always told people - if you don't know ...I have always told people - if you don't know what you are doing - don't do it yourself. You are only going to give yourself more problems in the long run.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56859793098828445062012-05-07T12:07:21.731-04:002012-05-07T13:34:28.276-04:00I could see where it could be used on a variety of...I could see where it could be used on a variety of items for flavoring. How is it with your diet?Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6365425932760284592012-05-07T13:37:00.325-04:002012-05-07T13:37:00.325-04:00I honestly have no idea. I did not bother looking ...I honestly have no idea. I did not bother looking up the nutritional information and I put such a thin layer on the meat that I was not going to worry about it too much. I think for some flavoring here and there it will be fine, a little more sugary compared to some flavoring for sure. But, I am not going to be eating it every day! I still have not decided what to do with it next. I might try the recipe I mentioned. I think a tsp gives just enough flavor without too much harm.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37246305255353874572012-05-11T13:38:46.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.913-04:00I think working with medical doctors is a good app...I think working with medical doctors is a good approach. However, please, please don't get down on yourself. Reading your posts has inspired me to try again. I have only been doing the easiest of the Wii Fit exercises, but instead of beating myself up as I used to do about how weak my body was, I'm celebrating that I AM doing them and as I get stronger I can do more. The weight is stubborn. I lose and gain the same 2 pounds over and over. However, it would be so much worse if I wasn't doing anything. I know because I watched it get worse before I started again and stopped comparing myself to what everyone else was able to do.<br><br>Yes, you do need to do this for your own life. However, you also need to trust that you will find the path and that as you do you are getting others to walk the path with you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26693578724309259682012-05-14T12:52:40.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.921-04:00I am going to try and work through my doctors as b...I am going to try and work through my doctors as best as possible because I realize I just can't do it on my own. It's hard to get down on myself when I see that I am trying so hard and pushing through the arthritis pain and yet nothing is happening. But obviously I can't give up or I am not going to like that result. <br><br>I am glad I have inspired someone!! That makes everything I post here worth it!<br><br>I did go to the doc today and plan to do a write up shortly!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28664675080593190302012-05-14T16:09:03.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.928-04:00Sometimes it takes LOTS of questions to get to the...Sometimes it takes LOTS of questions to get to the right answer. As for taking your husband I do it all the time. I find it VERY helpful to have an extra pair of ears and someone who asks questions from a different perspective. He sometimes remembers things I don't. You are on the right path, just don't let your self doubt ruin your progress.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11014374939328468582012-05-14T18:00:22.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.937-04:00I went to the doc a while back telling him I was s...I went to the doc a while back telling him I was sure my thyroid was off and looked at me like I was crazy. I started taking thryoid supplements and eating Paleo again. I feel so much better. Plus I am losing weight. Keep pushing and you will get there.lifewithourblessingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618674636319804113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14049018959038330962012-05-17T17:59:09.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.943-04:00@Bailey - since his mom & stepmom are both nur...@Bailey - since his mom & stepmom are both nurses, and his dad is a respiratory therapist - the medical interest seems to run in the family. He actually starts his clinical's in the fall to finish his therapist degree, right now hes just a respiratory tech. He knows the questions to ask and he understands what the doc is saying. Its helpful since I have so many issues. In the past I had no problems with going to the docs by myself. Pushing forward. I am still waiting on blood tests, so we will see. After talking to some of my friends last night I feel a little better.<br><br>@life - my old doctor used to tell me that mine was a tiny bit off, but it was never enough for anyone to be concerned about. I think a lot of docs are under the impression that every overweight person is just overeating and lazy. But, some of us are proof that is not true!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16161389633918382282012-05-24T07:48:21.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.951-04:00Remember that the Atkins diet calories are about 6...Remember that the Atkins diet calories are about 60-70% fat, 30% protein, with minimal carb calories. I like the graphic but it is somewhat misleading if it is touting Atkins (I see it came from another source). Here is a link to the Atkins food pyramid: http://www.atkins.com/Science/Atkins-Food-Pyramid.aspx which in my mind is still misrepresentative of the diet. But alas, it seems the Atkins people had to revamp and hide the fact that most of the calories on this diet DO and SHOULD come from fat. If you are eating over 30% of your calories from protein, that can cause health issues. Atkins is high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carbs.<br><br>I hope you do pursue a low-carb lifestyle and I hope it helps you!! XOXOJunenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41332778379883939232012-05-24T12:25:36.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.959-04:00Thank you for that link, I updated the post to ref...Thank you for that link, I updated the post to reflect that photo. I like it much better. I'm not a huge fan of overly fatty foods. They make me feel just as gross as high carb. So I will be working on finding a balance. Some fat is good and I understand that , so my focus will be on the good fats that provide me nutritional value. My husband and I both have Dr. appts. coming up, he will also be seeing a dietitian. So hopefully we can find a plan that works for us. I will be doing low-carb just because of all the related health problems I have that seem to be better managed on low-carb eating. Thank you for stopping by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8192621170062157462012-05-27T21:47:38.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.971-04:00I guess I am a little behind. Why are you doing l...I guess I am a little behind. Why are you doing low carb now?Jeranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802605780805252141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92140182590610034072012-05-28T09:38:18.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.978-04:00Because of the medical issues and doc advice - htt...Because of the medical issues and doc advice - http://www.moretolifethanchocolate.com/2012/05/one-size-does-not-fit-all.htmlChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54761487740714820392012-05-28T13:55:06.421-04:002012-05-29T12:02:18.388-04:00Awesome article. Great explanation on what telecom...Awesome article. Great explanation on what telecommunicating really is.Juanita E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05211321635034773539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17178062113215461492012-05-28T13:56:24.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.984-04:00LOVE THIS!!! Couldn't have said it better myse...LOVE THIS!!! Couldn't have said it better myself. I too use MyfitnessPal and Sparkpeople. It's all about a life style change and making the change for life.Juanita E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05211321635034773539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33982521645549986562012-05-31T14:40:32.910-04:002012-06-01T14:15:09.104-04:00Great review of a fabulous book! It’s been said th...Great review of a fabulous book! It’s been said that real change happens when we become aware of the negative self-talk in our heads, and replace it with positive messages. This book takes it a step further, offering an honest look at one woman’s struggles with weight and body image. But rather than just “thinking positive,” she became deeply aware of God’s love for her. Knowing she was God’s beloved made it possible for her to love herself. I know all women, regardless of size, will appreciate Teasi Cannon's honesty!4grantedhttps://www.facebook.com/teasicannonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91026351128039544252012-06-01T10:14:05.195-04:002012-06-01T14:15:09.100-04:00It takes a little luck too and a lot of bosses wan...It takes a little luck too and a lot of bosses want to see you and what you are doing everyday in person, it should not matter as long as you produce good work. I gave up on it and just started my on blog http://goodtimetherapy.com/ Please it it a read as I need some readers...lolRodhttp://goodtimetherapy.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31341808020916164992012-06-02T16:18:30.172-04:002012-06-02T16:18:30.172-04:00I've been trying to change the negative self-t...I've been trying to change the negative self-talk. I think it would help if my body didn't hurt so much because of the extra weight. So off it must go!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55213268841384821452012-06-02T16:19:22.479-04:002012-06-02T16:19:22.479-04:00It can take some time. Thankfully I went the other...It can take some time. Thankfully I went the other route and became a freelancer years ago so I did not have to deal with a boss.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33165167341876302142012-06-04T10:40:41.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:17.992-04:00It took me so many years to find the right doctor ...It took me so many years to find the right doctor and FINALLY find someone who could help me. Don't give up, don't lose hope, and do keep your body in the best possible shape so you aren't fighting more issues than you have to once they find the answers.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50617388615663433722012-06-04T10:44:27.712-04:002012-06-04T13:14:32.398-04:00I think the biggest issue is getting them to see w...I think the biggest issue is getting them to see why it works for them. When I worked in accounting I always got more work done at home, but my bosses had the mentality that they needed control. Having me sit in a cube was important to them even though I was more productive in my apartment where my body could find a spot that didn't hurt to sit.<br /><br />Like homeschooling I do think bosses are starting to see that their need to have people at work is less about function and more about control. There are some times that people do need to be at work. However, more people are acknowledging that with technology some people are productive at home at least some of the time.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4477771683354103082012-06-04T13:38:44.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.001-04:00I really wish you well with the new doctor. I was...I really wish you well with the new doctor. I wasn't looking to have children, but I wanted the pain to stop and I finally found the right gyn that made that happen after several bad attempts from others. I wish you the best on the journey.<br><br>I have joint issues and changes in the weather, especially dampness causes pain. I was doing better last week, but with the rain this week it has been harder, especially since I haven't been able to walk as much. I hadn't missed a day since surgery. It rained Sat. pain. Did a long walk Sun. and we have rain predicted for the week.<br><br>Not lo carb, but I have had huge digestive problems that are made much worse by medication. While recovering from surgery the nurse practioner suggested Prune juice. It is the most amazing thing I have ever tried. I only wish I had thought to try it years ago. I'd obviously suggest checking it out with your docs, but I've been looking for a solution for years, and this is the first thing that has even started to work. <br><br>As I said not lo carb, but I love that it isn't medication and it is natural.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79272529101048753342012-06-05T10:53:21.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.009-04:00Back in OK I had an awesome doctor. She spent as m...Back in OK I had an awesome doctor. She spent as much time with me as I needed. I never felt I had to get it all out in an hour. Docs here seem to be so pressed for time. The doc I have now knows my family, so she has a sense of my family history since she treats a few of them. I am not giving up. Sometimes I just feel stuck. Going back to old habits is only going to make me worse!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52293088103182260052012-06-05T11:11:30.196-04:002012-06-05T11:11:30.196-04:00Some people will never understand, sadly. The chro...Some people will never understand, sadly. The chronic migraines and pain from the disk disease we a huge reason why I made the choice to just focus on 100% working for myself instead of continuing to find a job here.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42101593183411126522012-06-05T11:34:08.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.014-04:00I never wanted children of my own. Even when I was...I never wanted children of my own. Even when I was a kid and all of my friends were planning their wedding and how many kids they wanted. I would always say if I have kids, I am adopting. I was always afraid of being a mom because of what happened to me in life. I thought I had gotten over that with my ex-husband when we tried, but that feeling of adopting was always there. I still want to adopt. To be able to give a decent life to a child that needs it would be the ultimate thing for me to do in life. But I never felt like life was going right for me to be able to do that. Now I am realizing I am not getting any younger. Whether I have kids of my own or not, I still want to adopt. Everything I read says they usually don't let people adopt after the age of 43-45. I have a few years left for that. But, now I am in a place in my life where I am no longer afraid of having kids. Now that I have lil m in my life I can see that I CAN be a good mom. <br><br>This OB I am being sent to is well known. I think she will be fine. She will have my case file and knows what to expect before I even get there. Right now my main issue is my weight, which could be something related to the whacked out menstrual cycle. <br><br>I went through the same thing last week with the rain. With you and I just being across the great lakes from each other, I have a feeling we were passing the same rain clouds back and forth. LOL<br><br>I am so PROUD of you for getting out there and walking after your surgery. I know Katy and Bailey missed their momma! <br><br>I have done prune juice and it does help a lot with the digestion. I found a good natural aloe juice works well too. Because of my lack of gallbladder and weird intestine stuff, I have too many digestion issues. I laugh because with those issues I shouldnt be fat! hahaha...<br><br>I am still eating carbs. I am just cutting out a lot of over-processed white carbs, like bread. Which isnt too much of a problem since the bread I did eat was high fiber and wheat because it was lower in points. But the main carb is the sugar and sugar like ingredients. I am also limiting my white pasta , rice and potatoes. Instead of eating one of those a day, I am cutting it down to 2-3 times a week. So far I feel pretty good. My only gripe is my lack of fruit because of the sugar in it. So I have been doubling up on vegetables.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-906940677333079442012-06-07T13:42:00.536-04:002012-06-08T16:49:42.125-04:00Focus on the skills. Let's face it lots of pe...Focus on the skills. Let's face it lots of people want to work from home. Having or getting skills that are marketable at home makes a huge difference in finding a long term job.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89508973229988445342012-06-10T03:27:02.742-04:002012-06-11T12:42:51.713-04:00I have about 100 erotic short stories, gay and str...I have about 100 erotic short stories, gay and straight, that need to be converted to smashwords. Work to begin immediately. You would be paid after each book was actually accepted by Smashwords<br /><br />Do you want the job?<br /><br />support@dotmobitech.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91981540952953532652012-06-11T15:36:02.785-04:002012-06-11T15:36:02.785-04:00My biggest pet peeve are those who do not act prof...My biggest pet peeve are those who do not act professional.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8747744849359930952012-06-17T03:51:08.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.021-04:00My dear Jan,<br>I have said it many times...I will...My dear Jan,<br>I have said it many times...I will say it once again. Women are like flowers, not all blossom the same with age, color or size, yet they are all BEAUTIFUL. Each one helps decorate the garden and heart of the earth. Personally, I believe a REAL woman's beauty is not to be slim or skinny. Her size and curves are the appeal for me (smile). As long as she enjoys being a woman and is feminine..then all things about her is beautiful.Andy Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00667034322952126127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57291893765160314282012-06-22T14:34:25.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.028-04:00I'm so GLAD you found someone you can work wit...I'm so GLAD you found someone you can work with and that she will work with you together. That is HUGE. I went years ago and she gave me a list of foods that I would never eat. The stuff made me naseous. I would love to go again and find someone who can help me work through foods I can and will eat and would work with my husband too so we can do it together.<br><br>I also think you are helping lil M too. If you and Big M can master this diet she also will learn to eat healthier. I know one of my nieces has been researching diebetic diet foods to help her step Dad and its made her think more about food and how it works. Thankfully, food isn't an issue for her yet. With her research, maybe it won't ever need to be an issue for her.<br><br>Good luck with this. You've got me considering this option again once I find a new primary.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15397781533635043672012-06-23T05:34:18.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.037-04:00Hey Chrystal,<br>Yep, I have also found that the A...Hey Chrystal,<br>Yep, I have also found that the ADA food plan works. And it really is the way we "should" be eating anyways.<br>Very glad to hear this and I wish you the best.<br><br>I too struggle with the carb monster inside me. We need a certain amount of complex carbs-- they help with the "feel good" chemicals inside our brains. I was drowning myself with the easy to grab simple sugars-- candy, ice cream, and yes chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Daily. Some days I still want to.<br><br>I've kept my weight off for a year and a half now. Although I still do eat some sugary stuff, I find that I am eating much less of it these days. And there are more times when I choose the nutritious food over the junk.<br><br>Although it is tougher to lose weight when one has to take psych meds, it is not impossible. That was one of my excuses for many years-- the psych meds. I've lost a few friends to suicide. So I certainly do acknowledge the necessity of prescription drugs used as prescribed.<br>Exercise helps also. The dog has lost weight too.<br><br>Be well,<br>Love, spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78317496403976804252012-06-25T12:15:36.368-04:002012-06-25T14:29:01.402-04:00I wouldn't mind finding a telecomuting job tha...I wouldn't mind finding a telecomuting job that allowed me to work from home. Freelancing is fine, but WAH is mostly an issue of dealing with my life challenges. I think if I had the right match I could make it work.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57768360574486527812012-06-25T14:35:05.242-04:002012-06-25T14:35:05.242-04:00I sent you an email and tried to contact you on oD...I sent you an email and tried to contact you on oDesk.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80168397782185358282012-06-25T14:56:11.667-04:002012-06-25T14:56:11.667-04:00The problem I run into with most is the schedule. ...The problem I run into with most is the schedule. I have to freelance to pick and choose clients from places like oDesk because working for a large corporation that allows telecommuting always wants some sort of 9-5 type schedule.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23533932521011280682012-06-25T15:24:42.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.043-04:00She's been great. I wish we had weekly meeting...She's been great. I wish we had weekly meetings with her instead of once a month. I feel like if we had to check in more we would be less likely to slack. We have a lot of materials from the American Diabetes Association website. But I needed a plan too, so she gave us some meal plan ideas based on foods we like. But she told us to stick to the ADA website because it would be the best place for us to find foods that would fit in our life. <br><br>I am usually pretty good with lil m. She gets all of the basic food groups at our house and I limit her junk food because I know she gets enough of it when shes with grammie or at her moms. <br><br>I hope this is the answer I have been seeking. It has been hard to convert to watching carbs and counting those exchanges instead of points. But slowly I am learning and better managing meals. <br><br>I need to find some better snacks though. Besides watching the carbs I still have to watch calories and I need a low carb snack to tide me over because we eat dinner so late. <br><br>I found a bunch of low-carb sites through Atkins and will be testing some recipes as time goes on.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16842387011421789802012-06-25T15:30:34.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.050-04:00Hi stranger!! How have you been?!?!?!?<br><br>I am...Hi stranger!! How have you been?!?!?!?<br><br>I am glad to finally talk to someone that has experience with the ADA plan. It really makes a lot of sense to me and explains why Nutrisystem and Weight Watchers didn't really work this stage in my life. Carb addiction is hard to break. The dietitian wants us to rid our cabinets of white pasta , rice and bread and switch to whole grains and wheat. I didn't realize how bad sodium was in some things either. I mean I knew boxed meals and things were bad, but wow. So now I have to switch to low sodium , low carb. She said to rinse everything that comes out of packages and cans. <br><br>I had a tiny piece of birthday cake yesterday and the sugar rush in it about made me pass out. I was like - Yuck!! I realize the longer I go without it, the less I crave it, but I can't give chocolate up completely. I am going to stick to dark, since its a bit better for you.<br><br>I am off those meds, even though so many think I should be on them again. The depression and anxiety is what caused the weight gain in the first place. I am walking, which is good. And I have to take Casey with me since Cain passed away in Febuary (cainstales.com) its the only thing keeping her from drowning in depression.<br><br>I am going to start looking at more books recommended by the ADA and start really revamping my kitchen, my palate, and the way I cook things.<br><br>Good to see you Spike, thanks for stopping by.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49340390841475894282012-06-27T17:04:23.499-04:002012-06-27T18:03:57.809-04:00I think the beni's speak for themselves. The ...I think the beni's speak for themselves. The challenge is finding the right fit.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57027130259261486562012-06-27T18:21:44.345-04:002012-06-27T18:21:44.345-04:00It really is. Even though a lot of companies don&#...It really is. Even though a lot of companies don't provide benefits.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34329345160824605692012-07-02T11:12:00.447-04:002012-07-02T12:18:03.645-04:00No doubts about the upsides, still need to find th...No doubts about the upsides, still need to find the job. :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89603783387152299592012-07-02T22:37:20.051-04:002012-07-03T13:04:56.138-04:00I have some articles over there, but only in the p...I have some articles over there, but only in the past days have I visited. I have been writing for Triond, but they have forced writers to comment through Facebook, and it's got the writers in a snit. Triond comments and earnings have fallen, and writers are leaving,looking for other places to write. It seems we hop around like fleas, looking for something as good as eHow used to be. I thought Firehow was it, but it never made any effort. It's too bad.Lynn P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17317498853525813405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11440865190979755222012-07-02T22:38:29.502-04:002012-07-03T13:04:56.134-04:00I have some articles over there, but only in the p...I have some articles over there, but only in the past days have I visited. I have been writing for Triond, but they have forced writers to comment through Facebook, and it's got the writers in a snit. Triond comments and earnings have fallen, and writers are leaving,looking for other places to write. It seems we hop around like fleas, looking for something as good as eHow used to be. I thought Firehow was it, but it never made any effort. It's too bad.Lynn P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17317498853525813405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34069438747313973272012-07-04T18:28:24.689-04:002012-07-05T12:20:12.796-04:00Hello from a fellow UBC participant. Great slogan ...Hello from a fellow UBC participant. Great slogan - "earning a living, one word at a time." Best of luck on your journey.Valeriehttp://www.writerval.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68696166739479646432012-07-05T15:00:52.987-04:002012-07-05T15:00:52.987-04:00I have given up on a "job" - meaning ful...I have given up on a "job" - meaning full time work, full time wages. I just can't stick to the schedule they want you to work. So I have to freelance and work a bunch of small projects instead. <br /><br />Thank you for stopping by Valerie.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17900456664478854932012-07-05T15:04:06.456-04:002012-07-05T15:04:06.456-04:00I still have not put anything up over there. I hav...I still have not put anything up over there. I have my old stuff on Helium but don't write there much anymore. Now I have stuff on HubPages and that is where most of my articles are places. I have 2 over on Wizzley. I don't have a lot of time to focus on residual. I seem to spend my writing time on my ebook publishing.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47707506410239010952012-07-06T13:20:37.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.057-04:00I never worry about the opinions of other if I tru...I never worry about the opinions of other if I trust the person I am working with, like your dietician. It sounds like you are on a path working with someone who not only is helping you, but supporting the whole family on this path. <br><br>There are always purists who feel when one wanders from the "herd" it puts the herd in danger. Don't let it concern you. Focus on working this and getting healthy. The people on boards don't have your medical charts, don't know your challenges, etc.<br><br>I wish you well on your journey with fibroids. I chose the final solution for them and am slowly coming out on the other side after a two+ year battle with them.<br><br>Just don't give up.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4570506532817416032012-07-06T13:22:34.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.067-04:00Good luck. I really hope it helps you.Good luck. I really hope it helps you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36324392749256539512012-07-06T13:25:08.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.076-04:00Have you ever tried a chiropracter for the spinal ...Have you ever tried a chiropracter for the spinal alignment? DH refused to even think about it until he started taking me to my appointments after we were married. Now he wouldn't consider missing his weekly appointment.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52511854648517920802012-07-07T14:39:26.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.084-04:00Thank you! Did the intro video available on the me...Thank you! Did the intro video available on the members website and it was hard, but I have done yoga before so I sort of knew what to expect. I really like it. I have to find something that I enjoy doing or I will get bored and unmotivated.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83818775643850654812012-07-07T14:42:16.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.090-04:00When I was first diagnosed with the DDD I saw a ch...When I was first diagnosed with the DDD I saw a chiropractor a few times a week and they would pull my spine apart with a machine to get those messed up disks off of each other. The chiro I have now, I don't see her often. Maybe a few times a month. She is a small town office and doesn't have the big complicated machines that I am used to. She does have one that will pull my bottom half down, but she is also more into holistic so she has massage therapists there for deep tissue and bone therapy, which my insurance pays for. So I do that. She was out for the holiday so I plan to call her Monday to deal with my crooked shoulder and see what she says.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65292976093143651332012-07-07T14:48:23.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.096-04:00My fibroids don't seem to bother me as far as ...My fibroids don't seem to bother me as far as pain. I have no periods and I am learning that's probably why I have never conceived after all of these years. I don't see a doc about those until later this week, so we shall see what the outcome is. My concern honestly is my weight because even if I was to fix my body as far as trying to conceive, I still can't carry the weight of a growing baby on my messed up back and hips. So, I am trying to deal with different issues that could all very well be related some how. <br><br>I am not too worried anymore about people and their pushing this diet or that diet. Because, you are right, they are not looking at my medical charts the way my PCP and the dietitian are.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7711720375496475332012-07-07T16:56:45.946-04:002012-07-07T18:19:39.574-04:00I was infatuated with you since day one,
Lusting a...I was infatuated with you since day one,<br />Lusting aguishly deep in my heart,<br />Never taking the time to truly analyze you for who you are,<br />Or the intentions behind your intentions.<br />A compassionate, sensual part captivated my mind,<br />The three me, myself and I to be misplaced,<br />Locked in a dormant alternate space.<br /><br />As time went on like it always does,<br />Too soon I fell into love,<br />Better than a dream brought to reality,<br />I knew you were the one for me derived from my hearts fantasy.<br />As seconds turn to minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days,<br />As time went on things began to change.<br /><br />I started to fall into a abyss,<br />The cold & dangerous side to love now embraced my lips,<br />With my conscious mind at bay I couldn't light my own way.<br />I traveled in the darkness, clouded by worries and fears,<br />With the brink of death nipping at my ears.<br /><br />My capability to realize what now I know,<br />Yet did not see love is known to love no one,<br />And possesses dangerous qualities.<br />It's bound to change no matter the fight,<br />Rarely it tends to stay intact to last through ones's life.<br /><br />On the brink of loves disastrous destruction,<br />I began to fade away embracing death and accepting my doom,<br />Suddenly a light pierced into the abyss & through the clouds,<br />I reached in awe as I felt a warm embrace shine down.<br /><br />It lit a path for me to follow,<br />Feeling security and hearing a voice yell for me I transcended down,<br />Once I reached the paths end there they stood,<br />Me, Myself & I they said proud.<br />"You are not done, no where close to being through, you are a Phoenix you will rise puttingYou are meant for more we will help you to shine."<br />So I crawled through the hurt,<br />I fought through the pain,<br />Reached out of the agony I emerged.<br />I reached the t op,<br />Pulling myself out the abyss and there I stood on a new level of consciousness.<br /><br />I was newly established,<br />Spiritually, mentally and physically,<br />With a better than ever sense of clarity.<br />Reborn in the special three I found an uncanny love forever in me.J.Gordonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43120541403320347852012-07-07T19:33:13.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.102-04:00I've never dealt with machines and chiro. Tha...I've never dealt with machines and chiro. That sounds rather intimidating.<br><br>Good luck getting some results.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7389743812703198632012-07-09T17:25:21.235-04:002012-07-10T18:33:11.074-04:00Chrystal, what a great post! I'm really glad I...Chrystal, what a great post! I'm really glad I came across it. <br />I work from home, have a small son and my husband is in the Army so life can get very challenging. I am so lucky that I've been able to work from home considering we move every few years with the military. I know so many people who have the hardest time finding jobs. But as crazy as it can get around here, being able to work from home, be on my own schedule AND be with my son all day is totally worth it! I absolutely DO NOT miss working in an office. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. I wanted to share a great book that I just read that others might like too, it’s called “The Barefoot Executive” by Carrie Wilkerson. It’s a great book with some great advice, especially for those who work from home. I was able to go to the author’s website, barefootexecutivebook.com, and order the book....it was the best $16 I’ve spent!Jackie Crawfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87148516496573822862012-07-10T19:55:42.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.108-04:00In theory, its supposed to pull the spine apart an...In theory, its supposed to pull the spine apart and it was supposed to help with the shortness of my right leg. If my spine was pulled apart, the messed up vertebrae would not be stacked on top of each other, pinching the nerves.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89822600891409974802012-07-10T19:56:36.431-04:002012-07-10T19:56:36.431-04:00Thanks for stopping by. I will have to check out t...Thanks for stopping by. I will have to check out that book. I will be posting more wah articles so please come back again.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65886297358002360162012-07-13T19:37:34.926-04:002012-07-13T22:47:03.255-04:00Yes! So many myths about working from home!!Yes! So many myths about working from home!!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49235718653803838122012-07-13T20:27:17.983-04:002012-07-13T22:47:03.252-04:00Great post about fivers world, i been a seller on ...Great post about fivers world, i been a seller on the website for over 7 months.Panda Cash Backhttp://www.pandacashback.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9894387460698382702012-07-17T09:46:50.480-04:002012-07-17T09:46:50.480-04:00I really enjoy it. Sure, the traffic is not as gra...I really enjoy it. Sure, the traffic is not as grand as Fiverr, but I still get quite a few gigs off of there when I had a nice supply of ads.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69350581688787247742012-07-17T09:47:34.226-04:002012-07-17T09:47:34.226-04:00I think I work more! But that is because I can tak...I think I work more! But that is because I can take off when I need to and make up for it on my own time.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41839627341026481832012-07-25T22:03:42.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.115-04:00Pinterest is fantastic! I'm a terrible cook an...Pinterest is fantastic! I'm a terrible cook and it doesn't help that I don't really like to cook (although I've always wanted to bake, but, again, I'm no good at it). Anyway, I love the food pins on Pinterest! They make me want to try my hand at new things. I've pinned lots of recipes and tried a few. Pizza casserole (or something like that) was good. I also did the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni wrapped in a crescent roll. :)Couple of Pennieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121283231301073561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26238194106400401092012-07-26T10:39:22.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.125-04:00I love to cook, but I don't love to do it all ...I love to cook, but I don't love to do it all the time. Lately it seems like I am doing it 3 times a day, 7 days a week. On the weekends I have one extra person to feed (my step-daughter) and can be tricky making things everyone likes as we tend to keep eating the same stuff every weekend. Pinterest actually helped with that because they have a lot of freezer meal planning tips and crockpot cooking which helps me out a lot!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11044575376844328732012-07-26T14:58:32.268-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.459-04:00I could see moving to a one floor house with more ...I could see moving to a one floor house with more compacted living spaces, but some of these homes would make me develop clautraphobia. I have no issue with liking some living space and not wanting to live on top of someone. <br><br>As for trailers I've seen some nice retirement communities in FL. They were nicer than many of the apartments I lived in and they were furnished in high style. I suspect much depends on the goals and the interests of the people drawn to the community. In the two I saw visiting relatives, these were retired people who wanted to live comfortable without investing all the money they had in a new living space. They were focused on maintaining the properties and wanted to live in a nice area.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23254411483977696672012-07-26T15:01:01.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.134-04:00Sounds challenging but positive. You are making s...Sounds challenging but positive. You are making some great strides forward.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14202900708695726022012-07-26T15:47:58.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.145-04:00I would not worry about what others think and focu...I would not worry about what others think and focus on what's best for you. DH and I have had LONG conversations about what is best for me and I do consider how the choices I make will impact our live together. However, I really don't care what the rest of the world thinks. I'm the one that has to live with the challenges, the pains, and the outcomes of the choices I make regarding my health.<br><br>I don't have an opinion on weight loss surgery, nor should it matter if I did. You will have to weight the benefits and the risks to decide. Once you've made that decision, don't let anyone attack you for your choice. None of the options are "easy" all come with risks and challenges. Good luck.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50922893757206496542012-07-27T11:52:19.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.156-04:00I try not to worry about what others think. I have...I try not to worry about what others think. I have a tendency to take things so personl. I hate that people who have had WLS are ridiculed by gym rats who say they took the easy way out. The truth is - it isn't easy. They also don't know the person's medical history and all they are doing is stereotyping all overweight people with being "fat and lazy" which also drives me crazy. I am far from lazy. I did the whole gym rat thing. More than once. <br><br>Anyway, that is a topic I can go on and on about for days. <br><br>I believe I am going to a WLS seminar on the 8th. I had registered for it before I knew which place accepted my insurance. I thought since my Doc was at this hospital the surgery would be covered there as well, but it is not. I have to go to the hospital where my other doctors are based out of because my insurance only covers WLS at certain places. So Big M and I are going to go ahead and attend because the registration clerk said it would be ok. I'll get my letter of attendance and if I need to attend the other one at the hospital I can get it done at, then I will. But Big M won't be able to go with me because of his schedule that starts with school this fall. I will have my mom go with me to that one. That way they can both see whats up and ask questions. Its important to me to have both of them know in case this is something I decide to do.<br><br>In the mean time, I am still walking, doing Yoga, playing in my pool, and watching what I eat. I make mistakes, but that's life. <br><br>How are you feeling these days???Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55076467862289504862012-07-27T11:58:40.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.163-04:00Thank you. It is really hard. It is the hardest Yo...Thank you. It is really hard. It is the hardest Yoga I have ever done, but I really enjoy it. I think because it has some resistance and calisthenics type stuff going on with it too, makes it a challenge. And - its a guy instructor instead of a girl and some girls tend to be too peppy for me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89395738233580753662012-07-27T12:20:01.003-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.464-04:00We have some really nice communities here on the l...We have some really nice communities here on the lakes and such. It is pretty awesome. Sure, every state has the trashy ones that are pretty stereotypical. It drives me nuts because I feel that just because you are poor does not mean you have to leave trash all over, you can clean and keep things nice. <br><br>We were talking just this morning about downsizing when it comes time to buy a new house. Less house for both of us to take care of and just enough space to keep us from going crazy. The house we have isn't super large, I would say its about 1800sq feet, 2 acres, full use-able basement , a small barn and a giant barn. It was farm land. The giant barn is going to fall any time. It leans a little too much and gets worse every year. We have a lot of unnecessary stuff accumulated in all this space. I have never been in a house this big and it doesn't suit me well at all. <br><br>I love watching people take nothing and turn it into something fabulous.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59510853073437946372012-07-27T22:23:02.848-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.468-04:00I live in a "trailer park" in Maryland. ...I live in a "trailer park" in Maryland. I tell my friends it's a Mobile Home Community. Haha... But, what you say is true. The inside of my house looks nothing like a typical trailer, but that doesn't mean that you don't walk outside and feel like your in a trailer park. Thank goodness we have paved roads, driveways, and sidewalks. Our old Mobile Home Park was dirt roads, street parking and looked like the stereotypical trailer park. <br><br>My husband was laid off exactly 6 months after I left my job to raise my sons, and we made a decision to do what was best for our family. We are perfectly happy in our trailer. In fact, we have not had the greatest 4 years financially, but because we decided to purchase our first single wide trailer, we've since been able to buy a double wide, completely renovate it, and rent out our single wide. Our home fits our life right now, and I'm so thankful every day that we had this option. In Maryland it costs around $1200-$1400 to rent a two bedroom apartment. Whereas, you can own a two bedroom mobile home (and rent the land) for less than half of that. It was a no brainer for us! In fact, now we own a four bedroom mobile home for less than half of that.Amy and Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00952237808403828555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4494821622829501262012-07-28T14:12:47.046-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.472-04:00Mobile Home Communities around here are awesome. S...Mobile Home Communities around here are awesome. Some are just for seniors but they all have requirements regarding what your trailer should have/look like and how you should keep your yard. <br><br>Growing up in OK I have seen 20 years worth of devastation a tornado can bring to a mobile home. Because of that I was never comfortable living in one when I lived there. Of course I was lucky and life worked out to where I did not need to. House prices were decent then and my then husband made decent money. <br><br>Now that I am in here in MI I see no reason to have that fear. I know that if something were to happen, that would be the first place I would look for housing. Where I life their are some very nice Mobile Home Communities and some not-so-nice stereotypical trailer parks. While the less nicer of the bunch does have the cheaper lot rents, even the "upscale" ones are pretty affordable. <br><br>I see a lot of folks giving away trailers on Craigslist. Of course you have to pay to have it removed unless you plan on staying there. But almost always you have to renovate it. For some, if you are going to renovate anyway, a freebie might be a good option, especially in hard times because the cost of repairing most issues with trailers is a lot less than building a tiny house on wheels or even home repairs. <br><br>When we started looking at homes we actually looked at quite a few double modular homes up here. The house we have now is nice and we have really super cheap payments because when he was unemployed a few years ago we went through a modification with the loan company so we wouldn't lose our house. But the street is so loud and busy and I don't like where we are. Plus, this is the house he and his ex bought and I just want for us to finish school so we can get our own house together! But I am certainly looking to downsize a bit thats for sure!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91129870074781091052012-07-29T16:26:50.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.170-04:00Hi Chrystal,<br><br>Thank you for your wonderful r...Hi Chrystal,<br><br>Thank you for your wonderful review of IdealShape. I am the certified hypnotherapist at IdealShape who developed the weight loss hypnosis cd's. I also co-authored the book IdealShape for life. I would love to provide any additional help to ensure that you create your ideal shape. <br><br>Sincerely,<br><br>David Meine C.Ht, PBT<br>http://www.davidmeine.com<br>http://www.idealshape.comDavid Meinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198607920858449612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23487628875018247042012-07-30T16:41:37.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.179-04:00Thank you for stopping by David. I have sent you a...Thank you for stopping by David. I have sent you a personal email! :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50454114371100844222012-08-03T14:45:46.287-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.477-04:00Losses are so hard and they come back at the stran...Losses are so hard and they come back at the strangest times.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32394440153160363652012-08-03T20:46:04.999-04:002012-08-04T15:41:39.287-04:00Thanks Chrystal, for sharing your personal story. ...Thanks Chrystal, for sharing your personal story. It think it is exactly this type of thing that Ernest and I had in mind when we created RTS Journal back in 2009. If one of our writers has helped you find the courage to share, then the journey has been worth it for me personally.<br />thanks<br />--Victorvvolkmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14028893067589867301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34327425299109104392012-08-06T21:21:52.655-04:002012-08-06T21:21:52.655-04:00You are very welcome. Thank you for allowing me to...You are very welcome. Thank you for allowing me to review such great items.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22551934917024075432012-08-09T16:59:44.846-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.481-04:00Yes they do. She is my best friend and shes with m...Yes they do. She is my best friend and shes with me no matter where I am.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16795536251926745692012-08-10T19:06:12.973-04:002012-08-11T22:41:50.117-04:00Thanks for your thoughts, Chrystal, we'll be s...Thanks for your thoughts, Chrystal, we'll be sure you get a copy of the first book in the Dr. Cory Cohen Series, which is "Stolen Secrets".vvolkmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14028893067589867301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2508724765455623582012-08-11T07:14:08.353-04:002012-08-11T22:41:50.112-04:00This is so true. I use my email account's to ...This is so true. I use my email account's to do list to help me keep organized.Janellhttp://www.stayathomefreelancingmom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60694898180709268812012-08-12T23:18:19.208-04:002012-08-13T13:07:18.290-04:00Thank you for posting this freebie! I am looking f...Thank you for posting this freebie! I am looking forward to reading it when I get a chance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85517093878370786352012-08-13T15:35:28.019-04:002012-08-13T15:35:28.019-04:00You are very welcome. Enjoy!You are very welcome. Enjoy!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61527817706086556822012-08-13T22:03:17.115-04:002012-08-14T12:29:46.169-04:00Our friends whisper to others:
All is what
is less...Our friends whisper to others:<br />All is what<br />is less, divines the definite.<br />The defined was our enemy--<br />The clear meaning struck not quietly.<br /><br />I sunk the one city.<br />Then I made cities.<br />Then the swarming discarded burdens heavily:<br />The sea gave the flocks respite.<br /><br />Everything built was without air. <br /><br /><br />We left the earth.<br />Once past the future, <br /><br /><br />The past let go.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87284958388899219562012-08-14T13:31:24.814-04:002012-08-14T13:31:24.814-04:00I would be lost without them.I would be lost without them.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88606892882971891932012-08-14T13:31:45.233-04:002012-08-14T13:31:45.233-04:00Thank you! This was a great, fun, read.Thank you! This was a great, fun, read.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58334979577588025382012-08-16T16:25:39.347-04:002012-08-17T12:39:41.464-04:00It's funny how my own goals have changed, even...It's funny how my own goals have changed, even over the past couple of months. I look forward to following your progress. You may not realize this, but you're a great motivator!Paula Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15036726518920588893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65603240332451835952012-08-18T13:59:49.125-04:002012-08-18T13:59:49.125-04:00Mine always have been "to write" , espec...Mine always have been "to write" , especially fiction, but in the past it seemed like that was not going to make me any money. Then I found a way it could. I am actually doing better with my handful of ebooks than I am with residual content at the moment. That gives me motivation to keep going and it also helps that I really enjoy writing fiction. I'm also trying to plan for my future, so what I do now needs to help me with that as well. <br /><br />I am glad I can help motivate someone because sometimes its hard to motivate myself! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57939743552382805502012-08-23T09:25:34.699-04:002012-08-23T12:32:20.135-04:00Great advice!Great advice!Paula Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15036726518920588893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78878191349462021702012-08-23T09:28:51.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.186-04:00I really admire the fact that you're willing t...I really admire the fact that you're willing to openly talk. You're going to help more people than you know with this.Paula Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15036726518920588893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23204687180383821282012-08-23T12:36:00.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.193-04:00One thing you will definitely notice is your skin ...One thing you will definitely notice is your skin will get clearer because of the birth control. Also, your periods will be lighter. Thank goodness! :)<br><br>I have PCOS myself. Odd thing is though, I always had regular cycles. My issue was the hormones and having the cysts, though apparently the cysts have gone dormant now (my ovaries did not appear as polycystic). Still gotta get everything else checked again though.<br><br>I hope you get the help that you need. I know how hard that is..Flora Korkishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13169107829570192407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23107388811948454212012-08-24T10:00:07.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.198-04:00I have PCOS as well but I refuse to take birth con...I have PCOS as well but I refuse to take birth control. I feel like messing with my already imbalanced hormones is just not a good idea - but that's MY personal opinion and I'm not a doctor. I'm hoping that balancing my hormones naturally (better nutrition, herbs, exercise, lower stress, etc) will help me out and I won't need birth control/surgery/fertility treatments. A few great resources for ladies with PCOS: soulcysters.net and facebook.com/pcosdiva. Soul Cysters is a great forum that I go to any time I have a question or concern and the ladies there are so helpful and caring. PCOS Diva is great for exploring natural PCOS treatments.Jessica Holbrookhttp://jershaanddup.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65232265617147178592012-08-24T12:10:18.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.204-04:00@ Paual - thank you. I have been pretty open about...@ Paual - thank you. I have been pretty open about my life for quite a few years now. It is good to know that in the past I have helped people who have gone through similar situations in life. Now, I am going through something new and hope to reach out to others in the process. <br><br>@Flora - I have been on b/c since I was 15. I took a year off in my 20s when TTC and I took this last year off in my late 30s because of the same reason. (Husband #1 then and #2 now). So being on b/c is nothing new to me. My problem is that I am not having periods. In 16 months I have had 2. My last few years on the pill I barely had one at all. Because of my family history of uterine, ovarian and vulva cancer I have to be monitored much more now. My mom has PCOS and the docs figure I have had it for quite some time just never put the signs together and since I was on b/c or just getting off of the b/c they never saw a reason for alarm. <br><br>My main focus is not to get pregnant. I have made my peace with that. For now. I think. At least I am trying to. Right now I have to get my body is shape. My right side is off from my left. I am crooked. Overweight. And my degenerative disk disease and osteoarthritis are in the worse pain ever. <br><br>So, onward!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14713836009442050812012-08-24T12:15:46.366-04:002012-08-24T12:15:46.366-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4326585365673355992012-08-24T14:16:36.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.210-04:00@Jessica - I've been on b/c since I was 15. It...@Jessica - I've been on b/c since I was 15. It cleared up my skin and stopped the irregular cycles and the pain. My periods were not all that heavy but the pain was enough to cause migraines, which I still suffer from. They aren't as bad when I am on b/c. I can either take b/c or a host of other medications to deal with all of my other problems. Every time I go off b/c I gain weight like crazy. Now we know that is relate to the PCOS. Had we would of figured that out 10 years ago when I TCC the 1st time I may not be where I am today with the excess weight and stress / pain on my joints. <br><br>I did things the natural way when I TTC the 1st time. I had no stress in life, I was 60lb lighter, I ran, I was pretty much a vegan, all herbal supplements and holistic life. Still didn't change much. I still had irregular cycles, still excessive hair, acne, bloat, pain. <br><br>The only time in my life when I do have a period is when I am on b/c. I don't otherwise. And with the cancer in my family , at some point surgery would be an option, my choice, because it will reduce my risk of cancer. Since I am ok with not having kids of my own, I would rather not put myself at risk for cancer. I have seen what it has done to the women in my family. Surgery for me is a preventative. No amount of herbal supplements is going to save me from my risk of cancer. <br><br>The thing with me, I wasn't TTC this 2nd time on purpose. I merely went off b/c because I ran out and at the time I did not have insurance or the money to pay for b/c. Since I got married I did not qualify for free b/c at the clinic. Once my insurance kicked in, we figured if we got pregnant we did, and if we didn't that was ok too. We weren't counting on getting pregnant because of my age. So, being on b/c isn't a big deal for me.<br><br><br>Right now my biggest thing is to control the pain in my back and hip by reducing the weight. Once that is under control and I start to feel better, stronger, we'll plan the next stage in our life. I doubt I will be TTC. It was never my idea to have a child of my own. I was doing it to have a child with my husband. I always wanted to adopt. Now I know he is OK with adoption. I was never interested in putting my body through pregnancy. But I was willing to do it for my husband. I think I differ from many women on my views of being a mom and pregnancy. <br><br>I signed up with SoulCysters it was one of the first resources I found! But, I have yet to post. I tend to spend more time reading. There is so much there! I also found PCOS Diva, but I am not really interesting in paying for the program she has. <br><br>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18359763654613954112012-08-25T17:39:48.291-04:002012-08-28T10:38:47.237-04:00Great advice here! I need to learn to stay off soc...Great advice here! I need to learn to stay off social networks lolMandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14742145206899752242012-08-29T17:20:27.024-04:002012-08-29T17:20:27.024-04:00I do too. Sometimes I only mean to be there a sec...I do too. Sometimes I only mean to be there a second and it's an hour later!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55009658098969809422012-08-31T19:50:52.262-04:002012-09-01T11:24:14.943-04:00Thank you for the mention! I agree, this site is t...Thank you for the mention! I agree, this site is the real deal and a winner. You can't beat getting paid to do something you already like to do!Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878874447792079643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90937572966180229782012-09-02T13:13:51.363-04:002012-09-02T13:13:51.363-04:00I am really enjoying it so far and I have yet to s...I am really enjoying it so far and I have yet to see it run out of work. You are welcome for the mention! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7084327890877947112012-09-07T08:50:33.328-04:002012-09-07T14:43:26.021-04:00I have removed my Idle Hubs and once they have bee...I have removed my Idle Hubs and once they have been de-indexed by Google I will submit them as backlinks elsewhere. The ones they moved to that status were receiving little, if any, traffic anyway. Obviously they were therefore making little if any money. <br /><br />All of my idle hubs were related to my main blog. I will probably use them as guest posts to get people back to my site.<br /><br />Thanks for being part of Work at Home Weekend, Chrystal! Angie Nelsonhttp://workathomeweekend.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88568985704951322962012-09-07T17:21:44.138-04:002012-09-07T17:21:44.138-04:00I wasn't one that had complained about the Idl...I wasn't one that had complained about the Idle hubs. I think it serves it's purpose and it is pretty much the same program Helium and Squidoo have. I personally think some of mine were in the season category, especially the tax related ones. Those might do better on another site. I could just put together another tax ebook. I spent some time today making sure I had backups of all the hubs and finally deleted them. I deleted some that were not idle just because they went with ones that were. I'll continue to use hubs when necessary in the future. <br /><br />Thanks for having me!! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73388589602025595802012-09-09T13:52:17.052-04:002012-09-10T12:45:07.246-04:00Hi, Crystal! It's so refreshing to happen upon...Hi, Crystal! It's so refreshing to happen upon another work at home writer. :) I'm stopping by from the Work at Home Weekend, by the way! I hope we can connect. Have a great day! :)Martine | Work at Home Mom Writerhttp://daintymom.com/aboutnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29943104866520250342012-09-11T10:03:50.658-04:002012-09-12T11:43:53.866-04:00Would you mind sharing the name of the forum that ...Would you mind sharing the name of the forum that inspired you? Also, are all of your 100 stories going to be short stories? I have my own goal of 50 in a year with some short and some novel length. 100 sounds awesome! I have been on the fence on pricing also so if there is any input you would be willing to share I would be grateful.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11479110439399691701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83953965398088434842012-09-12T10:13:42.002-04:002012-09-12T10:13:42.002-04:00Welcome! I look forward to reading some of your po...Welcome! I look forward to reading some of your posts!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83659818575400214742012-09-12T11:48:56.321-04:002012-09-12T11:48:56.321-04:00I visit the erotica forum on Absolute Write, the w...I visit the erotica forum on Absolute Write, the writers forum on WorkPlaceLikeHome.com. I also pay for forum access on the self-publishing section of Something Awful. <br /><br />Yes, all of my stories will be short stories - over 3000 words each. Some of them are series and some of them are bundles. Which contain 3 or more stories with a similar theme. <br /><br />100 stories is doable. I have seen many do it. Now that I have my fall schedule for school I am not sure how I am going to do 100 so I might have to reevaluate my writing challenge. I just want to get as close to 100 as I can get by May of next year. <br /><br />What we have found is that freebies and 99c don't really make any money because of the sharing with the company. Also, most people feel freebies and 99 c books aren't really that great that is why they are so cheap. What I have found, and so many others, for erotic $2.99 works for short stories. For other genere that pricing models tend to vary, but most stick to the $2.99. Its what generates the most income. Longer stories of course would be a another 50 cents to $1 more . <br /><br />Visit Absolute Write or the KindleBoards forums. You can find the niche you like and see what is working for them.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44422000796035056712012-09-12T13:27:26.563-04:002012-09-13T12:04:32.606-04:00Thanks for your input. I've often wondered abo...Thanks for your input. I've often wondered about the .99 price point. I still find it interesting that people are buying 3000 word stories for $2.99. I'm anxious to get my stories online.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11479110439399691701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59108731684354449892012-09-13T14:29:28.014-04:002012-09-14T11:39:40.971-04:00I share your struggle with affiliate marketing and...I share your struggle with affiliate marketing and like you it's not for the lack of affiliates, lol! I've been told it gets better .... they just didn't say when that would be ;-).Patti Halehttp://www.howtofindworkfromhome.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34189537031587016312012-09-14T12:39:51.599-04:002012-09-14T12:39:51.599-04:00You are very welcome! You may have to test the mar...You are very welcome! You may have to test the marketed bit in your niche and see what is working for others. I know some people when they release a new book in a series, they will make book #1 free and book #2 99c for a "new release" bonus. That way people are more inclined to purchase a package deal so they can go back and read up on their characters. It's a great marketing tactic. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62585187116694022202012-09-14T12:40:42.241-04:002012-09-14T12:40:42.241-04:00I have heard that too. I am sure it takes time and...I have heard that too. I am sure it takes time and practice, as with any craft! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6528218468139094442012-09-18T19:57:12.393-04:002012-09-19T12:10:41.617-04:00If you don't mind my asking; how long did it t...If you don't mind my asking; how long did it take to make your first $25 with "CopyPasteCash"?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84013661451192740582012-09-19T12:21:11.921-04:002012-09-19T12:21:11.921-04:00I don't mind at all!
It was my 3rd or 4th day...I don't mind at all!<br /><br />It was my 3rd or 4th day. I only post 10-20 ads a day because right now that is all I have time for. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59052768779183544932012-09-19T14:15:41.975-04:002012-09-19T14:48:22.718-04:00Thanks, I'm gonna try it out. Wish me luck!!Thanks, I'm gonna try it out. Wish me luck!!Lisanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4630207684592673362012-09-19T14:50:03.527-04:002012-09-19T14:50:03.527-04:00You are very welcome! Good luck to you!!!
You are...You are very welcome! Good luck to you!!!<br /><br />You are welcome to email me at cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com I can share my Facebook and the CP$ groups there! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64948438917613458732012-09-21T13:35:23.642-04:002012-09-21T13:59:10.523-04:00I just joined ODesk - this was so helpful!! Thanks...I just joined ODesk - this was so helpful!! Thanks much :)Kristen Cadanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1937785537262774442012-09-21T15:42:07.737-04:002012-09-21T15:42:07.737-04:00You are very welcome!You are very welcome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78610007632761740712012-09-23T13:59:42.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.219-04:00That is a lot of stuff to deal with---you must be ...That is a lot of stuff to deal with---you must be a truly strong person :) One low-impact exercise I can recommend are the walking dvds that Leslie Sansone puts out. I check them out from the library often along with tae bo and I enjoy it. It isn't as hard on the joints and body like tae bo or stuff like that so when I want to give my body a break but still get a good workout, I use those dvds.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20833820449312535262012-09-24T08:09:43.550-04:002012-09-24T14:39:24.302-04:00Fellow writer from SITS popping in! I'm so gl...Fellow writer from SITS popping in! I'm so glad I found you!Blond Duckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404456624316008610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49042377981559913712012-09-24T18:46:13.676-04:002012-09-24T18:46:13.676-04:00Very nice to meet you!! Welcome to my corner of bl...Very nice to meet you!! Welcome to my corner of blogland.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59138493302785754022012-09-24T18:48:16.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.228-04:00I LOVE Leslie and have been doing her WATP videos ...I LOVE Leslie and have been doing her WATP videos since the mid 90s. I used them when I started Weight Watchers years and years ago. Eventually I started running and made it to Lifetime. Then, the back issues started and years later came all the rest I talk about now. I am not coordinated enough for Tae-bo. Been there done that and it leaves me so frustrated! LOL. I can't even do Zumba.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80429970821285731412012-10-01T17:41:46.856-04:002012-10-01T20:12:42.045-04:00Nice article, Chrystal! Thanks!Nice article, Chrystal! Thanks!Karinhttp://www.karinhernandez.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52873978764441051422012-10-02T10:43:24.312-04:002012-10-02T12:58:26.141-04:00Great outline. Thankfully the days of keyword stu...Great outline. Thankfully the days of keyword stuffing have ended.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1978706615095309672012-10-02T14:01:28.990-04:002012-10-02T14:57:18.090-04:00Your Masters challenge will end and at that point ...Your Masters challenge will end and at that point you will have more time to write. While goals are important, you also have to be fair to yourself as you work towards them and prioritze. It seems you are doing that in putting your education first and keeping your grades up.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42740067176285716032012-10-02T16:24:42.508-04:002012-10-02T16:24:42.508-04:00I am counting down the days until March when that ...I am counting down the days until March when that final class is over. I can't wait to get back to spending more time on my writing. It really sucks when I have a great idea and I have to quickly type up notes before I lose it so I can work on grad papers. I would rather just sit right down with my story.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77679872098818193332012-10-02T16:25:24.841-04:002012-10-02T16:25:24.841-04:00Thank you, and you are welcome. I am glad keyword ...Thank you, and you are welcome. I am glad keyword stuffing is over too. I was never very good at it. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44785061850731282392012-10-05T16:15:18.765-04:002012-10-05T18:38:16.606-04:00What a great challenge! Good luck!What a great challenge! Good luck!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68843693984227235412012-10-05T19:00:01.723-04:002012-10-06T13:59:14.917-04:00It's amazing how some people are still trying ...It's amazing how some people are still trying to trick the search engines. Great information Chrystal!Paula Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15036726518920588893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61680539750842295782012-10-05T19:09:37.934-04:002012-10-06T13:59:14.914-04:00I feel so lazy after reading this! :) I'm hopi...I feel so lazy after reading this! :) I'm hoping to get my FIRST ebook ready by the end of the month. Paula Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15036726518920588893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45418779206095615432012-10-05T19:13:48.381-04:002012-10-06T13:59:14.912-04:00It's great to see you so excited about this. I...It's great to see you so excited about this. I can't wait to see how it goes!Paula Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15036726518920588893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90368053012281959322012-10-06T20:10:03.025-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.486-04:00Yay Chrystal! What a great and inspiring post. I r...Yay Chrystal! What a great and inspiring post. I read Carrie the summer between 6th and 7th grade and then my BFF and I started writing. Our first and only novel was a combination of Carrie and Jaws 2 (which I think was in theaters that summer) called Turtle 4. LOL, I still have it. I continued to write poetry and short stories all through HS and college, but then stopped. Still read like a fiend (thus my DailyReadz book reviews) but have pretty much given up fiction writing. karinhernandezhttp://karinhernandez.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79168526032447086732012-10-07T19:45:33.719-04:002012-10-07T19:45:33.719-04:00The good thing about this is - it isn't a race...The good thing about this is - it isn't a race to the finish line. Once I stopped feeling that way that overwhelming so I am going to procrastinate feeling backed off and I was able to complete more work.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80719317185156795972012-10-07T19:46:48.616-04:002012-10-07T19:46:48.616-04:00So far it is going well. It is only residual incom...So far it is going well. It is only residual income, but maybe since I now have a channel I can write about maybe I will finally be one of those people that can pay the bills with their residual income. I am always hopeful. I love writing and writing about writing seems to be a good pick for me so far.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2202592775798333812012-10-07T19:59:39.474-04:002012-10-07T19:59:39.474-04:00It is. I could never figure out how even if I want...It is. I could never figure out how even if I wanted to! lolChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87679322096570702472012-10-07T20:10:32.338-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.490-04:00I have only had one friend growing up that was rea...I have only had one friend growing up that was really into writing and books as much as I was. She ended up moving away. I wish I had more friends that loved reading and writing as much as I did. Maybe they would understand why I like to stay home instead of being social! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29817867639502030552012-10-07T21:58:52.604-04:002012-10-08T10:29:37.940-04:00Great information and very useful! Thanks!Great information and very useful! Thanks!C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66970780892398794172012-10-08T13:30:40.968-04:002012-10-08T13:30:40.968-04:00You are welcome, thank you for stopping by.You are welcome, thank you for stopping by.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55116801305569702182012-10-08T13:48:09.985-04:002012-10-08T13:48:09.985-04:00Thank you! I am going to do my best!Thank you! I am going to do my best!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-991709172111060982012-10-08T18:07:01.085-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.493-04:00Wow.. you have done a lot! And tattoo's seem t...Wow.. you have done a lot! And tattoo's seem to be becoming much more acceptable in the corporate world. There is a lady at my work who has a full sleeve and some days it is fully visibleSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71688017062152461842012-10-08T18:15:16.012-04:002012-10-09T11:41:01.861-04:00I keep wondering if Hubpages is worth the effort a...I keep wondering if Hubpages is worth the effort as well, especially now with all the Z articlesSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14762534599668435542012-10-09T16:26:28.834-04:002012-10-09T16:27:22.152-04:00This blog post inspired a blog post for me. My blo...This blog post inspired a blog post for me. My blog post for the day is about my revenue share goals and aspirations. I am having too much fun writing for myself. However, it is now time to get client work finished and quit playing around, lol. C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78978602676159372062012-10-09T22:36:16.784-04:002012-10-10T12:42:41.169-04:00Great tips! I only worry about keywords, however w...Great tips! I only worry about keywords, however when a client has me writing SEO. Otherwise, I write naturally. Clarissahttp://cwilson26-ramblingthoughts.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12014570627479935962012-10-10T12:34:57.750-04:002012-10-10T12:34:57.750-04:00Sharon - I removed all of my idle Hubs and once th...Sharon - I removed all of my idle Hubs and once they were removed from Google I put them up on Helium. Some of them I am turning to website posts and I think 1 or 2 went up on my Examiner channel. I check my hubs daily. If I see any go idle, I will give it a quick glance to see if its outdated or something. Then if my changes don't fix it, I will just remove it and move it. <br /><br />C - I am glad you are inspired. It is nice that we are all gathered on WPLH helping each other out. The forum was so silent for so long. I missed everyone. <br /><br />I haven't been looking for client work because I am spending all my time on revenue share content and research papers at the moment. LOL<br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47386033106612774142012-10-12T13:32:15.474-04:002013-09-12T14:06:06.496-04:00Thank you so much for sharing all of this Chrystal...Thank you so much for sharing all of this Chrystal. I read the majority of your blog posts on the day you post them--I missed this one in Reader and just found it as I was going back over some of the stuff I had missed--It was a *really* great post. Health and Happiness to you - MMarsha Siouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040323358283380289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8864914889049301502012-10-12T15:45:03.046-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.094-04:00They are, and I am extremely grateful for that. Sa...They are, and I am extremely grateful for that. Sadly, I have yet to find a CPA firm that is keen on visible tattoos. I can easily cover mine up in the winter with jackets, mock turtlenecks and sweaters. Its harder in the summer.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18888640102770470122012-10-12T15:45:30.351-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.099-04:00You are welcome Marsha, that you so much for stopp...You are welcome Marsha, that you so much for stopping by and commenting!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44663679362512279922012-10-15T20:19:48.665-04:002012-10-16T13:43:35.756-04:00I'm still on the fence about IB. I have 3 art...I'm still on the fence about IB. I have 3 articles from a while ago that have not made anything. It will be interesting to watch how you do.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8639152275714589392012-10-16T10:39:13.247-04:002012-10-16T10:39:13.247-04:00I'm the same. I don't really have a lot of...I'm the same. I don't really have a lot of SEO clients, so that really hasn't been a huge deal for me. Some keywords are pretty easy to incorporate, but some make the piece sound so robotic.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5612077856302844842012-10-17T19:30:53.672-04:002012-10-20T12:27:42.421-04:00:):)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25485802948589732012012-10-20T20:00:22.814-04:002012-10-21T13:51:51.427-04:00I have decided not to use IB and am spending most ...I have decided not to use IB and am spending most of my time with Examiner and now Bubblews. I am still doing pieces for Hubpages but my earnings have gone down even though I have removed the idle Hubs. I am thinking of putting my articles I was going to do on Hubpages on Bubblews because Bubblews is my highest earner so far.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27926796785481313412012-10-20T20:11:30.729-04:002012-10-21T13:51:51.424-04:00These are the reasons why I love writing for Exami...These are the reasons why I love writing for Examiner as well. Except I haven't been contacted by anyone through there for other work yet but it could happen still. C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24117797963971431212012-10-22T18:45:01.166-04:002012-10-22T18:45:01.166-04:00I just don't have time to spread my writing ou...I just don't have time to spread my writing out to all these different sites. It takes a pretty decent sized portfolio to build up revenue. I am finding Examiner fits my needs best because I can tie it to my blog since it's writing related. I have had a few more articles go idle at Hubs and I am now seriously considering removing them and putting them somewhere else. Maybe Helium since I am already established there. Maybe I should try Bubblews. I am just not sure how I feel about starting at another site with everything else I have going on.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-393272001339592092012-10-22T18:46:10.926-04:002012-10-22T18:46:10.926-04:00I'm a firm believer in slow and steady. If I t...I'm a firm believer in slow and steady. If I try to do too much too soon I get burned out. I would love to have a decent income from revenue share, but I know you have to work hard at it. We'll see where I stand when I am done with school on whether I decide to write for these sites full-time or do something else. I do know I will be continuing with my ebooks. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2798722296223049422012-10-27T16:44:50.318-04:002012-10-28T18:02:35.032-04:00It is really hard to find a good residual site. I...It is really hard to find a good residual site. I am starting to delete hubpages to post in other places as I am just not seeing anything there :(Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-166946923524165672012-11-02T16:45:10.548-04:002013-02-15T10:27:45.416-05:00Hi - Your name was forwarded to me as a person who...Hi - Your name was forwarded to me as a person who has started on Examiner and is stealing ideas from other writers. How very sad that you just begin and already are robbing others. BE ADVISED that you might have just started on Examiner but if you decide to continue this type of BS - you will be turned in and repeatedly flagged. I HAVE contacted the offices in Denver about your actions as well. Obviously, you are a little bragger here too as it seems you not only are taking from other writers but love to share you are making money doing it. So does that make you a villain or stupid? Either way - consider yourself warned - thieving is outdated.Kathy Jenkinshttp://www.kathyjenkins.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55950931182695116842012-11-02T16:53:39.781-04:002012-11-05T14:37:55.933-05:00I'm enjoying the bubbles balloon while it last...I'm enjoying the bubbles balloon while it lasts.. :) and yes, you did get $5 for joining <br /><br />sounds like you had a good week. Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70753666717060153452012-11-02T16:55:35.129-04:002012-11-05T14:37:55.900-05:00Very interesting! I always knew you could deduct ...Very interesting! I always knew you could deduct 50% of meals but did not realize there had been court cases and suchSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15754394514573317992012-11-02T16:56:44.999-04:002012-11-05T14:37:55.860-05:00That is great! congrats!That is great! congrats!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-993555556435282952012-11-05T14:46:17.509-05:002012-11-05T14:46:17.509-05:00Thank you Sharon!Thank you Sharon!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27321705755312705022012-11-05T16:13:51.589-05:002012-11-05T16:13:51.589-05:00It's a fun site. Hopefully it will last.It's a fun site. Hopefully it will last.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43851901266486113942012-11-05T16:14:39.813-05:002012-11-05T16:14:39.813-05:00I always knew about the business meals for busines...I always knew about the business meals for business meetings and such. But really had no idea about food reviews, and I am a tax prep! lolChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90320857320083021962012-11-07T17:11:12.497-05:002012-11-08T15:41:24.055-05:00Chrystal,you have some good residual income going ...Chrystal,you have some good residual income going there.Keep up the good work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86887175265840980292012-11-08T10:56:21.515-05:002012-11-08T15:41:24.053-05:00Glad to know there are still some revenue sources ...Glad to know there are still some revenue sources out there working for people.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84912517744583194762012-11-08T16:33:29.790-05:002012-11-08T16:33:29.790-05:00Thank you guys. It goes up and down and it's s...Thank you guys. It goes up and down and it's still a learning experience. I am only really able to work it part time and I am doing quite well with it for the time I put in. Very thankful for that right now.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15282658940056389042012-11-14T11:01:18.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.235-04:00Good luck with your journey.Good luck with your journey.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42547734579262717242012-12-01T11:32:04.061-05:002012-12-02T19:16:58.941-05:00Thank you for your kind review! I go on the intern...Thank you for your kind review! I go on the internet occaisionally and randomly look at reviews and comment on a few of them. God bless you for taking your time to write a comment about God's story in my life!<br />michael leehanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44178238990583773772012-12-01T22:20:59.566-05:002012-12-02T19:16:58.938-05:00Must have coffee. It calms me down. Regular blac...Must have coffee. It calms me down. Regular black coffee is what I usually get.<br /><br />When out though, I will indulge in salted caramel fraps, and fraps or lattes made with any of these flavorings: pumpkin pie, chocolate, cocoa, caramel, any form of vanilla. MMMMM love it. Good to read ya. I am tweeting so you get more readers. Muahs.sapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44918460936290809482012-12-03T21:33:19.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.244-04:00Nothing tastes as good as a healthy weight feels.<...Nothing tastes as good as a healthy weight feels.<br>Endorse yourself for losing the weight no matter how small.<br>And grads on the puppy.<br>sapphoqsapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25171055127813041112012-12-04T16:26:57.017-05:002012-12-04T16:26:57.017-05:00I am so thankful you were able to turn your life a...I am so thankful you were able to turn your life around and tell your story today! It was a great read and thank you for writing it. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60076160318013600682012-12-04T16:28:52.047-05:002012-12-04T16:28:52.047-05:00I only have one cup a day. That is why we purchase...I only have one cup a day. That is why we purchased a K-cup machine because we were throwing so much down the drain. I do have a cup here and there during the day, but I really enjoy my tea during the day. I also have been known to have some decaf with dessert. I have to make fancy drinks myself because even asking for the non fat sugar free stuff at places like Starbucks can still be too many calories for my liking! lolChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27625902939152704582012-12-04T16:36:43.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.253-04:00I'm still trying. The PCOS is making it very h...I'm still trying. The PCOS is making it very hard to lose the weight. The pain from the degenerative disk and osteoarthritis make it hard to exercise. Sometimes I feel like I am going through a battle I will never win.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44164606019179065662012-12-05T10:32:46.732-05:002012-12-05T17:26:57.025-05:00Stopping by. You inspire me to write.Stopping by. You inspire me to write.sapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31804719284025664552012-12-06T18:22:19.747-05:002012-12-06T18:22:19.747-05:00Thank you, and you are welcome!Thank you, and you are welcome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58075768804593070252012-12-20T23:14:16.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.260-04:00Yeah I too have reached for the chocolate, uh, tod...Yeah I too have reached for the chocolate, uh, today, well, and last night too.<br>Changing our relationship with food is like that though.<br>The triumph is in the struggle.<br><br>And as I keep on striving, I hope you will keep on striving also.<br><br>Sorry to hear about the pcos. Physical pain is a bummer. I went to pt, and then to pool pt, for my tbi injuries and resultant fibro. I love pool pt. <br><br>Best wishes and I +1 ed you for Google+ and also shared this entry with twitterers.<br>Muahs<br>spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35966379550301245842012-12-22T17:41:58.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.269-04:00I try not to keep it in the house. Or any other tr...I try not to keep it in the house. Or any other trigger foods for that matter. I do pretty good, until I hit the cheese isle. I don't know what my problem is. A few years ago I ate clean, didn't binge on cheese, and followed Weight Watchers to the T. Now I can't follow a program to save my life. Hopefully we get things worked out the first of the year and I can start going to PT. I know I really need it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39444574547018127632013-01-17T19:28:20.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.278-04:00Keep focusing on the increased health and energy a...Keep focusing on the increased health and energy and you will stick with this!!Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45170062525486439332013-01-18T11:00:06.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.286-04:00Good for you! I don't have a treadmill but I d...Good for you! I don't have a treadmill but I do have an exercise bike that was given to me last Summer. I used to do 10 minutes, 3 times a day on it while listening to my Glee music on my phone. I haven't been on it in a while but plan to get back to it soon. Keep up the great work! :)C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49250921803976298872013-01-18T17:06:38.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.292-04:00Thank you ladies! I am trying to stay as focused a...Thank you ladies! I am trying to stay as focused as I can. Some days are easier than others.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84011750766709837302013-01-24T12:39:38.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.299-04:00You are a brave soul. Do you ever try the flavore...You are a brave soul. Do you ever try the flavored herbal teas? I find I can get by without the sugar/substitutes and it tastes sweet which fills my craving. Right now my favorite is Apple/cinnamon.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19077342463910573872013-01-24T12:43:19.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.309-04:00Good for you. I'm glad to see you putting you...Good for you. I'm glad to see you putting your health first.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11940492054448385512013-01-24T14:30:58.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.318-04:00Oh yes! Hubs bought my a wonderful Chocolate Mint ...Oh yes! Hubs bought my a wonderful Chocolate Mint and Roasted Chesnuts for our anniv. last November. I have tons and tons of other flavors. I have this one that my MIL purchased in Switzerland 2 years ago. Its smooth and creamy. Its a nice treat. But I never want to drink it! LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78181330551364775092013-01-24T14:32:23.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.324-04:00I had to. I finally had a sit-down with hubs and t...I had to. I finally had a sit-down with hubs and told him it HAD to be this way because I was spreading myself thin with all I have to do around here as well as school and work. I cant keep cooking special meals. Atkins works well for all of is. I dont have to really change my cooking at all. It has been fun and really easy.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23251226582774264702013-01-29T14:35:52.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.330-04:00Chrystal, I started a low carb diet this month too...Chrystal, I started a low carb diet this month too. Olive Garden would be tough, but Pauly Shore would be fun. I use unsweetened almond milk in my coffee.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6765697250423174062013-01-29T15:13:40.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.337-04:00It was tough, but I survived. I know that is the w...It was tough, but I survived. I know that is the whole point of Olive Garden, but it was a free meal so I had to find a way to make it work. I use unsweetened coconut almond milk. I find that coconut gives it a bit creamier taste.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86290211283688373102013-02-15T10:34:19.959-05:002013-02-15T10:34:19.959-05:00I love how you link to another Kathy Jenkins to tr...I love how you link to another Kathy Jenkins to try and protect your identity. I contacted that Kathy and she is less than thrilled that you have used her website, and her identity to hide behind. That is illegal. I found the real you on Facebook and the Examiner writer you comment on so often and favor. Wasn't that hard to find you. A little search on Examiner can go a long way. What you did is illegal and says a lot about you as a person and this post here. <br /><br />As for me and what I write here, it is my website and I can post whatever I want to. You and your threats hold no water here. I know what Examiner writer you are trying to say put you up to this. So, either you write for her (which is a clear violation of the TOS) or you are just a fan. Either way, if you search the headlines on Examiner you will see 1000s of people writing on the same topic. Not to mention, 1000s of other websites with the same topic. It's called Google Alerts and keywords. We all use them. I have no need to use anyone elses material as I am perfectly capable of creating my own and if you knew anything about me or my writing (past, present and future) you would see that. <br /><br />It's my blog and I'll brag if I want to. I am extremely grateful for finally being able to make money on Examiner since I have been with them since 2009.<br /><br />I too have contacted the offices in Denver. <br /><br />So, who is the stupid one here exactly?<br /><br />Your threats don't scare me. I have all the proof that I need. <br /><br />Have a nice day.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40040947629369200032013-02-15T17:02:40.089-05:002013-02-15T20:30:23.212-05:00You have to choose if posting your numbers is some...You have to choose if posting your numbers is something that motivates you or provides you with a postive feeling. Don't let the turkeys control your behavior.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76194505229089138412013-02-19T10:28:45.199-05:002013-02-19T10:28:45.199-05:00I started doing it because I know there are a lot ...I started doing it because I know there are a lot of people out there who blog about their earnings and get people to sign up under their affiliate link only to lure people in. It is hard to believe some people who say they are making $5k a month without proof. That proof helps others to see that it can really be done. I know years ago when I first tried rev. share I was so distraught by not earning what others earned and I wondered if it was because they were lying to get people to sign up, or if they were just not willing to share how they did it. I wanted to be someone who shared both. And, I still might. Right now its more of a time issue for me. Trying to keep up with all of these websites on top of writing for income and school. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76341782888055064212013-02-25T11:48:29.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.344-04:00Good luck.Good luck.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83514864137412288392013-02-25T18:12:58.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.355-04:00Thank you. So far so good. I feel a lot better tha...Thank you. So far so good. I feel a lot better than I have in a while.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69196609018258344112013-02-28T04:26:25.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.361-04:00I've decided to try Atkins again soon, primari...I've decided to try Atkins again soon, primarily because it helped with my back pain and general well being. If I lose a few pounds, awesome!Jennifer Leightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07842399252784061332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10405938528003352672013-02-28T19:37:49.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.367-04:00I love Atkins for that reason. I love Atkins becau...I love Atkins for that reason. I love Atkins because it is also a keto diet plan. It has helped me so much in a short amount of time. Now, if the scale would just keep moving!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53419275417741267572013-03-04T12:35:16.491-05:002013-03-04T13:39:34.977-05:00Good for you for making it work in what has become...Good for you for making it work in what has become a much more challenging market.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80326723405062746592013-03-05T14:39:11.044-05:002013-03-05T14:39:11.044-05:00It's extremely challenging. I am not sure how ...It's extremely challenging. I am not sure how good I will be at it; but I figure at this point, it is worth a shot.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80183875170821521922013-03-06T19:07:06.192-05:002013-03-06T21:24:32.822-05:00So far I've had no luck with revenue share. Ca...So far I've had no luck with revenue share. Can't wait to see how you do, maybe you'll inspire me to try again.<br /><br />Stopping in from Work Place Like Home!BrandyMaeDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12001181113238351641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72049448476233140072013-03-06T21:26:55.921-05:002013-03-06T21:26:55.921-05:00Thank you for stopping by. I am still trying to fi...Thank you for stopping by. I am still trying to figure out Squidoo. So far, I am not really a fan of how long it is taking me to make any money. Not a big deal, I don't have a lot of time right now outside of school and the time I put in on Examiner. But, I will keep adding articles when time permits. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6260413238520007922013-03-07T04:07:42.942-05:002013-03-07T13:49:01.291-05:00You are so smart to have a plan of attack for rev ...You are so smart to have a plan of attack for rev share! You have backups if it doesn't fit in Examiner, etc. I need to get more serious about rev share, but it's always a time juggle of course. Jennifer Leightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07842399252784061332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46231871702169102512013-03-07T16:04:28.912-05:002013-03-07T16:04:28.912-05:00It is a huge juggle most times for me. I write whe...It is a huge juggle most times for me. I write where the most money is and when (if) their is time left I might write up something for one of these other sites. I am not expecting to get rich from any of them - at least not now. Examiner pays my bills and I will keep doing that until it goes away. But, I also know people do well with places like Squidoo, so it seems good to open that door and see what it has to offer me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5444462763356834842013-03-08T01:58:56.762-05:002013-03-08T09:46:48.572-05:00I am going to check out Digital Journal when I hav...I am going to check out Digital Journal when I have extra time. I am bookmarking it now from your link. Thanks. <br /><br />I don't have time for rev share as much as I want to. I barely have the time for one article a day and I don't even have the time to read blogs or comment but I am taking the time because I need a break from upfront and boring articles for a minute. The weekly pay is really good but it is sucking the creativity out of me right now. Oh well, nothing I can do. I have bills to pay and a car to buy so I have to keep at it for now. I am making a couple hundred bucks a month from Examiner and $50 a month from my old Yahoo Contributor articles. I don't write for Yahoo anymore and don't plan on returning but I do like the monthly rev share I get. <br /><br />My goal for Examiner is $500 next month. I want to do it and am going to try but I have to write 25 articles a week for the new gig to pay the bills. Anyway, great blog post and thanks for the link to DJ. I am going to check it out and see what it is all about. Might sign up and try it too. :)<br /><br />Oh and I want to try to get back into Bubblews and do what you do for the Examiner traffic.<br /><br />I think I am going to have to sit down and make a schedule and stick to it. I have this new client and one other main client that gives me weekly work too. I also have Examiner and Bubblews that I am definitely going to stick too. Oh and Squidoo too. Not sure if I am going to do too much with Squid but I sure would like to give it a try. Anyway, I am rambling and need to read a couple more blogs and get to bed so I can get up and do it all over again. First, I am going to write out a schedule and try it. :)C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90861522932421759442013-03-08T15:25:42.006-05:002013-03-08T15:25:42.006-05:00I have days where I am just not motivated. School ...I have days where I am just not motivated. School is sucking the life out of me. Examiner is pretty much my bread and butter so I work it first. If I feel like doing more after I get a few up on there, then I might write someplace else, but that's not the norm. It is going to take me a long time to build up another account of rev. share. <br /><br />Making $500 a month on Examiner is pretty easy if you have the right channels and the time. I am only doing 1-4 a day, taking days off, and clear well over $500 a month. <br /><br />My second month I made over $1000. I am hoping that in the summer when I go full time I will make at least $3000 a month. <br /><br />I don't bother looking for clients anymore. I can't accept most of them anyway. With grad school I cant be tied down to their deadlines. <br /><br />Good luck. You will get there!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13797053476738069332013-03-10T05:17:32.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.374-04:00I am easing back into Atkins. I found I felt much ...I am easing back into Atkins. I found I felt much healthier on it and had less back pain. Still going through those initial sweet cravings but thankfully they pass! Cheese is my "go to" also!Jennifer Leightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07842399252784061332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20805914194533508782013-03-10T19:25:09.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.383-04:00I am a slow loser because of the PCOS; but with At...I am a slow loser because of the PCOS; but with Atkins I have finally been able to lose some weight. Not to mention, my back pain and arthritis are much more bearable. Can't complain. I have always loved cheese. All kinds, every kind. LOL. I just need to get better amount limiting how much I eat every day.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28863542617149838022013-03-11T10:36:42.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.390-04:00Sounds like some great pancake alternatives.Sounds like some great pancake alternatives.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11140427929018089252013-03-13T18:04:29.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.397-04:00I hope it turns out! So far I just used it as a co...I hope it turns out! So far I just used it as a coating for some fried chicken!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82458447992907507002013-03-20T16:50:54.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.404-04:00Seeing some success is hugely satisfying. Keep up ...Seeing some success is hugely satisfying. Keep up the great work!Jennifer Leightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07842399252784061332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71313933802910009182013-03-21T09:12:53.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.412-04:00Good for you!!Good for you!!Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75300495576106280642013-03-22T11:31:13.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.421-04:00It is a different sort of addiction because you ca...It is a different sort of addiction because you can't just stop eating as you are encouraged to do with alchol or other addictions. You have to learn to deal with different aspects of eating that create the addictive hold. You do seem to have acknowledged the challenge and are trying to find ways to manage the challenge.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19252675702683396822013-03-22T18:00:18.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.430-04:00I've been trying to deal with it since I was a...I've been trying to deal with it since I was about 9 when I realized I had a eating and weight problem. I have learned that it seems to be worse when my stress levels are high. I'm planning to go back to therapy for my mental health stuff, so hopefully that will help.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46170906103776465282013-03-22T18:06:04.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.436-04:00Thank you! I have learned I have to stop bringing ...Thank you! I have learned I have to stop bringing cheese and nuts into the house. I snack on them way too much and it makes me go over my calories.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79560716612722284642013-03-22T18:06:14.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.442-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24644300986978212482013-03-23T09:51:23.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.447-04:00You make such good points, Chrystal. Drug addicts ...You make such good points, Chrystal. Drug addicts and alcoholics don't have to ingest their drug of choice in order to live, but food addicts do. I do think that diets that allow cheat days can make things worse sometimes. Especially with low carb/high protein. You are aware of the issues and working hard to control them, I think you are doing great!Jennifer Leightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07842399252784061332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39723209105676664922013-03-27T10:31:21.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.454-04:00In 3 months I allowed myself 2 cheat days. When I ...In 3 months I allowed myself 2 cheat days. When I took a mini vacation on St. Patricks Day weekend I had a personal size pizza. I only ate half and saved the other for dinner. I also had a very large salad. We also had pie that weekend. I only ate half and scraped off the whipped cream. <br><br>The other night I broke down and had Mexican...horrible experience. But that is another blog post. lolChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18104922467731124952013-03-29T06:47:28.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.461-04:00Smart of you to get prepared for those cravings. I...Smart of you to get prepared for those cravings. It seems that there really is a keto alternative for nearly any craving, thankfully!Jennifer Leightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07842399252784061332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41222985709421751052013-03-29T06:48:27.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.471-04:00That is SUCH a great idea! Time consuming, I know,...That is SUCH a great idea! Time consuming, I know, but I think it would be a fantastic project. Photos really do inspire me when cooking.Jennifer Leightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07842399252784061332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31338286135530804632013-03-29T11:19:33.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.481-04:00I like the cookbooks that include items we will ac...I like the cookbooks that include items we will actually eat, that include ingredients we have or at least can find and/or afford. I hate the ones with the random items that nobody carries, but are essential to you weight loss.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72156526397171822522013-03-29T11:21:27.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.490-04:00Sad but true, your body is teaching you that the c...Sad but true, your body is teaching you that the cravings need to be met in a carb friendly method.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23975294045334055432013-03-29T11:23:17.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.496-04:00I like to see what I am making. Very visual like ...I like to see what I am making. Very visual like that. However, I also find adding my own "true" photographs helps. I have sticky notes that help me to remember why certain directions need to be altered, etc. <br><br>That being said I am slow to adapt to reading online. I like books, including those that help us with cooking.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12999405988222686252013-03-29T13:23:00.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.503-04:00I make egg casseroles. Eggs combined with some ty...I make egg casseroles. Eggs combined with some type of protein, mushrooms or black olives, spinach or some other veggie like green beans & 1/2 c. of hashbrowns or brown rice. Mix in large bowl & bake in casserole dish. I cut in squares & pack for the work week. It makes an easy breakfast that is filling & not messy.Jeranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16802605780805252141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41512534910150804062013-03-29T16:42:27.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.512-04:00I need to make sure we have a Mexican night so tha...I need to make sure we have a Mexican night so that I can get those flavors. I am just not sure about the bacon weave taco shells. I like bacon, but not that much.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50914497516093856982013-03-29T16:52:23.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.517-04:00I should have known better. I did. I just didn'...I should have known better. I did. I just didn't want to hear my inner voice tell me no because I thought - just this one time wont hurt I will get back on track tomorrow. Which I did. But, it did hurt. Too much.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56477506628552539952013-03-29T16:55:32.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.522-04:00There is a lot of good low carb stuff in here. Eve...There is a lot of good low carb stuff in here. Even better thing is I already have 99% of it in my house. For someone not interested in doing a Fat Fast, these recipes still work great as a snack on a low carb plan. And its not special health ingredients; its simple things you probably already buy.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44292082590910305582013-03-29T16:59:32.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.529-04:00At last count I had 800 plus photos on my phone. I...At last count I had 800 plus photos on my phone. I would say at least half of them are food photos I need to put here. I just run out of time So sad as this is my favorite writing project. Food stuff!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12596915417039085322013-03-29T17:05:26.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.534-04:00My cookbooks have notes in the margins, sticky not...My cookbooks have notes in the margins, sticky notes and even index cards. I dont think I follow any recipe 100%. Now that I have an iPad, using online recipes have gotten a lot easier. I still like an actual printed cookbook though. I find even ebook cookbooks just arent the same.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17700420646644160702013-03-29T17:30:06.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.539-04:00I made egg muffins some time ago. One set was eggs...I made egg muffins some time ago. One set was eggs with bacon, the other eggs with sausage. This works out well, but breakfast isn't too much of a problem. I think lunch is worse for me as far as time. Hashbrowns and brown rice are a no-no for me right now. But I do like the egg casserole that you make. I might have to make one, only leave out the stuff I can't have and load it with some vegetables. Great idea!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31959242557940526082013-04-05T13:06:06.385-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.117-04:00Your tiny house is looking great, and its uniquene...Your tiny house is looking great, and its uniqueness is truly astonishing! I was hoping you could post more pictures, especially on how it looks on the inside. Please do keep me posted. Have a nice day!<br>- <a href="http://americantinyhouse.com/models/" rel="nofollow">Chassidy Bednarz</a><br>Chassidy Bednarzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11461849642995447057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87853988531911810932013-04-05T13:45:56.576-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.122-04:00It's not my house. Thanks for the comment thou...It's not my house. Thanks for the comment though. And, dropping your link. Don't do it too much, most will just delete you and mark you as SPAM. I added your link in the links list.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76822482723675947722013-04-15T17:31:49.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.546-04:00I love that conscious box has vegan, gf, and origi...I love that conscious box has vegan, gf, and original options and that they are a sustainable company providing nonGMO and natural, organic products. I also love how you can save if you buy more and you earn points!! Thank you!Carolyn Forrestthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131293526510116698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59145977840903726302013-04-15T21:58:54.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.555-04:00Housemate does the shopping and cooking. Does alr...Housemate does the shopping and cooking. Does alright for the most part except that there are very few green veggies being served. I get mine from low sodium veggie juices and from a tendency to concentrate on salads and veggies when eating out. Putting carrots in the tomato sauces [for pasta night] is one thing that we both love, and it also soaks up some of the acid in the sauce. Like everything else in a relationship, food issues require talking out and sorting. <br>Very sorry to hear of your cousin's husband's death. <br>Gentle hugs.sapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17908126962861321852013-04-16T11:14:07.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.565-04:00Pasta is ok once in a while. But, our dietitian an...Pasta is ok once in a while. But, our dietitian and doctors have said it needs to be 100% whole grain. Prefer organic, but I can't afford to purchase everything organic. I tried using spaghetti squash and zucchini in place of noodles, but he didn't like it. I was vegetarian for a long time, so eating tons of vegetables doesn't bother me at all. I just don't have time or patience to prepare two meals and I don't have the budget to buy different types of food. We are going to have to figure this out or I am going to go crazy.<br><br>Thank you for the hugs.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58089894585703873152013-04-17T08:00:53.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.571-04:00Me too! I was so excited to learn about this compa...Me too! I was so excited to learn about this company. There are so many wonderful box services out there, but none of them excite me quite like this one. Especially since I am on a quest for a healthier life! Thank you for stopping by.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60743144020061294222013-05-06T12:44:57.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.578-04:00I like Dr. Ian's Fat Flush diet. The meals are...I like Dr. Ian's Fat Flush diet. The meals are so simple and inexpensive. I had no trouble following them. I lost eight pounds in two weeks. I am going to start it again soon.<br><br>Good luck! It seems you're on the right path.Tomica Bonnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15364466475032725408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11945436404007672002013-05-06T13:30:01.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.586-04:00Thanks Mica! I will have to check that one out!Thanks Mica! I will have to check that one out!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67314036324400100162013-05-07T13:56:07.408-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.128-04:00LOL! I loved this. Way to break up with your nem...LOL! I loved this. Way to break up with your nemesis - Writer's Block!Vrndavana Vinodinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092608110198167323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82845976420739524722013-05-07T19:49:14.851-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.133-04:00Very clever! Break up with kindness. And begin one...Very clever! Break up with kindness. And begin one word at a time. Good approach!Galen Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10189831838630645863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21592516305979611202013-05-07T21:26:25.929-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.136-04:00What a great idea! Loved your letter. Hope you mak...What a great idea! Loved your letter. Hope you make a swift clean break from your undoubtedly temporary relationship with writer's block! :)Jessica Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68502345510514264442013-05-08T07:32:49.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.591-04:00Well you've encouraged me. I finally got DH o...Well you've encouraged me. I finally got DH on board and I don't want a diet, but I do want a change in the way we eat. So we are exploring ways to approach food differently. We've been cooking for 2 weeks, using the crock pot with healthier alternatives than the old style recipes and I'm starting to feel better. After a long day yesterday I encouraged DH to push our walk just a little longer, something I haven't had the energy to do in a while.<br><br>We are taking mostly a low fat approach, but with a family history of diabetes, I'm really watching the sugar and keeping an eye out for carbs. I've tried working through Atkins and I borrowed a few crockpot books from the library on low carb cooking. I never find much either of us would eat.<br><br>What I do want to do is more research on the glycemic index. I am going to look more carefully at how diabetics are encouraged to balance their carbs, sugar, and fats. My one concern is that many of the plans push fake sugars and I can't have nutrasweet. The jury is out on Splenda. I cooked with some jam the other night and seemed to be OK. I would prefer to avoid the fake sugars as the health concerns regarding them are still questioned.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23676451756404856862013-05-08T12:06:32.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.597-04:00I'm trying not to "diet" but rather ...I'm trying not to "diet" but rather find a way of eating. A lifestyle change. It has been hard with the PCOS because it feels like I have to follow a diet to get it right. <br><br>I love my crockpot, I just wish I had more recipes to test. <br><br>The PCOS makes me insulin resistant/pre-diabetic so I have to be careful of so many things. I've been doing a lot of research of the GI and have quite a few books. It's low-ish carb. Clean eating and whole food, which I love. I am pretty much on a low GI diet, I just dont really say it is. I am slowly incorporating 100% whole grains into my meals here and there. But nothing white and nothing processed. <br><br>I use splenda, in moderation. I am going to be switching to stevia when my baking splenda is out. From what I can tell, it is actually better for you.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65720916091482467692013-05-08T13:52:28.003-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.140-04:00I tried to throw some humor in there. Really I wan...I tried to throw some humor in there. Really I wanted to slap Writers Block ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52089189195810048512013-05-08T13:52:38.214-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.143-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69441174824941003582013-05-08T13:53:12.230-04:002013-09-12T14:06:12.148-04:00Now I need to break up with schedules..or somethin...Now I need to break up with schedules..or something. I am about to break up with school (grad degree in June) so that will help me get back to blogging.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3500097555419719272013-05-09T10:58:07.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.605-04:00Reading your blog actually has led me down that pa...Reading your blog actually has led me down that path. We are going to work at eating healthier, but we aren't following a "plan." We know from history we won't do it. However, we will live with changes that are healthy and still taste good. In the past two weeks I can say I do feel a difference in energy and the way my body is functioning.<br><br>It's going to take lots of trial and error to figure out what we works and what doesn't work.<br><br>I do believe you will make it.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72733313584318311882013-05-09T16:43:44.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.613-04:00I have tried so many plans, but I hate the idea of...I have tried so many plans, but I hate the idea of eliminating any food group. I do understand why Atkins does it because they want you to find your carb threshold. I pretty much have mine figured out and I am ok with that. But, I also know if I have a day or two here where I go a little higher and eat something they don't recommend, it is ok. And I hate visiting these forums where people get nitpicked because they went off program. Ketogenic it pretty generic. Its just low carb, high fat and nothing processed. I will still visit those forums because they do offer great advice and have many recipes, but for me personally, I am not going to put a brand name on my way of eating. Whole foods, clean eating, and it just might happen to be low carb, healthy fat.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19432539041557696382013-05-09T16:44:29.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.619-04:00BTW - I am excited to hear that you have been feel...BTW - I am excited to hear that you have been feeling good these last 2 week and notice a difference. That is what it is all about!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64721747033479929792013-05-10T14:30:19.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.626-04:00I'm unfamiliar with Keto, but I'm with you...I'm unfamiliar with Keto, but I'm with you on the foods! I try to avoid medicines and have grown to really appreciate vegetables. I love noodles and stir fry meals, so I would have a hard time giving up pastas and rice-based meals. I'm still learning the best balance for where we are right now, too.childcaredayshttp://childcaredays.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82500818532812323232013-05-10T14:33:43.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.634-04:00It's hard work, but you are going to figure it...It's hard work, but you are going to figure it out. The high fat was definitly an issue for me, also lacking a gall bladder. However going completely low fat, almost no-fat is what the doctors tell me led to part of my troubles with the gall bladder. You should have seen me sputtering at THAT appointment. I thought I was being SO GOOD and I damn near killed myself.<br><br>So I completely understand the balance. I have to watch the fat intake do to the lack of gall bladder to process it. However, I also have to watch the sugars and the carbs. There is a huge history of diabetes in my family, so balance is the key.<br><br>DH and I are both working together on menu planning and cooking. We made our first chicken broth last night. We are not going to eliminate all pre-packaged stuff, but we are trying to make more of our own food so we can control what is in it.<br><br>The library has been a big help as we've been checking out tons of cookbooks. We can try them before we buy them. Some sounded good when I looked online, when I got them home, they were useless. Others I was doubtless about, had recipes we loved that fell within the guidelines we've set for nutrition plan. I hope as we get better with cooking and planning our quality of food will also improve.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82265969900759658862013-05-11T16:02:36.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.641-04:00Keto is short for ketogenic. On a diet like Atkins...Keto is short for ketogenic. On a diet like Atkins, the Induction phase will take your body into ketosis, which is what a ketogenic diet is. Getting, and keeping your body in ketosis to burn fan with low carb eating. <br><br>I can't eat white pasta or white rice because the PCOS makes me insulin resistant and I am pre diabetic. I didn't eat that stuff for months, now I am slowly adding back 100% whole grain pasta and whole grain brown rice because they are not processed and in a more natural state. It wont mess with my sugars and will help with my stubborn weight loss. <br><br>It's really mind over matter for me. I choose to give up "white" and processed products because my health is more important.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6993021318130825172013-05-11T16:08:53.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.647-04:00The high fat wasn't an issue for me at first b...The high fat wasn't an issue for me at first because it was all healthy fat. Then, I started to stop counting servings of bacon, steak, and ground beef. It was zero-carb and I stopped thinking about calorie counting. I ended up with too much fat and too many calories which caused a stall. My guts started hurting again. I don't have a gallbladder so now I am trying to get back to eating leaner. <br><br>We sound a lot a like. Low carb, low fat, watch the calories, and I try to stick to natural sugars only. No white crap. I am even slowing down on artificial sweeteners. <br><br>Ohhh I love roasting a chicken and making chicken broth. We usually turn that into chicken soup. I want to learn how to make whole grain noodles to replace the homemade flour noodles of my grandmothers I used to make. <br><br>I find myself sticking to a lot of Low GI and Diabetes books right now. That seems to be what works best for someone with PCOS issues and its lower in fat than a low-carb style diet. <br><br>I dusted off the books the dietitian gave me and have been re-reading them. She told me South Beach style, I went Atkins because it was more readily available. SB is low GI. So, I have been reading that too. It is a lot like Atkins, only lower fat...yah!<br><br>I'm on a mission...better by 40. That gives me 2 years.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87253445617896558732013-05-14T10:48:12.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.655-04:00Sadly, this happens in many topic focused groups. ...Sadly, this happens in many topic focused groups. People become almost orthdox religious in their beliefs and anyone who won't follow must be removed for fear of infecting the group.<br><br>I have been checking out "healthy eating" cookbooks from a variety of authors/styles and some make sense others don't. The American Heart Assoc seems to be on board with where I want to be in terms of fats, carbs, sodium, etc. What surprised me was the sodium content in the current Weight Watchers books we checked out of the library. I am taking them all back today without having tried any of the recipes because the nutritional values were not helpful for my goals of balanced nutrition.<br><br>Without a gallbladder I need to control fat intake. However, low fat cannot mean high sodium and high carbs either. Otherwise I'll have heart and diabetes issues. I found a American Heart slow cooker book that I liked. I'm waiting to see if I can get the Betty Crocker Heart Healthy Book from the library.<br><br>My goal is to learn to substitute healthier alternatives for foods we will eat. There is no point in going on a short term diet and then returning to the old ways to gain it all back which I've done. So far we are liking what we are eating and I'm changing other habits.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82492568730094699462013-05-14T23:39:56.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.664-04:00I don't think I've ever heard of Paleo/Pri...I don't think I've ever heard of Paleo/Primal. If a group, any group, ceases to be supportive then imo it is time to go. <br>Take what you can use of the food plan and leave the rest. Concentrate on those of us who do support you in your endeavor to have a healthy relationship with food.<br>fondly,<br>your diet support buddy.sapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4525687106777696952013-05-15T09:41:25.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.700-04:00It's this big movement to eat like our ancesto...It's this big movement to eat like our ancestors (cavemen). Basically nothing processed, all organic, sugar free, hormone free, and so on. It has some good points as far as the clean eating part of it, but the community (some of it) can be a little hard to take.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11833789676593054342013-05-15T17:45:59.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.708-04:00Good for you. It got cold all of a sudden. I hop...Good for you. It got cold all of a sudden. I hope we are still on track for Memorial Day veggie plantings.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30316628690630382492013-05-16T15:15:22.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.717-04:00It got cold here too. People had to put sheets, pl...It got cold here too. People had to put sheets, plastic and blankets are their gardens and trees. Weird. I have my packets of seeds, but I need to get more containers and dirt. I am not doing a garden here anymore since we are going to be moving next year. Plus, I have all the farmers behind me that have bushels and bushels of the good stuff. I just like doing a few things here and there because lil m finds it so neat to watch things grow.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66449740791841492412013-05-16T15:19:52.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.724-04:00I think that is where Keto got me, it was too high...I think that is where Keto got me, it was too high in fat and I don't have a gallbladder. I was feeling worse than when I hate too much white flour and sugar carbs. <br><br>I am find just being my own little way of eating on my corner of the web. I have a nice variety of cookbooks and even have some on my iPad, although I prefer them to be physical copies I can hold. When I see them at thrift stores and garage sales I just can't pass up the good ones. <br><br>I love the AMA, I think it is on board because a lot of AMA books are joined with the American Diabetic Association. I love a lot of their recipes and seem to be the most well rounded without getting too commercial. I stick to 100% whole grain stuff and not over processed. I feel the best that way and it seems to help the PCOS. <br><br>When I use my old WW books, I tend to change a lot and just use them as a guide. <br><br>For the most part I have mastered the art of changing any recipe I find to make the healthier version for me. I just wish I had the time to really devote a website to it....only 5 more weeks until graduation!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17644876111165793082013-05-17T08:22:55.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.730-04:00It never even occurred to me that there would be p...It never even occurred to me that there would be people that would be vicious like that in what is supposed to be a "support" group. I mean, I guess I knew it was possible, but you just don't hear things like that. If the purpose is to get assistance with the the meals plans and find other like-minded people on the same path, you would think there would be a sense of bonding and community versus nit-picking and speaking down to members on the same journey.Daycare Dayshttp://daycaredays.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-811516497839376752013-05-17T08:31:52.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.734-04:00I really like the idea of having food stored like ...I really like the idea of having food stored like that, but I have no idea where to start. How is the meat prepared? Do they package it in small bits and deliver it in one large shipment?Daycare Dayshttp://daycaredays.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51900819934358975782013-05-22T11:15:23.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.739-04:00Find a farmer that sells cows. You'll need to ...Find a farmer that sells cows. You'll need to find 2-4 other people that will share the cow with you. The farmer should know the local butcher or meat processor. Once the cow is sold and ready for slaughter, the butcher will take care of it all. They clean, wash and process. It is then wrapped and frozen, so you'll need to have a large freezer. We have a freezer in our garage, without it, we wouldn't be able to do this. Regular size freezers in your fridge are not going to hold 100 plus pounds of meat. Usually the ground beef is packaged in 1 pound packs. Steaks are packaged according to style and size. Roasts are usually a few pounds each. You do pick it all up at once. Most butchers/packers don't have storage to hold people's meat for a length of time.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57204906413650726532013-05-22T11:18:23.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.744-04:00Even places like MyFitnessPal, which is meant for ...Even places like MyFitnessPal, which is meant for recording your food and exercise, is full of rude people in the forums. Every day I see people asking questions, and people bash them for asking. Of course, everyone thinks they are a nutritionist and knows what is best for everyone. Someday the world will learn we are not a "one size fits all" society.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92061865567094796292013-05-22T11:53:06.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.748-04:00I wish I had the storage space to do this. How big...I wish I had the storage space to do this. How big is your freezer?Shavon Brown-Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170968453519471587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75805814537638572342013-05-23T08:29:07.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.754-04:00I've heard great things about walk away the po...I've heard great things about walk away the pounds. By "heard," I mean I saw a few journals people kept online and read their updates. Of the few that I saw, all of them had some success. I don't do much exercise, but I do invest time in eating more healthy foods. I need to reschedule it into our day, participate more, and actually stick to it more than a week.childcaredayshttp://childcaredays.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-475251613991058802013-05-23T08:32:28.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.763-04:00I've heard that red meat can take up to 96 hou...I've heard that red meat can take up to 96 hours to digest, so reducing the amount you eat might be a good move.Daycare Dayshttp://daycaredays.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30198553849681128592013-05-24T13:10:56.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.769-04:00When I first started WATP it was over 10 years ago...When I first started WATP it was over 10 years ago. I am clumsy and not coordinated at all. I find most of the videos out there to be nothing but a giant headache. These have 4-5 basic moves; all of which I can do. Walking is easy on my joints too.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72241229609736411832013-05-24T13:12:08.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.773-04:00I have heard it does take longer to digest. Was ne...I have heard it does take longer to digest. Was never sure how long. I am not the biggest fan of red meat.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67997604441483672122013-05-24T13:13:17.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.777-04:00I have an upright freezer that is the same size as...I have an upright freezer that is the same size as a kitchen refrigeration. I can fit quite a bit in there. I would check places like Craigslist, even a smaller cheap one can save you money over time.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10732550019777620412013-05-27T12:06:13.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.783-04:00Looks delicious!! I don't even remember the la...Looks delicious!! I don't even remember the last time I ate anything with pumpkin, so I'll probably hold off on that. Do you know where we can get decent whey? I bought one, started using it, and then read ingredients it wasn't supposed to have. I don't use it, but I hate to throw it out, too.Daycare Dayshttp://daycaredays.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78191917080968683152013-05-30T11:53:49.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.791-04:00I use Designer Whey right now but I want to switch...I use Designer Whey right now but I want to switch to Raw brand. (http://www.gardenoflife.com/)Designer was the best I could find at Rite Aid. Oddly enough, the pumpkin adds no pumpkin flavor, its more of a binder/thickener.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7375796597719386752013-06-26T22:05:55.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.796-04:00Congrats on your MBA. Very most awesome.Congrats on your MBA. Very most awesome.sapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61281075763549696422013-06-27T11:37:56.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.803-04:00thank you so much!!thank you so much!!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27095893373682156872013-07-01T18:31:00.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.809-04:00Wonderful!Wonderful!sapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5124801721062304882013-07-01T19:23:17.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.816-04:00Thank you! I need to write a new post for the week...Thank you! I need to write a new post for the week! Doing good so far!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80177713485688218622013-07-08T14:19:31.317-04:002013-07-09T08:52:28.805-04:00Thanks for the heads up. Since Panda I've bee...Thanks for the heads up. Since Panda I've been primarily blogging so I hadn't heard of the new hit.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84262456858829469162013-07-08T14:24:34.052-04:002013-07-09T08:52:28.803-04:00Thanks for sharing this info. I have wondered if I...Thanks for sharing this info. I have wondered if I should look into Allvoices. I started with Examiner back in 2009 with a Celebrity Style page,but kinda fell away from it.Then when I wanted to go back everything changed behind the scenes with Examiner and it was hard to figure it out so I stopped trying.gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08789176735513887459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61575325749537165462013-07-08T19:03:45.034-04:002013-07-09T08:52:28.801-04:00I have been hit VERY hard with Examiner. I have ha...I have been hit VERY hard with Examiner. I have had to move on to other things because no matter what I'm doing at Examiner I am not being seen in views. It's unfortunate because I liked it there, and maybe it'll change again, but I can't sit back and wait until it does ad hope for the best in the mean time.Nicole Ramagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14792633347435893822013-07-09T08:54:50.659-04:002013-07-09T08:54:50.659-04:00I really need to blog more. I know there are a lot...I really need to blog more. I know there are a lot of people out there who have hobby blogs that actually make a decent amount of money. I am just not consistent and my brain wants to go every which direction. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82832300196874747002013-07-09T08:56:31.361-04:002013-07-09T08:56:31.361-04:00The thing with AllVoices is that it (to me) is eas...The thing with AllVoices is that it (to me) is easier to write for than Examiner. The don't have that 48 hour news rule and they are much more forgiving with dates and such. I find it to be much more relaxed. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33610663948658923802013-07-09T08:58:31.921-04:002013-07-09T08:58:31.921-04:00My income would be reduced 1/4 to 1/2 every month....My income would be reduced 1/4 to 1/2 every month. Last month I made more on AllVoices than I did with Examiner. I had 6 more articles on AV, but AV pays less. Examiner was a lot of fun, but when they pay goes down and it becomes a struggle to make those $50-$100 days - the stress doesn't make it worth it. <br /><br />I know many others are plugging along and still doing well. I just dont have that type of determination and motivation. I know there is money that can be made elsewhere without all of the stress.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42630989183123836332013-07-09T17:12:15.675-04:002013-07-11T10:19:42.144-04:00Just signed up! Thank you!Just signed up! Thank you!Dana Shades Appealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06766237181576557462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89256353294487318612013-07-10T12:00:34.475-04:002013-07-11T10:19:42.141-04:00I made my first blog post with Bubblews. I'm ...I made my first blog post with Bubblews. I'm trying it out to see how I like it. I may try out All Voices at one point. I have my personal blog on blogger that I just started using Google Ad-words with. I'm not sure how that will go considering many don't like to click on ads.Queen Jodeciehttps://openid.aol.com/opaque/d8291cd6-e979-11e2-910d-000bcdcb5194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84222426760940901552013-07-11T13:25:45.557-04:002013-07-11T13:25:45.557-04:00You are welcome. I hope you enjoy! You are welcome. I hope you enjoy! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70800100701407970432013-07-11T13:27:17.025-04:002013-07-11T13:27:17.025-04:00I do like Bubblews. I just have to stay away from ...I do like Bubblews. I just have to stay away from Facebook groups. I have found that their are some people who make up rules and want to tell others they are doing things wrong. If you read the TOS or the owners Bubblews you see nothing of the sort. But, their are people who cash out every day. I just wish they had a more visually appealing site. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87556618405107797252013-07-14T10:25:04.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.822-04:00I feel the same way--tried to lose weight so many ...I feel the same way--tried to lose weight so many times and failed. I worry that it's going to be another try and fail. But I have to change my mindset. It's hard figuring out what will work and adapting all the time. Can we be five again and just not care!?Tanya Roehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06776039068808706361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29864219628414616192013-07-14T10:44:43.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.829-04:00I do really good, until I get stressed and don'...I do really good, until I get stressed and don't want to cook. Then I make excuses. When I go out to eat, I pick the wrong things. I have been trying to cook ahead for those days when I don't feel like cooking there is something in the fridge already made. I need to work on my eating out issues. I did really good back in the day on Weight Watchers because it taught me how to eat out. I should just go back. Even though I am lifetime, since I gained my weight back I have to pay full price. Hubs and I have been talking about going to WW now that I know what foods to stay away from for PCOS. I did well on Atkins but I had trouble keeping the calories low enough to lose weight. WW would give me that calorie structure. I just know when I eat chicken, fish, very little red meat and pork, and lots of vegetables, I feel best.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7480995994383327842013-07-15T11:46:04.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.834-04:00You aren't quitting, you are working your way ...You aren't quitting, you are working your way through it this time and that is a BIG DIFFERENCE. I've been reading more about soy lately and there seems to be a more negatives then I had read previously.<br><br>You inspired me to get started and I'm down 16 pounds and much healthier for it. I have a LONG way to go, but I'd rather be down 16 than up 16.<br><br>We've been cooking a couple times during the week, grilling once on the weekend and then usually a bigger meal on Sudnday leaving us with left overs for the rest of the week. We've been using lots of Cooking Light recipes because those seem to be working for us. They also taste better than the junk we'd been eating.<br><br>The only way its worked for us is we menu plan and cook together. We each take on certain tasks. I couldn't possibly do it all and keep us on this path.<br><br>I found some info about WW current point system and I have their old point system guide and I see it as a guide. It kind of helps me see if my plan for the week is balanced. I noticed the new system included carbs, but doesn't include calories. I find that a little annoying as I think both are important. However, as I said for me it isn't something I follow as a diet, but more of something I use to check when I notice my weight isn't budging.<br><br>It is frustrating, but you are doing this. It isn't a failure, it is just really hard work to figure it all out. If you had failed, you wouldn't still be searching for ways to make it work.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52115202392615768172013-07-16T12:57:57.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.840-04:00That is so awesome to hear about those 16 pounds! ...That is so awesome to hear about those 16 pounds! They always say slow and steady wins the race and they would rather people lose weight slowly and make good habits then do it quick and wrong. I am trying to stay away from soy as much as possible. I have been pretty good about reading labels and understanding what they mean. I have been thinking about going back to WW now that I know what foods (or groups of foods) I should stay away from. I need that accountability of having a group meeting and face the scale. I may try another TOPS meeting because they are cheaper. I am starting to plan meals and menus around the sales. That way I don't have an "I dont know what to cook" excuse and I am making friends with my crockpot again. <br><br>I am going to figure this out, one way or another ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43300964074699199552013-07-30T23:08:14.378-04:002013-07-31T14:50:37.370-04:00I applied for Examiner. It seems that these major ...I applied for Examiner. It seems that these major sites like that one and HubPages are taking hits. Let's breathe and wait it out. It will improve.Sandra Harriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14829605756204243809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5178274080640543042013-08-01T15:45:06.733-04:002013-08-01T15:45:06.733-04:00They are going to be rolling out a new design and ...They are going to be rolling out a new design and have changed a lot of things in the last few weeks. I hope that is what it needed to get back in Google's good graces. I had a lot of fun writing there and the money was good, but here lately I have not been very motivated. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34951265247339323252013-08-08T11:01:23.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.846-04:00Hello<br><br>i noticed your board on sexual abuse ...Hello<br><br>i noticed your board on sexual abuse and was encouraged by your work. I have recently started pinning tag lines from a collection of poems and stories that i have compiled that will be published in October called No Working Title - a life in progress. I Pin under the name the author<br><br>I am male, sexual abused by both my parents from 4-16. The issue of the sexual abuse of men, especial by their parents if not a 'dinner conversation' as a society we are prepared to have. The work deals with the effects of sexual abuse and pornography on men and subsequently there wives and children.<br><br>I have released an abridged version of the book at www.noworkingtitle.org<br><br>If you have time, i would appreciate your feedback, if your interested in the project, your support.<br><br>either way, your doing a great job, keep at it<br><br>theAuthornwt authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531043472215054460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30855157176717092482013-08-09T10:54:54.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.856-04:00Your website is amazing and I wish good things for...Your website is amazing and I wish good things for you. I do hope you will check out my author site, chrystalmahan.com where I discuss being a sexual abuse survivor. Keep doing what your are doing. Together we can help others.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12027889732995871612013-08-11T20:40:17.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.862-04:00Sounds interesting. Sorry I never posted like I p...Sounds interesting. Sorry I never posted like I planned :( I always have the best of intentions.Jerannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84881688030231197722013-08-11T21:07:08.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.869-04:00No worries! Everything happens for a reason. Not m...No worries! Everything happens for a reason. Not mad about it at all!! I kinda gave up here too!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4673334309586982812013-08-31T16:15:25.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.875-04:00Best of luck with your weight loss efforts! It is...Best of luck with your weight loss efforts! It is a lifelong struggle for most people. I know it has been with my cousin.11ee025a-127a-11e3-96c3-000f20980440https://openid.aol.com/opaque/11ee025a-127a-11e3-96c3-000f20980440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21569052956837200872013-08-31T16:20:57.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.891-04:00Hugs to you! If you lost it once, you can lose it...Hugs to you! If you lost it once, you can lose it again. Try to stop beating yourself up over it. Start dressing for success. Wear clothes that look good on you NOW. Enjoy "treats" that won't destroy your waistline. Spoil yourself skinny!11ee025a-127a-11e3-96c3-000f20980440https://openid.aol.com/opaque/11ee025a-127a-11e3-96c3-000f20980440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72926407949591700782013-09-06T09:59:43.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.898-04:00I am trying - very hard! It's just a very slow...I am trying - very hard! It's just a very slow process this time around.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28853610653618740982013-09-06T12:41:02.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.906-04:00It has been so hard. My problem these last few yea...It has been so hard. My problem these last few years are old habits coming back - worse than ever. I am trying to regain control of the situation as well as battle the PCOS problems.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22533483650632913162013-09-09T19:00:17.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.911-04:00Good for you. You have been such an inspiration t...Good for you. You have been such an inspiration to me. Down 28lbs since May through healthy eating and exercise. Still have a LONG journey ahead of me, but its headed in the right direction.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51928808723139243712013-09-09T19:03:03.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.919-04:00I drink lots of herbal teas. I find they give me ...I drink lots of herbal teas. I find they give me the feeling of having something sweet without the calories.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47200617490798862502013-09-11T09:46:22.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.926-04:00I'm right there with you. I just need to figur...I'm right there with you. I just need to figure out a plan of action. I need to stop stress eating. That is a huge problem for me. And I need to exercise more. I really need to look into water aerobics, but its so expensive around here.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66803131566090578372013-09-11T09:46:56.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.930-04:00Me too! I have quite a few chocolate flavor ones. ...Me too! I have quite a few chocolate flavor ones. Yum yum.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70827583178710369122013-09-11T21:15:49.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.935-04:00Thanks for sharing! I have also chosen a Keto diet...Thanks for sharing! I have also chosen a Keto diet to lose way more weight than I care to admit. *sigh* I have lost 22 pounds in about 2 months or so; it took awhile for me to actually get into ketosis because my metabolism was just that broken. I have discovered I have an extremely LOW carb tolerance; I'm talking less than 10/day to stay in ketosis. Yeah, my metabo was a hot mess! Once I learned how few carbs I can actually tolerate, the weight started coming off. I'm losing right at about 1.5-2 pounds per week. I had PCOS (before my total hysterectomy) and yeah, that was part of the weight gain; that and stupid low-fat/high-carb diets! Thanks again for sharing!DianaSavoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663189308769143029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45206029223549182522013-09-13T19:38:21.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.941-04:00I fell off the wagon. I really need to get back to...I fell off the wagon. I really need to get back to it. I feel so much better. I don't eat a lot of carbs, so I do ok. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your story.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86759791697598728362013-09-16T12:44:05.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.947-04:00The food thing is an up and down process. Start y...The food thing is an up and down process. Start your day over my friend at any time you need to. ((((Gentle Hugs))) from someone who also wants to binge on pizza, ice cream, rice snacks [the current fiend] and chocolate.....sapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64511186828756285062013-09-16T13:10:23.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.954-04:00I'm going to just have to start all over. The ...I'm going to just have to start all over. The pain in my hip has been worse than it has ever been. I told the hubs that if this keeps up I am going to have to wheel myself around. I make jokes, but I am actually getting pretty scared.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12826213593319180132013-09-23T08:10:50.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.958-04:00You have more strength than you know and you will ...You have more strength than you know and you will survive the small town pettiness.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89455441067160064902013-09-23T08:13:40.275-04:002013-09-24T09:09:02.566-04:00I still find it is pocket money, but I don't m...I still find it is pocket money, but I don't market it as much as I could. However, it isn't that hard to make either. I was off all summer and still had money coming in that will go towards little things. This summer my blog earnings wrote a nice check as a wedding present. We might not have written quite as large a check if not for the fact we don't really count on the blog income for other expenses.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42505181446396293102013-09-23T09:33:38.031-04:002013-09-24T09:09:02.563-04:00Information article; I can definitely relate. Here...Information article; I can definitely relate. Here from WPLH, by the way! ;) tajelenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117001886675836815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35488530129985619002013-09-23T11:01:20.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.963-04:00I certainly hope you are right. I'm just over ...I certainly hope you are right. I'm just over all of this already. We are supposed to get started on this barn build Tuesday. I just hope it's over very soon.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74128676194388096682013-09-24T08:45:09.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.969-04:00Congrats. I think they should encourage more peop...Congrats. I think they should encourage more people to walk. It is a great way to engage people in getting healthy. There are lots of people who for health reasons shouldn't run, but lots of people can walk and each time they do see how much better they are getting at it.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48968140423221610482013-09-24T20:15:56.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.976-04:00Yeah, good for you. I've been thinking I shoul...Yeah, good for you. I've been thinking I should definitely get out and excercise more. Run, walk, hit the gym... something. That's really great you kept up with it. Congrats. <3Trevia B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07627315085923193729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34820785793356252822013-09-25T18:41:13.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.981-04:00I wish they had more 5k walker friendly. I would p...I wish they had more 5k walker friendly. I would participate a lot more that is for sure. I know they exist, but its hard to find them when they all have that *run* feel.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68351598325280993712013-09-25T18:41:36.000-04:002014-07-02T12:35:18.985-04:00I tend to go in spurts. Go go go ...stop stop stop...I tend to go in spurts. Go go go ...stop stop stop. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14322416718164153482013-09-25T18:43:36.332-04:002013-09-25T18:43:36.332-04:00Hi there! Thank you for stopping by! Hi there! Thank you for stopping by! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63724119113058802552013-09-25T18:43:53.407-04:002013-09-25T18:43:53.407-04:00If I would have done what I knew I should have bee...If I would have done what I knew I should have been doing when I first started this site I could be making decent money. I won't say it would pay all my bills, but I think I could be paying some of them. That's nice you were able to use yours to take care of a wedding present, what a wonderful gift!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68303907894900910172013-10-03T19:27:06.720-04:002013-10-04T08:53:41.265-04:00I've always liked Ramsey. I have a slightly d...I've always liked Ramsey. I have a slightly different plan that has always worked for me, but I found his suggestions for couples talking to each other about budgeting to be really helpful.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47925847358585583122013-10-04T13:15:16.167-04:002013-10-04T13:15:16.167-04:00I don't think we could ever do his plan 100%. ...I don't think we could ever do his plan 100%. I could but I don't think husband could. He is too set in his ways and its not worth fighting with him. Money grows on trees, right? ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54217678969135202832013-11-07T19:52:58.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.990-04:00It's so funny that you mentioned this plan. I&...It's so funny that you mentioned this plan. I've been looking at the book and journal on Amazon the past couple of days trying to decide if I should go ahead and pre-order them.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266804540846344759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44812082063123674482013-11-09T14:29:37.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:18.997-04:00Audrey I am going to send you an email! :) I might...Audrey I am going to send you an email! :) I might have an answer for you. I'd love for you to be able to join me on this journey.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52545279688405265262013-11-12T15:46:28.000-05:002014-12-23T11:27:28.996-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.My Progress With Amazon FBA - Work At Home Livingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71782407960636915172013-11-20T17:18:40.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.099-04:00Wow, the web site has some great looking pieces to...Wow, the web site has some great looking pieces too. My wedding cake actually had a necklace on the outside of the cake for decoration for the top layer, so it wouldn't get cut! <br><br>I'll have to browse the candles with jewelry more. Candles always make a nice gift.Leisa Goodhttp://www.gbsvirtualofficesolutions.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67389540095847692022013-11-21T08:27:02.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.094-04:00Thats a neat idea, putting jewelry on a wedding ca...Thats a neat idea, putting jewelry on a wedding cake! I am really excited about this opportunity. I am not real good at direct sales, or maybe its just the companies I pick. But people love candles and everyone likes a little treasure!Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80673791997823616322013-11-26T15:35:07.874-05:002013-11-26T16:53:22.799-05:00I think people start with good intentions, but the...I think people start with good intentions, but they often don't have the follow through they need on these projects. As you said perhaps with the tech they will get it right.<br /><br />I am a strong believer in the power of communities to help you when you are struggling and weight loss is as much of a struggle as anything else. Having people who will support, encourage, and not enable is extremely important no matter what the challenge. If you have a faith community that can provide that it is wonderful. Our church closed and it has been a huge loss. It was a huge source of strength, encouragement, and challenges. They challenged us to do more and it helped. We've had to work harder since we lost our community, but it is possible.<br /><br />By the way since you got me started on this journey in May I'm down 39 pounds and that doesn't include weight I've had to relose. So as we approach Thanksgiving, thank you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82665524028435020352013-11-26T16:57:20.723-05:002013-11-26T16:57:20.723-05:00I have missed you! I am so proud of you and your 3...I have missed you! I am so proud of you and your 39 pounds! I do think this book is a good thing and I was thinking of talking to my church about starting a group. There are already TOPS meetings there though so I am not sure how that would work out even though they are not related. There are a group of us writers that started a FB group and we do weekly weight ins and weekly topics much like meetings. It has helped me some to have a group of people I can talk to. I just need to get better about writing down my food and planning my meals. And exercise. Exercise has been a real issue for me. I think the book needs a bit more on the food; meal plans and menus. People should know what to eat with what. Other than that, its a good program and I really like that the food is clean and whole.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29539024645434117352013-12-01T18:29:52.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.116-04:00Wow! I didn't know about Giant either. I ha...Wow! I didn't know about Giant either. I have and am using Hulu. It's always good to shop around and then share and compare.Leisa Goodhttp://www.gbsvirtualofficesolutions.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91204172715867244532013-12-02T13:44:31.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.122-04:00I can't wait for them to launch. It's goin...I can't wait for them to launch. It's going to be great.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28522252822464022382013-12-03T13:25:03.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.136-04:00Good to know! I have tried a lot of beauty treatm...Good to know! I have tried a lot of beauty treatments over the years too. I haven't tried this one, but do know a lot about it. <br><br>Like you, most beauty treatments for aging skin leaves my skin in white heads or irritated. My eyes also struggle with allergy-type symptoms when trying out most "anti-aging creams". I'll just stick with Oil of Olay Regenerist. I really does work and doesn't irritate my skin, eyes or wallet. ;)<br><br>Thanks for being my "guinea pig" on this one, Chrystal.Leisa Goodhttp://www.gbsvirtualofficesolutions.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16878333109997185002013-12-03T13:45:05.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.142-04:00I didn't have much luck with Regenerist. I jus...I didn't have much luck with Regenerist. I just use the 'classic' white cream that used to come in the bottle, now its in the little jar. I think there is a AM and a PM but I just use AM. Maybe its still in the bottle, but I can't ever find it!<br><br>I really wanted to like this stuff. I think it's the serums, I tend to not have good luck with those!Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82058511384660835652013-12-24T18:05:08.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.813-05:00I completely agree with you, well thought out and ...I completely agree with you, well thought out and stated article. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!Marsha Siouxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89033868576381744152013-12-24T19:13:34.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.799-05:00I haven't read either of those articles, but w...I haven't read either of those articles, but wow, I completely agree with you. Back in 2000 I moved to another state and my boss didn't want to lose me, so he agreed to let me do the work from home and I FedEx'd the things back that I couldn't email. It was a great experience for both of us. Just imagine if he would have read either of those articles before making his decision. <br><br>These days telecommuting is becoming more common, but it has taken telecommuters a lot to prove themselves and show how it is a benefit to both the employee and employer. The articles you mentioned just make it more difficult for companies to take the option of telecommuting seriously. Honestly, how would they feel if they owned a business and had employees who telecommuted... would they appreciate them doing those sorts of things? <br><br>Anyways, rant over - just wanted to drop in and say I completely agree with you!Tayhttp://www.mamahaspinkhair.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57071245258927086152013-12-24T19:30:58.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.788-05:00This is one of those things that I have plenty to ...This is one of those things that I have plenty to say on. I have a feeling I have more articles inside of me. lolChrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84788763677389250902013-12-24T19:33:52.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.823-05:00What is sad is that whether these ladies meant for...What is sad is that whether these ladies meant for these to be sarcastic and/or funny, there are people out there who do these things. It makes the rest of us who take our jobs seriously look ridiculous. Then, when you go hang out in the work at home forums you see hearts breaking all over because bosses just don't want to take the risk of letting/hiring people to work from home. And this is why.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27357529450251870372013-12-25T21:24:46.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.829-05:00Working from home is hard work. Those that don...Working from home is hard work. Those that don't work from home don't understand.Ruthie Denisehttp://www.ruthiedenise.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53756162248287935562013-12-26T10:45:33.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.835-05:00I know that is right. My husband has been trying t...I know that is right. My husband has been trying to understand it for years now and he still just doesn't get it. It can be hard. I think there are huge misconceptions and stereotypes about work from home workers.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3824550580085277902013-12-26T16:40:30.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.736-05:00Man I sure hope that your power comes back on (if ...Man I sure hope that your power comes back on (if it hasn't already). I think it's so easy to get caught up in our flow that we don't plan for emergencies. In a blog post like this, it would be nice to see more practical tips rather than personal experience i.e how to plan for those unexpected events, what supplies to have on hand etc.Sandra Harriettehttp://sandraharriette.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53446455996719382662013-12-27T06:44:17.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.001-04:00A couple of friends and I are going to start the D...A couple of friends and I are going to start the Daniel Plan on January 2. Would love to be able to know how your journey is going and share recipes and meal ideas.TheJudygalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263879617128843143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71510235008164734592013-12-27T13:14:55.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.750-05:00I can understand the need for tips and advice. I c...I can understand the need for tips and advice. I can't say that I really have any though. This happens to us every year (going without power) and no matter how I try to get work done there is just no way around it. We don't have a generator and generally if we are out of power so is the small library and neighboring towns because I am rural. I try to schedule posts ahead, but this is a new site and I am not hitting it too hard until after the new year because I am still focused on my food site. Also, a lot of what goes on with this site is going to be personal experiences of life and working from home.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23369889516910121142013-12-29T11:32:15.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.842-05:00I completely agree with you. When people do stuff ...I completely agree with you. When people do stuff like this it gives the rest of us a bad name. I've worked hard to get where I am, and I hate to think of others making us look like all of us aren't professionals when so many of us are.Nicole Irelandhttp://frugalmaine.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43425331789548019222013-12-30T13:29:59.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.850-05:00I think (sometimes) it has gotten worse as there a...I think (sometimes) it has gotten worse as there are more and more bloggers out there proving to the world they can stay home, blog, and get paid to do it. Then, you have Corporate America seeing that they can save money by allowing workers to work from home 2-3 days a week. But then you have Joe Smith who is trying to decide and here they come and this is what they see. Bloggers trying to make a buck and writing about how to stiff Corporate America. Thanks.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90233575702064106022014-01-02T13:33:15.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:27.003-05:00My faults are 3, 5, 6. At least I acknowledge them...My faults are 3, 5, 6. At least I acknowledge them, in the New Year I am going to try and fix them. We will see how that goes, but other than that, you made some great points. You gave us the real scoop about working at home. Friends ask me how did I get so lucky to work at home? They think all I do all day is sit around on the internet and play games, haha. They don't know the half of it.Amandahttp://foreverwritingblog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6954844762798756082014-01-03T04:26:27.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.996-05:00I needed this so much! I'm going to try not ch...I needed this so much! I'm going to try not checking any social media until the afternoon - it's such a timesuck (but so much fun).Andreahttp://aimforhealthy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70539604676608732352014-01-03T11:08:46.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.987-05:00I am terrible at it because I share my posts on my...I am terrible at it because I share my posts on my Facebook pages and then I go to my personal page, see the alerts, and off I go for an hour.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72416375758326981512014-01-03T11:52:09.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.980-05:00All of these are my faults! I am still working on ...All of these are my faults! I am still working on some of them. It is hard right now when my husband is still in school and going through his final semester of clinical's. His schedule changes a lot and he doesn't quite get this "this is my office time" idea.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37644312239724807002014-01-03T16:25:29.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.972-05:00I like the idea of avoiding social media until at ...I like the idea of avoiding social media until at least an hour after I get up. I tend to go straight to it and get sucked in - wasting time. I will give this a try!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22818987451647737592014-01-05T12:53:42.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.965-05:00I am just as bad. I really should take my own advi...I am just as bad. I really should take my own advice, but there are some days I just need to check in on some things and see whats going on. Then I end up all over the place.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57843780431411855112014-01-06T11:03:09.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.957-05:00The computer is my worst time sucker. I can find ...The computer is my worst time sucker. I can find so many pretty things to distract me from anything I should do or even things I really want to get done.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74235194404812102592014-01-07T01:46:19.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.089-04:00[…] in November I made a post regarding a new cand...[…] in November I made a post regarding a new candle company called Jewelry In Candles. I was pretty excited about this opportunity because at the time they […]My Update with Jewelry In Candles - Work At Home Livingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45028100117378316952014-01-07T11:47:45.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.947-05:00The computer can be a time sucker for me, too. But...The computer can be a time sucker for me, too. But its also my work lifeline. I need to find better balance.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27467793351812800862014-01-07T17:51:41.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.340-04:00I'm sorry about this, but glad to hear you dea...I'm sorry about this, but glad to hear you dealt well with those you engaged with in this matter.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21187850669218378582014-01-08T11:37:09.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.345-04:00What a nightmare. My friend did the free signups t...What a nightmare. My friend did the free signups too and has had the same amount of bad luck. They really should have gotten their crap together long before the holiday rush!Rachelhttp://massmarketstyle.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87304111704560035872014-01-08T13:49:57.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.349-04:00I'm just glad I was able to really realize the...I'm just glad I was able to really realize they were in over their heads. I think the company has a lot of potential but that bad taste has already been planted.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25391312522476110572014-01-08T13:50:50.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.362-04:00I agree Rachel. It appears on the surface to be no...I agree Rachel. It appears on the surface to be nothing more than a bunch of money-hungry CEO wanting everyone to rush and sign up to make sales for them. Then go on with empty promises hoping to clear the air.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11097730061584343232014-01-09T09:19:06.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.007-04:00I find lunch time is a good time to have what I wa...I find lunch time is a good time to have what I want when DH isn't here. I also set a five day weekday goal for exercise. I found exercising on the weekends just ended up causing frustration because it is our time to get things done we can only do when we are together. Exercise is still a priority, but I prioritize it as part of a larger schedule and weekends were just really frustrating.<br><br>When DH was home on vacation I snuck in a couple of weekend exercise days to compensate for the holidays and it reminded me why it is so challenging.Baileyhttp://sheltietimes.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45983794121968234682014-01-09T11:29:28.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.014-04:00I think I'm going to start this next week and ...I think I'm going to start this next week and drink mine at lunch. I get sluggish mid day. Hopefully this instead of a heavy lunch will help combat that & keep me more productive in the afternoon.Rachelhttp://massmarketstyle.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58381428013914192952014-01-09T12:16:16.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.019-04:00I could exercise on the weekends and it not be a p...I could exercise on the weekends and it not be a problem. I have done it in the past but my problem is kiddo wants to come out and watch me on the treadmill because she thinks she motivating me or keeping my company. Maybe she is just curious, I am not sure. But I just want 'me' time and that is hard to explain to her. We have gotten the tv fixed in the bedroom and hooked the old vcr up in there so I can do my old videos with the door closed. When the weather gets nicer we will be back outside walking the dogs and stuff. Casey just doesnt like the cold and Tink will get lost in the snow. So we just run the yard - quickly.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46897386842586858422014-01-09T12:18:01.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.024-04:00I know it is reported that people are finding it i...I know it is reported that people are finding it is helping with that. I tried breakfast and lunch with different results. I find breakfast is easier for me during the week and using these for lunch on the weekends. It has been a good way for me to get more vegetables since wintertime makes it harder for me to be thrilled about salads lolChrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60479440103975207422014-01-09T13:20:46.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.030-04:00[…] so after reading the What’s Up With Chrys blog...[…] so after reading the What’s Up With Chrys blog, I thought maybe I needed to write a part two, and catch everyone up on what’s going on […]And the Beat Goes On - My Heart That Is. The Dreaded Doc Edition Part 2 - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/and-the-beat-goes-on-my-heart-that-is-the-dreaded-doc-edition-part-2/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89627144195864117302014-01-09T16:18:06.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.039-04:00[…] I stated in a past blog that I had picked up a...[…] I stated in a past blog that I had picked up a copy of Kay Sheppard’s book: “Food Addiction: The Body Knows” as a recommendation from someone who goes to Overeaters Anonymous groups meetings. The book itself is relatively short at a mere 176 pages including references and such. It did not take me long to read, I finished it in three days. I would read a bit on the treadmill and some before I went to bed. […]I can admit: I like food. - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/i-can-admit-i-like-food/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84292732646580203602014-01-09T16:22:30.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.048-04:00[…] Yesterday I wrote a post my BFF wanted to comm...[…] Yesterday I wrote a post my BFF wanted to comment on. […]Chew on This: Something More - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/chew-on-this-something-more/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2742303681562871502014-01-09T16:25:21.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.055-04:00[…] I have to admit, I thought I had food addictio...[…] I have to admit, I thought I had food addiction all figured out. You become addicted to food much in the same manner an alcoholic does alcohol or a drug addict to the drug of their choice. Food becomes the drug of your choice. What I really question is do all food addicts overeat? Do they binge? Do they all go hand-in-hand? Let’s dive into the DSM-III-R list of eating problems (American Psychiatric Association) Rapid Binge/Purge: recurrent episodes if binge eating (rapid consumption of a large amount of food in a discrete time period.) On page 14 Kay points out that “large amounts of food” vary from person to person. Inconspicuous Eating Secret Eating: eating in isolation Rapid Eating: the food is gobbled down quickly, with little to know chewing. Fear of Loss of Control: there is a feeling of lack of control over eating behavior during the binge. It is here that Kay states the binger who has lost control, or has a feeling of no control in regards to quitting the binge; the eater has crossed the line into addiction. Purging, Fasting, Exercise: laxative, extreme exercise or vomiting are used as a means to prevent weight gain. Frequent Binging: an average of two binge eating episodes a week for at least three month. Over-concern with Body Shape and Weight Self-Diagnoses Checklist These are the questions in Kay’s book and these are my answers: […]Let’s Dive In: Chapter Two – Recognizing the Disease - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/lets-dive-in-chapter-two-recognizing-the-disease/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56325175518744887572014-01-09T16:51:51.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.062-04:00[…] (Chapter 2) […][…] (Chapter 2) […]And now we are ready for Chapter 3. Or, are we? - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/and-now-we-are-ready-for-chapter-3-or-are-we/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55119507342251186042014-01-10T14:42:57.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.358-04:00Wow. I was waiting for you to follow up with how y...Wow. I was waiting for you to follow up with how you'd done with this just out of curiosity. It sounds like this company did not have a scalable business plan at all. When you're as small as they are, that can be ruinous. Hopefully they get a better strategy planner and the quality of their products helps them stay on top of the game. Thanks for posting! I wouldn't recommend this to others either.Andiehttp://aimforhealthy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81387138813648507342014-01-10T15:23:09.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.354-04:00It really makes me sad. When I first joined the ow...It really makes me sad. When I first joined the owner was all about his reps and customer service. Then literally overnight they stopped answering phone calls and emails. They packed up and moved and left a lot of people hanging with nothing more than empty promises. I had hoped for a better experience because who doesn't love a good smelling candle? I know I do and I am willing to spend good money for good candles. It's just one of my things. I hope they clear some stuff up, but it seems hit or miss right now. Sort of a bummer.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88913321389927894642014-01-16T01:14:06.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.079-04:00[…] my honest effort to get up and get moving from...[…] my honest effort to get up and get moving from my work at home sedentary lifestyle I decided to check into my Amazon account. I’ve had […]Get Up Get Moving: Amazon Prime Now Has Jillian Michaels! - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/amazon-prime-now-jillian-michaels-5-free-instant-streaming/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53664691862423899512014-01-16T10:50:44.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.087-04:00Considering the damage I did working in an office ...Considering the damage I did working in an office I suspect you can do harm to yourself regardless of where you work, it is more how you work. The reality is because you are at home, you do have the advantage of changing your work environment. When I did office work, I got what I got and was told to deal with it. Taking breaks was not highly encouraged even when my work was finished. <br><br>My point is I wouldn't beat yourself up. Even people who do the right stuff find themselves with back problems. Sometimes it is just the equipment you are born with and you have to manage with it. You can't beat yourself up over it.<br><br>You are working on your weight and that has been clear for a while now. I would also find out from the chiro and doctors what kinds of PT and PT exercises could help the situation. Additionally a PT might be able to direct you to what kinds of core strengthening exercises are appropriate for someone with your physical challenges. <br><br>General suggestions are all fine and good, but practical application is what makes it real.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43359381507247350122014-01-18T10:13:23.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.095-04:00Oh, that's great to know! I know I looked when...Oh, that's great to know! I know I looked when we had our Prime trial, so I'm going to be remembering this tidbit if we ever join. Thanks!Deannahttp://fromthiskitchentable.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6266379880165123622014-01-20T01:10:47.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.103-04:00[…] my honest effort to get up and get moving and ...[…] my honest effort to get up and get moving and not get sucked in to my destructive sedentary lifestyle I am looking at some programs which I can do from home. I recently came across the Metamorphosis […]Tracy Anderson's Metamorphosis System - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/tracy-andersons-metamorphosis-system/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72420742616429617912014-01-20T11:00:51.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.108-04:00Our library has her videos, too. They were on my ...Our library has her videos, too. They were on my try list, but then I got hooked on the Jazzercize videos I borrowed and then bought. I found I could do them and they were actually having an effect on my weight and my toning.<br><br>I hope these are what you've been looking for!!!Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/2014/01/american-girl-pioneer-nightgown.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5018582998034688062014-01-20T11:37:07.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.114-04:00I like how the one of the questions in the quiz is...I like how the one of the questions in the quiz is "Have you always wanted a better butt?" Who is going to say no to that?! LOL. I didn't realize she had a beginners plan. I should look into that.Rachelhttp://massmarketstyle.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91151276515614663992014-01-20T15:45:54.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.122-04:00I'm sure all my past jobs have something to do...I'm sure all my past jobs have something to do with the way my body is now. It just seems that during school and working from home, with all the constant sitting, all hell broke lose.<br><br>I have the instructions and exercises from my original chiro when I was first diagnosed with the degenerative disc. I need to start using those again. <br><br>Also, I have a Back2Life machine that my mother purchased for me 2 Christmas's ago : http://www.getback2life.com/, So I should start using that on a more conistent basis. <br><br>Right now I can't afford the 2-3X a week PT co-pay. Hopefully that will change when husband graduates and starts working full-time.<br><br>I'm having troubles with my weight again. I just can't seem to get that part of my life under control.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2927736876902078082014-01-20T15:48:18.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.128-04:00You are very welcome. If there is anyone in your h...You are very welcome. If there is anyone in your household who is a student (http://www.amazon.com/gp/student/signup/info/?ref=lp_student), or if you are a mom (http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/welcome), the Prime does have discount programs.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70952013294911887312014-01-20T15:49:23.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.132-04:00I always forget about library videos. I should tak...I always forget about library videos. I should take better advantage of my library. I just get so many books for free on my iPad and videos on YouTube I tend to forget. So sad because the library used to be my hot spot!Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19754618014439866122014-01-20T15:50:41.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.137-04:00I really want to get that video on Amazon. It'...I really want to get that video on Amazon. It's so cheap that I wouldn't feel so bad if it were horrible, but I don't think it will be. I know Tracy Anderson has helped a lot of people. I haven't checked YouTube to see if anyone uploaded a preview of it. Might be worth a check.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72114964518080475362014-01-20T17:31:28.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.035-04:00As a mom that worked from home for 13 years while ...As a mom that worked from home for 13 years while my kids were young I understand and can relate to the need to rethink a situation. At the end of the day you need something that fits into your life not the other way around. Take your time and feel better.Yolandahttp://launchover40.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55735974655605036772014-01-20T17:43:05.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.142-04:00Hello, I'm Lisa Orchard from SITS. Just stoppi...Hello, I'm Lisa Orchard from SITS. Just stopping by to say hi and invite you over to my blog. :)Lisa Orchardhttp://www.lisaorchard.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45465355219625113012014-01-20T22:05:17.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.146-04:00What a great way to start the new year. Like you, ...What a great way to start the new year. Like you, I need that motivating playlist to get me moving.<br><br>I'm so glad to find you via the SITStribe building challenge! It will be great to know you this week (and beyond!)Julie Jordan Scotthttp://juliejordanscott.typepad.com/julie_unplugged/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26005533204075798082014-01-20T22:19:21.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.940-05:00I find all of these to be very helpful suggestions...I find all of these to be very helpful suggestions. <br><br>The first one, in particular, however, is something that is part of my wake-up process. I wake up, get coffee, sit on the couch, and turn on my HappyLight for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Once the light turns off (30 minutes- 1 hour), I've finished my coffee and I am no longer allowed to be on Social Media for the heck of it. As of now, it works for me. Once it gets to be summer and I don't need the light, I may need to keep myself off the social media train for the first hour. <br><br>I also recently discovered the joy that is Ben Franklin's schedule and am working toward scheduling my day around his philosophy. Going by that, it allows for checking of "accounts" during the lunch hour only which is what I think I will move toward as the winter winds down. <br><br>Nice to meet you, btw, I am here as part of the SITS Tribe building challenge! <br><br>Warmest, <br>LaurenLauren Halehttp://mypostpartumvoice.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16213716242582004382014-01-21T08:57:55.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.151-04:00I have worked in an office for the past two and a ...I have worked in an office for the past two and a half years. Before that I taught school for 8 years. The teaching was much easier on my body. I was on my feet walking around all day; moving constantly. Now, however, I sit at a desk most of the day and rarely make the effort to get up and move. I've gained weight and I feel less healthy. I really need to make a better plan for myself!<br><br>I'm looking forward to getting to know you this week as part of the SITS tribe building challenge.Rabia @TheLiebershttp://thelieberfamily.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22009606794636847842014-01-21T10:41:35.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.156-04:00From what I've seen of her workouts, the stuff...From what I've seen of her workouts, the stuff I'm doing seems to be following similar routes.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/2014/01/everything-internet-didnt-teach-you.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90117353044018188422014-01-21T12:34:04.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.025-04:00Thank you for stopping by! I still plan to do FBA....Thank you for stopping by! I still plan to do FBA. My husband has been building a room in our new barn. When he moves out of the office we share I will have more space for crafts, sewing and FBA stuff. It's something I really want to do as I am a previous eBay seller and would love to get back to it. I want to be able to write more on my novels and when I am freelance writing all day long, it has been making it hard. So, I thought going back to esales would be best for me.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61278962536401372982014-01-21T12:34:47.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.161-04:00Very nice to meet you Lisa! Thank you for stoppin...Very nice to meet you Lisa! Thank you for stopping by.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31080831574411110072014-01-21T12:37:55.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.167-04:00Hello Julie it is very nice to meet you! Work at H...Hello Julie it is very nice to meet you! Work at Home Living is an ongoing process. It's the sister to my site http://www.selfemployedwriter.com and I am merging some of my smaller blogs into this one. So, it is very small and new right now but it will be growing! I have quite a bit of material in drafts and will be updating a lot of projects over on SEW. I'm really excited for this website and it is also an expansion of my food site, yumeating.com. Working from home has really changed some part of my life, mainly my body. So I'm implementing a program to get life back in order - even with the sedentary work from home lifestyle I have during the day!Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62753448782797162862014-01-21T12:59:49.000-05:002014-02-17T15:29:26.918-05:00Very nice to meet you Lauren! For the longest time...Very nice to meet you Lauren! For the longest time I used Focusbooster. I would set it to work continuously for an hour or so and then be allowed a 10 minute break. Some of these breaks I would get up and stretch while others I would go to my social media for 'me' time. It's hard to define 'me' social media and 'work' social media as lately they are starting to melt together. I use my personal account for personal things but I also scan my feed for things of interest that I can use for topic ideas on my websites. So, I need to figure out some sort of balance so that I am not running of clicking everything in sight and losing track of time.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34343844945237228922014-01-21T13:05:12.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.173-04:00I worked in retail through high school and my asso...I worked in retail through high school and my associated degree. Then, came the office jobs and other training and certifications. I lost a lot of weight and began running while working an office job but degenerative disc disease set in right about the time I switched careers/jobs. Trying to learn a new job that was much further from home put a damper on my eating and working out. Now I work from home and live in a rural area and I just don't have the time, money, or patience to join a gym. I have plenty of workouts and equipment to use here at home. My problem is I don't schedule time for myself to do them. I need to stop doing that and stick to my schedule. Working from home also makes it easy to drop by the kitchen for a snack. <br><br>Thanks for stopping by Rabia, it is very nice to meet you.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14138136305322963152014-01-21T13:06:54.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.177-04:00I don't have a lot of workout dvds here. Most ...I don't have a lot of workout dvds here. Most of them are Walk Away the Pounds. I have some Richard Simmons tucked away somewhere. I do have Jillian Michaels, Slim in 6 and some other random vidoes on my computer that I have downloaded. I'm just looking for someone/something different as I get bored with the same people and feel like something new usually helps get me back on the exercise wagon.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19021891735871622112014-01-21T13:15:22.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.182-04:00Hi Crystal, I'm just coming by to say hello to...Hi Crystal, I'm just coming by to say hello to a fellow tribe member! I love your site since I spent most of my time working from home. I'll be following along.Kendrahttp://www.headbandfortoday.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33880626468910984362014-01-21T14:43:39.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.186-04:00Nice to meet you Kendra! I look forward to gettin...Nice to meet you Kendra! I look forward to getting to know you and having you follow along.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52482842808604520462014-01-22T17:33:47.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.192-04:00[…] in December I did a little write-up and giveaw...[…] in December I did a little write-up and giveaway for Natural Factors Green Bean Extract. As part of that giveaway I was given a bottle of Natural […]Review: Natural Factors Green Coffee Bean Extract - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/review-natural-factors-green-coffee-bean-extract/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43820202115342414442014-01-30T13:35:23.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.199-04:00[…] I also have a confession. Remember that Green ...[…] I also have a confession. Remember that Green Smoothie Challenge? […]Love Shenanigans Irish T-Shirt - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/love-shenanigans-irish-t-shirt/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86910770444025583802014-01-31T17:16:42.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.206-04:00Sorry you're disappointed in your results. I t...Sorry you're disappointed in your results. I think drinking green tea probably has some good health benefits, but not in terms of weight loss.Andiehttp://aimforhealthy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15852813828338805762014-02-01T13:14:14.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.216-04:00I love green tea and drink it pretty much every da...I love green tea and drink it pretty much every day. I even have green tea matcha powder I use in my smoothies. I had hoped these green coffee pills would help with the appetite a little like others I have tried. That part was a bit of a bummer because some pills can be a good tool for me if they help my appetite enough.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14664959961924319352014-02-01T13:48:08.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.222-04:00[…] Leave a Comment I realize I am a beautiful...[…] Leave a Comment I realize I am a beautiful plus size girl. I am also 100% healthy. I wrote the original Weight Debate for a […]Taking a Step Back on the Weight Debate - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/taking-a-step-back-on-the-weight-debate/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33373019261578226662014-02-04T10:58:24.332-05:002014-02-05T15:22:28.812-05:00You'll find a way to make it work.You'll find a way to make it work.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74216216900565205472014-02-05T22:03:23.347-05:002014-02-10T10:55:36.954-05:00Just think of the results when you motivate yourse...Just think of the results when you motivate yourself. I am rooting for you. (I saw you posted on my google feed) Good Luck!<br /><br />justlittlecajunme.blogspot.comLisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89976835675747108702014-02-07T10:19:17.273-05:002014-02-10T10:55:39.721-05:00Great explanation. There are lots of tax implicat...Great explanation. There are lots of tax implications when you are working or selling from home and they get confusing.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87427200131839963852014-02-10T10:57:51.316-05:002014-02-10T10:57:51.316-05:00Thanks so much. Every day is a battle for me. I ta...Thanks so much. Every day is a battle for me. I talk about it a lot with my recipes on YUMeating.com I had a website that was all my struggle, but its been too hard for me to keep up with so many sites. So, I am merging that site and a lot of those posts are going to be on this website. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67040292432983089372014-02-13T11:29:36.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.369-04:00[…] I have a Jewelry In Candles update. For those ...[…] I have a Jewelry In Candles update. For those of you who have been keeping up with my new site, I posted an update back in January about some issues the company was having and how that spread into its direct sales agents. I was […]Jewelry In Candles Banana Nut Bread Reveal - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/jewelry-candles-banana-nut-bread-reveal/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70063159023824457192014-02-16T18:35:02.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.397-04:00I've seen these candles before and wondered wh...I've seen these candles before and wondered what they were like...it's a neat concept. What a fun idea to do a video reveal! Great post!Jessica B Woodshttp://www.familymoneysmarts.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68920978218101465192014-02-17T10:46:03.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.403-04:00Thank you for stopping by. They smell really nice ...Thank you for stopping by. They smell really nice and I too like the concept. I'm just not sure about the company after everything I have been through and seen. I hope they can turn themselves around.Chrystalhttp://wahliving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50699132703950946092014-02-17T14:30:40.000-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.253-04:00[…] Life. I also can’t afford a gym. Big M and I w...[…] Life. I also can’t afford a gym. Big M and I were going last year, but it only aggravated the back and hip more. My Chiro told me it was a no-no for the time being. She suggest water aerobics, with […]My Plan of Choice. My Plan of Life. - Work At Home Livinghttp://wahliving.com/my-plan-of-choice-my-plan-of-life/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33598431684545676162014-02-18T17:42:17.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.083-04:00[…] 7: Back in November I made a post regarding a ...[…] 7: Back in November I made a post regarding a new candle company called Jewelry In Candles. I was pretty excited about this opportunity because at the time they […]My Update with Jewelry In Candles - YUM eatinghttp://yumeating.com/update-jewelry-candles/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56961723367513395002014-02-18T17:50:52.000-05:002014-09-24T15:13:34.366-04:00[…] I have a Jewelry In Candles update. For those ...[…] I have a Jewelry In Candles update. For those of you who have been keeping up with my new site, I posted an update back in January about some issues the company was having and how that spread into its direct sales agents. I was […]Jewelry In Candles Banana Nut Bread Reveal - YUM eatinghttp://yumeating.com/jewelry-candles-banana-nut-bread-reveal/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77202062852133380142014-02-20T03:11:36.744-05:002014-02-23T14:36:13.674-05:00I know you have been switching your sites around a...I know you have been switching your sites around and trying to consolidate all of them over the past several months - and - all of the links in this article are currently dead - so - I was wondering if the information from the links would be available again sometime in the future? A friend of mine worked from home (contracting as a computer programmer) for the first time over the past year, I am trying to find information to help him along. Thanks!Marsha Siouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040323358283380289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78136802348050518152014-02-23T14:36:53.893-05:002014-02-23T14:36:53.893-05:00Marsha , I've sent you an email.Marsha , I've sent you an email.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80965049634240927302014-02-23T14:42:34.087-05:002014-02-23T14:42:34.087-05:00And updated the links that I still had published. ...And updated the links that I still had published. ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36231663373667022992014-03-06T10:08:34.335-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.281-04:00I wish you well on your new journey. I found 5 da...I wish you well on your new journey. I found 5 days was the best I could do. I try to get active on the weekends, but a dedicated workout wasn't happening and it was just making me more stressed. I also found my body needed a break. I was not getting as much out of my weekday workouts when my body wasn't able to perform the exercises as designed.<br><br>What I've learned so far in this year is that punishment has been one of my means of sabotage in the past. I would treat myself and then beat up on myself, then I'd lose motivation in taking care of myself. So, now I fight that urge. I've had some health issue recently and I seem to have hit a bit of a plateau. Frustrating, but hardly the end of the earth. I have a good idea of what I'm fighting and I know normally I'd have gained a good deal of weight during something like this, not be holding my own, so I have to accept and not punish, or I will pack the pounds back on.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7145827627064806272014-03-06T14:14:56.074-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.290-04:00First I forgive myself when I'm sick. I do wh...First I forgive myself when I'm sick. I do what I need to do to get healthy. When I had the flu, I wasn't exercising and the food I ate when I could finally eat was hardly on the prescribed list of best foods. Then I worked my way back to eating and exercising in a way that is I know is better for me. <br><br>I stretch a little in the shower every day. It sounds crazy, but the hot water on the sore muscles really does help even on days you aren't working on. As soon as I could after I started feeling better that was one of the first things I brought back into my regime. It felt good to meet my toes again and it made my back and legs feel better too.<br><br>So the question is did you quit or pause. Pausing is reality in anyone's real life. Quitting is likely a sign you aren't doing something you are going to stick with regardless of sickness or health. One way I know I'm on the right exercise path is I've stuck with it since last May. Other stuff I looked for reasons to stop. I found any excuse to quit. Now I feel off when I stop. My body wants to go back and that's important.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6050274349444502662014-03-06T17:14:34.617-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.298-04:00I did for the first few days, then I started to fe...I did for the first few days, then I started to feel a little better but the energy wasn't quite there. I started to feel like I should try to take a walk on the treadmill, even if I went really slow. I need to get better about being kind to myself, I am so hard on me. I guess I didn't really quit, I am just taking a little break. But, that little break sure had Negative Nancy yacking in my ear.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44716839976922449242014-03-06T17:16:33.575-05:002014-07-02T12:35:19.305-04:00I wish I could establish a routine and boundaries ...I wish I could establish a routine and boundaries for people not to bother me on the weekends. All I need is 30 minutes on Saturday and Sunday but its impossible. I have tried and someone always interrupts me. I don't want people talking to me or bothering me when I am trying to work out. I don't want to pay for a gym just for 2 days a week! But, maybe I need to go back to the gym when the money becomes available just so I can have a place to go.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7124355297667987502014-03-21T12:17:58.794-04:002014-03-21T20:50:32.724-04:00Nothing like being part of something with accounta...Nothing like being part of something with accountability to keep you going! Good luck! Stopping by via #theultimateparty on G+Lori Hilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01802755934557660083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45071397892695326132014-03-21T15:13:22.670-04:002014-03-21T20:50:32.719-04:00I have seen that challenge, but I am too chicken t...I have seen that challenge, but I am too chicken to try it. Good for you! Jennifer Zimmermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04394529890501082797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59825667200249395342014-03-21T20:17:16.573-04:002014-03-21T20:50:32.712-04:00Wow, I can't imagine how you keep it. I feel ...Wow, I can't imagine how you keep it. I feel like I'm sometimes drowning with the two blogs! I hope it all goes well for you!Tammy Doielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079032333516107282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14174632617198448062014-03-21T20:51:43.436-04:002014-03-21T20:51:43.436-04:00Thanks for stopping by. I hope I can keep up with ...Thanks for stopping by. I hope I can keep up with it! I don't see why I should and I am really happy to have something to look forward to again with this website!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49091319501927366542014-03-21T20:52:01.480-04:002014-03-21T20:52:01.480-04:00It would be fun, though! ;) Thanks for stopping by...It would be fun, though! ;) Thanks for stopping by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27468961174666924012014-03-21T20:53:44.960-04:002014-03-21T20:53:44.960-04:00I had to give up my wah site. It was just too much...I had to give up my wah site. It was just too much. I have had my fair share of website. I let my pet site go because the domain was for my doggie that passed away to brain cancer. So the other two just show up on yumeating.com when needed. They also appear here, oh and the cat too. I also have my weight loss site. It's on blogger too. But this one is my oldest and I really should do more with it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61620966803880978332014-03-29T09:01:20.538-04:002014-03-31T12:46:20.605-04:00Good theme. The more you write, the more you want ...Good theme. The more you write, the more you want to write. I piled so many deadlines on myself one after the other that writing every day for two or three hours now has just become part of the routine. Good luck through your slump, and through the challenge!<br /><br /><a href="http://njmagas.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow"><b>N J Magas</b>, speculative fiction author, participating in <b>Blogging A-Z April Challenge.</b></a><br />njmagashttp://njmagas.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75109895548176572442014-03-31T11:41:38.882-04:002014-03-31T12:46:20.602-04:00Good luck with the challenge. I look forward to r...Good luck with the challenge. I look forward to reading your posts :)<br /><br /><a href="http://rebeccahgiltrow.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">Rebeccah Writes</a>Rebeccah Giltrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12233619259915854967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90428784444608875332014-03-31T15:13:38.248-04:002014-03-31T15:13:38.248-04:00I think because I literally write full time, creat...I think because I literally write full time, creative writing tends to get put on the back burner along with the writing website. To me that the 'fun stuff' that doesn't necessarily pay the bills. Now, I am just trying to bring this website back to life, because I feel it deserves it!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72535758410642046662014-03-31T15:14:06.934-04:002014-03-31T15:14:06.934-04:00Thank you. It has been a while since I have done a...Thank you. It has been a while since I have done a challenge here, but I think it will be a lot of fun.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72359017013999704912014-04-01T08:19:17.096-04:002014-04-01T10:36:03.703-04:00Good start to the challenge :) Good luck with the ...Good start to the challenge :) Good luck with the rest! xVikki Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16963629238395138718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63578716666874523252014-04-01T08:58:24.007-04:002014-04-01T10:36:03.700-04:00Nice beginning. Welcome to the world of A and Z. N...Nice beginning. Welcome to the world of A and Z. Never do pranks any more, in North America they seem to do them after noon where in Britain it used to be only until noon. Need any help contact me.<br /><br /><a href="http://henderson-jo.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE</a><br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39719642670603130282014-04-01T11:33:11.473-04:002014-04-02T12:23:31.425-04:00I tend to ignore April Fools day, because it alway...I tend to ignore April Fools day, because it always seems to create this weird atmosphere of paranoia when people are going in for it.stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16388674850920848503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44723774889507724782014-04-01T13:53:38.186-04:002014-04-01T13:53:38.186-04:00Thanks so much! I have a feeling it will be a lot ...Thanks so much! I have a feeling it will be a lot of fun and just what I needed to get this blog rolling again.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65458686605403352002014-04-01T13:54:17.567-04:002014-04-01T13:54:17.567-04:00Thank you so very much! I like to think I am a fun...Thank you so very much! I like to think I am a fun person, but I never really enjoyed pranks. I think sometimes they end up being mean. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15357964734175159602014-04-01T14:50:34.066-04:002014-04-02T12:23:31.423-04:00I'm not clever enough to pull a prank. I trie...I'm not clever enough to pull a prank. I tried it once -- told my class that despite having spent several weeks on the research paper, I had decided to drop it. There were cheers until one smart person figured it out. It couldn't be that I tend to laugh when I'm lying, could it?<br /><br />Visiting from A to Z ~Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17863357756727783017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68549231465405433152014-04-01T17:52:49.864-04:002014-04-02T12:23:31.421-04:00I've never been one for doing pranks, but my s...I've never been one for doing pranks, but my son loves to do it. I love him to bits but sometimes it can really be annoying. But he has fun at least and we have a good laugh. ~A-Z bloggerAngel Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15765640482447411245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34766517330133994732014-04-01T19:43:08.452-04:002014-04-02T12:23:31.419-04:00April fools passes me by, I try not to get caught ...April fools passes me by, I try not to get caught out, but...well sod's law lol. Anyway, welcome to A to Z 2014.The Wicked Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17465460330758905673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62307846840720635142014-04-02T05:04:34.440-04:002014-04-02T12:23:31.418-04:00I think I am going to like this challenge. I don&#...I think I am going to like this challenge. I don't do pranks, big ones anyway, Years ago I did a mean prank on my then-husband. I didn't think it was bad when I thought about doing it but realized it was cruel after I did it. I was in the doghouse for awhile after lol.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16792394014124000282014-04-02T05:08:57.266-04:002014-04-02T12:23:31.416-04:00I think this A to Z Challenge is going to be aweso...I think this A to Z Challenge is going to be awesome! I don't do pranks. i learned my lesson after pulling a cruel prank on my now-ex years ago. I think if pranks are done, they should be in fun and doesn't hurt anyoneLisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1051263396664549312014-04-02T12:54:04.930-04:002014-04-02T12:54:04.930-04:00I think it's lost it's fun factor thanks t...I think it's lost it's fun factor thanks to the Internet. To some degree anyway. With so many giant websites running day long jokes, it tends to make people wonder about the world around them!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81683034151366757062014-04-02T12:54:54.151-04:002014-04-02T12:54:54.151-04:00I had a professor do that, too. But we pretty much...I had a professor do that, too. But we pretty much assumed it was an April Fool's joke since it was grad school! ;0 Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-972612618362749472014-04-02T12:55:40.108-04:002014-04-02T12:55:40.108-04:00I think if my step-daughter lived here during the ...I think if my step-daughter lived here during the week we might have a little fun with her father. All in good spirit, but I honestly think I have outgrown it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90271731963615091082014-04-02T12:56:03.125-04:002014-04-02T12:56:03.125-04:00Never hurts to have a good laugh, right? ;)Never hurts to have a good laugh, right? ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9935781586054127992014-04-02T12:56:29.822-04:002014-04-02T12:56:29.822-04:00Oh gosh! Maybe one of these days you'll blog a...Oh gosh! Maybe one of these days you'll blog about that story ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12662635735777004642014-04-02T12:57:11.212-04:002014-04-02T12:57:11.212-04:00Sometimes it's hard to think of things from th...Sometimes it's hard to think of things from the other person's point of view. We try to have fun, think its great and then - nope. Sorry things didn't work out for the fun factor.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52176568003139590752014-04-02T13:49:47.847-04:002014-04-02T16:24:03.384-04:00How long do you have? I've had many, tried man...How long do you have? I've had many, tried many sites with blogs and ended up remaining with Blogger. It does what I need it to do, though the one on my author website needs to be minded...the whole site needs an overhaul. Sounds like you've been a busy bee.The Wicked Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17465460330758905673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25125451498055394042014-04-02T15:16:47.848-04:002014-04-02T16:24:03.382-04:00What a fascinating Blogging journey! I started blo...What a fascinating Blogging journey! I started blogging around the same time on a site called BloopDiary. I tried my hand at LiveJournal when a friend from Bloop moved there but never really got on with it. I was part of a community on Bloop and I loved that. But over the years, that changed, I changed, the people on there changed and it was time to let go and move on. I got myself set up on Wordpress almost two years ago but I am still finding my feet, and my niche. It's slow progress but I love blogging again.<br /><br />Natalie (A-Z Blogger)fallingpennieshttp://fallingpennies.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7148248867018024502014-04-02T16:10:16.300-04:002014-07-02T12:35:19.312-04:00Hi there! I came across your blog through the A-to...Hi there! I came across your blog through the A-to-Z blogging and really like what you have to say. I'm 46 and have gone through the same struggles as you talk about here. You don't know where to start to get back on track? Start small--don't overwhelm yourself. Take one step back at a time even if they're baby steps. I know everything seems to hurt right now and there are days when it feels like you forgot what it feels like to be well, but you'll get through it! Looking forward to keeping in touch. Renata<br>lilypadhearthttp://lilypadheart.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41519358158732132402014-04-03T00:16:11.930-04:002014-04-03T17:47:25.416-04:00hey there. i'm one of tina's minions. just...hey there. i'm one of tina's minions. just checking in.<br /><br />love that puppy. he was adorable. :]<br /><br />i've been blogging, on blogger, for nine years now. LONG time. but i enjoy it still, so...jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148220405743339501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43825746093572977332014-04-03T07:03:09.196-04:002014-04-03T17:47:25.413-04:00You sound like you were a blog hopper as I did at ...You sound like you were a blog hopper as I did at one part. I had started at Myspace and another site I can't remember for the life of me. It was something Refuge. I was so disappointed. Then I found LiveJournal but I didn't seem to be able to get followers and the content of most bloggers just weren't my taste. I diddled with Wordpress and Yahoo but I didn't like their format. I landed on Blogger in 2010 and have remained there. I've been thinking of getting my own domain but I go in spurts in blogging. Thankfully, I don't do this as a living. LOL!<br /><br />www.justlittlecajunme.blogspot.comLisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51106648007944251732014-04-03T16:49:07.853-04:002014-04-03T17:47:25.408-04:00Hope you find your happy ending soon.
<a href="ht...Hope you find your happy ending soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://henderson-jo.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE</a><br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70884782122087639512014-04-04T03:35:46.571-04:002014-04-04T11:02:26.913-04:00Writing about the difficult times in our lives hel...Writing about the difficult times in our lives helps both us, and other people. Talking about such issues as child sexual abuse helps victims feel they are less alone in their suffering, I'm sure. Thanks for sharing!Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68995406335554842632014-04-04T11:01:49.424-04:002014-04-04T11:01:49.424-04:00I hope so, too. I hope so, too. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3695157198363160312014-04-04T11:22:46.926-04:002014-04-04T11:22:46.926-04:00I do enjoy blogger. The only reason I did not put ...I do enjoy blogger. The only reason I did not put YUM on blogger was because as a food site, there were things I needed it to do that blogger did not offer in terms of customization. Plus, I was fearful that the day would come when I would be one of those who had an issue with blogger, although, I never have and that was just not a risk I wanted to take with YUM. I do regular backups with SEW as well as my other websites hosted through Blogger. After all these years, I've never had a problem and I am very comfortable here.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46159012355729314472014-04-04T11:24:41.045-04:002014-04-04T11:24:41.045-04:00I have never heard of BloopDiary. I know there are...I have never heard of BloopDiary. I know there are a lot of diary type sites out there. I stumbled on a few. Many of them seem to be closing down. :( I love the build-in community many sites like that offer. I never felt like I had that here at Blogger unless I joined a writing group or, now, a Facebook group where its only for Bloggers and no WordPress or other places. I do have my foodie site self hosted with WP. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26884848514291145592014-04-04T11:25:30.587-04:002014-04-04T11:25:30.587-04:00I enjoy meeting people who have been on Blogger su...I enjoy meeting people who have been on Blogger such a long time. Sometimes it is hard to believe that is has been around that long!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54208507428764555722014-04-04T11:27:02.221-04:002014-04-04T11:27:02.221-04:00I don't think a domain is really necessary unl...I don't think a domain is really necessary unless you are trying to establish yourself as a brand and basically monetize your website. Then, it stands out a little better. But, in some circles, there are sponsors and ad networks willing to accept blogstop addresses. If its something just for fun, then no need to spend the money! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1662185928527803682014-04-04T13:18:21.386-04:002014-07-02T12:35:19.319-04:00I too was super hungry during March. Like Renata ...I too was super hungry during March. Like Renata said you should go back to the basics. Try to walk more wherever you go. Check out Tai Chi too; it's supposed to be good for arthritis.Cassandra Schmigotzkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09193282518218220323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37219559247640537692014-04-04T16:54:11.632-04:002014-07-02T12:35:19.324-04:00Thank you Renata for stopping by here. I went thro...Thank you Renata for stopping by here. I went through a name change with this website and lost a lot of my readers. :( <br><br>I am trying to get better with my eating. There are foods I have been eating that are trigger foods and also cause my inflammation to become worse. So I have been trying to get back to basics and cut these out of my diet (again.)<br><br>I'm also working on getting back on an exercise routine. Walking on the treadmill, doing DDP Yoga, and less impact videos like Walk Away the Pounds. Hopefully because I am back to doing what is easier on my body, I won't be so hard on myself. <br><br>It's hard because a skinny active girl hides inside of me and I hear her daily, screaming to come out.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87069139427025036042014-04-04T16:55:43.319-04:002014-07-02T12:35:19.329-04:00I am looking at the Beachbody Tai Cheng (spell?) p...I am looking at the Beachbody Tai Cheng (spell?) program. I was able to get a copy of it. I just haven't had a chance to test it out. <br><br>Because I work from home, I can go days without leaving my house. Not good, but living in a rural area tends to put a damper on things. Hoping to change that part of life soon, too. <br><br>Thank you for coming by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89600543231191945022014-04-04T16:57:10.875-04:002014-04-05T12:16:25.962-04:00I am so sorry about your childhood sexual abuse. M...I am so sorry about your childhood sexual abuse. Maybe it is not finding an ending but a place you know you will be okay. Your Hubby reading that book for you, tells volumes that he is nothing like the sick abuser and is really truly there for you. Thanks for sharing!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47321360587832784202014-04-05T12:33:19.232-04:002014-04-05T15:01:29.314-04:00Stopping by on the 5th day of the #atozchallenge w...Stopping by on the 5th day of the #atozchallenge while looking for fellow writers. Congratulations on your blog. I know you are going to make new blogging friends this month. I'm writing about gardening and related topics and having a wonderful time. If you have time or interest, come and visit.Stepheny Houghtllinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10651100882055632073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22077494928301274682014-04-05T14:06:21.192-04:002014-04-05T15:01:29.311-04:00I feel the same way. Staying accountable and on tr...I feel the same way. Staying accountable and on track is so hard for me because I hate finding myself in a rut. I love the freedom and flexibility being self employed has given me, but it's a curse at the same time. <br /><br />I started using a timeclock app on my phone that helps me track the time I'm spending on all the things I'm working on. It's helped me see how much time I waste in the day and helped me to balance working on my site/personal things/future money and things that will pay me now. Might be worth a shot for you. :)Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507346608867439819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43585217418336838452014-04-05T15:36:19.204-04:002014-04-05T15:36:19.204-04:00Thank you very much! This site has been around a l...Thank you very much! This site has been around a long time. It started as a portfolio and sounding board for launching my freelance writing career. As I worked on my MBA and that writing career, the blog got a little dusty. Trying to 'get back to basics' so to speak. Thank you for stopping by.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76447030691502882222014-04-05T15:42:52.752-04:002014-04-05T15:42:52.752-04:00I used to have Focus Booster Chrome Extension. I a...I used to have Focus Booster Chrome Extension. I am going to have to go back to doing that. It worked so well for me before. I think if I can get back to a schedule like that I can go back to making my own money again. I have a husband who could care less if I work, however that is not how I was raised. I want and need my own thing and income. I always want to feel as if I contribute and have a career. I want to always feel productive. When I don't , depression sinks in and I hate that.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74952505393532781852014-04-05T15:44:16.948-04:002014-04-05T15:44:16.948-04:00It does make me feel as if I am not alone in this ...It does make me feel as if I am not alone in this world. But, I also get so much pure joy out of the fact that all my words help others.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72128135594520964342014-04-05T15:45:36.866-04:002014-04-05T15:45:36.866-04:00Thanks for stopping by Lisa! I hope someday I will...Thanks for stopping by Lisa! I hope someday I will be able to help many more people. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78951169174346395342014-04-05T19:06:23.649-04:002014-04-06T15:35:07.545-04:00Hi Chrystal. I dream of becoming a full time write...Hi Chrystal. I dream of becoming a full time writer one day. For now I blog just for the practive. I really hope you can find your balance. You are right, time management is key :) Love your Yum Eating blog too :)Tanya Flood-Proof Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839024984118135715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84028382874829093052014-04-05T20:54:47.264-04:002014-04-06T15:35:07.538-04:00Chrystal, I know what you mean about that kind of ...Chrystal, I know what you mean about that kind of joy. I have written a number of grief stories and when readers stop by, to share their own experiences and tell me my words help, it is so good. It helps makes sense of the whole experience. Yes, my son died but through his stories other people can be helped. Anyway, rambling on about myself. I have a couple of friends who wrote books about their childhood sexual abuse experiences in order to encourage others. Perhaps you have also written such a book. I will have to go see!Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25752976609618145602014-04-05T21:10:50.794-04:002014-04-06T15:35:07.533-04:00I've had a number of blogs focusing on differe...I've had a number of blogs focusing on different subjects too. Some I've deleted. Some are just idle. I might go back to them one day. I have several active ones I like to hop between depending on my mood and what I have to say. Ideally I'd like to have just one blog but I think my audience varies between blogs. It's just as well all my blogs are free ones! I have a couple of domain names and I've always been on Blogger. Many of my blogging friends are moving from Blogger to Wordpress. I don't really understand the advantages. Maybe I should find out!<br /><br />Blogging is always a great topic to generate conversation. Thank you for sharing your story!Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22567564554263029822014-04-06T16:05:32.328-04:002014-04-06T16:05:32.328-04:00I think it would be much better if I was just work...I think it would be much better if I was just working on fiction. Trying to write in so many different fields can be a bit draining. Thanks for stopping by and checking out yum!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15128780809965163302014-04-06T16:09:46.103-04:002014-04-06T16:09:46.103-04:00I have not written a book. I would like to. I actu...I have not written a book. I would like to. I actually have a old word processing document I started in 1997 and still have the file. I just don't have the positive clencher ending that people seek for those types of books. I am not sure what other direction to take it in. I've thought about a children's awareness book as I have seen a few of those, but again, not sure. I had a blogger set up under a domain where I wrote about more personal matters. It was a lot of poetry and a little darker than my other sites. I ended up taking it down because I wanted to put those poems into a book and the stories I am not sure what to do with. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19368300456926270102014-04-06T16:13:47.599-04:002014-04-06T16:13:47.599-04:00The advantages of self hosted wordpress is that yo...The advantages of self hosted wordpress is that you own all your own content. There is the golden rule with Blogger that when you use their blogs you have to stick to their TOS or they will remove your website. You also give them the right to use your content. Which I have never heard of them doing with anyone I know and I have been around here a long time. However, I do know people have had their blogs deleted. But, with self hosting you run risks too. However, you aren't giving content rights to anyone. Word Press also has a lot more features and customization tools. The only reason I put my YUMeating website on there was because I really wanted recipe features and tools for advertisers that I just did not see for Blogger. Also, I was afraid that my site would become one that Google might think needed deleting as I have a lot of link juice going on and affiliates. That seems to be who they target. But, I have never had a problem in the past, so who knows. I do have a copy of YUM on Blogger, just in case. Its private of course so there is no issue with duplicate content. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74260296398592381362014-04-06T19:56:30.757-04:002014-04-07T09:07:48.156-04:00I hear you. It seems every time I try to make some...I hear you. It seems every time I try to make some healthy life style changes, my body freaks out and gets sick. Increase sleep, increase exercise, less junk food, more fruits and veggies-BOOM! Chest cold. What the heck?! I thought healthy living was supposed to prevent these sort of things?! Not to mention how hard it is to keep to healthy habits when all you want to do is sleep the germs away.<br /><br />Good luck with your goals. They're difficult and filled with road blocks, but if you can do it a little bit at a time, you'll get there. That's what I keep telling myself ;__;njmagashttp://njmagas.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1533078542679858202014-04-06T22:04:40.358-04:002014-04-07T09:07:48.147-04:00Wow, this was a fascinating post. Waving from the ...Wow, this was a fascinating post. Waving from the A to Z Challenge.Leslie S. Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17122865337924270039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74653820162355754002014-04-07T11:28:39.054-04:002014-04-08T12:40:06.737-04:00The fact that you refuse to accept it is a step in...The fact that you refuse to accept it is a step in the right direction!<br />I think you have to take it little by little. There are no quick fix solutions. Set reasonable and achievable goals for yourself. <br />Take care of yourself...<br />Good luck with your health/exercise programme!<br />Nice to meet you via the A to Z challenge.<br /><a href="http://writer-in-transit.co.za/" rel="nofollow">Writer In Transit</a>Michelle Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02750092836481599870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36219837658167127542014-04-07T14:50:27.222-04:002014-04-08T12:40:06.693-04:00I've lost and gained 20 pounds a number of tim...I've lost and gained 20 pounds a number of times in my life, though for whatever reason, it seems like my thirtysomething body wants to be a lower plus size and isn't losing the weight as easily as I did before. I regularly go to the gym and keep active, and in spite of seemingly weighing more than I did when I graduated university, I look a lot better. When I was 22, even my face and arms had become pudgy, and that hasn't happened this time.<br /><br />Good luck with losing weight! Even if it doesn't happen all at once, slow and steady can win the race.Carrie-Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05810154378449825641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56596496931760358812014-04-07T15:40:52.465-04:002014-07-02T12:35:19.335-04:00i've never been to chicago. i'm not even a...i've never been to chicago. i'm not even a hundred percent sure that's where cate would want to go. i just threw it out there. it's big for arts, right? and she's an artist... so i just went with that.jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148220405743339501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37339210091193117002014-04-07T20:57:30.101-04:002014-04-08T12:40:06.691-04:00I LOVE this post! Us girls with weight/body/food i...I LOVE this post! Us girls with weight/body/food issues too often feel like the only one, like we are somehow the only one suffering, and therefore we do it silently. After a few surgeries to remove thyroid cancer and a pair of *extremely* difficult pregnancies, I am trying to get back to my happy weight once more. While I am not at the point of considering weight loss surgery (I want to try out this not-pregnant, not-sick status for the first time in years!), I do know that a tummy tuck and other reconstructive surgeries are in my future to correct all the damage to my body. Can we be workout buddies? I do WW on Tuesdays and gym on M/W/Th with yoga on Saturdays. Thanks for sharing this!! rsmccoy.blogspot.comRS McCoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11042798648454483021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80150836998926185082014-04-08T12:03:46.827-04:002014-04-08T12:03:46.827-04:00I guess on the flip side, healthy living does make...I guess on the flip side, healthy living does makes this easier, to be honest. My colds are not has fierce as some of the people out there. I just keep getting another dose of germs, pretty much on a daily basis because my husband works in a hospital. Since I work from home, and don't get the contact with the outside world like I used to, my immune system has been compromised a bit. I keep trying. I am refusing to give up on my dream of being in really good shape before I hit 40! I hear it's the new 20 ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18139643199417955082014-04-08T12:05:32.890-04:002014-04-08T12:05:32.890-04:00Waves back. Thanks for stopping by.Waves back. Thanks for stopping by.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89292913252756725632014-04-08T16:03:27.769-04:002014-04-08T16:03:27.769-04:00Thank you so much for stopping by Michelle. You ar...Thank you so much for stopping by Michelle. You are right, refusal is a good thing! Sadly, I have been battling my weight since I was a child and honestly, I am sooooo tired and worn out from it all. Eat this, dont eat that, exercise this way, follow that program. I just wish I didn't have the medical problems I did, maybe then it would be so much easier like it was before the pain set in. :( But, I am going to keep trying.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22852837415468706332014-04-08T16:05:48.608-04:002014-04-08T16:05:48.608-04:00I miss walking around the park and the gym. I live...I miss walking around the park and the gym. I live in a pretty rural area and their isn't much around here. Sadly though my house faces a highway that goes between the small towns, so going out my front door for a walk is risky. Not something I am fond of. I have tried. I work from home, and thats about when my weight came on. So easy to run to the fridge and grab a snack when I am frustrated with a project. I need to get moving more. I have a ton of workout videos I should be doing! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39670448555992557332014-04-08T16:10:12.452-04:002014-04-08T16:10:12.452-04:00I have always felt like I am the only one, maybe b...I have always felt like I am the only one, maybe because mine started at such a young age. I was the fat kid everyone made fun of and then when my mom put me on a weight loss program, I became the popular kid in a way. Over the years the weight came back and then I got a desk job. Went on WW, made Lifetime. I did well until I moved in here with my now husband and started to work from home. Then the osteoarthritis set in, the degenerative disc disease got worse, PCOS kicked my ass and the weight wont budge. I am sooooo frustrated. I have the prego looking belly and I can't have kids :( I am sorry to hear about your cancer and thyroid removal. That has to be tough. This is my 2nd time considering WLS. I am just not sure I can keep going at this pace and expect to have a healthy life. The last thing I want is hip replacement or spinal surgery. Ugh. I would love to be a buddy! I need to get back to my yoga program and get my butt back on the treadmill. I have a weight loss site, ignitemotivation.blogspot.com and food - yumeating.comChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58499372685680924202014-04-08T16:30:34.298-04:002014-04-09T11:23:12.065-04:00I'm sorry to hear that there are also medical ...I'm sorry to hear that there are also medical issues in addition to everything else... and I admire you for not giving up! You are strong! And it's something to be proud of! Don't forget that!Michelle Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02750092836481599870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48412729474192587582014-04-08T16:32:43.786-04:002014-04-09T11:23:12.058-04:00I'm not really a movie person. I think I watch...I'm not really a movie person. I think I watch a movie on the big screen once every five years or so... LOL<br />Bad hey?<br /><a href="http://writer-in-transit.co.za/" rel="nofollow">Writer In Transit</a>Michelle Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02750092836481599870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4745528799444787552014-04-08T23:48:31.860-04:002014-04-09T11:23:12.055-04:00I actually just bought the bluray of The Goonies. ...I actually just bought the bluray of The Goonies. I think I'm the last person on Earth who hasn't seen it. I plan to remedy that very soon. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy A to Z.Leslie S. Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17122865337924270039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-503580764098208412014-04-09T11:30:49.927-04:002014-04-09T11:30:49.927-04:00I will only go to the movie theater if the movie s...I will only go to the movie theater if the movie sparks my interest and I just have to see it on the big screen. Otherwise, I'll just wait to download it. I don't have cable so I can't wait for it to appear on HBO. Netflix is usually behind in the movie release department. I might pay for a Redbox dvd here and there. I just don't tend to favor movie theaters because people talk, and it drives me nuts!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54936386134286092272014-04-09T11:31:07.009-04:002014-04-09T11:31:07.009-04:00I really hope you enjoy it! I really hope you enjoy it! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44374837590762610362014-04-09T12:37:50.616-04:002014-04-09T12:37:50.616-04:00Thank you so much!! I really needed to hear that t...Thank you so much!! I really needed to hear that today.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90548992993179568422014-04-09T20:44:50.266-04:002014-04-10T12:10:33.228-04:00I do love candles. I love any floral scent.I do love candles. I love any floral scent.Lynda R Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42390270432383100802014-04-10T10:20:48.311-04:002014-04-10T12:10:33.225-04:00Hi there - I guess I'm ready for Spring. This...Hi there - I guess I'm ready for Spring. This sounds like a wonderfully scented candle. Good luck with the rest of the A - Z Challenge. :)Diane Cotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933210603732214226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20817489335788807342014-04-10T16:13:31.762-04:002014-04-10T17:06:33.682-04:00Oh yeah I have some pretty big ones myself, and wr...Oh yeah I have some pretty big ones myself, and writing is the Big one. I have a writing degree and I know that my writing is decent (won some writing awards back in my college days), but I still haven't done anything yet. I know I can, and I know I should, but I just can't get over the self-doubt and fear of failure sigh... I did start my blog a couple months ago, so that's a start, right :) Great post!Finley Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489327672073580054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27838201203289289962014-04-11T12:36:00.164-04:002014-04-11T12:36:00.164-04:00I have to say, I am pretty confident about blog wr...I have to say, I am pretty confident about blog writing, but not so much about blog monetizing. I know people can make a good living as I have witnessed it first-hand. I am hoping someday YUM will be that income booster I see. It's sad that I base my success in life on money for projects I have going, but that's just how I function. It's the accountant in me I guess. But, there is also that other part of me who knows I have missed out on so much in life because of my insecurities.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68400830585957386852014-04-11T13:12:58.945-04:002014-04-11T13:12:58.945-04:00I love some floral scents. Some of them make me sn...I love some floral scents. Some of them make me sneeze. :( Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37083583869974058032014-04-11T13:13:16.859-04:002014-04-11T13:13:16.859-04:00Thank you so much for stopping by. Happy Spring!Thank you so much for stopping by. Happy Spring!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37694089009175133302014-04-11T17:05:57.093-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.409-04:00I think the Panda ate many of us and its never ful...I think the Panda ate many of us and its never fully recovered. Many kept saying it was fine and perhaps for some it may still be Ok. However, the kind of work that was available pre-Panda which made working from home writing viable for many is no longer a reality. It is a much different world. <br /><br />I agree the ideal is to have a corp job that can go home with you. Sadly, not all companies are open to the idea. Hopefully as employees demonstrate the value of employees who are home working and saving the company money on expensive real estate there may be more openess. The technology for telecommuting has improved dramatically, too.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10214847569146892502014-04-11T18:12:42.092-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.407-04:00I think insecurity is something pretty common in m...I think insecurity is something pretty common in many women. It is frustrating and hard when we realize that we have to do A to get to B, but we can't do A because of C. We can't fix C until D is managed and the list continues to spin us around in circles. Getting control of it can be challening. Those of us with driving challenges have real issues working outside the home unless you live in an area with good public transportation. I made the mistake of moving because the work in my field wasn't available where transportation was available. Now I really wish I'd found a different field and stayed closer to public transportation.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86884346204237622142014-04-11T18:14:59.890-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.401-04:00I'm not generally a fan of pranks. I've s...I'm not generally a fan of pranks. I've seen the pain it causes too often to be a fan. While some are just silly, too often it focuses on the mean. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22276706460870540692014-04-11T18:26:10.200-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.395-04:00I understand the advantages and one day may end up...I understand the advantages and one day may end up regretting not getting self hosted, but I do like Blogger. I have found in the animal bloggers that there is a community. I wish I could find the same in the crafting community. It has been harder to connect.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15964908301807557662014-04-11T18:30:28.845-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.389-04:00I think there is a difference between surviving an...I think there is a difference between surviving and thriving. Surviving means you did get out. I think you can take that and own it. Thriving after is a work in progress. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2542171726724527692014-04-11T18:35:29.899-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.383-04:00I think you have a great deal of strength to show ...I think you have a great deal of strength to show for it. I also think despite how things may or my not be going in your marriage, you have provided some stability for your step-daughter. When the world seems dark it is often hard to reaize we do have a postive impact on the world around us and while peope may not be naming buildings after us when we are gone, we will have left a positive mark on those around us.<br /><br />Just reading your blog inspired me to get healthier. I've lost 40lbs and almost 2 sizes now. I kept hunting for ways I could exercise beause I kept reading about your challenges. You accomplish much more than you will ever know.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75743272304851473162014-04-11T18:44:19.237-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.380-04:00While I understand the reasons for Panda and the l...While I understand the reasons for Panda and the like, I also think the new rules have made this style of writing far less enjoyable than it was prior to the crack down. It was supposed to make articles more readable, accurate, and less junky, but while I've seen lots of writers pushed out, I haven't seen the quality of the articles zooming to the heights we were promised in a post Panda era. We actually lost some of the better writers who wrote interesting things because they didn't want the hassles.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17448819066893963122014-04-11T18:49:11.718-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.377-04:00I keep praying you find a doctor who can help with...I keep praying you find a doctor who can help with the mobility issues. Health eating is at the heart of losing weight and staying healthy, but exercise provides so many mental and physical beni's. I am so grateful to have gotten one of the big roadblocks cleared so I can exercise. Still have pain, but not to the point like before where I had to stop. I keep hoping you get a doc with solutions, not excuses soon, too.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67629148971080886062014-04-11T19:47:18.749-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.372-04:00The library is my best source of DVD's these d...The library is my best source of DVD's these days. The waiting list can be long for new releases, but you can't beat the price.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25708016185550498142014-04-12T02:34:21.539-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.369-04:00Yikes. Looks like I stopped by on a bad day. Serio...Yikes. Looks like I stopped by on a bad day. Seriously, though, perhaps you should take a vacation. It might rejuvenate you. (Or give you a great travel piece you can sell...)<br /><br />Liz A. from <a href="http://lawsofgravity.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Laws of Gravity</a>Liz A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16531953467834426316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10057732580121082202014-04-12T09:54:52.963-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.364-04:00I wish you a partner that is supportive, loving, a...I wish you a partner that is supportive, loving, and a full parntner for you and a life that brings great joy to carry you through the great challenges.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3555308117714336622014-04-12T13:54:11.102-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.357-04:00You are not alone. Hubby and I are in our 50's...You are not alone. Hubby and I are in our 50's and we look back and think the same thing. You seem to have more things going for you and your determination can pay off. You have a great start with your writing life! Remember your age is only a number.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70807533099767447492014-04-12T14:05:50.739-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.351-04:00I admire you. You know what you want and sometimes...I admire you. You know what you want and sometimes don't quite know how to do it or get there but you have the determination to keep trying!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75660339787748544832014-04-12T14:07:59.442-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.344-04:00Ummm..Hubby and I never saw it either :(Ummm..Hubby and I never saw it either :(Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66179547576102635692014-04-12T14:10:43.973-04:002014-04-13T15:11:15.332-04:00I love the Honeysuckle scent!I love the Honeysuckle scent!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6488160082191130152014-04-14T09:58:56.988-04:002014-04-14T09:58:56.988-04:00Between Panda and Penguin its anybodies guess. It ...Between Panda and Penguin its anybodies guess. It seems like some of the larger sites who have 100 to 1000s of writers have readjusted and survived. Writers are slowly recovering on those sites. Some sites have partnered up to join forces to work together. But, single blog owners with only one writer seem to be the last to recover. So many sites have closed down altogether. Sites that provided writing services to others had to up their game and offer a combo package deal like web design with written content just to survive. Bid sites like oDesk are overrun with people outside of the USA where the dollar stretches further and can write a 300 word article for $1. It's a tough market these days. I'd soon much rather work doing something else and leave my blogging and creative writing as my fun project and have that fun money and a lot less stress.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66678272423157681842014-04-14T10:00:39.562-04:002014-04-14T10:00:39.562-04:00Taking a vacation is hard when the finances aren&#...Taking a vacation is hard when the finances aren't there to do so and my husband is just finishing clinicals, school and about to go through tons of exams (finals) and take his boards. We also have his daughter on the weekends. So, everything has to fall into place for us to even get away for a weekend. We try to take a weekend away every few months, we just haven't been able to in a while due to his school, clinicals and work.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49715201208144477472014-04-14T10:06:33.382-04:002014-04-14T10:06:33.382-04:00Thank you. I try to be a good step-mom and it is v...Thank you. I try to be a good step-mom and it is very hard when I am constantly being told I am not her mother, but yet, those same people constantly berate me about stepping up and being her mom. They cannot pick and choose whenever its convenient for parenting. So, while my game face is on during the weekends when she is around, she is quite oblivious to the world around her. <br /><br />It makes me very happy to know that you have accomplished a 40 pound loss. I really wish I could practice what I preach because every little bit I have lost, I have regained again and again. I just can't find a way to make it all work out for me.<br /><br />Doesn't help that I stress eat and my life is such a constant state of stress.<br /><br />I don't know what life has in store for me, but it can't be this.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18519024080884034552014-04-14T10:07:34.852-04:002014-04-14T10:07:34.852-04:00I love my writing life, but sadly, its not really ...I love my writing life, but sadly, its not really paying my bills. I hate that I have to put what I love on the side for a while as I struggle to make a living. I am not sure where to go from here. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62162430104038667482014-04-14T10:10:51.437-04:002014-04-14T10:10:51.437-04:00I have been thinking that this fall I am going to ...I have been thinking that this fall I am going to get my continuing education credits and go back to doing taxes for the season. This will give me something to do in the fall (CE's) and then Jan-April I can work doing something I enjoy and know I am good at. The rest of my time can be spent on my blogs, which I love and when the mood strikes, work on fiction. Forcing myself to write for a living is getting me nowhere. It has to be for fun and because I love it. Hopefully, I can find CPA firm willing to work with me :) I think that would be ideal. Once I have my own finances, I feel like Dr. co-pays, medications, gym memberships, water aerobics, whatever are much more attainable. Then, perhaps a new car that I feel better driving.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41209080127527473602014-04-14T10:17:12.045-04:002014-04-14T10:17:12.045-04:00I think YUM is good to be self hosted, especially ...I think YUM is good to be self hosted, especially with the recipe creation and photos. I have moved SEW twice and regretted it each time. But, I have learned more about word press and feel a lot more comfortable with it. Right now I don't really see a reason to leave. It's not that popular. I do have plans to go back from the beginning and redo some pieces. I want to fix photos and links that are broken as well as pin it all to Pinterest since the site was started before Pinterest. I feel that this site has a lot of value for writers still. And, I am slowly getting my voice back for it, which is good. I have been having fun writing here again. <br /><br />I had fun with Cains blog. I really wanted to keep up with it, but I could not afford to keep renewing the domains I had. So, I added the pet posts to YUM. Which is good, as they get seen more there. That makes me happy that people love to see Ziggy, Casey and Tink. I do still have Cains blog up, just not the domain. It's back to blogspot. And, that is ok. <br /><br />There are a lot of crafting blogs and websites out there that do really well. There is a girl from WPLH that has one with her sister and they do very well monetizing it. I think when it comes to crafting, it's best to not just stick to crochet, but latch on to the DIY folks. I love your craft blog and I know there are a ton of people out there who would enjoy it as much as I do! <br /><br />Now that I think about it, I should link to you in my DIY/Outside the Kitchen section on YUM! I plan to do more DIY as the weather gets warmer and we get our 'trash to treasure' garden going.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14056453177799506712014-04-14T10:43:48.927-04:002014-04-14T10:43:48.927-04:00I think I'll be working on it for a while :)I think I'll be working on it for a while :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72611050970817543732014-04-14T10:44:45.468-04:002014-04-14T10:44:45.468-04:00I have to agree. I think people just go too far wi...I have to agree. I think people just go too far with it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62052538966582830992014-04-14T10:45:53.519-04:002014-04-14T10:45:53.519-04:00Got to love free. I like Redbox once in a while an...Got to love free. I like Redbox once in a while and they often send me codes for freebies. Our town library is really small, so the dvd selection is nil. Our local video store does have a ton of kids movies that are free to rent and we'll take kiddo there as she enjoys the whole selection process.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59616092164538681182014-04-14T10:46:09.322-04:002014-04-14T10:46:09.322-04:00Aww, you should. It's so fun.Aww, you should. It's so fun.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12519366176674444992014-04-14T10:47:00.130-04:002014-04-14T10:47:00.130-04:00I have to agree!I have to agree!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55303769085525356452014-04-14T10:52:38.322-04:002014-04-14T10:52:38.322-04:00I keep wishing for that too. Hubs and I are lookin...I keep wishing for that too. Hubs and I are looking to join the Y even though its a little far to drive. I am hoping the pool will provide some benefit to me and since they have kids classes on the weekends we can go as a family on Saturdays when they have child teachers available. I need to start walking again as that always seems to help as well. But mostly, I need to get that eating issue under control or no amount of exercise is going to help. I do need to see someone about getting my shoulder and body all straightened out, especially since it is getting worse. I fear I might be to the point of my hand issue where I'll have to start using speech to text software. I'm not sure I am at the point of wanting to file for disability. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62644164604330455392014-04-14T10:58:44.182-04:002014-04-14T10:58:44.182-04:00Thank you. Thank you. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43872814781932825952014-04-14T11:01:14.660-04:002014-04-14T11:01:14.660-04:00A few days ago Examiner unleashed a new set of rul...A few days ago Examiner unleashed a new set of rules in order to obtain newsworthy status. It does add a bit more time to the length it takes to research and write a news article now. If the pageviews were to pick up, maybe it would make it worthwhile. Right now, I keep my logins because it's my go-to place when I have no clients. I really enjoy writing there and I hope someday it can provide the income it used to - that is, if nothing else works out for me. I really enjoy writing on my own sites. I always have. Perhaps in time, YUM and the others will give me that outlet I so desperately seek.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38150017276841605172014-04-14T11:01:30.896-04:002014-04-14T11:01:30.896-04:00Thanks so much for that!Thanks so much for that!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57677028347575449122014-04-15T07:05:53.823-04:002014-04-15T12:14:35.536-04:00I would have picked life. As in you need one apar...I would have picked life. As in you need one apart from work and pain. In order to be strong enough to handle both you need something that strengthens and empowers you, too.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31407338716573445332014-04-16T00:53:22.392-04:002014-04-16T13:02:03.054-04:00Hey, I wonder if your motivation is hanging out wi...Hey, I wonder if your motivation is hanging out with mine?? I lost mine too! SEARCH PARTY!!angelsbarkhttp://angelsbark.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87491118101000335522014-04-16T09:19:25.129-04:002014-04-16T13:02:03.053-04:00Who says Easter has to be about pastels? It is yo...Who says Easter has to be about pastels? It is your family make it your traditions. If you want bold colored Easter decorations and have them. I hvave some pastels, but lots of bright bold primary colors, too. Think of the bright colored tulips and other spring color. They are hardly dull colors. I am eagerly looking forward to mine blooming because the colors are inspiring.<br /><br />As for food, I supsect you aren't the only one looking for healthy eating alternatives as the Spring and Summer approach. I'm thinking of asparagus as I know I have a small patch coming up soon. There's a huge push to plan menus around what veggies are local for the season. Our local farm stand is due to open up on Patriots Day (this Monday) and DH and I are very excited about the chance to start getting fresher options for our food. This will influence some of our menu planning.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43396288291025937752014-04-16T13:56:43.537-04:002014-04-16T13:56:43.537-04:00I am trying really hard to get back to routine and...I am trying really hard to get back to routine and set office hours. It's been hard having to constantly change every 6-12 weeks due to his clinical / work / school schedule. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84586062117115782562014-04-16T13:57:07.197-04:002014-04-16T13:57:07.197-04:00I bet so. We need to send out an SOS!I bet so. We need to send out an SOS!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85359459936557380432014-04-16T13:58:49.094-04:002014-04-16T13:58:49.094-04:00We worked on building our new 'trash to treasu...We worked on building our new 'trash to treasure' garden on Saturday only to have it rain and then snow. I am over Winter. I have never been really big on family celebrations, which I know might seem odd to most. Easter is one of those that is too Hallmarky for me. I would just prefer to enjoy my day off and not worry about who is going where and who is going to pick up/ cook what. It has become way more stressful than it should be. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47817627633802751682014-04-16T21:22:25.171-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.545-04:00We do what we do in order to get by. Normalcy is o...We do what we do in order to get by. Normalcy is overrated, especially when faced with a life with little sleep.<br /><br />a-z<br />donnaalam.comDonna Alamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430503710005904817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68745020144396413942014-04-16T23:27:45.796-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.543-04:00I don't worry too much about what others think...I don't worry too much about what others think. I do listen to what others are doing. For instance reading your blog inspired me to rethink my eating and exercise plans. However, if it hadn't "felt" right, I'd have said good for her and continued on my path. I can be open to new ideas, but they have to fit within my life for me to really incorporate them.<br /><br />So for me normal is what works. I am OK if I march to a different beat, but I do check in with the world to see if another beat might work better from time to time. If something seems like it might be worth trying I'm good with it. If not, I'm OK if what I do is not the "norm" others feel is important.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61722436661679132862014-04-16T23:30:40.694-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.540-04:00I get lots of traffic on the craft blog with minim...I get lots of traffic on the craft blog with minimal effort and it is the best in terms of monitizing. However, there isn't the personal connections with people I've made with the animal community.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90783476286251282592014-04-17T01:14:30.251-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.534-04:00I've been married 3 times. I could sleep with ...I've been married 3 times. I could sleep with hubbies 1 & 2, but hubby 3 is a thrasher and I've gotten less patient over the years. I still tried, ordering us a king size bed when we moved somewhere new, but he took our old bed, put it in the spare bedroom and slept there. Apparently, he hates my snoring. We sleep blissfully apart. A good night's sleep is a right and invaluable. I LOVE sleeping alone. Don't be fooled by the people who tell you what "normal" is - we're all individuals. Do what works for you.<br />(new follower)<br /><a href="http://lexacain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Lexa Cain’s Blog</a>Lexa Cainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07735576044552810103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23533115626657232862014-04-17T05:27:11.873-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.531-04:00I am sorry you go through the obesity thing. Altho...I am sorry you go through the obesity thing. Although I have a complete totally problem than you, (I struggle to keep the keep weight on due to metabolism and other problems) I know the struggles. Exercise has been a necessity my whole life because of my muscle condition (Cerebral palsy), I've slacked now and then but I make sure I do something, even if it is just walking down my long driveway to get the mail. And the wii board helps me. Doing a little is better than doing nothing at all :) Good luck :)Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37260022998664282912014-04-17T05:29:17.612-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.525-04:00It's now on my list to watch!It's now on my list to watch!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12560178043109703192014-04-17T05:35:54.338-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.518-04:00If we don't have any insecurities, we would no...If we don't have any insecurities, we would not be human. From what I've been reading, you write vey well. I have writing insecurities although I've had two professors tell me I need to publish something but I never think I am good enough. i have a hard time to blog once a week if that. Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21791809004438949692014-04-17T05:49:00.055-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.515-04:00Congrats on your MBA degree! Awesome.
I went to sc...Congrats on your MBA degree! Awesome.<br />I went to school and became a nurse but 6 years later I was deemed disabled. It just put me in a depression I didn't know I was going to come out of. Then by stroke of luck a few years later I was offered an at home part time medical transcription job (although I had no degree). I loved it but that went down the turbos 8 years later when depression hit me after a divorce and was not functionally. The right jobs will come along. I think we all have some sort of insecurity.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5758893623095674912014-04-17T06:01:59.132-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.509-04:00You don't sleep together because Hubby snores?...You don't sleep together because Hubby snores? Oh I know that feeling so well. I have found myself sleeping on the sofa. Ear plugs weren't helping either. I was also frightened because the way he would breathe, it sounded like it he was drowning I nagged and was grumpy on those morning afters. He FINALLY went see a doctor, had nasal surgery and it is 10x better. He sleeps on his stomach but sometimes when he sleeps on his back, snoring is not too bad but when it bothers him I tell him to turn over and it is all good. <br /><br />Everyone has their own normals I believe. My norm is going through life dealing with one medical woe after another. It's been my life since Day 1. Lately, I've been hating my norm. I've had enough! I think as i get older I am getting more tired of it. I just wish it would stop. Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42741646164215845272014-04-17T06:04:47.409-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.504-04:00Congrats on your opportunity! You do deserve a laz...Congrats on your opportunity! You do deserve a lazy day! Maybe try a lazy hour, start slow then maybe you can work up to a lazy day :)Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34443029453957735612014-04-17T06:08:11.976-04:002014-04-17T10:06:05.497-04:00I want to join the motivation search party! The sp...I want to join the motivation search party! The sporadic blog posts I have shows my lack of. I need to check out your YUM site.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89593269701359758412014-04-17T13:22:09.047-04:002014-04-17T17:59:51.832-04:00Sometimes you have to deal with the real stuff tha...Sometimes you have to deal with the real stuff that is holding you back before you can manage the stuff you want to do.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72285907357688461122014-04-17T14:28:26.924-04:002014-07-02T12:35:19.342-04:00Good for you. Start with where you are, not with ...Good for you. Start with where you are, not with where you dream you'll be. You can keep working up to where you want to be, but if you push yourself beyond what you can do with your physical challenges it is all to easy to justify quitting.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58201151604430178662014-04-17T14:31:52.271-04:002014-04-17T14:31:52.271-04:00From here on out I am going to have to agree!From here on out I am going to have to agree!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22411295078857463902014-04-17T14:33:17.128-04:002014-04-17T14:33:17.128-04:00I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. ...I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. It's just the whole not sleeping together has really been messing with me. I go in spurts. I want to accept it, but then other times it makes me feel horrible. I feel like we have so many cards stacked against us at times and then this is just one more thing that makes me feel like its never going to work out in our favor. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35959616156277100052014-04-17T14:35:11.119-04:002014-04-17T14:35:11.119-04:00Hubby 1 wasn't so much of a challenge. Few tim...Hubby 1 wasn't so much of a challenge. Few times he would have to head the couch. Earplugs generally worked. Then, the serious BF I had after that was alright. He snored, but it wasn't loud and he didn't thrash. Now, hubby 2 is a loud snorer and he thrashes. I am a light sleeper with joint issues. It doesn't work out well for me. Most times I really enjoy my space and sleeping alone. I actually get sleep. But, their are times when I miss sleeping with my husband. It is hard to find balance. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91766676614277841072014-04-17T14:38:21.970-04:002014-04-17T14:38:21.970-04:00Well I guess I am not the only one who sleeps alon...Well I guess I am not the only one who sleeps alone, judging from these comments. I was supposed to have a sleep apnea test, but chickened out. I have always slept with my mouth open, even as a kid. They thought removing my tonsils and adnoids would help. It didn't. I might fall asleep with mouth closed, but 9 times out of 10, it comes open. I snore. It has gotten worse since I put the weight on I am sure. Our dr. wanted husband to take a sleep test too. Maybe we need to get those scheduled. My medical issues can end any day too. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18376393181347533612014-04-17T14:51:34.692-04:002014-04-17T14:51:34.692-04:00Have you thought about joining some blog hops and/...Have you thought about joining some blog hops and/or link parties? Those are pretty fun and I know with YUM I tend to find a lot of folks who have DIY/Craft sections. They are really great people and reach out with followers.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65218290757808013432014-04-17T14:55:37.203-04:002014-04-17T14:55:37.203-04:00I've had my professors tell me that, too. I ha...I've had my professors tell me that, too. I have one of my creative writing stories I've been working on for publication. I just don't ever seem to have enough hours in the day to do everything I should be doing.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86880649404388588952014-04-17T14:57:07.179-04:002014-04-17T14:57:07.179-04:00Thank you so much. Now, if only I could figure out...Thank you so much. Now, if only I could figure out what to do with my life. I always thought I had it figured out once I graduated. Seems I was wrong. I guess I need to rethink my situation and try to look at my qualifications from a different angle and rebrand myself.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67705482280288827142014-04-17T14:59:34.887-04:002014-04-17T14:59:34.887-04:00My mother has the 'keep weight on' struggl...My mother has the 'keep weight on' struggles, so I know them very well. <br />I did do Walk Away the Pounds this morning. I really need to get back to some sort of routine. I feel so much better when I do.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3775425934645527392014-04-17T15:06:53.600-04:002014-04-17T15:06:53.600-04:00Thank you! I've been having some lazy mornings...Thank you! I've been having some lazy mornings, does that count?Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45730468457231232212014-04-17T15:07:31.302-04:002014-04-17T15:07:31.302-04:00I hope you enjoy your visit there : http://yumeati...I hope you enjoy your visit there : http://yumeating.comChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67968841744839108962014-04-17T19:12:10.008-04:002014-04-18T15:16:47.418-04:00Perhaps it's fear of failure or fear of succes...Perhaps it's fear of failure or fear of success. Perhaps it's just not the right time for you and something unconscious is holding you back. Don't worry so much about what you're accomplishing - as long as you're happy (or not unhappy), you're doing okay. When the time is right, you'll move on.Lexa Cainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07735576044552810103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63672451381540496682014-04-18T14:50:05.397-04:002014-04-18T15:16:47.410-04:00Not generally a cake person. The colors look fun ...Not generally a cake person. The colors look fun though.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11593640751390322502014-04-18T15:56:20.894-04:002014-04-18T15:56:20.894-04:00I think there is a lot of fear of not being able t...I think there is a lot of fear of not being able to pay bills. I can write all day long, but it's not brining me much money these days. I bid on jobs, but don't get them. :( Creating income from Kindle novels takes time. I need to get back to it, but I just haven't had much motivation to continue. My living environment has a lot to do with that.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33107678468228021352014-04-18T15:56:38.649-04:002014-04-18T15:56:38.649-04:00I really need a place of my own, away from everyth...I really need a place of my own, away from everything.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21538643159768125912014-04-18T17:22:08.379-04:002014-07-02T12:35:19.349-04:00I recently started back exercising and the feeling...I recently started back exercising and the feeling is great and pretty addicting. Great job!Jaye Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00191532844883941784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51002368130270788882014-04-18T18:47:57.663-04:002014-04-20T16:04:54.049-04:00I've never heard of poke cake. I must investig...I've never heard of poke cake. I must investigate further....Kate Larkindalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20569367984804427112014-04-19T14:09:23.743-04:002014-04-20T16:04:54.043-04:00I'd much rather read something interesting occ...I'd much rather read something interesting occasionally rather than a ton of bad quality.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82259723964316899652014-04-19T17:54:24.815-04:002014-04-20T16:04:54.040-04:00Good post. I sometimes think I need to post more b...Good post. I sometimes think I need to post more but I never want to post when I have nothing to say. What would be the point? Melanie Stanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065112319140571241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34111412944977243942014-04-21T14:06:53.542-04:002014-04-21T14:06:53.542-04:00I wish I wasn't. Thankfully, I don't make ...I wish I wasn't. Thankfully, I don't make it often. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34380537635075789152014-04-21T14:07:17.133-04:002014-04-21T14:07:17.133-04:00They are so fun!They are so fun!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41935235735875994242014-04-21T15:01:23.186-04:002014-04-22T16:53:37.235-04:00When we first started this new eating journey we s...When we first started this new eating journey we stuck with recipes that were already following our guidelines or had been redone to meet our guidelines. Now we are getting more adventurous and looking at old favorites and applying strategies we learned in previous recipes to remake old recipes healthier.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91947411973626155572014-04-22T15:11:45.477-04:002014-04-22T16:53:37.230-04:00That looks so good..I saved it. :)That looks so good..I saved it. :)Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61055282683439835172014-04-22T16:03:36.244-04:002014-04-22T16:53:37.225-04:00Good advice. I think it's hard to find the bal...Good advice. I think it's hard to find the balance as to how often. But also, it's hard to just keep it going after a long time. I've been going a while now because it has become a habit, but it's not like I'm making any money or fame doing it, it's just become What I Do. ;-) <br /><br />Visiting via A to Z from <a href="http://passthesourcream.com/series/a-2-z-2014/" rel="nofollow">Pass the Sour Cream</a>. Co-Author (with my sons) of <a href="http://passthesourcream.com/go/kite-hill" rel="nofollow">The Secret of Kite Hill</a>.Bradley Charbonneauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05714929594179137473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17078730820977376162014-04-22T22:24:29.196-04:002014-04-24T10:06:54.589-04:00I'm sorry that has to be so frustrating. I do...I'm sorry that has to be so frustrating. I do hope a better opening comes along for him. I also hope you find something that helps financially and is interesting and fufilling, too.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2916130178702623552014-04-23T06:33:28.325-04:002014-04-24T10:06:54.586-04:00I agree, I always enjoy hearing other bloggers, es...I agree, I always enjoy hearing other bloggers, especially ones much greater than I, opinion on these types of things. Much appreciated.<br /><br />Only 1 week to go for and we made it through the A to Z Challenge (whereby quantity has often defeated out quality in the quest to post daily)! (oops)thehlz.comhttp://thehlz.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48505436736952250122014-04-23T19:10:08.088-04:002014-04-24T10:06:54.579-04:00Best of luck! I don't have anything more to of...Best of luck! I don't have anything more to offer than wishes, but hopefully they'll help you pull through.kelworthfileshttp://kelworthfiles.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71936165392112479822014-04-24T09:51:59.741-04:002014-04-24T10:06:54.575-04:00So sorry for your hardships. Best of luck with eve...So sorry for your hardships. Best of luck with everything. New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge, and I look forward to visiting again.<br /><br />Sylvia<br />http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.comSylvia Neyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09700149683391617521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14598683582319723652014-04-24T10:34:14.903-04:002014-04-24T14:32:51.055-04:00I think it is important to make those real world c...I think it is important to make those real world connections. I hope it all worked out for you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91062495227765259032014-04-24T11:27:11.372-04:002014-04-24T14:32:51.048-04:00Choosing to seem him or not is your choice. Findi...Choosing to seem him or not is your choice. Finding a way to forgive and let go is a gift for yourself that you owe yourself. It is a hard thing to do, but worth it. Finding that peace is a unique journey for each person. Some never make it. I can only say it is worth the trip.<br /><br />I was able to make peace with my father before he died by phone. Our situation was thankfully not as severe as yours, but had its own pain. I really wish I could have left it there and been done. My mother was getting some bad financial advice that could have had long term consequences and I ended up flying down to see him before he died. I don't regret solving her problems, I regret that I couldn't have been allowed to leave things as they were before I went to the hospital. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have gone into that hospital. I'd have met my Mom offsite and then gone home. I was good and then things got really bad.<br /><br />I did come to an understanding about the past and I'm glad about that. However, I would give a great deal to not have had all the conflicts/drama/and crap that came with that visit. Two of my sisters didn't go and both constantly push me about how guilty they feel for not going. My response is always the same, I only wish it had been an option for me to not go because an in person visit was not going to make peace. That happened when I chose to let go. The rest was built on expectations of TV drama. They aren't not at peace because they didn't visit. They aren't at peace because they haven't let go of the past and chosen forgiveness.<br /><br />You have to decide what works for you. If you feel you need to see him to have a sense of peace, do it quickly. My experience with my father was at the end it was pointless. He wasn't there anymore and it was just about the drama that came with all the expectations of him going. At least in our phone conversations we were able to communicate. At the end it was just torture. I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone. I have sat with loved ones I've been close to as they approached death and it hurt beyond belief, but there was a sense of connection and love. As much as it hurt I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I know they took comfort from me being there and I felt blessed to be there for as long as I had them. If there had been any other way to get my Mom to deal with the major financial mistakes she was about to make, I'd never have gone and frankly I still don't believe I'd have regretted it.<br /><br />Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86447793539356422052014-04-24T16:43:31.196-04:002014-04-24T16:52:10.771-04:00Wow. That's a hard choice you have to make. I ...Wow. That's a hard choice you have to make. I have no advice to offer, just an ear to listen if you need it. Melanie Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11622191037152999869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17407753623323355452014-04-25T12:10:13.204-04:002014-04-25T16:47:51.665-04:00I am a mouth breather too Chrystal. It's just ...I am a mouth breather too Chrystal. It's just the way I breathe. Sleep apnea test is very simple and maybe it won't be as bad as you think :). Good luck!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78224091033070809442014-04-25T12:12:33.021-04:002014-04-25T16:47:51.657-04:00I have. You make me hungry and crave food though l...I have. You make me hungry and crave food though lol.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4533495107258864842014-04-25T12:13:07.839-04:002014-04-25T16:47:51.653-04:00I have enjoyed it. You make me hungry thought :)I have enjoyed it. You make me hungry thought :)Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18832183028218005882014-04-25T12:19:21.311-04:002014-04-25T16:47:51.645-04:00I like certain cakes but usually don't have th...I like certain cakes but usually don't have them except for birthdays. I had never heard of a poke cake. interesting. Oh and I don't bake sweets. My Hubby is my BakerMan but he usually only does muffins, cookies and cupcakes :)Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74936781398745628012014-04-25T12:22:31.256-04:002014-04-25T16:47:51.635-04:00I am sorry you and Hubby are going through such a ...I am sorry you and Hubby are going through such a tough time. Maybe something better will come along for him. I'll wish and pray for both of you.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4149002807608463812014-04-25T12:39:21.780-04:002014-04-25T16:47:51.625-04:00Bailey is so wise and think about what she said. I...Bailey is so wise and think about what she said. It is a hard choice. I had to forgive someone for my own sanity and it took years. However, I came to a point that it was destroying me more than that person. I had and continue to have animosity towards him but forgiving him set me free. What he does or says does not have any control over me anymore. Such a free feeling. I didn't feel like I owed that person anything and I didn't tell him that I forgave him. That is between me, myself and God. You do what you think it is right. There is not a wrong answer here. Good luck!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-858717618269808242014-04-25T12:45:23.514-04:002014-04-25T16:47:51.620-04:00You do what is right for YOU. There is no wrong ch...You do what is right for YOU. There is no wrong choice. Go by your heart and gut. Always remember if you ever can find it within you to forgive, you don't have to forget or never will. I had to forgive someone, it took years of anger, hurt and frustration to get there but I realized it was destroying me. I forgave him in my heart and a load off my shoulder was lifted. Of course, different situation for me. And that person doesn't know he was forgiven because I don't feel like he deserves it or even cares. I know you will make the right decision…for you and no I don't see you heartless at all!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1535622029473038522014-04-25T12:53:42.685-04:002014-04-25T12:53:42.685-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52403834554915795502014-04-25T13:00:07.733-04:002014-04-25T13:00:07.733-04:00It's such a hard choice because I am not sure ...It's such a hard choice because I am not sure I like the outcome of either. I just don't want any regrets or 'what ifs' as I have enough of them in my life. I just don't see what the good is for me to go see him. I don't see it ending well. I'll never be able to get out what I really want to say. <br /><br />I went through the whole forgiveness task in my 20s when the biological dad issue came to be. That is what sent me to therapy. I had seen a therapsit at 16 when I told my mother what happened. I went a few times alone, we went a few times as a family, and the never again. I do wish my mother would have advocated for me to stay in therapy longer at that age. I think I could have used it. At any rate, the counselor I saw in my 20s sent me to a psychatrist. Things had gotten worse and there were signs of extreme anxiety and PTSD that started to come forward. Things I had locked away were starting to surface. The road to recovery was long and painful. <br /><br />I did, in time, get a little better. I was in remission when I moved here. In 2 years I had lost my grandparents, my husband and moved across the states. That sent me backwards but I had no means for care. Then, the dad and the move and his issue with thinking I was trying to scam him made things worse. I found comfort in the wrong things and perhaps wanting to get away from him and my mom is how I ended up here in this house. <br /><br />My thing is if he is so drugged up for comfort, what point is it. Does it become more for him or for me?<br /><br />At the end of the day, its painful either way. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36804565966018983542014-04-25T13:04:25.585-04:002014-04-25T13:04:25.585-04:00It was just what I needed. I even went up there la...It was just what I needed. I even went up there last night for a seminar. It was really uncomfortable walking in and not really knowing anyone. There was a meal provided. An elderly lady was alone, so I went to sit by her. We started to talk. She had only been at my church a few months and that was the time I was away. Before I knew it, more people joined us. And then, people I knew! When the meal was over and we went into the auditorium, I did not see her. So I went to sit in my usual spot where I sit during service. Another lady who had joined us motioned for me to sit with her (shes also friends with husbands mom and dad) and then before I knew it, I had another lady on the other side of me that I knew. It felt nice to be a part of a crowd for once, even though I still dont know where that lady I first sat by with went off to. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27143045870550856372014-04-25T13:05:22.756-04:002014-04-25T13:05:22.756-04:00I am trying to remain positive. It is so hard when...I am trying to remain positive. It is so hard when it seems like these things just keep happening.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10915192556315479212014-04-25T13:05:37.284-04:002014-04-25T13:05:37.284-04:00Thank you so much!Thank you so much!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44043795146838253082014-04-25T13:05:57.380-04:002014-04-25T13:05:57.380-04:00Thank you !Thank you !Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14117428079901102492014-04-25T13:08:32.225-04:002014-04-25T13:08:32.225-04:00I have to agree. I have to agree. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4200756473195690922014-04-25T13:09:10.181-04:002014-04-25T13:09:10.181-04:00I know some might argue that it helps with pagevie...I know some might argue that it helps with pageviews. But I would rather promote an old post that is wonderful than spend time writing a post that is crap. Both will earn me pageviews.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8574007222464086972014-04-25T13:10:13.404-04:002014-04-25T13:10:13.404-04:00I don't have a schedule for this website. For ...I don't have a schedule for this website. For my food site I try to post on MWF and then spend the rest of the time promoting, working on new recipes and photo sets, or doing some of my freelance work. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8325619894007343912014-04-25T13:16:24.521-04:002014-04-25T13:16:24.521-04:00I think challenges serve their purpose. It helps w...I think challenges serve their purpose. It helps writers form their habit and perhaps hone a bit of their craft. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48375729165739497082014-04-25T13:29:02.595-04:002014-04-25T13:29:02.595-04:00Thats what I need to do. The big problem I have is...Thats what I need to do. The big problem I have is that I buy whats on sale and cheap. So, we tend to eat differently, often.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2924312320734062722014-04-25T13:29:16.532-04:002014-04-25T13:29:16.532-04:00Thanks so much!Thanks so much!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17943755912761118412014-04-25T18:38:49.650-04:002014-04-26T13:50:43.378-04:00That was me yesterday for U. U was for Uhhhh.... b...That was me yesterday for U. U was for Uhhhh.... because I had nothing to say. Now I've got to find something for tomorrow's W!Melanie Stanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065112319140571241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80438969769159265992014-04-25T18:49:27.289-04:002014-04-26T13:50:43.374-04:00Hopes for less stress and a better things in the c...Hopes for less stress and a better things in the coming week.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87932350610691321782014-04-27T11:32:09.507-04:002014-04-28T11:11:33.616-04:00Big Hugs to you!Big Hugs to you!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71476594032489445642014-04-27T11:36:53.817-04:002014-04-28T11:11:33.606-04:00I understand the distraction but I am lucky enough...I understand the distraction but I am lucky enough Hubby has a job and when I do get the motivation I can freely write, unless someone knocks at my door and my phone rings, then all concentration and motivation goes out the window.<br /><br />I hope your Hubby finds a job soon.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-746427255016508972014-04-30T14:14:22.303-04:002014-04-30T16:35:09.536-04:00I'm glad to see you're celebrating finishi...I'm glad to see you're celebrating finishing this challenge; it is no small thing. Melanie Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11622191037152999869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47709798744451776132014-04-30T15:41:29.853-04:002014-04-30T16:35:09.533-04:00You know what you need to do and it sounds like yo...You know what you need to do and it sounds like you are making time to get there. Good luck.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84312964264696501392014-04-30T15:47:20.618-04:002014-04-30T16:35:09.526-04:00Pain or not I bet it felt good to make that person...Pain or not I bet it felt good to make that personal connection. I'm paying today for efforts made over the past week. I feel awful, but I don't regret getting out of my routine and paying the price. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39689145844152953922014-05-01T11:34:44.384-04:002014-05-01T12:46:36.831-04:00The topics sound interesting. I'd love a pers...The topics sound interesting. I'd love a personal chef.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74252307516104236512014-05-02T03:20:17.684-04:002014-05-02T13:47:21.285-04:00Well done on reaching the end of the challenge, it...Well done on reaching the end of the challenge, it sounds like you know what you need, you just need to do it, Wishing you every success.The Wicked Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17465460330758905673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65122451129432341032014-05-02T11:52:09.913-04:002014-05-02T11:52:09.913-04:00I think it would be pretty awesome!I think it would be pretty awesome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1953300664029170912014-05-02T11:57:38.477-04:002014-05-02T11:57:38.477-04:00It was difficult at times, but so much fun!It was difficult at times, but so much fun!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90158157427986326742014-05-02T11:57:58.398-04:002014-05-02T11:57:58.398-04:00One step at a time, right?One step at a time, right?Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75826491651164283572014-05-02T12:00:55.656-04:002014-05-02T12:00:55.656-04:00That is how I felt Sunday after church. I spent th...That is how I felt Sunday after church. I spent the first session in adult church and then second session upstairs with the 1st and 2nd grade girls. There is a lot of running around, dancing, and playing involved. My back and hips were not too happy with me after, but it was fun. I am making it a point to do as much activity as I can to get my body back in shape. I can't wait for the rain to clear so I can walk and we found a cheap gym that we hope to go to. I dusted off the treadmill, literally. I'm also looking forward to the garden. I think having something to get me moving is a step in the right direction. I have been stuck in this office chair way too long.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77310432157755649132014-05-02T12:01:49.013-04:002014-05-02T12:01:49.013-04:00I should have preplanned a little better! I should have preplanned a little better! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34708348979450136062014-05-02T12:02:00.619-04:002014-05-02T12:02:00.619-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80515494330844171362014-05-02T12:02:52.007-04:002014-05-02T12:02:52.007-04:00Thanks honey!Thanks honey!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65206151308232939522014-05-02T12:03:05.070-04:002014-05-02T12:03:05.070-04:00Hugs to you as well!Hugs to you as well!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30592644331265833582014-05-02T12:06:31.502-04:002014-05-02T12:06:31.502-04:00Tonight is graduation. He's not thrilled. He&#...Tonight is graduation. He's not thrilled. He's glad for school to be done, but since it did not provide him with a job like he had planned/thought/believed, he's rather bummed about it. He is going to help my cousin a few days next week, in construction. Which will help with money and he likes busy work. I just hope a hospital calls soon to offer him a job. I know how he feels though, I got my MBA last year and now I am not really using it like I thought I would. <br /><br />I have to turn my phone volume off so that I don't have that distraction! I can barely function with the noise around me that I do have. <br /><br />I want a shed to turn into an office, then I can join the shedworking movement ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64311386330385538072014-05-02T12:07:39.522-04:002014-05-02T12:07:39.522-04:00I think that is why I am never going to lose weigh...I think that is why I am never going to lose weight LOL. Every time I have to work on a post for yum, I get hungry!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64410489411098685642014-05-02T12:08:46.249-04:002014-05-02T12:08:46.249-04:00Once he gets back to work and we get good insuranc...Once he gets back to work and we get good insurance again, I will definitely be looking into a sleep test.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91198627005532097182014-05-02T12:10:29.905-04:002014-05-02T12:10:29.905-04:00I don't make a lot of cakes either. I have bee...I don't make a lot of cakes either. I have been doing cupcakes because they are portioned and then I send the rest of them with kiddo to take to her moms house when she leaves for the weekend. There is a brother and 2 sisters that kiddo can share the treats with. That way they are not in my house! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38824039560344993542014-05-02T12:13:29.858-04:002014-05-02T12:13:29.858-04:00Thank you Lisa, so much for this. I did let a lot ...Thank you Lisa, so much for this. I did let a lot of it go, once. Then he hurt me again and it brought all of that back, and then some. It's a hard choice, but at the end of the day, I have to think about my health and my own well-being as hard as that may be for others to understand. I crave that free feeling again. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35051253474768991782014-05-02T12:18:29.765-04:002014-05-02T12:18:29.765-04:00My gut tells me that I closed that door long ago. ...My gut tells me that I closed that door long ago. Opening it again is only going to cause me more pain and suffering. I have had enough. I forgave him for the abuse years ago after many years of therapy and medication. I learned answers as he answered all of my 'whys.' However, since the whole uhaul issue, I have relapsed. It has brought all those feelings back. He also had an accident a few years back, strung out on drugs, and he killed a man. Was in prison for vehicular manslaughter. I dont think seeing him is going to do any good for me. I fear, it will only make things worse. There is always that little 'what if' though sitting on my shoulder. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38931221304795615962014-05-03T13:01:07.612-04:002014-05-05T19:53:44.456-04:00You are so right, what's most important is you...You are so right, what's most important is your health and own well-being and whatever you decide will be the right choice!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36575614486194972062014-05-03T13:03:21.697-04:002014-05-05T19:53:44.448-04:00Your very welcome :)Your very welcome :)Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8168533544521383882014-05-03T13:06:11.760-04:002014-05-05T19:53:44.438-04:00Congrats for his graduation. Yea, its a shame with...Congrats for his graduation. Yea, its a shame with all the years of college, you can't do what you went there for. It totally sucks. I fear my daughter may be going through that in the near future. I will pray a hospital will call for him too. <br /><br />The shed working movement sounds cool!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69297664080687813932014-05-03T13:16:45.013-04:002014-05-05T19:53:44.430-04:00I was wondering what x would be! Don't feel ba...I was wondering what x would be! Don't feel bad, I would have done the same thing and came up with the same results.<br /><br />Your mother-in-law is a wise woman. Hubby and I have shared your views of religions. We were both raised Catholics by devout Catholic mothers. Although for a number of years I steered away from the church I still had my beliefs as I've written in some posts. I've also had my doubts about God and everything religious but it always boils down to having Faith in something. If you don't have Faith, what else is there to turn to? Hubby and I returned to Mass every weekend although we have our doubts and disagreements with the CHURCH. The way I try to look at it is I'm going see God, not the priest or church etc.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58754324738900367232014-05-03T13:20:57.658-04:002014-05-05T19:53:44.420-04:00Great plan! As I tell Hubby sometimes the four wal...Great plan! As I tell Hubby sometimes the four walls close in on me and all it takes is for us to go out for dinner or church etc. And as you keep doing things, your body will get back into shape and hopefully it won't be as painful! Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53296206507134700562014-05-03T13:22:36.587-04:002014-05-05T19:53:44.410-04:00You rock! You completed a challenge! You rock! You completed a challenge! Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28734571765899203132014-05-03T13:25:38.604-04:002014-05-05T19:53:44.397-04:00It will be interesting!It will be interesting!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53215241759556883072014-05-07T19:19:16.748-04:002014-05-08T19:56:43.558-04:00Sounds like a great way to practice.Sounds like a great way to practice.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58435316739535515132014-05-08T15:43:29.591-04:002014-05-08T15:43:29.591-04:00For me, getting the BA was a means to better my li...For me, getting the BA was a means to better my life. I went back to school after my move across the states and the divorce. The MBA was just to prove to myself that I was smart, good, and could do it. I did and I graduated with honors. I am very proud of that because it makes me feel good abotu myself. My husband on the other hand, it was a means for him to further his career and get out of home health care and no longer be a tech, but be certified. So, its a bummer. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13561832607013655832014-05-08T15:44:47.892-04:002014-05-08T15:44:47.892-04:00I am really hoping so! I talked to a leadership pa...I am really hoping so! I talked to a leadership pastor today about taking leadership classes so that I can lead a group. We are discussing doing the new Daniel Plan. I think it might be a good option. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89896534932710298952014-05-08T15:45:32.843-04:002014-05-08T15:45:32.843-04:00Thank you so much and it was nice meeting you duri...Thank you so much and it was nice meeting you during the challenge.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48778634372132180162014-05-08T15:45:45.940-04:002014-05-08T15:45:45.940-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11588206647333083042014-05-08T16:20:29.470-04:002014-05-08T16:20:29.470-04:00I think it also has a lot to do with your church. ...I think it also has a lot to do with your church. When I was younger I went to Mass a few times with my grandmother. While there are things about the Catholic religion and churches I find beautiful, the very traditional ways are just that - traditional. But, just with anything the world around us has changed and sometimes you have to reevaluate things. I started my church journey around 2004/05 at LifeChurch.tv back in Oklahoma. It's non denomination and non judgemental. When I moved here to MI I was out of church for a while because I had no idea where I was going to find a church that was so accepting and did not push religion down my throat. I was very thankful when I met my current husband and he found out some friends went to our current church because that is how we landed there. It is Free Methodist, but it too is very laid back and not judgy or stuffy. It's very contemporary and I just adore the people there. I don't feel like I have to go to church to find God. Organized religion is not my thing. I find peace in going to church and connecting with human beings. I just take what I can from it. That works for me. Thank you for sharing your story with me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89246894247299745642014-05-08T16:25:29.871-04:002014-05-08T16:25:29.871-04:00So far, it has been fun. I have been busy this wee...So far, it has been fun. I have been busy this week so the posts are coming late in the day!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61362941313314575332014-05-12T15:26:06.658-04:002014-05-12T16:59:49.415-04:00Contrary to what people say, deaths don't ofte...Contrary to what people say, deaths don't often create happy reunions like they do on TV dramas. There is often drama, but it often just leads to deeper and more unresolved pain. I wish you well on this journey. It is not an easy one. <br /><br />Your father had many chances to seek healing and peace. The deathbed is hardly the most appropriate time to try to make amends. What others believer or think is not important. It is important to work through this at your own pace. Frankly, I for one am tired of being lectured to by everyone who has lost a parent telling me I will feel/regret, etc. After all they still miss... They have no idea what I feel having been down this road. Nor, can I truly say what others will experience when it comes time to bid farewell to a less than healthy relationship with a parent. If they feel sorrow I offer them compassion and comfort. However, PLEASE stop lecturing me on how I did feel or will feel when I lose my other less than healthy relationship with my remaining parent. Truly, they have no idea.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21344015698136384732014-05-12T17:09:11.085-04:002014-05-12T17:09:11.085-04:00I will never understand why people think they know...I will never understand why people think they know best about our lives. It makes no sense to me. They did not live our life, they really have no idea. They may have a similar situation, but it is still not mine. <br /><br />I did wrestle with some regret, only because I feel like everything my cousin has been telling me about my father was exaggerated truths. Somewhat true, some false, but stretched for her own drama absorbing purposes. I think she drove the wedge between us further and I often wonder if not for her if he and I would have come to terms in our relationship again. <br /><br />At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter because he always picked drugs over me. Drugs ruined him and the end result is all the mental trauma I have to deal with. He is no longer suffering. <br /><br />We just have to keep pushing forward and do what we can that is the best for us. We create our lives, not anyone else.<br /><br />Thank you, for always being there. To listen to my story all these years and offering your words of friendship.<br /><br />It has meant more to me than you could ever realize. Give Bailey and Katy a big hug from me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41591654372370928092014-05-13T10:14:45.245-04:002014-05-13T12:59:17.151-04:00Wow, I'm so glad I found you, thank you for sh...Wow, I'm so glad I found you, thank you for sharing your words they are so important! (all of them, I've been going back over your posts) Sending you big time healing hugs, a mountain of virtual tasty treats & universal happiness from the stars you see at night to the ground that supports you & every fun thing in between! :) MichelleMichelle Wotrubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10534260408166451300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24406626795309410112014-05-13T12:44:52.068-04:002014-05-13T12:59:17.149-04:00I stumbled across your blog from The Tasty Tuesday...I stumbled across your blog from The Tasty Tuesday link up. I saw your food blog, then saw your Pinterest, saw you liked Harry Potter and found myself here. You are so brave for speaking out and I'm sure you have helped more people than you will know. I look forward to reading more from you- Crystal from Finding CrystalCrystal Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15406523454874465621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7549135898728408072014-05-14T14:04:42.783-04:002014-05-14T15:47:49.341-04:00Sadly, we can't make those choices for others....Sadly, we can't make those choices for others. They have to want to move forward.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8244455946353066962014-05-15T10:30:18.038-04:002014-05-16T12:30:02.724-04:00Good for you. Working through it is going to be a...Good for you. Working through it is going to be a challenging but worth while experience.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49895934818922793482014-05-15T13:21:33.002-04:002014-05-15T13:21:33.002-04:00Very true. I will always wish her well, silently. ...Very true. I will always wish her well, silently. It's just too toxic for me to allow in my life.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72129664878814165542014-05-15T13:25:49.350-04:002014-05-15T13:25:49.350-04:00I felt really silly, but I actually had a little f...I felt really silly, but I actually had a little fun with it!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9249783620781161592014-05-15T13:51:57.077-04:002014-05-15T13:51:57.077-04:00Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to r...Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read. It really means a lot Michelle. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70431748681123986742014-05-15T13:52:39.252-04:002014-05-15T13:52:39.252-04:00Hi Crystal! Welcome to the other side of my life! ...Hi Crystal! Welcome to the other side of my life! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39286952604937759622014-05-15T14:39:43.697-04:002014-05-16T12:30:02.716-04:00Hi Chrystal,
I'm so impressed with your hones...Hi Chrystal, <br />I'm so impressed with your honesty and courage and ability to speak in such a raw emotional yet learned way. It indicates to me that you have done a lot of work on yourself and your insight and self awareness is admirable. I have counselled women who are survivors of sexual abuse and my heart is with you, my friend. Big hugs to you and continued courage on your journey. Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05292663805829818012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18489849395483267062014-05-16T15:30:09.184-04:002014-05-16T15:30:09.184-04:00I agree. And, it might take me a few years. LOLI agree. And, it might take me a few years. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51950904789730192182014-05-16T15:35:57.132-04:002014-05-16T15:35:57.132-04:00Thank you Robyn. I have spoken about my father on ...Thank you Robyn. I have spoken about my father on other websites I used to have. Some of those posts were moved here when I closed those sites. I also have quite a few posts here about it. Over the years with these various sites I have had a few people reach out to me and tell me thank you for helping them with sharing my words. <br /><br />At the end of the day I often feel there is a higher calling for me. That perhaps I should be reaching out to others like me in a larger venue. That I should share my voice as I always have, but in a larger manner. I would love to help other survivors in some way, I am just not sure how. <br /><br />Thank you for your kind words!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58076127961095808472014-05-20T14:09:35.831-04:002014-05-21T18:07:14.812-04:00Very often women who are survivors of abuse tend t...Very often women who are survivors of abuse tend to look at careers in social work and counselling. Something usually happens to point you in the direction. An event which may indicate that it is your calling. My suggestion would be to volunteer at a women's shelter or crisis centre to see if it's something you might be interested. It can be pretty intense and it can also 're-traumatize' a person, so it's good to put your toes in the water before jumping in headlong.<br />Good luck to you, Chrystal. Whatever you choose, you have the strength to make a difference!Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05292663805829818012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65946210795732567652014-05-27T11:37:01.466-04:002014-05-29T08:37:34.865-04:00Chrystal, many people call me an inspiration. I be...Chrystal, many people call me an inspiration. I beg to differ. But I do think you are an inspiration. I can't imagine how hard it was for you but you made your decision and continue to stand by it. You are stronger than you think you are.<br /><br /><br /><br />I understand your mother's worry as I do with my daughter. I feel the guilt your Mom has although different reasons. But your mother and I are so blessed for daughters that we have. <br /><br />I have a cousin like yours, for my own sanity, I let her go because all she did was bring negativity in my life. <br /><br />You will pull through because you have that strength. God BlessLisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87170252868477997112014-05-29T09:09:19.188-04:002014-05-29T10:19:27.604-04:00Great baskets. My Dad is gone. FIL is getting sp...Great baskets. My Dad is gone. FIL is getting sports tickets to see a game with his son when he visits this summer.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54466766944174741172014-05-29T10:02:42.237-04:002014-05-29T10:19:27.601-04:00Now is about that time to start thinking of these ...Now is about that time to start thinking of these things :)Sandra Harriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14829605756204243809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19382712941414504362014-05-29T12:38:22.247-04:002014-05-29T16:13:16.026-04:00I love your review, you can tell instantly that yo...I love your review, you can tell instantly that you connected with the writing, that it had captured you and made you think. Wishing you luck with your own.The Wicked Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17465460330758905673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45599693640791358012014-05-30T07:32:54.968-04:002014-05-30T11:34:07.184-04:00Thanks for the great ideas. Thanks for the great ideas. Melanie Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11622191037152999869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50920589421275235882014-06-03T10:29:19.533-04:002014-06-03T10:29:19.533-04:00You know about my dad. My FIL has 2 daughters and ...You know about my dad. My FIL has 2 daughters and a son. I take no part in his gift. ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21770323832591664212014-06-03T10:29:36.382-04:002014-06-03T10:29:36.382-04:00I wouldn't mind some of these baskets for myse...I wouldn't mind some of these baskets for myself! :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42741208961122188442014-06-03T10:29:51.988-04:002014-06-03T10:29:51.988-04:00Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to r...Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64248875744640793662014-06-03T10:43:31.935-04:002014-06-03T10:43:31.935-04:00Thank you so much Lisa for your words and gift of ...Thank you so much Lisa for your words and gift of a virtual friendship.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60138060720633213962014-06-03T10:54:44.600-04:002014-06-03T10:54:44.600-04:00Thank you so much. It really was an interesting re...Thank you so much. It really was an interesting read.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85460617205849510682014-06-03T11:15:51.276-04:002014-06-03T11:15:51.276-04:00That's really a great idea. I just wish I live...That's really a great idea. I just wish I lived a little closer to some of those types of establishments. Where I live, with gas prices and an SUV, its hard for me to volunteer anywhere. :(Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22469686024086941202014-06-03T19:51:26.939-04:002014-06-04T13:46:47.512-04:00It is sad. I never wrote for Helium, but I wrote ...It is sad. I never wrote for Helium, but I wrote for some of the others and it was my life line when I left teaching. I haven't done any for years, but I know how important it was for me to have those places to go where you could generate some income and feel like you had some options when the outside world wasn't working for you. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42705643576349796342014-06-03T20:19:58.847-04:002014-06-04T13:46:47.489-04:00I hadn't heard that. It is sad.I hadn't heard that. It is sad. Melanie Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11622191037152999869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81956826612874170402014-06-04T16:12:05.130-04:002014-06-04T16:12:05.130-04:00I did really well with Helium. Sad to see it go. I...I did really well with Helium. Sad to see it go. I have quite a few articles to rewrite and clean up. I really think that I can make them better and put them somewhere else. It will take some time to go through them all. I have shut down most of my rev share sites. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88225562847649329032014-06-04T16:12:24.693-04:002014-06-04T16:12:24.693-04:00Very much so. Thank you for stopping by.Very much so. Thank you for stopping by.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41111393991029377502014-06-09T17:53:30.692-04:002014-06-10T16:32:16.290-04:00Sorry haven't seen it or written about it. Gu...Sorry haven't seen it or written about it. Guess I'm out of the loop. :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10428108776186927962014-06-13T21:36:07.599-04:002014-06-14T15:57:24.567-04:00YES!!!! I liked the movie but seriously I'm si...YES!!!! I liked the movie but seriously I'm sick of all the bloggers writing "Top 10" Lists of why it is so great or why it's so bad. And all the song parody's are RIDICULOUS!! Can we move on and write internet parody's for the next disney movie like maleficient or how to train your dragon 2?Beth Anne @ Beth Anne's Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08015984989737705564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60450952113205355402014-06-14T15:58:47.503-04:002014-06-14T15:58:47.503-04:00The movie is great. But, its been killed. ;)The movie is great. But, its been killed. ;)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45105160353961276102014-06-14T16:00:35.794-04:002014-06-14T16:00:35.794-04:00It seems to be a trend. Writers block? Do a top 10...It seems to be a trend. Writers block? Do a top 10 post of other peoples stuff. Especially when more and more bloggers start appearing because they heard how their friend is making money doing it. They'll ride the trends not really figuring out how to find their own voice and be original. Then, they quit because they didn't make the sort of money they thought they would. Let's face it, writing about a popular topic gets them pageviews. I get it. But, lets try to be original about it and stop using other peoples stuff. Or, like you said, lets close the door on Frozen and pick a new movie. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55965317974051412782014-06-25T17:07:42.972-04:002014-06-27T13:54:45.629-04:00I have to wear the high numbered sutff, but I hate...I have to wear the high numbered sutff, but I hate the way it feels. DH found some sensitve skin stuff last year and it does make a difference. Before I'd be itching to get home and shower the stuff off. Now I can at least tolerate it.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8558584859450388592014-07-01T14:01:07.211-04:002014-07-01T14:01:07.211-04:00I wear whatever is given to me or we grab on sale....I wear whatever is given to me or we grab on sale. We have a variety here. I just hate how they smell. I am liking this Clearly Sheer though. Its more like a regular lotion. I am also trying my hand at homemade sunscreen.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36331886056954542742014-07-06T10:14:09.861-04:002014-07-06T15:59:11.818-04:00I hate walking away from a book when I start it so...I hate walking away from a book when I start it so I rarely do. I have maybe 4 times in my lifetime. Thanks for the review. I'll stay away from that one :)Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51729526009078205992014-07-06T10:40:31.901-04:002014-07-06T15:59:11.813-04:00Chrystal, I'm sorry that Critical Condition di...Chrystal, I'm sorry that Critical Condition didn't hold your interest. However, I note that you also didn't enjoy Vanetta Chapman's latest, although both that one and Critical Condition have received great reviews from the majority of readers. No problem. It's impossible to write a book that everyone will enjoy. As you say yourself, "I have a certain set of rules when it comes to reading and if those authors don't fall within my rules than I have no choice but to walk away from the book" <br />Thanks for accepting the copy of the book provided to you by the publisher and attempting to read it. Better luck with the next one.<br />Richard Mabryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15993592219849830777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91546171385335812992014-07-10T13:48:51.311-04:002014-07-10T13:48:51.311-04:00It happens. You can't please everyone. Just li...It happens. You can't please everyone. Just like there are some that enjoy my fiction while others do not. Thank you for allowing me the chance to review.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49897464209404852212014-07-10T16:37:36.991-04:002014-07-10T16:37:36.991-04:00I do it a lot, but I think its because I have so m...I do it a lot, but I think its because I have so many books to review. When I am picking books for myself, it doesnt happen. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32042397424448448502014-07-12T13:34:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.041-04:00It really is hard to work from home.My home office...It really is hard to work from home.My home office is my kitchen and my stove ;)Mommy's Kitchennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19904962060385910392014-07-14T09:50:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.047-04:00I tend to go in spurts. I find its best if there i...I tend to go in spurts. I find its best if there is no one home for me to talk to! Thanks for visiting my new site Lisa. I hope to have a lot of good stuff in the days ahead.wahchrysnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53930681855393326662014-07-21T23:30:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.178-04:00Hi Chrystal. Your such a special person. You are ...Hi Chrystal. Your such a special person. You are very smart, and can move your way around the computer so well. I envy that. You really opened your heart out on this site. you are really a very caring person. I just wish that you would open your heart to me, and let us become closer.. Love ya,<br>SueSue McConnellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51540520573036669672014-07-28T15:06:27.924-04:002014-07-31T13:01:12.186-04:00I don't think people ever get over this kind o...I don't think people ever get over this kind of abuse, but if they wish to move forward they do have to find a way to cope with it and to decide they are worthy of a future. I do pray that you can reach that point because you DESERVE a future where you can function and live with this past, but not be held prisoner by it.<br /><br />Sadly, many of us have drama people in our lives. They are effective at making the world about them. Threatening suicide is the lowest form of this drama, but as I'm sure you have experienced it comes in many painful forms. It isn't on your shoulders to manage their health. It is up to you to be responsible for your own and what you did by calling her sister was a very thoughtful, caring, responsible gesture. <br /><br />Everyone has choices to make when family dies. I have sisters who chose not to visit my father when he was dying and I fully understood and supported their choice. If I could have been assured my mother's financial situation would have been stable, I think I would have opted out, too. The brutal family gathering is something I've invited distant relatives to more recent events to avoid a repeat of after that experience. (No blackmail just promises of food and drink I swear.) <br /><br />I do hope you find the solution to moving forward. His actions should not sentence you to a life trapped in the past.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18103962154470107042014-07-29T09:40:02.510-04:002014-07-31T13:01:05.647-04:00I think the most troubling comment is that you wis...I think the most troubling comment is that you wish you hadn't told your mother because your parents might have stayed together. Your father was a molestor and your mother needed to know that. It may not have turned out the way you hoped, but you needed to speak out. I suspect as bad as you think the outcome was in speaking, not speaking could have had worse outcomes for you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6292829533125083332014-07-30T06:09:47.067-04:002014-07-31T13:00:52.793-04:00You are such an inspiration Chrystal. You went thr...You are such an inspiration Chrystal. You went through all of that and you came out of it a very strong woman! My heart goes out to you. Hugs.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48535003100822716572014-07-30T06:11:56.380-04:002014-07-31T13:00:49.208-04:00I've read some of your posts about you endurin...I've read some of your posts about you enduring sexual abuse and my heart goes out to you. You went through a lot of crap but coming out of it stronger. You are truly an inspiration!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89018510308250557282014-07-30T10:34:06.654-04:002014-07-31T13:00:44.713-04:00I know the issue started to become more widely dis...I know the issue started to become more widely discussed as I was a child and people started coming forward with stories from the past. <br /><br />I am willing to believe it is a disorder, but it doesn't excuse or remove the need for abusers to be segregated from the populations they abuse and I think that is the danger that comes from how we approach the issue of how we discuss the causes of abuse. To date I'm not impressed with the treatment outcomes and the ability they have to control future abuses. Too many abusers decide not to continue treatment and they fall off the wagon. That is not something we can tolerate as a society.<br /><br />Perhaps an island community?Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68485118503587744942014-07-31T11:48:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.046-04:00Work in progress is a good thing. I'm sure you...Work in progress is a good thing. I'm sure you'll find your rhythm and no matter where you are you'll be found.Amanda Lovenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69101855456053815672014-07-31T11:57:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.040-04:00Best of luck on this website, Chrystal. You have a...Best of luck on this website, Chrystal. You have a great way with words, and I look forward to reading more from you!Dawnhttp://homemakinghacks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13692419227212745112014-07-31T11:58:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.033-04:00I hope your vision for this site comes true. You&#...I hope your vision for this site comes true. You're a great writer, and the only way to find out if something will take off is to try. Good on you!Courtneyhttp://optimisticmommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56270223558499739192014-07-31T12:04:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.028-04:00My blog has made so many transitions over the year...My blog has made so many transitions over the years. I purchased my domain name for my name when I got married (so almost 7 years ago) and it's always been a one-pager, like you had. Last year, when I was laid off, the first thing I did when I got home was update my blog and update my personal domain so that anyone who googled me found what I want them to find. (It helped.) I still want to do more with it, but I haven't figured out exactly what more I should do. :)Jaimehttp://lovejaime.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16062517675501713632014-07-31T12:10:51.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.022-04:00Hi :). Wow you have been doing blogging for a whil...Hi :). Wow you have been doing blogging for a while,I have only been doing it for 2 years and have only had 1 blog.I have had my off times where I just wanted to quit but I have kept at it lol.Looks forward to see what you have going on in the future.Kay Adeolahttp://www.kayadeolablog.co.uk/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64769267950270493962014-07-31T12:38:35.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.017-04:00I've started a few blogs myself over the years...I've started a few blogs myself over the years. Food blogs, craft blogs, lifestyle blogs, etc. However, my beauty blog is the one I feel the most connection with and the others have long since been deleted.Cassie @ Southeast by Midwesthttp://southeastbymidwest.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80201872435472615892014-07-31T14:40:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.070-04:00Good luck to you! Looks like you are off to a grea...Good luck to you! Looks like you are off to a great start and know what you want to do! Looking forward to visiting your site in the future!!Shop with Me Mama (Kim)http://www.shopwithmemama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11706352043505352972014-07-31T15:02:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.065-04:00Holy moly, you make me want to start a million blo...Holy moly, you make me want to start a million blogs! Unfortunately, HTML is far from being one of my strong points. Can't wait to find out what else you decide to dabble in. :-)Melissa Smithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28333693730206056582014-07-31T15:38:13.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.059-04:00Good luck with you blog. I am looking forward to f...Good luck with you blog. I am looking forward to following you and see just where it takes you. Welcome to the community!Jessicahttp://savegreenbeinggreen.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26236975997994294192014-07-31T15:44:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.055-04:00Hi Chrystal! <br><br>I'm a freelance writer as...Hi Chrystal! <br><br>I'm a freelance writer as well, and I love all of the new challenges and research that I face on a regular basis. Looks like you've had a very colorful writing journey like me. Looking forward to connecting with you more.Yona Williamshttp://blog.pickurgift.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26091579290675019002014-07-31T16:25:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.051-04:00Praying that everything gets off the ground and se...Praying that everything gets off the ground and set to what you dream for. I'm a pretty new blogger and have been praying for mine to get off the ground. Living in a small town and not knowing all the ropes doesn't help much. I'll be following yours!! :)Jamiehttp://tigerstrypes.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14517537895260832012014-07-31T17:20:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.075-04:00Yay - I am looking forward to getting to know you ...Yay - I am looking forward to getting to know you better over here. It definitley takes a little time to get into your groove, but you'll be rockin' it in no time.Robin (Masshole Mommy)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61960165237617794062014-07-31T19:25:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.079-04:00Best of luck on this blog! I need to get busy work...Best of luck on this blog! I need to get busy working on mine.Rachaelhttp://www.fitfamilyhappyfamily.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68786424208432587102014-07-31T20:52:57.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.100-04:00Wow, I had no idea you had so many websites! Can&#...Wow, I had no idea you had so many websites! Can't wait to see how this one evolves!Krystalhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39908640910260995602014-07-31T21:39:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.096-04:00Good for you, write away and don't worry about...Good for you, write away and don't worry about monetization! A lot of us forget that we started out wanting to write and then things changed, go back to your roots on occasion!Mitchhttp://www.gaynycdad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48771182588815982692014-07-31T21:53:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.110-04:00I love the name and tagline. I have been looking f...I love the name and tagline. I have been looking for a blog/name title that doesn't pigeonhole my blog. You nailed it.Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27489451119600548282014-07-31T21:56:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.105-04:00Congrats to you Chrystal! Will def be following y...Congrats to you Chrystal! Will def be following your new venture here!Debrahttp://theharriedmom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4158179908325077622014-07-31T23:45:23.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.121-04:00I know I'm excited for this new endeavor for y...I know I'm excited for this new endeavor for you! I can't wait to see what great posts you bring us.Carly Andersonhttp://www.LipglossAndCrayons.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57379556763533739112014-08-01T00:08:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.136-04:00Well hello, wishing you the best of luck. Can'...Well hello, wishing you the best of luck. Can't wait to get to know more!kristinhttp://www.ourordinarylife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11371764325500169762014-08-01T00:25:42.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.132-04:00Very exciting! It's all I can do to manage one...Very exciting! It's all I can do to manage one blog with all of my kids, so I'm impressed. :)Mickeyhttp://ahelicoptermom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69942957759087319082014-08-01T01:01:05.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.141-04:00Congrats on the new website. Looks like it will b...Congrats on the new website. Looks like it will be a great website for us to check out.Beth@KCMompreneurshttp://kcmompreneurs.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64522885765205580422014-08-01T07:16:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.155-04:00Wishing you luck on this new site. Have fun with i...Wishing you luck on this new site. Have fun with it.Debbie Dennyhttp://espacularaiesa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86047299232997573192014-08-01T08:34:11.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.173-04:00I am also a work from home mom and this post reall...I am also a work from home mom and this post really hit home with me. You new blog is going to be fabulous!Bekkihttp://domesticmommyhood.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47133557736363738522014-08-01T09:05:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.161-04:00Wishing you well on your journey. I think a title ...Wishing you well on your journey. I think a title that allows you to be all-encompassing is a great idea too.Roseyhttp://www.mail4rosey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16241711277064117432014-08-01T09:34:56.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.184-04:00Good luck to you with your new venture! I just sta...Good luck to you with your new venture! I just started a new blog last week and I can tell you, it's not easy to run more than one blog full time. Best of luck to you!Jenn @TheRebelChickhttp://therebelchick.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75284501509094270872014-08-01T09:59:40.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.012-04:00I know this statement very well! I have more websi...I know this statement very well! I have more websites and I also freelance write for other websites. It's tough, but with the food blog, even though I eat every day, I don't write about all of that because I do tend to eat the same things often. This website will give me something else to focus on instead of food.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76083846766998003432014-08-01T09:59:48.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.007-04:00Thank you!Thank you!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26937298566402987392014-08-01T10:00:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.001-04:00Thanks so much!Thanks so much!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44053518562472930432014-08-01T10:00:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.996-04:00Thank you so much!Thank you so much!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25877955128495452052014-08-01T10:00:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.990-04:00I hope so!I hope so!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1691459657575450882014-08-01T10:00:42.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.984-04:00Thank you Kristin. I hope we have fun here!Thank you Kristin. I hope we have fun here!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69464180719750205712014-08-01T10:00:51.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.978-04:00Thank you Carly.Thank you Carly.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77176609822829569882014-08-01T10:01:04.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.973-04:00Thanks so much Debra.Thanks so much Debra.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78213886669760209712014-08-01T10:01:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.967-04:00It took me 4 years to really figure out what to do...It took me 4 years to really figure out what to do with this domain! I am happy with it. I let it sit a while to make sure before I put this post out there and decided to launch it.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70623173733579375152014-08-01T10:03:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.961-04:00You are very right. I do have some websites that a...You are very right. I do have some websites that aren't really monetized and have been around a while. YUM is through Mode Media and their Foodie network and I am really happy I was accepted into their program since Yum isn't even a year old. Those ad networks are hard to get in to. I have high hopes for this website, but like any business it does take time to grow!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40588806106934506302014-08-01T10:03:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.956-04:00Yah, I am quite the hoarder. ;)Yah, I am quite the hoarder. ;)cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54064981482821406252014-08-01T10:04:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.950-04:00Thank you. You can do it!Thank you. You can do it!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10399919336392595232014-08-01T10:04:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.944-04:00I hope so. I have quite a few posts in draft. I ju...I hope so. I have quite a few posts in draft. I just want to get the theme taken care of before I go all hog wild and dropping posts.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20635290964820932302014-08-01T10:05:10.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.939-04:00I live in a small town and aside from family, I do...I live in a small town and aside from family, I don't know anyone around here. So I can relate to what you say.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10603573401839401042014-08-01T10:07:31.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.933-04:00It is very colorful! I love freelance writing. I a...It is very colorful! I love freelance writing. I am working on some packages to incorporate all things I enjoy doing and give me a bigger freelance portfolio. I am working on web certification for design and building sites. I am a beginner and can do many things. I help people a lot with their designs and installation. Now I can also offer a packet of articles too. I think its going to be a great things for me. The MBA really helps because I get a lot of technical articles and since tax was my 9-4 I get a lot of tax law and accounting work too.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49045746959624158662014-08-01T10:07:53.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.926-04:00Thank you so much!Thank you so much!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12862476766221901262014-08-01T10:08:53.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.920-04:00I think I have started that many in my blogging li...I think I have started that many in my blogging life. Hahah I know there are some that I have forgotten about too. I am ok with HTML. I've had to make some cheat sheet though. I am getting more familiar with CSS. Working on my Photoshop skills too!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64759430986080212182014-08-01T10:11:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.914-04:00Thanks so much Kim!Thanks so much Kim!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3705672867171224542014-08-01T10:13:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.908-04:00I can certainly understand that. I am finally lear...I can certainly understand that. I am finally learning that niche blogs dont really work for me, aside from food. And there is a trick to making that work long term for sure. So, since I have all these things I want to write about but dont want a separate blog for each of them (been there done that) I felt more of a lifestyle niche would be best so I could write about everything. I have a lot of things going on at my writing site but some of that stuff gets phased in an out. It's more just my rambling site than anything.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89500843296154176012014-08-01T10:14:28.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.903-04:00The only reason I think a person should quit blogg...The only reason I think a person should quit blogging is if they have outgrown their site and its not working for them and there is no way to rebrand it to make it work. Leave the site, create a new one and the last post on the old site should direct people to the new site.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14655310547913953992014-08-01T10:16:44.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.898-04:00So exciting! That's why I started a second sit...So exciting! That's why I started a second site recently, too. I still love my original, but I wanted something else for the things that didn't fit!Shellhttp://thesoccermoms.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-913450898620548042014-08-01T10:21:01.595-04:002014-08-01T10:21:01.595-04:00Perhaps we should clean up Alcatraz a bit and send...Perhaps we should clean up Alcatraz a bit and send them there. I firmly believe my father acted out because of what had been done to him. I spent many years in therapy working through this with him, which is why I was heartbroken when I moved to MI and he was so bad to me after all I stood by him through. I feel that if he would have had propper treatment and case workers who actually cared they could have saved him from the life he continued to live. Despite what he did to me, he was living with his own demons of what was done to him and the abuse that continued to happen in his family. I do not give him this as an excuse. But I do believe if he would have gotten help instead of hiding behind drugs, perhaps both our lives would of been different. All I can do from here is try to make my life better. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44284369738943570562014-08-01T10:24:27.666-04:002014-08-01T10:24:27.666-04:00There is always going to be a part of me that wish...There is always going to be a part of me that wishes I did not tell her. I carry a lot of guilt because he life isn't sunshine and rainbows. I see how she struggles today and how she just won't date because she is so untrusting. But, at the same time, I feel bad I did not tell her sooner. Sometimes I wish I did not tell her at all. The way I told her was wrong. It stopped when I was 12, but I did not tell her until I was 16. And I only told her because I was mad at him for following me to a party with my boyfriend. They would have divorced anyway, as I have learned. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42173040763775627292014-08-01T10:24:39.292-04:002014-08-01T10:24:39.292-04:00Thank you Lisa.Thank you Lisa.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66070424995351274032014-08-01T10:25:23.259-04:002014-08-01T10:25:23.259-04:00Thank you so much for your kinds words. That is wh...Thank you so much for your kinds words. That is why I talk about what happened to me. Over the years I have had people send me emails thanking me for this website because of the words they have found. To me, that is worth it. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41150545857586026372014-08-01T10:31:48.015-04:002014-08-01T10:31:48.015-04:00I am moving forward. It is a slow process right no...I am moving forward. It is a slow process right now because I find myself in this very dark place. I know I can heal. I healed from it once. Relapse is never fun but it happens. I can admit that. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80219296032435199702014-08-01T10:50:43.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.893-04:00It really helped me too when I had my one page. I ...It really helped me too when I had my one page. I had all my portfolios and such linked to it. As I started to write more my website was hit on less and less. So I figured I would take a leap of faith and use it for something good. If clients want to see more of my work all they have to do is search Google or Amazon.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8694163294082638822014-08-01T10:51:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.887-04:00Thank you so much. Staring any business is scary a...Thank you so much. Staring any business is scary and hard but can be so rewarding.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60691210029185868052014-08-01T10:51:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.882-04:00Thank you Dawn!Thank you Dawn!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41556248093501605202014-08-01T10:51:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.876-04:00I hope so Amanda!I hope so Amanda!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33147312226833915682014-08-01T10:52:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.870-04:00I am so glad I am not alone in this!I am so glad I am not alone in this!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7713080739659833482014-08-01T14:19:12.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.150-04:00Work in progress is a good thing. Every blog has t...Work in progress is a good thing. Every blog has to start somewhere right?Traceyhttp://justatraceblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76046327625666635312014-08-01T14:46:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.146-04:00Sending you lots of luck and positivity on this en...Sending you lots of luck and positivity on this endeavor! I have lots of site ideas in my mind....I just need more time. lol :)Lisahttp://momontheside.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44178070700733778512014-08-01T15:38:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.127-04:00Heck, I'm still a work in progress! All the be...Heck, I'm still a work in progress! All the best to you!Christiehttp://www.savingsaidsimply.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32694535530279881042014-08-01T16:51:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.084-04:00Good luck - I like the name Your accomplishments...Good luck - I like the name Your accomplishments are very impressive!Debbie L.http://greenandglassie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34499855826834340822014-08-01T16:58:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.865-04:00Very exciting! I love that you have the drive to h...Very exciting! I love that you have the drive to have more than one pot on the stove!Carly from The Puzzled Palatehttp://www.thepuzzledpalate.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30071960728362089142014-08-01T18:40:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.850-04:00I can absolutely relate to what you have said here...I can absolutely relate to what you have said here. A year ago I had a blog called 'The Things We Find Inside', but after sometime I realized that it wasn't really me anymore. It didn't fit into who I was and how I had grown. I closed it down and opened 'Tami Marie'. I feel by using my name, I can write about anything. I don't have to limit my postings, because as long as it is of interest to me, I can share it. <br><br>Very best of luck with your new site. :)Tamihttp://www.tami-marie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39112854668459716482014-08-01T20:34:52.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.844-04:00Time to get cozy and get blogging! So excited for ...Time to get cozy and get blogging! So excited for you and your blog. I can't wait to read more!Chrysa Duranhttp://thriftyjinxy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42914105189132606602014-08-01T21:15:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.838-04:00I am wishing you the best of luck on this new site...I am wishing you the best of luck on this new site. I am sure it will be a smashing success!Laurahttp://MomMart.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36801074689244317182014-08-01T21:48:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.833-04:00There's nothing wrong with a work in progress....There's nothing wrong with a work in progress. We all are. Looking forward to reading more here.Toniahttp://www.thechattymomma.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45371995491106874392014-08-01T22:14:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.827-04:00Good Luck. I am sure you will do wonderful things ...Good Luck. I am sure you will do wonderful things with this website!Dawnhttp://www.cheapisthenewclassy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6689257103269000732014-08-01T22:22:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.821-04:00Starting a new blog is so fun and exciting. It so...Starting a new blog is so fun and exciting. It sounds like you have lots on the go and I look forward to visiting your blog again,Ann Bacciaglianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57534217734554180332014-08-01T22:28:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.815-04:00I think Lifestyle is fun because it leaves you wid...I think Lifestyle is fun because it leaves you wide open, like you said! I hope your site becomes everything you hope for it. :)Liz Mayshttp://www.anutinanutshell.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84278247826149030242014-08-01T23:29:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.809-04:00How exciting! Congratulations on your new blog.How exciting! Congratulations on your new blog.Brettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34842025268969598602014-08-01T23:39:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.803-04:00Congrats on your new blog! i look forward to readi...Congrats on your new blog! i look forward to reading@Marina @ Mommy Snippetshttp://www.mommysnippets.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34908644244427439432014-08-02T09:20:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.798-04:00change and a new space can be a good thing. I have...change and a new space can be a good thing. I have wanted to start another blog but never made the leap. Good luckJenniferhttp://www.doubledutymommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52237318134009740782014-08-02T13:31:57.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.792-04:00good for you for making the change! It's hard ...good for you for making the change! It's hard to start over or revamp but it'll be worth it.Dinahttp://myunentitledlife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12930623782053645852014-08-02T19:53:13.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.860-04:00Thank you. This gives me 3 blogs to keep up with!Thank you. This gives me 3 blogs to keep up with!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13090897603657696172014-08-02T20:44:48.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.856-04:00Thank you so much Liz. I think so far the hardest ...Thank you so much Liz. I think so far the hardest part is the design and how I want things to look around here! I have plenty of material in draft to get me going!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18062833495791890082014-08-02T20:45:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.092-04:00Thank you Brett!Thank you Brett!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33270322414879287582014-08-02T20:45:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.088-04:00Thank you so much!Thank you so much!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61505080185442209212014-08-02T20:45:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.115-04:00Thank you! I think it will be hard at first to fin...Thank you! I think it will be hard at first to find balance, but I have faith.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65846650614413454012014-08-02T20:45:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.787-04:00Thank you!Thank you!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71315353984798376202014-08-02T20:45:57.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.781-04:00Thats the truth!Thats the truth!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37588527768758641692014-08-02T20:46:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.776-04:00Thanks so much Laura!Thanks so much Laura!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32309975204019053422014-08-02T20:46:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.770-04:00Thank you. I do hope this is a nice change of page...Thank you. I do hope this is a nice change of page from Yum Eating!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11674369964486676982014-08-02T20:46:52.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.765-04:00Isn't it funny how those things work out somet...Isn't it funny how those things work out sometimes!?!?!?cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3722418111616231692014-08-02T20:47:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.760-04:00I have been freelancing for a long time so I learn...I have been freelancing for a long time so I learned you can never have too many eggs in one basket!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41880380299740894722014-08-02T20:47:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.755-04:00Thank you so much!Thank you so much!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78363084193552561532014-08-02T20:47:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.750-04:00I think I will always be as well.I think I will always be as well.cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20433426031258500312014-08-02T20:48:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.745-04:00I can certainly understand. Thank you!I can certainly understand. Thank you!cmahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54764352469747065122014-08-03T08:50:58.506-04:002014-08-04T10:31:21.909-04:00I love this. Thanks for sharing!I love this. Thanks for sharing!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52831271858772184542014-08-03T10:35:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.740-04:00You are doing a wonderful job. I know that hard w...You are doing a wonderful job. I know that hard work is going to pay off!Feliciahttp://gogrowgo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84453368227701097952014-08-03T12:37:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.735-04:00Thank you Felicia!Thank you Felicia!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49375606880312585532014-08-03T16:13:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.730-04:00Good luck on your vision! It seems like you are on...Good luck on your vision! It seems like you are on the right track!Amandahttp://questionablechoicesinparenting.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22318133668527430152014-08-04T10:35:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.724-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29469858715914705572014-08-05T09:21:29.502-04:002014-08-05T22:28:40.276-04:00I would say it goes beyond fear and back to a loss...I would say it goes beyond fear and back to a loss of control. All those scenarios you speak of that create fear seem to come from situations that are beyond your control and thus do provoke fear if you associate others being in control with bad things. Not a therapist, but it does seem that these fears would be something an adult who didn't get help as a child would experience.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60061146958628912502014-08-05T10:00:54.669-04:002014-08-05T22:28:40.269-04:00Grief is challenging to deal with and we all proce...Grief is challenging to deal with and we all process it differently and frankly depending on the person and situation, it has been different for me depending on the loss. Some were shocks and quick hits that were frustrating because I didn't really know how to process them. Others I knew were coming and sometimes that was easier, other times not so much.<br /><br />I can say for me, much of it depended on the situation that was before the death. The person I grieve the most for is the person I lost who was closest to me. I just am so frustrated that I lost the one family member on my side I could turn to and not wonder what it was going to cost me in return. That kind of unconditional support is hard to lose. The next one that still keeps me up at night is do to a relationship that would never have been resolved. No matter how many times I try to work through it in my head 5 minutes or 50 years and this person would never have worked through the issues that made our family life challenging. However, I still can't help being frustrated he died with issues unresolved.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59821566097082188632014-08-05T12:42:11.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.720-04:00I have done the same, had a blog for years and did...I have done the same, had a blog for years and did nothing with it. Had my first and last name then lost it. Good luck!April Smith Decheinehttp://skinnyover40.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27744292836101507302014-08-05T12:57:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.714-04:00Good luck with the new site! I can relate with mu...Good luck with the new site! I can relate with much of what you've posted above, and I can't wait to see your new site blossom.StacieinAtlantahttp://thedivinemissmommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8592264302827140612014-08-05T20:28:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.709-04:00You have a great goal! Good luck with the new sit...You have a great goal! Good luck with the new site.Shannon Gosneyhttp://www.themommy-files.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36797428473044739112014-08-06T17:11:04.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.703-04:00Best of luck with the new site. i'm sure it w...Best of luck with the new site. i'm sure it will be fantastic!Racquelhttp://www.CreatingCookingandKiddos.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49758717434608187182014-08-07T14:17:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.076-04:00[…] 7: Back in November I made a post regarding a ...[…] 7: Back in November I made a post regarding a new candle company called Jewelry In Candles. I was pretty excited about this opportunity because at the time they […]My Update with Jewelry In Candles - Everyday Living with Chryshttp://chrystalmahan.com/update-jewelry-candles/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78381225264416759582014-08-07T14:21:56.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.373-04:00[…] I have a Jewelry In Candles update. For those ...[…] I have a Jewelry In Candles update. For those of you who have been keeping up with my new site, I posted an update back in January about some issues the company was having and how that spread into its direct sales agents. I was […]Jewelry In Candles Banana Nut Bread Reveal - Everyday Living with Chryshttp://chrystalmahan.com/jewelry-candles-banana-nut-bread-reveal/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75098111749261840842014-08-07T17:15:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.695-04:00Thank you so much.Thank you so much.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8512031329459875922014-08-07T17:15:35.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.689-04:00Thank you. Working on some tweaks now to get it lo...Thank you. Working on some tweaks now to get it looking a little better for me.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26164410033224095972014-08-08T12:25:42.000-04:002014-08-09T18:53:02.549-04:00Dear Chrystal,
That is A LOT of death for someone...Dear Chrystal,<br /><br />That is A LOT of death for someone to deal with in a very short time! <br /><br />I'm holding you in my heart as you heal. <br /><br />XOXOXO Dangerous Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442306921276302945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35967325523835179192014-08-08T14:33:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.903-04:00I am with you... I had no idea that Veggi Tales ha...I am with you... I had no idea that Veggi Tales has been around that long. I have no idea what my favorite one would be since I have never watched them. I have 3 small grandkids who I know would enjoy them very much.Terryhttp://www.myjourneywithcandida.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38154225709277430312014-08-08T15:04:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.897-04:00Kids love those characters and the lessons in thei...Kids love those characters and the lessons in their shows really are good ones. I think it's an excellent series.Liz Mayshttp://www.anutinanutshell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85964017521048304652014-08-08T15:10:02.255-04:002014-08-08T15:10:02.255-04:00I think you are right. We do not have insurance ri...I think you are right. We do not have insurance right now. Have been looking at our options. Just hoping one of his jobs goes full time soon. Hopefully one of the therapists I was seeing has a decent self pay program. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69415090908770377422014-08-08T15:23:12.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.909-04:00This looks like a great addition to the VeggieTale...This looks like a great addition to the VeggieTales family. My kids love VeggieTales. We have so many of the DVDs.Janel (A Mom's Take)http://www.amomstake.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87979898960609392014-08-08T15:39:29.995-04:002014-08-08T15:39:29.995-04:00Grief has challenged me and my life a great deal. ...Grief has challenged me and my life a great deal. I have no idea how to handle it or work through it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48936480556935779802014-08-08T16:16:05.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.918-04:00I've never seen Veggie Tales. I know my nieces...I've never seen Veggie Tales. I know my nieces and nephews LOVE that show though! I'm sending this link to their momma now!Betsy Mitchellhttp://www.thedallassocials.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39466854378377406342014-08-08T16:16:44.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.913-04:00My kids love the VeggieTales. My favorite is the ...My kids love the VeggieTales. My favorite is the Rumor Weed.Virginia @thatbaldchickhttp://thatbaldchick.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14257738751867054172014-08-08T16:30:44.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.888-04:00My kids always loved Veggie Tales when they were l...My kids always loved Veggie Tales when they were little. It;s a great series.Robin (Masshole Mommy)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82062994476974326222014-08-08T17:02:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.868-04:00We love the Veggie Tales! We even went t the theat...We love the Veggie Tales! We even went t the theater to see the one with the pirates! Although, I still don;t get how they walk!Mitchhttp://www.gaynycdad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26425176871483619482014-08-08T19:43:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.893-04:00veggie tales were one of the few cartoons I could ...veggie tales were one of the few cartoons I could stand. We loved their one song about no belly button.Melindahttp://lookwhatmomfound.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86314146218718360142014-08-08T19:44:19.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.873-04:00My little niece absolutely loves Veggie Tales! I w...My little niece absolutely loves Veggie Tales! I wish they'd been around when my daughter was little, they're so cute!Jennhttp://therebelchick.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4977697901767458262014-08-08T20:00:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.859-04:00We have some of those movies and my kids love them...We have some of those movies and my kids love them! Such fun characters!Shop with Me Mama (Kim)http://www.shopwithmemama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8204718360862678682014-08-08T20:17:56.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.883-04:00Veggie Tales. Now there's a blast from the pas...Veggie Tales. Now there's a blast from the past. My son used to love Veggie Tales when he was a toddler.Dawnhttp://homemakinghacks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30453291738530096232014-08-08T21:34:28.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.878-04:00veggie Tales are wonderful and wholesome for kids...veggie Tales are wonderful and wholesome for kids. My son loved watching themVeronicahttp://thenakeddecorator.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40622785374014532052014-08-08T23:33:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.993-04:00These are some fun movies with great messages. I ...These are some fun movies with great messages. I like the Christmas Carol movie - just can't quite remember the exact name of it!Chrysahttp://thriftyjinxy.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21618048733308797832014-08-09T00:16:43.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.987-04:00How adorable! We love Veggie Tales. I love the c...How adorable! We love Veggie Tales. I love the character values and how it points to God.Feliciahttp://www.gogrowgo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-826107407298990032014-08-09T01:55:16.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.998-04:00Thanks for the giveaway! I am sure that my kiddos ...Thanks for the giveaway! I am sure that my kiddos will love Veggie Tales.Carly from The Puzzled Palatehttp://www.thepuzzledpalate.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45138918505181379242014-08-09T09:00:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.002-04:00My kids liked Veggie Tales. This is a great lesson...My kids liked Veggie Tales. This is a great lesson Sounds like a good and fun movie.Debbie Dennyhttp://espacularaiesa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47545316058007968922014-08-09T09:02:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.020-04:00We love veggie tales in our house! Such a cute, an...We love veggie tales in our house! Such a cute, and family friendly little show.... All my kids enjoyed!Jeaninehttp://sixtimemommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91648880453138933952014-08-09T09:59:58.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.013-04:00My kids loved Veggie Tales when they were younger....My kids loved Veggie Tales when they were younger. Such a great series of videos!Shellhttp://thesoccermoms.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56414103554570308422014-08-09T10:50:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.008-04:00My girls loved Veggie Tales when they were little....My girls loved Veggie Tales when they were little. They would always sing the songs and it was so cute!April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutritionhttp://www.everydayfitnessandnutrition.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2061116514909794052014-08-09T10:55:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.983-04:00Pirates who won't do anything is our favorite ...Pirates who won't do anything is our favorite Veggie Tales movie. We love the series.Roseyhttp://www.mail4rosey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17236524114356968132014-08-09T12:15:05.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.978-04:00whoa I had no idea they've been making movies ...whoa I had no idea they've been making movies for that long either. Now with 3 kids we've actually never seen one episode of the show though :( the movie titles are always hilarious thoughJenniferhttp://www.doubledutymommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50848203648402631952014-08-09T14:50:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.974-04:00My kids love this new movie! We can't get enou...My kids love this new movie! We can't get enough of the music!Christiehttp://www.savingsaidsimplynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73670824661356576472014-08-09T18:16:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.025-04:00I have been a few episodes of Veggie Tales. My ki...I have been a few episodes of Veggie Tales. My kids would really enjoy the Celery Night Fever movie.Beth@FrugalFroggiehttp://www.frugalfroggie.com/blogs.phpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77271292131698616002014-08-09T20:09:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.031-04:00Oh how fun. My kiddos love these guys!!!Oh how fun. My kiddos love these guys!!!kristinhttp://www.ourordinarylife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54362777137892345642014-08-09T20:59:44.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.051-04:00This is a fun movie for kids. Thanks for letting u...This is a fun movie for kids. Thanks for letting us know about this great giveaway. I will share with my friends.Ann Bacciaglianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66217516227182156072014-08-09T21:27:31.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.045-04:00Aww, how fun! My kids LOVE veggie tales.Aww, how fun! My kids LOVE veggie tales.Marina @ Mommy Snippetshttp://www.mommysnippets.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58862981022393193942014-08-09T21:30:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.056-04:00I love Veggie Tales. We have seen this movie and w...I love Veggie Tales. We have seen this movie and we loved it!Janell Poulettehttp://www.savingyoudinero.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81452901514777574662014-08-09T22:11:50.531-04:002014-08-10T11:55:20.202-04:00Beautiful and heartbreaking piece all at once. Beautiful and heartbreaking piece all at once. Sapphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07030698632077729134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3687317260267701532014-08-09T23:43:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.061-04:00My friend's daughter loved Veggietales when sh...My friend's daughter loved Veggietales when she was younger! We always caught her singing song from Silly Songs with Larry.Brettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24055924323700725372014-08-10T02:35:35.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.067-04:00Cracking p at the title Celery Night Fever!Cracking p at the title Celery Night Fever!Laurenhttp://www.crazyaboutmybaybah.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6512639325883436712014-08-10T14:03:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.039-04:00My grandkids love VeggieTales. I'm sure they&#...My grandkids love VeggieTales. I'm sure they'll like this one.Rachaelhttp://www.fitfamilyhappyfamily.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18989124480608077392014-08-11T01:23:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.073-04:00My kids used to love watching VeggieTales! Sounds...My kids used to love watching VeggieTales! Sounds like a great giveaway.Shannon Gosneyhttp://www.themommy-files.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22414768731914270172014-08-11T01:41:19.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.923-04:00We love VeggieTales! They have great stories.We love VeggieTales! They have great stories.Cameshahttp://cameshagosha.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45696814620884228372014-08-11T12:07:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.379-04:00[…] It has come to my attention that Jewelry In Ca...[…] It has come to my attention that Jewelry In Candles has decided to implement a monthly quota for their direct sales representatives. This comes after they decided to charge reps for signing up to their direct sales program. As it is worded, free sign up still exists but one must purchase the rep start-up kit for $38. That is a minimal investment compared to some direct sales companies. In the time that I have been with Jewelry In Candles I have seen the company go through a lot of growing pains and were not always so professional with the way they handled things. […]Why I Won't Continue with Jewelry In Candles - Everyday Living with Chryshttp://chrystalmahan.com/wont-continue-jewelry-candles/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3130948969125386672014-08-11T13:08:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.697-04:00Sorry to hear that.I think that is really unfair o...Sorry to hear that.I think that is really unfair of them and you should be able to grow at your own pace not what they decide.Kay Adeolahttp://www.kayadeolablog.co.uk/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50032192582964759032014-08-11T13:10:13.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.969-04:00We have been watching a little Veggie Tales now an...We have been watching a little Veggie Tales now and then with my toddler He loves it!Krystal's Kitschhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43783334549169265322014-08-11T13:44:21.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.734-04:00I hate that but have noticed most of the MLM compa...I hate that but have noticed most of the MLM companies are just the same. Most people find themselves in the hole when trying to work with them.Betsy Mitchellhttp://www.thedallassocials.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80854528323977655422014-08-11T14:54:23.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.427-04:00I am so sorry to hear about this. I don't know...I am so sorry to hear about this. I don't know much about Jewelry in Candles but I agree that a company should be loyal to the people that got them to where they are.Mellisahttp://momluck.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8199496039258708362014-08-11T15:14:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.422-04:00I appreciate your honesty here. It sounds like the...I appreciate your honesty here. It sounds like they are making things tougher for their sales reps and that is going to make things worse for them in the end.Ericahttp://ericabuteau.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80233041084863372142014-08-11T15:15:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.708-04:00Wow, I had no idea. Thanks for bringing this issue...Wow, I had no idea. Thanks for bringing this issue to light.Traceyhttp://justatraceblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78346232066873948932014-08-11T15:44:42.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.728-04:00I'm sorry to hear about this. This is why me a...I'm sorry to hear about this. This is why me and my husband both decided I would not do or sell anything that I had to buy in to sell. I work in insurance and I am NOT a pushy sales person and personally i HATE the pushy sales person type so it's best for me to just stay far away from companies like that!Amber Conawayhttp://allinadaysworkblog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41119098913707591932014-08-11T15:46:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.724-04:00I had no idea that this was how they worked. It...I had no idea that this was how they worked. It's unfortunate because I'm sure they're going to be losing a lot of potential business as they close shops.Jaimehttp://lovejaime.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33347924086499910222014-08-11T17:55:20.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.719-04:00This is why I never wanted to start a business lik...This is why I never wanted to start a business like that. You work your butt off but for have the time it ends up being for nothing. :( Sorry you are having to close up shop but it is probably for the better if you aren't happy with them.Melissa @ This Girl's Life Bloghttp://thisgirlslifeblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85926320009796043122014-08-11T18:51:21.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.713-04:00Such a shame when a company gets to big to remembe...Such a shame when a company gets to big to remember where they came from!Katrinahttp://www.eastcoastmama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14935625494711915422014-08-11T19:03:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.432-04:00A lot of companies get too big for their britches....A lot of companies get too big for their britches... but you know what. There are more jewelry candle places out there and maybe they are even better.Terryhttp://www.myjourneywithcandida.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82766881886321707472014-08-11T20:15:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.435-04:00I'm so sorry to hear that you are having troub...I'm so sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your company. Grab all of your back stock to keep your smells and at least breathe easier you don't have to deal with the stress anymore!Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mamahttp://www.redheadbabymama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59626523506286377202014-08-11T21:01:52.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.447-04:00Good for you! Companies/Brands love when we use ou...Good for you! Companies/Brands love when we use our voices to praise but forget if they really mess up, we are going to use our voices just as loudly to bring their lack of professionalism to light as well. I'm sorry to hear they didn't work out for you, I hope you find a work at home opportunity that works way better for you!<br><br>Comment luv is not finding my feed for some reason today so you may have to visit me through my landing page whenever you get a chance!<br><br>Hope you are having a good monday otherwise! :-)Tracy @ Ascending Butterflyhttp://www.ascendingbutterfly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55378149087652481792014-08-11T21:15:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.460-04:00That stinks. Hate when companies get greedy and fo...That stinks. Hate when companies get greedy and forget who helped them get where they are.Debbie Dennyhttp://espacularaiesa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89231931163260733802014-08-11T21:18:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.464-04:00Im so sorry you have to deal with this. It seems l...Im so sorry you have to deal with this. It seems like they have done a bad job managing things.Janell Poulettehttp://www.savingyoudinero.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57776672425467056972014-08-11T21:44:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.432-04:00Sorry to hear that. It's terrible that they ar...Sorry to hear that. It's terrible that they are doing that to consultants. But good for you for taking a stand.Debrahttp://theharriedmom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84507781046352464802014-08-11T21:51:58.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.407-04:00Sorry to hear your store will be phased out (by ch...Sorry to hear your store will be phased out (by choice). I do hope where one door closes, another one opens that is even better for you.Roseyhttp://www.mail4rosey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38326825237434686902014-08-11T23:06:13.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.508-04:00The shops you refer to are online, correct? It see...The shops you refer to are online, correct? It seems silly then to close them, since they cost so little to keep up. And like you, I am sure there are many other sellers that would like to grow at their own pace. I never get into these types of businesses because I'm not a good salesperson. It is a shame how they treat the people that help them get big though.Keciahttp://southerngirlramblings.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41838943290041624342014-08-11T23:33:55.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.513-04:00that just doesn't seem very fair. Sorry to hea...that just doesn't seem very fair. Sorry to hear that they can't be more flexibleVeronicahttp://thenakeddecorator.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60886018857275034092014-08-11T23:48:22.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.517-04:00To tell you the truth, I've never really liked...To tell you the truth, I've never really liked the jewelry in candles idea. It seems tacky :(Emilyhttp://busy-mommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-498114589448988772014-08-12T00:01:28.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.412-04:00I'm sorry to hear that you're being treate...I'm sorry to hear that you're being treated unfairly. I had a similar experience with another direct sales company and decided to quit.Carly Andersonhttp://www.LipglossAndCrayons.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10938852497735499302014-08-12T00:10:10.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.521-04:00Oh, no! I am so sorry. You have to do what is be...Oh, no! I am so sorry. You have to do what is best for you and your family though.Feliciahttp://gogrowgo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58934052362449719442014-08-12T01:14:05.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.439-04:00Wow. Sorry to hear that. It's always sad to se...Wow. Sorry to hear that. It's always sad to see a company forget their roots.Cameshahttp://cameshagosha.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81706641665898009562014-08-12T08:53:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.477-04:00I didn't know this about Jewelry in Candles. ...I didn't know this about Jewelry in Candles. That explains why I know some people have dropped it.Beth@FrugalFroggiehttp://www.frugalfroggie.com/Froggies-Product-Reviews.phpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6840032226802881042014-08-12T09:15:21.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.396-04:00I've never heard of jewelry in candles. This i...I've never heard of jewelry in candles. This is interesting to know. So sorry to hear this!Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.comhttp://sixtimemommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66608515607937322732014-08-12T11:03:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.483-04:00I've never heard of Jewelry in Candles, so it&...I've never heard of Jewelry in Candles, so it's even more of a shame that they're implementing a monthly quota. that will limit their exposure even more!Marybeth Hamiltonhttp://www.babysavers.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1134137252178683112014-08-12T11:57:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.471-04:00I'm so sorry. It's always so tough when so...I'm so sorry. It's always so tough when something like this happens. Good luck in whatever you do next.Anne @MidlifeBlvdhttp://notasupermom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27431046314824342722014-08-12T14:37:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.466-04:00I haven't heard of this company but changing t...I haven't heard of this company but changing the rules isn't cool. They should honor the agreements that they made with people when they first started out. I can see why you'd quit.Kendrahttp://www.headbandfortoday.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67576760418696176092014-08-12T14:39:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.462-04:00I appreciate your honesty! It is always challengin...I appreciate your honesty! It is always challenging to decide if a company has the best interest of their employees in mind. Not so difficult in this case...Carly from The Puzzled Palatehttp://www.thepuzzledpalate.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37658373659392574922014-08-12T15:04:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.458-04:00A company that doesn't support their employees...A company that doesn't support their employees probably doesn't offer good customer service either. This is probably not a company that I would like to work for or purchase from, if that is their attitude.Theresahttp://theresasmixednuts.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76421047070213735732014-08-12T15:11:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.455-04:00Their customer service had some terrible issues. A...Their customer service had some terrible issues. At one time people were waiting days to hear a reply.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72813621993274534252014-08-12T15:12:19.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.451-04:00I think they just grew too fast. Instead of closin...I think they just grew too fast. Instead of closing free signups and cutting back, they pushed forward. Then, they ran the free promotion again. Just not smart business.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12912688065551405492014-08-12T15:13:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.443-04:00I firmly believe folks should be offered the chanc...I firmly believe folks should be offered the chance to be grandfathered in. I know they want to cut out all the free sign-ups that are inactive, but there is a better way to do that I am sure.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27072968590297504972014-08-12T15:13:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.453-04:00Thank you. I have a few other direct sales that I ...Thank you. I have a few other direct sales that I belong to. Mostly, for the discount for myself. Then one I got the product and didn't like it so well.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71898215134621270752014-08-12T15:14:10.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.449-04:00Yes, they have some competition but I dont think t...Yes, they have some competition but I dont think this is going to help them any.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69213501679544601222014-08-12T15:14:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.446-04:00Thank you.Thank you.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76701162137147135602014-08-12T15:14:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.403-04:00Yes, this has a lot to do with it. I'm also no...Yes, this has a lot to do with it. I'm also not of fan of how their rep groups were run. The owners of JIC picked favorites and it was obvious.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89509829996628861202014-08-12T15:15:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.501-04:00Very sad.Very sad.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66885794878559321532014-08-12T15:15:16.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.496-04:00I agree. Its not worth the stress.I agree. Its not worth the stress.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32651220968433130922014-08-12T15:15:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.492-04:00I am sorry to hear that! Sucks!I am sorry to hear that! Sucks!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75327592361985512732014-08-12T15:16:35.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.488-04:00Most of the people buy them for themselves. The ca...Most of the people buy them for themselves. The candles smell amazing and their is a chance you get a high ticket item in your foil packet. I have seen that plenty of times. I do think they make cute gifts though. I think they are fun.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14398172864240330072014-08-12T15:17:07.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.468-04:00A lot of people have left in the last few months, ...A lot of people have left in the last few months, I am sure this will just weed out some more.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76299860449115416812014-08-12T15:18:12.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.525-04:00Yes it is online. Basically everyone has the same ...Yes it is online. Basically everyone has the same shop, just a different referall url. And your name and information appears on your shop. It's so cheap for them to do. Oh well.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3160831747315332602014-08-12T15:18:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.531-04:00Thank you.Thank you.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90272411728845316612014-08-12T15:18:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.536-04:00I have a couple of others I am testing. But, for t...I have a couple of others I am testing. But, for the most part, I just dont think its my forte.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89782107836178908992014-08-12T15:19:11.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.543-04:00I agree. They had no idea what they were getting i...I agree. They had no idea what they were getting in to and did not have a plan.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18679696487478384352014-08-12T15:19:32.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.549-04:00It bugs me too!It bugs me too!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47521637839512848672014-08-12T15:19:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.553-04:00I tend to scream rather loudly sometimes ;)I tend to scream rather loudly sometimes ;)Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13346415094394245062014-08-12T15:20:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.557-04:00Thankfully I did not have too much to deal with.Thankfully I did not have too much to deal with.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77690023606887652862014-08-12T15:20:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.562-04:00I agree. I have looked in to them. But I would rat...I agree. I have looked in to them. But I would rather start making my own candles again. Much more fun.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75837899237180713002014-08-12T15:21:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.417-04:00So true. But somehow I think they just dont care.So true. But somehow I think they just dont care.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49588437419800335102014-08-12T15:21:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.686-04:00I agree. I did not invest much so I am ok.I agree. I did not invest much so I am ok.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60746048456983461052014-08-12T15:21:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.681-04:00I am sure they will just do free signups again and...I am sure they will just do free signups again and plenty will jump on board.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37389846949941439432014-08-12T15:22:31.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.676-04:00I agree! I only signed up because it was free and ...I agree! I only signed up because it was free and I really liked the idea. I thought it would be good for gifts and such. I had 2 people sign up under me and then bail.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32951432712639011662014-08-12T15:22:48.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.671-04:00You are welcome.You are welcome.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7930123613299215192014-08-12T15:23:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.665-04:00You are welcome. Yes, very true.You are welcome. Yes, very true.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11572137021526427182014-08-12T15:23:14.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.658-04:00I agree. I would never run a business like that.I agree. I would never run a business like that.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42989764695462895672014-08-12T15:23:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.653-04:00Very true. They cost so much. And then they raise ...Very true. They cost so much. And then they raise the price because they have to pay their reps.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20179866408952601202014-08-12T15:23:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.965-04:00They are just so cute!They are just so cute!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82513641677711427632014-08-12T15:24:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.649-04:00I agree and if I were to ever start a business lik...I agree and if I were to ever start a business like that I would do things that way.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38813017984112232772014-08-12T15:24:19.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.960-04:00Good luck!Good luck!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38859166234865993002014-08-12T15:24:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.956-04:00Its so cute!Its so cute!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49797339014305091212014-08-12T15:24:42.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.951-04:00Thank you and you are welcome!Thank you and you are welcome!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50019273071004420392014-08-12T15:41:21.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.645-04:00This is one DS company I've been considering, ...This is one DS company I've been considering, so I appreciate your post. I'm not a pushy salesperson, either.Virginia @thatbaldchickhttp://thatbaldchick.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45557309158383175492014-08-12T17:37:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.640-04:00Must have been tough making this decision. Good lu...Must have been tough making this decision. Good luck to your futureChristiehttp://www.savingsaidsimplynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43202675023902787782014-08-12T18:30:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.945-04:00I love all the silly songs especially the hairbrus...I love all the silly songs especially the hairbrush songAudra wattsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10600991700764565562014-08-12T18:37:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.635-04:00That's a bummer that they changed the status o...That's a bummer that they changed the status of the company sales amounts. Best of wishes in your future endeavors.Shannon Gosneyhttp://www.themommy-files.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79308536929244306002014-08-12T19:02:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.238-04:00I need one of these SO badly. This would make my i...I need one of these SO badly. This would make my intricate cupcake wrappers a million times easier to createNicolehttp://iheartfood.usnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66636083748198701522014-08-12T19:40:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.631-04:00I have never done direct sales for this reason. H...I have never done direct sales for this reason. However, because I wanted to use Young Living Oils and can add to my collection with the minimum purchase each month I decided to go ahead and do it. I figure if people sign up great, if not I am getting the stuff anyways LOLTonihttp://juststopscreaming.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89918116279166014992014-08-12T20:01:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.939-04:00[…] To kick off my new site, I have a great giveaw...[…] To kick off my new site, I have a great giveaway going on that I wanted to let you guys know about. If you have any kids around you who are fans of Veggie Tales, you aren’t going to want to miss this contest. […]The Yuck Stops Here {20} #stoptheyuck - YUM eatinghttp://yumeating.com/yuck-stops-20-stoptheyuck/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50606625178108690652014-08-12T20:28:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.627-04:00Honestly, those ring in candle companies are so nu...Honestly, those ring in candle companies are so numerous now, I have no idea how any one person makes any substantial money. I think the field is saturated.Dawn McAlexanderhttp://cheapisthenewclassy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83575071020111442682014-08-12T22:10:12.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.623-04:00This is a real bummer that they are doing this! Th...This is a real bummer that they are doing this! The economy is slow and not every person can afford a $30ish candle each month.Amy Desrosiershttp://savvysavingcouple.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73085509769423151112014-08-12T22:10:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.618-04:00That is terrible that you have to leave a job you ...That is terrible that you have to leave a job you like . It is unfair of the company to push quotas on you.Ann Bacciaglianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15038019330165046552014-08-12T22:18:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.613-04:00Well this really stinks. I am a rep, signed up for...Well this really stinks. I am a rep, signed up for free but I don't know if I can get $150 in 90 days. We'll see.Rachaelhttp://www.fitfamilyhappyfamily.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11966145491288985442014-08-12T22:30:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.608-04:00I am a Beachbody coach but would not be if they in...I am a Beachbody coach but would not be if they instituted quotas I was required to meet. I love their products but I'm not going to push them on my family and friends. The way I look at it, it's my business and I can work it as little or as much as I want to.April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutritionhttp://www.everydayfitnessandnutrition.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24028173584137697992014-08-12T22:59:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.601-04:00Totally get where you're coming from on that. ...Totally get where you're coming from on that. I applaud you for making that decision!Marina @ Mommy Snippetshttp://www.mommysnippets.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56847007320776852002014-08-12T23:29:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.596-04:00I actually hadn't even heard of this company b...I actually hadn't even heard of this company before! Sorry to hear your storyKrystal's Kitschhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64051286376905197222014-08-12T23:30:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.591-04:00I'm so sorry to hear this. Hopefully everythin...I'm so sorry to hear this. Hopefully everything works out.Brettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70432034324606463332014-08-13T01:05:57.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.587-04:00Hmm. It stinks you were treated like that. I'v...Hmm. It stinks you were treated like that. I've also never heard of this company, so thanks for the information.Mary O'Malleyhttp://theomalleyreview.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67724012230692768092014-08-13T01:11:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.581-04:00I think I may be the only person left that has nev...I think I may be the only person left that has never tried jewelry in candles yet. I'm sorry they changed for the bad for you.fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin)http://www.arizonamamablog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48006128022219718182014-08-13T07:18:56.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.572-04:00I really appreciate your honestly! You need to do ...I really appreciate your honestly! You need to do what is best for you and I'm sure you are moving on to bigger and better things!Amandahttp://questionablechoicesinparenting.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72583920865305098492014-08-13T09:01:29.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.227-04:00I think getting one of these would help me get muc...I think getting one of these would help me get much more motivated to craft again.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66177785669051076562014-08-13T14:18:56.024-04:002014-08-14T18:46:24.106-04:00are you asking ME if you're doomed to burn in ...are you asking ME if you're doomed to burn in hell? i'd say, "not unless you choose it" -- but, of course, i don't know you very well.... Dangerous Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12442306921276302945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12096037345099960222014-08-13T15:22:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.933-04:00I like the Princess and the Popstar.I like the Princess and the Popstar.Glogirlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1778276997495586052014-08-13T16:44:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.699-04:00I love it!I love it!Lisahttp://justlittlecajunme.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1295252148148754982014-08-13T16:54:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.576-04:00I've heard a lot about these candles but have ...I've heard a lot about these candles but have never tried them. I'm interested in them though.Cassie @ Southeast by Midwesthttp://southeastbymidwest.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45188599064071410072014-08-14T06:30:10.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.928-04:00We love veggie tales in our home. My baby can'...We love veggie tales in our home. My baby can't get enough of their dvd collectionMommy2jamhttp://hopscotchandjellybeans.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1916786281761702462014-08-14T14:33:44.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.566-04:00That sure doesn't sound like a comfy situation...That sure doesn't sound like a comfy situation to be in. I hope whatever happens that you'll be happy in the long run.Liz Mayshttp://www.anutinanutshell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34813606822585599452014-08-14T14:39:29.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.131-04:00I've been wanting a Cricut for years. I don...I've been wanting a Cricut for years. I don't know why I haven't just broken down and bought one, but there are so many crafty things I could do. (And the scrapbooking possibilities!!)Jaimehttp://lovejaime.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82472735696432206302014-08-14T15:40:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.123-04:00The possibilities with these are endless!!! I woul...The possibilities with these are endless!!! I would love to have one. I have a few friends who have one and they all LOVE them. I'm so jealous!Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven}http://sweetpenniesfromheaven.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1897504109358971742014-08-14T16:21:58.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.251-04:00i can only imagine the amount of time i would wast...i can only imagine the amount of time i would waste if i had a cricut! Great giveaway!Betsy Mitchellhttp://www.thedallassocials.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7455968342302639532014-08-14T17:16:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.245-04:00I guess I am behind on this. Will have to get on t...I guess I am behind on this. Will have to get on this handy gadget.Debbie Dennyhttp://espacularaiesa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86591593494200673112014-08-14T20:08:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:36.691-04:00I am so sorry this is not working out for you. I ...I am so sorry this is not working out for you. I do agree that without the "little people", most companies would not exist. "Little people" are the foundation of a business, and if they are not treated with respect, ultimately it will be the company's loss.Katy Rawsonhttp://movingthroughlife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53189403569593668342014-08-14T21:29:56.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.204-04:00I have always heard great things about the cricut!...I have always heard great things about the cricut! I would LOVE one, thanks for the giveaway!Amber Conawayhttp://allinadaysworkblog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21482536629967925582014-08-14T21:31:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.198-04:00that looks like a great gadget to have. Great give...that looks like a great gadget to have. Great giveawayVeronicahttp://thenakeddecorator.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52528002710541656912014-08-14T21:44:05.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.193-04:00I don't have a Cricut (I have a competing bran...I don't have a Cricut (I have a competing brand, actually...). I've heard a lot of great things about the Cricut, though!Carly Andersonhttp://www.LipglossAndCrayons.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68678344502709586982014-08-14T22:00:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.188-04:00I'm not a big DIY person, mostly because I don...I'm not a big DIY person, mostly because I don't have the time, but my Grandmother was a huge scrapbooker and these type of things always remind me of her!Tracy @ Ascending Butterflyhttp://www.ascendingbutterfly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32656664670230455952014-08-14T23:40:17.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.182-04:00I want one sooooo bad I hope I win!I want one sooooo bad I hope I win!Jenniferhttp://www.doubledutymommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20626715960938582542014-08-14T23:46:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.177-04:00I want to win this for my mom. She has the old mac...I want to win this for my mom. She has the old machine, and when I told her about this one, she mentioned that it would make a great Christmas gift and did the whole "wink-wink" thing. I need this!!Shasta Waltonhttp://faithfullyfree.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58085233171124342912014-08-15T02:29:40.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.172-04:00So many possibilities! Looks like a great thing to...So many possibilities! Looks like a great thing to have!OurOrdinaryLife.comhttp://OurOrdinaryLife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76181571249777109072014-08-15T08:28:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.157-04:00What an awesome giveaway! I'd love a cricut!What an awesome giveaway! I'd love a cricut!Shellhttp://thingsicantsay.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37345600305157026952014-08-15T08:39:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.152-04:00I was trying to find the perfect gift for a friend...I was trying to find the perfect gift for a friend of mine who is a teacher. I think this is it!! And I think it would delight her to get it as a present.Roseyhttp://www.mail4rosey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34514265346150306042014-08-15T09:57:52.961-04:002014-08-15T10:32:19.903-04:00I think any of us who have been in less than healt...I think any of us who have been in less than healthy family situations have a huge issue approaching anything that uses the word submission. I can always feel the hair on my neck rising.<br /><br />However, I am open to realizing that men and women approach challenges, joy, fear, etc. differently and we need to understand what people need and what they are able to contribute to those situations to have healthy respect and communication in a relationship. The submission movement fails to express the needs men have to feel empowered without being controlling and as many of us know there is a HUGE difference between a wife/SO working towards empowering and encouraging her spouse/SO and feeding a contolling beast. I also believe it is a two way street. A man also has to learn what empowers and encourages his wife because it isn't the same and if we want success we have to be willing to talk to each other about what we need and how we need it delivered.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13364166983103195852014-08-15T12:46:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.221-04:00I'm asking for one for christmas. I think they...I'm asking for one for christmas. I think they are so nifty!Krystal's Kitschhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72749012981690919842014-08-15T13:28:59.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.216-04:00Ive always wanted one of these. So many things to...Ive always wanted one of these. So many things to do with it.Tesshttp://www.sixfeetunderblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20688120824405965642014-08-15T14:03:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.210-04:00I haven't used one yet but I keep seeing all t...I haven't used one yet but I keep seeing all this awesome stuff people make . Guess it's time or me to take the plunge!Lisahttp://momontheside.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75919426385775066972014-08-15T14:54:32.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.233-04:00You can do so much with a Cricut. It's the ult...You can do so much with a Cricut. It's the ultimate crafting tool!Traceyhttp://www.justatraceblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18554580677144596212014-08-15T15:02:28.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.118-04:00I totally want one! I could think of so many amazi...I totally want one! I could think of so many amazing things to make with it!Christiehttp://www.savingsaidsimplynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74214563088604842862014-08-15T16:56:55.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.147-04:00This is the first time I am hearing about a Circui...This is the first time I am hearing about a Circuit-- but it seems absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing.Elizabeth @ Food Ramblingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44823436647485374892014-08-15T17:45:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.142-04:00We are always trying out new DIY projects! This is...We are always trying out new DIY projects! This is something we definitely need!Dawnhttp://www.cheapisthenewclassy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46336921525950213312014-08-15T19:24:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.137-04:00Perhaps I've been living under a rock myself. ...Perhaps I've been living under a rock myself. This is the first time I'm hearing about a cricut. Thank you for the introduction. Gonna 'Google' it for further info. :)Tamihttp://www.tami-marie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92069110039338174122014-08-15T21:08:51.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.167-04:00My friend let me try her Cricut before and I loved...My friend let me try her Cricut before and I loved it. I might have to get one for myself.Brettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57748641550433353122014-08-15T23:57:11.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.162-04:00I do a lot of crafting and would use the heck out ...I do a lot of crafting and would use the heck out of this Circuit machine!Angelahttp://www.aboutamom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19253333735569215592014-08-16T13:50:51.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.113-04:00Id love this to help with making gifts for Christm...Id love this to help with making gifts for Christmas. It would be so awesome.Dinahttp://myunentitledlife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31175681783075845832014-08-16T18:45:17.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.281-04:00I have been looking at machines like this for a lo...I have been looking at machines like this for a long time. It seems like such a great tool.Janeane Davishttp://www.janeanesworld.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63385639437952601392014-08-17T00:29:53.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.277-04:00I love my circuit. I do lots of cats on mine and s...I love my circuit. I do lots of cats on mine and so much more. The wall vinyls are fun to make to.Bobbiehttp://thinktalkblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32206865822428501652014-08-17T02:48:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.271-04:00I have one of these coming my way and can't wa...I have one of these coming my way and can't wait to try it! Our kids are gonna be stoked to use it.Shannon Gosneyhttp://www.themommy-files.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16703318939862672542014-08-17T16:28:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.257-04:00I have always wanted a Cricut machine to craft wit...I have always wanted a Cricut machine to craft with. This is such a great giveaway!Amy Desrosiershttp://savvysavingcouple.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38338471519673077892014-08-17T21:08:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.266-04:00I would love one, too! Good luck!I would love one, too! Good luck!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33504719356676190032014-08-17T21:08:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.262-04:00I an't wait to check out your site and see wha...I an't wait to check out your site and see what you do with it!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76833318670168745792014-08-17T21:08:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.096-04:00I would love to make some fun vinyls on this!I would love to make some fun vinyls on this!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84851751399779128182014-08-17T21:09:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.104-04:00I am hoping Santa will bring me one. :)I am hoping Santa will bring me one. :)Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35022274517253346102014-08-17T21:11:17.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.108-04:00Dont you just love the winks??? Good luck.Dont you just love the winks??? Good luck.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67270611255609321022014-08-18T07:33:31.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.286-04:00me too... I pulled out my first generation one in ...me too... I pulled out my first generation one in July to make decorations for the girls' birthday party. It is time for an update!Amber Louchart (Metro Detroit Mommy)http://www.metrodetroitmommy.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17847106791322807722014-08-18T10:18:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.291-04:00I want a cricut so bad! I almost got one on Black ...I want a cricut so bad! I almost got one on Black Friday last year but talked myself out of it for some reason :(Cassie @ Southeast by Midwesthttp://southeastbymidwest.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38247708847598670022014-08-19T08:42:18.651-04:002014-08-19T12:15:34.904-04:00Beautiful dedication to your Grandpa. They are so ...Beautiful dedication to your Grandpa. They are so special. Wish I could get your poetry book but don't have a Kindle!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82995787133024768742014-08-19T12:17:36.857-04:002014-08-19T12:17:36.857-04:00Lisa, it is available on Smashwords and you can do...Lisa, it is available on Smashwords and you can download the pdf version to read on your PC. Also, the Kindle app is free and you can read it on any device. Thank you for your kind words.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47114695032541115282014-08-21T06:39:10.346-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.221-04:00WOW This is awesome. So sorry you had to go throug...WOW This is awesome. So sorry you had to go through that. HugsLisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11517408953525783152014-08-21T06:58:40.611-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.210-04:00I am so sorry for all you've been through with...I am so sorry for all you've been through with the untimely deaths of your loved ones. My Granny was the one who's death has had a profound effect one me. I still miss her and she died in 1981. I was angry and blamed my evil step-grandfather. Luckily my best friend came to the funeral with me because I would have lost it. I still blame my step-grandfather because he had a hand it in not taking care of her (I saw it with my own eyes). He died a few years later and I thanked God he finally took him off this earth. Also there was my ex's father. THis man was so miserable in life since his wife died, it was a blessing for him to die 16 years later. He was finally at peace. Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2755989386344272632014-08-21T07:03:03.874-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.198-04:00You remind me of an online friend that is dear to ...You remind me of an online friend that is dear to me. I hope you get the help you need my friend.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78664020149852996802014-08-21T07:04:52.230-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.156-04:00This a beautiful poem I so can relate to!! Thanks ...This a beautiful poem I so can relate to!! Thanks for sharing!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3074566179495569202014-08-21T07:05:48.639-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.147-04:00It seems our lives entangled in similar situations...It seems our lives entangled in similar situations. Very well written!!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26299429874079741652014-08-21T07:08:17.444-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.137-04:00Every time you have a low moment, come back to thi...Every time you have a low moment, come back to this letter to yourself to remind you that you are an awesome lady with lots of GOOD in you!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84191970032864952242014-08-21T07:10:35.855-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.126-04:00No, you are too much of a good person to burn in h...No, you are too much of a good person to burn in hell!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11079245906839666572014-08-21T07:15:13.112-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.082-04:00Okay I will have to look into it then. Thanks and ...Okay I will have to look into it then. Thanks and Your Welcome! :)Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46600350668980430282014-08-21T07:18:01.320-04:002014-08-21T14:40:34.015-04:00Minus the language being simple and basic, it soun...Minus the language being simple and basic, it sounds interesting. Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1329416256996162932014-08-21T10:50:58.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.478-04:00That sounds amazing and what a great cause! I hop...That sounds amazing and what a great cause! I hope they raise millions!Robin (Masshole Mommy)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39689599221070760952014-08-21T12:24:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.473-04:00That is a great way to do a marathon. My son and I...That is a great way to do a marathon. My son and I are doing a run through water and mud this weekend.tara pittmanhttp://momknowsbest15.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80491375806730832742014-08-21T13:47:25.781-04:002014-08-25T14:55:55.406-04:00I stopped after the first round of deaths. I just...I stopped after the first round of deaths. I just think the industry has moved into a different direction and its not going to be back.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74015878561306605212014-08-21T13:56:19.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.443-04:00Way to go, and such an awesome cause!!Way to go, and such an awesome cause!!Heidi Beenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84994403799205502022014-08-21T14:17:51.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.525-04:00That's awesome that you can do it over a space...That's awesome that you can do it over a space of time. I know how much your arthritis/ disc stuff bothers you. Is this happen to also be the hospital that Matt works for?Nicolehttp://iheartfood.usnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63158430359650656862014-08-21T14:58:31.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.521-04:00This sounds like a fun opportunity. Thanks for sh...This sounds like a fun opportunity. Thanks for sharing with us! :)Shannon Gosneyhttp://www.themommy-files.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60536245276122850472014-08-21T15:26:51.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.517-04:00What a wonderful cause. Also a mile a day shouldn&...What a wonderful cause. Also a mile a day shouldn't be too hard for anyone to do either!Mary O'Malleyhttp://theomalleyreview.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44394396469501163102014-08-21T16:00:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.513-04:00This is such a great event for a really good cause...This is such a great event for a really good cause! I've run full marathons for charities in the past. I would have preferred if those had been broken up!Jaimehttp://lovejaime.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33086249408998497492014-08-21T16:16:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.509-04:00what an amazing cause. i could even do that each d...what an amazing cause. i could even do that each dayMelindahttp://lookwhatmomfound.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37769171919506814092014-08-21T16:29:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.504-04:00What a great cause. Great way to stay in shape and...What a great cause. Great way to stay in shape and raise money at the same time. Thanks for sharing.Lisa Bristolnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37899520722383157162014-08-21T16:58:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.501-04:00I like running and love a good cause. I wish you s...I like running and love a good cause. I wish you success and hope you have a really positive experience. What a great cause!Laurahttp://MomMart.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84455054024184184112014-08-21T19:54:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.497-04:00You can do it! I'm proud of your cause and you...You can do it! I'm proud of your cause and your journey!Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mamahttp://www.redheadbabymama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79925196992785125952014-08-21T20:27:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.492-04:00What a fantastic thing you're doing! I'm w...What a fantastic thing you're doing! I'm wishing you a ton of success.Janel (A Mom's Take)http://www.amomstake.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40552784243183138192014-08-21T21:57:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.487-04:00Good for you! I hope it goes really well. Sounds l...Good for you! I hope it goes really well. Sounds like a great event.Mickeyhttp://ahelicoptermom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20494653521100185372014-08-21T23:23:53.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.483-04:00What a great cause. I love causes like this that p...What a great cause. I love causes like this that promote helping children.Dawnhttp://homemakinghacks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63392594949853475322014-08-22T00:14:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.533-04:00This is such a great program. I hope they are able...This is such a great program. I hope they are able to raise lots of money.Janeane Davishttp://www.janeanesworld.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54660927814188541462014-08-22T00:54:53.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.529-04:00I could never run that many miles! Good for you th...I could never run that many miles! Good for you though, and great cause!Emilyhttp://busy-mommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9952022962563106962014-08-22T09:43:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.553-04:00What a great event for a great cause! I am NOT a r...What a great event for a great cause! I am NOT a runner, but I did do my first 5k for AIDs research a few years ago, it feels like such an accomplishment when you are done right? Thanks for sharing!Janell Phttp://savingyoudinero.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25614443890861740942014-08-22T09:51:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.548-04:00What a great cause! I'm not a runner but my ol...What a great cause! I'm not a runner but my oldest wants to run a long distance race like this.Shellhttp://thingsicantsay.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58653833903994936162014-08-22T09:56:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.544-04:00Wow great job I probably would not make it. What a...Wow great job I probably would not make it. What a great cause too!beckahttp://www.probablycrafting.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60431978569319233272014-08-22T10:18:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.540-04:00Awesome cause. Looks like a great event and good l...Awesome cause. Looks like a great event and good luck.Debbie Dennyhttp://espacularaiesa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59152179980628896872014-08-22T10:43:40.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.537-04:00What a fantastic cause. I hope that they raise a t...What a fantastic cause. I hope that they raise a ton of money!Mellisahttp://momluck.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88892807175505237452014-08-22T11:45:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.557-04:00Thank you so much.Thank you so much.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30060487753363511812014-08-22T11:45:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.569-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47799545622018245272014-08-22T11:46:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.565-04:00If I had to do it all in one day, I wouldn't. ...If I had to do it all in one day, I wouldn't. I have quite a few extra pounds.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52983263960013409312014-08-22T11:46:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.561-04:00I haven't been a runner for a long time. I'...I haven't been a runner for a long time. I'll be walking.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40761190593887867252014-08-22T11:46:59.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.574-04:00I'm not a runner. I used to be. But hope to ge...I'm not a runner. I used to be. But hope to get back to it. Using this as my push. I have done a few 5k run/walks. So fun!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86527485442301957532014-08-22T11:47:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.599-04:00It's a mile day, so thankfully, I think I am g...It's a mile day, so thankfully, I think I am going to make it. I am sure I will be walking a lot of it though.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47239904953229613102014-08-22T11:47:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.594-04:00Me, too!Me, too!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9300747328812416812014-08-22T11:47:52.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.590-04:00Thank you so very much!Thank you so very much!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24153203656819193462014-08-22T11:49:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.585-04:00It's not. This is a hospital in Detroit. The h...It's not. This is a hospital in Detroit. The hospital does a lot for the state so that is why I decided to go with them and join the team that I did.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86905614754397354612014-08-22T12:25:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.582-04:00What a great cause. I hope you raise lots of money...What a great cause. I hope you raise lots of money. I would end up walking.Catherine Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72389369052308113952014-08-22T13:23:21.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.578-04:00I tried C25k before but didn't get very far. I...I tried C25k before but didn't get very far. I should give it another try.Krystal's Kitschhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7452806354826583532014-08-22T14:00:04.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.607-04:00Marathon is a life goal for me. So excited for you...Marathon is a life goal for me. So excited for your journey!Christiehttp://www.savingsaidsimplynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65387278481364536042014-08-22T15:26:32.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.603-04:00I love that it's spread out over time. That ma...I love that it's spread out over time. That makes it much more doable!Liz Mayshttp://www.anutinanutshell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47572822179869264542014-08-22T17:30:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.616-04:00I walk 3.6 miles a day. I would consider walking i...I walk 3.6 miles a day. I would consider walking it if it were closer.Dinahttp://myunentitledlife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3810348988771491542014-08-22T17:40:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.612-04:00I don't live too far from Detroit! This is a g...I don't live too far from Detroit! This is a great cause I can't run a marathon but i like to volunteer at them.Travel Bloggerhttp://www.surfandsunshine.com/travel/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13467376807500266332014-08-22T19:51:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.468-04:00What a great cause. I would love to participate. I...What a great cause. I would love to participate. I will have to research to see if there will be a run near me.Thanks for sharing.Ann Bacciaglianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34936733905201035842014-08-22T21:57:04.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.464-04:00Great cause to donate to! I wonder if there are an...Great cause to donate to! I wonder if there are any near me- I'll have to check.Jessica (Savory Experiments)http://www.savoryexperiments.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15874190060993910532014-08-22T22:35:59.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.459-04:00One day I would love to participate. This is such ...One day I would love to participate. This is such an amazing cause. I hope you raise a lot of money!Jenniferhttp://www.doubledutymommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52396516421220934112014-08-22T22:54:59.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.454-04:00What an absolutely awesome cause! I'm going to...What an absolutely awesome cause! I'm going to see how I can help!Ericahttp://ericabuteau.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11016285544781019752014-08-22T23:00:51.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.449-04:00That sounds great, I like the idea that you can ru...That sounds great, I like the idea that you can run a mile a day. It's for a wonderful call as well, so have fun!Barbie's Beauty Bitshttp://barbiesbeautybitsblogger.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34050762052696715652014-08-23T08:46:53.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.437-04:00That's awesome! What a worthy cause. I love it...That's awesome! What a worthy cause. I love it.Marina @ Mommy Snippetshttp://www.mommysnippets.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27010264618421528512014-08-23T10:09:10.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.430-04:00What an awesome cause! I wish you the best of luck...What an awesome cause! I wish you the best of luck with it. :)Tamihttp://www.tami-marie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42804841005961068642014-08-24T14:53:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.424-04:00Wow congrats! Sounds like fun!Wow congrats! Sounds like fun!kristinhttp://www.ourordinarylife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83447692275866030782014-08-24T23:50:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.419-04:00Oooh, way to go! I hope you can raise all the fu...Oooh, way to go! I hope you can raise all the funds you're looking to.Ashley - Embracing Homemakinghttp://EmbracingHomemaking.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2318555247792834462014-08-25T12:30:43.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.413-04:00What a great cause. I am currently trying to train...What a great cause. I am currently trying to train for my first 5km for charity.Traceyhttp://justatraceblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44319589556602486742014-08-25T12:37:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.408-04:00Good luck to you!Good luck to you!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87565535281863217042014-08-25T12:38:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.403-04:00Thank you. I think it will be.Thank you. I think it will be.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61341263230583013742014-08-25T12:38:16.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.397-04:00Thanks so much Tami!Thanks so much Tami!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36206877478461247962014-08-25T12:38:29.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.391-04:00Thanks so much Marnia!Thanks so much Marnia!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70382170726871453212014-08-25T12:38:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.385-04:00Me too, cause I know I could not do a marathon ! M...Me too, cause I know I could not do a marathon ! Maybe if Zombies were chasing me ;)Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13721709940731763072014-08-25T12:39:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.380-04:00Thank you Erica!Thank you Erica!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44771240352621554852014-08-25T12:39:11.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.375-04:00Thanks so much Jennifer!Thanks so much Jennifer!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15792339609994498462014-08-25T12:39:42.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.370-04:00I do believe the childrens networks are nationwide...I do believe the childrens networks are nationwide. I do hope you find one!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44483721184892291892014-08-25T12:39:59.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.364-04:00Were you able to find one Ann?Were you able to find one Ann?Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43180532801135450692014-08-25T12:40:32.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.358-04:00I am about an hour away from Detroit. Small world ...I am about an hour away from Detroit. Small world ;) What I like is that you don't have to run and you only have to do a mile a day.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12383989010647701612014-08-25T12:41:23.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.352-04:00It's a virtual marathon. You do a mile a day. ...It's a virtual marathon. You do a mile a day. Run, walk, dance, skip. Whatever you want. And, there are networks all over the nation, you don't have to pick my team or the hospital I am with.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36063100834968697932014-08-25T12:42:32.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.347-04:00I agree. There is no way I could run that many mil...I agree. There is no way I could run that many miles. Or walk.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77717632394889017192014-08-25T12:42:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.341-04:00I would love to do a marathon. I need to drop a lo...I would love to do a marathon. I need to drop a lot of weight first.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39663425889278628672014-08-25T12:43:07.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.336-04:00I have to repeat days and start over. But, at leas...I have to repeat days and start over. But, at least I keep trying.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79050197695258101432014-08-25T13:54:10.340-04:002014-08-25T14:55:48.041-04:00I didn't know this at the time, but when Raph ...I didn't know this at the time, but when Raph and I were at the beach a few weekends ago, we were sitting on the promenade watching the sunset and there were a couple guys behind us that were gesturing at me calling me a whale and were going to push me off the ledge I was sitting on. It's a good 4 foot drop. Raph gave them a look (it's not a look that you ever want to see) and they obviously didn't. But my point is, I'm right there with you. I've always been big since birth. I have no idea how to be skinny or even average. I'm right there with you. And now, I'm pregnant so I'm only getting bigger.Nicole Ramagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09650583900852999321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3425230941882819312014-08-26T15:41:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.785-04:00I haven't had a migraine in about a year (knoc...I haven't had a migraine in about a year (knock on wood!!!!!), but I would TOTALLY try this. Heck, I would try anything when I get a migraine. They are the worst.Robin (Masshole Mommy)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11215805511782142382014-08-26T19:26:44.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.780-04:00Oh, I need to book mark this! It has to be better ...Oh, I need to book mark this! It has to be better for me than medicines!Cameshahttp://cameshagosha.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15804405142763155422014-08-26T21:02:40.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.775-04:00I used to have horrible migraines! I haven't h...I used to have horrible migraines! I haven't had one in awhile Thank the Lord! But I am so book marking this in case I need it or know someone that does! Thanks for posting!Amber C.http://allinadaysworkblog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1857126932877841052014-08-26T21:45:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.769-04:00This sounds like such a simple solution. Thank yo...This sounds like such a simple solution. Thank you for sharing. I suffer from horrible migraines.Feliciahttp://www.gogrowgo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90834879364283390392014-08-26T22:20:11.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.764-04:00It seems that you can do anything with essential o...It seems that you can do anything with essential oils! How great is this?!krystalhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91354472135064370282014-08-26T23:08:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.759-04:00I have these oils in my house. I really have to tr...I have these oils in my house. I really have to try it.Janell Poulettehttp://www.savingyoudinero.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35955313281355891822014-08-26T23:09:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.754-04:00i do a headache salve also. i'd always prefer ...i do a headache salve also. i'd always prefer non chemicals over chemicals for anything!Bretthttp://thismamaloves.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60083569654418711482014-08-26T23:45:22.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.745-04:00I haven't gotten a migraine in a while, thankf...I haven't gotten a migraine in a while, thankfully. Next time I will try your homemade recipe. Thanks!!Beth@FrugalFroggiehttp://www.frugalfroggie.com/Froggies-Product-Reviews.phpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26764737437666258072014-08-27T00:19:40.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.736-04:00What a wonderful way to reduce the havoc migraines...What a wonderful way to reduce the havoc migraines cause. I have a friend who suffers greatly and will benefit from this homemade migraine remedy.Lori Gunnhttp://thisnthatfromlori.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39612288230287206972014-08-27T01:08:21.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.731-04:00I pinned this to try soon. My 9y/o gets frequent m...I pinned this to try soon. My 9y/o gets frequent migraines.Shellhttp://thingsicantsay.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13089897964185078212014-08-27T01:58:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.726-04:00I love peppermint oil for headaches, so I can see ...I love peppermint oil for headaches, so I can see why this works. I don't get migraines thankfully, but so many people do.Liz Mayshttp://www.anutinanutshell.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70996470710646790182014-08-27T11:52:19.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.710-04:00I'll have to try this the next time I get a mi...I'll have to try this the next time I get a migraine. I'm willing to try anything. Great idea.Janel (A Mom's Take)http://www.amomstake.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77405801906587083582014-08-27T11:56:42.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.706-04:00Bath and Body Works used to have a headache cream ...Bath and Body Works used to have a headache cream that worked so well, but they discontinued it. I never thought to make my own, so I must give this a try. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. I get about 2 migraines a month and it really sucks.Theresahttp://theresasmixednuts.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78113346608048584612014-08-27T12:38:17.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.701-04:00Thank you for this remedy. I try to use a homemade...Thank you for this remedy. I try to use a homemade remedy before turning to a pill. Will try this the next time I have a headache.debhttp://www.justshortofcrazy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29447974335222127932014-08-27T13:05:31.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.697-04:00I am really into my Essential Oils. I go to them f...I am really into my Essential Oils. I go to them first before over the counter stuffVeronicahttp://thenakeddecorator.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76335259827720769262014-08-27T13:13:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.692-04:00I love this! I've only had one migraine in my ...I love this! I've only had one migraine in my life, but that was enough for me! I'd rather suffer through it than take any of the medicines I've seen advertised on television. Why don't they just say, "Side effects may include death." A home made remedy is the ticket, I think.Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommyhttp://thedivinemissmommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22811111816030793362014-08-27T13:47:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.687-04:00Interesting! I'm so grateful I don't have ...Interesting! I'm so grateful I don't have chronic migraines.Marybeth Hamiltonhttp://www.babysavers.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41139403597586298722014-08-27T14:59:44.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.682-04:00I have suffered for years with migraines. I love t...I have suffered for years with migraines. I love that this is a natural way to help get rid of the headaches. I hate to take medication and if your nauseous you cant swallow a pill anyway. I will going today to get all the ingredients so i am ready the next time a migraine hits. Thanks so much for sharing.Ann Bacciaglianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73941941170592334602014-08-27T15:14:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.677-04:00I really have to get this essential oil thing down...I really have to get this essential oil thing down path. My husband gets so many headaches and I prefer for him to treat them naturally.Amy Desrosiershttp://savvysavingcouple.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1138086916472616902014-08-27T15:23:17.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.672-04:00This is a great natural remedy! I will be sharing ...This is a great natural remedy! I will be sharing with my familyChristiehttp://www.savingsaidsimplynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91632608664160572452014-08-27T15:56:22.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.668-04:00I've tried Young Living Oils and loved them! ...I've tried Young Living Oils and loved them! I need to figure out which ones I need and then get some.Shannon Gosneyhttp://www.themommy-files.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21949281589875540772014-08-27T17:52:57.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.658-04:00I'm going to show this to my sister. During he...I'm going to show this to my sister. During her monthly cycle she gets the worst, dibilitating migraine.Travel Bloggerhttp://www.surfandsunshine.com/travel/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47341069217529210992014-08-27T19:47:05.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.663-04:00Migraine pain is the absolute worst. It is so neat...Migraine pain is the absolute worst. It is so neat to know there is a natural cure for this.Traceynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13361046686214017852014-08-27T23:15:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.723-04:00This is great! I know a few people who suffer from...This is great! I know a few people who suffer from migraines that coulduse this.Marina @ Mommy Snippetshttp://www.mommysnippets.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-214170188727385752014-08-28T00:37:46.248-04:002014-08-28T12:18:27.907-04:00I agree 100% that rev-share is an old business mod...I agree 100% that rev-share is an old business model, it's dying and that's why all the big sites are closing. True, new ones are mushrooming, but they're being started by writers from Squidoo, Helium and Yahoo! who are stubbornly clinging to the old model, they've got no financial backing, and they will either fail or stumble along in a small way, supported by sad little groups of writers who are too scared to venture out of their comfort zone. <br /><br />The only one I have any hope for is HubPages. It's unique among all rev-sharing sites in having a separate sub-domain for each writer, which means the bad writers are quarantined from the good - as soon as they changed their structure, they started to recover from Panda. The fact that they're confident enough to buy out Squidoo suggests they are doing OK and are in it for the long haul.Marisa Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02232998944043628312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48985385986446146412014-08-28T02:00:53.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.719-04:00Migraine headaches are so ridiculous. I have gotte...Migraine headaches are so ridiculous. I have gotten way better at catching mine fast. That helps, but I would try this in an instant!Roseyhttp://www.mail4rosey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59444602578565643982014-08-28T10:35:29.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.715-04:00I love when you can find a remedy that doesn't...I love when you can find a remedy that doesn't involve stuff from the drug copmanies. good job. I hope it works for others too.Dinahttp://myunentitledlife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27934503792683974392014-08-28T12:09:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.599-04:00Sounds great. I usually get my hair done at the s...Sounds great. I usually get my hair done at the salon, but this sounds like something I would be interested in trying.Robin (Masshole Mommy)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61733688657663752162014-08-28T15:58:55.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.796-04:00THanks for sharing this! I don't get migraines...THanks for sharing this! I don't get migraines often but when I do it's a nightmare and I'd be willing to try anything!Ericahttp://ericabuteau.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91470481065908774522014-08-28T16:00:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.594-04:00Wow only $25 for a color kit! I love that it's...Wow only $25 for a color kit! I love that it's ammonia free and Rescorcinol free too!Amy @ Marvelous Mommyhttp://www.marvelousmommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86489587106131733452014-08-28T16:28:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.790-04:00I need to make this right now so I have it on hand...I need to make this right now so I have it on hand the next time I get a migraine! I even have all of this stuff on hand. Thanks!Shell Feishttp://www.notquitesusie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31343464715847960352014-08-28T17:17:23.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.806-04:00Very welcome!Very welcome!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36613565022692412072014-08-28T17:18:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.801-04:00Mine knock me down and the next day I have the dre...Mine knock me down and the next day I have the dreaded migraine hangover. So I do understand. This really helps me.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22891473555604385852014-08-28T17:18:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.904-04:00Over the years I have learned the signs and trigge...Over the years I have learned the signs and triggers. I wish I didn't have to, but can't be helped. I am glad I found an alternative.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14667971934285279272014-08-28T17:19:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.900-04:00I hope this helps her.I hope this helps her.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18758302403429945532014-08-28T17:19:59.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.895-04:00I really hope it works good for you. There are oth...I really hope it works good for you. There are other oils if by chance this particular blend doesn't seem to help.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88935283141984563602014-08-28T17:20:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.889-04:00I know! I can't stand the side effects and aft...I know! I can't stand the side effects and after living with migraines for so long I have learned tricks that work for me. By far better than the nasty side effects that usually make me feel worse.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45173974173286754722014-08-28T17:21:28.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.815-04:00I used that for a while too. There was another one...I used that for a while too. There was another one by Origins that is still made but hard to find. This is much cheaper per use, too.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10604376182574226972014-08-28T17:23:21.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.810-04:00I seriously just smooth it on my chest (just like ...I seriously just smooth it on my chest (just like Vicks vapor rup), shoulders, all around my neck making sure I get behind my ears and my temples. I get all the pressure points. If I need to I will also add some to the bottom of my feet. Deep breating and a calm environment are key, too. I think if my mom had this when I got them at 9 I would have been so much better off.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51126646030772016332014-08-28T17:29:05.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.661-04:00I can't help it, but I will NEVER trust color ...I can't help it, but I will NEVER trust color from a box. It's only the salon for me! Your color looks even, though!Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mamahttp://www.redheadbabymama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61642506322119125482014-08-28T17:39:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.589-04:00I looove Madison Reed haircolor. It's probably...I looove Madison Reed haircolor. It's probably the best I have tried at home.Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76710769645961824002014-08-28T17:48:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.656-04:00This would be good for me as I have always colored...This would be good for me as I have always colored my own hair. Love that there is no chemical smells. I hate that!Shop with Me Mama (Kim)http://www.shopwithmemama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8604320266330978102014-08-28T19:18:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.640-04:00I've never been brave enough to try coloring m...I've never been brave enough to try coloring my own hair. I'm just living with it's natural 'eh' color. This looks like a great product though.debhttp://www.justshortofcrazy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62469967020070146932014-08-28T19:54:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.635-04:00Looks great. Love that there is no chemical smell....Looks great. Love that there is no chemical smell.Debbie Dennyhttp://espacularaiesa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71640143411762974812014-08-28T20:47:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.629-04:00I just used Madison Reed for the first time this w...I just used Madison Reed for the first time this week! I used the dark auburn and it turn out beautifully. I'd used E-Salon before for about a year, and I thing MR compares very favorably. Much better than boxed color from the drug store, for sure.Anne @MidlifeBlvdhttp://notasupermom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18045300176523778662014-08-28T21:51:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.624-04:00I just started to have to dye my hair. Thanks for ...I just started to have to dye my hair. Thanks for sharing this option. It seems great!Janell Poulettehttp://www.savingyoudinero.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28384320750825777552014-08-28T22:04:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.619-04:00Madison Reed sounds like a great hair color. I'...Madison Reed sounds like a great hair color. I'll have to give it a try.Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommyhttp://thedivinemissmommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37931545883099556412014-08-28T22:04:56.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.614-04:00This sounds like a great product. I'll have to...This sounds like a great product. I'll have to let my girlfriend know about this.Ben @ Cheap is the New Classyhttp://cheapisthenewclassy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20959650970395168842014-08-28T22:05:48.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.609-04:00Madison Reed looks great. I love the consultant op...Madison Reed looks great. I love the consultant option. That's really nice.Liz Mayshttp://www.anutinanutshell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26640131358672736902014-08-28T22:09:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.605-04:00I give it to you for doing your own hair color. I...I give it to you for doing your own hair color. I don't have the guts!Jessica (Savory Experiments)http://www.savoryexperiments.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83322075582422538232014-08-28T22:23:23.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.584-04:00I've actually been thinking about using Madiso...I've actually been thinking about using Madison Reed Hair Color. Thank you so much for your great review!Carly Andersonhttp://www.LipglossAndCrayons.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55858746080525840042014-08-28T23:20:11.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.579-04:00That is a great price! I am not brave enough to d...That is a great price! I am not brave enough to do my own hair!Feliciahttp://www.gogrowgo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56113019060541264182014-08-29T00:24:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.566-04:00Looks really great. Nice to know there's a sal...Looks really great. Nice to know there's a salon quality that you can do yourself.kristinhttp://www.ourordinarylife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16988571662009736202014-08-29T01:10:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.520-04:00Wow I've never heard of this brand. Box looks ...Wow I've never heard of this brand. Box looks great with all of the items you need. I'm going to look them up.Candy Ohttp://candypo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7024292581075549622014-08-29T05:25:16.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.561-04:00I get my hair done at the beauty school so this is...I get my hair done at the beauty school so this is something I totally would check out. Thanks for sharingMommy2jamhttp://hopscotchandjellybeans.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24367879833387345092014-08-29T05:45:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.557-04:00I like that all of the materials are recyclable. ...I like that all of the materials are recyclable. Sounds like a great hair color. No chemical smell makes it even better.Beth@KCMompreneurshttp://kcmompreneurs.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63265666245326007682014-08-29T08:55:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.541-04:00LOVELY! I do my own hair, which I need to do so I ...LOVELY! I do my own hair, which I need to do so I should check it out! I usually use the same ol' stuff but its boring, need to spruce it up a bit I think!Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.comhttp://sixtimemommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3080618751427371212014-08-29T11:08:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.536-04:00I've used their hair color before, and loved i...I've used their hair color before, and loved it. My hair was so soft afterwards. I'm thinking of placing another order with them. I can't afford to go to the salon anymore.Janel (A Mom's Take)http://www.amomstake.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60702777547489123762014-08-29T13:24:59.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.531-04:00Looks like a great product and you can't beat ...Looks like a great product and you can't beat the price. I like that you have the option to Talk to a Colorists on the website.Catherine Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22867254238533918732014-08-29T13:47:19.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.526-04:00the ammonia free thing appeals greatly to me. its ...the ammonia free thing appeals greatly to me. its a big deterrent why i rarely color my hair anymore!Bretthttp://thismamaloves.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24717064907801690512014-08-29T14:27:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.515-04:00I'd love to dye my hair a richer color. Thanks...I'd love to dye my hair a richer color. Thanks for sharing this one!Krystal's Kitschhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87927529749017373782014-08-29T15:17:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.550-04:00The hair color looks so pretty! What a rich and b...The hair color looks so pretty! What a rich and beautiful color!Shannon Gosneyhttp://www.themommy-files.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66422842795575783642014-08-29T15:22:04.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.546-04:00I colour my own hair a lot. I will have to try thi...I colour my own hair a lot. I will have to try this out!Traceyhttp://justatraceblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28409466977459181332014-08-29T15:23:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.553-04:00Sounds like a great kit! I will have to check it o...Sounds like a great kit! I will have to check it out next time I change color.Lisahttp://momontheside.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22808282733076331352014-08-29T16:27:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.650-04:00I have been hearing a lot about Madison Reed. I lo...I have been hearing a lot about Madison Reed. I love dark colors that aren't just boring old black! Thanks for sharing the coupon!Jenn @TheRebelChickhttp://therebelchick.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15781388678439179482014-08-29T16:36:55.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.645-04:00I'm surprised no hand staining! Looks like a g...I'm surprised no hand staining! Looks like a great hair color!Christiehttp://www.savingsaidsimplynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3104833277047061012014-08-29T17:07:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.509-04:00I have never colored my hair! I just realized that...I have never colored my hair! I just realized that!Veronicahttp://thenakeddecorator.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16569340628973138642014-08-29T19:02:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.503-04:00This hair color sounds great! I usually do mine at...This hair color sounds great! I usually do mine at home and I'm always looking for a new brand to try! Thanks for sharing!Amber C.http://allinadaysworkblog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39481918386014890682014-08-29T22:20:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.498-04:00We did a Madison Reed review on my blog and were p...We did a Madison Reed review on my blog and were pretty amazed by the results. I love that brand!Marybeth Hamiltonhttp://www.babysavers.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67745727909744877382014-08-29T23:01:12.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.493-04:00I will be coloring my hair soon and will have to l...I will be coloring my hair soon and will have to look at this product. Coloring your hair at home can be tricky.Ann Bacciaglianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80048037002481934612014-08-30T11:31:17.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.670-04:00I love that they added the extra gloves! A hair dy...I love that they added the extra gloves! A hair dye that doesn't smell? Sounds great!Carly from The Puzzled Palatehttp://www.thepuzzledpalate.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56599749059766913952014-08-30T15:30:20.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.666-04:00Awesome review! This looks like a great product!Awesome review! This looks like a great product!Marina @ Mommy Snippetshttp://www.mommysnippets.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56128569167993257692014-08-31T15:34:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.908-04:00I'm going to share this with my sister in law ...I'm going to share this with my sister in law who has suffered from migraines for years. They are so painful and I hope this brings her relief!Amandahttp://questionablechoicesinparenting.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17370821798025454952014-09-02T11:34:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.031-04:00I have many of those things with me all the time. ...I have many of those things with me all the time. I like that flashlight. I usually just use the one on my phone, but I like that one.Robin (Masshole Mommy)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43876909455552224992014-09-02T13:55:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.025-04:00I have some in my car and some in my giant purse. ...I have some in my car and some in my giant purse. I just got a new car so I need to make a winter roadside kit.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86787436462957939042014-09-02T13:56:04.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.653-04:00I hope this does help. I know I had to tweak it a ...I hope this does help. I know I had to tweak it a bit to get it to work for me. If peppermint mix doesnt work, there are other scents that could bring her relief.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91556169460166537242014-09-02T13:56:22.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.488-04:00Yah, it was great! And, they send coupons all the ...Yah, it was great! And, they send coupons all the time.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46266186392832609842014-09-02T13:57:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.482-04:00It was really great. I have another review coming ...It was really great. I have another review coming up for a similar company. But I have a feeling I will be going back to Madison Reed. For me it seems worth the extra expense vs. the drugstore and these days even some of those are starting to be over $15.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84785732156899860302014-09-02T13:57:32.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.477-04:00I am glad to hear you had good results too!I am glad to hear you had good results too!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74455322903957803762014-09-02T13:57:52.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.472-04:00You are welcome! Let us know if you give it a try ...You are welcome! Let us know if you give it a try and how you like it.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43164388896943330132014-09-02T13:58:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.467-04:00That was the best. Even with gloves it always seem...That was the best. Even with gloves it always seems like I get a stain somewhere. Either the glove rips or when I am rinsing I get a tint on my hands.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19794443635984148462014-09-02T13:58:54.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.462-04:00A lot of wonderful colors to pick from!A lot of wonderful colors to pick from!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74592898144783312352014-09-02T13:59:35.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.457-04:00I agree. This company removed a lot of harsh chemi...I agree. This company removed a lot of harsh chemicals which is why I was surprised at how well it worked.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44035353951591975892014-09-02T14:00:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.452-04:00I plan to. It lasts longer than the box I used fro...I plan to. It lasts longer than the box I used from the drugstore. It also has less chemicals which means less damage to my hair.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69859827970783283002014-09-02T14:00:51.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.447-04:00That was a big thing for me. Overall, great compan...That was a big thing for me. Overall, great company.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4253784670186830212014-09-02T14:03:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.443-04:00I used to when I lived by one. In the 7 years I ha...I used to when I lived by one. In the 7 years I have lived in MI I have had my hair done at the salon twice and both times it was about $100.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89901047032013802502014-09-02T14:04:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.438-04:00I think esalon is the one sitting on my table wait...I think esalon is the one sitting on my table waiting for me to use and write my review. I have read mixed reviews but I figure it was worth a try.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6929009595294929482014-09-02T14:04:22.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.433-04:00Me too. And, my pets.Me too. And, my pets.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3043799837919595042014-09-02T14:04:40.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.429-04:00I am so glad to meet another MR happy customer.I am so glad to meet another MR happy customer.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7081927304837583592014-09-02T14:07:12.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.424-04:00When I really started to get in to hair color I ha...When I really started to get in to hair color I had a good friend who was an instructor at a beauty college. He did my hair for many, many years. I learned quite a bit from him and the college. After he went elsewhere I had a girl who did my hair, again,taught me so much. I learned what to look for in box colors and what not to do. Sally Beauty Supply became my BFF. Since moving to MI, I have a couple of girls who cut my hair, both are are licensed but they work from home. I donate my hair, too. And everyone raves about how well my color is and how healthy my hair is. When I tell them its a box, they think I am lying. LOLChrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63700621551541625952014-09-02T14:39:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.040-04:00I have to have antibacterial wipes with me! Great ...I have to have antibacterial wipes with me! Great list!Shellhttp://thingsicantsay.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48063712139464201592014-09-02T15:03:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.036-04:00wow a zoomable flashlight? that's a good stock...wow a zoomable flashlight? that's a good stocking stuffer for my husband!Bretthttp://thismamaloves.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62919904524344676872014-09-02T17:49:01.861-04:002014-09-02T17:49:01.861-04:00Yes, it does make my skin crawl. But despite what ...Yes, it does make my skin crawl. But despite what happened to me with my dad, even if I take that out of the equation, my mother taught me to stand on my own to feet and always independent because at the end of the day, no one will take care of you but you. I guess that has always stuck with me. I don't want someone to take care of me in certain ways. I want to be equals. It's a hard balance to find.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39103934094426221602014-09-02T17:52:14.371-04:002014-09-02T17:52:14.371-04:00I have to agree. I have to agree. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9709576668427628382014-09-02T17:55:27.403-04:002014-09-02T17:55:27.403-04:00The ones that are starting don't seem to pay s...The ones that are starting don't seem to pay so well. I have looked into a few of them and folks aren't really happy. It just seems like they are using these sites for a dumping ground for places who are closing. I know these sites made money, I just think they got tired of the never-ending changes and slaps on the wrists from Google. <br /><br />I really like HubPages. I have been there a long time and used to have quite a bit of content there. Over the years I have moved some of that content over to my own websites because it makes me more money on them. They have gone through their own changes with Google and always do it in a matter that benefits their writers and not harm them like so many other websites have. HubPages has some pretty significant backers. So, as long as they continue to play by Google rules they should be OK. I think Squidoo, while good for certain types of articles, became too much about affiliate linking and less about good content. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75235419708506345662014-09-02T18:01:13.354-04:002014-09-02T18:01:13.354-04:00I wonder if the way I see things would change if I...I wonder if the way I see things would change if I had no idea what it was like to be skinny. My step mother-in-law was that way. She has always been the big girl and has no idea what life is like away from plus size racks. Not that the pain is any different when someone picks on you. I am horrible to myself because this body used to be skinny. It was never small because I am not a small person. It didn't hurt as much, have as many stretch marks and didn't cause me so much pain. For a brief period in life I didn't get teased for being the overweight kid. My self-esteem sucks. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76728025759168811252014-09-02T18:03:31.878-04:002014-09-02T18:03:31.878-04:00It was interesting. I am nosy. I like to dig into ...It was interesting. I am nosy. I like to dig into peoples lives.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15875538479544704932014-09-02T18:05:25.729-04:002014-09-02T18:05:25.729-04:00I'm trying to find help. It is limited at the ...I'm trying to find help. It is limited at the moment with finances and lack of insurance.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66409507591138928362014-09-02T18:16:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.048-04:00That smartwatch is so cool. Looks like I need to g...That smartwatch is so cool. Looks like I need to go ahead and upgrade my wrist wear!Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91122824435072896162014-09-02T19:09:03.828-04:002014-09-02T19:09:03.828-04:00Why thank you!Why thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13562468203160111752014-09-02T19:09:48.947-04:002014-09-02T19:09:48.947-04:00Thank you.Thank you.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29116558865785021862014-09-02T19:10:02.604-04:002014-09-02T19:10:02.604-04:00Thank you and you are welcome.Thank you and you are welcome.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25183208259808435432014-09-02T19:35:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.044-04:00A flashlight is something I need to add. Other tha...A flashlight is something I need to add. Other than that, I'm good on the rest of the list. Go Me. :)Lisahttp://momontheside.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4696075833961614402014-09-02T19:36:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.055-04:00Great listing of items - I really like the Coach p...Great listing of items - I really like the Coach purse :)Debbie L.http://greenandglassie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85743253523449442892014-09-02T20:01:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.052-04:00Great list. I so want that watch. It is really nic...Great list. I so want that watch. It is really nice.Debbie Dennyhttp://espacularaiesa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57987252099337869942014-09-02T20:56:52.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.089-04:00That flashlight is really cool. I need to get one ...That flashlight is really cool. I need to get one of those to keep in my car.Chrysahttp://thriftyjinxy.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12121965231065998002014-09-02T21:04:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.085-04:00That smartwatch looks really cool! I would love t...That smartwatch looks really cool! I would love to have one of those!Carly Andersonhttp://www.LipglossAndCrayons.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38328755300027320812014-09-02T21:54:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.080-04:00I need that smart watch. I want to learn more!!!!...I need that smart watch. I want to learn more!!!!Kathyhttp://amomsimpression.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22610220500890142112014-09-02T22:49:14.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.075-04:00Having 2 kids, I always have a first aid kit on ha...Having 2 kids, I always have a first aid kit on hand. You never know when accidents are going to happen.Theresahttp://theresasmixednuts.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44079942799846516122014-09-02T23:11:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.071-04:00I am loving that smart watch. That looks very cool...I am loving that smart watch. That looks very cool.Cameshahttp://cameshagosha.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19575845556379998292014-09-02T23:36:29.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.067-04:00These are all great suggestions. I can't leav...These are all great suggestions. I can't leave without my headache meds!Feliciahttp://www.gogrowgo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11747398252811398292014-09-03T00:27:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.063-04:00These are all great suggestions. I need to add th...These are all great suggestions. I need to add the flashlight and first aid kit.Catherine Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66453661462610552032014-09-03T00:42:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.059-04:00Great suggestions. My purse is usually full of jun...Great suggestions. My purse is usually full of junk. I must clean it out. The first aid would be a good one to add to mineVeronicahttp://thenakeddecorator.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53143071192846507352014-09-03T00:53:55.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.140-04:00These are all great, but for me, the bag is the bi...These are all great, but for me, the bag is the biggie. I've GOT to have my bag with me at all times.Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommyhttp://thedivinemissmommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5865106994980708412014-09-03T01:27:04.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.154-04:00Great list! I agree wet ones are a must! We use th...Great list! I agree wet ones are a must! We use them for all kinds of things!kristinhttp://www.ourordinarylife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78004017845319077552014-09-03T01:46:49.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.149-04:00Thank you for solving my biggest Christmas shoppin...Thank you for solving my biggest Christmas shopping dilemma. The smartwatch is awesome and I just happen to know a family member who will love it.Lori Gunnhttp://thisnthatfromlori.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51080004167537072922014-09-03T05:48:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.145-04:00Great survival kit for a woman! I really need to s...Great survival kit for a woman! I really need to start carrying floss with me. That purse is adorable, by the way.Susanna @Zealous Momhttps://www.zealousmom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83275614136767674372014-09-03T11:26:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.002-04:00I wish a Coach purse was on my must have list! I&#...I wish a Coach purse was on my must have list! I'll settle for the wet naps, LOLChristiehttp://www.savingsaidsimplynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59956877232897595592014-09-03T11:50:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.987-04:00This is an awesome list! I love the watch.This is an awesome list! I love the watch.Traceyhttp://justatraceblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14066519607548604342014-09-03T12:24:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.982-04:00Great tips. I always have Wet Ones in my purse - a...Great tips. I always have Wet Ones in my purse - and not just for the kids!Mel Outnumberedhttp://outnumbered3-1.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33715929103395278522014-09-03T13:45:11.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.997-04:00I always have Wet Ones! You never know when you...I always have Wet Ones! You never know when you're going to need them!Krystal's Kitschhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28094582636330431232014-09-03T14:28:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.992-04:00I love that Mota Performance watch, now that is so...I love that Mota Performance watch, now that is something I need to look into!Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.comhttp://sixtimemommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39499522516877309832014-09-03T16:16:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.012-04:00I have learned since having children that anti bac...I have learned since having children that anti bacterial wipes are a necessity, not a luxury. I have it with me at all times!Laurahttp://MomMart.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75178707059985739992014-09-03T16:48:07.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.008-04:00thats a great looking bag. every woman should have...thats a great looking bag. every woman should have a few really good bags in her lifeMelindahttp://lookwhatmomfound.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6840498748720783892014-09-03T17:38:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.017-04:00This is a great list of items that every woman sho...This is a great list of items that every woman should have with them. Thanks for sharing.Shannon Gosneyhttp://www.themommy-files.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41462162542848897422014-09-03T19:00:29.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.021-04:00Thanks for reading!Thanks for reading!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39123758094740985842014-09-03T19:01:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.093-04:00I agree. Which is why I love places like TJMaxx an...I agree. Which is why I love places like TJMaxx and outlet stores. I have a Coach outlet in town so it saves me $100s.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84236785903849188612014-09-03T19:01:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.101-04:00I always have some in my car and purse. Even when ...I always have some in my car and purse. Even when kiddo isn't with us I tend to get messy from time to time.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61946866986735923902014-09-03T19:01:40.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.097-04:00Isn't it amazing!?!Isn't it amazing!?!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76470127026498900862014-09-03T19:02:12.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.109-04:00Homemade wipes in a zip top bag work wonders, too!...Homemade wipes in a zip top bag work wonders, too!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12113124561024421772014-09-03T19:02:29.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.105-04:00I understand completely!I understand completely!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22791448199038482512014-09-03T19:03:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.117-04:00I try to clean mine out a few times a month. I use...I try to clean mine out a few times a month. I use small makeup bags and coin bags for organization.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53364226508992763902014-09-03T19:03:43.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.113-04:00I keep peppermint oil handy for that.I keep peppermint oil handy for that.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66751788445548454032014-09-03T20:52:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.136-04:00I like to carry antibacterial wipes. They are conv...I like to carry antibacterial wipes. They are convenient and you never know when you will need one. I had it when my hands feel dirty. They also help a lot during cold and flu season.Ann BAcciaglianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11891454243444994032014-09-03T21:35:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.132-04:00Hmmm, I have none of those. Most of them do look l...Hmmm, I have none of those. Most of them do look like things I could definitely use, so I should probably pick them up.Mickeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79081175576440743092014-09-03T21:50:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.128-04:00I love that handbag for the fall! It would be perf...I love that handbag for the fall! It would be perfect for church when I dress up a little fancier.Amy Desrosiershttp://savvysavingcouple.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-826087115171398602014-09-03T23:05:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.125-04:00I guess if I had that purse I could probably carry...I guess if I had that purse I could probably carry all of that stuff. I like the shoes and the flashlightBeth@FrugalFroggiehttp://www.frugalfroggie.com/Resources.phpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14703322445504729412014-09-04T00:51:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.121-04:00I love that Coach bag! I've really been into ...I love that Coach bag! I've really been into Michael Kors lately, but I'd deviate for that bag!Amanda Herhttp://thoughtsfromher.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62466356210506471212014-09-04T12:50:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.965-04:00I have been in the market for a new purse! I love ...I have been in the market for a new purse! I love the big bag look!Carly from The Puzzled Palatehttp://www.thepuzzledpalate.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70095115506902001542014-09-04T16:40:59.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.970-04:00I do too, but after carrying one for a while I am ...I do too, but after carrying one for a while I am in need of a change. Everyone wants to toss their stuff in my bag!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39978863430494479232014-09-04T16:41:10.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.978-04:00Oh those are great purses too!Oh those are great purses too!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53494082518589798082014-09-04T16:41:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.974-04:00I buy mine from the Coach Outlet. Most of them are...I buy mine from the Coach Outlet. Most of them are like 75% off retail.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18628899261449637302014-09-07T22:04:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.956-04:00I've really been wanting a new purse. And I am...I've really been wanting a new purse. And I am curious about that Mota Smartwatch. I'm going to check that out.Danielle @ We Have It Allhttp://www.wedonthaveitall.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38285055828490430112014-09-08T15:36:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.948-04:00Nice list. I usually have Tylenol or something lik...Nice list. I usually have Tylenol or something like it nearby in case I get a headache. <br><br>Wet Ones are also important if you have messy kids. Or if you're messy yourself. Which I am.Amberhttp://www.airingmylaundry.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34185028580665697262014-09-08T19:56:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.952-04:00I now need that watch. Tylenol is a most in my lis...I now need that watch. Tylenol is a most in my list too. This is very helpful.Anjanette @MommaYounghttp://www.mommayoungathome.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10080169198033630282014-09-09T17:49:19.626-04:002014-09-09T17:49:19.626-04:00Thank you for your kind words.Thank you for your kind words.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5356734693592266372014-09-09T17:50:00.463-04:002014-09-09T17:50:00.463-04:00Sometimes death does strange things to people. The...Sometimes death does strange things to people. There are parts about everyone I miss. Some, more than others.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64569191130856724842014-09-09T17:50:24.478-04:002014-09-09T17:50:24.478-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47782718525716455942014-09-09T17:50:42.676-04:002014-09-09T17:50:42.676-04:00Thanks!Thanks!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8872676829176568772014-09-09T17:51:03.379-04:002014-09-09T17:51:03.379-04:00I need to write a different one I think. Add some ...I need to write a different one I think. Add some things.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3805098039533495812014-09-09T22:02:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.328-04:00[…] wrote a post about it on Everyday Living with ...[…] wrote a post about it on Everyday Living with Chrys. I am walking for the Children’s Miracle Network and Beaumont Hospital in Detroit. We walk 1 […]The Yuck Stops Here {24} #stoptheyuck - YUM eatinghttp://yumeating.com/yuck-stops-24-stoptheyuck/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5807048335453574352014-09-11T07:30:34.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.961-04:00Great list! Thanks for sharing this!<br>Hi! Stopp...Great list! Thanks for sharing this!<br>Hi! Stopping by from Mom Bloggers Club.<br>Have a nice day.Veronica Leehttp://ofmiceandramen.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81696361829684108202014-09-13T09:57:50.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:34.418-04:00[…] days, but in the fall I love to give it a bit ...[…] days, but in the fall I love to give it a bit of a red hue. I guess that’s the Irish in me I’m still loving my Madison Reed haircolor and believe it’s about time for me to do some touchups. I think this time I am going to opt […]Autumn Hair - 5 Tips to Go Darker for Fallhttp://chrystalmahan.com/autumn-hair-5-tips-go-darker-fall/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47009901857047175482014-09-13T10:10:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.143-04:00I actually get keratin treatments at the salon, so...I actually get keratin treatments at the salon, so I have to use a specific shampoo - which is fine with me. Getting rid of my curls makes it totally worth it!Robin (Masshole Mommy)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83186918454657844602014-09-13T10:11:10.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.138-04:00I'm headed to my stylist on Tuesday. I need a ...I'm headed to my stylist on Tuesday. I need a trim and more color!!Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mamahttp://www.redheadbabymama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66441089421311633902014-09-13T14:47:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.133-04:00Heading on Wednesday for a touch up - the gray is ...Heading on Wednesday for a touch up - the gray is starting to showDebbie L.http://greenandglassie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61200197508508338462014-09-13T15:12:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.127-04:00Great tips! I need to color my hair again soon an...Great tips! I need to color my hair again soon and will probably go darker.fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27886272851633373852014-09-13T22:58:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.122-04:00Thanks for the great tips. I need to go have somet...Thanks for the great tips. I need to go have something done with all this gray I am getting.Catherine Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80356705865014286822014-09-14T09:24:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.117-04:00I don't use color, but my DIL told me her beau...I don't use color, but my DIL told me her beautician said color shampoo adds moisture to any hair. I have been using color shampoo and it's been working wonderfully well!Roseyhttp://www.mail4rosey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28355138402454774392014-09-14T11:01:02.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.112-04:00Color shampoo does add moisture to any hair. It al...Color shampoo does add moisture to any hair. It also is less harsh, that way, the color lasts longer.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63961392693604513792014-09-14T11:01:20.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.107-04:00I seem to get a few extra strands here and there. ...I seem to get a few extra strands here and there. Mostly at my temples.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41572270507215519552014-09-14T11:01:48.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.102-04:00I am really wanting to add more red. A few years a...I am really wanting to add more red. A few years ago it was fuschia. I just love being crazy and fun every once in a while.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28927277770639919042014-09-14T11:03:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.097-04:00I got rid of my curls when I was a teen and again ...I got rid of my curls when I was a teen and again when I was in my early 20s. Now I just don't care. I will either wear it curly or take the time to blow it out. Which I don't do very often these days. It took me a long time but I finally started to just accept my hair.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87900481406379130492014-09-14T11:03:16.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.943-04:00Thanks for stopping by!Thanks for stopping by!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47790156061524193822014-09-14T11:03:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.938-04:00I really think this watch is great. Hubs is trying...I really think this watch is great. Hubs is trying to talk me in to an Apple watch.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67147994283829253532014-09-14T11:04:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.932-04:00I have to keep meds or oils with me because I am p...I have to keep meds or oils with me because I am prone to migraines. I can't leave the house without making sure my purse is stocked.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75752205436627999532014-09-14T12:42:19.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.091-04:00I have tried going darker, .. for some reason, I j...I have tried going darker, .. for some reason, I just didn't like it. I guess I will be blonde until I die.Terryhttp://www.myjourneywithcandida.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90035219780787010572014-09-14T15:05:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.086-04:00I haven't colored my hair in a while. I'm ...I haven't colored my hair in a while. I'm embracing the gray that is starting to show up. Although, I do love some red added to my hair in the fall. I should work on doing that soon.debhttp://www.justshortofcrazy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26010719159478034832014-09-14T15:27:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.082-04:00I've been coloring my hair for several years (...I've been coloring my hair for several years (and have gone darker, instead of lighter, which is so taboo in my family!) Using a shampoo/conditioner for color treated hair makes a world of difference!Jaimehttp://lovejaime.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55414934452800736022014-09-14T16:58:20.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.077-04:00Color safe shampoo and conditioner is definitely i...Color safe shampoo and conditioner is definitely important any time you are dyeing your hair. It makes a big difference in how long your color lasts and how good it looks.Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71046104740229835262014-09-14T17:52:16.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.072-04:00Great tips. You've REALLY got to take your ski...Great tips. You've REALLY got to take your skin tone into consideration when you're coloring your hair. Certain tones and hair colors just do not mix.Dawnhttp://homemakinghacks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13857378960890807752014-09-14T18:37:29.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.067-04:00Great tips and I need to remember to use the hair ...Great tips and I need to remember to use the hair color safe shampoo! I always forget that and it really does make a difference.aimee faucihttp://houseoffaucis.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31553107567312370132014-09-14T18:47:45.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.062-04:00These are really great tips. I do low lights and h...These are really great tips. I do low lights and high lights and I do use special shampoo for color treated hair. I haven't heard of Madison Reed before but I would love to try their products.Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35084664757638277532014-09-14T21:25:24.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.057-04:00I just went a little darker last month. I imagine...I just went a little darker last month. I imagine that I will go even darker next month.Kathyhttp://amomsimpression.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39461287919939017812014-09-14T21:38:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.053-04:00I just recently went darker with my hair color. It...I just recently went darker with my hair color. It is hard to get used to not being so blonde!Chrysahttp://thriftyjinxy.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68894370917239571692014-09-14T21:44:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.047-04:00Thank you for reminding me that I need to make an ...Thank you for reminding me that I need to make an appointment with my stylist! I'm so ready to go a little darker and add some dimension.Jessica (Savory Experiments)http://www.savoryexperiments.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12589880977846839602014-09-14T23:26:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.042-04:00When I tried to color my hair darker it faded. I ...When I tried to color my hair darker it faded. I would love to try it again.Beth@FrugalFroggiehttp://www.frugalfroggie.com/blogs.phpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6002227978410804672014-09-14T23:29:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.037-04:00So excited for the fall season. Spring and fall a...So excited for the fall season. Spring and fall are my favorite seasons.Beth@KCMompreneurshttp://kcmompreneurs.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31710183961474124602014-09-15T01:07:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.027-04:00I recently went to a dark brown, and for some reas...I recently went to a dark brown, and for some reason part of my hair went to a black color and another portion has light brown and red undertones. Come this fall I am going to be putting in some blonde highlights and maybe some caramel lowlights inside my hair to even it out a little bit.Mary O'Malleyhttp://theomalleyreview.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57979991663186889932014-09-15T01:45:55.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.021-04:00I know I've been stuck in situations where I h...I know I've been stuck in situations where I had to wash with non-color safe shampoos. It about killed me to see the immediate change in tone!Liz Mayshttp://www.anutinanutshell.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92133710565583654852014-09-15T06:18:25.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.000-04:00I don't know if I can go any darker with this ...I don't know if I can go any darker with this black Asian hair! LOL But with a few greys popping through, I may be dying soon :)Christiehttp://www.savingsaidsimply.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53967258269702686872014-09-15T10:43:05.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.199-04:00Been thinking about going darker for the colder mo...Been thinking about going darker for the colder months, I always use color specific shampoos otherwise I've seen my blonde highlights turn very yellow :(Katrinahttp://www.eastcoastmama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28744695645827555712014-09-15T11:08:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.194-04:00I love when I color my hair a dark brown. It just ...I love when I color my hair a dark brown. It just looks so vibrant!Krystal's Kitschhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50392385947849843652014-09-15T11:50:07.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.189-04:00My hair is dark and I love it, I have to do my roo...My hair is dark and I love it, I have to do my roots as they are all white now (gah) but I love dark hair in fall! Great tips!Jeaninehttp://sixtimemommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20404918295040348572014-09-15T12:22:08.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:38.183-04:00I love this darker Fall color. I so need to get my...I love this darker Fall color. I so need to get my a hair styled and maybe died. I certainly would like to have my haircut so that I feel more light (have super thick hair) ... I love these tips, thanks for sharing!Brandyhttp://happilyblended.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22086870110780031412014-09-15T14:16:47.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:37.647-04:00I'm hearing more and more about essential oils...I'm hearing more and more about essential oils these days, but this is literally lifesaving - migraines are AWFUL! Thanks for coming over and linking up at the #HomeMatters Linky Party! We'd love to see you again this coming Wednesday!Kristen from The Road to Domesticationhttp://www.theroadtodomestication.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19292737376103960952014-09-15T15:59:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.015-04:00I haven't colored my hair in years. These are ...I haven't colored my hair in years. These are some great tips! I may just have to think about adding some highlights.Aprilhttp://www.My-Captivating-Life.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28508583582404671442014-09-15T16:16:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.010-04:00Great tips! My biggest thing is getting it cut on ...Great tips! My biggest thing is getting it cut on the reg. Must do that!kristinhttp://www.ourordinarylife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36007390532407661022014-09-15T16:51:13.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.032-04:00Color safe shampoo is so important for making it l...Color safe shampoo is so important for making it last. I'm happy to invest the little bit extra it requires.Travel Bloggerhttp://www.surfandsunshine.com/travel/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20739366341383210232014-09-16T13:29:49.202-04:002014-09-17T20:23:51.969-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Susan Bremer O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233455805772597126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-888302834907346972014-09-16T13:32:08.880-04:002014-09-16T15:53:27.146-04:00You get it! It is a memoir with the hope of being...You get it! It is a memoir with the hope of being a bit of self-help too. I am thrilled that my book has inspired thought provoking action for you. Authentic, respectful honesty can be very liberating. Keep up your good work!Susan Bremer O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04233455805772597126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91240974584246751672014-09-16T14:26:33.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.253-04:00I'm always trying to get more organised for ru...I'm always trying to get more organised for running my websites, but I haven't found a good solution yet. I usually just grab the nearest pen and paper and make notes, although I know this isn't really a good plan for long term management. This daily book seems like something I would definitely try out!Dananoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65561378491968343892014-09-16T14:27:07.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.248-04:00I keep an editorial calendar, a sheet with all my ...I keep an editorial calendar, a sheet with all my paid advertisers, giveaways and a few other things all in a binder so I can keep track of it all. It helps, trust me.Robin (Masshole Mommy)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21538766993341599922014-09-16T14:46:04.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.258-04:00You are a lot more organized than I am. I need t...You are a lot more organized than I am. I need to get a planner and start using it.Terryhttp://www.myjourneywithcandida.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75706677474705006902014-09-16T14:47:37.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.263-04:00I sometimes schedule everything in my LifePlanner....I sometimes schedule everything in my LifePlanner. It's not going as well as I had hoped, because I'm feeling super overwhelmed and stressed right now. I think I have too much on my plate for the next few weeks. I REALLY need a separate space to keep track of everything.Jaimehttp://lovejaime.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8564060039417613572014-09-16T14:49:01.561-04:002014-09-16T15:53:27.141-04:00Confession....once upon a time I was sick of One D...Confession....once upon a time I was sick of One Direction. Now I hear some of their songs and I secretly (or maybe not so secretly?) love them. Not the band, but a few of their songs. jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30220160546880252362014-09-16T15:16:09.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.268-04:00I use a spreadsheet and my mac calendar. It helps....I use a spreadsheet and my mac calendar. It helps.Heatherhttp://www.girlgonemom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58640802470268721222014-09-16T15:18:18.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.285-04:00I honestly have not found a good way of organizing...I honestly have not found a good way of organizing it all. I have tried a few ways but none have been successful for me.Mandy@ TheHouseholdHero.comhttp://www.thehouseholdhero.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89220288862611714992014-09-16T15:23:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.278-04:00Wow you are a lot more organized then i am. I need...Wow you are a lot more organized then i am. I need to get a planner to write done sponsors and giveaways.beccahttp://www.EverydayLifes.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45306049480053037142014-09-16T15:27:43.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.289-04:00I try to stay organized, but sadly i just keep gra...I try to stay organized, but sadly i just keep grabbing notebook after notebook. A for effort though, right?Melissa Smithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15280534750641121952014-09-16T15:32:47.862-04:002014-09-16T15:53:27.138-04:00WOW! I know a few teenage girls who would LOVE thi...WOW! I know a few teenage girls who would LOVE this! Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65264064990122689222014-09-16T15:33:14.751-04:002014-09-16T15:53:27.135-04:00Ok I'm in I want the trip to go see 1D they ar...Ok I'm in I want the trip to go see 1D they are just too adorable.beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66563680540194919472014-09-16T15:44:22.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.299-04:00This is a constant battle for me. I am generally v...This is a constant battle for me. I am generally very organized, as well, but just when I think I have it all together, I have to reinvent the wheel. I'm using several different printables, nothing groundbreaking, but it's on my list to create my own blog planner. In my FREE time, of course. HAHAHAHAHA!Kristen from The Road to Domesticationhttp://www.theroadtodomestication.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2738520758579137872014-09-16T15:49:45.379-04:002014-09-16T15:53:27.133-04:00LOL I agree they are not my things anymore. Howeve...LOL I agree they are not my things anymore. However my daughter is getting into them, she would love the make up too. Couponing Away Debthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05537570450460991504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86375001081692278762014-09-16T16:51:36.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.306-04:00I use a planner and without it I would be lost. I ...I use a planner and without it I would be lost. I had one that I particularly loved which they stopped making a few years ago. I'm using Erin Condren now and I do like it, but there are some features I truly miss in the other one.Liz Mayshttp://www.anutinanutshell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28429601477067273102014-09-16T17:01:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.315-04:00I have a planner and a ton of worksheets to keep m...I have a planner and a ton of worksheets to keep me organized. THanks for these tips!Krystal's Kitschhttp://www.krystalskitsch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39108973355823179262014-09-16T17:19:35.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.311-04:00This is my 2015 goal! Having just started blogging...This is my 2015 goal! Having just started blogging in early 2014 I did not realize how much and how quickly <br>I would need to organize important information.aimee faucihttp://houseoffaucis.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64377369979008392872014-09-16T17:43:09.374-04:002014-09-16T18:03:22.565-04:00Well at least this "boy band" is attempt...Well at least this "boy band" is attempting to reach for a different business! Next time I am in Macy's I will check out these kits.MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90307172459531572522014-09-16T17:52:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.319-04:00I have a hard time keeping my blog schedule organi...I have a hard time keeping my blog schedule organized. I use Google Calendar and make lists all the time, but I could definitely do more.Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70103907930010415162014-09-16T18:04:27.212-04:002014-09-16T18:04:27.212-04:00If I don't hear them for a while, its ok. But ...If I don't hear them for a while, its ok. But since I am also a freelance entertainment writer, I think I am pretty much over them. I wish them the best of luck in life. Just have 1D burnout.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37890957605502570822014-09-16T18:05:03.694-04:002014-09-16T18:05:03.694-04:00I wish Kiddo was a little older so she could enjoy...I wish Kiddo was a little older so she could enjoy it, but for now she'll have fun using it as play make up I am sure.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51365025110629858522014-09-16T18:05:17.135-04:002014-09-16T18:05:17.135-04:00Good luck to you!Good luck to you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19153393252141529742014-09-16T18:05:52.446-04:002014-09-16T18:05:52.446-04:00I think it could be fun if shes at the right age. ...I think it could be fun if shes at the right age. Kiddo is 9, so still not quite into wearing real make up aside from lip gloss.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87055181871719232972014-09-16T18:07:29.255-04:002014-09-16T18:07:29.255-04:00I am not quite sure what you mean by your business...I am not quite sure what you mean by your business comment. I was a teen when New Kids on the Block were popular. If that tells you anything, it should tell you that I have seen every boy band that came after them. And pretty much all of them marketed themselves to product lines like makeup, clothing and other memorabilia. What 1D is doing is nothing new. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8407153279298418372014-09-16T20:20:43.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.327-04:00I am disorganised with my blog - it is something I...I am disorganised with my blog - it is something I really need to work on more as I'm sure it will get me into problems one day! xSarah Baileyhttp://www.lifeinabreakdown.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84560212556461558952014-09-16T20:42:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.323-04:00I tried a planner but never used it. I just keep t...I tried a planner but never used it. I just keep things in my head and if there gets to be to many I write them in a notebook. Not the best system, I'm sure.Roseyhttp://www.mail4rosey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53086842261050954612014-09-16T20:52:15.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.331-04:00This is a great list of tips for bloggers who are ...This is a great list of tips for bloggers who are looking to get organized. I have my own system in place and it seems to work well and includes the use of technology.Tough Cookie Mommyhttp://toughcookiemommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72096147172522370232014-09-16T21:25:22.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.341-04:00So far I use a notebook, but I'm thinking a sp...So far I use a notebook, but I'm thinking a spreadsheet would be better.Amber NElsonhttp://www.savingmamasita.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31319972032612620512014-09-17T00:19:56.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.335-04:00I am a total failure with blog planning. I keep tr...I am a total failure with blog planning. I keep track of things that are due on my phone calendar but I need a better system for sure.Stefanyhttp://tobethode.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73657337704505777252014-09-17T01:38:12.841-04:002014-09-17T15:08:42.588-04:00Confession - I'm a bit old for 1 Direction but...Confession - I'm a bit old for 1 Direction but they have catchy tunes!Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59689121036793461522014-09-17T07:27:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:39.148-04:00I'venever thought of going a shade lighter wit...I'venever thought of going a shade lighter with my hair. I keep it at brown-black. I must remember to get a color safe shampoo!Marinahttp://mommysnippets.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37131904105217249992014-09-17T09:28:43.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.373-04:00For sites I manage, we use Google Docs a lot. Ever...For sites I manage, we use Google Docs a lot. Everything is on spreadsheets. For my own site, I use my editorial calender and a neurotic system of labels in gmail. I also use Wunderlist app a lot now.Nikkihttp://www.prettyopinionated.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35578849846304738322014-09-17T12:05:06.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.368-04:00Great tips for blog writers and others who have to...Great tips for blog writers and others who have to organize writing/photos etcAmanda mcmahonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66224367610456266672014-09-17T12:09:54.148-04:002014-09-17T15:08:42.585-04:00I've never really liked them as well but the m...I've never really liked them as well but the makeup kits seems so cool!Jamie Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423961779992430669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38947915850010444792014-09-17T14:56:20.141-04:002014-09-17T15:08:42.576-04:00I never saw them when they were on TV. My daughter...I never saw them when they were on TV. My daughter likes them. I think they have a nice sound.mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80594642047324105932014-09-17T15:28:16.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.378-04:00I love the Google calendar. I can place everything...I love the Google calendar. I can place everything on there that I need to do and have email alerts sent to me two weeks in advance or 10 mins. I think it is especially helpful with giveaways.Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60655391726278245512014-09-17T18:27:48.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.346-04:00What a great post staying organized is the key to ...What a great post staying organized is the key to being successful in blogging. Because things can quickly get out of control if you let them go. I created a printable blog planner for everyone for free you can check it out if you would like. http://fitnessfashionista.com/2014/09/09/free-blog-planner-printable/Daniellehttp://fitnessfashionista.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72831350494261119472014-09-17T18:57:46.704-04:002014-09-18T10:29:42.129-04:00At the playground today the girls were talking abo...At the playground today the girls were talking about 1 Direction - there are a lot of Harry fans for sure!! This make-up looks interesting. I would give it a try! Kristi Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957834200543862726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5693927365478584872014-09-17T21:31:01.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.352-04:00I really need to get a planner. I've been say...I really need to get a planner. I've been saying that all year but now I may just get one for the new year because I can be so disorganized.Amanda Lovehttp://www.growingupmadison.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2581412744063059472014-09-17T22:38:00.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.357-04:00I actually get a momAgenda office edition to use f...I actually get a momAgenda office edition to use for my blogging needs. It's so big and perfect to keep track of blogger and life.Tonihttp://juststopscreaming.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17219775762381041812014-09-17T23:11:46.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.295-04:00I keep a folder for all blog related paperwork. I ...I keep a folder for all blog related paperwork. I also have created folders in my email system and organize emails received from advertisers and other social media sites.Babita@BabsProjectshttp://www.top10compared.com/blog/top-tips-build-trust-website/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45247579428657794262014-09-18T00:05:41.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.273-04:00This was always my problem, then I finally started...This was always my problem, then I finally started using a planner that I purchased from Plum Paper Design on Etsy. They are darling and that makes me want to use it. Check them out.Lorihttp://nationaldayof365.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3954885052207042232014-09-18T10:16:44.035-04:002014-09-18T10:29:42.123-04:00Being not a big fan of One Direction I'll pass...Being not a big fan of One Direction I'll pass on their makeup but I'm sure the teeny boppers would buy it like crazy. :) Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81297504718238239452014-09-18T17:09:39.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.243-04:00Some great tips on how to keep organized. I also ...Some great tips on how to keep organized. I also use a planner. I try to write down and map out my week. It really helps to keep me o track.Onica {MommyFactor)http://www.mommyfactor.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68389369093949416132014-09-18T18:54:26.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.238-04:00I am trying to keep my planner in order. I started...I am trying to keep my planner in order. I started with different colored pens, now those pens are missing.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65354665879601427152014-09-18T18:54:44.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.233-04:00I'll have to check those out!I'll have to check those out!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37864286933307769292014-09-18T18:55:20.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.228-04:00I have some file folders that I use for receipts a...I have some file folders that I use for receipts and contracts. I really should use a better email client for all my emails so I can save time and keep organizational flow going.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88802178448228158732014-09-18T18:55:38.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.223-04:00I should take a peak at that.I should take a peak at that.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16682665821017994972014-09-18T18:55:56.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.219-04:00The one I have doesn't have dates. Perfect for...The one I have doesn't have dates. Perfect for me to start whenever!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51387954826510242012014-09-18T18:56:10.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.214-04:00Thank you for sharing!Thank you for sharing!Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43327944952545249502014-09-18T18:56:30.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.208-04:00So far the only thing I use this for is my husband...So far the only thing I use this for is my husbands work schedule. I should utilize it more.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12385736572733590052014-09-18T18:57:03.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.200-04:00I have about 30 labels in gmail. Its a little out ...I have about 30 labels in gmail. Its a little out of control. I use filters and such too so that my main inbox doesnt over flow.Chrystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15253960551728418032014-09-19T13:21:27.000-04:002014-09-24T15:13:35.362-04:00Lately I have been really overwhelmed. I like your...Lately I have been really overwhelmed. I like your planner idea. Looking forward to an update to see how its working for you.Alice Chasehttp://www.thrillofthechases.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16803461189550750362014-09-27T15:03:52.788-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.612-04:00I think we can all use a good remedy for migraines...I think we can all use a good remedy for migraines. I don't get them often but when I do, I'm always online searching for the best remedy I can do from home because who wants to drive with a migraine right? Certainly not me. It's pointless for me to keep any migraine medicine on hand because I don't get them very often, every couple years maybe.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265479933495796241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31199352934225010612014-09-27T16:54:26.113-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.609-04:00I really like this poem. It's got that great s...I really like this poem. It's got that great staccato feel that I've always loved in a poem.Ben Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926831216645362092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35391539474922451652014-09-27T17:12:46.527-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.605-04:00Someone was telling me about essential oils for mi...Someone was telling me about essential oils for migraines just the other day. They were amazed at how much EOs had helped their daily headaches. Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379142829854106908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56420862632840942292014-09-27T20:21:00.753-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.602-04:00Lovely poem. Thank you for sharing it with the wor...Lovely poem. Thank you for sharing it with the world. I look forward to reading more of your works.Mary O'Malleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00203733206290443037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48959522625763550762014-09-27T21:25:29.971-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.599-04:00Never heard of Helium before, what type of site wa...Never heard of Helium before, what type of site was it?<br /><br />Tracy @ Ascending ButterflyTracy Iglesiashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09437442022431451505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39063203466545794062014-09-27T22:29:15.481-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.595-04:00YES YES YES! I use both of these for my headaches....YES YES YES! I use both of these for my headaches. They are so much better than any pills I have. Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69212661557293203872014-09-27T23:24:39.887-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.591-04:00I am a chronic migraine sufferer and see a Neurolo...I am a chronic migraine sufferer and see a Neurologist monthly. I really want to try this homemade remedy out instead of all of the meds I am on. Thanks so much for this info!Chrissy Mazzocchihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02091460011835943502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42582916291689673722014-09-27T23:59:45.314-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.587-04:00That is too bad that Helium is closing. It's a...That is too bad that Helium is closing. It's amazing how long it had been around. Your poem is great. Aimee Faucihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822536080265362892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72729765132675797922014-09-28T08:48:45.109-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.584-04:00This is a very touching poem. You certainly have ...This is a very touching poem. You certainly have a gift for writing. Savory Experimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291299794003464406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54103534410965439042014-09-28T14:46:45.737-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.576-04:00I suffer with severe migraines myself where I am o...I suffer with severe migraines myself where I am out of work for at least 2 days because it gets so bad. I am definitely going to give this a shot and see if it works for me.Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11256989616241892762014-09-28T15:26:40.024-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.573-04:00I've read that peppermint essential oils help ...I've read that peppermint essential oils help relieve all kinds of pain but haven't tried it yet. I have tried lavender for my sinus and that works very well. I will have to get some peppermint essential oils to try this remedy.Marielle Altenorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13524028109708567831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73396319161900319682014-09-28T15:29:12.763-04:002014-09-28T16:06:44.569-04:00It's great to see that there are migraine reli...It's great to see that there are migraine relief remedies that can be made right at home. I often suffer from these kinds of headaches.Tough Cookie Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645044095482965343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49352284646269200642014-09-28T16:31:52.092-04:002014-09-29T18:01:47.047-04:00You've written a very beautiful poem. Looking...You've written a very beautiful poem. Looking forward to reading more of your work!April Mimshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04400673773918577270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16101605130812042482014-09-28T17:13:51.547-04:002014-09-29T18:01:47.044-04:00I suffer from migraines as well. This seem like it...I suffer from migraines as well. This seem like it's worth giving a try. Fabulous Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01296342051055215748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13412048526727456732014-09-28T18:53:01.851-04:002014-09-28T18:53:01.851-04:00I think it would be great for you to keep a small ...I think it would be great for you to keep a small vial of peppermint oil with you. Just the smelling alone can push back the migraine! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91411916468369559612014-09-28T18:54:04.467-04:002014-09-28T18:54:04.467-04:00I have a lot of aches and pains due to the chronic...I have a lot of aches and pains due to the chronic migraine, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. It is so much cheaper to make my own pain reliever with EO than it is to keep buying creams like BenGay or Icy Hot.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36461397572070099712014-09-28T18:54:25.497-04:002014-09-28T18:54:25.497-04:00I agree! And our liver and kidneys thank us for it...I agree! And our liver and kidneys thank us for it! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65524096708071167712014-09-28T18:57:29.534-04:002014-09-28T18:57:29.534-04:00I've been there, so I can understand. I am ver...I've been there, so I can understand. I am very thankful that my Dr. now is also a practicing holistic doctor. So, she is very open to discussing alternative treatments. Because I lost my insurance years ago in a divorce I pretty much went cold turkey on migraine meds. No real loss for me since most of them don't work or caused me more problems. I still have to suffer through one from time to time, especially if I trigger one or don't catch it in time, but I am also able to treat it this way and my results are just as good, if not better than when I was on medication.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58530600024275290942014-09-28T19:03:08.137-04:002014-09-28T19:03:08.137-04:00I have the same problem. Hours in bed and then the...I have the same problem. Hours in bed and then the headache hangover. This has helped me a great deal. I had to tweak the recipe a bit and make it work for me. I think a lot of people on the EO forums to which I belong have to do different doses as well. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51398864817491469032014-09-28T19:31:09.021-04:002014-09-28T19:31:09.021-04:00Peppermint has so many uses in my life. I just lov...Peppermint has so many uses in my life. I just love it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82378373747466427122014-09-28T19:36:01.231-04:002014-09-28T19:36:01.231-04:00I am very thankful. I have tried OTC, prescription...I am very thankful. I have tried OTC, prescription and many alternative remedies. So far, this works well and is safe to use. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22207038266016584962014-09-28T20:30:01.649-04:002014-09-29T18:01:47.042-04:00I love reading poems, this was a treat. Sorry to h...I love reading poems, this was a treat. Sorry to hear that site is closing and I'm looking forward to getting to read more of yours here! Dawn Lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08191699999454116769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62399920652520881182014-09-28T20:38:46.714-04:002014-09-29T18:01:47.039-04:00I am excited to share this with a loved one who su...I am excited to share this with a loved one who suffers from migraines all the time. Thank you!The Positive MOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607219910927488362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61823429743471011102014-09-28T22:05:35.068-04:002014-09-29T18:01:47.034-04:00I had never heard of Helium either. I use to write...I had never heard of Helium either. I use to write poetry in High school. I have a whole binder of it. I haven't written any in so long. This is inspiring. My Captivating Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10546389739769193734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62175894425857594522014-09-29T06:43:02.502-04:002014-09-29T18:01:47.028-04:00i am not familiar with helium, that's too bad ...i am not familiar with helium, that's too bad it's closing down. it sounds like it was around a long time! you are smart to move your posts over to your own site, though- your writing is lovelyBrettBMartinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08866537079259486963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72824094986076610292014-09-29T09:46:59.900-04:002014-09-29T18:01:47.025-04:00What a great poem! Thanks for sharing it with us. ...What a great poem! Thanks for sharing it with us. Tiffany Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18068420351477528266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58974238132852259892014-09-29T19:43:02.988-04:002014-10-01T09:27:41.793-04:00Beautiful writing. I love reading poetry, I tried ...Beautiful writing. I love reading poetry, I tried writing poetry before, but sucked at it. I stick with prose now. Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13848802685776812140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34149316107339538592014-09-29T20:14:43.744-04:002014-10-01T09:27:41.756-04:00I love poems, I don't seem them much lately! ... I love poems, I don't seem them much lately! Thanks for sharingBarbie's Beauty Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06371016297356541267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37085025058600362362014-09-30T00:04:00.018-04:002014-10-01T09:27:41.751-04:00This is a fabulous poem. I very much enjoyed readi...This is a fabulous poem. I very much enjoyed reading it, and would love to see a canvas print of it some day, somewhere. I'd buy it. :-) Lori T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00313980032717360728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30798511459266658692014-09-30T16:30:23.026-04:002014-09-30T16:30:23.026-04:00Thank you.Thank you.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46054609573526844792014-09-30T16:30:34.325-04:002014-09-30T16:30:34.325-04:00Thanks so much!Thanks so much!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15557451012969907512014-09-30T16:31:17.356-04:002014-09-30T16:31:17.356-04:00It was a revenue sharing site sort of like HubPage...It was a revenue sharing site sort of like HubPages, Squidoo and so on. I had been a writer there since about 2009 or so.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59161586361491669742014-09-30T16:31:51.906-04:002014-09-30T16:31:51.906-04:00They tried to change things after the big Google P...They tried to change things after the big Google Panda update but just couldn't weather the storm. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33596002811397173422014-09-30T16:32:07.444-04:002014-09-30T16:32:07.444-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58954679756505464212014-09-30T16:32:49.549-04:002014-09-30T16:32:49.549-04:00You should certainly do something with that whole ...You should certainly do something with that whole binder of poetry! I have a lot of it packed away at my moms and keep thinking I should gather it all up and publish it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70505767694022393472014-09-30T16:33:21.728-04:002014-09-30T16:33:21.728-04:00Thank you. I believe Helium started around 2007 or...Thank you. I believe Helium started around 2007 or 8. I started writing there around 2009. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13910199175175088642014-10-01T10:58:14.737-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.217-04:00I don't read, but my husband LOVES to read and...I don't read, but my husband LOVES to read and sometimes I think he loves his Kindle more than he loves me LOL. I will send this to him.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82528302148606658182014-10-01T11:28:27.698-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.213-04:00This is very interesting and something i have NEVE...This is very interesting and something i have NEVER thought about! I will have to pin for others and then re read for a 100% better understanding. Aimee Faucihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822536080265362892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17532179809646528072014-10-01T13:20:14.046-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.209-04:00I took access like 20 years ago, no exaggeration. ...I took access like 20 years ago, no exaggeration. I haven't used it much lately, so you reminded me how amazing it can be. I have hundreds of books and I plan to get more!The Positive MOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607219910927488362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39970952861096216642014-10-01T15:00:45.548-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.205-04:00Thank you for this very informative article. I hav...Thank you for this very informative article. I have bookmarked in case I ever need to create a database.Melissa Verahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479756474120535976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42440556390248164232014-10-01T15:03:49.136-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.202-04:00This is a great way to organize my computer files....This is a great way to organize my computer files. I will certainly utilize your tips!Farrahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01206035867613918079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18640322847298593152014-10-01T15:21:44.438-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.198-04:00Now this is a good idea! Thanks for all the tips!Now this is a good idea! Thanks for all the tips!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78254458062925628422014-10-01T15:22:22.050-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.194-04:00We should really do this because we are misplacing...We should really do this because we are misplacing books all the time!Heather @ Girl Gone Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337256189183952565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1129416918902187652014-10-01T16:50:33.995-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.190-04:00I like the idea of organizing like that. I use Ope...I like the idea of organizing like that. I use Open Office and I'll keep this as a winter to-do.Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22828823304219099902014-10-01T17:05:33.820-04:002014-10-01T17:30:31.186-04:00This is helpful. With everything going digital, fr...This is helpful. With everything going digital, from time to time, I loose a thing or two. Lady Lilithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10304701332216772385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-279835658268383472014-10-01T17:29:25.252-04:002014-10-01T17:29:25.252-04:00Well thank you for that. I appreciate it very much...Well thank you for that. I appreciate it very much! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2207326886650489662014-10-01T18:21:13.820-04:002014-10-01T18:46:30.148-04:00What a great idea - I've got a bit addicted to...What a great idea - I've got a bit addicted to ebooks (they don't crease or just crumpled) but they are all over the place with no organisation at all. xSarah-Louise Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823490298372794653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35988652547586456262014-10-01T19:33:38.987-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.372-04:00I'm still old school with real books but if I ...I'm still old school with real books but if I ever convert this is definitely something I'll use. beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46113850220355581642014-10-01T21:15:57.453-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.370-04:00I did not know of this, thanks for sharing!I did not know of this, thanks for sharing!Annemarie Leblanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02984733882985971056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88447677583849649232014-10-01T21:18:51.392-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.367-04:00I should so do this! We have hundreds and hundreds...I should so do this! We have hundreds and hundreds of books all over the house!Lois Alter Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00457009348917459495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62452634395032330932014-10-01T22:27:34.835-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.365-04:00I really like keeping my digital files organized. ...I really like keeping my digital files organized. I get very frustrated when I can't find something.April Mimshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04400673773918577270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28220762852758810442014-10-01T23:49:54.574-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.362-04:00I am constantly adding to my library, so this is s...I am constantly adding to my library, so this is some very useful information for me! Thank you so much for sharing!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88655935388904095942014-10-02T00:19:38.839-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.359-04:00I dont own a lot of ebooks I just simply store min...I dont own a lot of ebooks I just simply store mine on my seagate hard drive it's a external storage I need another if I was to get books because all my pictures are stored on my seagate <br />Amanda Ripsamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07783647358731251170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20580964991353195402014-10-02T00:38:20.227-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.357-04:00I am so not a reader. I rarely read, but this woul...I am so not a reader. I rarely read, but this would be useful for readers & students alike, I think :PANNIE Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02655307647425146964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6007724528112576312014-10-02T01:39:35.058-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.354-04:00i love books. they are beautiful to me! I usually ...i love books. they are beautiful to me! I usually don't do electronic booksCasa Vilora Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292169361655109335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37648248593725121152014-10-02T05:28:13.233-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.352-04:00This is a great article for me and couldn't ha...This is a great article for me and couldn't have come at a better time; I have so many digital books already and sadly I don't have them organized so if I want to reread one of them I will probably spend days searching for it.Dana Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026891928208444997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3576877887454146042014-10-02T07:39:42.048-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.347-04:00I once considered doing this for all my books, but...I once considered doing this for all my books, but the sheer volume of them scared me away from it. And of course, now, I have more books than I did when I originally considered it. It's an awesome idea, and I wish I had the time; but it will likely never happen at my house!Rabia Lieberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05920088809395312943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55607568801789681832014-10-02T07:47:26.685-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.345-04:00This is fantastic resource. Tabbed it, Bookmarked ...This is fantastic resource. Tabbed it, Bookmarked it and sending it to a few people who need it! Thanks! Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013042634342778520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18099325744194660992014-10-02T08:23:34.209-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.343-04:00This is a terrific idea! Mine hasn't gotten ou...This is a terrific idea! Mine hasn't gotten out of hand yet since I haven't had my tablet just a year but this way I could actually start something before it gets to be too messy, novel idea!!!! It's usually the other way around. Thanks for this great tip!Rena McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12296781992150172086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20223744554346029922014-10-02T10:02:57.323-04:002014-10-02T10:40:42.340-04:00I will have to share with my husband because he ha...I will have to share with my husband because he has a grip of eBooks that he has read. Being organized always saves time and energy.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043850915261469087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24838112059930192202014-10-02T10:45:25.610-04:002014-10-02T17:35:04.614-04:00What an interesting idea to create your own. I use...What an interesting idea to create your own. I used to work at a library in cataloguing so I totally know the drill.Krystal Butherushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16591716925656494613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29428201464938926192014-10-02T22:13:10.598-04:002014-10-03T22:20:45.010-04:00this is quite an interesting thing to do !this is quite an interesting thing to do !Aisha Kristine Chonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04813161740302836313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45563116693008216012014-10-02T22:13:42.371-04:002014-10-03T22:20:45.007-04:00I read a ton and love the idea of this. I often fo...I read a ton and love the idea of this. I often forget all about the books I read so creating a library database would be perfect!Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54697492535490550862014-10-02T22:33:36.019-04:002014-10-03T22:20:45.003-04:00Great tips on creating your own library. Now I jus...Great tips on creating your own library. Now I just have to make the time... eek!Alice Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912873122304512963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44579335326732858422014-10-03T06:21:39.026-04:002014-10-03T22:20:44.999-04:00What a great idea. Thanks for the tips!What a great idea. Thanks for the tips!Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09546005328367734468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76723136599451459692014-10-10T17:15:29.659-04:002014-10-10T19:17:04.849-04:00I do not craft at all. This looks like something I...I do not craft at all. This looks like something I could have used in my High School Geometry class (I still shudder when I think about that class). I am sure that all you crafters would really be able to use thing to great advantage.MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16462025992068448612014-10-10T23:13:43.374-04:002014-10-11T11:06:48.468-04:00I remember when I first saw the Cricut commercial ...I remember when I first saw the Cricut commercial on TV I wanted to own it so I could get creative. I never bought one but I still want to get one. Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21749308698942608662014-10-11T10:39:06.653-04:002014-10-11T11:06:46.093-04:00I almost bought one on HSN the other day. I have a...I almost bought one on HSN the other day. I have a silhouette but I think I want this tooMelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940331869620582300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38866583217286068412014-10-15T16:11:31.066-04:002014-10-16T14:03:26.019-04:00Well, it's good that you said what you thought...Well, it's good that you said what you thought! Thank goodness you don't have to use this anymore!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38885924387206964662014-10-15T18:11:07.623-04:002014-10-16T14:03:26.016-04:00I hate hair dye that smells awful. It makes dying ...I hate hair dye that smells awful. It makes dying your hair so difficult. I'm sorry that you didn't have a great experience! It is good that you did find a different brand that you liked though. Alexandra Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293631864362189391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50059717892351014142014-10-15T18:46:30.840-04:002014-10-16T14:03:26.012-04:00I haven't had my hair colored in a salon in a ...I haven't had my hair colored in a salon in a very long time (I decided to go mostly white). As for doing it myself--I don't even remember the last time I attempted that! I do know one thing-unless I can just work it in and not worry about which goes first or last-it is not for me at all!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77199781765314370122014-10-15T19:48:46.885-04:002014-10-16T14:03:26.009-04:00Thank you for your honest review of this product. ...Thank you for your honest review of this product. Sorry it didn't work out well for you. beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7796195328108089312014-10-15T20:13:49.616-04:002014-10-16T14:03:26.005-04:00I love products that I can get deliver. It makes t...I love products that I can get deliver. It makes this busy moms life so much easier. Couponing Away Debthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05537570450460991504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50395494306726482842014-10-15T23:59:56.477-04:002014-10-16T14:03:26.001-04:00That's too bad it didn't work out for you....That's too bad it didn't work out for you. I hate it when I get a really dry feeling in my hair after I've colored it and refuse to go back to those brands when it happens.Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29902989119294201082014-10-17T00:18:02.506-04:002014-10-17T16:16:27.134-04:00Hmm, I don't do a lot of coloring, but the oil...Hmm, I don't do a lot of coloring, but the oil thing seems odd. We do a little of hair oil, its interesting.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30920321516931375572014-10-18T16:53:17.624-04:002014-10-18T19:11:15.216-04:00If I win, this will probably be gifted to my gran...If I win, this will probably be gifted to my grand daughter. She LOVES the Veggie Tales! Aimee Faucihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822536080265362892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74758589196434035842014-10-18T17:12:17.113-04:002014-10-18T19:11:15.210-04:00Veggie Tales never disappoints. My whole family lo...Veggie Tales never disappoints. My whole family loves them - including me. The silly songs are the best. LifeAsAConverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11974833589190256237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72646260622445890162014-10-18T22:34:51.684-04:002014-10-19T10:09:35.704-04:00My family loved Veggie Tales. They are such a cut...My family loved Veggie Tales. They are such a cute cartoon and they teach so much about proper nutrition.Tough Cookie Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645044095482965343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21051948965883847972014-10-19T02:11:10.807-04:002014-10-19T10:09:35.699-04:00I love Veggie Tales movies and I'm sure this i...I love Veggie Tales movies and I'm sure this is going to be a huge hit. The songs are so catchy that even my toddler tries to sing along. Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64143204155571528352014-10-19T11:32:27.687-04:002014-10-19T14:21:18.935-04:00I always used to think Veggie Tales was so cute! L...I always used to think Veggie Tales was so cute! Love they fact they are doing Beauty and the Beet sounds so fun! xSarah-Louise Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823490298372794653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23568202700772375912014-10-19T12:15:59.723-04:002014-10-19T14:21:18.930-04:00So happy to see Kellie Pickler expanding her caree...So happy to see Kellie Pickler expanding her career to all types of areas! My cousins are huge Veggie Tale fansMandy Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12451583855851036534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65978086802329485692014-10-19T12:24:38.043-04:002014-10-19T14:21:18.926-04:00My kids always loved Veggie Tales when they were y...My kids always loved Veggie Tales when they were younger. I'm sure this movie is just as good as all the ones they watched! Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379142829854106908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55614515882307607462014-10-19T12:47:53.245-04:002014-10-19T14:21:18.921-04:00Oh my i haven't watched a Veggie Tale movie in...Oh my i haven't watched a Veggie Tale movie in years. My son use to watch these all the time. beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36857749708824121032014-10-19T13:12:59.033-04:002014-10-19T14:21:18.916-04:00It's so sad that we are losing such a wonderfu...It's so sad that we are losing such a wonderful artist. This movie looks like one I would enjoy very much. I'm huge Glen Cambell fan. beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70117588557223882142014-10-19T13:37:09.090-04:002014-10-19T14:21:18.912-04:00Sounds like a very touching movie. My kids grandmo...Sounds like a very touching movie. My kids grandmother is currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease and it can be devastating to family. Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56525039678903206932014-10-19T14:18:57.861-04:002014-10-19T14:21:18.900-04:00I have never heard of Veggie Tales before, but it ...I have never heard of Veggie Tales before, but it sounds so cute. I love that it is coming to Netflix...I think this will be great to show the Kindergarteners at school on Friday afternoons. Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13848802685776812140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48027175280613395392014-10-19T16:13:47.683-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.098-04:00Sounds like a very touching movie to watch. My fat...Sounds like a very touching movie to watch. My father in law is going through chemo for lung cancer. We're hoping it cures itFun Reviews & Giveaways!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14210134731206271624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44275357506080891762014-10-19T18:59:46.697-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.095-04:00I had to laugh .. sometimes, I read everything and...I had to laugh .. sometimes, I read everything and anything. I have been known to read shampoo bottles too. Hit sounds like a very interesting book, one that I would like to read. My problem with reading is.... I need to find more time!!!!(Terry) My Journey With Candidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12851191468716916221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67943548502648508532014-10-19T19:47:44.636-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.090-04:00Your post about Campbell brought tears to my eyes....Your post about Campbell brought tears to my eyes.. I wish him all the best!Hope that life gets easier for him.Vinmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891491923979469880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70401789313291288012014-10-19T19:48:33.426-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.087-04:00My kids (and I) love Veggie tales, definitely goin...My kids (and I) love Veggie tales, definitely going to be buying Beauty and the Beet. We record them on TBN too - can't get enough of these cute stories!Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265479933495796241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70341931583658276142014-10-19T20:06:26.095-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.085-04:00My kids love Veggie Tales so I just know they woul...My kids love Veggie Tales so I just know they would love this! Especially since they're huge Beauty & the Beast fans too! Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02564580599273701340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81662409901687018552014-10-19T22:32:06.424-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.082-04:00Veggie Tales is such a good program for kids to wa...Veggie Tales is such a good program for kids to watch. Always such great lessons in them! Amber NCelebrity VIP Loungehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11792988077022805834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14400621486160443572014-10-20T04:06:28.177-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.078-04:00This looks like a nice movie - a bit more adventur...This looks like a nice movie - a bit more adventurous than what I've been watching here.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24220241313090325322014-10-20T04:59:52.621-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.073-04:00I've never heard of Veggie Tales but how adora...I've never heard of Veggie Tales but how adorable! Great for the little ones<br />Best of luck to everyone entering xVxViccy Howehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123812363737899289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52992704293992039632014-10-20T11:34:16.530-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.066-04:00I honestly don't have a clue who he is, but if...I honestly don't have a clue who he is, but if he's country music - that explains it ;) Glad you liked the movie and thanks for the review.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43552551812689150802014-10-20T11:43:44.486-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.063-04:00Oh gosh sounds like a film that needs the tissues ...Oh gosh sounds like a film that needs the tissues at the ready - I would love to watch it one day in time. xSarah-Louise Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823490298372794653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42159881902248710402014-10-20T11:49:45.175-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.059-04:00I've never been a huge Glen Campbell fan. It&#...I've never been a huge Glen Campbell fan. It's always so hard to see someone struggle though. I recently lost my Granny to dementia and in her final days she didn't have a clue who anyone was. Nicole Ramagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09650583900852999321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33992159004704330872014-10-20T12:11:50.843-04:002014-10-20T12:56:06.056-04:00Oh just reading this touched my heart. I will che...Oh just reading this touched my heart. I will check it out.Deehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09546005328367734468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82154177004567455522014-10-20T13:03:08.996-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.251-04:00I'm Not Going to Miss You and the video is hea...I'm Not Going to Miss You and the video is heartbreaking! Such a touching story. Aimee Faucihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822536080265362892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81275128969593071112014-10-20T13:12:54.468-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.238-04:00I am definitely going to watch this movie and have...I am definitely going to watch this movie and have been waiting on it to come out! As you know I take care of my mom everyday and it is horrible watching her just fade away before my very eyes. It breaks my heart but I try to keep things upbeat and happy for her. It is a very hard job. I've listened to Glen Campbell all of my life and it is a shame that he is going through this.Rena McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12296781992150172086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85152529335925349172014-10-20T13:46:16.296-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.185-04:00I would share this movie with the children in my S...I would share this movie with the children in my Sunday School class.Glogirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03929599215560579212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90973729830218821612014-10-20T14:18:29.711-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.219-04:00Oh sounds like a very touching movie. My husband w...Oh sounds like a very touching movie. My husband wants to check it out he's a huge fan!Jeaninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847755924509315209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13913435578763632472014-10-20T15:30:53.778-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.214-04:00I really want to see this movie although I'm s...I really want to see this movie although I'm sure, like you, I will cry through the whole thing.Lois Alter Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00457009348917459495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17015923514516699162014-10-20T15:51:42.813-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.248-04:00 I am not familiar with this artist. Nevertheless... I am not familiar with this artist. Nevertheless, it is a touching tourCoolmoms Cooltipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407731697838995216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36150411428472684812014-10-20T16:16:27.723-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.196-04:00Glen Campbell is awesome, I'll mark my calenda...Glen Campbell is awesome, I'll mark my calendar so we can go see this movie when it comes out this week. My birthday is tomorrow so I know I can get hubby to take me to the movies!Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265479933495796241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26775123624988492022014-10-20T17:36:49.162-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.261-04:00These sound like wonderful movies for children. I ...These sound like wonderful movies for children. I especially like that it is teaching about unconditional love!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14668437980416650042014-10-20T20:20:05.896-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.255-04:00My girls love veggie tales. Even though they are o...My girls love veggie tales. Even though they are older they still love them. Melissa Verahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479756474120535976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42051594260866253882014-10-20T20:46:32.545-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.235-04:00Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your memorie...Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your memories as well as this giveaway!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90268311445039425112014-10-20T20:53:41.418-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.193-04:00I would love to see this movie though I am sure I ...I would love to see this movie though I am sure I will need lots of kleenex. We lost my grandmother to Alzheimer's when I was younger. Even at a young age it was hard to watch her slip away slowly.Jennifer Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03838196727004184386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78827639149602321692014-10-20T21:15:33.646-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.258-04:00I've been a huge Veggie fan for a while now! T...I've been a huge Veggie fan for a while now! This one looks especially cute - probably since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21821351586902102752014-10-20T21:28:55.026-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.210-04:00It sounds like he has had a really colorful life. ...It sounds like he has had a really colorful life. I hope his legacy is remembered well after he is gone.Tough Cookie Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645044095482965343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14232010412910044202014-10-20T21:59:30.705-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.199-04:00Veggie Tales are great. You can count on them for ...Veggie Tales are great. You can count on them for a "nice" movie that is still fun for kids to watch.valmghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874060488489022301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45033427788107456562014-10-20T22:00:41.247-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.241-04:00He is such a legend. This is worth checking out. ...He is such a legend. This is worth checking out. Amber NCelebrity VIP Loungehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11792988077022805834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73948263744045985802014-10-20T23:54:28.202-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.244-04:00I don't know who Glen Campbell is, but I can s...I don't know who Glen Campbell is, but I can say that it is hard to care for a loved one with Alzheimer's. As a therapist, I work with many with the disease daily. It's an honor to treat them regardless as you can still get a glimpse of who they are even as the disease eats away at them slowly.ANNIE Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02655307647425146964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34081356774076588872014-10-21T00:12:32.059-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.208-04:00I love "Gentle On My Mind"!I love "Gentle On My Mind"!Jordan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257433893517728866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14757678900848558282014-10-21T00:19:57.959-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.202-04:00I have read about Glen Campbell and I have great c...I have read about Glen Campbell and I have great compassion for him and his family. I appreciated your story and insight into this horrible disease and I think most of us are touched in some way by this disease.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043850915261469087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51932489430731974442014-10-21T04:00:23.901-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.205-04:00Veggie Tales makes good moral movies. This one loo...Veggie Tales makes good moral movies. This one looks great! We have a Christmas one.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45276875959037653652014-10-21T04:00:38.785-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.225-04:00Veggie Tales makes good moral movies. This one loo...Veggie Tales makes good moral movies. This one looks great! We have a Christmas one.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24201858724825721372014-10-21T07:52:30.890-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.222-04:00This sounds like a wonderful movie! I'll be su...This sounds like a wonderful movie! I'll be sure to have a box of kleenex near by when I watch it.Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00669121691262900780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39371320544010034482014-10-21T09:02:02.302-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.216-04:00I would share with my grandkids. We love Veggie Ta...I would share with my grandkids. We love Veggie Tales as a family and I love them as a grandmother because of the values they teach.Madonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647519143208256065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53342125380732939992014-10-21T09:28:18.290-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.190-04:00Sounds like a very touching movie. While his strug...Sounds like a very touching movie. While his struggles are very sad, I think it's great that he brought more attention to Alzheimer's. Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16319501914793621924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25350217967369050472014-10-21T10:14:02.614-04:002014-10-21T12:38:45.231-04:00I'll have to ask my daughter if she has this b...I'll have to ask my daughter if she has this book. I'm not keen on endings like that. Or I can check my library. Lately, I've been getting books on the 'bestseller's list" and they seem to be boring. I think I need to get back to just reading my favorite authors lol. Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57154009715195502652014-10-21T12:42:43.088-04:002014-10-21T16:34:31.317-04:00What a fantastic giveaway! Best of luck to everyon...What a fantastic giveaway! Best of luck to everyone entering! xViccy Howehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123812363737899289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50075191174762085442014-10-21T12:46:14.880-04:002014-10-21T16:34:31.313-04:00Carmen Perez says: I have not heard of him, but w...Carmen Perez says: I have not heard of him, but what a brave issue to tackle publicly. It'a a very sad disease to see someone lose all of their memories and not recognize loved ones :-( listen2mama.comhttp://listen2mama.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50533653661348759582014-10-21T13:32:48.379-04:002014-10-21T16:34:31.311-04:00It sounds like an interesting flick. I think my hu...It sounds like an interesting flick. I think my husband would like this one. Krystal Butherushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16591716925656494613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27474087086614875572014-10-21T13:38:03.161-04:002014-10-21T16:34:31.308-04:00I haven't heard about this artist but it's...I haven't heard about this artist but it's nice to know that he did a nice campaign for Alzheimer's. Sounds like a nice movie to watch.Mel Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08168247256133762839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14078541474685478262014-10-21T14:59:07.490-04:002014-10-21T16:34:31.305-04:00If I win, I'll share it with my son. Thanks fo...If I win, I'll share it with my son. Thanks for hosting!mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43531512162217982032014-10-21T15:51:25.021-04:002014-10-21T16:34:31.297-04:00I remember Rhinestone Cowboy from when I was a kid...I remember Rhinestone Cowboy from when I was a kid. :) my SIL was just telling me about his declining health. I was sorry to hear it.mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66805282311035272052014-10-21T18:06:24.046-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.411-04:00Funny how I always think of Glen Campbell as the v...Funny how I always think of Glen Campbell as the voice in Rock-a-doodle. :) I had no idea about his disease, that is so sad. Megan Chamberlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021127794788895496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73590728659095986372014-10-21T20:40:45.254-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.406-04:00Gosh I didn't know who he is, but I m familiar...Gosh I didn't know who he is, but I m familiar with Rhinestone cowboy! I used to love singing it when I was a kidCasa Vilora Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292169361655109335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42119985670885688122014-10-21T22:01:44.285-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.401-04:00What a touching movie and what a wonderful post! I...What a touching movie and what a wonderful post! It makes me want to see the movie even more! Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013042634342778520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14400884590263012312014-10-22T00:53:08.975-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.395-04:00I'm not familiar to Glen Campbell work but thi...I'm not familiar to Glen Campbell work but this blog post made me curious to found out more about him. I'm so sorry to hear that he is going through this battle.Marielle Altenorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13524028109708567831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4638348736987052482014-10-22T07:11:51.789-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.390-04:00I've never heard of Glen Campbell, but I can r...I've never heard of Glen Campbell, but I can relate after watching my grandpa suffer through Alzheimers. Although I have to say that some of the stories he would tell were entrancing to say the least!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02564580599273701340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46764668357220133482014-10-22T08:48:21.625-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.385-04:00Something missing from the last portion of the boo...Something missing from the last portion of the book typically makes me want more! Perhaps a squeal? Sounds like a riveting read.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00961649124510051001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56050111668863108652014-10-22T10:51:47.500-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.380-04:00What an incredible thing he did for awareness. It&...What an incredible thing he did for awareness. It's such a sad thing to see anyone go through though.Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1009870310589533912014-10-22T12:55:08.767-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.370-04:00My grandkids.My grandkids.C.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124898931945810204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22405262811455097772014-10-22T13:20:03.115-04:002014-10-22T16:01:45.360-04:00I enjoy a good quick read especially on a lazy Sun...I enjoy a good quick read especially on a lazy Sunday Morning. beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41508285949664230092014-10-22T16:06:16.871-04:002014-10-22T16:06:16.871-04:00I have been forcing myself to find more time. I us...I have been forcing myself to find more time. I used to read at night right before bed. Since hubs and I got together I tend to hang out with him especially these days when our time together is so limited. So, I have allowed myself to read for an hour or two in the morning while I enjoy my tea or coffee before I start my work day. I also read when I am on the treadmill, so that helps too. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41729416969590019602014-10-22T16:07:27.093-04:002014-10-22T16:07:27.093-04:00This is a really, really quick read. I read it in ...This is a really, really quick read. I read it in 2 hours. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28480972866625102732014-10-22T16:07:47.819-04:002014-10-22T16:07:47.819-04:00 I hope so. I would like to know what happens! I hope so. I would like to know what happens! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65277913176197044912014-10-22T16:08:00.199-04:002014-10-22T16:08:00.199-04:00I agree. Those are the best! I agree. Those are the best! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33704309300387679202014-10-22T16:08:59.817-04:002014-10-23T15:43:35.560-04:00It DOES sound good! It's been too long since I...It DOES sound good! It's been too long since I've curled up with a good book...Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7760908785507781202014-10-22T18:38:16.044-04:002014-10-23T15:43:35.554-04:00Cereal boxes, jars, anything that has writing on i...Cereal boxes, jars, anything that has writing on it will be read by me or has been read by me at some point! As an adult I think after what you wrote I might just let this one go. It does sound good for older teens so anyone reading this put there that has a teen--red it first then hand it over!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84543627482370470722014-10-23T10:26:44.678-04:002014-10-23T15:43:35.545-04:00Ha, I read the bottles in the shower too, lol. And...Ha, I read the bottles in the shower too, lol. And the cereal box on the table...the honey in the cupboard, you name it. ;)<br /><br />And oh no on the story line, she's got that note in her back pocket, oy!!mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42634649321993281372014-10-23T22:29:19.326-04:002014-10-24T14:33:13.592-04:00This sounds like such a tear jerker. I remember hi...This sounds like such a tear jerker. I remember his song Rhinestone Cowboy. Melissa Verahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479756474120535976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28006162801336348152014-10-23T23:36:55.698-04:002014-10-24T14:33:13.588-04:00This might be a duplicate comment, but I am new to...This might be a duplicate comment, but I am new to your blog, I enjoy your writings. Your authenticity, how brave you are to put it all out here. Most people do the opposite trying to be someone they are not so that life seems so perfect.....we all know better. How did I find you? Elonna...... She was a dear beautiful friend of mine and she came to me in a dream last night and I can't get her off my mind. Browsing through your blogs puts a smile on my face. I feel connected to her through you.....so thank you ;)Crystal Mile Hihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05044710786478754403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54317306854367201442014-10-24T13:23:31.397-04:002014-10-24T14:33:13.581-04:00My mom was a big fan of Glen Campbell. I think I&...My mom was a big fan of Glen Campbell. I think I'll be seeing this movie in honor of her.Ashley Gillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01253180207673167098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34896764306698540142014-10-24T14:35:48.016-04:002014-10-24T14:35:48.016-04:00 Well hello! Elonna comes to me in dreams quite of... Well hello! Elonna comes to me in dreams quite often so I know exactly how you feel. Thank you for stopping by and your kind words. It is very nice to meet you.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72717672070817944462014-10-25T12:03:00.020-04:002014-10-25T14:50:35.570-04:00ive watched veggietales my whole life luved it sti...ive watched veggietales my whole life luved it still watching itDavid DuzBeeAwesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443852157778233745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71930996025917340172014-10-30T15:46:56.862-04:002014-10-31T11:12:06.968-04:00I love a book that hooks you in right away and it&...I love a book that hooks you in right away and it's so good that you can't put it down!!Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76080952394579479552014-10-30T15:46:59.898-04:002014-10-31T11:12:06.964-04:00It really does sound like a page turner. I would l...It really does sound like a page turner. I would love love to actually read this myself. I like these type of books.Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33250064191917981592014-10-30T16:07:10.075-04:002014-10-31T11:12:06.961-04:00This does sound interesting and worth a try. I agr...This does sound interesting and worth a try. I agree with you regarding authors and the terrorists bandwagon. I feel like that people may become desensitized with that. Still, though, I'd like to read High Seas Darkness! jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44168623635686676622014-10-30T17:10:42.106-04:002014-10-31T11:12:06.958-04:00Actually this does sound like a book that I would ...Actually this does sound like a book that I would love to get into (all night if necessary!). On my TBR list it goes. By the way this was a very well written review!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72703062269626035692014-10-30T19:54:03.631-04:002014-10-31T11:12:06.955-04:00I love a good who done it read and this looks like...I love a good who done it read and this looks like it will not disappoint. Adding it to my list. Couponing Away Debthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05537570450460991504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84910220505901042032014-10-30T21:11:56.267-04:002014-10-31T11:12:06.952-04:00This sounds like a good book. Will have to read it...This sounds like a good book. Will have to read it.beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27831877365950180252014-10-30T22:22:04.913-04:002014-10-31T11:12:06.949-04:00This sounds like a thrilled read! I enjoy the book...This sounds like a thrilled read! I enjoy the books that make me never want to put them down. Even if they freak me out a bit! Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00961649124510051001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34894505113376949582014-10-31T16:23:11.839-04:002014-10-31T20:05:58.818-04:00Yes, I have seen those sharpie eyebrows on others-...Yes, I have seen those sharpie eyebrows on others-and no I don't think I would ever do it to my eyebrows unless I was dressing up for Halloween! Knock on wood so far I do not need this product but it is good to know it is there if I do. MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65051179646624929242014-10-31T22:04:48.634-04:002014-11-01T10:10:02.188-04:00Nice product! I have a hard time finding something...Nice product! I have a hard time finding something for my light but unruly brows. I appreciate this. Jen Schneiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551522325611030120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46453131247035169942014-10-31T23:24:36.848-04:002014-11-01T10:10:02.185-04:00Oh I have certainly witnessed those eyebrows and I...Oh I have certainly witnessed those eyebrows and I always giggle when seeing them. Product looks great!Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62147819715673266452014-11-01T01:52:40.105-04:002014-11-01T10:10:02.180-04:00My eyebrows are super thin and I HATE the penciled...My eyebrows are super thin and I HATE the penciled in look...this is just what I need and I never knew it existed! Thanks for sharing! :)Heather // Rhinos to Rugratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11610852018625542538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38205713500876682062014-11-01T07:13:05.596-04:002014-11-01T10:10:02.177-04:00I never put any make-up on, honestly wouldn't ...I never put any make-up on, honestly wouldn't even know how to use this sharpie, but looks cool :)Marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278234647871759383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76217944244502677642014-11-01T09:59:37.679-04:002014-11-01T10:10:02.174-04:00Oh wow I hadn't heard of this before. I know s...Oh wow I hadn't heard of this before. I know some people who go through a lot of effort for good eye brows. THis would help.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42096483305677637532014-11-01T10:02:09.835-04:002014-11-01T10:10:02.171-04:00This looks like a great product! I have Celiac'...This looks like a great product! I have Celiac's Disease, and every time I have a bout with it, my hair falls out, including my eyebrows LOL So this would be fantastic! I certainly hope I don't have "sharpie" brows when I fill them in LOLKristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60232230410518329532014-11-01T15:48:27.675-04:002014-11-02T12:01:01.367-05:00Those are some nice colors. I like the subtler sha...Those are some nice colors. I like the subtler shades just like these. And you did a good job with your brows!mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34329603028120429982014-11-02T14:34:52.117-05:002014-11-03T12:06:19.110-05:00Beautiful brow can you teach me. I'm terrible ...Beautiful brow can you teach me. I'm terrible at applying makeup.beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41831207014796337272014-11-03T14:43:47.969-05:002014-11-03T15:14:27.424-05:00I need more protein in my diet, so I should totall...I need more protein in my diet, so I should totally try some of that stuff. Seems like an easy way to do it.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4745564915259615472014-11-03T15:16:05.040-05:002014-11-03T15:16:05.040-05:00I really enjoyed it and I am picky about my powder...I really enjoyed it and I am picky about my powders.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60570127684303539042014-11-03T15:21:47.548-05:002014-11-03T15:21:47.548-05:00I also noticed it works well for me with those pie...I also noticed it works well for me with those pieces that have grown in grey. Yikes! LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77816390619739249142014-11-03T15:25:34.283-05:002014-11-03T15:25:34.283-05:00I understand. They have a light and clear. I understand. They have a light and clear. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1907131742274316672014-11-03T18:04:06.384-05:002014-11-03T18:12:52.565-05:00This sounds like a great box! I really want to try...This sounds like a great box! I really want to try the soda to avoid the sweeteners in most sodas. This sounds good!Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34665658183726946902014-11-03T18:08:30.486-05:002014-11-03T18:12:52.562-05:00My daughter does a protein powder. I'll tell h...My daughter does a protein powder. I'll tell her about that kind because she's had a hard time finding one that she can tolerate the taste of.Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34283522392647096002014-11-03T18:16:02.511-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.252-05:00I love these boxes. They have good items to try.I love these boxes. They have good items to try.debdennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282996853925754369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44666157446820473072014-11-03T18:50:46.176-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.247-05:00This looks like a great box! I think I would choos...This looks like a great box! I think I would choose classic but they all look good to me lol.Christina Alipertihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370830075007300655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42607693017488651582014-11-03T19:58:09.939-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.242-05:00I love the Zevia drinks. I pick them up whenever I...I love the Zevia drinks. I pick them up whenever I see them at a store! Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379142829854106908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15976076201865572962014-11-03T20:30:23.343-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.236-05:00I love the idea of conscious box. It would make a ...I love the idea of conscious box. It would make a great gift.Dinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716556569385067997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42974719224495539232014-11-03T20:48:18.653-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.230-05:00Anyone else who tried Zevia? I am buying this idea...Anyone else who tried Zevia? I am buying this idea 'cause those popular sodas are too much for me.Pauline Cabrerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01035747693055490350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39320452985359692392014-11-03T21:43:39.695-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.225-05:00I would do the classic. Thanks for the chance! I would do the classic. Thanks for the chance! Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811697675090627618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50765459485416666542014-11-03T22:03:20.972-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.220-05:00This sounds like a great box. I like that they off...This sounds like a great box. I like that they offer gluten fire options and I would like to try the protein powder.Catherine Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03976598646611271936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24080302593349969672014-11-03T22:04:47.588-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.215-05:00Even though you weren't thrilled with Zevia, I...Even though you weren't thrilled with Zevia, I'd still like to try it sometime. I am going to have to check out their other flavors as cream soda isn't one of my favorites, but I am sure they do have others I'd love!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22452754885921265872014-11-03T23:03:46.523-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.210-05:00I'd probably choose vegan or gluten free. I do...I'd probably choose vegan or gluten free. I don't follow either diet, but the products shown on the website just sound more appealing to me lol.Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09933977916360995575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18677974536145847232014-11-03T23:04:50.840-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.205-05:00This might be a great gift for my cousin, who woul...This might be a great gift for my cousin, who would love those types of products. I'll have to keep it in mind this holiday.A Helicopter Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14449275183243381367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39486823763163841012014-11-04T00:38:35.372-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.200-05:00Very cool stuff. I think I'd try the vegan box...Very cool stuff. I think I'd try the vegan box. I think that just suits me. I've been looking more and more into being a veggie only girl!Camhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904566668570109875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58009793110334056022014-11-04T00:45:44.097-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.194-05:00I would do the Generic box. I love a good protein ...I would do the Generic box. I love a good protein powder. Zeal has a delicious shake that was formulated by Blue Bell.. and ice cream company here in Texas. Candyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16269223597753881696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51613284346455600602014-11-04T07:25:44.113-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.189-05:00There are subscription boxes for everything. They ...There are subscription boxes for everything. They seem to be all the rage right now. This looks like one that might actually be a good fit for us. Thanks for sharing. Just Shorthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14432525716510550761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14431228061596338382014-11-04T09:11:36.703-05:002014-11-04T09:59:20.184-05:00What a fun box! I know quite a few people who woul...What a fun box! I know quite a few people who would like this.Mandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03035744096726958120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61017823759508197932014-11-04T13:12:06.647-05:002014-11-04T15:36:41.326-05:00I think this is a cool subscription box. The givea...I think this is a cool subscription box. The giveaway is fun too!mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66286614979636169152014-11-04T14:25:00.794-05:002014-11-04T15:36:41.322-05:00Sounds fun but alot of work. I love writing i just...Sounds fun but alot of work. I love writing i just don't think i'm good at it. beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39292325247248125062014-11-04T14:46:27.645-05:002014-11-04T15:36:41.319-05:00Sounds like some really good natural products in t...Sounds like some really good natural products in there. I love subscription box surprisesChristie Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211794812208473401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46167733469792758642014-11-04T15:24:04.542-05:002014-11-04T15:36:41.316-05:00I'm a subscription box addict I would love to ...I'm a subscription box addict I would love to try this box, If I won I'd most likely pick the classic box.Denise Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11399770130712143634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63080582372981159192014-11-04T15:33:00.837-05:002014-11-04T15:36:41.308-05:00I am so busy reading and writing up reviews I can ...I am so busy reading and writing up reviews I can not imagine me trying to write that many words. May use some of those writing prompts!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24817979742240819092014-11-04T15:56:36.129-05:002014-11-04T18:08:55.219-05:00This is really cool. I love that they give a porti...This is really cool. I love that they give a portion of their sales to worthy causes. Ben Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926831216645362092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1541553353853726752014-11-04T16:05:14.939-05:002014-11-04T18:08:55.211-05:00I've never heard of the Conscious Box Subscrip...I've never heard of the Conscious Box Subscription. Sounds like a fun one!The Mommy-Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14256740193278753357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87277020272994798952014-11-04T20:15:16.660-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.792-05:00Great tips. I have a friend who's doing this c...Great tips. I have a friend who's doing this challenge and I applaud her. I couldn't do it. Good luck everyone! Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57207557269903242142014-11-04T23:16:07.244-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.786-05:00What a great idea. It sounds like there were grea...What a great idea. It sounds like there were great items included.Felicia Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08475387585831831877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20469549507859273842014-11-05T04:21:58.712-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.778-05:00CONNIE SOWARDS commenting: If I win I'd choo...CONNIE SOWARDS commenting: If I win I'd choose the Gluten Free box.Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12562465288746175173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58779450126222568542014-11-05T09:03:20.321-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.772-05:00I have never tried Zevia. We are Mountain Dew drin...I have never tried Zevia. We are Mountain Dew drinkers. Very cool subscription box! Amy @ Marvelous Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14690590078162812740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57338329671776569932014-11-05T09:58:16.453-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.765-05:00That's one of the places that I haven't tr...That's one of the places that I haven't tried yet, but it's on my 'to do' list.Marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278234647871759383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45447358258297912892014-11-05T10:04:58.001-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.760-05:00I wasn't aware it was November already. Wow. ...I wasn't aware it was November already. Wow. Good luck!Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21515094077365263212014-11-05T10:06:52.685-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.754-05:00This sounds like a great box! I know a few friends...This sounds like a great box! I know a few friends that would enjoy this as a gift!<br />~AmandaACM'smommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377341498155156904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34889643376993614112014-11-05T10:51:58.875-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.747-05:00I love finding new subscription boxes! The Conscio...I love finding new subscription boxes! The Conscious box sounds like something my family and I would love! Rachelle Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908867859046773322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12659323444758363422014-11-05T12:15:28.520-05:002014-11-05T17:30:20.736-05:00i don't know if I could get this accomplished....i don't know if I could get this accomplished. I like the prompts thoughMelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940331869620582300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12451238591867560232014-11-05T17:44:59.868-05:002014-11-06T16:40:46.417-05:00I need too look into subscription boxes. They are ...I need too look into subscription boxes. They are getting to be so popularCasa Vilora Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292169361655109335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8198991920438674012014-11-07T01:03:51.848-05:002014-11-09T13:16:08.327-05:00I will have to try this thank you for sharing. I r...I will have to try this thank you for sharing. I really like the subscription boxes I will have to look into those Mommy 2 J.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12691174502461404692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46235465915489696442014-11-07T08:09:03.282-05:002014-11-09T13:16:08.322-05:00The Conscious Box is a really nice subscription bo...The Conscious Box is a really nice subscription box. Perfect holiday gift idea!DeDa Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16595245707059716961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11893458462366254582014-11-08T15:19:36.266-05:002014-11-09T13:16:08.317-05:00I would love to win...but I do wish this was a lit...I would love to win...but I do wish this was a little clearer about how you enter, when it ends, etc. Galehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119498262301807853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3307615398250772662014-11-09T13:18:17.118-05:002014-11-09T13:18:17.118-05:00You have to let the page load, but there is a raff...You have to let the page load, but there is a rafflecopter giveaway widget under the disclosure. Some ad block extensions will prevent you from seeing it, too. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66712269447266762572014-11-09T21:55:11.952-05:002014-11-10T11:28:37.864-05:00It's hard to say, but I think I'd choose c...It's hard to say, but I think I'd choose classic!Meenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699202402609158494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67267398714039147712014-11-11T00:03:40.748-05:002014-11-11T10:19:26.100-05:00Kirk didn’t do his homework, it seems. What we cal...Kirk didn’t do his homework, it seems. What we call “Christmas” originally didn’t have Christ in it at all. It was originally a pagan festival called Yuletide, which the Roman Catholic Church later coöpted by associating it with the birth of Christ, even though most historians these days would tell you Jesus wasn’t born in December.Lucky Joestarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11322285092088366849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16499387339523529042014-11-11T10:28:17.095-05:002014-11-11T10:28:17.095-05:00If I remember correctly, this is one of the topics...If I remember correctly, this is one of the topics he does bring up. <br /><br />At the end of the day, all if it is what you believe. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90736645111045830892014-11-11T14:04:49.231-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.840-05:00Kirk Cameron was a cutie, hehe. I'm not a Chri...Kirk Cameron was a cutie, hehe. I'm not a Christian, but I do honor those that celebrate the season because of Jesus :)ANNIE Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02655307647425146964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92047104722509807392014-11-11T14:26:01.833-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.838-05:00Wow, he got old looking LOL. I try to steer clear...Wow, he got old looking LOL. I try to steer clear of anything that pushes religion, but I may have to make an exception in this case.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38490865027931187922014-11-11T15:37:12.618-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.835-05:00I used to watch Kirk Cameron on Growing Pains. I ...I used to watch Kirk Cameron on Growing Pains. I can't believe how old he is now. I respect everyone's beliefs.Tough Cookie Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645044095482965343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37108190974355475432014-11-11T16:38:04.329-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.832-05:00I love him, and how he was untainted by Hollywood....I love him, and how he was untainted by Hollywood. He's cuter than ever too.Heather @ Girl Gone Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337256189183952565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26907178418561531312014-11-11T16:55:50.388-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.830-05:00The holidays have become so commercialized and suc...The holidays have become so commercialized and such shopping events, it's hard to remember what we're even celebrating.Lois Alter Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00457009348917459495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87973384719389466932014-11-11T18:52:10.831-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.827-05:00Now this sounds like fun, I have to admit even now...Now this sounds like fun, I have to admit even now I love a good Christmas movie. Sarah-Louise Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823490298372794653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87456318506683654952014-11-11T19:31:20.723-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.824-05:00I remember watching Growing Pains but I sure can&#...I remember watching Growing Pains but I sure can't remember any of the episodes. Kirk still is a cute as he ever was.(Terry) My Journey With Candidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12851191468716916221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4601295960592325282014-11-11T20:40:33.975-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.821-05:00I haven't seen Kirk in ages. I remember watchi...I haven't seen Kirk in ages. I remember watching him when I was younger and having a crush on him big time. :) Would love to see the movie. Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80732075931919975762014-11-11T21:36:41.354-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.818-05:00We love comedies. we also grew up with growing pa...We love comedies. we also grew up with growing pains, so it seems like this one one we will enjoy!Coolmoms Cooltipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407731697838995216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1034022520764501992014-11-11T22:34:21.028-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.815-05:00I really loved him in Growing Pains! I probably wo...I really loved him in Growing Pains! I probably won't catch this in theaters, but I'll look for it on home video.Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34584096808675089252014-11-11T23:29:16.415-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.812-05:00I used to watch that show and often wondered what ...I used to watch that show and often wondered what happened to the characters from it. I bet this is going to be a cute holiday movie.Jennifer Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03838196727004184386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42348082322191530692014-11-11T23:35:23.770-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.809-05:00Adorable or handsome - its probably the same for m...Adorable or handsome - its probably the same for me, haha!Aisha Kristine Chonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04813161740302836313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44075983234826867242014-11-12T00:32:45.007-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.806-05:00men look better as they age almost always look bet...men look better as they age almost always look better as they age. I think I want to check it outAmanda Ripsamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07783647358731251170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52261482695272160882014-11-12T01:40:22.632-05:002014-11-12T08:42:18.802-05:00Looks interesting! I may have to pick it up, haven...Looks interesting! I may have to pick it up, haven't seen Cameron in many things either so this is nice to seeMelanie Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03982060440078100668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1067832154722284542014-11-12T09:29:06.220-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.778-05:00Ya know, I'm not big into all the presents thi...Ya know, I'm not big into all the presents this time of year either. I'd rather gift experiences or tickets than items that go unused or worse - returned! Krystal Butherushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16591716925656494613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13229813159390964902014-11-12T10:43:36.696-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.762-05:00I remember watching Growing Pains when i was growi...I remember watching Growing Pains when i was growing up. This looks like a great movie. I will have to check it out.Ann Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469736800947925542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2043845373460740652014-11-12T11:05:10.926-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.754-05:00I enjoyed watching Kirk Cameron on Growing Pains a...I enjoyed watching Kirk Cameron on Growing Pains and I love his movies now. I'll definitely check this one out with my family.Erica Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00765495256976647613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24997831465385367082014-11-12T11:19:11.116-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.748-05:00Funny, I can barely remember Growing Pains (it had...Funny, I can barely remember Growing Pains (it had quit filming before I was old enough to watch it) but I've followed Kirk for a while now. I've been wanting to see this movie, too. I think his brother-in-law is the one who is played by Tim Hawkins, who is a HILARIOUS Christian comedian. We have seen him several times and LOVE him.Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12695676367252202362014-11-12T14:04:39.329-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.742-05:00My sister was so in love with him when she was a t...My sister was so in love with him when she was a teen! I know she would really like to see this new movie so I will be sure to tell her about it!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89015772758515378102014-11-12T16:21:52.346-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.737-05:00I loved all the episodes of growing pains! I would...I loved all the episodes of growing pains! I would love to see this movie. He's still adorable.Dinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716556569385067997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30212153089349124672014-11-12T16:34:50.276-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.732-05:00Darn! Rafflecopter isn't loading for me and I ...Darn! Rafflecopter isn't loading for me and I really wanted to enter. I hadn't heard of this but it sounds awesome. LifeAsAConverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11974833589190256237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21806689482110525392014-11-12T18:38:18.642-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.726-05:00My favorite episode was when Mike found a woman...My favorite episode was when Mike found a woman's picture in his Dad's things in the attic and thought his Dad had been married to a woman named Petula. It turned out to be his Dad's autographed picture of 1960s singer Petula Clark. - Angela AlpaughThe Southern Fried Bridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605800310875170324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1380170283636805392014-11-12T20:21:52.534-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.721-05:00He was so adorable in Growing Pains. I miss that ...He was so adorable in Growing Pains. I miss that show. Amber NCelebrity VIP Loungehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11792988077022805834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30817434562911259412014-11-12T20:37:17.383-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.716-05:00I respect everyone's thought's and opinion...I respect everyone's thought's and opinions on where the holiday came from ;) I'm glad you enjoyed the movie! Rachelle Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908867859046773322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62729694437065013142014-11-12T21:39:22.367-05:002014-11-13T11:06:33.710-05:00Oh my world he does look just as adorable as he di...Oh my world he does look just as adorable as he did back in the days hehehe I would love to see this movie!Marielle Altenorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13524028109708567831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58498906602707990892014-11-13T15:55:25.917-05:002014-11-14T10:43:18.915-05:00Those are all great tips! I get depressed in like...Those are all great tips! I get depressed in like February, but that is just plain old cabin fever.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25584503072274611292014-11-13T16:17:22.071-05:002014-11-14T10:43:18.910-05:00Light is so important. I hate the shorter days. An...Light is so important. I hate the shorter days. And I know someone close to me who is seeking professional help now. It's definitely a smart thing to do.jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46004582487542905682014-11-13T16:24:00.297-05:002014-11-14T10:43:18.905-05:00Thanks for the reminder to get my SAD light out ag...Thanks for the reminder to get my SAD light out again. I sure need it today. It's gloomy as heck!Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66941131722065595582014-11-13T18:28:54.752-05:002014-11-14T10:43:18.901-05:00IT's always so important to reach out when you...IT's always so important to reach out when you are feeling depressed. The holidays can feel so lonely if you're already getting depressed. Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379142829854106908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26612976835122934712014-11-13T19:51:44.502-05:002014-11-14T10:43:18.897-05:00What a great read! It's hard not to feel down ...What a great read! It's hard not to feel down sometimes during the holidays! I miss a lot of my family!Jeaninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847755924509315209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13169333174626243742014-11-13T20:05:20.065-05:002014-11-14T10:43:18.893-05:00What great tips, Chrstal. It is so helpful to have...What great tips, Chrstal. It is so helpful to have these so we can pinpoint those who are going through holiday depression and that someone in need could read it! Thanks.Jinxy and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11745165640293739492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17456097578162869082014-11-13T22:04:02.349-05:002014-11-14T10:43:18.889-05:00These are all great ideas. I love to read and that...These are all great ideas. I love to read and that is my escape when I am feeling down. I will keep these other ideas in mind!Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8623285288417232742014-11-13T23:52:44.538-05:002014-11-14T10:43:18.884-05:00Great tips! I really agree about the hot cup of te...Great tips! I really agree about the hot cup of tea. It's my go to when I need to relax!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51314253884219119872014-11-14T10:53:18.231-05:002014-11-14T10:53:18.231-05:00I am not a fan of pushing religion. But, I did enj...I am not a fan of pushing religion. But, I did enjoy this movie as it was very insightful to some of my own questions. I am more of a spiritual person, not really religious. I do go to church but I don't think I get the same thing out of it as some people do. Hard to explain. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57193335713625421242014-11-14T10:56:37.228-05:002014-11-14T10:56:37.228-05:00See, I thought that was really his BIL as his real...See, I thought that was really his BIL as his real family plays themselves ! Either way, it was a nice, refreshing way to explore questions and answers regarding Christmas. I enjoyed it. Was really fun to watch.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64480014185685354062014-11-14T10:58:48.224-05:002014-11-14T10:58:48.224-05:00Please try again. I don't know why I am having...Please try again. I don't know why I am having such problems with it loading. It takes a while for it to load for me, too. I have an ad blocker on so that might be why.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80266716000693094312014-11-14T11:16:44.111-05:002014-11-14T11:16:44.111-05:00I remember that one! Thanks for the memories.I remember that one! Thanks for the memories.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71905074235877474492014-11-14T13:18:35.958-05:002014-11-14T15:00:59.672-05:00Our mail lady just told me she suffers from lack o...Our mail lady just told me she suffers from lack of light, winter depression. She said it's a real deal thing, and I felt bad for her because we won't have sun now for a good long while. :(mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5603584476015127252014-11-14T14:01:50.318-05:002014-11-14T15:00:59.668-05:00So tough to remember that the holidays aren't ...So tough to remember that the holidays aren't merry for everyone. Thanks for sharing these important tipsChristie Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211794812208473401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47579052311320510752014-11-14T15:08:47.673-05:002014-11-14T21:12:57.573-05:00I definitely want to see this. I loved Kirk Camero...I definitely want to see this. I loved Kirk Cameron growing up. And I think I share some of the same ideas about Christmas as you do!jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61305643711892734582014-11-14T16:09:07.413-05:002014-11-14T21:12:57.570-05:00That was a cute kid--and an absolutely gorgeous ad...That was a cute kid--and an absolutely gorgeous adult male he turned into! Wouldn't mind watching that movie just to stare at his face!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37497935977886289252014-11-14T16:15:06.457-05:002014-11-14T21:12:57.565-05:00Good advice. It is hard for some people.Good advice. It is hard for some people.debdennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282996853925754369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70590456071150455142014-11-14T16:43:07.281-05:002014-11-14T21:12:57.562-05:00Exercise is important to boosting your mood. I lov...Exercise is important to boosting your mood. I loved these tips! Krystal Butherushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16591716925656494613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82188441668851702512014-11-14T17:48:43.750-05:002014-11-14T21:12:57.560-05:00It's tough when the holiday's aren't s...It's tough when the holiday's aren't so happy for others. I think we can benefit from a little light therapy - makes us feel better when the sun is hitting our faces. Debra Rutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557002431134973133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27037220670662444222014-11-14T17:51:51.746-05:002014-11-14T21:12:57.557-05:00These are some great tips for beating holiday depr...These are some great tips for beating holiday depression. My heart goes out to those who struggle with it.The Mommy-Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14256740193278753357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44636592351274233282014-11-14T18:39:15.631-05:002014-11-14T21:12:57.554-05:00Great tips for depression. I tend to get it when t...Great tips for depression. I tend to get it when the days are shorter and cold. Teresa Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035722036090368292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68681909751145401902014-11-15T00:04:54.661-05:002014-11-15T13:08:53.986-05:00I just depressed during the holidays. It started a...I just depressed during the holidays. It started after my hubby died. What was once a joyous time is now very sad.Ann Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469736800947925542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55856477718481071202014-11-15T03:00:43.034-05:002014-11-15T13:08:53.982-05:00Definitely some great tips! I dont suffer from dep...Definitely some great tips! I dont suffer from depression but sometimes I get sad about the past so I will take your advice about thinking of my future.Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18183628538213526823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52860519527765457882014-11-15T13:38:07.887-05:002014-11-17T11:29:45.825-05:00It is so sad to me that people have to suffer from...It is so sad to me that people have to suffer from seasonal affective disorder on top of just normal depression, it's just not fair! I think that these are all really great tips for dealing with sadness and the blues during the holidays, thanks for sharing!The Rebel Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01324457974119392834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21195847751303013572014-11-15T17:37:43.088-05:002014-11-17T11:29:45.820-05:00 I love Growing Pains so I will have to say all of... I love Growing Pains so I will have to say all of them. Melissa Verahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479756474120535976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20508743314428447092014-11-15T21:00:25.745-05:002014-11-17T11:29:45.810-05:00I get a little down when it gets really cold and d...I get a little down when it gets really cold and dreary out for days... I hate cold weather and just stay in, and then I get down in the dumps a little. But I have gotten better at saying no. It took years because I use to not be able to say no and found my self overwhelmed. Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842054716310604555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25483462578768847922014-11-16T08:55:53.430-05:002014-11-17T11:29:45.804-05:00This is such an important post. Thank you for shar...This is such an important post. Thank you for sharing these tips.Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07872116501901944229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22065305371593526202014-11-17T12:22:57.997-05:002014-11-17T13:15:45.251-05:00This is a very important topic to discuss. I use a...This is a very important topic to discuss. I use a HappyLight, got one this year, and that helps a lot with the change of seasons and less sunlight here in NHBrandy Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506337735123441770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60537632666548873592014-11-17T14:11:37.339-05:002014-11-17T14:21:51.095-05:00When I saw the title I thought immediately of the ...When I saw the title I thought immediately of the song and now it is going through my head! I do like the poem you have up there.MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13068177551611986372014-11-17T14:31:41.142-05:002014-11-17T16:48:00.412-05:00I'm like Miki, when I read the words I heard B...I'm like Miki, when I read the words I heard Biggie Smalls in my head. Also heard MLK. Great poem! Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60252064018571730552014-11-17T22:18:45.865-05:002014-11-18T14:50:16.884-05:00What a great poem! I agree with Madison's mom....What a great poem! I agree with Madison's mom. It is reminiscent of MLK. Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11186256563483752382014-11-18T06:34:32.112-05:002014-11-18T14:50:16.882-05:00Great words. Depending upon the day of the week, ...Great words. Depending upon the day of the week, my life can feel like a dream and other days it is a complete nightmare.Frugal and Fun Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982442076673341425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31359066473655193722014-11-18T08:01:23.034-05:002014-11-18T14:50:16.879-05:00Beautiful piece! I love the flow of it!Beautiful piece! I love the flow of it!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66265562083874562382014-11-18T10:47:45.050-05:002014-11-18T14:50:16.877-05:00Are you OK if it becomes a hobby and not a steady ...Are you OK if it becomes a hobby and not a steady income?Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36958959246567413962014-11-18T11:40:20.338-05:002014-11-18T14:50:16.871-05:00Thank you for sharing your dream poetry, Life is b...Thank you for sharing your dream poetry, Life is but a dream sometimes it is good and sometimes it is bad. Melissa Verahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479756474120535976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2047531100651441982014-11-18T14:52:36.786-05:002014-11-18T14:52:36.786-05:00Perfect question. I should add that to a part 2! I...Perfect question. I should add that to a part 2! I would definitely say this website is more of a hobby than anything as it has been around forever and doesn't really make much. But its nice to have an outlet to write random stuff and not really worry about things.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2953664270323462332014-11-18T15:59:43.202-05:002014-11-18T18:38:29.518-05:00Goodness. I didn't ask myself anything before ...Goodness. I didn't ask myself anything before I started. I just did it LOL NOW I ask myself things all the time LOLKristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4470250636103552162014-11-18T16:10:59.424-05:002014-11-18T18:38:29.515-05:00I agree with the hobby vs. steady income question....I agree with the hobby vs. steady income question. I began blogging in 2005 as a work experiment and to keep up with programming pieces. (I used to be a developer.) Blogging has evolved into a really fun hobby for me, and it occasionally pays. :) jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60470151929859332652014-11-18T17:47:24.903-05:002014-11-18T18:38:29.511-05:00Those are all really great questions to ask and I ...Those are all really great questions to ask and I agree that you do have to have a thick skin to blog. Not all opinions will match your own and everyone has one. Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21446230562030886602014-11-18T17:50:14.581-05:002014-11-18T18:38:29.507-05:00I have always loved reading and when starting my b...I have always loved reading and when starting my blog it was in my mind to do book reviews. It took a couple of years but that is now what I mostly do. I do it for enjoyment-I do not make any money from it what so ever-I am not an affiliate of Amazon. I do make some money but mostly sponsored posts etc. MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43179662629312164902014-11-18T19:01:36.646-05:002014-11-18T22:35:11.605-05:00The time factor is a big one. Especially if you ha...The time factor is a big one. Especially if you have young children, you have to be willing to stay up late and get up really early to get the job done.Frugal and Fun Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982442076673341425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25573338032019216192014-11-19T01:20:37.904-05:002014-11-19T14:01:54.312-05:00Many people think they can write, can write, but c...Many people think they can write, can write, but can't handle criticism. For that reason I think you're right here.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59814098004502831402014-11-20T13:00:41.480-05:002014-11-20T16:54:59.326-05:00Thank you so much for this. I asked myself the sam...Thank you so much for this. I asked myself the same questions when I started. Melissa Verahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479756474120535976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69155986050067059732014-11-22T04:36:43.321-05:002014-11-22T14:55:22.136-05:00Wow! It says a lot about the book if you read the...Wow! It says a lot about the book if you read the second one first and still loved it! I might need to check this one out!Heather // Rhinos to Rugratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11610852018625542538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2841720671859191692014-11-22T14:16:50.942-05:002014-11-22T14:55:22.128-05:00It does sound like a good book and that is one awe...It does sound like a good book and that is one awesome giveaway. I have a Kindle (not a fire) and love it! Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20351846584621486032014-11-22T22:48:19.274-05:002014-11-24T10:16:19.966-05:00Chrystal: Thank you so much for your kind review. ...Chrystal: Thank you so much for your kind review. International suspense is a stretch for many reviewers accustomed to more mainstream Christian genres, so I really put myself out there when my books are reviewed. You can't imagine how much I appreciate your encouragement, and your willingness to share The Brothers' Keepers with your followers. I do hope you pick up When Camels Fly; as the author, I love the relationship between Grace and her daughter Maggie, and the first few chapters of that first book establish what I think is the ideal relationship between mother and grown daughter. Thank you again, and I hope to see your review on Amazon and Goodreads. Best to you, NLBHNLB Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07651297615482920113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42708057605294424922014-11-22T22:50:05.909-05:002014-11-24T10:16:19.963-05:00Please do, Heather! Although it's been a coupl...Please do, Heather! Although it's been a couple of decades since my rugrat stage, I can promise you that the relationships in the mature Madison family will shine light on the end of the wonderful "motherhood" tunnel! Let me know if you have the chance to check out The Brothers' Keepers or the first book in the Parched series, When Camels Fly. I'm interested! NLBHNLB Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07651297615482920113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63025264297995184652014-11-22T22:51:09.090-05:002014-11-24T10:16:19.960-05:00I love my Kindle Fire, Growing Up Madison, and am ...I love my Kindle Fire, Growing Up Madison, and am so pleased you're excited about the giveaway. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on The Brothers' Keepers (or When Camels Fly) if you have the chance to read and review. Thank you for your comment! NLBHNLB Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07651297615482920113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26254135676122749242014-11-24T14:42:25.097-05:002014-11-24T21:32:35.377-05:00I didn't even realize that Walmart had a subsc...I didn't even realize that Walmart had a subscription box service. It sounds like there was a lot of good stuff in there.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91205329964972202372014-11-24T16:00:30.166-05:002014-11-24T21:32:35.373-05:00This box looks like it's worth the $5 - and th...This box looks like it's worth the $5 - and then some! I love 90% of the products you just listed. jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33119821792952756922014-11-24T16:01:40.965-05:002014-11-24T21:32:35.365-05:00I didn't know Walmart had a beauty box! How ne...I didn't know Walmart had a beauty box! How neat! Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25750672882509278362014-11-24T16:17:18.438-05:002014-11-24T21:32:35.362-05:00You make a good point it is nice to be able to try...You make a good point it is nice to be able to try products that you can find and will be able to afford once youlike themBaileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78824992650773164532014-11-24T16:28:17.279-05:002014-11-24T21:32:35.358-05:00Good old Walmart- It is so like them to give you t...Good old Walmart- It is so like them to give you the box for free and covering the minimal cost of it through shipping :) The products looks great too. Like you said, things we would definitely use everyday. good to know!Vinmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01891491923979469880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57271099608069437852014-11-24T18:00:31.915-05:002014-11-24T21:32:35.354-05:00I used to fill out forms and get free product samp...I used to fill out forms and get free product samples-sometimes full size from Walmarts all the time.I wonder if they still do that or if they now do it only this way. $5.00 for products is not a lot of money-considering what you get.MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70296483749116737222014-11-24T20:48:36.226-05:002014-11-24T21:32:35.350-05:00That is a great deal, especially at $5. That OLAY ...That is a great deal, especially at $5. That OLAY alone is quite expensive!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21099989654893037502014-11-25T09:23:01.966-05:002014-11-25T12:21:42.147-05:00Seems like a lot of great goodies were in the that...Seems like a lot of great goodies were in the that box for such a low price. Love it!Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77619859844153492512014-11-25T14:33:48.047-05:002014-11-25T15:27:41.755-05:00I'm really not much of a book reader but since...I'm really not much of a book reader but since you liked the second one before the first and liked it, it really tells me is a good read! Thanks for the review!Jamie Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423961779992430669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42715935864996171852014-11-26T02:12:44.043-05:002014-11-26T11:46:22.505-05:00I think quality can come from a variety of places....I think quality can come from a variety of places. We need to be aware of what products we use, as well as sustainability. Free samples help prevent waste.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64802910444910389772014-11-28T09:43:19.676-05:002014-11-28T12:21:18.263-05:00It does sound like a cute read. Exactly what age ...It does sound like a cute read. Exactly what age range would you say this is for?Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06419355146982843305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52023740009284747582014-11-28T13:40:58.301-05:002014-11-29T11:28:34.497-05:00This sounds like a good book! It seems like I'...This sounds like a good book! It seems like I've seen it somewhere before, too...can't put my finger on it...Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57055314297128534772014-11-28T22:48:43.146-05:002014-11-29T11:28:34.494-05:00What a great book. I am always looking for good b...What a great book. I am always looking for good books to add to our library - you can never have too many books.Jennifer Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03838196727004184386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52091568679517448292014-11-28T23:39:19.912-05:002014-11-29T11:28:34.489-05:00That's so funny! I was reading The Exorcist an...That's so funny! I was reading The Exorcist and Stephen King at that age too. My daughter is now 10 and there is no way I would let her touch those books. However, this is one that I think she would really enjoy!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86890719185139266822014-11-29T11:45:09.127-05:002014-11-29T18:03:09.452-05:00I love kids books since they're such fun reads...I love kids books since they're such fun reads. Will look into this one as well. Thank you.Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59655672361851905352014-11-30T23:18:38.037-05:002014-12-01T16:13:31.608-05:00This really does sound like a cute read. I am alwa...This really does sound like a cute read. I am always interested in adding more books to our rotation so I'll have to check this out. Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62994389957689150432014-12-02T14:25:06.653-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.959-05:00Oh I think this would be so good for my husband an...Oh I think this would be so good for my husband and I. (And the movie is something I could totally get on board with.)jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46853460825794617162014-12-02T14:30:20.166-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.956-05:00I am not married nor am I in a relationship at the...I am not married nor am I in a relationship at the moment. This does sound like a good book for married couples who are experiencing difficulties in their relationship.MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23428247157707822552014-12-02T14:49:10.544-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.953-05:00Sounds like something I need to add to my reading ...Sounds like something I need to add to my reading list. And my husband's ;)Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18965045018675769232014-12-02T15:13:06.448-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.949-05:00It does look like a really cute movie. I want to...It does look like a really cute movie. I want to see it... my Hubs like bang, bang shootem up shows. But it is my turn to pick.(Terry) My Journey With Candidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12851191468716916221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4865791589987031472014-12-02T16:41:47.435-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.945-05:00Sounds really interesting! I love things like thi...Sounds really interesting! I love things like this that you can do as a couple too! :)Heather // Rhinos to Rugratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11610852018625542538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88135123071885483772014-12-02T18:58:19.065-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.941-05:00This looks great! I would love to see what it'...This looks great! I would love to see what it's all about! Love a good love story Jeanine Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16678332338989914590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23032367452139229482014-12-02T19:03:21.960-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.938-05:00Sounds like a great book for couples. Would this b...Sounds like a great book for couples. Would this be a helpful book for people before they get married? Just wondering.suejansonshttp://suejansons.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91940452464241472682014-12-02T20:09:26.969-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.935-05:00I have been looking for a devotional like this. My...I have been looking for a devotional like this. My marriage has suffered over the past few years and doing something like this may help center me again. Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71622767840236523432014-12-02T20:23:12.916-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.931-05:00Sounds like a great read. I love books about other...Sounds like a great read. I love books about others relationships fiction or non fiction. Couponing Away Debthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05537570450460991504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9410343024874364822014-12-02T21:15:15.219-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.927-05:00Looks like a great movie! This devotional looks li...Looks like a great movie! This devotional looks like a good one. Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811697675090627618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30091570150742986902014-12-02T21:16:00.288-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.922-05:00Interesting. I had never heard of The Song before...Interesting. I had never heard of The Song before, but it looks very inspirational.Debra Rutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557002431134973133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68384069904389316582014-12-02T21:29:20.724-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.918-05:00What a great devotional for couples. I love seeing...What a great devotional for couples. I love seeing things like this to help couples grow closer to each other and to God.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379142829854106908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61085995803189425232014-12-02T22:18:13.856-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.914-05:00I'm sure there are many, many couples who coul...I'm sure there are many, many couples who could benefit from seeing this. That's a tough thing to forgive, but it can be done, it sounds like.Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4404623307586631622014-12-02T23:35:31.612-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.910-05:00I couldn't agree more that love, honor and res...I couldn't agree more that love, honor and respect is so important in a marriage. This sounds like a great movie I will check it out.Catherine Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03976598646611271936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2893088893754470992014-12-03T07:21:34.344-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.906-05:00it looks like a beautiful film. Thanks for sharing...it looks like a beautiful film. Thanks for sharing this with usMelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940331869620582300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39919600526155363502014-12-03T09:41:48.516-05:002014-12-03T10:56:03.902-05:00This sounds like a great source for couples! Rela...This sounds like a great source for couples! Relationships are work and when you have the right person it is so worth it! :) Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01535005108821630391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55821206200160222052014-12-03T11:33:54.598-05:002014-12-03T15:08:29.652-05:00This sounds like a great resource for those who mi...This sounds like a great resource for those who might be having some trouble in their marriage. I love that resources like this exist to help people work through their problems. Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575177165602435907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17396788385577827882014-12-03T11:43:07.348-05:002014-12-03T15:08:29.648-05:00We have 3 stations that are playing it on the radi...We have 3 stations that are playing it on the radio 24/7 from now thru Christmas, but this is great for when I am on my laptop inside the house.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35083743435444376442014-12-03T12:59:06.384-05:002014-12-03T15:08:29.644-05:00I think this could be beneficial for any married c...I think this could be beneficial for any married couple. Thanks for the reviewChristie Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211794812208473401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86629089757566309322014-12-03T13:22:43.128-05:002014-12-03T15:08:29.640-05:00Great post! I play the Christmas Pandora stations ...Great post! I play the Christmas Pandora stations all the time at the house - love them!!!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70949353660778468082014-12-03T13:40:31.433-05:002014-12-03T15:08:29.632-05:00This sounds fantastic. I have not heard of it befo...This sounds fantastic. I have not heard of it before.debdennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282996853925754369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61780975304436975822014-12-03T13:51:45.736-05:002014-12-03T15:08:29.628-05:00This sounds like a good thing for couples to enjoy...This sounds like a good thing for couples to enjoy together. Thanks for sharing this info!Krystal Butherushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16591716925656494613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14787987332459020452014-12-03T15:10:19.790-05:002014-12-03T22:38:30.220-05:00This sounds like a great devotional for couples. S...This sounds like a great devotional for couples. Sounds like a great movie too.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14987677089014582359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67286971613163641202014-12-03T15:48:03.194-05:002014-12-03T22:38:30.216-05:00This sounds great for couples. Thanks for letting ...This sounds great for couples. Thanks for letting me know about it.Teresa Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035722036090368292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77176314531910065002014-12-03T16:42:34.083-05:002014-12-03T22:38:30.213-05:00This looks like a great book. I will look at it my...This looks like a great book. I will look at it my next trip to the book store.Ann Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469736800947925542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58702948343202777032014-12-03T18:20:12.848-05:002014-12-03T22:38:30.209-05:00I will be sending this list to my niece who absolu...I will be sending this list to my niece who absolutely adores Christmas music all year round. MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42444577833055094932014-12-03T21:18:14.392-05:002014-12-03T22:38:30.202-05:00Looks like it is a great resource for couples. Tha...Looks like it is a great resource for couples. Thanks for sharing..going to have to check it out!Jaredamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384358491942349620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60751804487226389672014-12-03T21:57:36.864-05:002014-12-03T22:38:30.199-05:00This sounds like a great read! Perfect for men and...This sounds like a great read! Perfect for men and women to read together!<br />~AmandaACM'smommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377341498155156904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39218451159625850452014-12-03T23:05:11.615-05:002014-12-04T12:52:54.235-05:00I am a huge Spotify fan! We've been listening ...I am a huge Spotify fan! We've been listening to Christmas music on there since Thanksgiving!Jen Schneiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551522325611030120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88260946010876109432014-12-04T07:36:13.381-05:002014-12-04T12:52:54.228-05:00Great resource and I'd love the movie!Great resource and I'd love the movie!Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17047247322563073052014-12-04T10:42:01.044-05:002014-12-04T12:52:54.225-05:00That sounds like a great book for couples having p...That sounds like a great book for couples having problems and even those that aren't. Will definitely be a great resource for couples.Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6160720121907028792014-12-04T11:33:43.985-05:002014-12-04T12:52:54.221-05:00I love a good "chick-flick". This looks ...I love a good "chick-flick". This looks very interesting. Tiffany Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18068420351477528266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11578940176663584862014-12-04T20:37:37.487-05:002014-12-05T09:05:20.910-05:00Thank you for this list. However I have to be in t...Thank you for this list. However I have to be in the mood for Christmas music. I am one of those rare people who don't like it when it takes over all the airwaves. Melissa Verahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479756474120535976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72364981530574292582014-12-07T13:18:17.800-05:002014-12-07T13:55:31.213-05:00I don't particularly do Elf but it's all u...I don't particularly do Elf but it's all up to how to use it. I'm not sure why there is so much talk about him but my kids know the deal about him. Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26986696253299738202014-12-07T13:51:21.901-05:002014-12-07T13:55:32.077-05:00I don't do Elf on the Shelf simply because I w...I don't do Elf on the Shelf simply because I would forget to move the thing 90% of the time. I do love looking at everyone's photos of their elves though. :)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02564580599273701340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64605120021808992322014-12-07T15:44:12.686-05:002014-12-08T08:35:46.011-05:00We're Jewish so we never did Elf on the Shelf ...We're Jewish so we never did Elf on the Shelf but it's fascinating reading about it and learning about other people's holiday traditions. I totally agree -- to each his own, and everyone should respect each other's ways of doing things.Lois Alter Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00457009348917459495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20274497396296548292014-12-07T16:14:30.653-05:002014-12-08T08:35:46.007-05:00We just started the Elf on the Shelf tradition thi...We just started the Elf on the Shelf tradition this year and our boys love it. I think it's up to the individual family and what family traditions they enjoy.Tough Cookie Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645044095482965343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78220141489895990862014-12-07T17:10:54.681-05:002014-12-08T08:35:46.004-05:00I've had mine for a few years as well and hone...I've had mine for a few years as well and honestly we just move him around to be apart of the magic and don't mention the behavior thing :)Chrissy Mazzocchihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02091460011835943502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79106588378657187242014-12-07T18:50:18.344-05:002014-12-08T08:35:46.000-05:00I love when you say " Don't like it? Move...I love when you say " Don't like it? Move on". So true! I wish people would do that instead of judging others. Ann Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469736800947925542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42509309006214152972014-12-07T18:57:03.777-05:002014-12-08T08:35:45.997-05:00I don't do the Elf on the Shelf, but I think s...I don't do the Elf on the Shelf, but I think some of the posts I see about it are very cute. (Terry) My Journey With Candidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12851191468716916221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41351694770536346152014-12-07T21:36:23.003-05:002014-12-08T08:35:45.993-05:00I was brought up as long as others traditions and ...I was brought up as long as others traditions and craziness is not harming you, who cares?<br />I am sure I do silly things as well. Lady Lilithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10304701332216772385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54867835775990914192014-12-07T22:27:43.080-05:002014-12-08T08:35:45.989-05:00I honestly did not know about the Elf until last C...I honestly did not know about the Elf until last Christmas. And was wondering what the big hoopla was. I actually a week ago finally understood the point of the Elf. And to be honest. I am not impressed. Plus we don't do Santa in my house. Lol. My poor son. I must admit it that I do like seeing other people do it and looking at their pictures. I think it's great for them. But it's just not for me. Kae Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08261799397801186755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17139907565835761422014-12-08T02:02:42.165-05:002014-12-08T08:35:45.985-05:00We have one but I didn't pull it out this year...We have one but I didn't pull it out this year. :)Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37812349826425558932014-12-08T09:00:28.882-05:002014-12-08T09:00:28.882-05:00Ours is just silly. For the last few years it'...Ours is just silly. For the last few years it's been all about fun on the blogs. But this past year I have read numerous blogs where people are ranting and raving about the poor Elf. I think its sad really.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38401928952791369732014-12-08T09:13:24.939-05:002014-12-08T09:13:24.939-05:00I can totally understand this. Kiddo is only with ...I can totally understand this. Kiddo is only with us a few days a week so its been fairly easy for us at this point. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84073077814278830702014-12-08T14:22:36.243-05:002014-12-08T14:22:36.243-05:00Kiddo's step dad is Jewish. So she gets to cel...Kiddo's step dad is Jewish. So she gets to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59326147306058582482014-12-08T15:12:13.724-05:002014-12-08T19:29:14.927-05:00I think it is kind of a fun thing to do. I don...I think it is kind of a fun thing to do. I don't do it, but from photos I see it is cute. Amber NCelebrity VIP Loungehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11792988077022805834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69506962559131522032014-12-08T17:13:48.281-05:002014-12-08T19:29:08.349-05:00What a heartbreaking story but with a lovely endin...What a heartbreaking story but with a lovely ending. I also had a rescue animal although it was a cat. She was returned to the ASPCA when we got her she was scared of people but eventually became one of the family. She recently passed away and we loved her to pieces. Growing Up Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02637115209098696545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34580910988452359032014-12-08T18:48:30.502-05:002014-12-08T19:29:03.089-05:00I have heard about this DVD-as a matter of fact I ...I have heard about this DVD-as a matter of fact I believe that I tried to help promote it a while back (without the give away)--I think all of us especially those who are animal lovers should share this post whther they join in the contest or not--I will be sharing!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12887516558541175312014-12-08T20:59:55.654-05:002014-12-09T05:38:53.947-05:00What a lovely dvd! I have a rescue pug that is rou...What a lovely dvd! I have a rescue pug that is roughly 13 years old, so this is close to my heart. I also have 2 boxers, and can't imagine anyone just dumping one and leaving! That's amazing you took yours in right away, no questions asked!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72740257553472453092014-12-08T23:57:51.928-05:002014-12-09T05:38:46.084-05:00I agree! What's the harm in a little fun?I agree! What's the harm in a little fun?Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76123883410317529352014-12-09T19:05:38.774-05:002014-12-10T19:56:48.719-05:00We do not have the Elf, maybe that's why it is...We do not have the Elf, maybe that's why it is fun to check what other people think and write about him. My little one did not ask about him so I just did not get it, I am lazy too.<br /><br />Fan R @TeddyOutReady<br />Fan R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16353226026913611567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14209254434856931602014-12-10T19:09:14.536-05:002014-12-10T19:56:48.712-05:00The book is entertaining and an enjoyable read for...The book is entertaining and an enjoyable read for adventure, action, light romance, and archaeological buff readers who will not be disappointed. The third installment in the series of novels due to be released in the fall of 2015 will probably continue the story where it ends in the second book.<br /><a href="http://www.indianadiesel.com" rel="nofollow">Diesel Engine Parts</a>Micaella Lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00118707550077647899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65720655909287307422014-12-13T18:24:43.305-05:002014-12-15T14:20:06.423-05:00Awesome post. We don't do the Elf cause I do f...Awesome post. We don't do the Elf cause I do find him creepy! LOL. Well that and my kids are teenagers and it just never was something that appealed to us and I know that I don't have the energy or interest to make it last all month. But, it would never occur to me to criticize or judge those who do though. Seriously? To each his own. We all do what's best for and what works in our own families and we all have our own Christmas traditions. I love your point about the message received is up to you. I totally agree.Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13124474440526305032014-12-13T22:28:51.701-05:002014-12-15T14:19:52.884-05:00I'm surprised I've never heard or seen thi...I'm surprised I've never heard or seen this DVD around. I absolutely love animals especially rescue ones. I'm devoted to visiting ones at the ASPCA, PetSmart or The Humane Society all the time since I have too many at home to adopt any more. I think I'm going to look further into this. Thanks for sharing!Kristal Deanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11011397314594410589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39524745664703781932014-12-18T11:39:46.843-05:002014-12-18T13:43:19.200-05:00Oh Chrystal, you are so brave. I had no idea you ...Oh Chrystal, you are so brave. I had no idea you had sooo much happen to you in your past. Hang in there, friend <3Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30778802330800494422014-12-18T14:12:36.667-05:002014-12-18T15:11:19.562-05:00Wow good for you for sharing. Thank you. This is s...Wow good for you for sharing. Thank you. This is such a hard and "taboo" topic for so many. You are truly inspiring. Hugs to you. Jeanine Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16678332338989914590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86134388891869621842014-12-18T15:35:24.147-05:002014-12-18T15:43:03.525-05:00Chrystal, I had no idea all of this was going on. ...Chrystal, I had no idea all of this was going on. I hope you're able to get help (and even medication). Thank you for sharing your story. {{Hugs}}jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24301904180386181352014-12-18T16:32:55.184-05:002014-12-18T16:42:51.924-05:00I'm very sorry that you are struggling. Someti...I'm very sorry that you are struggling. Sometimes just letting it out can be somewhat therapeutic. Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265479933495796241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57397425840423125912014-12-18T17:12:15.577-05:002014-12-18T19:29:02.588-05:00Ugh I am so sorry that you had to - and still are ...Ugh I am so sorry that you had to - and still are dealing with this. I will pray for peace in your life.Heather @ Girl Gone Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337256189183952565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30414908088165425602014-12-18T17:58:28.493-05:002014-12-18T19:28:54.004-05:00I am so sorry you are going through this. Many yea...I am so sorry you are going through this. Many years ago I struggled with depression too, it is so hard.Mama to 5http://www.blogger.com/profile/05540239844969629644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49335774169126906942014-12-18T19:23:58.270-05:002014-12-18T19:28:51.081-05:00I am so sorry to hear you are going through a bad ...I am so sorry to hear you are going through a bad time at the moment, I find the winter so hard myself. I hope the doctors can help if you ever want to talk do drop me a message. xSarah-Louise Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823490298372794653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31101734462026963972014-12-18T19:24:29.755-05:002014-12-18T19:28:42.792-05:00I have been and just starting to get out of the sa...I have been and just starting to get out of the same boat you are in not in the exact way I'm sure it's different and feels very different then it does me and I love how vonurable you are with us. You are so brave for posting this. I have had medical help I'm on chairty care for my illness so I can see the doctors the hospitals get private donations and when hospitals provide chairty care to people it helps th. The donors feel more compelled to donate more funding to hospitals so that's why they do it The hosptials do not at all advertize hey we will help but talk with the fiancial aid department at the hospital they go based off income and ablity to pay. I was so sad reading this it was a nice change and I too don't fit in a type of blog per say and do just fine with my blog. good for you for getting ptsd out there I too have ptsd on top of gasteroparises hitial hernia and gerd and that was what started my journey of blogging and it just took off from there. This is one of those post that you will find many others commenting hey me too but not a lot of people are open about it I choose to talk about it in brief peroids but I have a lot of people I interact with that look up to me as a mentor and being transparent helps. I'm glad your getting some help and writing is a great release. Amanda Ripsamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07783647358731251170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83524881336762411702014-12-18T20:06:14.303-05:002014-12-18T22:04:57.561-05:00You are very brave. Thanks for sharing your story...You are very brave. Thanks for sharing your story. Amber NCelebrity VIP Loungehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11792988077022805834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56385686345710765292014-12-18T21:20:29.485-05:002014-12-18T22:04:55.876-05:00Every day is a struggle for me. Every single day. ...Every day is a struggle for me. Every single day. I sometimes think I would be better off to just not get out of bed. I know that there is so much good in the world, but I don't see it. <br /><br />I'm not saying this to compare what I am feeling with what you have shared. I'm saying this so you know you really aren't alone. No matter what you feel, know you have someone who understands and I promise you, without question, I am here if you ever want to talk to someone besides yourself. MUCH love to you. Please, seriously, friend me on Facebook and contact me if you ever want to. Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85858331032462267682014-12-18T21:36:22.890-05:002014-12-18T22:04:38.208-05:00I, too, struggle with depression. It's a dark ...I, too, struggle with depression. It's a dark tunnel to get out of once you're into it. Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379142829854106908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32980078075119541082014-12-18T23:04:25.527-05:002014-12-19T10:12:34.672-05:00I'm so glad that you were able to get an appoi...I'm so glad that you were able to get an appointment scheduled. When meds get off balance, it can really rock our world. You'll get on an upswing again. Hang tight!Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10493862394695934812014-12-19T00:26:50.960-05:002014-12-19T10:12:29.782-05:00I give major kudos to anyone going through depress...I give major kudos to anyone going through depression. It's a tough road to walk, but it makes you that much stronger. You may have fallen, but you can always get back up :)ANNIE Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02655307647425146964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77656424926494513802014-12-19T01:48:46.318-05:002014-12-19T10:12:24.704-05:00Depression can trigger at such random times; it...Depression can trigger at such random times; it's insanely hard to deal with at times!Annemarie Leblanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02984733882985971056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43736596404628084362014-12-19T10:05:29.024-05:002014-12-19T10:12:19.916-05:00I guess in each of us - there is a dark situation....I guess in each of us - there is a dark situation. I pray you go through with this.Aisha Kristine Chonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04813161740302836313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3807887595876335702014-12-19T10:44:10.577-05:002014-12-19T14:48:02.189-05:00It hurts my heart to watch that video. I am so sor...It hurts my heart to watch that video. I am so sorry that it's not always good recipes and sunshine over in your home. I hope that things get better, there are people rooting for you!Krystal Butherushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16591716925656494613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11157954401619607362014-12-19T11:00:27.299-05:002014-12-19T14:47:39.623-05:00I don't even know what to ay to this. I am so ...I don't even know what to ay to this. I am so incredibly sorry for all that has happened in your past. I hope that your doctor can help you because nobody should fell like this. I hope you can find something positive and happy and light in the coming days. The holidays are very hard especially when feeling like this. I am so sorry. Sending you big hugs. Paula Schuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00654893690755008668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37101013435906130232014-12-19T13:40:00.887-05:002014-12-19T14:47:30.617-05:00Wishing you so much luck getting back to 100% soon...Wishing you so much luck getting back to 100% soon. I'm glad you were able to get your appointment.mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2269274323830917822014-12-19T16:58:58.965-05:002014-12-19T17:10:07.570-05:00I felt like this for most of the year, even though...I felt like this for most of the year, even though I was in denial about it. I think I'm still somewhat in a funk, but I didn't know what to do next. I listen to this podcaster and he kept hitting the point, just do it. Not anything, but anything that seems to get you towards your goal. It may or may not work, but the satisfaction of completing the project will get you through the next project. So far, that has worked for me. I don't do meds well because I always become numb. I have a family and just can't spend a bunch of time going on and off of meds to find the right mix, nor have the time for the doctor's appointments right now. I wish you the best of luck and you can find me at spiritedlife @ gmail.com if you ever want to talk.April Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068417907539889004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45830584095881998152014-12-19T21:09:51.544-05:002014-12-19T22:55:34.087-05:00thank you for sharing your story, I had no idea, ...thank you for sharing your story, I had no idea, but you do show so much courage in at least writing about it. No easy task. Cheering for you, hang on, it will be so much betterCoolmoms Cooltipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407731697838995216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36929500705411604582014-12-19T22:56:49.314-05:002014-12-20T11:00:36.494-05:00My mother has suffered from depression for years. ...My mother has suffered from depression for years. It has been difficult to see her suffering through the process.Tough Cookie Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645044095482965343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38329509362957704092014-12-20T17:20:20.801-05:002014-12-22T09:52:12.727-05:00I suffered from it from my divorce years ago and n...I suffered from it from my divorce years ago and now I deal with anxiety, I know how it feels.Chrissy Mazzocchihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02091460011835943502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77293137987440175152014-12-22T14:46:20.364-05:002014-12-22T15:20:23.008-05:00Sounds like an interesting read. I would definitl...Sounds like an interesting read. I would definitley check it out (after I read the first one of course)!Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28070357934572043652014-12-22T16:20:02.509-05:002014-12-22T17:52:12.611-05:00I have read so many books out of order this year--...I have read so many books out of order this year--NOT the way to go!! This is not my usual genre but it sounds like it might keep my attention. Thank you for the honest review.MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15098667350051357302014-12-22T17:36:42.130-05:002014-12-22T17:52:09.158-05:00This sounds like an interesting read for sure. I&#...This sounds like an interesting read for sure. I'll have to check it out. Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66419249546974187882014-12-22T22:53:52.170-05:002014-12-23T09:56:40.731-05:00My husband is Irish, so this could be one that I m...My husband is Irish, so this could be one that I may like. Though I usually don't like the back and forth point of views sometimes, I am always willing to give a book a few chapters before giving up on it.Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14278464530407965082014-12-23T00:54:43.286-05:002014-12-23T09:56:38.287-05:00I'm intrigued by the two others writing for ea...I'm intrigued by the two others writing for each character and I also love anything Celtic or Irish! :)Heather // Rhinos to Rugratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11610852018625542538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32410289201919975712014-12-23T12:53:35.087-05:002014-12-23T14:29:50.762-05:00Are you sure you're married to the right guy? ...Are you sure you're married to the right guy? I mean, is he being supportive enough? Sure, marriage is work, but it shouldn't be THAT hard, you know? I am totally not picking on you at all, so please don't take it that way, ok? Just trying to be a good friend :)Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3676690851760663802014-12-23T14:36:33.309-05:002014-12-23T14:36:33.309-05:00I'm thinking not, to be honest. I think I stay...I'm thinking not, to be honest. I think I stay because I am going through so much and don't know how to leave right now. I think he feels sorry for me so he keeps me around. While I know there is love here, I don't often feel as if we are compatible on the level people need to be to support each other and encourage each other. I often feel alone and like I merely have a roommate with some benefits from time to time. Our relationship has been a struggle for a long time. It's also something that we've talked about many time. I just don't know what to do. So right now I am just focusing on trying to get back on my meds and hoping some of the other things will be like a domino effect and other stuff will knock down and out of my way. At least, I am hoping things start to work out - one way or the other.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7615243905928041772014-12-23T15:54:36.083-05:002014-12-24T09:53:06.960-05:00Two authors writing the book sounds really interes...Two authors writing the book sounds really interesting to me. With 2 characters telling the story, you would definitely have to pay attention.Frugal and Fun Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982442076673341425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56856193063912436412014-12-23T17:30:43.580-05:002014-12-24T09:53:06.958-05:00It is not easy when you are depressed and the worl...It is not easy when you are depressed and the world seems to be closing around you. Just keep telling yourself "This too shall pass" and "She Came , She Saw, She Conquered" Do not worry about weight--it truly is the person inside that counts and that is what shines through.MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23342641649259719112014-12-23T22:20:09.572-05:002014-12-24T09:53:06.956-05:00I definitely think that you should seek out meds i...I definitely think that you should seek out meds if that's what helped you before. I want to see you make the right decisions and be happy with yourself again. And definitely reevaluate the relationships in your life. Marriage is work but it shouldn't be so much work every single day. <br /><br />{{Hugs}}jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80151861148827308992014-12-24T02:23:01.937-05:002014-12-24T09:53:06.954-05:00Looks like a good one! And I love the colors on th...Looks like a good one! And I love the colors on the cover!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55492748425512177302014-12-24T05:43:47.482-05:002014-12-24T09:53:06.951-05:00I think we can definitely follow it better with tw...I think we can definitely follow it better with two distinct voices - and so it helps for two writers to be there.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2752814545832541472014-12-24T09:30:28.542-05:002014-12-24T09:53:06.947-05:00The bottom right picture is natural curl?? You are...The bottom right picture is natural curl?? You are SO so lucky!! The pics are all great, that one is my fave. :) mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30135025750973671052014-12-24T15:07:32.517-05:002014-12-24T17:37:16.636-05:00You are beautiful, then and now. I wish I could sa...You are beautiful, then and now. I wish I could say something about your husband and that aspect of it all. I can't though without being a hypocrite. My relationship is shaky at best. Please know that I am here if you ever need someone to talk to. I mean that!Stefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9619359585318379132014-12-29T10:37:25.062-05:002014-12-30T11:25:27.863-05:00Glad to hear that you are making your website a pl...Glad to hear that you are making your website a place that you are happy with! This sounds like a great read. As a New Yorker - I enjoy reading books that take place here. :)Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00961649124510051001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63646873520497677652014-12-29T10:53:25.621-05:002014-12-30T11:25:27.860-05:00Sounds like a good read to me. I love it when I c...Sounds like a good read to me. I love it when I can't put a book down.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45669135089045152702014-12-29T11:08:57.332-05:002014-12-30T11:25:27.857-05:00Thank you, Chrystal, for such a lovely review. I t...Thank you, Chrystal, for such a lovely review. I too never the books far behind. :) Glad you loved "A Table by the Window" as well. Loved that story! Katherine Reayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508234828039522712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4178973148190360112014-12-29T18:11:31.121-05:002014-12-30T11:25:27.855-05:00This does sound like a light and enjoyable read. A...This does sound like a light and enjoyable read. As you know I also am a reader (but not a writer) and I can usually find something either I will like or others may like about a book. Not every bodies tastes are the same! MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16751263440134524212014-12-29T20:54:41.785-05:002014-12-30T11:25:27.852-05:00This sounds like a touching read. I also tend to g...This sounds like a touching read. I also tend to give away all of my books after I read them, only keeping a special few. For you to keep this one, it really must be good!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11468744265909267772014-12-29T21:30:52.041-05:002014-12-30T11:25:27.848-05:00Looks like a good read! Thanks for sharing - I wil...Looks like a good read! Thanks for sharing - I will add it to my reading list!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12902694472638177192014-12-30T14:27:40.655-05:002014-12-30T14:27:40.655-05:00It really was quite enjoyable. I hope the author t...It really was quite enjoyable. I hope the author turns this into a series.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54779707971672117552014-12-30T14:49:00.788-05:002014-12-30T14:49:00.788-05:00You are very welcome. I do hope you consider turni...You are very welcome. I do hope you consider turning this story into a series. I would love to know how things turn out for Izzy now that she's in Seattle! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68415112395801343442014-12-30T14:52:37.048-05:002014-12-30T14:52:37.048-05:00It does have the cancer topic, but it brings thing...It does have the cancer topic, but it brings things together. There is some sadness, however there is a lot of happiness. I laughed and I cried.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14725703302214570362014-12-30T14:57:50.341-05:002014-12-30T14:57:50.341-05:00It was great. I also use a site called BookCrossin...It was great. I also use a site called BookCrossing.com where you register your books and give them a code before giving them away. Its fun to see their journey. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38891355690707841132014-12-30T15:09:08.376-05:002014-12-30T15:09:08.376-05:00I hope you enjoy it! I hope you enjoy it! Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20322444600830880942014-12-30T15:40:11.348-05:002014-12-30T16:33:23.725-05:00I was thinking about you this morning. I'm so ...I was thinking about you this morning. I'm so glad that you made the call and are back on your meds - even if they aren't an overnight miracle. They'll eventually help. And you're so right about the exercise. Any bit counts. Even 10 minutes of walking around the block will help with your mood and eventually your overall health. jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16902474020422194392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23205135903901386122014-12-30T15:42:52.257-05:002014-12-30T16:33:23.723-05:00I am so happy to hear that you are getting yoursel...I am so happy to hear that you are getting yourself back on track. I can only imagine how hard it must be to pick yourself up, but I am glad you did :)Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57840989540808973922014-12-30T16:25:52.737-05:002014-12-30T16:33:23.720-05:00I am so happy that you realized that you need thos...I am so happy that you realized that you need those meds and help! There is absolutely no shame in it. Little by little you will get back to a place you want to be!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42596165501379931412014-12-30T22:01:56.430-05:002014-12-30T22:15:10.148-05:00Little steps all add up. I am glad you are getting...Little steps all add up. I am glad you are getting the help you need. Wishing you all the best in 2015 :)Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64910585067459611742014-12-30T22:23:07.339-05:002014-12-31T14:08:15.409-05:00I am so proud of you. Words can't even tell yo...I am so proud of you. Words can't even tell you how much. Little steps can feel like leaps and bounds but every single inch forward is something to celebrate. HUGSStefany Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989063326284656651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74989073420853990182015-01-07T09:48:20.477-05:002015-01-07T16:32:18.678-05:00This is some awesome useful information. I am than...This is some awesome useful information. I am thankful that Hubby does ours.Lisa Landry-Quebedeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994373567431999838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63065509473126464412015-01-08T23:34:42.290-05:002015-01-12T11:37:35.102-05:00Are you still breaking out with the patches?Are you still breaking out with the patches?mrsjerriqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09210654146175801687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81892041909436906012015-01-12T11:40:09.902-05:002015-01-12T11:40:09.902-05:00I have tried them a few times to see if it was jus...I have tried them a few times to see if it was just the area. But, it does not matter where I put them, I get a little rash. You are supposed to wear them for 24hrs. Remove and replace with a new one. Most of the people put them in the same spot and I have yet to see anyone with a rash. I am sure people react differently and I have pretty sensitive skin. Sometimes certain bandages bother me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72502001020084111192015-01-15T12:56:01.451-05:002015-01-15T13:26:03.297-05:00It's so nice to connect your sites! I'm a ...It's so nice to connect your sites! I'm a fan of YUM eating :). I find it hard to not get complacent and adore this post. And yes - you are absolutely a writer! Monica Marinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14855381810308629276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69120029167694208892015-01-15T21:38:34.697-05:002015-01-16T10:27:20.527-05:00I am so glad that I read this today. I was having ...I am so glad that I read this today. I was having one of those "being to hard on myself" moments and yes, I agree bloggers are writers!Frugal and Fun Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982442076673341425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60284345843751072242015-01-15T22:08:05.723-05:002015-01-16T10:27:20.524-05:00I think setting goals for improvement does good fo...I think setting goals for improvement does good for all bloggers. I have a few that I want to start working on myself soon. Best of luck achieving all of your goals this year :)Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23607224439983476332015-01-16T01:25:54.080-05:002015-01-16T10:27:20.520-05:00I'm not doing resolutions but i'm working ...I'm not doing resolutions but i'm working on follow through.Amanda McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13679664732180140361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14926317471576708352015-01-16T11:25:12.198-05:002015-01-16T19:49:38.508-05:00Yes, you ARE a writer and do not let anyone--even ...Yes, you ARE a writer and do not let anyone--even yourself tell you differently! I am a reader and was very surprised when someone I know said "What do you mean you don't write--you write book reviews all the time"-LOL I never thought of writing up reviews as writing. Probably because of all the product reviews out there which I don't do--so yes we are both writers!!! And you are a professional writer on top of it!!!MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59877376615117912142015-01-21T13:23:14.627-05:002015-01-21T14:06:45.106-05:00This sounds like a book that my hubby, Chris, woul...This sounds like a book that my hubby, Chris, would like. I think I will have to get a copy of this for him.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73736595652774548132015-01-21T13:42:26.147-05:002015-01-21T14:06:45.101-05:00This sounds like a great read. I loved "Gone ...This sounds like a great read. I loved "Gone Girl", so I'll definitely pick it up. Ben Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926831216645362092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67648034997592687732015-01-21T14:08:24.596-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.126-05:00That sounds like a great read. I will definitely ...That sounds like a great read. I will definitely be adding this to my reading list.Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51510141536340806712015-01-21T14:50:29.034-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.122-05:00I think I'd love that book too. I'm going ...I think I'd love that book too. I'm going to see if it's on Amazon. Thanks.Dinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716556569385067997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71806439434521609852015-01-21T15:22:00.747-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.118-05:00I've never read anything by him before, but th...I've never read anything by him before, but this sounds great! I just happen to be in the market for some new reading material, too!Kristen Campbellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08306390505502630791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70099839286844197002015-01-21T15:25:12.158-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.115-05:00This sounds like a great read. There's definit...This sounds like a great read. There's definitely a dark side to being a child star. I think it's just too much pressure for a lot of kids. Ben Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926831216645362092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51573008728240153622015-01-21T15:34:54.264-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.111-05:00Oh this does sound so good. I will add it to my li...Oh this does sound so good. I will add it to my list and pin it. Aimee Faucihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822536080265362892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86189382466856395812015-01-21T16:12:35.941-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.107-05:00Everyone keeps telling me about gone girls, ,and n...Everyone keeps telling me about gone girls, ,and now a book that goes on its wave? I have to add both to my summer reading listCoolmoms Cooltipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407731697838995216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51078545939339814322015-01-21T16:21:16.612-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.105-05:00I'll have to put this one on hold at the libra...I'll have to put this one on hold at the library. It definitely sounds like a story that would draw me in!Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29566282872613175662015-01-21T16:27:05.676-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.102-05:00This sounds like a good book. I will add it to my ...This sounds like a good book. I will add it to my must read list.Catherine Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03976598646611271936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11518767735473968872015-01-21T16:28:59.154-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.098-05:00I love unexpected endings. My husband hated the Go...I love unexpected endings. My husband hated the Gone Girl ending!Heather @ Girl Gone Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337256189183952565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23627359912144521822015-01-21T17:41:20.793-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.095-05:00I love a "feel good" kind of story. I do...I love a "feel good" kind of story. I don't do well with too much suspense!Christie Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09211794812208473401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85523419604897930782015-01-21T18:16:21.791-05:002015-01-21T18:27:04.087-05:00I love books with an unexpected ending. I need to ...I love books with an unexpected ending. I need to check this one out.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249678097113109332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1203452831236295672015-01-21T19:28:32.134-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.095-05:00This sounds like a book I would really like. You h...This sounds like a book I would really like. You hear so much about former child stars, it's neat to see a fiction book about it.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05249678097113109332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29134928277586918552015-01-21T19:36:11.503-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.093-05:00This sounds like a really great read! I think both...This sounds like a really great read! I think both myself and husband may enjoy! Jeanine Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16678332338989914590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4027426596222628592015-01-21T19:52:19.451-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.091-05:00Sounds like an amazing book. I love books that ke...Sounds like an amazing book. I love books that keep you on your seat! Amber NCelebrity VIP Loungehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11792988077022805834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34302441670813586022015-01-21T20:02:16.241-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.089-05:00YAY for books that surprise you at the end! I'...YAY for books that surprise you at the end! I'm going to add this to my reading list.Emily Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14815040516996089260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80335902976823819042015-01-21T21:06:16.160-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.087-05:00This sounds like a great book! I will have to add ...This sounds like a great book! I will have to add it to my ever growing rapidly adding list. I need some new books! Jeanine Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16678332338989914590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50527766695868485252015-01-21T21:15:07.560-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.085-05:00This sounds like a great read. I loved Gone Girl!This sounds like a great read. I loved Gone Girl!Lois Alter Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00457009348917459495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8378665652674348982015-01-21T22:02:27.137-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.082-05:00This sounds intriguing! I haven't watched Gone...This sounds intriguing! I haven't watched Gone Girl but that did get my attention, so now I want to know about the endingCasa Vilora Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292169361655109335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83873561444028582312015-01-21T22:17:38.559-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.080-05:00It certainly sounds like it will be a movie blockb...It certainly sounds like it will be a movie blockbuster. The plot is interesting and intriguing.Tough Cookie Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645044095482965343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48054290425550031492015-01-21T22:20:53.974-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.078-05:00I haven't read "Gone Girl" it's ...I haven't read "Gone Girl" it's on my list of to read. I just bought this one on my kindle the other day from one of those deal sites. I haven't gotten to it yet. Nicole Ramagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09650583900852999321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33229010999934630962015-01-21T22:36:13.614-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.075-05:00It sounds like a great read. I know I'm obses...It sounds like a great read. I know I'm obsessed with the "Where Are They Now?" looks at child stars. I love it when they end up normal people living productive lives. Although I admit there is something captivating about the train wrecks. Even though Fiona is fictitious, I think I'd love her story.Melanie Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826609620321493385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76474025154940263092015-01-21T22:41:47.980-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.073-05:00This sounds like a great book. I will have to chec...This sounds like a great book. I will have to check it out the next time i go to the book store.Lisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969298657086662205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29462953918856668812015-01-21T22:48:18.660-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.071-05:00I hate when books end before you're ready for ...I hate when books end before you're ready for it. It makes me sad too. The worst though is when the author rushes it to just end the book. Nicole Ramagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09650583900852999321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69719853030638111672015-01-21T23:13:47.594-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.069-05:00I will have to get some more reading in besides my...I will have to get some more reading in besides my design books and magazines. This book looks like a great readCasa Vilora Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292169361655109335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73261272453558354452015-01-21T23:52:09.600-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.066-05:00So I'm not clear on one thing...did you like i...So I'm not clear on one thing...did you like it? Just kidding! It sounds super good, and I'll just go ahead and plan on reading it!Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42525416221524533692015-01-22T08:50:02.547-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.062-05:00I love books that keep you interested. I will chec...I love books that keep you interested. I will check it out.debdennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282996853925754369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86046296070805004252015-01-22T11:16:31.543-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.059-05:00I only watch/read feel good stories. I think it...I only watch/read feel good stories. I think it's good for the sole!Teresa Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035722036090368292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81216573114136488002015-01-22T12:29:26.755-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.057-05:00It's interesting when something reminds us of ...It's interesting when something reminds us of something else, even though we note the differences. Or in this case, someone else for you. I Think it sounds interesting!mail4roseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26319051852210663382015-01-22T12:48:50.725-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.055-05:00I love to hear about a good book! Thanks for shari...I love to hear about a good book! Thanks for sharing the review on "A Thing of Beauty" by Lisa Samson.Lori Gunnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922157721748233447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42472050937228444262015-01-22T15:31:14.692-05:002015-01-22T15:57:21.052-05:00Ooh, sounds like a story I'd be into. I'l...Ooh, sounds like a story I'd be into. I'll have to check this out and download to my iPad.Debra Rutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557002431134973133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74974325544667794862015-01-22T16:35:49.818-05:002015-01-22T18:41:26.995-05:00Sounds like a winner. This actually sounds like so...Sounds like a winner. This actually sounds like something my husband might like to read. I do love the unexpected ending because usually I can guess the ending ahead of time.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043850915261469087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45036134722867888452015-01-22T18:55:38.544-05:002015-01-22T18:55:38.544-05:00I am sorry for the delay in replying to this. I ha...I am sorry for the delay in replying to this. I have just been so consumed lately with trying to keep my head above water. <br /><br />One day at a time. I've been mindful of the world around me and trying to get back to a normal routine of life.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62101867662452414782015-01-22T18:57:07.953-05:002015-01-22T18:57:07.953-05:00Thank you so much Stefany. It has been a hard road...Thank you so much Stefany. It has been a hard road and there is a long walk ahead of me. But, I am going to keep walking. Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3713816947099829782015-01-22T23:06:09.980-05:002015-01-23T08:58:49.168-05:00I love a book with a surprise ending. Haven't ...I love a book with a surprise ending. Haven't read gone girl yet.Teresa Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035722036090368292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9766062237789868592015-01-22T23:15:56.645-05:002015-01-23T08:58:49.165-05:00Now you have me wanting to read this. I like when ...Now you have me wanting to read this. I like when I feel like a book should be made into a movie. LifeAsAConverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11974833589190256237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90833011656187040062015-01-23T08:43:53.502-05:002015-01-23T08:58:49.159-05:00this sounds really good. I haven't started a n...this sounds really good. I haven't started a new book in a couple weeks so I'll have to check this outMelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940331869620582300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12320353718185439592015-01-23T09:54:25.185-05:002015-01-23T17:25:26.632-05:00I absolutely hate the book I'm reading now, bu...I absolutely hate the book I'm reading now, but it's by an author I love. I'll be looking for something else good to read very soon!Jinxy and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11745165640293739492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4226122779568616522015-01-23T10:09:47.355-05:002015-01-23T17:25:26.629-05:00Sounds like a very good read - I love to read feel...Sounds like a very good read - I love to read feel good stories!DeDa Studioshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16595245707059716961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72191544949812172512015-01-23T16:40:36.044-05:002015-01-23T17:25:26.626-05:00This sounds like a really good book to read. Now ...This sounds like a really good book to read. Now I just need more time to read - lol!The Mommy-Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14256740193278753357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39080099357772067072015-01-27T14:32:27.135-05:002015-01-27T14:37:56.463-05:00Lucky for me, I don't celebrate Valentine'...Lucky for me, I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. Sure I do something small for the kids, but I don't do anything for or with my hubby!Masshole Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336689382200054448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61415121977684987302015-01-27T15:56:28.040-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.756-05:00I don't celebrate Valentine's Day either b...I don't celebrate Valentine's Day either but I would be interested in maybe writing something about it. There is something percolating in my brain-only time will tell if I will write it up or not! Meanwhile I will go in and see what your suggestions are.MikiHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07640367299991736503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3547615846170181882015-01-27T16:09:50.474-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.753-05:00To tell you the truth I am not one of those people...To tell you the truth I am not one of those people that makes a big deal about Valentine's Day. Especially now that my daugher is a teen and they don't even do anything in school for it :-( I miss the card exchanges, they were so cute!Carmen Perezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10444055793161893009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84457204214457125492015-01-27T16:10:36.600-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.749-05:00Those are great ideas. l love the skinny ideas fo...Those are great ideas. l love the skinny ideas for Valentine's DayOurfamilyworldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06999392626557135073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57831736164964459282015-01-27T16:12:13.508-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.746-05:00Besides picking out a card for hubs and something ...Besides picking out a card for hubs and something cute for the kiddo, we don't celebrate. Our anniversary is less than a month after and it's my nephew's birthday too so we are usually at a birthday party. Nicole Ramagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09650583900852999321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68323196452939290382015-01-27T16:13:21.786-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.743-05:00Wow! It was just Christmas and now its Valentines ...Wow! It was just Christmas and now its Valentines day. Cute resource here for people with kids who want something to celebrate the holiday.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265479933495796241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58037604710807717022015-01-27T16:40:53.065-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.740-05:00I definitely need to check out the skinny Valentin...I definitely need to check out the skinny Valentine's Day food. I love all the candy that Valentine's Day brings, but I don't need all the sugar. Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379142829854106908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4991652051254658172015-01-27T16:53:06.011-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.737-05:00Cute ideas! Thanks for the help!Cute ideas! Thanks for the help!Kat Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11868270040684450534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78191124876574536252015-01-27T17:10:10.816-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.734-05:00I am going to check out skinny valentine's tre...I am going to check out skinny valentine's treats! I need all the skinny I can get :)Heather @ Girl Gone Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337256189183952565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91356923777506431332015-01-27T21:18:19.277-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.730-05:00So many great ideas here! I may have to consider o...So many great ideas here! I may have to consider one of those writing prompts.Lois Alter Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00457009348917459495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9685257505099392812015-01-27T21:31:40.184-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.727-05:00I need to go check out the Valentine's foods t...I need to go check out the Valentine's foods that aren't chocolate. I am still working off what I ate over Christmas! Theresa Mahoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709965543595065306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54275455867278240332015-01-27T21:42:51.790-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.723-05:00Wow so many great ideas here! I'm not sure wha...Wow so many great ideas here! I'm not sure what we are doing but I know I will be cooking and baking something so I'll take a look at the skinny recipes! Jeanine Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16678332338989914590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7388176694993618212015-01-27T22:45:55.110-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.719-05:00I hear ya about the mushy gushy stuff. I'm SO ...I hear ya about the mushy gushy stuff. I'm SO not a romantic person, but I do love the cutesy stuff!Liz Mayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13960276167677132860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23705491854101916172015-01-27T23:24:25.465-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.715-05:00Now that the kids are teenagers we do not really c...Now that the kids are teenagers we do not really celebrate Valentines Day. We used to decorate the house and have a special dinner.Ann Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469736800947925542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25352293460694481642015-01-28T01:11:06.850-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.712-05:00We don't normally celebrate Valentine's si...We don't normally celebrate Valentine's since our half anniversary is just 6 days later. But I love the holiday :PANNIE Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02655307647425146964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15156600707628736522015-01-28T02:55:27.099-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.708-05:00I love the 25 Valentine's Day healthy food al...I love the 25 Valentine's Day healthy food alternatives to chocolate. I will have to try a few of those ideas this year because I am trying to break myself from my chocolate addiction.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043850915261469087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5149724132727561152015-01-28T04:54:42.313-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.704-05:00We don't usually do anything big for Valentine...We don't usually do anything big for Valentine's Day especially this year because we are planning a get away the first week of March to Nashville. We generally do something sweet for each other. He will find something (anything) that I hate to clean (pretty much the whole house) and clean it for me and I will make him his favorite meal for dinner. That's about as exciting as we get after almost 24 years!Rena McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12296781992150172086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11725145242361809982015-01-28T07:11:35.881-05:002015-01-28T11:52:03.701-05:00My kids normally make something for Thier dad and ...My kids normally make something for Thier dad and then him and I normally have a meal that is about it for us but I will take a look at all of these.Kay Adeolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03060803504042504378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27175871301432061912015-01-28T13:29:13.025-05:002015-01-28T21:41:50.117-05:00this year we decided not to go out for Valentine&#...this year we decided not to go out for Valentine's Day. We will still get stuff for the kids though.Teresa Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035722036090368292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46067792788274165312015-01-28T14:00:38.176-05:002015-01-28T21:41:50.113-05:00oohh, I love food ideas so I will definitely have...oohh, I love food ideas so I will definitely have to check out the skinny recipes. We go out to dinner occassirally but my birthday is the day before valentines day so normally nothing much happens for the holiday.Rebekah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375156257031602083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63083376920432386342015-01-28T18:05:59.052-05:002015-01-28T21:41:50.109-05:00All wonderful ideas! I don't personally celebr...All wonderful ideas! I don't personally celebrate Valentines Day- but I do get my kids a little something sweet on that day. Plus extra hugs and kisses!Ashley B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09328203465720581492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34983141211595237812015-01-28T20:43:33.320-05:002015-01-28T21:41:50.105-05:00I am single also, but I still love Valentine's...I am single also, but I still love Valentine's Day. It's fun to give Valentines to my family and friends. I appreciate the skinny recipes, since I am on a diet.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05074728395086718111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20278184207563059802015-01-29T00:30:01.231-05:002015-01-29T20:42:09.016-05:00I don't have anyone to celebrate with so I am ...I don't have anyone to celebrate with so I am off the hook. LolCasa Vilora Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16292169361655109335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86852735058622000442015-01-29T21:10:02.925-05:002015-01-30T10:08:48.652-05:00I am going to take a look at your links. Thanks f...I am going to take a look at your links. Thanks for putting them all together for us!<br />We do celebrate valentine's at home, and I need the skinny recipesCoolmoms Cooltipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407731697838995216noreply@blogger.com